The weekend went by quickly for Kat and before she knew it she could leave the house wherever she wanted again, that didn't exactly guarantee that the patrols would be eventful though as Kat returned home from her latest patrol with Marco.
"See you tomorrow Marco." Kat said as she landed on the roof of the restaurant after kissing her boyfriend goodnight. "Hopefully the next patrol will be more interesting."
"I don't know, after you nearly got blown up in that high rise on Thursday and crashed into a wall on Friday I thought you'd welcome a patrol where the most excitement we got up to was saving a dog from being run over and the most danger you faced was said dog licking your face off." Marco responded with a grin and Kat shook her head with a laugh.
"In my defense, that was a Labrador puppy we rescued." Kat responded with a grin as she folded her arms. "Those things tongues will get you everywhere if you give them a chance."
"Why does it sound like your speaking from personal experience and not in a way that doesn't suggest…." Marco never finished his sentence as he heard shouting from the storefront. "Don't tell me that's more thugs?"
"Well, at least today's patrol won't be totally boring." Kat sighed as she put her mask back on and flew over to the storefront for a better look. "Worse than that, protestors."
"Anti-Mutant or anti-immigration?" Marco asked, and Kat frowned knowing that both options were possible before she got a look at one of their signs and recognized the leader.
"Bit of both, remember when those protestors tried to disrupt a dinner service because I was working on the line that day?" Kat asked as she turned to Marco. "Same group, they must've figured that they could get away with it now that mom doesn't have to rely on my help on the line."
"And if we let them continue it's only a matter of time before they start throwing rocks." Marco sighed in annoyance before hopping on his glider. "Main difference? This time you have me as back-up!"
"That's what I like to hear." Kat responded before she hopped down behind the protestors and Marco joined her. "Seriously, didn't you idiots get the message last time you tried this shit?" Kat called out and the shouts stopped as the protestors turned around to see the two mutants behind them. "Or do I need to kick your leader in the balls again to get the message across?"
"Get out of here, mutant scum!" One of the protestors shouted at Kat and her eyes narrowed. "You don't belong here!"
"I live here so yeah, I belong here!" Kat snapped at him as her eyes narrowed. "I'm only going to say this once, I've had a rough couple of weeks so if you start throwing rocks at my mom again, well, let's just say that it won't just be your leader who needs to go to the hospital." Kat added as she marched over to the group with her arms crossed. "So, I'm just going to repeat my parting words from last time, leave, now!"
"We have a right to protest!" The leader's voice responded as he pushed through the crowd and Kat's eyes narrowed once she recognized him. "And we won't be silenced by your intimidation tactics! What good have you done for the city exactly?!"
"Err, lets see, saved five kids from a burning high rise, helped capture a dangerous Super Criminal, not to mention all the regular crimes I've been busting whilst you have been sitting around gorging on snacks." Kat responded as locked eyes with the leader. "You know this isn't going to end well for you idiots so I'm going to say it again, leave, now, before I lose my temper!"
"There's only one person who this isn't going to end well for that's you!" The leader responded before motioning to the other protestors. "We didn't bring rocks to attack your shithole of a restaurant this time! Why don't you show her boys?" The leader added and the much to Kat and Marco's surprise and shock the protestors dropped their signs and pulled out automatic weapons. "Frankly, we don't care who gets hurt, anything to drive the mutant scum out of this city is fine by…" The leader never finished his sentence as Kat flew straight at him and clocked him in the jaw sending him flying into the restaurant and knocking him out in one hit.
"I tried to be reasonable with you idiots." Kat stated as she glared at the rest of the protestors. "But the moment you brought guns to a supposedly peaceful protest? You are lucky that my dad's working overtime at the NYPD." Kat added before one of the protestors went to open fire at her only to find out the hard way that the gun didn't have bullets in it. "They didn't even bring bullets? How dumb can these guys get?"
"If I where you, I'd listen to her." A new voice rang out and the protestors looked up and saw Captain America step out of the shadows with his arms crossed. "Unless off course, you want to deal with me alongside Dragon Girl and Mental Boy."
"We were just peacefully protesting when this mutie showed up…..." The first protestor responded, and Captain America shook his head.
"I'd hardly call bringing assault weapons to a "peaceful protest" peaceful." Captain America responded as his eyes narrowed. "Besides, she told me about what happened the last time your group protested this restaurant, difference is? She has me backing her up and I can easily call on any of my Avenger allies to assist us." Captain America added, and the protestors shared a look before running off, once they were done Captain America approached the two teens. "Anyone get hurt?"
"Aside from the leader who's currently counting sheep? No." Kat responded as she motioned to the unconscious leader who was currently being escorted out by two of the servers. "Thanks for backing me up, after they pulled those weapons I knew I had to act fast."
"Just because you're off the internship doesn't mean we don't look out for each other Katrina, and don't you forget it." Captain America assured her and Kat grinned. "That said, might need your help with something a lot more important than this, no disrespect to your family or your mother's restaurant of course."
"Had a feeling you weren't in the area by chance." Kat sighed as she turned to the older hero. "So, what's up?"
"What's up is that there's been rumblings of a massive breakout happening at The Raft and based on what I've heard, that could become a reality any day now." Captain America explained, and the two young heroes shared a look. "I wouldn't ask you if I didn't think you were ready and the way you saved those kids from the fire and captured The Vulture last week convinced me that maybe you are ready."
"This would go a long way to getting me back on the internship." Kat commented, and Captain America raised an eyebrow. "And any lives we can save along the way should be my priority off course." Kat quickly added, and Captain America nodded in approval. "So, you want our help rounding up the villains if they do break out?" Kat asked, and Captain America nodded at which point Kat frowned. "I'm still a little salty over being kicked off the internship but considering how dangerous most of the villains in The Raft are? How can I say no."
