REVENGE: GODS AMONG US
Chapter 8: The Pain of Suffering
ShepardisaBOSS: Hehe. Maybe it is. Who can be certain what happens? Both sides have suffered a major loss, and no one more than the world.
thebestoftherest: We'll see what can be done, but things don't look good, especially not for him.
The Uncanny X-Fan: You're still a lazy ass, so no.
FrivolousThoughts:I'm just glad you enjoyed it. I tried to make last chapter action filled as possible. Kind of like the final threshold before the big climax. I wanted to really explore the kind of dangers in this world, or really the universe now beyond Spider-Man and Wolverine's fued. And so I began thinking, who in there right mind would try to take Earth, especially under these conditions? And then it hit me. The master strategist and death enthusiast of the galaxy, Thanos. I'm really glad that you're praising me so, I tried my best to make that last chapter a good one. And hopefully this one is just as good. I'm going to continue with my current pattern, if you catch my drift.
Nightwing Fan: Anytime man. And yet, I tried to stick as close to the original as possible while branching out, making it my own, ya know? I try to focus on action and suspense the most, one to grab the reader, and the other to keep them. The storyline is based on Injustice, but if you're expecting them to be one in the same, you'll be sorely mistaken.
OverNerd03: Glad to have you one board, and I hope yo give you more of what you love!
alkner: Every fight has a winner, and every fight has a loser. In this case, they both loss before a true winner could be decided, and perhaps now, there never will be.
goddragonking:Thanks, hey I know it was a long wait, but I hope the content makes up for it.
BlueInfernoX: Naturally, I know it's been a while. It's been years in fact but, this story a run I started a long time ago, and it's about damn time I finished it.
Regime Base (Alchemax)
30 Minutes after the Death of Spider-Man and Wolverine
"I like it." Thano's grinned as he sat at Peter's throne. He got there simply by walking freely into and throughout the main Regime base. Which had never received an official name. Even the heroes who had been falling were to far in shock to attack, to fight back, or even speak. The ones who did attempt to strike him failed, he used the reality gem to simply phase out of this plane. He stoically ignored all the grim stares of sadness and lose, finally taking the planet that had caused him so much trouble. And to completely crush further resistance, he employed the alien race known as the Shi'ar. their ships and men beginning to pour out into the streets. Seemingly sealing the fate of all those on Earth.
Earth 616
The Realm of Anansi
"Where the hell am I?" Peter questioned as he looked around in amazement. Surrounded by webs all spun in an complex fashion, almost as if beyond comprehension.
"The realm of Anansi hatchling." Anansi answered as he appeared in front of him, the man was much taller than Peter standing in at around 7 foot, dressed in a near godly white robe.
"Why am I here?" Peter questioned as he took a defensive stance, thankful for Shang-Chi's lessons in his "Way of the Spider" martial art.
"The world is in terrible danger. Soon you will face a threat of unimaginable power. You will make a choice to stand with or against him. And knowing you, you will stand against him."
"Alright so you're just a godly Madam Webb?"
"No, I'm helping you. If you're going to survive you will need this." Anansi pulled out his walking stick and whacked Peter over the head.
"Ow, thanks. Wait I feel stronger." Peter muttered as his spider sense blared, as if aware. However the buzz was different, comforting.
"Your welcome, I have given you 25% of my power. It should be enough." With that, he left Peter. Alone, but greater than ever.
"Thanks." He called out to his "helper" but it hardly carried out to him, as the web began to fall apart and Peter fell into a seemingly bottomless pit of black, attempting to fire a web shot that never connected, as he found himself falling further, and further, until-
Bed Room of Peter and Mary Jane Parker
"Up already, Tiger~?" Mary Jane asked, speaking sultry. A bit much for Peter to be waking up to, but he didn't mind.
"Well I didn't have one of my usual long nights, it was pretty uneventful. I'm just sorry I got back so late." Peter replied sheepishly, chuckling slightly.
"It's alright Tiger, you more than made up for it when you got here." She whispered, running her hand along her chest. It was at that moment Peter realized they were naked. They never slept naked, except when...And it hit him. Spider-Man's night may have been boring, but Peter Parker's was nothing short of amazing.
"I'm glad you agree." Peter spoke in a slightly confused tone. But luckily she didn't notice, as all the memories of the night returned him. His coming home after an easy night of webslinging, Mary Jane laying in the bed quietly, him removing his costume and joining her. His surprise as she began to kiss him passionately and the rest, was self explanatory.
The Next Day
New York City
Spider-man swung through the city. Enjoying himself and his astonishing new abilities, he was so aware and alert, he'd never felt anything like it.. When the communicator in his mask rang.
"Go for Spidey." Peter said as he contued to swing.
"Peter The Juggernaut is rampaging through downtown. Thor took away his invulnerability but was still knocked out. Keep him busy until the rest of the Avengers arrive." Cap said as Spidey felt the chills go down his spine.
"Sure thing boss." Peter said as he swung to the location "I hope I live to tell MJ about this." Peter thought as he swung down and spotted the Juggernaut. Not that he was hard to notice, considering his size
"Bug." He yelled as he charged. Peter could see him coming towards him, but his spider sense didn't even give a slight buzz, as opposed to the usual blaring when in the presence of the unstoppable behemoth.
"Shit!" Peter yelled as he avoided the charge, much more easily than he ever had before. He began yo wonder if there was some truth to what he had just been a part of.
Spider-Man vs Juggernaut
"Wait why didn't my spider sense tingle?" Peter questioned as he landed in front of the Juggernaut. Unknown to him the ground cracked slightly beneath the web slingers feet.
"I will break you." The Juggernaut said as he charged again. Peter then avoided him and jumped on his back. He then began to furiously punch the Juggernaut. However unlike all the previous times, he didn't hurt his fists. In fact, the only one receiving damaging was Juggernauts helmet. Which broke easily under the force of his rapid blows.
"I don't break easy." Peter yelled as he jumped in front of the Juggernaut and released a single full power punch sending the Juggernaut flying into a building. Shattering what was left of his helmet and knocking him out. Peter had certainly put these new abilities to the test, but remained as confused as the Juggernaut. But, what force could be so great that he'd need such power? He couldn't worry about that now, he had quips to do. "And it's Arachnid! Why does everyone forget that?"
Winner: Spider-Man
That's when it dawned on him what he had just done. He stared at the defeated body in shock. This was one of the few times he'd seen the Juggernaut defeated so easily. And this time, he was responsible. HIM. "I did it? I stopped the Juggernaut? I did it! Thank the great weaver!" Peter yelled as the Avengers arrived exiting from the Quinjet prepared for battle only to find there was none left for them..
"Good job son." Cap said though even the solider could barely contain his own shock and awe.
"Wow." Wolverine said in amazement.
"I know I'm awesome!" Peter yelled.
"You're no longer a Spider-Man. You're a SUPERman." Black Widow yelled with unusual excitement. Even she was touched by the oddness and impressiveness of the web slingers current feat. To the point where she lost her composure.
"Thanks." Peter said a sounding a bit cocky."You guys handle clean up." Peter smirked swinging away before anyone had time object or ask for his aid. This was to amazing. He had to tell MJ about it as soon as possible, she was going to flip.
Earth 616.5
Metropolis
Lair of Norman Osborn (Alchemax Level 6)
One Hour after Thanos' arrival
My name is Norman Virigl Osborn. For years I spent my time trying to become me. Take my rightful place as the supreme, the ultimate. But first I had to kill the spider. I had to end the spider. If I was going to take this world he couldn't be in my way, but as the years went on, killing him wasn't enough. He had to suffer for his insolence. I tried to take everything from him, his first love, his brother, his first child. No one hurt the spider the way I did, no one could do as I did. Until Sabretooth stepped in, the pathetic genetic trash thought he was special. A killer like the world never knew, but he didn't even understand true insanity. I did, I knew what it took to control the world. To take command, yet somehow he taught the spider. Sufficient enough, I suppose. But now everything I worked so hard for is in jeopardy. Thanos "The Mad Titan" took our victory from us. And he's thrown our perfect world into chaos, and he will pay. No matter what the stakes. After all? What's Death to a Goblin.
"Father." I turn to face the voice. My son, Gabriel Stacy. The product of one of my final victories over Parker all those years ago. But now, he seemed to be a constant reminder that Parker and I were once at odds. But he is blood. MY blood. And for that reason alone I will keep him around as long as he remains useful. Unlike his brother.
"What is it, Gabe?" I asked sternly, he was disturbing my thinking. My plotting. The world knew me, if I called them to arms, no one would answer. No one would even consider following me. Or worse, I would be blamed for the spiders death. And the last thing I need right now, are his wives coming down on me.
"It's May, father. She's taken an interest in a scientist. A young man named Leo Davis . According to Nova he has spider powers equal to, if not greater than hers. The two have grown...close...Quickly." I knew what he meant by close. Though I'm not worried, May is far smarter than anyone will give her credit for. I raised her myself, after all. If she has chosen him of all people, he must be useful. I will investigate personally when it becomes a priority. But for now, he is of use to me.
"Anything else..?" Gabe had an affinity for wasting my time, and it was starting to show. All his life he'd been in this game, and he was still just a fledgling.
"I tried to follow them to a temple in Africa. But something kept me out, as if I did not belong and never would...The force was incessant. But when the two left they were headed here. Headed home. I protected them, their plane best I could. They landed safely and headed for the lab. I came here immediately." He relayed the last part with a voice of hope. But to me it was nothing more than mediocre. He was failure, now May however was the exemplary one, the prodigal daughter one could say. Him however? Nothing but a mistake.
"You've done well. Don your armor, and begin your figh- our fight. This city is yours to. Lead the Spidercide soldiers into an assault above the city. Then set up a come link between my armor, and the lab."
"It shall be done father."
"And Gabe?"
"Yes father?"
"Make me proud."
"Yes sir." He answered in exuberance. Finally leaving me to do my work. To prepare for the much and long, awaited war. I take my chair to the lower levels. My private area in the Alchemax building. I am surrounded by my gear, dozens of Green Goblin costumes, new pumpkin bomb prototypes, dozens of gliders. But none of them will suffice right now, even my Iron Patriot armor will not be enough. I need something new..Something better..something..bigger. "Computer, activate program R.E.V.E.N.G.E."
