Shades of Green

Chapter Eleven- Conquest of The Leader

Part Two- Cataclysm

Wakanda, Africa

Hawkeye and Black Panther were assigned to follow a lead involving the infamous HYDRA, which had taken them deep within the jungles of Wakanda. Lucky for them, T'Challa knew of an old friend of his father that would assist them in taking down the HYDRA forces and navigate through the dangerous jungles. Their guide was a man named Ken Hale, who once used to be an experienced soldier and normal human being like anyone else. That is until a certain event that happened so many years ago in Africa, when Ken Hale's life would forever be changed for as long as he lived.

Fearing old age and death, he sought immortality on the African continent those many decades ago. He heard a tale of a mountain gorilla that stood like a man, and that if anyone were to kill the beast, they would live forever, never aging. Ken Hale set out to hunt the simian beast, but when he finally confronted the mountain gorilla, he couldn't bring himself to kill it. Leaving the mountain gorilla alive, Hale wandered the jungle for countless days, becoming lost and sick.

The mountain gorilla found him and forced Ken Hale to do what he couldn't do before. Ken killed the beast in self defense, not knowing that he had just taken the curse of the gorilla-man upon himself. Despite being turned into an immortal mountain gorilla, Ken Hale still managed to live his life like he always did, seeking adventure and working for or with other heroes. It was no secret that Ken Hale was a good friend of T'Chaka, T'Challa's deceased father, and that Ken Hale knew the surrounding jungles better than anyone.

It was for this reason that T'Challa asked for his assistance in hunting down the HYDRA forces that lurked somewhere deep in Wakanda's dangerous jungles, far away from the city where most of T'Challa's people lived. T'Challa knew that his people were counting on him to protect them from any threats. And that was more than enough reason for him to make sure that these HYDRA were found and disposed of quickly before their sinister plans could go any further.

It was his duty and responsibility, as the King of Wakanda, to make sure that his people were safe and taken care for. It is because of this that T'Challa promised himself that he would do anything in his power to help and protect his people, for it is what his father would have wanted. While T'Challa and Ken Hale were more than adjusted to the jungle environment, the same could not be said for Clint Barton/Hawkeye, who wasn't used to such environments.

That isn't to say Clint wasn't adaptable to the jungle enviroment, rather it was just that he was really starting to question T'Challa for choosing a talking mountain gorilla to lead them through a jungle. He still couldn't get used to the fact that their guide was a man that was transformed into an immortal ape, which was more than a little weird for his tastes, not that any normal human being would disagree with him. Since joining the Avengers, Hawkeye has seen many strange things and faced many threats, but never would he had expected to meet an immortal talking gorilla and have him guide them through a jungle.

That was more than a little unexpected... not to mention it was more than weird to be doing just that while trying to find HYDRA forces. Still, being the unique person that he is, Hawkeye wasn't about to let this situation go without him questioning T'Challa and their guide about their current situation. Besides, it wasn't like there was anything else to talk about or any HYDRA agents to trash in the area.

"Are you sure we're on the trail of those HYDRA goons?", Hawkeye questioned, keeping his tone of voice low so that he wouldn't give away their position to their enemies.

"Yes, my friend. Mr. Hale knows these jungles better than anyone. Why do you ask?", Black Panther replied, not even glancing back at his fellow teammate.

"Oh, no reason. It's just we've been following monkey-boy for hours, and much to my surprise at least, we haven't even found any of those scum yet.", Hawkeye remarked, his gaze falling upon their guide.

"Be patient, Clint. We will find them soon enough.", Black Panther responded.

"I don't know about this, T'Challa. Are you sure that Mr. Bananas knows where we're even going?", Hawkeye questioned, not realizing that their guide heard his degrading remarks.

Ken Hale stopped before turning to face Hawkeye and Black Panther, his hairless charcoal grey face devoid of any emotion, for his eyes were all that was needed to show that he did not like getting mocked. Hale was wearing his usual safari clothing, along with a pair of combat boots and was carrying a machine gun that was strapped to his back while he held a large machete in his right hand to cut down any foliage that got in their way. Being that he was a mountain gorilla, thanks to his curse, Ken mostly walked on all fours as he supported his weight on his knuckles like a normal gorilla would, but in this case he stood to his tallest stature to glare at Clint Barton.

"For the last time, Cupid... I am an ape! Now, as for those HYDRA goons, we're still on their trail. Just be patient for crying out loud!", Ken Hale snarled, displaying his large canine teeth.

"Easy there, King Kong! No need to go all ape on us!", Hawkeye remarked, an amused smile faintly gracing his features.

"Very funny, Cupid. This coming from a guy who wears a purple costume and shoots arrows for a living.", Ken Hale remarked, seemingly unfazed by Clint's gorilla puns.

"Sorry, old friend. Clint is very impatient when it comes to these matters. He really means no offense, I assure you, Mr. Hale.", Black Panther interjected, hoping to stop any argument that may happen between Hawkeye and Gorilla-Man.

"Yeah, I know. It's just that those kind of remarks get old after hearing them for so many years. That was one thing I liked about your father T'Chaka. He was a serious man, but he had a good sense of humor. But he always knew to avoid any gorilla or monkey puns... unlike some people I can mention.", Ken Hale replied, dropping down to his quadruped stance once again.

"I guess Mr. Bananas can't take a joke.", Hawkeye whispered to T'Challa as they continued following Ken Hale through the vast jungles of Wakanda.

"I wouldn't make Hale angry, Clint.", Black Panther whispered back in response.

"Why? It's not like he's the Hulk or anything.", Hawkeye remarked in a cocky tone.

"No, but I did see him rip a male lion's head off with his bare hands while it was still alive.", T'Challa informed, noticing the fact that Clint's eyes widened briefly.

"Okay... that's scary and impressive.", Hawkeye muttered to himself.

