CHAPTER 36

Guess Who's Coming to Thanksgiving

Song: [Persona 4 OST] 10 - Who's there?

You approach Mary Jane Watson as your spider-sense crackles like static- increasing and fading to nothing in moments as your neighbor seems to desperately control her breathing. Her eyes are clenched shut with tears streaming down it and she clutches at her arm. Her pockets seem turned out and she's whispering to herself like a mantra.

"pleasenopleasenopleaseno-"

"Mary Jane?"

Her head snaps upwards, blindly looking around for the sound of the voice.

"W-who is it?"

Kneeling down near her, you look at her arm- it's a scrape, but it doesn't seem to be very deep, hopefully. You can't tell too much from a glance from here.

"It's me, Peter."

You're spider-sense's 'static' spikes again as she flinches away as you try to put your hand on her shoulder.

"Mary Jane, I'm sorry about what Harry said, but you need to calm down. What's the matter?"

Her breathing grows more and more erratic as she begins to gasp- probably hyperventilating. She looks in your direction again, almost desperate as her uninjured arm brings her injured arm in closer. Her voice is ragged but filled with quiet desperation.

"…help me. …I don't want to see the blood again."

You stare at her as she continues to talk- more than you've seen her talk before. "…I'm really bad with blood. I-I faint and pass out if I see it."

She shudders as her voice lowers to the point you can't hear it as she continues to mumble. You're spider-sense is beginning to crescendo in pitch in the background.

Carefully taking a look at her arm, with her permission, you look it over and see that it seems to just be some small scrapes. Wrapping your coat around her, you help her to her feet. Carefully opening her eyes, she wraps the coat around herself tighter, wiping her hand on her shirt, she quickly grabs her few possessions that she pulled out of her pockets back into them.

You make some small talk with her as you walk, but she mostly keeps focus on the road ahead, keeping careful to look anywhere but her arm. It takes a few minutes, but you're able to reach the convenience store and, after buying some Neosporin and gauze bandages from their tiny 'medical' section, Mary Jane steps into the bathroom.

You make some small talk with the clerk- you've been here enough times before to be familiar with the employees on some level, when Mary Jane exit's the bathroom. She's balled your coat up and there's a sense of relief in place of the tension- your spider-sense has faded in the background to being nearly unnoticeable. Her right arm is bandaged up with a wrap of gauze bandages as she shoves your coat into your arms and starts heading for the door, pausing.

"…thanks."

Wishing the clerk a happy thanksgiving, you quickly follow after her. She's not looking at you, but she isn't avoiding you either.

You decide to talk with her on the way back, if only to make it less awkward silence. Besides that, there's a misunderstanding that needs correcting.

"Hey, Mary Jane. About what you overheard Harry say- I'm sorry for him acting like a… well there's a lot I could say about how he's acting and none of it is nice. Regardless, I wasn't trying to set him up with you or because it was out of some sort of pity."

She's walking alongside you, but you can tell she's listening. "I just thought, considering our history, it'd be easier for you to make friends with someone else and Harry shared the same interests with you- before he started acting like a jerk, I thought the two of you would probably be good friends. Regardless, I'm sorry. Both about whatever misunderstandings you heard, and Harry."

She's silent for a while, but to be fair that's the norm for her. When she finally talks, she doesn't look at you but you can see it isn't easy for her to say.

"…I can't blame… what he said. I'm not good with people and I pass out when I see blood. But… what you said, what you tried to do for me…"

She wraps her arms around herself and walks a little bit ahead of you. "…it's probably more than I deserve, but I... appreciate it."

She stays a few steps ahead and keeps quiet for the rest of the walk- as you near your house you get her attention. "Hey- do you want to stop by your house and get a change of clothes before you come back over?"

She nods and heads over to her house- you wait until she heads in the front door before heading into yours. Eddie's no longer outside, but his car is still there and so is Captain Stacy's car. According to your phone, there's still about forty-five minutes until dinner.