The armor began to fly towards him, similar to the manner of Ironman's extremist armor. The purple themed parts began to fall into place, first covering his chest, then his arms and finally his legs. It followed the traditionally Green Goblin color scheme, a single orange pumpkin shaped symbol on the belt. The armor locked into place, releasing a green mist as the suit returned his goblin serum to his body. Upping the dose of the goblin formula in his body. He began to cackle madly, something that could be heard throughout the entire complex.
Horizon Labs(Alchemax level 15)
"That, was strange." Leo whispered to May, the brunette nodded in agreement.
"But necessary, Liontari." She concluded, walking around in the new suit he had outfitted her with, Happy with the gift he and her father had given her. She was glad to have Leo with her, because without him it's likely she would've collapsed from worrying about her father.
"Relax, we just have to make it through this, and everything will work out just fine." Leo said reassuringly, knowing she needed it. As he walked over to the monitor in order to survey what was happening outside of Alchemax.
"Oh my god.." May covered her mouth as she watched in shock while the aliens under the control of Thanos ruthlessly attacked the city. Her father's city. She kept watching, as the spider-powered Regime soldiers fought back best they could, but they had little experience fighting an entire army, and there sloppy attacks showed it. She watched as her uncle, Kaine dismembered and removed most of the aliens that came his way with relative ease.
"It's like they're fighting blind. It's like they're uninspired. As is they lost the will to fight." Leo concluded, noting that most men were fighting for survival, not for Metropolis.
"My father could inspire people. He wasn't the strongest, or the fastest, or even the most powerful for most of his career. But he was always the best, and with the power to match, the world put their faith into him..." May saddened, close to tears beneath her mask.
"May-" Leo was about to start with another motivational speech about will and results, but he was interrupted by a new face on the monitor. Norman Osborn.
"My darling Mayday, and Mr. Davis, I presume?" He asked seemingly eying Leo with a death glare, but May looked up at him. Almost in a back off fashion.
"I am he, yes." He answered sheepishly.
"Put your incessant hormones on hold, I have real work which must be done." He spoke brusquely, as if Leo's mere existence on this planet annoyed him. Logic be damned, Norman actually cared about someone other than himself.
"And what's that, grandpa Norman?" May asked sweetly, only she could get away with talking to him like that.
"We are working without Spider-Man. But center, protocols have been put in place. First things first, Mr. Davis is Spider-Man until further notice." The armor clad man turned, no longer facing them. Only he understood the true gravity of the situation, to his dismay.
"Me?"
"According to our data only you can sell it, Kaine couldn't even if he tried."
'I'm not sure.."
"It's an order. Not a question. Next you are to go into the elevator, remove the panel and hit the sixteenth floor, button."
"16?"
"Yes, and when you get there, follow R.E.V.E.N.G.E. protocol."
"Understood, sir."
"Yes, grandfather."
And with that the screen cut out. The two were left in awkward silence, they had just been ordered, by Norman Osborn no less. At first Leo was irresolute, but he soon took charge. All evidence pointed that he had to, after all. He was the logical successor. And considering how "close" he was with Spider-Man's daughter he had practically secured a spot in the Regime. But he didn't even have time to wonder if he wanted that. Now was a time for action, a time for him to step up. To rise to the challenge, he failed the people of New York once, but he wouldn't fail the people of Metropolis. Not now.
He followed the instructions to a tee, entering the room quickly. At first his eyes were caught by the dozens of Spider-Man suits in the room, many of them he only knew in the pictures Peter used to take of himself, but now he was able to see them in person. His armored costume, the black suit, the original red and blue, and then the one that caught his eye to most was on center display. The suit resembled armor, more than anything else. Equipped with should pads, gauntlets, and a rather large utility belt. "Is that..."
"The ends of the Earth suit, yes. A personal favorite of mine.." The two spiders turned to the source of a cold, metallic voice. It sounded hoarse, and ravaged, as if it had seen many years. And the figure they saw, most definitely had. May recognized him immediately from her fathers old rogues gallery. Back when he was in that league, anyway. Leo only knew him from pictures, and the most painful experience of his life, so he considered them well acquainted.
"You!" May seemed to spit out, disgusted by the sight of the man. Rolling her amber eyes at the fact that he of all people was still alive, and in her building. He dared to challenge her authority in such a way? Unforgivable.
"Parker's kid. Otherwise known as Osborn's spoiled brat. What brings you to my parlor, little spiders?" The voice asked, speaking down to May, something Leo had definitely never seen, and likely never would again.
"Shut it." Leo found himself jumping to her defense, without warning and without question. He felt his duty to protect her, even subtly such as defending her pride.
"You are wise, boy. I suggest you stay that way. You came with a purpose, Osborn would not have allowed you inside otherwise." He sounded aggravated and annoyed with them. Understandable, teenagers were quite unappealing.
"Listen here you o-" She was about to insult him but the new Spider-Man had cut her off.
"He's right, we're here to active R.E.V.E.N.G.E. protocols, with me acting as Spider-Man." Leo said, in an attempt to act as if he were in command, and in charge. Trying his hand at commanding respect, but he seemed unamused by his attempts.
"So it has come to that..? Very well. Take the armor and I will handle the rest. Metropolis is officially the safest city on Earth, the other cities however, are not as fortunate. In order for the plan to work, you , the now Spider-Man must call both the Regime and Resistance to arms. Once they are in your trawl you must lead them, flawlessly, and in a exemplary fashion. This will require incredible tactical moves from you, and even from the girl. I will monitor the world from here, and assist you along the way." The voice finished. May wanted to argue, but she knew he was right so she remained silent, allowing her mate to dictate their current actions.
"Alright, and how will you help, exactly?" Leo asked curiously, as he and May gathered the armor so they could be on there way.
"Don't worry about me, little spider. I've been at this game, far longer than you." And that was the final thing that they heard from him, before they left. Intent to fulfill there end of the deal.
Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Flash's
My name is Flash Thompson, and I've done things I'm not proud of. When I was in high school my dad beat me. At home, all the time, with his hand clutched on a beer bottle. But me? I took it out on everyone else instead of just standing up to him. I bullied one kid more than anyone else though. His name, was Peter Parker. But little did I know he was also my idol, Spider-Man. Now that's just the tip of the ice berg. A few years later I tried to make up for my past, and I went to war in Vietnam. Where I lost both of my legs. I thought it was a small price to pay, but when your own girl looks at you like you're half the man you were? You learn to hate it.
But chief of all my mistakes was becoming Agent Venom. A government operative using an alien symbiote which gave me all of Spider-Man's powers. I was their scare tactic, there ace in the whole. Nothing could stop me, nothing. Except, I suppose Jack'Olantern. He was my archenemy, I guess. But what he took from me, what he stole from me. I wanted it back, more than anything. More than I wanted my other back..Betty..
"Well lookie here." I heard a familiar voice call out, I look up to see Cletus Cassidy. Carnage, in my living room.
"Get out." I demand, reaching for the sonic blaster attached to my wheel chair.
"Relax, I'm not here to hurt you." Kassidy admitted, causing me to lower my weapon, but stay on guard.
"Then what do you want?" I question, my hand itching to pull the trigger.
"A partner." He admitted, the physco's face being revealed as the symbiote pulled back.
"Why?" I nearly yell, he of all people was asking me for help?
"You're the only one I can trust. You won't hurt me. Not with what I can offer you." Carnage said lowly, almost to where I couldn't hear him.
"And what is that..?" I asked looking up at him now.
"Your legs, Flash. I can give you legs." He struck a nerve there, a soft spot.
"And what do you get out of it?" I questioned, I couldn't believe I was even considering making a deal with this monster.
"It's no questions asked." He said slyly, with a smirk that sent chills down my spine. Or it would if I hadn't lost all feeling there.
"You're a killer." I reminded with a sing song voice.
"I'm a visionary." He shot back quickly, causing me to facepalm.
"A monster." I said again, knowing the argument was pointless.
"I'm a head of the curb." He defended, I knew I needed to get my point out.
"Spider-Man wouldn't-" I began, before he cut me off.
"Spider-Man's already made the same deal with your other. He gave it to one of his girls." My other..Venom..? Spider-Man has it..and instead of returning it..he gave it to one of crushes!?
"He could've.." I began, but was far to heart-broken to finish.
"Helped you? Given it back? He could've. But he didn't." Carnage said with a smirk, knowing he'd sealed the deal with me.
"It's a deal." I confirmed, looking up at him. I didn't care what it took, or what I had to do. But someone was going to pay, and they were going to pay dearly.
"A deal?" The killer questioned in disbelief.
"A deal." I nodded, holding out my hand for him to shake. When we touched hands I could feel his other. Feel the Carnage symbiote speaking to me. Feel it's rage and anger. It's desire for pure, unadulterated chaos. And the feeling, the feeling I loved it.
Metropolis
Alchemax sick bay (Level 14)
P.O.V Rachel's
I don't even know anymore. I don't know who I am, or why I do what I do. I don't know how she did it, but I wish I did. I prayed to the Great Waver that I could be as helpful to Spider-Man as she was. But I've failed at every turn. I've tried to study what she did, and what the original did but it seems although I couldn't do it. My name was Rachel Carpenter. But I abandoned that name when I took this curse from my mother, and became Madam Webb. My job and duty is to the center to our Web of Life. To Spider-Man, but it seems I've failed there as well. Now I'm blind to the web as well, blind to what may happen as more and more strands are spun.
And here I am, walking around ability to see everything, yet see nothing at the same time. The price for seeing the future is being blind to the present. I'm sitting next to my mother, I know I am because I memorized the room when I was still fortunate enough to see. To see her. But my memory is my biggest blessing. I can remember how beautiful she was, how wonderful her laugh was. Even if I'd never see her smile again. The worse part for me, is her. Having to live like this, stagnant, motionless. But aware, she's cognizant of what's happening to her, and if she's ever going to wake up. Her name was Julia Carpenter, and she's the bravest woman I will ever know.
"Rachel?" I hear Anya's voice call out, I turn to see the Spider-Girl, or turn to hear her, considering I'm blind. Wiping a tear from my eyes.