The three heroes went on with their journey, neither of them willing to break the silence that seemed to envelope the jungles around them. Suddenly, Hale raised his right hand, stopping both Hawkeye and Black Panther instantly. Quietly, Hawkeye and Black Panther approached their guide as he signaled them to come over, remaining as stealthy and quiet as humanly possible in their surroundings.

When they crouched down beside Ken Hale, their eyes soon fell upon something not too far away in the distance. It was a HYDRA base right in the middle of the jungles of Wakanda, but what could they be possibly doing all the way out here? Could it be that they were mining some Vibranium deposits that were located near the area? But if that was so, why wasn't there any equipment or any digging construction going on?

It could only mean that these HYDRA troops had something else planned, and judging from all the activity that was going on, it was sure to be something big in scale. That information alone was more than enough confirmation for Hawkeye, Black Panther, and Gorilla-Man to proceed with their plan and take down these HYDRA forces before they could accomplish whatever diabolical plans they had in stored for the world. It was time to take action, and fortunately for Hawkeye and Black Panther, Ken Hale was an expert military strategist and in hand-to-hand combat.

There was many advantages to having an experienced adventurer/soldier/immortal gorilla on your side when coming into conflict with the likes of HYDRA or any other villainous organization for that matter. Bringing his comrades close, Ken Hale began formulating a plan of where it would be best to attack the HYDRA troops and their soldiers, for Hale knew that they would need to take them all down as quickly and unexpectedly as possible. If there was one thing that he learned as a soldier, it was to strike your enemy when they least expected and not to relent until they were either defeated/destroyed or if they would surrender.

"T'Challa, you take those mass of troops on the left. Barton, you take out the mass of troops on the right. And I'll go in the middle and take out the remaining soldiers. Do you understand what has to be done, men?", Gorilla-Man explained, gaining a nod of confirmation from both Hawkeye and Black Panther.

"Couldn't agree with you more, Hale.", Hawkeye whispered in response, readying his bow and arrow for the task that was put before them.

"Then let us take out this intruders.", Black Panther remarked, getting his Vibranium crafted weapons poised and ready within his hands.

"Alright. Good luck, men.", Ken Hale whispered to his fellow teammates.

Without any further conversation, the three heroes made their ways towards the HYDRA forces, getting into their positions and readying themselves for the surprise attack on the HYDRA soldiers. Hawkeye was the first to strike, launching arrows with his bow at the HYDRA soldiers, the arrows exploding upon impact and sending HYDRA soldiers soaring through the air! Black Panther was quick to follow, taking out HYDRA soldiers with his explosive vibranium shards or taking them out with his savage blows delivered by his incredibly fast fists, which seemed impossibly quick for any normal human to achieve! Gorilla-Man was the last to attack, mowing down HYDRA soldiers with his machine gun or quickly and violently dispatching them with his machete or with the devastatingly powerful blows of his massive fists!

The HYDRA soldiers and troops barely stood a chance against the three warriors, despite their numerous numbers, which proved to be a disadvantage in this conflict. It would only be a matter of time before the combined force of T'Challa, Clint Barton, and Ken Hale would be too much even for their superior numbers, but alas none of them could predict what The Leader truly had planned for the world! Soon, the world itself would forever be changed in a way that was thought impossible, for not even the Avengers could stop The Leader's conquest!

Washington, D.C.

The Leader's Helicarrier

Captain America was having a tough time with his arch-nemesis Baron Zemo, for the villain was proving himself to be an equal match for the Super Soldier, and it appeared that Zemo was more determined than ever to destroy his most hated foe! Their battle was as vicious as any other battle that the two ever engaged in, perhaps even more so as Zemo's sword slashed against Captain America's shield, the sound echoing off the steel rafters high above them within the massive Helicarrier.

Again and Again, Zemo slashed at Captain America with his sword, each time striking the seemingly indestructible shield that the patriotic American warrior carried with him. Zemo was getting frustrated, which wasn't a good thing because that meant he was only going to become more dangerous and determined in his pursuit to maim his enemy. Sickening as the thought was, Zemo took great pleasure in imagining Captain America's bloody corpse laying on the steel floors of the Helicarrier, his deadly blade impaled in Steve Rogers' chest.

"Why are you here, Zemo? What deal did you make with The Leader?", Captain America demanded, continuing to fight Zemo as he blocked several punches.

"Simple really, Captain. The Leader promised to give me a share of the world once he conquers it. As for destroying you... that was just a bonus!", Baron Zemo snarled in response, lashing out with quick jabs of his lethal sword.

"Do you honestly think The Leader is going to allow anyone else other than himself to rule the world, Zemo? He's just using you as another ploy to succeed in his own plans!", Captain America challenged, blocking the lunges of Zemo's sword with his shield.

"It doesn't matter, because killing you is more than worth making the deal itself!", Baron Zemo snarled, connecting with a brutal lunge of his sword, slashing a large gash in Captain America's right arm.

Even as crimson liquid slowly spilled out of the wound, Captain America glared defiantly at Baron Zemo, not backing down an inch to the villain. Zemo lunged again with his sword, but Captain America was quick to block the blade with his shield before delivering a solid punch to Zemo's masked face, staggering the villain! Captain America didn't stop there, instead he continued to attack his nemesis, striking Baron Zemo with vicious blows that sent the dangerous villain staggering backwards even more.

Temporarily dropping to his knees, Zemo glared at Captain America, pure hatred and rage entering his soul as his sights set upon the American patriot. Releasing a savage snarl of rage, Baron Zemo lunged at Captain America, only for the hero to strike the villain with a devastatingly powerful uppercut of his shield! Zemo was sent flying backwards, rolling across the metal floors of the Helicarrier, finally coming to a stop against a solid steel wall.

"You can't win, Zemo! The others will stop The Leader, even if I'm not there to help them!", Captain America informed the temporarily downed villain.

