Chapter 10: Signs of the Zodiac
The Avengers
Captain America (Steve Rodgers) - Sentinel of Liberty
Hulk (Amadeus Cho) – Strongest There Is
Hawkeye (Clint Barton) – Unerring Marksman
Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff) – Mutant Speedster
Antman (Scott Lang) – Size Changing Superhero
Avengers Tower. Inside the conference room Captain America, Amadeus Cho, Quicksilver, Hawkeye and Antman are sat round the table. Hawkeye and Quicksilver have some bandages on them.
Amadeus: Sorry I missed this guys, sounds like you could've used me.
Hawkeye: Yeah they aren't losers like previous Zodiacs, they hit hard.
Captain America: And we still don't know who they are or what they really want. All we know is that more petty criminals fuelled by the Zodiac are popping up each day.
Antman: Where's the rest of team? It's good we've got a Hulk now but I'd feel a lot more confident if we had Thor as well.
Captain America: Rest of the team is off world at present. For now it's just us.
Quicksilver: We'll be fine. They got lucky, next time we'll make it even.
Antman: So what's the next move?
The doors to the meeting room open and Maria Hill strides in.
Maria Hill: You let me save the day.
Captain America: What've you got Maria?
Maria Hill places a device on the table. It produces a hologram of Gemini without the mask. He is beaten up and as part of a police line-up.
Hawkeye: Who are we looking at? Asides from a guy whose obviously made some bad life choices.
Maria Hill: His name is Michael Wright. He was an enforcer in the New York branch of the Maggia alongside his brother Sam. Two weeks ago, they were intimidating an informant and they were caught by police. Sam was killed but Michael vanished. It was assumed he'd gone to hiding but two days ago he sent out word to the various Maggia heads about how the Zodiac changed his life and can do the same of the rest of them.
Quicksilver: He's one of the Zodiac?
Amadeus: But why give power to him? Assuming they are following the proper Zodiac configuration there are twelve of them. Why waste that on a random thug?
Antman: He'd follow orders. Wouldn't think for himself, only of the power he'd gained.
Captain America: How do you know this Maria?
Maria Hill: An old friend of yours got in touch with me.
Sicily. A magnificent villa sits in the picturesque countryside. Inside Count Neferia sits at the head of a large table laden with food. Sat at the table with him are his daughter Madame Masque seated to his right and sat opposite them are Libra and Gemini. Standing behind the two Zodiac members is Taurus, an eight foot tall Minotaur. Behind Count Neferia are two female masked Maggia warriors.
Count Neferia: You have been making a lot of noise lately, noise that has not been beneficial for me. I have invited you here to explain yourselves.
Libra: And first I would like to thank you for that invitation, this villa really is quite lovely.
Madame Masque: My father has not invited you here for your pleasure.
Libra: This spread says otherwise. But I suppose we should get down to business. It is true we have been inconveniencing you by offering those working under you power but please understand, this is not a declaration of war. You and the rest of the Maggia are hard to reach and we had to get your attention.
Count Neferia: You convinced one of my best enforcers to betray me. I suggest you stop mincing words before my patience runs out.
Gemini: Hey, I'm not betraying you! I liked working for you, I'll keep working for you, Libra just needs you to do one thing for us.
Count Neferia: And what is that?
Libra: Just call a meeting. I would like to speak to all the heads of the Maggia families.
Count Neferia: And in return?
Libra: Once you had the power to shake the world. How would you like it back?
Count Neferia smiles.
Later that day. The Zodiac teleport away from the villa. One of the Maggia guards walks away and towards a quiet part of the villa. Once she is alone she takes off her mask revealing a pretty face with red hair underneath it. She takes out a communicator.
Maggia Warrior: This Black Widow, get me Maria Hill.
An Avengers Quinjet flies through the night. Captain America is flying it while Hawkeye, Quicksilver, Antman and Hulk get ready in the back. Captain America flicks a switch
Quinjet: Auto Pilot engaged.
Captain America gets up and goes to the back with the rest of the team.