"Anya." I reply, a bit irritated that she interrupted my touching moment with my mother.
"It's going to hell out there." Anya said worriedly, obviously forgetting that I can see the future.
"I know." I reply once more, annoyed. I can understand why May has such amnesty towards her.
"We gotta get out of her, Thanos-" She was about to go on, babble about what he was doing, until I cut her off.
"Again, I know. It's fine nothing happens to this area." I explain simply, hoping she'll leave me to my thoughts soon.
"Then maybe I should let other people now." She said quickly, catching onto what I said about this place being safe.
"You need to help the center." I said bluntly.
"But Peter is dead." She whimpered, stating the obvious again.
"Not that center, the next center. The scientist." I said, speaking of Mr. Davis.
"May's hot date?" She questioned, earning a nod from me. I wished I could see, to her expression for the next part.
"Indeed." I had a slight smirk.
"I don't have to...have sex with him, do I? Because May hates me enough already." She almost sounded afraid, scared.
"No." I answered, no need to milk this because I can't see her reactions.
"Then how?" She immediately questioned, relief in her voice.
"When you find them it will come to you." Was my only reply, as I heard her footsteps while she prepared to exit.
"Alright, I'm off!" She said, finally leaving me alone. I attempt to search the web again, looking at Anya's thread. It was so far away from the center I was almost worried. But then again I had enough to worry about. More than enough. She should just be fortunate the strands not cut entirely.
Metropolis
Xavier-Grey Institute of Higher Learning
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
Scott's P.O.V
My name is Scott Summer's. I'm a mutant, born and raised as such. I haven't looked anyone in the eyes since I was 15. It wasn't a choice, my ability to fire optic blasts is uncontrollable. By merely looking in someone's direction I ran the risk of killing them. Xavier taught me that we were different from other people, that we lived in a world that hated and feared us. We spent years fighting against prejudice, the way he taught. As pacifists who only used our gifts when absolutely necessary. However it wasn't until many years later that I realized all of them, Sinister, Magneto, Apocalypse. They had the right idea, just the wrong means to an end. In this world, we have that. Under the Regime, there's almost nothing better than being a mutant.
Right now I stand in the grand hall of school known as Jean Grey and Charles Xavier's School for higher learning of gifted children. Spider-Man gave it to us, as a token of appreciation for mutant cooperation. The X-Mansion has never been this nice, or this big. Every student has there own room, there own bathroom, even their own private room within there rooms. The danger room was state of the art, adaptive. The kids were truly learning. And my favorite part is the new curriculum. We're no longer teaching lies. No more lies about equality or peace, only the truth. That with great power must also come the greatest responsibility. The students are taught that they are the superiors of normal humans, and that because of this they must learn to use their powers in order to protect the ants around them. A message that carries. A message that works. It was perfect...except for him.
His name was James Howlett or at least it was. We called him Logan, and the world called him Wolverine. At first he was on our side, a X-Man through and through. And then he sided with the Avengers against his race. Against his own kind. Against his friends. I have no idea what drove him to this, or why. But we were finally at complete odds. And then there was the Regime. It gave us both a chance at redemption. I took it eagerly, yet again he denied it. And it makes me wonder..I'm not the better man, he is. I am the man who does what needs to be done..So what does that say about us? I wish I could ask him...but no one can ask him anything. He's gone. The first causality of the invasion. And all I can do is sit here and clutch a bottle of scotch he gave me.
"Summers get off your ass." I heard familiar demanding voice call out to me, but there was no one in the room. Emma was in my head, as usual. Shame it wasn't sexy this time.
"What's the point..?' I mutter back to her mentally, sipping the bottle once more.
"Are you really just going to lie down and die, while your students need you?" She questioned, a certain disgust in her mental tone.
"Again, there's no point. They took out Spider-Man and Logan in one shot!" I yelled back, sounding irritated and hopeless.
"Scott, this is your chance. To do right, by Logan, by Jean and by yourself. Be the one everyone remembers, and get up and fight. Let everyone know this day, that Cyclops was right!" Her last line hit me, like a bullet. It stung as I felt the presence leave me. I was all alone. But not anymore.
I rise from my chair, donning the new suits we had designed. They were very similar to the originals, as far as colors went. They were dark blue and gold, keeping it traditional. I was outfitted with a golden visor, a jacket which was dark blue with a large gold "X" as the main design, two smaller red "X's" on my shoulder pads, and a small black "X" in a circle over my left breasts. On my hands and feet I wore gold boots and gloves, a final golden belt with the X insignia tying it together. I step outside the Headmaster's office to see the damage. And nothing shocks me more.
" !" A boy calls out, he was wearing the real original X-Man costume, however it was black rather than blue, and had green rather than gold. It was all apart of the new system we designed for gauging field readiness. Green was for beginner, blue to experienced, red for pro, and gold for Xpert. He sounded afraid, and I knew why. The walls were reinforced with titanium, and they were being thrown threw like sandpaper.
"It's alright. I'm here now." Was my only reply, as I rested my hand on the boys solider. Now intent on finding a solution, I search for people I know. People I can trust right now. I can't find Storm, but that's because she left immediately help T'Challa in Wakanda. Then I see her. "Emma!"
"Yes?" She asked softly, more concerned with defending the students at the moment.
"Get everyone down to the bunker! All golds stay with me and the X-Men! We're going to show them true mutant supremacy." I yell, trying my best to rally the troops. Emma began to move the younger children down to the safe house below. The students in red helped keep the aliens off of her as they did so. Everyone seemed so afraid. I had to do something.
And without a second thought I did it. I removed my visor. I hadn't looked anyone in the eyes for years. No even once did I try to glance at anyone. Even in my mind I had trouble doing so. But right now, looking at these aliens invading my home. Attacking my people. I can hardly look away. As my blasts tears through them violently, I can hear chanting behind me. The students who weren't fighting crossed their arms over their chest. In the shape of an X. And the only words they spoke were "CYCLOPS WAS RIGHT."
Metropolis
Peter's Chambers (Alchemax Level 2)
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V. Laura's
Why? WHY!? Why did I lose the one good thing, in my otherwise dismal existence. No one can answer that question for me. No one. Except maybe the person who took it from me. My name is X23- Laura. Laura Kinney. For years I was groomed to be the perfect killer, the ultimate weapon until some friends saved me from that life. Then there was life on the streets, it wasn't much better but at least I wasn't a test subject. Then, my "father" Logan the Wolverine saved me from that life to. Brought me somewhere I belonged, among my own kind. But even then I felt out of place, out of my element. There was only one person that ever truly made me feel at home: Peter Parker.
Why him? I'll never know...But the connection, it was instant. No matter what Logan said I knew he wasn't a bad guy. He couldn't be. There was no way Peter Parker was the monster Logan wanted me to think he was. I had to make a choice, my father or my lover. A husband, or a dad. And I chose love, like a dumb young girl I chose love. And now look, I was just getting settled in..I even kinda looked forward to meeting my fellow wives of Spider-Man, but then he appeared. I had read files on him, Thanos. The bane of the universe had taken them both from me, and I could never get them back. There was no body, no clothing, no blood, and no scent. As if they never even existed.
I turned my head to the bed...At first I looked at it with delight but now it held nothing but empty promises. The promise of a first time, a passionate kiss, a warm face to wake up to...All gone. "If there is anyone up there, he certainly doesn't like me." I had given up, I was stressed...And so I did what I used to do when I was stressed..afraid..hopeless.
SNIKT
I unsheathed my claws and held out my forearm. Prepared to cut. It never solved anything, it could never kill me. But someone how the pain, the feeling it just made everything bearable. And I really needed that right now. Oh I needed it more than ever, more than anything else.
"Cease." I hear a metallic voice call out. I suddenly unsheathe my other claws, prepared for a fight. I was very emotional, brash. Afraid.
"Who the hell!" I yelled out, no one was allowed in Peter's quarters. Only he and his girls where, anyone else was to be killed on the spot.
"Calm yourself." A small spider-like robot crawled from the wall onto the bed. I don't take my eyes off it for even a moment.
"What are you?" I asked, a bit more intrigued than threatened now.
"A friend." Was the only response it gave me as it began to crawl towards a picture framed on a small desk in his room. I recognized the photo immediately, it was his first wife. Mary Jane Waston-Parker...The woman I could never be...I'm about to strike the picture when one of the spiders legs stops me. Telling me to lift the picture instead. A small red button lied beneath. I pressed it.
I stared in awe.. "What is this place!?" I stood in a place filled with very impressive technology, I could make out what it was, but the inner workings, things behind it. That it's likely I would never understand. Not today at least. I turn to the Spider-Bot once again for answers, it seemed to be full of them.
"The Spider's home away from home. He's still the scientists he's always been you know..But enough about why this room's here. It's important that you get to it." The spider gestured toward a machine, labeled costume creator. Oh my sweet Peter, his brilliant names for things.
"What's the point?" I asked, the room was filled with Peter's sent, I couldn't get my mind off of him. And that, annoyed me.
"I've ran the calculations, woman. If all is to remain as it should be in "The Web of Life." you need to step up to the plate." The Spider gestured to the machine again.
"Without Peter, there is no web.. The center most hold." I spoke softly, quoting Julia as I rubbed my arm nervously.
"I've calculated a .0000000001% chance that Peter Parker will return to Earth within the next 24 hours." The Spider explained, causing me to smile. The odds sounded impossible, unreal even. But when it came to Peter, to Spider-Man, I was more than willing to take it.
"That's more than enough!" I say, nearly losing my cool and yelling. I step inside the circular tube, the spider walks me through the process. I had taken out the cameras before hand. Only Peter could see me naked...Or at least that was the hope. The machine took my measurements, took in to perspective my needs, what a suit of mine needed to be able to do, to function properly. I was very specific about design, and after a long half hour, it was finally done.
I stepped out, eying myself in the mirror curiously. I once again unsheathed my claws, slowly snipping and cutting at my hair until it was shortened to just below my ears. I go to the bathroom, searching through Felicia's hair dye. Find the proper colors I make orange. And proceed to dye my hair. I look to admire my new attire. A skin tight black leather costume, outfitted with red tipped heals, a golden belt with an X on it, two web cartridges around my firsts, a large red hour glass outlined by an X on the center of my chest, a red webbed pattern coming from my neck. I decided to honor her, the sister I accidentally took from this world.