"Hah! A fool you are, Captain! Do you honestly think that I am just here to stop you? Did you really think that I've come alone? Your friends have their own problems, for each one of your friends will have to deal with a member of my Masters of Evil!", Baron Zemo informed in a sinister tone.

Captain America's eyes widened briefly for a moment, realizing that this was all a set-up that The Leader had planned for them, which meant that his fellow Avengers were also in danger! However, there was nothing that Steve Rogers could do to help his fellow teammates, for as long as Zemo remained conscious, the villain would not stop until Captain America's blood would cover the steel walls of the Helicarrier. It only proved his theory that The Leader was a very intelligent and dangerous individual, for who else could have planned such a complicated scheme? As the Hulk said earlier, nothing was easy when The Leader is involved, and right now, Captain America couldn't agree more on that statement from the Green Goliath.

"As for you, Captain... you will have to deal with me, for I have only begun to fight!", Baron Zemo added, quickly rising to his feet and lunging at Captain America.

"If that's what you want, then that's what you'll get! Let's finish this, Zemo!", Captain America responded, challenging his deadly enemy once again.

Baron Zemo was the first to connect with a barrage of savage punches with his left fist, staggering Captain America back as the hero quickly went on the defensive. Zemo lunged at Captain America with his sword, but the Super Soldier blocked the blade with his shield, unknowingly leaving himself open for an attack. Taking advantage, Baron Zemo delivered a powerful kick to America's abdomen before following up with a vicious left fist uppercut that sends the leader of the Avengers down to the cold steel flooring of the Helicarrier with a impacted crash.

Just as Zemo raised his sword and prepared to strike, Captain America sweeped the villain's legs out from under him, sending Baron Zemo crashing to the steel flooring. Captain America quickly got to his feet just as Baron Zemo regained his stance, their eyes locked on one another, as these two old enemies continued their violent confrontation. However, their battle wasn't the only one that was being waged within the massive Helicarrier, for their conflict was just one of many that was taking place at this very moment!

The massive battle ax of the Executioner's met Thor's mystical hammer Mjolnir, their sheer impact upon one another shaking the very rafters high above and the metal flooring of the Hellicarrier itself! The Executioner's massive battle ax collided with Thor's mystical uru hammer Mjolnir once again, the impact of their weapons creating sparks as the powerful collision shook the very surroundings. Thor and Skurge pushed against one another, testing their strength against each other, but seemingly neither of the two Asgardian warriors were gaining an advantage.

It was rare that any being, whether they would be mortal or immortal, could match Thor in a test of pure physical strength. Skurge the Executioner was one of those few who could match the Thunder God, for the Frost-Giant/Skornheimian hybrid was much more physically powerful and durable than any normal Asgardian. Born in Jotunheim, Skurge eventually became a powerful warrior, earning the title of Executioner after fighting a war against the savage Storm-Giants.

One could only guess how such a powerful warrior such as Skurge ended up becoming the loyal bodyguard to Amora the Enchantress, but one may take a guess and say that he has romantic feelings regarding the beautiful blond haired Asgardian goddess. It could also be that Amora seen great potential and strength with the savage warrior that is Skurge the Executioner, which would make him the perfect choice as her loyal guardian. Regardless of why he had chosen this path, Skurge has forever remained a powerful and brutal warrior, one who is more than capable of challenging the mighty Thor in combat!

Skurge lashed out with a violent strike, smashing his skull against Thor's, the sickening and quite devastating impact of bone smashing against bone echoing throughout the rafters of the Helicarrier as the Thunder God staggered back as a shout of pain escaped his throat. Before Thor could even react, the Executioner swung his massive battle ax, striking Thor in the sternum and sending him smashing through several steel walls! Slowly, the Executioner stalked menacingly forward, deadly intent evident in his dark brown eyes as he held his massive double bladed battle ax tightly in his hands.

With a warrior's battle cry, Thor charges out of the darkness, swinging his mighty uru hammer Mjolnir! The hammer connected with a savage blow to Skurge's chest, causing the Asgardian brute to drop down to one knee, only for Thor to deliver another powerful blow to the skull of the Executioner! The devastating impact of the blow sends the Executioner soaring back, smashing through several metal walls before coming to a complete stop.

Thor has no intentions of allowing an enemy as powerful as the Executioner to regain his footing, quickly launching himself at Skurge, his mystical hammer Mjolnir raised to deliver the final devastating strike! However, the Executioner would not be so easily defeated, as he summoned the battle ax's power, engulfing the deadly weapon in flame before lashing out with a powerful swing of the massive weapon! The battle ax collides against Thor's form, the immense force of the fiery blow sending the Thunder God soaring back, his body crashing to the metal flooring as he ripped through it.

Thor never expected the devastating strike as he smashed against the far off metal wall, seemingly unaware of the fact that the Executioner was running at him at full speed, his massive battle ax empowered with flames and ready to strike the killing blow! At the last second, Thor manages to avoid being decapitated by the Executioner's double bladed battle ax, noticing that the weapon became temporarily lodged in the steel wall. Quickly lashing out, Thor strikes Skurge with Mjolnir, sending the behemoth of a man hurtling back from the incredible force. Thor approached his powerful enemy, stopping just short of a hundred feet from where Skurge temporarily rested, who's dark brown eyes glared defiance and hatred at the blond haired Thunder God.

"Do you yield, Skurge?", Thor demanded.

There was no answer, only silence from the Executioner, who continued to glare at the mighty Thor with a look of pure savage hatred. It was then that Thor knew that Skurge would not back down nor admit defeat to anyone, meaning that this conflict would only end if one of them were to perish or be knocked unconscious. Needless to say, it was going to be a long and very brutal battle, for these two warriors were evenly matched, but both knew that only one would triumph!

"Very well, Executioner. This ends now!", Thor bellowed, raising Mjolnir and charging towards Skurge.

