Shades of Green
Chapter Ten- Conquest of The Leader
Part One- Fall of the Avengers
Avengers Mansion
Finally arriving back at the mansion, Hulk and Shego took their time entering through the front doors, for it could be said that neither of them were in a good mood. I mean, they were both having a great time on their date, and then from out of nowhere, a call goes out to all of the Avengers! One thing was sure, this mission, whatever it may be or whoever it may involve, it had better be something that would jeopardize the fate of the entire planet!
Otherwise, someone was going to have to deal with two very angry super powered individuals with extremely short tempers! It doesn't take a genius to know that if you enrage either Hulk or Shego, that you'll likely end up being in a hospital with all of your bones broken. Even as they entered the mansion, Shego couldn't help but steal a glace at the Green Goliath who walked beside her.
She was having the best time of her life, and she couldn't think of a better being in the entire universe that she would rather spend time with than Hulk. The trip to the ice cream restaurant was very sweet; the trip to the spa resort was simply one of the best moments in her life, but those two activities were nothing compared to their last stop on their date. The setting was beautiful, the sunset casting brilliant orange & pink colors over the majestic Canadian wilderness and through the very heavens as the sparkling stars began to appear in the blue-black heavens of the coming night.
It was the most wonderful and beautifully romantic moment that had ever happened in her life, and Shego enjoyed every precious second with her beloved Hulk. Never would she thought that it would be possible that anyone would love and accept her unconditionally for who she is, but much to her surprise, she found it in a savage green behemoth who was really just longing for someone to love him as well. And she does... Shego is in love with Hulk, and she knew that she would forever love him until the very end of her days.
Before she had arrived at the mansion or even met Hulk, Shego was always alone. True, she used to be a hero, but after being tired of being ordered around by her annoying brothers, she left the team and began a life as a mercenary/villainess. It was then she eventually began working for Dr. Drakken and several other villains up until the Lorwardian Invasion, but she became tired of living in the shadow of other imbecilic villains like Drakken, causing her to finally break free and go on her own.
In truth, she did much better alone than she ever did working for Dr. Drakken or some other villain. She was her own boss, and nobody could tell her what to do! She could steal what she want, go wherever she wanted, do whatever she desired, and not be second to anyone or anything! That all changed when she met the Hulk, and for the first time in Shego's life, she felt a connection with another living person.
Initially, Shego came to New York City for only one reason. She was going to figure out a way of doing what no villain could ever accomplish, and that was to destroy the Avengers. She really didn't know how she would do this, so as her first step, she observed the members of the team for several days, hoping to learn or sight any potential weakness that she could exploit. Even then, she would always spend most of her time watching the Hulk, for out of all the Avengers, the Green Goliath intrigued her the most.
It was on the third day that she followed the Hulk, observing the Jade Giant from a distance as he rested atop a skyscraper, seemingly brooding to himself for some reason. For hours Shego watched the Hulk, and she could not help but notice the sadness and loneliness etched on Hulk's face as she watched him through her binoculars. She couldn't help but feel pity for the misunderstood Green Goliath, for Shego was all too familiar of how he felt.
When Shego started to move away, it was then that Hulk caught sight of her and resumed to leap after her, engaging in the pursuit out of sheer curiosity. When Hulk finally caught up to Shego, she was more than willing to fight, despite being severely outmatched by the Green Goliath that stood before her. None the less, Shego gave Hulk the best she could muster and he meerly knocked her aside as if she was nothing. Much to her surprise though, Hulk caught her in a crushing embrace, but yet he didn't kill her. Hulk could have crushed her like a bug, but yet he merely wanted Shego to surrender and stop fighting.
It was then that Shego kissed Hulk for the first time, and even though it was just so she could escape Hulk's unbreakable embrace, Shego felt the connection even then. It was then that she realized the potential for a plan that could destroy the Avengers. She knew Hulk was more than powerful enough to conquer the world with his limitless strength alone, which made it all the more appealing that she could seduce Hulk and turn him against his teammates.
But in the end, her plan had backfired, and the results were that Shego was given something that she always wanted but never hoped to have: Love & Friendship. Instead of destroying the Avengers, she had befriended them, for they accepted her for who she was and treated her as family, especially Janet. But even more precious than the gift of a team of heroes whom she looked at as her adopted family, was the gift of love she had been given from Hulk. It was when she discovered her love for Hulk, that Shego knew she could never betray him or any of the Avengers.
When Shego first came to Avengers Mansion, she was just planning to seduce and use the Hulk in order to conquer the world and gain the ultimate villainous recognition of destroying the most formidable superhero team ever to exist, but it had seemed that fate had other plans for her. With each passing minute, hour, day, and week, Shego found herself caring more and more for the Green Goliath, and it wasn't long before she eventually fell in love with him. Never in her life had she cared about someone as much as she came to care about Hulk nor has Shego ever loved anyone or anything with such passion and affection.
Whether it was Hulk's tough, savage, sarcastic, and yet charming, loyal, caring, funny, and similar personality to her own that drawed Shego to him, she could not really be sure, but she was more than certain that she loved him with all of her heart and that he felt the same way for her. Shego couldn't repress a smile as it graced her features as she stared at her beloved green skinned protector who walked beside her. She reached up with her right hand and gently touched the necklace with the emerald gem that hung around her neck, the gift that Hulk had given her one their date.