"Good to know." Captain America responded before handing them a piece of paper. "If you see anything on the news about the jailbreak meet me and several other heroes at this location and we'll take it from there."
"Will do." Kat responded before Captain America walked off and the leader was arrested by police. "What do you think Marco?"
"Some of the guys in the Raft have me worried, namely Rhino since he'll be gunning for us." Marco responded with a frown before sighing. "We'll talk about it tomorrow when we go on patrol, give us a night to sleep on it and all."
"Sounds good, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Kat responded, and Marco nodded before flying off on his glider, once Marco was done Kat ran into the restaurant to check on her mother.
*the next day*
The following day things were business as usual at the restaurant with Lin ordering the line cooks around to make sure that the food went out quickly to hungry costumers.
"Makes me glad that I don't have to do that anymore." Kat thought as she glanced at the kitchen whilst making her way through the front of house, she wasn't helping the servers that night but instead wanted to get out of the house and meet with Marco and as per usual she kept her wings covered with her trench coat. "Especially with my wings, don't know how I'd operate in the kitchen with these things whenever I had to use the ex…...I mean fan." Kat thought as she glanced at her wing. "Going to have to get shoulder pads for this thing, without it the wings are sticking up through it."
"In breaking news, there has been a massive breakout at The Raft prison facility." The news report came through and all the customers looked up alongside Kat, though Kat was the only one with a grin on her face. "Authorities are requesting that all residents stay indoors until the Superheroes have gathered up the Supervillains, for obvious reasons each and every Supervillain is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous."
"Even the Walrus? Pretty sure mom could kick his ass." Kat thought before glancing over at her mother, once Lin saw Kat glancing her way she nodded in understanding at which point Kat left the restaurant, entered her bedroom and started getting changed as quickly as she could into the Dragon Girl costume. "Hope Marco hasn't left the note Cap gave him." Kat thought as she put the Dragon Girl costume on. "No point in wearing my civilian clothes under it when I'll probably be spending the whole day in costume." Kat thought before she heard her ringtone and answered it. "Hello?"
"Hey Kat, guessing you saw the news?" Marco's voice rang out and Kat nodded. "Not that I didn't enjoy the eye candy but maybe draw the curtains next time?"
"What?" Kat asked before glancing over her shoulder and realizing that Marco was waving at her from across the road on a lower rooftop. "Had to get changed in a hurry, besides, given the circumstances I doubt I'll be swapping out the Dragon Girl costume today." Kat responded before putting her mask on, hanging up and flying over to Marco. "And let us never speak of that again."
"You don't hear me complaining." Marco shrugged before checking the coordinates Cap had given them yesterday. "Looks like we're meeting near Times Square, we'd better get a move on."
"Thank god for these wings." Kat responded with a grin as she started to take off. "Extract!" Kat ordered her wings and the wings spread out in an instant. "See you on the other side!" Kat added before taking off.
"Hey, at least let me get the glider out!" Marco called out to her before shaking his head and getting the glider out, powering it up and going after Kat.
*meanwhile in Woodstock*
With a population of 5,884 people Woodstock wasn't famous for many things outside of being associated with the famous festival but that was soon about to change.
"Okay, we should be getting more guys now that the Prison Break we've been hearing about has come to fruition." The bartender said to the gathered Super criminals at the Bar with No Name at Woodstock, New York who all nodded. "Blackout, any luck with Blue Streak!"
"More like Yellow Streak, tried to recruit him two days ago but the coward's worried that history will repeat itself." Blackout responded as he shook his head. "I think the only way we'll see any sign of him is if things gets a little too intense for him in New York, but I doubt it."
"Eh, forget him!" Daddy Long-Legs responded as he shook his head with a frown. "If he doesn't want to be hear than what business is it of ours?"
"Exactly!" Gypsy Moth responded with a grin as she leaned back. "Who needs a guy on Rollerblades anyway? They aren't any good at outrunning a bullet."
"Even so, there is something to be said for strength in numbers." The Eel responded before shaking his head. "If any other villains show up then we'll more than make up for his absence."
"I'm just hoping its that female Scourge I've heard about!" Joystick responded with a massive grin on her face. "I heard she's cute!"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Blackout demanded as he turned to the female Supervillain. "And how can you tell anyway? Scourge of the Underworld agents where masks!"
"I have my ways!" Joystick responded before a figure stepped into view. "Oh sweet! Another villain has joined us!"
"That's right! I am The Walrus!" The Walrus said as he stepped into view with a victory pose, ridiculous costume and all. "The Scourge of the Underworld stands no chance because I have the proportionate strength, speed and agility of a Walrus!"
In the past the Walrus had been met with laughter at the ridiculous statement, however this time the Supervillain was met with a stunned silence from the other villains, Daddy Long-Legs and Gypsy Moth where looking at each other as if to say, "did he just say that?", the Eel was banging his head against the bar repeatedly but what off Joystick and Blackout? "I'm out." Blackout said simply before marching straight for the door.
"Good luck with the Scourge guys, I'd rather take my chances in New York." Joystick added before rushing out the door after Blackout.
*a bit later in New York*
"Okay, so either a Superhero Costume Party is happening on that rooftop over there." Kat commented as the two teens approached the rooftop in question which the directions had taken them too. "Or this is the place?"
"Unless the guy in the Iron Man costume went all out, I'm willing to bet that this is the place." Marco responded, and sure enough Iron Man waved the two teens up once he saw them and they landed on the roof.
"Mental Boy, Dragon Girl, I'm glad you could make it." Captain America greeted them once he saw them and the two teens looked around to the heroes.
"Daredevil, Iron Man, Hawkeye, She-Hulk, even Thor?" Kat thought as she tried her best to keep her excitement down. "This is serious."
"Approximately two hours ago there was a power failure at The Raft which, as you all know, is a Supervillain holding facility." Captain America explained as the heroes turned to him. "The villains used this opportunity to escape and are terrorizing New York as we speak, rather than try to track them all down on our own I felt it would be best to coordinate our efforts."