Once again, Thor's hammer collided with the Executioner's ax, the sheer force of their impact causing the metal flooring of the Helicarrier to tremble! While Thor and the Executioner continued their savage battle, Wasp was dealing with an equally aggressive Enchantress! The Asgardian sorceress was always aggressive, but in this case, Amora seemed more determined and deadly than ever before. But the question is, what could cause Amora to become even more aggressive? Could it be that she was still angry that Thor spurned her affections? Whatever the reason may be, it was apparent that Amora was now more deadly than ever before.

Still, this did not deter Wasp, who was proving to be too quick for Amora's mystical bolts of green-yellow energy that she launched from her hands. Janet kept herself on the move, flying circles around the Enchantress, firing tiny golden blasts of bio-electric energy as she continued her attack. Normally, Janet's small blasts still had enough punch to break through concrete, but against beings with great superhuman durability, they were little more than irritating, which is something that Amora could agree with.

"Missed! Missed me again! Ohhh, so close!", Wasp mocked, dodging three bolts of mystical energy that Enchantress launched at her.

"GRRAAAH! Insolent little insect!", Enchantress hissed, firing another bolt of mystical energy at Wasp.

"What's the matter? Too quick for ya?", Wasp taunted, firing several stinging blasts of bio-electric energy at Enchantress, causing the Asgardian goddess to hiss in pain and annoyance.

"You can't avoid my blasts forever, insect! Once I get my hands on you... you'll know the meaning of pain, mortal!", Enchantress hissed in response to Janet's taunting.

"You think my blasts hurt? Consider yourself lucky that Sheena is with Hulk, because if she was here, she'd kick your butt all over this place! Trust me on that one, because I've seen her in action. She can hold her own against the Hulk, so imagine what she could do to someone like you. I mean, you can't even keep up with me!", Wasp informed, enjoying herself in tormenting the short tempered Asgardian sorceress.

"You put so much of your faith in monsters like the Hulk and in the foolish female Shego that loves him? Hah! You mortals truly are pathetic!", Enchantress laughed in amusement, firing another green-yellow blast of energy at Janet.

Avoiding the blast of energy, Janet couldn't help but feel the rage bubble and boil inside her, for the Enchantress' insult towards her friends really hit a nerve that sent a spike of anger coursing through her being. She considered Hulk to be one of her closest friends, and Shego to be like a sister to her, but to hear some villainess like the Enchantress insult her closest friends was more than enough reason for Janet to go on the defensive. Nobody talked that way about her best friends and family... not if she has anything to say about it!

"First things first; Hulk is not a monster and neither is Sheena. Secondly; I will always have faith in my friends, because I love them as if they were my own family and I know that they feel the same way about me. And last but not least... Nobody messes with or insults my friends!", Wasp shouted in defiance, firing a barrage of stinging blasts of energy at Enchantress.

The stinging yellow blasts of bio-electric energy struck the Enchantress, causing her to hiss in pain as she powered up her hands with bolts of magical energy, ready to combat her tiny enemy. Janet knew that she was going to have to avoid Amora's blasts, for she knew that if she was going to have any hopes of defeating the Asgardian sorceress, she was going to have to play keep away until she could finally deliver the knockout blast. However, that doesn't mean that it was going to be easy, for the Enchantress was more durable than she appeared and was more than capable of taking anything that Janet could throw at her!

Wasp dived at the Enchantress, firing more blasts of energy at the Asgardian goddess, successfully staggering the blond haired villainess. Seeing that her attacks were working, Wasp moved in for another strike, avoiding the blasts of mystical energy from the Enchantress as she flew straight at the villainess. When she was close enough, Wasp unleashed a full powered blast of bio-electric energy from her hands, the force of the blast slamming into the Enchantress' face with devastating impact!

The impact is more than enough to knock the Asgardian sorceress off her feet, sending her rolling along the metal flooring of the Helicarrier. Amora slowly rose to her feet, massaging the area on her face that the blast connected with her hands, trying to sooth the pain that ached through her skull. She could feel her blood boil with rage as her green eyes fell upon the object of her anger.

"Ain't so tough now, are you?", Wasp mocked as she hovered in front of the villainess, earning a savage glare from the Enchantress.

It was right then, before Wasp and the Enchantress could continue their battle, that the very Helicarrier itself shook with a violent quake! It was soon followed by a very familiar savage roar of rage, which could only belong to the Hulk! Somehow, Janet wasn't surprised in the fact that Hulk was in combat, for it seemed like that wherever there was conflict, Hulk was always there to smash and destroy! Janet could only hope that Hulk and Shego were safe, and that they had things under control for the time being.

The confrontation between Hulk and Abomination was becoming one of the most violent and brutal battles that the two gamma behemoths have ever fought! It was no secret that Hulk and Abomination shared nothing but animosity and extreme hatred of one another, even to the point that they would beat one another within an inch of their lives! However, each battle that was fought between the two gamma behemoths would usually end with the Hulk as the victor, for not even the Abomination could withstand the Hulk's savage ferocity and limitless power!

Regardless, the two savage giants would always lash out violently against one another, hoping to inflict severe damage to one another... to shatter and break bone... and to rip and tear at one anothers flesh! Smashing and ripping through steel as if it were mere paper, Hulk and Abomination bashed each other relentlessly, their conflict even taking them through the roof of the Helicarrier only to continue their battle atop the massive flying machine itself! Shego could only watch on and wait for the two gamma gargantuas to return, and needless to say, her wait wasn't a long one.

The winds whipped at Hulk and Abomination as they continued to exchange blows, cracking bone and drawing blood as each devastating strike landed with equally devastating impact! However, Hulk soon gained the upper hand, delivering a powerful uppercut that sent the Abomination soaring back, landing near the very self made entrance that the two giants exploded from. Before the Abomination could even react, Hulk leaped high into the air, smashing his fists and his mass into Abomination, driving them both down through several metal infused levels of the Helicarrier.