I wasted no time in leaving the building, going to face Thanos' seemingly ever growing forces. Peter would be home soon, and what kind of wife would I be if I let him return to a dirty house? A bad one(it seems his humor is infectious). I hold my own brutal assault on them, my assassin skills seemed on par with my predecessor. Because from now and for ever, my name is Laura Kinney, but you can call me the Black Widow.
The Streets of Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Kaine's
My name is Kaine Parker, I am spider, not man, not one, but the OTHER. And right now I'm in for one hell of a fight, or one hell of a death. For years I wandered the country, stalking a man who had never been anything but kind to me. But I hated him more than anything else. For representing everything I could never be. I've spent some time repenting after that...trying to become a better person, by embracing the monster I once was completely. And now I stand here, in my brothers city. A city being torn to shambles. But I won't let that happen. I will save this city, or I will die trying. My name is Kaine, the world calls me the Scarlet Spider, and they will fear my mark.
"Aaah!" I hear one of the soldiers yell. This is one of those times that I wished I had my own elite squadron, but I suppose leading them will have to suffice.
I snap the neck of whatever the hell these things are. Causing the man to cease his incessant screaming and raise his gun higher. "You are a spider, act like it." I scoff, turning to see other soldiers firing blindly and fending off the aliens.
They're sloppy. Impatient. Afraid.
It's almost annoying. But I suppose watching two of the most powerful people on Earth die, will do that to a person. However unlike them I'm tired of fighting for me. I'm tried of living just for the shake of it. I want a reason, to live. I live for this Regime, and I'll be damned if I let them take it from me.
"What're we gonna do?" One of the men said. I noted that he said "we". That was good, he was thinking of us as group now.
"I say we get the hell out of the city." Another suggested, cowardice in his voice.
"You think this is only happening in Metropolis? I bet they're everywhere!" A third whined, he seemed suicidal.
"NO!" I yelled furiously, causing the men to falter, to stagger. They all looked up at me, so afraid they stopped whining. "You choose this life! You insolent bastards were lucky enough to actually choose this life. You wanted the power, you asked for it. Now take the responsibility. This city, it's people, are your responsibility. When you're around no one dies, no one good, anyway. Now raise your guns, fire your shots and sling a web! Let it be known that today was the day, where the spiders had enough!"
The Sky Above Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Captain Marvel's
Why, Why, why, why, why!? 24 hours. We were married only 24 hours ago. I remember is like it was yesterday, probably because it was. Peter looked so happy, so proud. I'll admit, that Logan was a little right. Peter was going to a bad place. A real bad place. Maybe even somewhere sinister. But we saved him, we saved him from that life. I did, Felicia did, Elaine did, Laura did, Sable did. But there's the problem, we did. We can't anymore. I wanted so badly to kill Thanos, to do everything I can to hurt him. But I failed. Now I'm flying, tears rolling down my cheeks unable to do anything.
"Carol." I hear a familiar voice call out to me. I turn to see a raven haired beauty, my best friend Jessica Drew.
"Jess.." I whispered lowly, not wanting her to hear the obvious weakness in my voice.
"It's okay..really." I heard a tone shift, she was talking about Peter. But she was being sincere, really sincere...As if she was hurt the same way.
"No it's not! I loved him Jess...for years..I was so jealous of Mary Jane for getting to be with him, and when I finally have my chance, I lose him!" I yelled at her, my voice full of loss and anger.
"You think you're the only one who loved him, Carol!?" She yelled back at me, I could see it clearly now. She had been crying to. Maybe more than I had. "At least you got to be with him! At least he acknowledged you! And while you're flying up here, away from the fight..Elaine is down there, fighting. Fighting because she's alone again. And Felicia, she won't even move, Carol! Plus no one's even seen Laura! Your relationship was with more than just Peter, but them to! And I'm tired of you not acting like it!"
"Jessica! You have no idea what it takes to adapt so quickly! I'd never thought of sharing a man, let alone sharing him with 4 other women!" Was my only response, but honest to god she was right. I was so upset about Peter, I forgot my responsibility to my fellow "sister". I vowed to love them to, all the same.
Jessica stood with her arms crossed, I could tell from the look on her face that she was using her pheromones. Perhaps to comfort me. I flew closer to her, she pulled down her cowl for me to see her eyes. They read of loss, and remorse. I remembered that Jess admitted she felt for him to, just as much as did. She was just to timid to go for it. Which was odd, considering you'd think someone who dressed like her would be more open minded. And then it happened, before I knew it I had my arms around her neck, kissing her gently, softly.
The Sky Above Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Jessica's
My name is Jessica Drew. I'm Spiderwoman, well one of them. The one that's still alive, I suppose is the most appropriate thing for me to say. No offense to my dead 'successors". Right now I'm in Metropolis, home of Spider-Man's regime. I came at his request..but I feel like there was another reason. A real reason behind why I came to live in Metropolis. I think I came for him, I came for Peter Parker. And I mean for him.
"Carol!" I call out to her, having followed her when she began her flight, simply leaving the damaged and disoriented "Avengers" behind.
"Jess.." I heard her reply, a sad look on her beautiful face.
"It's okay..really." Honestly I don't know what to say, or do. What to tell her. Because I didn't know what to do myself. The man she loved, the man we loved had been shifting. From dark to heroic. And just when I thought he was getting better he's taken from me- us.
"No it's not! I loved him Jess...for years..I was so jealous of Mary Jane for getting to be with him, and when I finally have my chance, I lose him!" She yells at me, I admit it stung at first. Carol always knew how to go below the belt and guilt trip me.
"You think you're the only one who loved him, Carol!?" I roared back at her, nearly losing my temper. Didn't she realize how fortunate she was? To have him? To have Peter wake up everyday and see her laying beside him? "At least you got to be with him! At least he acknowledged you! And while you're flying up here, away from the fight..Elaine is down there, fighting. Fighting because she's alone again. And Felicia, she won't even move, Carol! Plus no one's even seen Laura! Your relationship was with more than just Peter, but them to! And I'm tired of you not acting like it!"
"Jessica! You have no idea what it takes to adapt so quickly! I'd never thought of sharing a man, let alone sharing him with 4 other women!" Was all she could say, she usually fell flat on her arguments when I was winning. That was just the way she and I did things.
I floated in the arm with my arms crossed, pulling back my cowl to look into her eyes as she repeated the action. Her eyes were so beautiful, it almost hurt to even think about the tears that flowed from them mere moments ago. I allowed my pheromone to become active, this specific one coding for love, arousal, passion. It kindled something in her, and even in me. I leaned in and began to kiss, almost more passionately than I'd ever kissed anyone else. I loved Peter Parker, but I also loved Carol Danvers and right now, she's what I need.
A conquered Building in Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Jubilee's
My name doesn't really matter. Nothing does right now, at least not the world made sense, I was known as Jubilation Lee, or Jubilee the Mutant Vampire. A member of a Resistance against a corrupt Regime governing and policing the planet. But none of it mattered now. Regardless of which side you were on, you faced a new threat. A greater threat, Thanos. Now the X-Men never had to deal with him, but Logan told me about him, and I knew we were in for a world of hurt because of him. No matter who you were, Regime or Resistance.
He arrived an an opportune moment, for him anyway, definitely not for us. We had been so busy fighting each other that no one even noticed how close he was getting to Earth. Or maybe someone did and just didn't speak up. Anyway the Regime and the Resistance waged a sort of final war on each other, world-wide. Concentrated on Metropolis though. There were winner, and there were losers, but in the end we all lost. No one could stop him, but in the end I don't think anyone really tried.
Among our wounded were She Hulk, Ironman,Gambit,Feral,Ironman,Armor, and not to mention the deceased Hawkeye.
"We need a battle plan!" Steve suddenly yelled. This guy used to be Captain America, and honestly I felt bad for him. He had been outed and betrayed by a country he was willing to die for.
"We need rest." Tony Stark murmured, he was Ironman, or the ironjackass, as I liked to call him. He never really did anything good in my opinion, even before the Regime.
"If we rest Earth will fall!" The Captain found himself yelling at his former ally, as if he wasn't aware of what was happening, the the world's constant deteriorating state.
"It's already fallen!" Ironman yelled back at him, though just barely. Namor really did a number on him, we had to hook him up to this machine which powered his damaged arc reactor. But even as they spoke the shrapnel edged closer to his heart. I knew it hurt, but that had to be a nice alternative to what we were facing.
"Steve is right, we need to act." Daredevil suddenly spoke up, he was the legendary ruler of the part of Metropolis known as Hell's kitchen, a place even vampires feared to venture. I had to admit, he was the only one that truly scared me.
"And do what exactly?" Ironman asked, his voice full of doubt and loss of hope. "Unless you forgot, two men who an hour ago we would've sworn were invincible were just taken out like insects."
"And so we're just supposed to lie down and die?" Daredevil shot back.
He got no answer.
"Or are we going to be heroes about it, and rise up?'
No answer.
"What ever happened to avenging the Earth?"
No answer.
"How about just doing the right thing?"
No answer.
"Thank you." Steve finally spoke up, tired of the awkward silence.
"Something has to be done, it may be a while until we can rally the people behind us, but we can rally the armies." Daredevil concluded, gaining everyone's attention.
"He's right, I have a group of defected S.H.I.E.L.D agents I can get to help us." The Captain said, his voice filled with hope.
"I suppose I can get the Agents of S.P.I.D.E.R. working crowd control.." Tony admitted.
"And I will have the hand begin to slice them down." Daredevil said darkly sending chills down my spine.
"And I'll get my archers on the roofs." A familiar voice spoke out. But that was impossible. It couldn't have been him. He died!
"Solider?" Steve questioned, holding up his shield defensively as out from the shadows walked Hawkeye, the most recent of our deceased.
"Hey Cap." The Archer said with a soft smirk on his face, dropping the bow Spider-Man had broken in half on the floor.
"But you-" I began to speak, but he quickly cut me off.