"Uh huh, and who invited the kids exactly?" Hawkeye asked as he turned to Mental Boy and Dragon Girl with a skeptical look on his face. "I've seen what they can do on TV Cap, but they haven't handled anything on this scale before."
"I wouldn't have asked them if they weren't ready." Captain America responded as he turned to the two teens. "Besides, this isn't the first time they've dealt with Supervillains, right?"
"Err, well, our first battle was against Chemistro." Marco chimed in and Iron Man face-palmed in response. "Then we busted up a Dog Fighting ring run by The Walrus, Grizzly and the Gibbon, but they nearly escaped…"
"HOW?!" Hawkeye asked with a look of disbelief on his face. "How did complete jokes like The Grizzly, The Gibbon and the Walrus escape you?!"
"We fell over laughing when the Walrus said that he had the proportionate strength, speed and agility as his namesake." Kat responded with a sheepish grin at which point Captain America looked ready to bang his head against a wall. "We only caught up to them after a little old lady's Great Dane tripped them up with his lead."
"Oh great, the newest adventurers on the block had to rely on a Scooby Doo moment." Hawkeye responded as he ran a hand down his face. "Why don't you just go home and leave the adults to it?"
"Because we defeated the Vulture in our next Supervillain battle." Kat responded with a frown and Captain America and Iron Man breathed sighs of relief. "Besides, your hardly one to talk when it comes to battling lame villains Hawkeye." Kat added, and Hawkeye went to respond but couldn't find the words.
"Point taken." Hawkeye responded before turning to Cap. "But I still say that bringing them along is a bad idea, if they mess up, we're going to have to play babysitter."
"Look, inexperience or not, they will be an asset and let's face it, we need all the help we can get." She-Hulk chimed in before turning to Cap. "Besides, based on what Cap told me he's going to split them up."
"Err, what?" Marco asked as the two teens shared a look. "We've never worked separately before…."
"That's the point." Captain America responded before pointing to Kat. "Dragon Girl, you're with Hawkeye, Daredevil, Iron Man and Spider-Man, try not to come to blows with Hawkeye before you meet any villains, Mental Boy you're with the rest of us, any objections? Aside from Mental Boy and Dragon Girl?" Captain America asked, and the two teens lowered their hands. "One last thing, given all the villains roaming the street I expect to see at least one Scourge agent, if you see them try to prevent their murder attempt but most importantly, try to capture them, alive, am I clear?" Captain America asked, and the groups nodded. "Good, let's split up!"
"Guess this is good-bye for now Marco." Kat whispered to Marco who nodded. "Go kick some ass out there and I'll see you on the other side."
"You too Kat." Marco nodded in agreement before rushing over to the other heroes whilst the Kat was joined by the others.
"Okay, based on what Cap told me there's a group of villains wreaking havoc here." Iron Man said as he showed them a map of the area in question. "Namely Electro, Shocker, Speed Demon, Rhino, Jack O'Lantern and Termite."
"Okay, cool, we'll leave the lower end guys to Dragon Girl and the others to the adults." Hawkeye responded, and Kat gave him an annoyed glare. "What? Annoyed that you're not calling the shots?"
"I dealt with Rhino, Shocker and Jack O'Lantern before, only reason I didn't bring it up was because I thought it would be a good idea to fight them in my civilian identity." Kat responded as she folded her arms. "Granted we had to be bailed out by Spider-Man but only because we let ourselves get distracted for a second, this time will be different."
"She is telling the truth." Daredevil chimed in and Kat grinned under her mask. "Besides, you know what she can do, and I'd argue that Termite and Speed Demon would be a waste of her talents."
"And besides that, Captain America put me in charge of this group, not you." Iron Man responded as he folded his arms. "Try to keep that in mind, Dragon Girl is young, but she has proven herself."
"Not to me, she hasn't." Hawkeye asserted, and Iron Man folded his arms. "Fine but if she screws up, don't say I didn't tell you so." Hawkeye responded with an annoyed sigh before glancing at Kat's wings. "Do we even know what her flying speed is with those things out?"
"Haven't tested that, all I know is that it's a lot faster with the wings out, for example I was able to keep pace with Vulture during my fight with him, well aside from the crash into the wall but details, details." Kat responded, and Hawkeye frowned. "So, are we going to sit around and argue or go kick some ass?"
"Much as I enjoy the cat fight, she's right, we have a job to do." Iron Man responded before pointing to Kat. "Dragon Girl, you're in the air with me and Spidey, my jet boots are a lot faster than Mental Boy's glider so that should be a good test of your flying sped, the rest of you? Try to keep up on the ground."
"Got it!" The other heroes responded before they took off.
"Okay people listen up." Captain America addressed the remaining heroes as they gathered around him. "Mental Boy may be the youngest of the group, but he will be an asset, that said, Mental Boy I want you in the air with Thor, the rest of us will be on the ground."
"You sure you don't want Dragon Girl in this group? Just saying, she's a lot faster than my glider!" Marco asked, and Captain America shook his head.
"You'll do fine on the glider, just focus on being on lookout." Captain America responded, and Marco nodded with some reluctance. "We are going after Whirlwind, Gary Gargoyle, Blue Streak, Big Wheel, The Wrecking Crew and Tombstone, any questions?"
"I thought Blue Streak was out of jail before the break out?" Ant Man asked as he looked at the data.
"He was but he's apparently joined in on the mayhem." Captain America responded, and Ant Man nodded. "Any other questions?" Captain America asked, and the other heroes shook their heads. "Remember people, lives are at stake, try to think about that before you think about your personal glory, understood?" Captain America asked, and the other heroes nodded. "Let's move out!"