I never thought that I would come to love Hulk, but I guess life decided to give me a chance at happiness. I never had so much fun with anyone, and the way he makes me feel... it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. I've never felt so relaxed and yet so alive, and just when he was about to kiss me... those stupid cards had to ruin everything! Damn it, I'm really starting to hate those things!
We just had to get an emergency call from the Avengers! I mean, it always seems like something has to happen and spoil the moment, as usual! One thing is for sure... this had better be one very big emergency... I'm talking entire planet in danger kind of emergency or so help me I'm taking out all my anger and frustration on all of them! I mean, I finally admit my feelings for Hulk, and just when he is about to kiss me, this happens! Can't a girl catch a break? Shego thought to herself, fuming inside yet suppressing her rage in front of Hulk, who seemed to be deep in thought.
All of his life, Hulk had been considered nothing more than a monster. Feared by villains, heroes, and the world itself, Hulk had always kept to himself most of the time. Forced into a life of running and fighting, the Green Goliath was never given a moments peace, for it seemed like no matter how much good he did or how many times he saved the planet from destruction, he was always treated as nothing more than a savage monster. It was for this reason that Hulk was always alone, unloved and seemingly hated by everyone who came into contact with him, with the exception of his teammates.
Even those who were his supposed friends or those who claimed to care for him eventually betrayed him on some level or another. But what hurt him the most was the fact that Betty Ross, the one person whom Hulk thought had loved him, was just like all the rest. She was in love with Banner, not the Hulk, and she viewed him as nothing more than a monster. When Hulk joined the Avengers, very little had changed, and many still feared him, cowering in his presence even though he would not harm anyone unless provoked or attacked first.
Most of his teammates came to accept and respect Hulk for who he was, with Janet being the first one to truly befriend the Jade Giant, but even then Hulk still felt utterly alone. However, that all changed when Shego arrived onto the scene, and it was then that things would never be the same for him again. She was the first to actually stand beside Hulk and face him, even when he was at his angriest and most savage.
She was the first to actually show no fear or intimidation in Hulk's presence, reaching out to him in ways that nobody thought was even capable of doing or even possible. It was Shego's determination and perseverance that allowed Hulk to admire her all the more. The time that they spent together for the past month went by, for it was then that he started to have thoughts and feelings regarding the beautiful pale green skinned female. While Hulk never admitted it to anyone, even after his first encounter with Shego, during their fight and the kiss she planted on him to escape from his crushing grip, Hulk felt a immediate connection with Shego.
Try as he might, Hulk couldn't surpress his growing feelings towards Shego, especially after allowing enough time to pass. On the first morning that Hulk woke up from his sleep, discovering that Shego was there in his room, he felt that connection between them once again. Every day that passed seemed only to allow Hulk's feelings for Shego to grow, even to the point that he knew he could never harm her in any way.
Hulk wasn't really sure how he'd come to love Shego, for there was just something about her that sparked something within his beating heart. She was beautiful, intelligent, agile and athletic, an excellent fighter, strong willed and sarcastic, among many other things that seemed to impress Hulk even more as he allowed himself to know Shego for who she really is, and by doing so, Hulk also allowed her to see him for who he truly is. Shego didn't see Hulk as a heartless savage monster, nor did Hulk see Shego as a deadly and dangerous villainess, for they looked past their pasts and their appearances to discover who they truly are.
They were both lonely beings, kindred spirits who had suffered and endured all kinds of heartache and pain throughout their lives, and for once fate had taken pity and brought Hulk & Shego together, allowing them to form a bond of unbreakable love for one another. It was this bond of both love & friendship that would forever change them both and bring out the best in themselves. Yes, Hulk still worried about Shego's safety, especially if a situation would come up, but he knew that she could take care of herself. However, Hulk was going to make sure that nothing would ever happen to Shego, for it was one of the many secret promises that he made to her.
I have to keep Shego safe on this mission, even if I have to put my own life on the line. I won't let the only person who's ever cared and accepted me for me to get hurt, not while I still breathe! I couldn't protect my mother, and I won't see someone else I love die because of me. If anyone has to die to protect this world... to protect my greatest friend... the woman I love more than life itself... it's gonna be me. Hulk thought to himself with a strong determination, turning his head to gaze at Shego who was smiling at him with pure adoration.
Hulk could only return her smile with one of his own, for just looking upon Shego's beauty was more than enough to brighten Hulk's spirits. With surprising gentleness, Hulk grasped Shego's hands within his left hand, enjoying the soft feel of her pale green flesh against his own emerald green skin. Whatever the mission, whatever threat that they would face, Hulk was going to protect Shego from any and all harm. He was the Hulk, the strongest one there is, and no force in the universe could compare to his immense limitless power and savage rage!
"So who do you think's threatening the world this time?", Shego asked Hulk as they continued to walk towards their destination.
"Don't know, don't care. It better be something big or someone is getting smashed!", Hulk answered nonchalantly, raising his massive clenched left fist.
"I agree with you on that, Hulk. I mean, can't they do even one mission without us?", Shego questioned, still annoyed that their date was interrupted.
"Hah! Apparently not.", Hulk replied, a smirk crossing his features.
"Well, it can't be Kang the Conqueror, that's for sure. If it was, we'd already have been fighting for our lives against robots and spaceships from the future. Ya know, not to get off topic here, but that future guy Kang's invasion was something major. I mean, it made the Lorwardian invasion seem pathetic by comparison. Of course that ordeal with Ultron that Janet told me about sounded pretty bad... not to mention what Cap told me about the Masters of Evil and the Norn Stones... then there was something that Thor was telling me about, something involving his evil brother Loki trying to conquer the nine realms or whatever.", Shego remarked, remembering the numerous tales that her fellow teammates had told her about in the past month.