Shego barely moved out of the way in time as Hulk and Abomination smashed into the steel flooring of the massive room, the incredible force alone shattering the steel and sending shockwaves throughout the entire Helicarrier as it quaked violently as it soared high in the darkened skies! The force of the shockwaves sent Shego crashing against the far side of a steel wall, nearly knocking the breath right out of her lungs! She opened her eyes as she slowly got to her feet, knowing that she was going to be really sore and grumpy after this mission was all said and done.

Her eyes traveled over the vast gigantic room, falling upon Hulk as he continued to viciously batter the Abomination with his massive fists, not even bothering to relent upon inflicting damage to his nemesis. For a moment, Shego's eyes locked onto the Hulk's own, temporarily drawing his attention away from the Abomination. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction caused by Shego, Abomination delivered a powerful violent right punch to Hulk's face, sending him smashing back onto the steel flooring.

Abomination lunged at his nemesis, only to have Hulk kick out with his powerful legs, the immense force of the impact sending Abomination smashing through the steel walls of the Helicarrier. Rising to his feet, Hulk returned his gaze towards Shego as she stood less than a hundred feet from him, her form completely still as she refused to break eye contact with him. Hulk had to make sure that she would leave the room, because he didn't want anything to happen to her, for she meant everything to him!

"Shego, I told you to go! You've got to stop The Leader! Take out the controls! I've got unfinished business with Blonsky! I'll stop him and anyone else that tries to stop you!", Hulk shouted, his voice angry despite the concern for her safety that was held within his eyes.

"I can't just leave you, Hulk! I just can't!", Shego protested, her emerald hued eyes locked onto Hulk's own green orbs.

She didn't want to leave Hulk to face the dangers alone, for she would never live with herself if something were to happen to him. Shego knew that if something would happen... if she would lose Hulk... if Hulk would die... she couldn't go on living! He was her everything... her closest and most cherished friend... and most of all, the man she had come to love more than anyone or anything in the entire universe. She was determined to make sure that nothing would happen to him, even though she didn't realize that Hulk was just as determined that she would be safe as well.

"You have to, Shego! Now go!", Hulk ordered.

Before anything else could be said, Hulk was speared by the Abomination, causing the two gamma titans to resume their brutal battle. The Abomination slashes at Hulk with his long sharp claws, drawing green blood from his foe before resuming to violently pummel the Hulk with his fists, smashing him deeper and deeper into the steel flooring with each powerful blow. Hulk fought back, delivering powerful punches to Abomination's ribcage, trying to gain an advantage against his nemesis as they struggled against one another.

"Worry about yourself, monster!", Abomination snarled venomously, lifting and throwing Hulk across the gigantic room.

"Do you honestly think you can stop me?", Abomination roared, slowly approaching Hulk as he stood back up to his greatest height.

"Not stop you... SMASH YOU!", Hulk responded, leaping at Abomination and smashing him through the metal flooring of the Helicarrier.

Shego made one last quick glance at Hulk before sprinting off, planning on stopping The Leader and saving the Hulk, not to mention her other teammates. It wasn't that she didn't think Hulk couldn't take care of himself, for she knew that when Hulk got angry enough, there was no force on the entire planet that could stop him! It was her faith in him as well as his faith in her that seemed to give Shego the confidence that she needed, which even now gave her the energy needed to run at full speed through the massive halls and rooms of the Helicarrier.

Shego came to a stop once she noticed a familiar figure that stood in the shadows, as if this person was just awaiting her very arrival onto the scene. Standing before her was a man, wearing a dark purple hooded cape, his clothing from his footwear to his chestwear was either black or silver in color. What stood out most was neither his dark purple hooded cape nor his clothing attire, but the long gleaming scythe that was attached to his right arm. Shego instantly recognized the villain, for he could only be HYDRA's most deadly and lethal agent, The Grim Reaper!

Shego read the files on Eric Williams/Grim Reaper when she was studying the Avengers and their rogue gallery, and it was then that she first discovered the Grim Reaper, knowing full well that he was as deadly as his namesake suggested. She knew right then that she was going to be in for a very tough fight, because of what information she had gathered regarding the Grim Reaper, she knew that his fighting skills rivaled those of Captain America, The Black Panther, and herself! She would have to keep her guard up and give it her all if she planned on defeating the deadly agent of HYDRA!

"Well, now isn't this a pleasant surprise.", The Grim Reaper said in a low yet menacing tone of voice.

"Get lost, creep!", Shego hissed, igniting her hands in emerald plasma.

"Now, is that any way for a lady to talk?", The Grim Reaper mock questioned, his voice remaining low and sinister.

"You should know, you dress like one!", Shego sneered in response, an evil smile gracing her features as she got into her fighting stance.

"Ah, defiant until the very end. How amusing. A shame, really, you had so much potential, Shego.", The Grim Reaper remarked.

"Sorry, I'm done working for villains! Though I'm more than willing to kick your sorry rear-end all over this place! How does that sound?", Shego quipped in response.

"Very well, Shego. I'll make sure that your demise is swift and utterly painless!", The Grim Reaper snarled, lunging at Shego with his deadly scythe.

Shego quickly back-flipped away from Grim Reaper, barely avoiding his deadly scythe as it came within inches of slashing at her very flesh! The Reaper was quick to continue his attack, lashing out with his deadly scythe again and again, hoping to eviscerate Shego as quickly as humanly possible! The sickening grin on the villain's face made chills run down Shego's spine, for it was almost like the Grim Reaper was not only enjoying the challenge, but also seemingly relishing in the thought of dismembering and eviscerating her with that sinister scythe!

Shego made sure to avoid the slashing scythe of the Grim Reaper, knowing that even one slash from the sinister weapon could be fatal. It was a good thing that she had plenty experience as a fighter, and that her fights with Kimmie and her training with the likes of Captain America and the Black Panther were definitely paying off at this point of time, because otherwise she wouldn't last a minute against the Grim Reaper. Still, she had to be on her guard, for the Grim Reaper was proving to be an even match for her speed and agility.