*with group one*
After about twenty minutes the first group where well on their way to the villain's location and Kat, Iron Man and Spider-Man were on lookout above the more grounded heroes.
"So, Kat, I noticed that you were a lot chummier with Marco." Iron Man commented as they flew over the streets of New York. "You two finally got honest with each other?"
"Before I answer that question, who else in the group knows my civilian identity?" Kat asked thankful that her mask covered up how much she was blushing, and Iron Man motioned between her and him. "Good, yeah, right after I got the wings me and Marco talked for a while and pretty much made it official."
"And I bet you flying into that burning building nearly gave him a heart attack." Iron Man commented, and Kat shook her head.
"My parents as well, didn't exactly help that I had forgotten to tell them that I was going out and forgot my phone." Kat responded with a sigh as she shook her head. "I ended up getting grounded for the rest of the week for that with only two hours of patrol allowed, part of me is glad that that didn't happen earlier in the week because I'm pretty sure I would've died of boredom otherwise." Kat admitted before she spotted an explosion off in the distance. "And I'll bet my college fund that that's where we'll find the villains."
"Sounds like a safe bet to me." Iron Man nodded in agreement before putting a hand to his earpiece. "You guys see that explosion?"
"Yep, and if that's not where the villains are I'll eat my bow." Hawkeye responded and Kat grinned.
"You want me to provide some seasoning if we are wrong?" Kat asked getting a slight chuckle out of Hawkeye.
"Well if you have any Chinese Five Spice I heard that goes well with a bow." Hawkeye responded as he climbed atop a rooftop for a better look. "Looks like Rhino caused the explosion and the rest of the gang is all here."
"Right, Dragon Girl, Spider Man, you two deal with Rhino, if we need your help with the others we'll let you know." Iron Man responded, and the two younger heroes nodded before swooping down in front of the Rhino.
"This'll be easy!" The Rhino commented as he ran through the streets. "With these many villains out in the street I bet no hero will dare challenge us."
"If you're that bad at making bets then maybe you should stay clear of Vegas." Spider-Man responded, and the Rhino looked up seeing Kat and Spider-Man standing in his path. "Just saying, you'd likely lose more money than you've ever stolen!"
"Spider-Man!" Rhino growled as he got ready to charge. "And…" Rhino trailed off once he saw Kat. "Do I know you?"
"Dragon Girl, don't worry, I'll make sure you remember it whilst your licking your wounds back at The Raft!" Kat responded as the two heroes got ready to fight and Rhino frowned.
"Could've sworn I heard that girl's voice before, doesn't matter, she can't stand up to me!" Rhino thought before charging at the two heroes.
"Hey! Don't forget about me Ms. Whoever you are!" A female voice rang out and Kat looked up seeing the female Electro floating above her ready to fling electricity at her, at least she was until Iron Man flew in and distracted her.
"Does no one among the villains know who I am?" Kat thought before shaking her head. "Oh right, they were in prison when I made my Superhero debut." Kat thought before glancing at Spider-Man. "I thought Electro was a guy?"
"Long story, the guy was the first Electro, he died, his crazy fangirl took over!" Spider-Man explained before motioning towards the charging Rhino in front of them. "Worry about him first!"
"Right!" Kat nodded before she flew towards the Rhino before Spider-Man could even get off the ground and clocked Rhino sending the much larger Supervillain flying backwards, the Rhino got up and wiped some blood from his mouth.
"Not bad, let's see how long you last!" Rhino responded before charging at Kat again, Kat nodded at Spider-Man before flying over the charging Rhino and kicking him in the back of the head sending him stumbling forwards. "That tears it! She's the same girl from the bank robbery! I don't know where she got those wings, but I don't…." Rhino's train of thought was interrupted when Spider-Man flew in and kicked him in the face sending him flying backwards into Kat's fist. "Hey! Can someone give me a hand!?"
"You got it!" Speed Demon's voice rang out and Kat didn't even bother turning around as she heard the villain scream as he charged at her, mostly because Kat backhanded him knocking him out.
"Someone who knows what they're doing!" Rhino called out as he got to his feet and glanced between the two heroes. "Wait, where's Jack O'Lantern and Shocker?"
"We're busy!" The two villains responded, and Rhino looked up seeing Shocker and Jack O'Lantern doing battle with Daredevil and Hawkeye respectively
"Oh great, guess I've got these two all to myself!" Rhino growled before turning to Kat. "At least I get to get my revenge on the girl who humiliated me last time!"
"I have no idea what your talking about!" Kat asserted as she got ready to charge at Rhino who scoffed.
"Your using the same moves as her." Rhino responded before smirking. "And this time, I'm going to finish what I started!" Rhino added before charging at Kat and she did likewise.
"Beginning to think that attacking those three villains in my civvies was not the best idea in hindsight." Kat thought as she flew towards The Rhino and the two of them ended up in a stalemate even though Rhino had the clear strength advantage. "I hope Marco isn't having the same problem." Kat thought before Spider-Man swung in and kicked Rhino in the back of the head stunning him for a moment and letting Kat uppercut him.
"Hey Rhino, maybe try throwing a punch instead of letting yourself be baited into this bullfight?" Electro called out to him as she watched the two heroes double team him.
"Maybe you should worry more about me!" Iron Man responded as he flew right at Electro and fired Repulsor Beams at Electro. "Give it up Electro, you can't beat all of us!"
"That's what you think!" The female Supervillain responded as she glanced towards the ground after dodging the beams. "All I need to do is bait the tin man to the ground and he's mine! After that I'll help Rhino and before we know it, we'll be on our merry way!" Electro thought before dropping to the ground and making sure that she was well out of Rhino's range. "Come on Tin Man, give me your best shot!"
"Do I look like a Wizard of Oz character? Don't answer that Spider-Man, you two Dragon Girl!" Iron Man responded before flying towards Electro but as soon as he was in range Electro grabbed him by his arm and delivered an electric shock.