"Yeah. You wanna know what's messed up with all of those stories? They're all true.", Hulk responded with a light chuckle.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you help stop these threats, Hulk?", Shego asked, wondering how her beloved Green Goliath would respond to her question.
"What I always do. I smashed everything that got in my way and the others did the rest.", Hulk replied, not even glancing at the beautiful pale green skinned woman that stood beside him.
"Why am I not surprised? Of course, that's one of the many things I like about you, Hulk. You see something that ticks you off, and you smash it. You take action, facing unimaginable threats, smashing your way through hordes of enemies, and come out of it with a smirk on your face. I don't know about you, but to me, that's very impressive.", Shego replied, wrapping her arms around Hulk's right arm.
"You're pretty impressive yourself, Shego.", Hulk remarked, enjoying the closeness that he was sharing with the beautiful female.
"Are you flirting with me, Hulk?", Shego asked teasingly, a surprisingly girlish giggle escaping from her lips.
"Wouldn't you like to know?", Hulk retorted, his own tone teasing.
Hulk opened the door, allowing himself and Shego to enter the mansion, only to be greeted by a certain female teammate of theirs. Sure enough, standing there by the stairs, with a big smile on her face was none other than Janet Van Dyne. Neither Hulk or Shego was really surprised that Janet would be the one to greet them when they returned, for the cheerful brunette always seemed to be there when Hulk and Shego were involved. It was a good thing that it was Janet who greeted them, because Shego and Hulk wouldn't have taken getting chewed out from any of their other teammates, which would most likely result in Hulk and Shego beating them within an inch of their lives!
"Hey! Hulk, Sheena! Sorry that your date got interupted, but we got some really bad news.", Janet said with the utmost sincerity.
"What's going on, Janet?", Hulk demanded.
"Yeah, and please define "really bad news" while you're at it, Janet.", Shego added, giving a slight glare to the cheerful brunette that stood before them.
"Okay, does threatening all life on the planet count? You'll have to see it for yourself. Hawkeye and Black Panther went to Wakanda to check out some very strange stuff, something to do with HYDRA. It was several hours later that it was broadcast throughout the world. The others are waiting for us below, so hurry up!", Janet replied, her voice uncharacteristically serious for once.
"Must be something big.", Hulk muttered to Shego as they followed Janet.
Entering the elevator, Hulk and Shego stood with Janet, who stood directly beside Shego. Janet was curious as to how Hulk and Shego's date went, even though it really wasn't any of her business, but she couldn't help but be at least intrigued by what went on. Judging by Hulk and Shego's moods, it was apparent that they did not enjoy having their date interrupted, and in all honesty, Janet could blame them. Still, something in Janet had to know, and now was the time to ask her fellow female teammate.
"By the way, how was your date, Sheena?", Janet asked in a whisper, causing Shego to temporarily face the brunette, a smile coming across her features.
"It was perfect. I had the best time of my life.", Shego whispered back in response, a dazed smile remaining across her lips.
"Good to know that you enjoyed yourself. So, what did you think of Hulk? Was he the perfect gentleman?", Janet questioned in a low voice, just short of a whisper.
Shego began to recall the events that happened on her date with Hulk, a joyful smile gracing her features as she remembered those memorable moments. All the places she had went to, from the ice cream restaurant to the spa resort, were both luxurious and very endearing to her. Then she remembered the last stop on their date, the mere thought of it making her heart flutter, as an amorous feeling entered her body.
"Yes, he was that and so much more. I mean, he was so funny and loving. When he'd hold me in his arms, it's like nothing could touch me, and it felt so heavenly. Never in a million years would I thought that anyone could make me feel so wonderful, but somehow, Hulk did it.", Shego responded, an amorous smile gracing her features.
"You love Hulk, don't you, Sheena?", Janet asked teasingly, keeping her voice low.
"Yeah, I love him. More than life itself.", Shego admitted with all the love and sincerity of her soul.
"Aww, that is so sweet!", Janet replied, giggling in amusement.
"What are you two giggling about?", Hulk demanded, raising a questioning eyebrow as he looked at Janet & Shego with a look that was a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
"Oh, nothing. Just girl talk, ya know.", Janet answered.
"Yeah, just girl talk. Nothing you should be concerned about, Hulk.", Shego informed, wrapping her arms around Hulk's right limb.
Hulk merely shrugged his wide shoulders, for not even he knew what discussions went on between Shego and Janet. Not that he really cared, but sometimes he couldn't help but be just a tiny bit curious as to what the two females discussed with one another. Then again, maybe it was better that Hulk didn't find out until later, because usually either Janet or Shego would tell him anyway.
Making their way down to the lower levels of Avengers Mansion, Hulk and Shego couldn't help but wonder what, or more accurately who, they were going up against this time. One thing was certain, and that was the fact that whoever or whatever it was, they were a threat to the very planet. Regardless, Hulk was fully intent on stopping this threat and keeping Shego and his fellow teammates protected, for Hulk didn't plan on losing the woman he loves or his teammates who were his family.
Little did he know that this threat to the world was one that he was very familiar with, for this being was one of Hulk's most deadly enemies, whom he encounter many times before. Entering the room where the team usually discussed their goals or strategy when going up against super villains and other major threats to the planet, Hulk and Shego noticed that Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Hank Pym, and Thor Odinson were waiting for them.