Shego was unable to avoid a powerful kick to her sternum, the force of the blow sending her crashing back, rolling across the steel flooring before coming to a stop. The kick was much stronger than any kick she ever received from Kimmie, even during her fights with the redhead when she had that battle-suit! The air was temporarily knocked out of her lungs, but yet she managed to crawl back up to her hands and knees, her emerald hued eyes glancing up at the Grim Reaper as he quickly approached in a menacing fashion.

"Face it, Shego. You're out of your league!", The Grim Reaper snarled, delivering another powerful kick to Shego's ribcage, sending her rolling further away across the steel flooring.

"Not that you were ever a threat to me in the first place!", The Grim Reaper added, his tone mocking and arrogant.

Without warning, the Grim Reaper rushed forward, leaping into the air with his deadly scythe poised to deliver the killing strike! Shego could feel her blood boil with a savage and yet righteous rage, her hands igniting in green plasma as she quickly looked towards her deadly opponent as he leaped at her. With incredible speed, Shego launched a emerald bolt of concussive plasma from her hands, the missile striking the Grim Reaper square in the chest with immense force. The lethal HYDRA agent crashed back against a steel wall, the impact echoing throughout the Helicarrier, a painful groan of surprise escaping his throat. Even as the Grim Reaper slowly rose back up to his feet, Shego stood no less than fifty feet away, her hands still lit in emerald plasma as a confident smile graced her features. If this Grim Reaper wanted a fight, then it was a fight that he would get, because Shego wasn't backing down to anyone!

"Underestimating me was the worst mistake you've ever made, Reaper. Want some advice? Give up!", Shego remarked, her tone both taunting and amused.

"Let me think about that. How about... I take your life instead!", The Grim Reaper retorted, his icy glare falling upon the pale green skinned woman.

"If that's what you want, Reaper. Just don't complain if you end up as a smoldering pile of ash!", Shego replied, remaining in her fighting stance.

"You're threats don't intimidate me, Shego! As for underestimating you, I assure you, that won't happen again! Because after I'm done with you, Shego, you'll be nothing more than a disemboweled corpse!", The Grim Reaper responded, lunging at Shego once again.

Shego and the Grim Reaper exchanged blows, blocking and countering as they struck at one another, hoping to inflict as much damage as possible! It was going to be a long and grueling fight, for these two were very evenly matched in both speed and agility, as well as stamina and endurance. One thing was certain, and that was that only one of them was going to come out of this fight as the winner, for much was at stake!

Even now, Iron Man was fighting for his life against the Crimson Dynamo, while Giant-Man wrestled against his more imposing foe known as Wonder Man. Iron Man avoided missiles that the Crimson Dynamo launched at him, blasting the missiles with repulser blasts from the palms of his hands whenever they would get too close for comfort, which caused them to explode before they could connect. However, Iron Man couldn't avoid them all, as two of the missiles exploded against the spine of his armor, the force of the blasts sending Tony crashing to the metal flooring of the Helicarrier with a sickening crash!

With his enemy down, the Crimson Dynamo approached his fallen foe, hoping to slowly crush the life out of his most hated nemesis! Raising his massive red gauntlet fists, the Crimson Dynamo brought them down with all of his armor's devastating force and might! However, before the the crushing blow could be delivered, Iron Man quickly rolled out of the way, powering up his unibeam as he rose to his feet.

It was now a fist fight between the two armored juggernauts, with Tony dodging the Dynamo's violent strikes, allowing himself to go in quick and deliver a barrage of strikes with his own iron fists! Tony knew that he couldn't win in a straight out fist fight with Anton Vanko, for his armored suit was not only more durable but was also capable of easily overpowering his own suit of armor with relative ease. The fight between Iron Man and Crimson Dynamo was quite literally a battle which placed speed and agility against brute strength and formidable durability, meaning that Tony had to come up with some clever tactics that would allow him to overcome the Crimson Dynamo.

"You can't dodge me forever, Stark! Sooner or later, I will take pleasure in crushing your skull within my very hands!", Crimson Dynamo snarled, ripping his red right metallic fist from the steel wall.

"You seriously need to let go of the past, Vanko! Have you ever considered getting a girlfriend, starting a hobby of some kind... one that doesn't involve trying to kill me?", Iron Man remarked, just barely avoiding a powerful strike from Dynamo's right fist.

"Okay... I guess not.", Iron Man muttered to himself, continuing his battle with the Crimson Dynamo.

Hank wasn't fairing any better against Wonder Man, for it seemed like Simon Williams was more aggressive than usual, as if his only intent was destroying the Avengers to regain his humanity! Hank was constantly on the defensive, shrinking down in size to avoid Simon's purple blasts of ionic energy, and changing back to Giant-Man in order to avoid being crushed under foot! The two towering twenty-five foot titans struggled against one another, trading violent blows again and again, but even then it was evident that Wonder Man had the advantage in terms of raw power and immense physical strength!

Using Wonder Man's momentum against him, Giant-Man manages to judo-flip his powerful adversary, slamming his massive form through the steel flooring of the Helicarrier. Hank looks down at his opponent, feeling neither hate nor rage, but instead only pity for the being that was once Simon Williams. There had to be a way to reason with Simon, but could it actually be done? It wasn't going to be easy, but Hank knew that he had to at least try, if only to survive his confrontation with the ionic based titan.

"Simon, listen to me! You don't have to do this!", Hank pleaded, activating his Pym Particles and thus returning to his normal six foot stature.

"No, you don't understand! I have no choice! The Enchantress' magic is the only thing keeping me alive! She's the only one who can return my humanity! As long as she holds the key to my existence, I'll do whatever it takes... and nothing will stop me!", Wonder Man shouted with rage, his crimson red eyes glowing with ionic power as he returned to his normal height.

"Fine, I can understand what you're getting at, Simon. But ask yourself this: While you can live with destroying us is one thing, but can you live with yourself if you help cause the death of millions or possibly billions of innocent people all across the globe?", Hank questioned, his tone utterly sincere.