"I've taken some of his 'Spidercide" drug. He snapped it alright, but it snapped right back into place." He explained, proud of his own cunning. "Now, there are those out there who are dying for real, so let's get a move on."
"What about him?" Daredevil spoke up again, pointing to my boyfriend. Alonso, the X-Man, the Juggernaut.
"He needs to stay here with our wounded." Ironman spoke up, almost selfishly.
"Then so will I." I found myself almost yelling, I didn't want to leave his side. Not right now of all times.
"We need you in the field." Steve spoke up, almost as if commanding me.
"But!" I was about to argue, but Hawkeye gave me a face that helped me know that it was pointless to even try. I explained that I'd go with them, as long as I got to say goodbye first. They agreed.
Outside the conquered
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Alonso's
I stand surrounded by, well I don't know what they are. But I know that they're annoying as hell. You see in a just world, I get up everyday. Grab the girl I love by the arm and wander around the city I call home for hours on end. However the world I live in, is not that world. In my world I'm mutant, I have more opportunities than others, but I shunned them down. In my world people who speak against the Regime are snuffed out, whether Spider-Man knows it, or not. And in my world my girlfriend is a vampire, which brings a whole other load of issues for me. Not that I really mind, if it's for her.
Today totally takes the cake, on my crazy day scale. At first we were fighting our mortal enemies, the Regime. We were evenly matched, and a victory over Spider-Man would've turned the tides. But in the end it seems that everyone has lost. But at least I'm fortunate enough to be able to defend myself. Metropolis is the most highly defended and cared for city on Earth, but right now these "aliens" are tearing it to shreds. And it's up to us to stop it, or it would be, if we could just stop fighting each other.
"I got you!" I hear familiar voice call out, as the alien who was "smart" enough to sneak up behind me is suddenly killed, by an arrow to the temple.
'Who...?" I question, turning to see my friend Hawkeye. Shocking me, I could've sworn Parker snapped his neck. "How..?"
"No time." He suddenly cut in, spinning the arrows in his hands, seeing that Spider-Man had ruthlessly broken the archers quiver.
"OK.." I say lowly, hoping this wasn't a trick of some kind. I don't warn him about the alien to his right, waiting to see how he handles it.
To my surprise he effortlessly dodges the strike, digging an arrow into the creatures eye. "What the hell, Alonso!?"
"I don't know what you are, but you aren't Hawkeye." I spoke kinda lowly, angry that someone would mock the dead.
"You're making a mistake." "Hawkeye" quickly replied, pulling out what appeared to be a spare bow from behind his back.
Hawkeye Earth's Mightiest Marksman vs The Unstoppable Juggernaut
"I've fought the Juggernaut before." Hawkeye called out waving his bow towards the opponent.
"But have you ever beaten one?" Was the only reply he was offered, as his armor received a red glow.
Hawkeye attacked first, striking at him with a single arrow, he never missed his mark, so Alonso didn't even bother attempting to avoid. This arrow was explosive, and blew up in his face. However it did very little to phase the living Juggernaut. Hawkeye would easily outmaneuver him however, every time he charged he ended up running into, and subsequently through a building.
'Damn it." The Juggernaut cursed, pulling himself free of the wall just in time to come face to face with another arrow, however this one produced a foam, rather than explode. Quickly enveloping and surrounding his body. It seemed as though he might lose, and that he was done for.
"Ha." Hawkeye said with a chuckle, placing the bow back on his waist. He then turned around to walk away. "Sorry kid.."
"WHY!?" A voice suddenly erupted from the foam, which completely covered him. It was true that for anyone else this would be lethal, it would've suffocated any one else. But he didn't need air to live. But after spending 5 seconds trapped in the foam he could think of nothing except taking a breath of fresh air. The foam suddenly began to expand, and expand until...
BOOM!
It exploded, and standing in it's place was not the Juggernaut, no it was someone else. Almost something else. Alonso was now it his mortal form, his normal form. And for Hawkeye, things just got a hell of a lot harder.
New Challenger: The X-Man
"Stand down or be put down!" Alonso roared as he suddenly began to fire optic blasts from his hands at Hawkeye, who skillfully dodged and reflected the blast. with bow.
"I'm on your side!" Was the only word he offered in response, firing an arrow which missed Alonso by a mile.
"Now I'm know you're a fake, Clint never missed!" Alonso said with a smirk, knowing that he could put him down now, having been bluffing earlier.
"And I still don't. TRICKSHOT!" Suddenly the arrow came back, having bounced off one building to the next, and hitting Alonso in the face in the shape of a boxing glove. While he was dazed Hawkeye rushed forward, uppercutting him with the bow sending him into the air, as he fired a grappling arrow and slammed him into the ground. And as a finisher he fired a razor sharp arrow which was normally aimed at the heart, however this one didn't even hit him.
WINNER: Hawkeye
"C'mon kid." Hawkeye said with his signature smile, offering to help the young mutant up, he accepted, gratefully.
"You need to see the others." Alonso said quickly, pointing to the building he had been guarding.
"You got it!" Hawkeye said quickly, suddenly jumping what was certainly inhuman height in order get into the building. Crawling in through an open window.
After the Battle plan made by the former Regime and Resistance members
Outside the conquered building
P.O.V Jubilee's
I rush out the building to see Alonso, still hard at work making sure no one got it. I send a wave of pyrotechnics to give him some peace, and give us some time. Out of habit I run into his waiting arms, kissing him passionately. I just wanted to stay there and be with him. But I couldn't, not yet at least. I pulled away, looking up at him. Comforted by the sight of his eyes. I knew we weren't alone, and normally I wouldn't care...but we were on a mission. So I explained our plan to him, and he agreed..
"Be careful." I begged, looking up at him.
"I will." He said softly, almost as if annoyed and overjoyed by me worrying about him.
"Promise me." I demanded. I really didn't want to leave his side.
"I'll be careful, Jubilation Lee." My whole name, only he could get away with saying it.
"Good." I said crossing my arms, catching his lips again as I joined the other heroes. I could see Hawkeye shooting him a thumbs up, but I didn't care. Not even a little. I loved him, more than anything. He'd be hear waiting for me when this one done, now I just gotta come back to him.
Bayville
Maximoff Residence
One Attosecond After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V. Tommy's
I rush home as fast I can. I've never moved so fast or tried to hard. Not once. But today I've broken every record I had to get home in time. I rush through the house. I beat it there. I beat it. It didn't outrun, I guess in the end nothing can best the Quicksilver in a game of speed. But as I'm thanking my lucky stars that I'm alive, and that my family is. My family is giving me the same, odd, strange look. They have no idea what I've done. Or why.
"Tommy, what's wrong?" Pietro asked, he had emerged from his room. Naked, and with notable marks no doubt left by Crystal. After the whole speed steal incident the two of them had been pretty...busy.
"First, put some clothes on." I replied quickly, having to look up in order to avoid contact with the part of m uncles body my aunt was most concerned with.
He did so thankfully, and within a few seconds he appeared in his own Quicksilver costume. Still concerned with whatever was going on with me. Oh if only he knew.
"It's Metropolis uncle. Everything went wrong. And I mean wrong. It was Thanos." I spoke quickly, not wanting to waste whatever few seconds we still had left before what I was out running caught up.
"Thanos..? You don't mean..." He muttered, recalling our family run in with him a year ago.
-Flash Back-
One Year Ago
Mephisto's realm
P.O.V No One's
"Wanda! Wait up!" Pietro called, trying to keep up with the Scarlet Witch. Normally it wouldn't be a problem, but they were running blind right now. And even he wasn't that hot headed.
"There's no time, brother. He has my boys." She muttered lowly. It all started when they joined the Avengers and she fell in love with that android as Pietro called him, the Vision as the world knew him. When she altered reality to give them the twin suns she couldn't conceive, using the demon Mephisto's soul. They had been reincarnated when he took those parts back, but it seemed it wasn't satisfied with that.
"I care about them to, Wanda." He found himself reminding her, he did agree to come with her after all. He could've just as easily stayed behind in Bayville with Crystal.
"Then act like it." Lorna called out, she to had left her spouse in order to retrieve her nephews. But his realm was proving more treacherous than any of them had feared. Fortunately there father was present, but it did little consider neither he, nor her could feel any metal in the area.
"Shut it." He replied near immediately. He was the one who was tracking the trail of Speed's energy. Without him they would be enough more lost than they already were.
"Cease your bickering." Magneto spoke up, tired of listening to his children squabble. It seemed no matter how hard he tried, they were always fighting for the most childish of reasons. Even the pure gravity of this situation failed to wave or falter their behavior.
"I feel him." Wanda spoke up, speaking of her son Wiccian who she had been feeling for. His unique magical aura was drawing her in the same direct the residue was dragging Pietro. They were close, very close.
"I see him!" Pietro called out, suddenly rushing towards Tommy and Billy who had been tied to wooded stakes. A red figure stood before them, chanting some form of spell. However no one had truly been listening. This was all about getting the boys back.
"Where is he?" Magneto questioned, searching around for there partner. Who they had brought along for his cooperation. Certain he could help them permanently end the demon.
"Forget him! Unhand my nephew!" Pietro called out, speeding to halt in front of his new found adversary.
"Hmm!?" The demonic figure turned, stopping his spell. For the moment at least.
Quicksilver: The world's slickest mutant V.S Mephisto
"I'm going to tear you apart before you can blink." Pietro muttered coldly.
"In my world, speed means nothing." He replied with a sinister smile.
Pietro rushed at him, trying to overwhelm with a fury of blows beyond light speed. He figured if he landed enough, he could harm his immortal fore. The punches were carefully placed from his time spent with the Avengers, learning pressure points and structural weak points. At this speed simply poking someone would be the same as shooting them with a revolver. If that person were human, anyway. The foe? This foe was not.
"HELL FIRE!" Was all he muttered, or at least all Pietro heard as the ground suddenly erupted in flame, burning his feet with each step he took, no matter how light they were.
"TIME!" Quicksilver muttered, as he created a speed duplicate to travel through time, going back to the moment where Mephisto uttered the spell, punching him, and ruining his focus. With history changed, the two speedster attack him relentlessly, landing thousands of blows in a matter of seconds, though seemingly to no avail.