Captain America: We're ten minutes out from Chicago. Latest SHIELD scans show that the meeting just began and as far as we're aware most of the major family heads are present. Some of them are enhanced so we're the first wave, SHIELD commandos will follow us. Widow is inside as backup but she'll only blow her cover if it's necessary.
Hawkeye: So try not to fight her, she won't hold back at all.
Antman: How many Zodiac are there?
Captain America: Scans show three of them; Michael Wright, their leader and one other. Plus the various Maggia heads and their bodyguards.
Quicksilver: Sounds like a fun evening.
Inside the building. The meeting is underway, sat round a table are several regional Maggia heads; Count Neferia, The Eel, Tombstone and Diamondback along with several body guards. Standing by the table and giving their pitch are the Zodiac. Libra is talking to the Maggia while Gemini and Taurus lean against the walls standing guard.
Libra: And that is all we ask, you use your men and resources to build what we need and in return you can have power beyond your wildest dreams. Power to bring the Maggia back to their rightful place at the top of society.
Diamondback: Nice pitch. I've heard it all before. Blah blah blah, do this and that and you get power. Every time it's just been hot air. Don't see why it's any different this time.
Gemini: We kicked the Avengers ass that's what's different!
Count Neferia: Speaking as one who has done that many times it isn't hard.
Libra: I understand pride is a powerful thing but you are all in hiding and not just from the self-appointed heroes. HYRDA, the Hand, AIM all have dominion over what was yours.
Tombstone: So why aren't you talking to them?
Libra: The Zodiac isn't about giving more power to those that already have plenty. We give it to those who would appreciate it.
Diamondback: Power first. Then once we know it's legit maybe we'll do what you want.
Libra: That can be-
BOOM! The wall of the building crashes down and the Avengers step inside. The guards raise their guns but Quicksilver speeds at them and grabs the guns out of their hands.
Captain America: You are all under arrest. Stand down and put your hands above your head.
Hawkeye: Or don't, we've got a Hulk with us and he wouldn't mind smashing.
Taurus: Good! I've always wanted to punch your ugly face in!
Taurus charges into Hulk horns lowered, Hulk grabs the two horns and strains against him but is pushed back. The room erupts into chaos. The Maggia leaders head for the exit but are blocked by Quicksilver.
Quicksilver: Where do you think you're going?
Madame Masque: Through you it seems.
She pushes a button and one of Neferia's guards changes, it's skin burns away revealing the metal skeleton underneath and glowing red eyes. One arm forms into a large gun.
Captain America: Dreadnaught!
The Dreadnaught fires at Quicksilver who dodges out the way.
Taurus swings his fist at Hulk knocking him to the ground.
Captain America hurls his shield at the Dreadnaught but it bounces off harmlessly, Hawkeye fires an explosive arrow and it does the same thing.
Hawkeye: Not good.
The Dreadnaught fires and Hawkeye dodges barely. Across the room Libra signals to Gemini.
Libra: Time for us to leave.
Gemini: What about Taurus?
Libra: He's fine.
Taurus has grabbed Hulk's arm and twisted it behind his back, he slams Hulk into the floor.
Taurus: Yeah! Taking on the Hulk!
He punches Hulk in the face.
Taurus: TAKING!
He punches again.
Taurus: ON THE!
He slams both fists down on Hulk.
Taurus: HULK!
The Maggia leaders watch this, Quicksilver speeds into Taurus punching him at super speed pushing him back, while Captain America and Hawkeye engage the Dreadnaught.
Diamondback: Let's get outta-UGH!
He is suddenly thrown across the room and knocked out.
Tombstone: Diamondback?
Antman jumps growing as he does, adding the momentum of growth to his punch knocking Tombstone out as well. The Eel backs away and gets into a fighting stance.
Eel: You don't want this man! You don't wanna mess with the Eel!
Antman: The who?
The Eel deflates slightly.
Eel: I'm the Eel. You know, North Carolina's greatest villain.
Antman: Sorry, I've never heard of you.
Eel: (Sigh) I need to find a new line of work.