This seemed to make Simon stop and think for a few minutes, allowing his clenched fists to rest at his sides while his red eyes closed tightly shut. Simon wasn't like the other villainous members of the Masters of Evil, for he had no desire to conquer the world or endanger the lives of innocent people. All he wanted was to be human again, to rid himself of his ionic energy based form and be able to live his life as a normal human being. There was times that Simon wished that he would have never went to his brother Eric Williams/Grim Reaper and A.I.M. for revenge against Tony Stark. If he wouldn't have done so in the first place, Simon could have avoided all of this, which made his regrets all the more painful. While Wonder Man stood deep in thought, he was seemingly unaware of the fighting that was still taking place between Iron Man and Crimson Dynamo.

Finally, Iron Man's unibeam was fully charged and ready to release its powerful energies, and it couldn't have come at a better time! Without so much as a warning, Iron Man unleashed the full destructive fury of his unibeam, the energy slamming into the Crimson Dynamo who was sent soaring back from the concussive force of azure energy! Crimson Dynamo smashes straight against the seemingly oblivious Wonder Man, Iron Man's unibeam blast driving them further back as they ripped through several steel walls before coming to a complete halt!

"Hank! You go stop the countdown sequence to the gamma bombs! I'll hold them off here!", Iron Man shouted, taking a fighting stance on the steel flooring.

"What? Tony, you can't possibly take on them both!", Hank responded.

"It doesn't matter! You have to stop that countdown! We don't have much time left! Now, I'm not asking you, I'm ordering you! GO!", Tony ordered in a commanding tone, preparing himself for confrontation with both Wonder Man and the Crimson Dynamo once they returned.

Hank didn't argue, taking off down through the dark hallways of the Helicarrier, knowing that the world was now depending on him. He was running as fast as his legs could propel him, knowing that time was of the essence, for it was less an hour before the gamma bombs would detonate! Hank wasn't about to let millions or even billions of people die because him and the Avengers failed... not by a long shot! Finally, Hank entered a large control room, but to his surprise there wasn't anyone or anything else within the room! It could be a trap, or it could be that The Leader had left his post, but right now Hank didn't care! The Leader's conquest of the world had to be stopped, for the fate of all mankind rested on not only his shoulders, but also on all of the shoulders of his fellow Avengers teammates!

Approaching the controls, Hank began furiously typing away at the keyboard, getting past the security main-frame of the countdown sequence. Hank continued typing as his eyes darted from the large screen to the controls, his attempts to shut down the countdown sequence getting closer and closer until... the clock finally ceased the countdown. Releasing a heavy sigh of relief, Hank let his guard down for only a moment, which was all that was needed! Without warning, metallic restraints ensnared Hank's arms, legs, and body which left him utterly helpless and unable to break free! Struggling with all of his might, Hank couldn't break free from his metal restraints nor could he activate his Pym Particles to change his size! Something was not right, and his suspicion was only further proven right when the image on large screen changed, revealing none other than the psychotic gamma madman known as The Leader.

"Ah, Dr. Pym, I presume. So glad you could be here to witness my conquest of this world.", The Leader greeted, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"What are you talking about, Sterns? I've deactivated the controls that are responsible for the gamma bombs! It's only a matter of time before the others find you and stop you!", Hank Pym shouted in defiance, still struggling against his restraints.

It was after Hank's defiant outburst that The Leader began laughing, a sick twisted sort of laughter that could send a shiver down the spine of even the most bravest of men. Whatever the egotistical gamma villain was laughing about, it was more than enough to unnerve Hank Pym, while at the same time it seemed to allow a growing sense of fear to enter the scientist's mind and heart. It was only after The Leader ceased his laughing did he return his gaze back to the screen and to the restrained form of Hank Pym.

"You ignorant, imbecilic, arrogant fool! There never was any gamma bombs!", The Leader responded, a sinister smile gracing his features.

"What? W-What do you mean?", Hank Pym questioned, utterly struck with confusion.

"Do you honestly think I'm that predictable, Dr. Pym? No, my true plan has yet to begin! As for your teammates... there is nothing they can do nor is there anything that my nemesis can do... nothing can stop me! You see Dr. Pym, I've learned much since our last encounter. While my gamma dome was brilliant for its time, I now realize that I didn't strike quick enough! The gamma mutants, while I was able to control them, lacked the power and savage ferocity, immense strength, and overall power that is found within the Hulk and Abomination. My plan, Dr. Pym, is to strike all at once, without warning and not allowing my enemies a chance to halt my plans.", The Leader informed, the sinister smile still firmly etched across his features.

Hank Pym could only stare in disbelief at what the villain said, mentally cursing himself for not seeing the true intentions of The Leader's real plan. Just like the Hulk said earlier, nothing was easy when The Leader was involved, and right now Pym couldn't agree more with his fellow teammate and ally. But what diabolical plan did The Leader have for the entire world? What could it possibly be?

"Since you are of no threat to me, I might as well explain my plan further to you, so that you can better understand what is about to happen. Over every continent in the world, a satellite is positioned in space, ready to unleash a combined blast of both cosmic and gamma energy, which will wash over all the landmasses of this planet. The combined gamma and cosmic energies will transform every human being into powerful, uncontrollable, savage, Hulk-Out monstrosities! I'm betting that your simple mind can't understand why I would transform all of humanity into uncontrollable monsters, am I right? Well, Dr. Pym, allow me to put it into words so that you can better understand the brilliance of my plan.", The Leader explained, relishing in amusement at how powerless the world and his enemies were to stop him.