"It's good that you two showed up. We're going to need all the help we can get.", Captain America remarked, glancing at his two green skinned teammates.
"What're we up against, Cap? Super-villains escape from the Negative Zone prison? An intergalactic war between two alien races? Some mystical demons from another dimension?", Shego questioned, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Yeah! What's going on?", Hulk demanded angerly, his patience wearing thin.
"You'll find out soon enough. Tony, show them what was broadcast several hours ago.", Captain America ordered.
Without saying a word, Tony pressed some buttons, causing the large screen to come to life and a image showed itself to all those within the room. It was the image of a hated enemy that both the Hulk and the Avengers were all too familiar with, one who nearly transformed the entire population of the world into gamma mutants. Sitting in a metallic throne, wearing orange & black clothing, his inhumanly enlarged green skull that seemed to pulse with a sick and sadistic ego, was none other than The Leader.
Shego noticed the savage snarl that escaped Hulk's throat as well as the look of pure hatred that crossed his features, for she knew that the villain on the screen could only be Hulk's nemesis known as The Leader. Looking at the green skinned gamma mutated villain, Shego fought the urge to shudder, for The Leader was one of the few beings that she could think of that was actually uglier than Dr. Drakken or his idiotic cousin Motor Ed.
"The Leader.", Hulk snarled between clenched teeth, his hands tightening into fists.
"Yeah, and boy is he a looker! I mean ugly with a capital U! Talk about someone falling out of the ugly tree and hitting every branch.", Shego remarked in disgust.
Turning their attention back to the giant screen, Hulk and Shego watched as The Leader began talking, his tone arrogant as ever. If there was one thing that Hulk did know about The Leader, it was that whatever he has planned, it wasn't going to be something good. More than likely, it would be something that could threaten all humanity and all life on Earth itself! It was because of this reason that both Hulk and Shego, as well as their Avengers teammates, knew that The Leader had to be stopped before his plans could succeed or even begin.
"Attention humanity! I am demanding that you surrender the world to me and make me your undisputed leader. Now, I'm betting you feeble minded beings are wondering why you should surrender the world to me? Well, I'll just have to put it so that your insignificant minds can understand.", The Leader began, the screen revealing a map of the world, numerous red dots scattered all over the continents of the planet.
"As you can see by this image that I'm showing you small minded fools, I have planted numerous gamma bombs on all of the continents of the world. In less than twelve hours, these gamma bombs will go off, killing hundreds of millions, perhaps even billions of people all over the globe. Not even your greatest heroes can find them all within such a short period of time.", The Leader informed, his features remaining emotionless, despite the sick and twisted gleam that could be seen in his eyes.
"Okay, that's not good!", Shego remarked.
"Definitely not good!", Janet added.
"The world as you know it, will be consumed in a gamma nuclear holocaust, that is unless the world is surrendered to me within the next twelve hours. Oh, and if any of you ignorantly stupid heroes or those imbecilic fools of S.H.I.E.L.D. plan on attacking or attempting to destroy me and my Helicarrier, I will not hesitate to detonate the gamma bombs with the mere thought! Just face the facts, Humans... I've won... and all of you have lost! It was, and has always been, inevitable that I would conquer and rule this world, for it is why I will be your Leader!", The Leader finished, a sinister smile appearing across his features as the image on the screen went black.
There was a brief silence that fell upon all those within the room, but one thing was truly certain, and it was the fact that all of the Avengers agreed that The Leader had to be stopped. True, it was going to be very dangerous going to confront the gamma villain in his Helicarrier, but there was no other option that was available. The Leader's sinister plans had to be stopped, at any cost, for the fate of world and all those who lived, depended upon the success of the Avengers at this darkest of times. More or less, they were the Earth's last hope.
"I don't even know the guy, but I already know that I hate him. He gives me the creeps! I mean, I never thought I would meet anyone who could be as ugly or as annoyingly arrogant as Drakken, but The Leader definitely rivals Dr. D in that department.", Shego remarked, clenching her hands into fists.
"Now you know how I feel about the ugly little creep.", Hulk replied, narrowing his eyes at the thought of one of his most hated enemies.
"We have to do something! We can't just let him threaten the lives of innocent people! We have to stop him!", Janet exclaimed.
"We will stop him, Wasp. The Leader and his Helicarrier are currently hovering over Washington, D.C. We could go in for an attack, enter the Helicarrier, and disable the controls to the device that control the detonation sequence for the gamma bombs. Then, without any problem, we would be able to locate them and dispose of them safely.", Tony informed the others.
"I don't know, Tony. It could very well be a trap. It just seems too easy.", Hank Pym responded.
"Nothing is easy when The Leader is involved! I say we take the fight to him and smash everything that gets in our way!", Hulk roared, smashing his right fist in the palm of his left hand.
"I'm with Hulk on this one! We should go in there, trash those controls, and smash ole cucumber face!", Shego agreed, a dangerous smirk gracing her features.
"I too agree with Hulk & Shego! We should take the fight to the villain, regardless of the dangers that we may face!", Thor exclaimed, lifting his mystical hammer Mjolnir with his right hand.
"Are you serious? We can't just barge in there! We don't even know what we're up against!", Hank Pym exclaimed, trying to reason with his fellow teammates.
"Well, it isn't like we got much choice, do we?", Shego retorted, resting her hands on her hips.