The Eel sits down in a corner and starts sobbing.
A blast hits Antman sending him flying. Madame Masque fires while Count Neferia runs away.
Madame Masque: Come father we need to leave.
Count Neferia: Not until I am given what I'm owed.
Libra and Gemini run are near the exit but Neferia runs into them and grabs Libra slamming him against the wall. Gemini duplicates himself and all three copies point guns at Neferia.
Count Neferia: LIBRA! I WANT WHAT WE AGREED!
Libra: And you can have it. You just have to do one thing. Believe.
Libra places an glowing hand on Neferia's chest and after a moment Neferia's eyes glow blue.
Neferia: Hahahaha!
Libra: Enjoy.
Libra and Gemini vanish in a flash of light.
Inside the building, Hulk slams his fists into the ground creating a shockwave that staggers Taurus back, he then follows this up with blow after blow against Taurus and Taurus is slammed to the floor bleeding from a broken nose.
Hulk: This still fun?
Taurus grins
Taurus: Of course! But we'll finish another time yeah?
Taurus vanishes as well.
Captain America is running at the Dreadnaught using his shield to deflect the laser bursts. But then the Dreadnaught is incinerated with a burst of energy. Neferia grins and walks towards them.
Count Neferia: I am restored! I am all powerful! I AM NEFERIA AND NEFERIA IS SUPREME!
Antman: Not good!
Hulk runs at Neferia who catches Hulks punch and responds with an uppercut that sends Hulk flying through the ceiling and up into the sky!
Hawkeye: So not good!
Count Neferia: I believe! I believe that none can stop me!
Suddenly one of his Maggia guards leaps on his shoulders and attached two small devices either side of his head. Neferia screams as she leaps of and takes her mask off revealing the Black Widow underneath.
Black Widow: How many times do I have to save you boys?
Quicksilver: What did you do?
Neferia is on the floor rolling and screaming.
Black Widow: Hypersonics. Enhanced hearing just makes them hurt even more.
Count Neferia: I…I believe! I BELIEVE NOTHING CAN HURT ME!
And he stands up and throws away the two devices.
The Helicarrier. Maria Hill looks down at the battle.
Maria Hill: Send the Howling Commandos in now! What's taking so-
SHIELD Agent: INCOMING!
Hulk slams through the helicarrier window and lands inside.
Hulk: Owwww…
Maria Hill: Well that's just great.
Hulk stands and stretches himself out.
Hulk: Ok now I'm mad. Guys you might want to fall back.
He runs and leaps out the hole he just made.
On the ground the five heroes struggle against Neferia. But all their attacks simply bounce off.
Hawkeye: Scott grow big and take this guy!
Antman: Inside the building?! Yeah that'll work!
Captain America: Keep pressing!
Count Neferia: It is pointless Captain, I am limited only by faith, by belief in myself. And I believe I am invincible.
Suddenly Quicksilver grabs all the Avengers and Black Widow, along with all the Maggia goons they captured and speeds them away.
Count Neferia: What is this?
Quicksilver: I believe this is going to hurt.
Neferia looks up and see's the Hulk diving straight for him!
Hulk: RRAAAAAARRRR!
Count Neferia: Oh sh-
BOOM! Hulk collides into him and the two fall through all the towers floors.
Outside the tower entrance the Avengers and SHIELD forces get ready.
Captain America: Be ready for anything!
But then the Hulk walks out the tower, dragging an unconscious Neferia behind him.
Hulk: And Hulk saves the day. You're all welcome.
Later. The Raft. In the command centre the Avengers, Black Widow and Maria Hill watch as the Maggia heads are lead to their cells.
Maria Hill: Normally my Saturday nights end a lot worse than this.
Captain America: The Zodiac escaped. We're no closer to figuring out what they want or who they are.
Black Widow: I checked my sources from when I was undercover, all power auctions have been cancelled, the last one was in London but when SHIELD and Captain Britain tried to arrest them they teleported away.
Antman: So? Yeah ok they got away but we got these guys. Count Neferia, Madame Masque, Tombstone these are nasty guys that are locked up because of us. Let's focus on what we did right not what went wrong.