Suddenly Quicksilver found himself being flung into a wall. At first he wasn't very bothered by it, as least, until he looked down and saw the sharp spikes penetrating his legs. The speedster screamed out in agony as he looked down. Barely even conscious after that attack.
WINNER: Mephisto
"BROTHER!" Both Wanda and Lorna yelled, suddenly rushing to his side. Lorna used the iron within the brimstone to slowly and subtly remove the spikes from his legs. While Wanda used her magic to aid in his accelerated healing process.
"Hahahahahahahhaahahhaahahhahaha." Mephisto cackled, watching the siblings with glee. They had interrupted an important process, but it was all to worth it to him.
Speed looked up, he himself unable to move, and he could barely speak. But he saw it, at least he believed he did, off in the distance, there was something. Something that he could've sworn was out of a nightmare, but he was thankful because he knew he was one of the good guys. "H-Hey...is...that...a-a-a flam-m-ming s-keleton on a motorcycle?" He managed to choke out, asking literally anyone who would answer."O-O-Or is it two..?"
"O-O-Oh god it's worse than we thought.." Wiccian managed to quip, even if it was just a little, before passing out again.
NEW CHALLENGER
Ghost Riders V.S Mephisto
"The time for your striking deals, is over." The elder Ghost Rider muttered, eying his former employer with a glare.
"And the time for you to pay the piper, is now." The younger one managed to joke, despite the pure seriousness and gravity of the situation.
"YOU!" He yelled, furious that once again the riders would stand between him, and the contract of a life time. He rose, preparing to finally end the feud between him, and their family forever. The Mutant family only watches in horror, unsure that asking the spirits of vengeance for assistance was the right call. Mephisto suddenly lunged out, seeking to grab the riders, who easily evade him, showing that this was serious.
"BURN!" The original, known as Johnny Blaze found himself yelling, as hurled his chain around the neck of Mephisto, who caught by surprise is unable to react. Suddenly the chain is set ablaze with hellfire, the same flames found themselves engulfing Mephisto's body. He screamed out in pain and anguish as not only his skin was fired, the flames burned his very soul.
"Mt turn." The younger of the two smirk, running Mephisto over with his bike, literally doing a wheelie on the demon's face. Had just one of the riders tried to face him, they most certainly would've fallen. But together, there was no demon that the two could not conquer, as they had already planned, Danny wrapped his chains around Mephisto while circling around him, and Johnny repeated the action, binding him.
"PENANCE STARE!" Both Ghost riders yelled, as they forced the demon to look them in the eyes, suddenly he became filled with centuries upon centuries of suffering and pain. Internally he burned and burned more with the pain of millions of souls that he had enjoyed over his life time. The flames suddenly bursted outward from his body, causing him to sulk in chains. He appeared down.
"Did we finally do it?" Johnny asked, curious to see if he was finally free of that pain in tailbone. Grinding his bike to halt to be sure.
"I think so!" The younger one spoke up excitably, revving his engine as a sign of happiness.
"HELLZONE!" The tired, sore demon yelled furiously. Suddenly an army of demons appeared, rushing the riders. The two stepped off of their bikes, removing the chains from Mephisto in order to defend themselves. Danny used his chains in order to keep the demons at a distance, while Johnny vomited fire from his mouth in order to assured they stayed away.
"There's only one way to defeat him, Johnny!" Danny yelled to his brother, who despite only having a skull for a face had an expression of displeasure at what his brother was hinting it.
"Fine." The first Ghost rider roared, as the flames on his skull and bike began to flare furiously."SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE!" Suddenly the two Ghost Riders joined bodies, bond by there power and there curse, leaving only one single flaming skeleton-like figure standing in there place. This Ghost Rider was 6'6, dressed in a black leather jacket, with pants to match. Spikes on his shoulders and going down his gloves, as well as circling his boots. His hellfire flames went from red to blue. Suddenly multiple chains erupted from their body, holding Mephisto in place as the chains began to pull ripping him apart. Suddenly a voice spoke, one that did not belong to Johnny or Danny.
"For years you tried to control what we are, and what we stand for. You tried to take away what the Ghost Rider is, and what it means. You have forced the power around a bit, confused it's hosts. But you cannot take away what we are. The Spirits of Vengeance are here for the penance of god. There is but ONE fate for the guilty. And for the millennium of souls tortured at your hand, finally Mephisto, YOU WILL BURN!" The true Ghost Rider suddenly spoke out as Mephisto's very existence was burned away. Finally freeing not only the Kale family but the entire universe of his reign. Suddenly the world turned dark, as it's master no longer influenced even the slightest of it's actions.
WINNER: Ghost Rider
"We have claimed our prize, and finally the Kale family is free of Mephisto's influence. The Ghost Rider is free. And now judgement can begin on Earth anew. We have held up our end of the deal. And bested Mephisto. However, he is your problem." The Ghost Rider finished, he had avenged the innocents that were Wanda's twins, as well as avenged the lives of millions upon billions of men and women who had ever had the displeasure of dealing with Mephisto. However as the flaming skeleton on a motorcycle began his journey back to Earth, where he was needed most the Maximoff family turned to see who or what he was talking about, and there he stood, Thanos. The mad titan. And he didn't look happy.
"Um.." Pietro was the first speak up, though he wasn't saying much of anything. As a former Avenger he had experience with the Titan, his first impulse was to run. But in the opposite direction.
"Stand back." Magneto spoke lowly, rising to face the Mad Titan's eye level. Knowing he was the only one of them even close to his level. In all manners of speaking.
"Do as he says!" Lorna uttered, pulling Wanda away from the twins. It was pretty damn hard to do so, after all she had already lost them twice. She wouldn't do with 3 times.
"Wait.." Wanda whispered, eying Thanos' gauntlet. Noticing that the spot for the reality gem was missing. She suddenly rushed to her father, and the agitated Thanos in order to try to strike a bargain with him. "Do you see the Reality gem?"
"I do." Was all Thanos said. He had been told by his fellow immortal that he could retrieve the gem. But considering that he had just watched him be turned to ash by the Ghost Riders, he was less than happy.
"I can get it for you. Just let me have my boys." Wanda pleaded, her hands became immersed in a pinkish aura.
"I find that deal acceptable. Fail me, however and all shall fall." He spoke lowly, everyone knew he was serious. Wanda focused on the gauntlet, attempting to will the gem to them.
"I want them to get the gem. I want them to get the gem. I want them to get the gem." Wiccian found himself attempting the incantation in order to aide his mother. And soon enough it happened. The gem was there, right for the grabbing.
"Very good." Thanos eagerly reached out for the gem, about to grab for only he could. All was well, until a fluctuation came from the gem. Quickly, in the blink of an eye. In a few moments everyone would be injured, wiped from reality without a second thought.
"NO!" Speed yelled, as he vibrated free of his restraints, without Mephisto to power them they could no longer bind the speedster. He suddenly rushed and in a matter of seconds he moved himself, his brother, his aunt, his uncle and his grandfather out of the range of the "reality" burst. Though no one knew it at the time, he had just outrun reality itself.
"Our deal has concluded." Thanos was no longer concerning himself with them, and it was best to keep it that way. With the help of her son, Wanda created a way out of Mephisto's former realm, and home, where there families had been waiting for them.
Bayville
Maximoff Residence
Same time
The Maximoff family suddenly appeared before there significant others, who had been worried sick for them. Pietro ran into the arms of Crystal, Speed ran into the arms of Hawkeye, Lorna into the arms of Havok, and of course Wiccian into the arms of Teddy.
"Don't you ever scare me like that." Teddy warned, the blond haired boy kissing his partner passionately. Wiccian replying in kind, and putting his arms a little lower.
"I won't I won't." Billy promised, looking at his boyfriend with a smile.
"Seriously." Teddy shot him a slight loving glare.
"This wasn't even my fault." Wiccian defended trying to ease the love of his life.
"I think you're being to hard on him, son." Magneto spoke with a slight chuckle.
"Yes, father is right go easy on him." Wanda added with a quick giggle, causing her son to blush.
"D'aww." Speed said with a smirk, wrapping his arm around Hawkeye's waist.
"Guys!" Wiccian yelled in embarrassment.
"Now I think we're the ones giving him a hard time." Pietro chuckled.
"Good point, Quicksilver." Crystal spoke softly, kissing her husband on the cheek.
-Flashback End-
"Yes, why?" Pietro questioned, that had been a pretty long day, as well as eventful.
"I can see reality bursts, or warps or whatever. When arrived he activated his gem, I managed to out run it..but it'll catch up." I explained hoping that he'd focus on the problem at hand.
"What did he change?" He asked. The problem was I wouldn't know until it happened, I outran the blast for nothing.
'Doesn't matter, we need to prepare." And so we did. We moved all the people in the town to what we hoped was a safe location, as hordes of aliens suddenly began to almost literally rain down on us. However we were more than ready for them, Pietro had no problem being lethal, as my grandfather Magneto caused there metal ships and armor to turn on them, he hurtled rocks like haymaker fire. Bayville was safe, but where else had these creatures appeared, was what worried me.
The Sky over the Atlantic Ocean
One Hour After Thanos arrival
P.O.V "Thor"s
I was the first. The first trickster. The first of royal blood. The first to trust Migard. And the first to hate it just as much. My name is Loki Laufeyson, but now I've accepted the name Odinson. In order to save the life of my adopted brother, Thor we merged bodies. And became a single entity. Now, by simple tapping a wooden cane, I can wield the power of Thor. I found it someone what ludicrous, considering my old incarnation had spent centuries trying to get his hands on that hammer. And now Mjolnir was at my beck and call. I was among one of the many to attack Thanos, but I was also one of the many to realize what was going on. The threat began in Metropolis, but that was not where it ended.
"Brother." Ikol called out, causing me to turn to face him. Our separation had done wonders for him, he was far more powerful now than he ever was with me.
"IKOL!" I found myself yelling, partially I blamed the arrival of Thanos on him, mostly out of habit, but who could blame me? He was the god of lies, after all.
"Leave here." He warned, only causing me to grow more furious. He couldn't command me anymore, he couldn't control me. I was my own man now.