"You never faced The Leader before, Shego! You don't know what he's capable of nor of whom he might have working for him!", Hank Pym shouted, glaring at the former villainess.
"He has a point. Last time we fought against The Leader, most of us were transformed into gamma mutants.", Tony informed, suppressing a shudder at the memories of his own horrific transformation.
"So we just let him take over the world? No thanks! If I'm going down, I'm going down fighting!", Shego responded with a deadly determination.
"I'm with you until the end, Shego! If I'm going out with anyone, it's you, and I'm going out smashing!", Hulk agreed, wrapping his right arm protectively around Shego, causing her to smile.
"Tony, Hank, they have a point. What choice do we have? If we don't do anything all life could be wiped out or the world will be turned over to psychotic madman! Like it or not, we're going to have to take the fight to The Leader! It's up to us to make sure the world is safe and that this threat is dealt with, regardless of the risks that we take. Neither one of us can do this alone, but together we have a fighting chance. The world is counting on us, and I don't know about the rest of you, but I plan on fighting until my last breath! Avengers... are you with me?", Captain America announced to his fellow teammates, gaining a supportive nod from each of them.
"We're with you all the way, Steve.", Tony assured.
"Aye, you have my allegiance, old friend.", Thor responded.
"I'm game. How about you, Hulk?", Shego asked her beloved Green Goliath.
"Where you go, I go, Shego. Besides, it sounds like fun!", Hulk answered with smirk.
"Then it's settled. We take the fight to The Leader!", Captain America said in a commanding voice.
"Alright! Time to beat up some bad guys!", Janet cheered.
It was at that moment that the Avengers began their mission, for they all knew that they had very little time left to defeat this threat. Captain America, Ant-Man, Wasp, and Iron Man boarded one of the Quinjets, while Thor used his mystical hammer Mjolnir to travel through the air. However, Hulk and Shego had a different form of transportation in mind, which involved the Green Goliath leaping all the way to Washington, D.C. Shego didn't mind, despite still being ever so slightly uneasy about leaping thousands of feet off the ground and landing many miles away with each leap, but then again it was all worth it just to be held in Hulk's protective arms. Once exiting the mansion, Hulk lifted Shego in his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck, making sure to snuggle as close as possible to her beloved Jade Giant.
"Ready?", Hulk asked with a smirk.
"You know it, Hulk. Now, lets get that creep!", Shego answered before they leaped off to follow their comrades into battle.
It wasn't long before the Avengers arrived in Washington, D.C., and sure enough, looming in the dark skys was the massive Helicarrier. The gigantic aircraft barely moved, but its very presence was menacing to all those who looked upon it, as if at any moment it would unleash the evil that was contained within its metal walls. Activating the cloaking for the Quinjet, the Avengers soared towards the massive Helicarrier which may have been larger than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s own Helicarrier.
Landing the Quinjet atop the massive aircraft, the Avengers got themselves ready as they lowered the ramp, allowing Wasp, Ant-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America to exit their aircraft. The winds of the high elevation whipped at the Avengers as they awaited for their last three teammates, and needless to say, their wait wasn't a long one. Thor was the first to arrive, a rumble of thunder and flash of lighting announcing his presence as he landed between his four other comrades, ready for combat as always.
Shortly after Thor's arrival, Hulk smashed down atop the Helicarrier, gently placing Shego on her feet as the winds made her long raven hair wave through the air. Hulk looked down at Shego even as she momentarily gazed into his emerald eyes. Both Hulk and Shego knew that it was only going to get more dangerous for all of them from here on out, for none of them knew what threats that The Leader had in stored for all of them!
"Well, we're all here. Tony, is there any places in this flying juggernaut where we can enter?", Captain America asked.
"You got it, Steve. JARVIS, give me a scan of the Helicarrier and locate any and all ways to enter.", Tony ordered the artificial intelligence that he personally designed.
"Right away, sir.", JARVIS oblidged, giving the Helicarrier a thorough scan before giving Tony the results.
"Okay, we've got several places where we can enter. Now, all we have to do is choose one.", Tony informed his teammates.
"One problem, Tony. If we use any of these entrances, The Leader will know we're coming.", Hank responded, pointing out the flaw in Tony's suggestion.
"Yeah, like he isn't expecting us anyways.", Janet remarked in a sarcastic tone of voice.
"What other choice do we have?", Thor questioned.
"We have to pick the entrance that they'll be least expecting us to enter.", Hank informed the others.
"This is taking too long.", Hulk said to Shego, letting out a sigh of exasperation.
"Yeah, you'd think they would hurry up. Considering that the fate of the world depends on us and all that jazz.", Shego replied, brushing aside a strand of her raven hair with her right hand.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?", Hulk asked, glancing at Shego with a familiar smirk crossing his features.
"Yeah... wanna find our own way in and make their decision for them?", Shego responded, an evil smirk gracing her features.
"I knew you were thinking on the same level as me.", Hulk chuckled, briefly pulling Shego into affectionate embrace before going to work.
Seeing that this wasn't getting them anywhere, Hulk and Shego decided to take matters in their own hands. Both of them knew that taking any one of those entrances would easily give away their presence to The Leader, and that was the last thing they wanted. It was time to take action, and both Hulk & Shego knew exactly what to do while their teammates argued about how and where to enter within the massive Helicarrier.
"Well, in that case we should take north-west entrance.", Tony suggested only for him and the others to be silenced by the sound of metal tearing.