"Hah! Tin Man fell for the oldest trick in the book!" Electro said with a triumphant grin as she started at Iron Man. "I just delivered an electric shock powerful enough to kill ten men! Any last words before I serve you medium rare?"
"Yes, two of them, thank you." Iron Man responded as he stood up and Electro's jaw dropped. "You just restored full power to my armor!"
"Oh shit…..." Electro trailed off as Iron Man grabbed her by her arm and threw her into the air before flying up and knocking out the Supervillain with a punch.
"Oh, look at that! Electro's down!" Spider-Man commented as he glanced up Iron Man. "Guess there's going to be a power outage in New York…" Spider-Man never finished his sentence as Rhino rammed right into him from behind knocking him down in short order. "Should've paid attention to my Spider-Sense!"
"Too bad you won't get a chance to fix that mistake!" Rhino responded as he went to deliver the killing blow on Spider-Man only to hear Kat whistle to him from behind.
"Forget about me already?" Kat said as she got ready to charge. "This worked well enough against Vulture's power armor but considering that Rhino's armor is grafted to his skin who knows if this will have the same effect?" Kat thought as she charged at Rhino whilst flying and started her spin attack. "Guess it's now or never!"
"You really think spinning's going to help you against me? Guess again Dragon Girl!" Rhino boasted before he charged right at Kat at full speed but unfortunately for the massive villain Kat was a lot faster and the extra distance had let her build up a lot of momentum so when the two met in the middle Rhino was able to withstand the attack for a little bit before it overpowered him and sent him flying into a parked car finally knocking out the massive villain.
"I need to figure out how to do that without getting myself dizzy." Kat thought as she steadied herself out of the move and turned to Iron Man. "Who's left?"
"Just Shocker and Jack O'Lantern, haven't seen Termite but then again that guy's been in prison so long that I've probably forgotten what his costume looked like." Iron Man responded before motioning to the heroes to join him on the rooftop to help with the remaining villains.
*meanwhile*
"Man, I knew breaking out was a mistake!" The villain known as Termite thought as he watched Electro and Rhino get knocked out in rapid succession from an alleyway near where Shocker was fighting Daredevil. "I thought by surrounding myself with powerful villains I'd be okay, but they took them out like they were nothing." Termite thought before running down the alleyway. "I should've stayed in The Raft, I would've been safe!"
"Maybe you would've." The Termite looked up and saw a prostitute nearby who he had dismissed as not a threat, suddenly the prostitute pulled out a shotgun from her handbag and pointed it at Termite. "For one thing, no one would've finished the job The Enforcer started years ago."
"The Enforcer? Oh shit…." Termite never finished his sentence as the prostitute shot him through the chest killing him on the spot.
"Justice is served, Termite." The prostitute, or rather the Scourge agent Kara, said as she returned the shotgun to her handbag.
"Hey, did you guys hear something?" Spider-Man's voice rang out and Kara's eyes widened.
"Oh shit!" Kara cussed before she started running down the alley.
*back at the fight*
"Give it up Jack O'Lantern!" Hawkeye called out to the Halloween themed Supervillain as he rolled out of the way of his wrist blades and continued to fire one arrow after another at the villain. "You can't win! Not with these many heroes here!"
"I don't care!" The villain sneered as he continued to fire his wrist blades at Hawkeye. "All I care about is getting revenge on those brats who delayed me, Rhino and Shocker long enough for Spider-Man to come along and kick our asses!"
"Dragon Girl did mention something about that, well if all goes well it won't get that far." Hawkeye thought as he notched another arrow and fired it at Jack O'Lantern which he dodged, however when he went to grab another arrow he found nothing waiting for him in his quiver. "Well, this is awkward!"
"Oh, what's the matter? Out of arrows already?" Jack O'Lantern asked before he charged at Hawkeye and clocked him in the jaw knocking him down and preparing his wrist blades. "Well, at least I'll go down as the one who killed Hawkeye!" Jack O'Lantern added before he prepared his wrist blades to fire right at Hawkeye's throat.
"You might want to take a raincheck on that!" Kat's voice rang out and Jack O'Lantern turned around just in time to see Kat's boot connect with his head as the young hero Roundhouse Kicked him knocking him out, after she made sure that Jack O'Lantern was down for the count Kat handed Hawkeye the arrows that he had missed. "I think you dropped something!" Kat added, and Hawkeye grinned before taking them.
"If your up here then I'm guessing Rhino's out?" Hawkeye asked, and Kat nodded before offering her hand, Hawkeye took it and she pulled him up. "Looks like I was wrong about you."
"You two can make friends later, Daredevil still needs our help!" Iron Man called out to the two heroes and they nodded before hopping onto the rooftop where Shocker was battling Daredevil.
"Stand still!" Shocker shouted as Daredevil continued to dodge his energy blasts with ease. "I almost wish I was battling Spider-Man, at least his banter would make the fight interesting!"
"Err, Shocker, you ever heard the phrase "be careful what you wish for"?" Spider-Man responded as he landed on the rooftop behind the villain and Shocker glanced around briefly, however that brief glance was enough for him to realize how outmatched he was.
"Iron Man, Dragon Girl, Spider-Man, Hawkeye, but that means…" Shocker trailed off and whilst the heroes couldn't see the veteran villain's face his body language said it all. "I didn't even want to stay in New York!" Shocker sighed as he put his hands up surrender. "I just wanted to skip town before the Scourge of the Underworld got to me!"
"Didn't exactly stop you from wreaking havoc, did it?" Iron Man asked as he folded his arms whist Shocker dropped to his knees. "Captain, Iron Man here, all the villains on our side of town sans Termite have been dealt with, Shocker surrendered without much of a fight."
"Excellent work, I'll send some SHIELD agents to help the local police round up the villains as soon as we're done here." Captain America responded, and Iron Man nodded. "How did Dragon Girl perform?"