"Make me." Was my only response, as I held my hammer closer to me, prepared to do battle with him, as the world fell around us. Just like always. Nothing had changed.
The Mighty Thor VS Loki God Of Lies
"I will not bow to you." Thor yelled lowly as he began to spin his hammer in his hands, ready to finally end their centuries of fighting.
"Then die to me." Was Loki's response as he lunged forward, swinging at him with his staffer. Hoping to catch the Asgaridian prince off guard.
However Thor was more than ready for him, pairing the Staff to Mjolnir. Causing a large eruption of lightning and thunder. Thor then punched Loki in the face, however instead of knocking him out it only served to make him laugh, as he replied in kind by gutting Thor who doubled over in pain. A world where Loki was his physical superior, he never thought he'd see the day. He knocked him back with a blow from his hammer, and they stood at odds.
Clash
"We can end this brother!" Thor yelled as lightning flowed around his body and spun Mjolnir in his hands.
"Of course we can, just die already!" Loki yelled back as lightning flowed along his staff and around his own body.
The two then rushed each other, crashing in an explosion of power, the god-like lightning blasting around everywhere, even hitting the ocean below them. Thor fell to his knees in the sky, being knocked back by the blow.
"How does it feel to be weak?" Loki asked with a smirk, sending a quick ball of lightning at Thor, who was to slow to react, a burst of energy exploding in his face.
"I-Iloki.." Thor managed to mutter, his lips a bloody mess. His armor beginning to fall off of him, damaged seemingly beyond repair.
"I've beaten you!" Loki said with a cackle, using his staff like a baseball bat. Swinging and then striking Thor in the face, sending him flying. But he wouldn't get very far, Loki would use the power of his staff to outrace him, and strike him again.
"Not..y-yet, you haven't!" Thor's body was suddenly surrounded by lightning, causing Loki's assault to halt. He'd rush forward, punching Loki in the stomach, then knocking him down with the hammer. Before delivering a devastating uppercut with sent him into the clouds. He became trapped in the eye of a storm, as he was suddenly struck by hundreds of bolts of lightning at once.
"LAND OF FROST!" Loki quickly spoke a spell which transported them to Jotunheim, the home of the Frost Giants. The blizzard blows furiously, though to both Ikol and Thor it feels like home. Suddenly a decent sized Frost Giant appears with a large club, smashing it over the god of thunders head. Next to smaller, female Frost giants dressed in nothing but an almost dainty loincloth knock him into a icy mountain with there swords. Finally, Loki raises his staff high above his head, as out of the storm crystal blue lightning appears and he smashes him through the mountains, causing them to appear above the ocean once more.
Winner: Loki
"Now I can finally end you." Ikol said coldly, holding out his staff to Thor as it charged the deathblow.
The Ocean
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Namor's
My city was under attack. MY CITY! And by what? Not by the land dwellers, not this time, at least. Now it was under threat of space dwellers. "Thanos" has the Avengers called him. Though I did not fear him, or anything he stood for. After all, I am Namor. The Sub Mariner. And there were few on Earth who could face me, specially on my turf, on my terms. The sea was my home, and I would defend her with all my might. Luckily my people sent a distress signal, and I came swimming.
"What's happening?" I asked, in a wide telepathic call to all the citizens of new Atlantis. And suddenly my mind became filled with cries of pain and anguish, whatever was happening, it wasn't good. Not for us, anyway. I waste no time in heading for my castle, which was like the center of this assault.
"Namor!" A familiar voice spoke up in my head, it was my cousin, Namora. Defending our home proudly, it felt good to see that see wasn't letting go, at least not without a fight.
"Tell me the situation." I thought softly to her, trying to keep the situation calmed and leveled. When I'm to far away from the surface or the water I become bi-polar, but I was perfect right now, which means I could lead my people to victory.
"They attacked Utopia! But they noticed there was no life there. They followed us down here..They attacked, we've fended them off the best that we could." Namora explained, almost as if she was pleading with me to understand, I only offered a nod, as I retrieved Neptune's trident.
"It's fine, you've done well." I said out loud for all to hear, as I could clearing see the hordes of creatures attacking my people. "ATLANTHEANS!SHOW THEM NO MERCY!" Were my own last words before entering the fight, the aliens packed plenty of fire power, but there skills left much to be desired. I found myself easily rushing them, and picking them apart with my trident. At this rate I'd turn the ocean red with the blood of my enemies, and I didn't mind.
Suddenly I raised my trident, and suddenly it was struck my lightning, mystical lightning. Though I hadn't summoned any, I hadn't even attempting to. However I ignored it, instead using it to take out several ships in one go. I smirked, never had I felt such raw power, not since the Phoenix Force. I focused on what I had to do, and continued to lead my men against the creatures.
"We have a handle here, Namor!" I heard Namora call out to me, as she came from behind me and stabbed a creature through it's heart, or at least where it's heart should be.
"Namora.." I whispered mentally, she understood my love of the surface more than anyone else did. I knew if I left her my people would be in good hands but..How could I? The Regime attempted to repress me. To repress what I am. Yet I will defend a world that approves of them.
"You're a hero, Namor." She whispered back, placing her hands on my shoulders. Giving me the kind knowing smile only she seemed to have. "I've seen it, ever since we were little. You love each second, on land or undersea. Even when you've been outed, and considered an outsider by either you stand by them. It's that time again, Namor. Stand with them when they need you. And they will stand with you."
I nodded, quickly floating upward, swimming through the water towards the surface. I knew my place, and I knew where I belonged. I was King of Atlantis, and a mutant by birth. No one was going to take that from me. Not Spider-Man, not the Regime. And most certainly not Thanos. I emerge to see Thor, in battle with Loki. And at a time like this? Some people cannot understand the gravity of grave situations.
New Challenger
Namor The Sub-Mariner VS Loki God of Mischief
"I thought you were a boy." Namor said insultingly, gesturing to him with his trident.
"I thought you were a threat." Loki cackled in return, holding out his staff menacingly.
Namor rushed at him quickly, punching him square in the jaw. He noted that this Loki was far stronger than his former self, but he needed to defeat him regardless, after the blow to the stomach he grabbed his helmet, spinning him around and tossing him into the water below them. Causing a massive tidal wave as the Norse god made contact with the water.
"How dare you..!" Ikol cried out in anger, he hadn't been hurt till his fight with Thor, and now this man was bringing him to his knees? He wouldn't have it. He rushed at Namor, who easily avoided, and grabbing him by his cape, hurling him into Utopia below. Destroying what few structures remained. Now it was Ikol struggling to stand as Namor floated above him, arms crossed as if he was unimpressed.
"I said I came to fight a man, not a boy." The King smirked as he rushed at Namor, knocking him further into the former mutant sanctuary, causing the entire island to shake. Ikol struggled as he relentlessly pounded on him, even in their worst battles Thor always held back. Namor was not nearly as kind, preferring to put him down by any means.
"Flash Burn!" Was the best he could manage as a bolt of lightning came down, intending to strike Namor. However Namor managed to just barely dodge the bolt, allowing it to instead strike it's master, causing him to cry out once more.
"I will finish this. Imperius Rex!" were the last words Loki heard, as Namor dealt him one final punch to the face, aimed right between his eyes, which knocked him out, but the blow also managed to accidentally sink one third of Utopia.
WINNER: Namor
"Thor, are you alright?" Namor questioned, floating up to aid his former adversary.
"I am fine. Thank you." Thor assured, taking the time to rest, and let his knowledge of magic rake care of the rest. There was much to discuss, and very little time to do so.
Streets of Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Felicia's
I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. Or at least that's how I feel. That's how I wish I was right now. I was one of the most powerful women in the world, but I didn't care about that. I was married, and I was damn happy about it. Spider-Man..no Peter had finally noticed me. He'd finally chosen me to be his wife. Maybe it was along with a couple of other girls, but it just showed that Peter knew how to keep it interest. For years I spent time trying to win over the mask, but I finally got the man in the mask and he was taken from me. Just like daddy said. I feel in love, and I got weak. I got soft, and I lost everything. I suppose there's a reason I'm a thief, and not a kingpin.
I've just been sitting here, in an alley, one of the ones Peter forgot to clean up when he built his city. I suppose it's fitting, an alley cat dies in an ally. So far my bad luck powers have been keeping me alive, I'm not sure when they came back, or why. But I'm glad they did. So far every bit of debris and ever shot fired has missed, but it's only a matter of time until one did hit me. Or at least it would be, until she came along. Scorpia, one of Peter's other girls. And one of my wives, the only one who cared to stick around, I may add.
"AAH~!" I suddenly hear her call out, causing me to look up. Seeing that one of those creatures finally managed to land a blow on her.
"Elaine!" I called up, suddenly lunging forward and slicing at it. To my surprise I cut into his face 5 ways evenly. I was faster.
"F-Felicia." She said, the symbiote had already begun healing her wounds, but I could tell that it hurt.
"Are you okay?" I ask, moving her head so she can look at me, not focus on the pain.
"I-I'm fine, now." She smiled, and I saw. I knew. I wasn't alone anymore, I wasn't some stray off on her own. Even if I didn't have Peter, I had her.
"You silly girl." I said with a laugh I could barely muster, I missed Peter's snarky remarks and witty quips right now.
"Felicia, I can sense that you're distraught. I mean I knew but, my other confirmed it, and-" She was about to go on, but I didn't want to hear it. Not right now, anyway. I just wanted to know that she was there, that I had someone. So I kissed her, and it wasn't exactly a peck, either.
But eventually I pulled away, I had to. The world was going to hell and falling down around us. I couldn't just sit idly by and kiss her while the world went to hell, no matter how much of a good idea it sounded like. "C'mon cutie, we have to find our wives."
"You're right." Scorpia said, now able to stand straight. She was wearing the symbiote, as she always was. It formed a black mask that left her mouth and nose uncovered, as well as her long black hair. Her torso was covered as well, minus her mid region, she had the Venom spider symbol on her chest, though I swear it looked like the spider was being crushed between her breasts. Coming from her rear was a mechanical Scorpion tail which had 3 stingers, two small and one large. It was effective, but it cut off a view that I was getting used to. "Stop looking my ass!"