Turning their gazes towards the sound, they soon looked on as they watched Hulk as he ripped a large piece of metal, at least fifty feet in diameter, from the roof of the Helicarrier before throwing it off into the distance. It all became clear to them that Hulk had just given them a new entrance, one that The Leader wouldn't expect them to enter, and it was here that they had a slight advantage. Shego could only smile at Hulk before dropping an affectionate kiss on his cheek as Captain America, Thor, Wasp, Ant-Man, and Iron Man approached the green skinned couple. Who would have thought that Hulk and Shego would have made their choice of which entrance they would take?
"Or we could take this entrance.", Iron Man remarked.
Captain America was the first to drop in, followed by Iron Man and Thor, then Wasp and Ant-Man, and finally Hulk and Shego themselves. Looking around, they scanned their surroundings, finding out that there were no signs of any other individuals within the vicinity. No henchmen, no soldiers, no villains, seemingly nothing at all, for all there was around them was the metal walls and floors that traveled throughout the Helicarrier. Sensing no danger at the moment, Captain America leads his team on, Hulk and Shego following last as they kept themselves ready just in case of a surprise attack.
It was way too quiet for Shego's liking and she couldn't help but feel that they were walking into a trap, and judging from the look she seen on Hulk's face and the uneasiness that dwelled within his emerald eyes, Shego knew that he felt the same way as she did. She knew all too well from her past experiences that if a lair or facility was quiet, it usually meant that something was about to happen. In this case, it was much more dangerous than breaking into HenchCo or stealing jewels from a museum, for The Leader was bound to have a dangerous surprise ready for them.
If something jumps out of anywhere, they're going to regret it! I will not be intimidated by anyone, especially not some gamma mutated psychotic madman! Hmm... I think I'll take some of my aggression out on that creep for interrupting my date with Hulk! Shego mused as she smiled inwardly just as a large green hand gently grasps her waist, disturbing her from her thoughts.
"Stay close to me, Shego.", Hulk whispered.
"Hulk, I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself. Then again, I might take your advice just this once.", Shego replied, a mischievous smirk gracing her features.
"Just be careful, Shego. I don't like this... it's too quiet.", Hulk whispered back in response.
The team continued walking on, journeying deeper into the depths of the Helicarrier, passing through numerous halls and passages that were devoid of any sign of life. Eventually, the seven Avengers came to stop, facing four different passage ways, but only one of them could possibly lead to The Leader's control room. Captain America was the first to step forward, listening and deciding which passage would take them to The Leader, where they would stop him from detonating the gamma bombs that would send the world into a gamma nuclear holocaust.
"Team, it looks like we'll have to split up. Wasp & Thor, you two take the first passage. Hulk & Shego, you lovebirds take the second passage. Tony & Hank, take the third passage. I'll take the last passage. We don't have much time left, and it'll be easier if we split up, that way we'll find The Leader and stop him before he detonates those gamma bombs.", Captain America ordered, his tone commanding as it was stern.
"If any of you come into contact with The Leader, make sure you contact us any way that you can. We'll need all the help we can get to take him down.", Iron Man informed his comrades.
"Is there anything else that any of you would like to say? Any questions?", Captain America questioned.
"Yeah, good luck everyone.", Wasp replied in an optimistic tone, despite the seriousness of the situation.
"Don't worry about us. Me and Hulk can take care of ourselves.", Shego remarked confidently.
"Still, it's best to be careful. The Leader is as dangerous and sadistic as ever. Whatever you do, don't underestimate him. He may not appear to be much, but don't let his appearance fool you. He's a killer, he's extremely intelligent, and he'll stop at nothing to succeed in taking over the world.", Ant-Man responded, informing his fellow female teammate.
"If anyone should be careful, it's the rest of you. I've dealt with The Leader before, many times, and I'll take him down again!", Hulk replied, smashing his right fist into the palm of his left hand.
"Then let's get moving. Time is of the essence, and the world is counting on us, so let's move out!", Captain America ordered.
"Take care, my friends.", Thor said as he and Wasp disappeared down the first passage.
Hulk and Shego took their leave shortly after, quickly disappearing into the second passage, their mission clear to them both. Iron Man and Ant-Man followed, entering and vanishing into the third passage, walking down through the dark halls. Left all alone, Captain America looked at the fourth and final passage, entering and walking into the deep dark hallways of the Helicarrier.
What felt like hours, Captain America walked through the darkened hallways of the passage, his eyes scanning the railings and rafters of the Helicarrier high above. Despite hearing nothing or seeing anyone, Captain America couldn't help but feel like he was being watched by someone or something lurking in the shadows. Years of being a soldier of war have made Steve Rogers a very alert individual, for you had to be to survive as many battles as he had and live to tell about it. Eventually, Captain America came to a large open area, which he could only guess was used to store cargo or perhaps allow a gathering of some sort.
So deep was Captain America in his investigation that he didn't notice the figure that watched him from the darkness. It was then, from out of nowhere, that the figure struck with a vicious leaping kick to Captain America's chest, sending the super soldier flying back and crashing against the nearby metal wall. Slowly rising up to his hands and knees, the stunned Avenger lifted his gaze to look upon his attacker.
Coming into the light, the attacker was revealed to be a man who was just as tall and large as Captain America himself. The attacker's clothing was a royal purple in color, with matching yellow gloves and boots, and white tuffs of what appeared to be fur on his shoulders. The attacker's face was covered with a mask that was also a royal purple in color, a golden crown of some kind resting around his head.