"Better than you expected." Iron Man responded, and Kat grinned broadly when she heard that. "What about Mental Boy?"
"Doing well but a little out of his league, thankfully he has us to back him up." Captain America responded, and Iron Man nodded. "He also says to tell Dragon Girl he says hi." Captain America added, and Iron Man turned to Kat.
"Tell him I said hi as well." Kat responded, and Iron Man nodded before relaying her message.
"Once we're done we'll meet up at NYPD, there's still other villains to round up but I think that can wait another day." Captain America added, and Iron Man nodded before hanging up.
"I'm guessing you guys heard that." Iron Man responded, and the other heroes nodded before a gunshot rang out from the nearby alley. "What the?"
"Hey, did you guys hear something?" Spider-Man asked before perching himself on the wall and seeing Kara fleeing the scene of Termite's murder. "Well, I found Termite, or rather his corpse."
"Scourge of the Underworld?" Iron Man asked and once Spider-Man looked around he nodded in response. "Don't let them get away."
"You got it!" Spider-Man responded before swinging off after Kara and unfortunately for the Scourge agent he was a lot faster than she was. "Hey, didn't your mommy tell you not to play with guns!"
"Stay back!" Kara snapped at Spider-Man as she pulled out her shotgun. "I've killed one guy today and if I have to go through a hero to get away so be it!"
"Maybe you could get away with that if there was only one hero around." Kat responded as she landed behind Kara and she span around to see the other heroes surrounding her. "But with five heroes here? You'd have been better off bringing a machine gun."
"How about we don't give her ideas." Hawkeye suggested before turning to Kara. "Face it lady, your surrounded, only question is, are you going to come quietly or missing a few teeth, your choice." Hawkeye added, and Kara looked around the heroes before lowering her head and dropping the shotgun. "Good choice."
"Not like it matters, as soon as he finds out I've been captured I'm as good as dead!" Kara responded as she removed her wig and looked at Kat directly. "And all because you prevented my first hit!"
"You're the Scourge agent who tried to kill Chemistro?" Kat realized, and Kara nodded. "The police can put you in protective custody, they don't want a repeat of what happened with the Scourge agent I saved from that high-rise fire over the weekend!"
"It won't matter, he'll find me eventually." Kara scoffed as she glared at Kat. "No one escapes Target's sights, no one!"
"Wait, the leader of the Scourge organization is a Supermarket chain?" Spider-Man asked as he scratched his head in confusion.
"Trust me, I thought the same thing when he tried to recruit me." Kat responded with a frown earning curious looks from the other heroes. "Long story, and before anyone asks, I refused the offer, point is, Target's a lot more dangerous than his namesake."
"Still can't believe he tried to recruit a damn criminal." Kara muttered under her breath and Kat ran a hand down her face as the heroes looked at her.
"That's an even longer story." Kat sighed as she messaged her temples. "Just so we're clear, never broken the law, don't plan too either, mostly because my dad's a cop and I'd never hear the end of it from him if I did." Kat explained to the older heroes before glancing down at Kara. "The only reason they think I'm a criminal is because I dared to prevent a murder attempt, the hit on Chemistro I mentioned before."
"You may not have broken the law, but you are no better than the criminals you just beat up!" Kara said as she pointed an accusing finger at Kat. "You heroes really think these criminals can be reformed? If they were interested in being reformed than why would they break out in the first place? The only remedy to the criminal poison is a bullet!"
"Okay, I've heard enough." Iron Man sighed as he messaged his temples just as the cops showed up. "Hawkeye, go get some cops so that she can be arrested." Iron Man added as he pointed to Kara. "It's clear to me that she needs some therapy."
"I won't even get that far." Kara scoffed as Hawkeye ran off to alert the cops. "Didn't you hear me? I'm as good as dead!"
"Not on our watch." Spider-Man responded as Hawkeye returned with two cops, one of the two cops quickly arrested Kara whilst the other called in the coroner to retrieve Termite's body. "I think our work's done here Iron Man."
"Agreed, let's go." Iron Man nodded in response before the heroes left.
*meanwhile with group two*
Whilst Group One was enjoying success after dealing with their group of villains group two had just reached their group of villains, so how was it going for Marco.
"Volunteer to take on the Wrecking Crew solo I said, it'll be fun I said!" Marco thought as he struggled to withstand the powerful blows from the super strong criminals. "Okay, seriously, how is this even remotely fair? You guys have Super Strength and I don't, you could fold me into a basketball and play some hoops if you wanted too!"
"And we will!" The Wrecker responded as he continued to pound away at Marco's forcefield. "As soon as you drop that forcefield."
"You may as well wait for She-Hulk to drop her panties for you!" Marco responded earning an annoyed glare from She-Hulk as she tangled with the Gray Gargoyle. "Well it's true!"
"Mental Boy just shut up and wait for Thor to help you out, she shouldn't take much longer!" She-Hulk responded as she kicked away the Gray Gargoyle.
"SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!" The panicked sounds of Jackson Wheele's voice rang out as he desperately tried to steer his massive wheel like vehicle away from Thor as she gave chase.
"I swear, Big Wheel vs. Thor has got to be the biggest mismatch in Superhero history and that's counting Boomerang vs. The Hulk!" Marco thought as he desperately kept up his force-fields. "Though the moment they break through my fields is the moment that me vs. the Wrecking Crew joins that list!"
"Does that kid do nothing but complain?" Ant Man wondered as he and the Wasp did battle against Whirlwind and Wasp shook her head.
"I don't think he's ever taken on that many Supervillains at once." Wasp responded as Marco continued to struggle to keep his guard up. "But yeah, we should probably help him before the Wrecking Crew stuffs him in a locker, where is Captain America anyway?"
"Off chasing Blue Streak last I checked." Ant Man responded as he dodged another blow from Whirlwind.