"These Hulked-Out monstrosities of humanity will litterally tear your cities, your world, everything apart until nothing is left standing! Then, when the time is right, I will change humanity back to their pathetic and weak forms. The humans of the world will have no one to lead them, no homes to shelter them, no resources to allow them to survive, nothing! They will be desperate for someone to lead them, to give them what they want, and that is where I will claim this world along with my allies! I will rebuild the world in my own image, where I will be the undisputed ruler, and where all of humanity will bow down before me, for I will become their Leader! Those who would dare oppose me will have to deal with my fellow companions and allies, known as HYDRA and A.I.M., who will also be under my control once I seize power!", The Leader declared, explaining his ultimate plan to the captured scientist.

Hank Pym couldn't believe it, that not only did The Leader ally himself with both HYDRA and A.I.M., but in the fact that he was actually going through his mad plan! It all made so much sense now, from the numerous confrontations with both HYDRA and A.I.M. forces, to the unexplained reasons why they appeared randomly to steal so many weapons, and everything else that he and his fellow teammates have been puzzling over for the past month! It was all just part of The Leader's insanely brilliant and sinister plan for complete planetary conquest!

"So... the Masters of Evil... the HYDRA and A.I.M. forces were nothing but...", Hank rambled in utter disbelief.

"Distractions, ploys, tools? Exactly!", The Leader finished smugly in response.

Not willing to be intimidated by any villain, Hank Pym stared defiantly at the image of the insane gamma villain, not breaking eye contact as his eyes burned with rage. Though he hated to admit it, but The Leader's plan was in fact not only ingenious in design, but also seemingly foolproof in every sense or angle. However, it was then that Hank thought about the power source, which could be the one major flaw in The Leader's ultimate plan, because where could he possibly gather enough cosmic power to combine with the gamma energy?

"There's only one problem with your plan, Sterns.", Hank remarked, taunting the gamma villain by addressing him with his former name.

"Oh, really? And what would that be, Dr. Pym?", The Leader questioned, his tone remaining utterly confident.

"While I'm sure you've got something to summon enough gamma energy, I doubt that you can find anything that can summon enough cosmic energy to combine with your gamma energy to complete the process. Looks like to me that your ultimate plan has hit a problem, Sterns.", Hank Pym informed, a slight smirk appearing across his features.

"That's where you are wrong, Dr. Pym. I have all the cosmic energy I need... right here!", The Leader responded, lifting a large glowing cube that he held within his hands.

"This, Dr. Pym, is an item that I would like to call the Cosmic Cube, but I'm sure you already know of it. It's potential for cosmic energy is practically limitless! As for my gamma radiation, I've created my own Gamma Conductors to fulfill their purpose!", The Leader announced, the screen going back to reveal the two towering energy conductors, which were somewhere within the very Helicarrier.

"Impossible! You're insane!", Hank Pym shouted, struggling against his restraints.

"You'll see things in a different light once I the rule the world, Dr. Pym. Now, I should warn you, the Hulked-Out transformation process is going to be really painful! Not that you or any of your other teammates will mind, once all of you become nothing more than a bunch of savage Hulks!", The Leader remarked, a sinister smile making its way onto his face.

"Farewell, Dr. Pym.", The Leader said before the screen went blank.

Walking away from the screen, The Leader placed the Cosmic Cube in its required holding which would allow it to unleash its cosmic energies into the machines, combining and infusing itself with the gamma energies. The Leader went about, pushing the required buttons and pulling the required levers, causing the machinery to come to life! Immense and immeasurable amounts of Cosmic and Gamma energy began to flow through the massive conductors, awaiting for their release!

"So now begins the catalyst that will ignite the flames that will burn the old world, thus allowing me to create a new world, a world which I shall rule! Let Operation: World War Hulks... begin!", The Leader shouted, pressing the final button which would bring about the cataclysm that would forever change the world!

To Be Continued...

Author's Notes

I told all of you that things would be epic in scale! I told you all that The Leader's plan would change the world! And it's far from being over! So... what did you readers think?

Now, to begin with, I must inform all of you readers that there is a HUGE difference between Gamma Mutants and Hulked-Out beings. If you recall the two part Gamma World episode of Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, it is stated by both Thor & Iron Man that the Gamma Mutants were far less powerful than either the Hulk or the Abomination. But Hulked-Out beings that were created by combining Gamma & Cosmic energy... that's a whole different story! Hulked-Out individuals are much more powerful, aggressive, and stronger, not to mention that they're even more difficult to take down if they were already strong to begin with... like for example Thor or the Executioner. Anyways, I bet very few of you readers could have guessed that I would use the Cosmic Cube in my story! I bet most of you never seen that coming, did ya? I love being unpredictable!

I really enjoyed creating The Leader's ultimate plan, which makes a lot sense if you think about it. Transforming all of the humanity into Hulked-Out versions of themselves, thus allowing these savage beings to literally tear apart everything, and when the time would be right, The Leader would reverse the transformation and rebuild the world in his own image! I mean, you got to admit that it's a truly insane and evil plan which fits someone as crafty and dangerous as The Leader. Who else would think of combining the cosmic energies from the Cosmic Cube with the gamma energies of the massive Gamma Conductors, while also using satellites to fire the combined energies that would wash across ever continent on the planet, turning everyone into Hulked-Out monstrosities!

As many of you have noticed, I've brought in a character from Marvel that I think most or at least some of you are familiar with. That being that I'm talking about is none other than Ken Hale/Gorilla-Man. What can I say, I enjoyed reading Agents of Atlas, and since Jimmy Woo has appeared as a SHIELD officer in several episodes, I figured I would bring in my favorite member of that team. I hope that was an interesting treat for you readers!

It's going to get pretty insane in the last chapters of my story. There'll be tons of action, suspense, drama, and god knows how many other treats that I have in stored for all of you faithful readers! Plus, in our next chapter, we're going to see Shego in a form unlike any form that you've ever seen her! Did I mention that there'll be a lot of smashing? Expect an emotional scene as well in the next chapter as well as the following one, for we are nearing the epic climax of this adventure!

Reviews and favorites are really appreciated, so be sure to drop some reviews, because it's what keeps me writing.