Captain America instantly recognized his attacker, for the being that stood before him was one of his most dangerous and oldest enemies. Their hatred for one another dates back to World War Two, when the two were fighting against one another, leading to a brutal rivalry that still exists to this very day. Captain America's attacker was none other than the dreaded Baron Zemo!
"Ah, I've been expecting you, Captain!", Baron Zemo snarled, raising his sword that he held within his right hand.
"Zemo!", Captain America snarled back in response, rising to his feet and quickly getting into a fighting stance.
While Captain America was busy in his confrontation with Baron Zemo, Wasp and Thor were traveling down the passage that was chosen by their leader Captain America. So far, nothing had happened and there was no signs of The Leader or any other villains for the matter, despite Wasp having a feeling which she could only describe as the heebie-jibes. Something just wasn't right with the whole situation, but then again, that seemed to be the theme on whatever mission they went on to stop villains from either conquering or destroying the world. It was then that Thor and Wasp came to the end of the passage, which opened up to a large area in the Helicarrier, just like the one that Captain America found when he came to the end of his passage.
"Well, no signs of The Leader.", Wasp said with a light sigh.
"Aye, it would appear that we've come all this way for nothing. We can only hope the others will have better luck in finding the villain.", Thor replied, keeping alert just in case.
"I hope so, Thor. We've don't have much time left before the gamma bombs go off!", Wasp responded, transforming back to her normal size.
Out of the corner of his eye, Thor caught sight of two figures standing in the rafters above them. It was at that very moment that one of the figures fired a greenish-yellow bolt of mystical energy directly in Wasp's direction. Thor knew then that it was time to take action now before the bolt of magical energy could strike the seemingly oblivious Janet Van Dyne!
"Wasp! Watch out!", Thor shouted, pushing his female teammate out of the way as he swinged his mighty uru hammer Mjolnir, striking the bolt of magical energy away and sending it back to its source.
Within seconds, the two figures teleported away, avoiding the redirected bolt of magical energy as it exploded against the rafters. The two figures soon reappeared no less than one hundred feet away from Thor and Wasp, who instantly recognized the two individuals. One was a female with long blond hair, wearing mostly green clothing that covered her upper body while a combination of mostly black with some green covered her body from the hips down to her black high heels.
She was tall, at least six foot in height, her eyes an emerald green as was the jagged crown that rested atop her head, her long golden hair flowing down her back. She was quite beautiful, but despite her appearance, she was far from being innocent. She is the deadly Asgardian sorceress known as Amora The Enchantress, and standing beside her was her loyal bodyguard.
The brute of a man that stood beside her wore black and red armor, with matching black gloves and boots. He was a massive muscular man, larger than Thor, carrying a massive enchanted double-bladed battle axe in his hands. His head was bald with two black marking on both his right & left sides, his face supported a black mustache that was shaped like an upside down "U" that ran down to his chin, and his eyes were of a dark brown in color. He was once a great warrior, but that was long ago, for now he served his sinister mistress. This being was the Enchantress' guardian know and feared as Skurge The Executioner!
"Greetings to you, Thunderer. We've been awaiting your arrival!", Enchantress said in a false kind tone, an evil smirk gracing her features.
"Amora? Why are you here? What madness drives you and your Executioner?", Thor demanded, shouting with rage at the two villains.
"That is for us to know, and for you and your friends... to find out!", Enchantress retorted, an evil giggle of amusement escaping her lips.
"Okay, not that I'm a person who holds grudges, but I definitely don't like her!", Wasp remarked, shrinking down to size and flying over to rest on Thor's shoulder.
"How do you know about our being here, Amora?", Thor demanded, his voice deadly serious.
"Please, Thor. My magic shown me when you and your friends arrived, and did you really expect to get past us by having that Hulk ripping a way into this ship? Speaking of which, I see that the monstrous Hulk has a new friend or should I say... a new beloved. How interesting... perhaps after we're done with you, maybe I'll torture her in front of that monster... just for fun!", Enchantress responded in a sinister tone.
"Oh, no you don't! Not while we live, witch!", Wasp shouted in defiance, her fists becoming consumed with bio-electric energy.
"Ah, a task that can be easily resolved!", Enchantress hissed, her hands igniting with green-yellow hued mystical energies.
"Executioner, you deal with Thor! The fairy is mine to dispose of!", Enchantress ordered, causing Skurge to rush head-on against the God of Thunder, his massive battle ax raised to strike.
"Very well... have at thee!", Thor shouted, rushing forward to meet the Executioner head-on!
Iron Man and Ant-Man were coming to the end of their passage, but neither of them could shake the feeling that everything wasn't all right. Ever since they separated from their other teammates, neither of the two geniuses could understand why there was seemingly nobody monitoring the vast surroundings and areas within the Helicarrier. It could be a trap, but then why hasn't it happened yet, for why would someone as dangerous as The Leader allow them to get this far? It just didn't seem to make any sense, but then again, nothing was ever easy when The Leader was involved.
"I don't like this, Tony. Can't your scanners pick up anything?", Ant-Man questioned as they walked into the gigantic room.
"No, I can't, Hank. Something is blocking my scanners. I can't even pinpoint where The Leader or his controls are, let alone know if anyone is nearby.", Iron Man responded, frustration evident in his voice.
"So, we keep going, right?", Ant-Man asked.
"Yes, we keep going. That is unless you have any better ideas?", Iron Man retorted.