"Why did I agree to this? Why did I agree to break out? Why did I decide to join in on the mayhem?" Big Wheel thought as he continued to flee from Thor. "And why is Thor picking on me?!" Big Wheel thought before he heard a loud crash from above him and realized that the vehicle had stopped moving. "Err…..."
"You will roll no further Big Wheel!" Thor said as she dragged him out of the cockpit and lowered him to the ground, a quick glance over his shoulder confirmed his worst fears as Thor had disabled the vehicle with her hammer. "This is for wasting my time." Thor said simply before punching Jackson in the face and knocking him out.
"Oh good, maybe I can actually get some help over here!" Marco muttered under his breath as he saw Thor knock out Big Wheel, however he didn't get much of a chance to enjoy it as another onslaught from the Wrecking Crew came his way. "If I can get some energy blasts going that'll be great!" Marco thought as the four villains pounded away at his shields.
"Just a little more, boys!" The Wrecker told the rest of his crew as he went for another strike with his superpowered Crowbar. "And after that? We'll teach him for making fun of our team name."
"I'm just saying that naming your team after yourself shows a lack of creativity and an overinflated ego!" Marco responded as he braced himself for the hit. "And if Kat was here she'd be making so many pot calling the Kettle Black jokes, hey wait a sec!" Marco thought as he noticed the energy gathering in his hands and grinned as he formed a fist. "Let's see if the technique I developed with Cap pays off!" Marco thought as he dissipated his shields.
"Ready to take your beating like a man?" Bulldozer asked before she turned and nodded to Piledriver and the two villains charged.
"Not by a long shot!" Marco responded before punching the air with one arm and suddenly a telemetric fist appeared out of thin air and punched Piledriver sending the villain flying and knocking him out, Bulldozer stared in shock for a moment before charging at Marco who uppercutted the air sending her flying with a telekinetic uppercut.
"Hope ya didn't forget about me!" Tombstone said as he leapt from a building directly above Marco intending to do a plunging attack, unfortunately for him Bulldozer crashed right into him knocking both villains out in the process.
"Hah! Double knockout! I bet Dragon Girl can't top…..." Marco trailed off as he saw Wrecker and Thunderball coming towards him. "Oh, right, forgot there was four members of the Wrecking Crew."
"You will pay for what you did to Bulldozer and Piledriver!" The Wrecker responded as he went to swing at Marco again, but this time Thor whacked him with her hammer from the side knocking him into Piledriver knocking both villains out.
"I believe that makes us even for my late arrival." Thor commented as she offered a hand to Marco who quickly took it.
"And now I've got "Twilight of the Thunder God" by Amon Amarth stuck in my head." Marco thought as he did his best to remain professional. "Must not squeal like a fangirl!"
"You can't keep this up forever She Hulk!" Gray Gargoyle stated as he battled the massive green woman. "As soon as your defenses are down, you'll be stoned!" Gray Gargoyle added before realizing what he just said. "Err, I mean turned to stone, not using illicit drugs or…..." Gray Gargoyle trailed off as the distraction gave She-Hulk a chance to deck him across the jaw knocking him out.
"You talk to much." She-Hulk commented before glancing over at Mental Boy and Thor. "Want to give Whirlwind the scare of his life?"
"You know it." Mental Boy responded before they made their way over to Ant Man and the Wasp's battle.
*meanwhile*
"Drat, I've lost Blue Streak!" Captain America commented as he looked around for the roller blade wearing villain. "He couldn't have gotten far, I should join the others." Captain America decided before turning back and returning to the site of the battle but not before taking the call from Iron Man.
"Thank god he left." Blue Streak muttered under his breath as he escaped down a nearby alley, by now Captain America was long gone but he knew that he wasn't in the clear. "Maybe I should've joined Blackout at the Bar with No Name, would've been a lot less painful."
"Don't worry." A homeless man responded as he stood up and Blue Streak turned to him. "The villains at that meeting will join you soon." The homeless man added before producing a shotgun and shooting Blue Streak through the chest killing the villain on the spot. "Justice is served, Blue Streak!"
"Gibson, we have a situation." Target's voice rang out and Shaun put a hand to his earpiece. "Kara got captured after she executed the Termite, you know what to do."
"Right, do what you should've done after her first fuckup." Shaun responded as he ditched the disguise and threw it in the trash. "What about Shocker? The first group must've captured him by now!"
"They did, if need by prioritize killing Shocker but try not to be caught." Target responded, and Shaun nodded in response. "As for the meeting at the bar, consider it dealt with."
"Understood." Shaun responded before he made his way to the escape vehicle.
*later, back with the first group*
Aside from Termite all the villains that had escaped the Raft and had now been taken to NYPD for temporary holding until a more permanent home could be found for them, either once power had been restored to the Raft or another holding facility had been made available.
"Can't believe I just did that." Kat thought as she sat atop the rooftop of NYPD with the other heroes from group one who had mostly been talking among themselves. "Battling that many dangerous villains and doing it without Marco's help and alongside several veteran heroes? Yeah, I'd consider that a good day."
"Hey kid, mind if I join you?" Hawkeye asked, and she looked up before shrugging allowing him to sit next to Kat. "Sorry if I was a bit of a jackass back there but you saw how dangerous the villains were."
"And I'm sorry for snapping at you." Kat sighed as she turned to the older hero. "Never worked alongside anyone other than Mental Boy since I got my costume and I wasn't even sure how it was going to go."
"I'd say you did all right." Hawkeye responded before they noticed that the other heroes were now talking without their masks and Kat hesitated. "What? Shy about being mask less around other heroes?"
"Nah, that's just another thing I haven't done with anyone other than Marco, or Mental Boy as you know him." Kat responded before taking off her mask and setting it aside. "Guess there's a first time for everything."