"I can't help it's, it's nicer than the spider's." I said with a chuckle, maybe things wouldn't be so bad. I wasn't alone anymore, I had someone. I had other people I could rely on, trust. This was what Peter always wanted me to understand, and I'm glad that I finally do. I go over to a puddle, staring at the murky water. Glancing at my reflection. I remember who I am. I'm 5'10, with flawless plantuim blond hair. I'm dressed in a skin tight, black suit. Which hugged my figure in all the right places, all the ways I know Peter liked it to. The mask on my face was cat-like, for a change. Orange lenses covering my eyes. And on my wrists were a cybernetic pair of claws, to help me stay with my name sake. I'm the Blackcat, and I can live, with, or without Peter Parker!
Streets of Metropolis
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V Scorpia's
I am a killer. Scorpia. A trained assassin designed to model her killings after Mac Gargan, the Scorpion. Naturally I had to cross paths with Spider-Man. I always thought he was a buffoon, a clown. An insult to someone of my expertise, but at the end of the day he was the one with the power. And I had to respect that. For me there were two things, money and power. I had learned in my life that was all I needed. But then he gave me something else, love. Something no one else had ever given me before.
I think it's kind of funny. 6 years ago I was trying to kill Felicia, and Peter. But now I get into bed with them every night. I'm not sure if it's irony, or what. After all Peter's the funny one. But..my family was less than forgiving. My mother beat me, while my father sat in a chair and read his newspaper. When I acted out, they sent me to a psyc ward in Hell's Kitchen. No one gave a damn about me, and when I became Scorpia, it didn't matter. I could take care of myself, and take what I wanted. But I always wanted something stable, something to call mine. Peter was my husband, no one could take that from me. I'd do anything for him, except I can't. He to has been taken from me. But I still have her. And I'm not losing anything else.
"AAH~!" I scream out in pain, worrying about my past..my future I lost focus. One of those ugly ass ailens got the drop on me. The symbiotes, doing it's best, trying to comfort me. Heal me. But I fall to my knees.
"ELAINE!" I hear Felicia call out as she rushes to my side. Clawing at the alien dumb enough to harm me, she easily kills it with a single shot.
"F-Felicia." I whimpered, the symbiote was still working, doing it's best to heal me but god it hurt.
"Look at her, Elaine. Look at our beautiful wife." The symbiote suggested. picking up on my emotions. I could feel it urging me to love her more than I miss Peter.
"Are you okay?" She asked, turning my head so I could face her. Looking into her eyes, the same ones that I used to hate. Were now the ones I couldn't get enough of.
"I-I'm fine, now." I said with a bright smile, or the best I could do in my situation. I could tell how hard losing him had been for her. Out of all of us, she had loved Peter the longest.
"She's here Elaine. She's right here." The symbiote said again, almost as if reminding me.
"You silly girl." She said with a forced laugh though I knew she was trying, and that was enough for me.
"She is worried. Her anxiety. We sense it. She has comforted you, now you must do the same for her." It was like it had all the answers. I sighed slightly, then began to speak.
"Felicia, I can sense that you're distraught. I mean I knew but, my other confirmed it, and-" I began, but she didn't let me finish. I planned a very eloquent speak, but rather than let me say it she kisses me. And not awkward and surprised like the first time. Filled with passion and love. I held her close to me for a few seconds.
She was the one to pull away this time. A confident smirk on her face. I could tell she was done hiding. She was done sitting there and waiting to die. Waiting to be killed. She had a mission, no. We had one. "C'mon cutie, we have to find our wives."
"You're right." I said, now able to stand up straight. I was wearing the symbiote, as I always did. It formed a black mask that left my mouth and nose uncovered, as well as my long black hair. My torso was covered as well, minus my mid region, I had the Venom spider symbol on my chest, coming from my rear was a mechanical Scorpion tail which had 3 stingers, two small and one large.
"She is staring." The symbiote suddenly cut in.
"Staring?" I questioned mentally.
"Your posterior. Her eyes are fixed on it." My other explained.
"Stop looking my ass!" I yelled, both flattered and irritated.
"I can't help it's, it's nicer than the spider's." She said with a chuckle, causing me to blush at the thought of at least one part of me being more attractive than Peter's. I watch her go over to a puddle, staring at her reflection in the murky water, obviously. She 5'10, with flawless plantuim blond hair. She dressed in a skin tight, black suit. Which hugged my figure in all the right places, all the ways I know Peter liked it to. The mask on my face was cat-like, for a change. Orange lenses covering my eyes. And on my wrists were a cybernetic pair of claws, to help her stay with her name sake. I was with an ever larger blush as she unzips her costume slightly to expose cleavage. But I shake my head, the time to be in love was later, right now, we had a world to save.
Metropolis
The Den, Japan
P.O.V Molly's
My name is Molly Hayes, I'm a mutant. One of the few that were left in the world after Scarlet Witch had the bright idea of uttering the words "No More Mutants". Her words were in vain however, thanks to our wonderful Messiah, Hope Summers. I have one of the better mutant powers, super strength. I virtually have no limits. But I get super tried if I exert myself to much. About an hour ago all the "senior" members of the Resistance left in order to put an end to Spider-Man's Regime. In all honesty I think I might still be to young to truly understand either side. I just went were the other Runaways and most of the Young Avengers went. I was in charge of guarding the younger mutants on Wolverine's X-Sanction. When we first met I thought he was a jerk, my opinion hasn't changed very much since then.
"Molly." I hear a voice call out, I turn to see Patriot. One of Captain Americ-The Captain's many wards. I never understood why he didn't just take on the Bucky persona, but whatever. He was dressed like Falcon, when he took on the Captain America persona 6 years ago. However he added the addition of falcon symbols, and the color black rather than blue.
"What?" I found myself asking, angry that he called me Molly. I called him Patriot, or Falcon, or whatever the hell he wanted to be called. I just wanted to be called She Hulk. One simple name. Yet he couldn't do it.
"The Avengers. Both sides, are down." He said seriously, causing me to grow a little less upset. What on Earth was happening now? That's all I could find myself asking.
"It seems Spider-Man and Wolverine weren't the only players in this game. Thanos has arrived." Hawkeye spoke out, the girl one. Her male counterpart got to go and fight with the other Avengers.
"Thanos?" I questioned, I was never really big on villains. To be fair, I was 12 when they were still relevant. After the introduction of the Regime most were put down, and without mercy. No clemency was ever shown.
"Intergalactic a-hole." I heard Nico answer. She could always make me smile, even at a time like this.
"Put subtly." Patriot had to add.
'So what's the game plan?" I asked, curious.
"I don't know." He muttered, did I hear right? Captain America's supposed successor didn't have a plan? Were we that screwed?
"You better think of something handsome." I heard Hawkeye mutter unhappily, placing her arms around his neck. The two of them were always in separable. But considering the situation, it was more annoying than cute.
"Obviously, we need to regroup." Chase suddenly spoke out. If he was the voice of reason, something was seriously wrong. "It's only been a few weeks since we had to fight that ghost. And we still haven't been out in the field since."
"Chas- I mean Ironlad is right. It's time we stood up. And fought back." My eyes gained a pinkish glow, I couldn't see it myself but I knew it was there. I activated my mutant powers, it was go time.
"Everyone keep your coms open. Just in case we get a message from the bosses." Patriot rose his shield, causing me to smile. "AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
One Hour After Thanos' arrival
P.O.V. Unknown
For six years I've been trapped here. Forced to do Osborn's bidding. Though he does not appreciate my superior genius. They do not realize they I have always been their betters, and that I always will be. The Spider may have designed Metropolis, but it belongs to me. And it is through my genius that this city shall be saved. While they argue amongst themselves and bicker, I have solved problems, and that fact will remain. With my guidance and leadership we will save the day. But only with my guidance and leadership. Suddenly my thoughts are ceased by a Spider-Bot.
"(Harem subjects 3 and 2 have been located. 3 miles off target.)" Spider-Bot 1,003 informed, causing me to smirk, no matter how much it hurt to do so.
"(Harem subject 4 remains in her homeland, hidden from invasion.)" Spider-Bot 108 informed, as expected.
"(Harem Subject 1 remains unseen.)" Spider-Bot 486 cut in, Marvel. What could that ignorant woman be doing?
"(What of project R.E.V.E.N.G.E.)?" I question, looking to the dozens of Spider-Bots surrounding me, connected to the ones in the field. Around Metropolis, and around the world.
"(Subjects analyzed, threat analyzed.)" Spider-Bot 600,000 explained.
"(Proceed.)" I command impatiently.
"(Success rate 50%.)" Spider-Bot 4,234 estimated.
"(Excellent.)" I say almost with glee.
"(Spider-Bots version O-2 are ready to be launched.)" Another Spider-Bot, 17,508 added.
"(Launch.)" I demanded as the Spider-Bots plugged into Metropolis's security system. Suddenly, all over the cit giant Spider shaped robots began an assault on the invaders, my flawless security system opening of times for the so called heroes to focus on the true threat. In addition, all Regime soldiers armor also suddenly gave a second dose of the spidercide drug. Drastically increasing there powers so that they can defend more efficiently.
"(Probability of success is now 75.8906%.)" Spider-Bot 108 rang in again.
I smirk watching my monitors once more. The world was going to case. And it's hero, its savior is gone. Spider-Man is dead. But do not worry, Peter Parker. You can rest easy in whatever after life you have been rewarded. For you are not leaving this world to villain. No, using my unparalleled genius I will safe this world. And I will get what Osborn has promised me. And when I do, this world will belong to me. '(IT'S YOUR MOVE, THANOS! THE DIE HAS BEEN CAST!)"
((TAF108: Hello fans of all kinds, you guys may know me as who I was, TASF or The Astonishing Spider-Fan, but I'm not proud of that. AT least, not anymore. For me that name bears nothing but past hardships and past sins, mistakes and things I wish more than anything I could take back. But I know better than that. In the words of Nora Allen "Don't worry about the things you can't change, and change the things you can." So I plan to do just that, by bringing my most popular story back from hell! I thoroughly hope that you enjoy my new style and my new take on the story. But don't worry, I think I still got it, after all I didn't waste to 2 years NOT writing!))
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~TAF108