Before Ant-Man could come up with any ideas or suggestions, a powerful bolt of purple ionic energy slammed into Iron Man, sending him soaring a hundred meters away before smashing through the steel walls of the surroundings. Without so much as a second thought, Hank activated his Pym Particles, allowing him to grow to an astonishing fifteen feet tall, thus becoming Giant-Man. It was then that the attacker leaps from the darkness, spearing Giant-Man before throwing him aside as if he were nothing!
Giant-Man quickly got to his feet, only to come face-to-face with his and Iron Man's attacker. The being was just as large as Giant-Man, his entire body consumed with purple ionic energy, his red eyes glowing like a savage demon from a nightmare. He used to be an owner of a company that he built from nothing, but that all soon came to an end when Tony Stark bought out his company, and the events that followed resulted in creating the being that he is now. His name was Simon Williams, but now he will be forever known as Wonder Man, the ionic based powerhouse!
"Simon! What are you doing?", Giant-Man exclaimed.
"What I was created to do... what I have to do to regain my humanity... by destroying you!", Wonder Man responded, delivering a powerful uppercut to Giant-Man's jaw, sending the hero crashing back to the steel flooring.
"Hang on, Hank! I've got your back!", Iron Man shouted only for a large red robotic hand to grasp his skull before lifting him off the ground.
Iron Man knew whom the identity of his attacker was immediately, for there was only one being he could think of that hated him more than any other villain on the planet. Wearing massive red hulking armor, a purple dome of bullet proof glass covering his head, was a man called Anton Vanko, otherwise known as Crimson Dynamo! The rage fueled Russian's hatred for Tony Stark went back many years, since their respective fathers who worked together and shared a rivalry which lead to Anton Vanko's transformation into the Crimson Dynamo!
"Worry about yourself, tovarisch!", Crimson Dynamo snarled as he effortlessly slammed Iron Man through the metal flooring before throwing his against the far off wall.
It would seem like the passage taken by Hulk and Shego was the longest, for they were just now arriving at the end of their passage. Out of all the Avengers, Hulk and Shego were the most alert, for both of them had been through too many experiences like this to know that something wasn't right. Their eyes scanned the darkness, searching through the shadows, examining the rafters high above them for any signs of an attack.
Hulk made sure that Shego stayed close, not even daring to let her out of his sights, which she didn't mind in the least. Shego was actually touched that Hulk was being so protective of her, not that it surprised her, considering how quick he was in defending her against Kimmie during the charity ball. It made Hulk all the more endearing to her, and for that Shego was going to always be there for him. Even as they walked out into the open, they did not notice the massive figure lurking high above in the darkness, his golden hued eyes glowing in malevolence.
"Wait!", Hulk said, stopping Shego in her tracks as his eyes scanned the dark surroundings, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder.
"What is it, Hulk?", Shego asked in a low voice, turning to gaze up into her beloved's green eyes.
"We're not alone. Somebody is in here!", Hulk growled, getting into a fighting stance as he raised his massive fists.
Not wasting anymore time on hiding, the massive figure leaps down from the dark rafters, unleashing a savage roar as he smashed down onto the steel flooring of the Helicarrier. The gigantic monstrosity stepped into the light, revealing his grotesque appearance to both Hulk and Shego. The monster's body was mostly a dark green, scales covering his body like armor, his immense bulk and height larger than the Hulk's own.
Shego could see the dagger like teeth that filled the monster's mouth, three digits on each hand supported long sharp claws; the monster seemed mostly reptilian, with the exception of two webbed gill-like appendages that were attached to the sides of his skull. Once this monster was a human being, who served in the military under the name of Emil Blonsky, but was exposed to gamma radiation that changed him into this monster... this creature... The Abomination!
"Going somewhere, monster?", Abomination snarled.
"Hey! You have no room to talk! I mean, have you've looked in the mirror lately?", Shego quipped, glaring at Hulk's monstrous nemesis.
"Not scared? Don't worry... you will be!", Abomination growled, his eyes settling on both Hulk and Shego.
"Okay? Remember I said that The Leader was the ugliest person I've ever seen? Well, I take that back. Abomination brings a whole new meaning to the word ugly!", Shego remarked, igniting her hands in emerald plasma.
"No! You stop The Leader, Shego. He's mine!", Hulk responded, gently placing Shego aside as she watched on.
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes
Well, I bet very few of you readers could have guessed that the Masters of Evil (Consisting of Baron Zemo, Enchantress, Executioner, Abomination, Wonder Man, and Crimson Dynamo) were going to be involved, did ya? If you think that's something, things are only going to get bigger as the story goes on, believe me on this one! Honestly, I was thinking of using Gamma villains, but that was just too predictable for my liking.
And I bet you're thinking that The Leader's plan is too predictable... well guess what? That's what I want you to think! I'm not so predictable as using mere gamma bombs as The Leader's true master plan! I want you to be kept on the edge of your seats and guessing as to what will happen! Even the dreaded Masters of Evil are only mere tools/ploys in The Leader's plan!
As for his real devastating plan and intentions... well, you'll just have to wait and see until the next chapter. Like I said, it is something that will literally change the world and the results will be devastating to say the least! It's a lot bigger than you think, just trust me on this one! Until then, my lips are sealed, so you'll just have to keep guessing or assume what will happen. Ah, I love being unpredictable!
Once again, thanks for read and I hope you plan to keep up the support, for it means a lot to me. Reviews and favorites are always appreciated, so until the next chapter... see ya later!