"Yeah, I guess." Hawkeye nodded before removing his mask. "Clint Barton, otherwise known as Hawkeye."
"Katrina Sheng Lao, my friends and family call me Kat for short." Kat said as she accepted the handshake. "Alias, Dragon Girl."
"So, when exactly did you get your wings?" Hawkeye asked as he glanced at them. "I don't remember you having these things when you and Mental Boy came onto the scene."
"I have to admit, I was wondering the same thing." Spider-Man chimed in as he approached the two. "Sorry, couldn't help but overhear, I know you told me you were a mutant last time we met Kat, but I don't remember the wings."
"Would you believe these things sprouted overnight?" Kat asked as she glanced towards the wings and the two older heroes raised an eyebrow. "Basically, I was getting back pain for reasons I couldn't explain, went to the doctor, got told that my powers were evolving, and this was the end result, it also put an end to my potential career in athletics because there's no explaining this away once I get caught, and yeah, there is a way to remove them."
"Why not go for it?" Spider-Man asked, and Kat shook her head.
"The surgery in question has a one percent chance of succeeding and a ninety nine percent chance of paralyzing me for life." Kat explained, and the two older heroes winced as it set in. "Need I say more? I've taken to wearing long coats in my civilian identity just to hide these things."
"Sorry to break up the pity parry." Iron Man commented, and the heroes looked up seeing he and Daredevil were wearing their masks again and the three heroes put their masks back on. "The chief wants a chat with us, about the Scourge agent we captured."
"Hopefully she stays alive longer than the Scourge agent I captured last week." Kat commented as she stood up and followed the heroes into the precinct.
*elsewhere*
Whilst that was going on with the heroes, an entirely different scene was happening just down the block from the police station.
"Thank you for your cooperation." Shaun Gibson thanked the bound and gagged policemen as he shouted some muffled choice words at the criminal. "Rest assured Officer Banks, justice will be served today." Shaun added as he finished putting on his uniform and glanced towards the police officer. "Oh, don't worry, I'm sure someone will find you in this alley, frankly I don't care if it's a villain and they see you as an easy target." Shaun added before walking towards the police station.
*a bit later*
The talk with the police chief had basically boiled down too him thanking the heroes and telling them to keep up the good work but now the heroes were hanging around the precinct planning their next move as they still had villains to round up.
"At least it's just guys like Boomerang and Overdrive left, wonder how Cap will divide the teams to deal with them." Kat thought as she poured herself a glass of water from the water cooler and took a sip. "Well, regardless I am moving up in the Superhero world, I'm making allies with established heroes, taking on some major league bad guys and Speed Demon and my parents are safe, can this get any better?"
"And to think, I was worried about you going into super heroics." Kat looked up and saw Howard approaching her with a proud look on his face. "And now look at you and the company you keep, I'm so proud of you Kat."
"Thanks dad." Kat responded with a grin on her face as Howard helped himself to a glass of water. "Any word on where the villains will be taken?"
"It seems that they will be temporarily held at Ryker's Island until power is restored at the Raft, until then they will be kept in Solitary to keep the other prisoners safe." Howard responded, and Kat nodded in understanding. "I'd better go check on them, but you have a bright future as a hero Kat, don't forget it." Howard added before he walked off and Kat grinned before returning to the other heroes.
*meanwhile*
"Hey pig, can you cut out that damn whistling!" Shocker, now out of his costume and in his civilian guise as Herman Schultz, called out to the policemen as he approached the villain's cell, the policemen ignored him as he neared the cell and stopped in front of him. "Seems I finally got your attention."
"Stop your whining Shocker!" Rhino growled as he glanced up at Shocker. "You'll soon be far away from him and his whistling!"
"Well, that's where your right." The policemen responded not noticing that Howard had entered the cell blocks as he reached for his gun. "You have escaped justice for too long Schultz, and the Scourge of the Underworld is here to collect his payment."
"Hah, you gotta be joking!" Herman responded with a scoff as he glared at the policemen. "No Scourge is so dumb to announce his presence like that!"
"Are you sure?" Shaun asked before pulling his gun and getting ready to fire at the defenseless villain.
"What are you doing?!" Shaun looked up and saw Howard marching up to the Scourge and Shaun turned to him. "He's in our custody, he's no threat!"
"Do I look like I care?" Shaun asked casually as he clicked the gun and quickly realizing what was about to happen Howard charged at the Scourge agent and tackled him as he tried to get the gun away from him.
"What's going on?" Kat's voice rang out as she looked in the holding cells and saw the scene unfolding before her.
"Kat, stay back, he's got a gun!" Howard warned her as he turned his attention away from Shaun.
And then a single gunshot rang out causing time to slow down for Kat, the two men were motionless for a moment as the shock set in before eventually Howard rolled onto his back with a bullet wound to his chest. "Dad?" Kat asked weakly as she started to process the scene in her mind.
"What's going on now?!" Jenny's annoyed voice rang out as she rounded the corner, however once she put two and two together her eyes widened. "Kat get out of here, I'll handle this." Jenny whispered to the teen who reluctantly nodded before leaving the cell block and without a second thought Jenny approached with her gun drawn. "Put the gun down, now!"
"I…. I didn't mean to shoot him!" Shaun stated panickily as he backed up against the wall with his hands still on the smoking gun. "I swear to god! The gun just went off!"
"I said put the gun down, now!" Jenny shouted getting the attention of several other cops whose eyes widened when they saw Howard. "I'm not going to say this again!"
"It's over, even if I don't get shot on the spot the moment Target finds out I killed a cop, I'm done!" Shaun thought as tears ran down his eyes. "Please tell that cop's family that I apologize." Shaun said simply before putting the gun to his head.
"Sir don't!" Jenny called out to him as he went to pull the trigger.
"Justice is served, Scourge." Shaun whispered before pulling the trigger and blowing his brains out.