Quicksilver: He's right. When the Zodiac show up again we'll beat them. Just like we've beaten everyone else. Let them come, we're ready.
Elsewhere. Libra walks into a boardroom. Sat around the table are the other twelve members of the Zodiac. Libra sits at the head of the table, on the left side are Taurus, Gemini, Aries, Sagittarius, Leo – a half man/ half lion hybrid and Cancer, a female with a crab like torso and large claws. On the right are Scorpio a half Scorpion hybrid with a large stinger tail, Virgo a woman who unlike the other members (except for Libra) looks like a normal person, Capricorn who is androgynous with no clear features other than eyes, nose and mouth, Aquarius who is composed of water and Pisces who looks human but with sharper, more angular features, like she is alien.
Libra: Thank you all for coming. You've all done well in dismantling the Block operations. There are no traces for The Avengers to track.
Scorpio: We spend months carefully setting this plan up, spent millions of dollars and for what? To run three auctions and shut them down. The financial loss alone is-
Libra: Money is irrelevant Scorpio, the Block was simply a method to get the attention of the powered community, to ensure they are looking for us in the wrong place and have no idea of our real goals.
Aquarius: And what is that?
Libra: It will be revealed in time.
The other members of the Zodiac look at each other not happy at this development.
Taurus: We risked everything to join you Libra, if we get caught we'll be thrown in jail for life. You gave us these amazing powers and we're all grateful but I think we deserve to know what's going on.
Libra: It's not that I don't trust any of you. It's simple expediency. You can't betray what you don't know. But rest assured your faith will be rewarded. But if these demands are too much then you can leave, I can always find another vessel for your powers. So what will it be?
They look at each other and then back to Libra. No one says anything.
Libra: Good. Return to your lives, you will find a large bonus waiting for you. Be ready for my signal.
Gemini: What about the Avengers?
Libra: Irrelevant. We have the advantage, the power and the plan. Next time the Zodiac strike together.
Libra stands up and leaves the room, he goes into his office. He sits at his desk and pushes a button. The room blinds seal over and a purple hologram forms on the other side of the desk. It is unclear, showing only a distorted purple image.
Libra: We have proceeded to the second stage. It was as you predicted.
Hologram: Was there ever any doubt? My divinations were quite perfect if I say so myself.
Libra: That you could see the future was a difficult thing to accept. But I always had faith.
Hologram: Good, the universal truth is that with enough faith anything is possible.
Libra: Once the heat has died down we'll get started on the second stage.
Hologram: You have just over thirteen months to spread the word. No pressure.
Libra: It will be done.
The Hologram clears up and reveals the speaker. The Magus grins at Libra.
Magus: It better. Ask the last person who failed Adam Magus what price they paid. Well ask him after you've learned how to understand incoherent screaming. I believe you can succeed Libra, I wouldn't have chosen you if I didn't. Should it all go to plan you shall be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. But if you fail I will show you new depths of pain. Do we understand one another?
Libra: Yes Lord Magus. I will not fail you. Your ascendency will soon begin.
The Zodiac
Libra – Power of Balance – Power to enhance or deplete the powers of the Zodiac.
Gemini – Power of Duplication – Power to create two duplicates of himself, these duplicates can in turn create two more duplicates.
Taurus – Power of the Beast – Capable of assuming the form and strength of the Minotaur.
Leo – Power of Courage – Able to inspire faith in allies and fear in enemies.
Cancer – Power of Pincers – Armed with claws that can crush anything.
Scorpio – Power of Poison – Stinger is capable of secreting all known poisons.
Aries – Power of the Ram – Enhanced speed.
Virgo – Power of Healing – Can heal or reopen any wound.
Sagittarius – Power of Marksmanship – Armed with a cosmic bow and arrows, he can never miss.
Capricorn – Power of Adaptation – Can adapt to any foe.
Aquarius – Power of Water – Composed of water that can be controlled.
Pisces – Power of Control – Able to command any creature to do her bidding.