You head on upstairs when you get home and toss your coat in the wash before washing up- you also change your shirt. You take a moment to let out a groan of frustration.

You can't even go downstairs and SCIENCE in peace right now, considering Norman Osborn is here. And Harry's acting like the world's biggest prick.

Taking a few minutes for yourself, you warm up in the house. After about six minutes of trying to calm down, you notice Mary Jane heading out from her house to your backyard, towards the kitchen door. Well, at least she's back.

Heading downstairs, you see Eddie sitting on the couch and Harry in a chair- presumably your Uncle, Captain Stacy, and Norman Osborn are in your uncle's Rec Room. Spotting you head back down, Eddie waves. "You take care of things?"

You nod. "Well, more or less. Where's Gwen and Stella?"

Eddie points over to the basement door, covering his mouth as he coughs again. There's less than half-an-hour until dinner.

You sit down on the couch a distance from Eddie, who pockets his handkerchief again.

"You sure you're alright, Eddie?"

Eddie smiles and shrugs. "It's nothing, really. I'm just a bit under the weather. I've got a doctor's appointment, but it's only a bad cold and he's probably just confirm that."

You spend the time talking about what he's been up to. Apparently, he and his fiancé are going to wait another year or two before getting married so that they're more financially stable. He's also Jonah's go-to guy for top stories normally, but with him slightly under the weather he's been making sure Brock's in good health for whatever the Carnage Killer Trial happens.

He's slightly more relaxed now, so he's more open to conversation that might involve work.

Your brow furrows as you try to recall Eddie's fiancé's name. He'd mentioned it to you about a month ago. What was it?- Ann!

"So, Eddie, if you don't mind me asking, where's your fiancé- her name was ANN if I recall correctly, right?"

Eddie nods his head, a bit surprised. "Huh, didn't think you'd remember that. Yeah, her name's Ann. Well, the main reason I'm here, other than your Aunt's great cooking, is the fact that while I love her, Ann's family's got a bit of a ridiculous policy- only family is invited. And they don't consider me family unless I marry Ann, so until we're married, I'm not going to be eating Thanksgiving with them and I'm not going to begrudge her one of the few times a year she gets to see them."

He shrugs and pulls out his wallet. "Here's a picture, by the way."

He shows you a photo of him in a photo booth with a blonde haired girl with short, messy hair, the two of them smiling and looking like a stereotypical couple in love. He puts it away with a smile.

"Well, the hair's not up to date for her, she dyes it whenever she feels like it, it's currently brown, but that's Ann. I met her back about three years ago, but back then she was just a friend of a friend, we didn't actually start going out until about a year ago after some friends forced us to go on a double-date with them. Still, I'm glad I went."

The two of you talk for a little bit more until Aunt May comes out. "Peter, where is everyone? Dinner's almost ready."

"Well, Norman, Mister Stacy, and Uncle Ben are in his rec room while Gwen and Stella are downstairs."

You aunt lets out a sigh. "I'll go get Ben and the boys- would you mind getting Gwen and Stella, Peter?"

"Sure, no problem Aunt May. I'll be back, Eddie."
He waves you off as you head downstairs into the basement. Heading on down you see Gwen and Stella sitting there watching funny videos on youtube. Turning towards you and seeing you in good spirits, Stella smiles.

"Hey, Peter! Everything alright?"

"Yup, but Dinner's about ready, so we need to head on up, alright?"

Gwen closes out the browser before pausing, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Sorry about using the computer without asking, Peter."

You shrug, you don't keep private documents on your computer to be browsed by anyone, so it isn't like it's a major invasion of privacy if all she did was watch youtube. "Well so long as you haven't been up to anything other than watching videos, I don't see why not. But next time, I would probably appreciate you asking."

"Will do!"

Gwen gives you a salute that Stella tries to copy. You're in a good mood and it's almost time for dinner. Heading on up, though, you see everyone except for those who were working in the kitchen there. There's still a minute or two until dinner.

You head over to your Uncle, who's currently sitting down in his chair and reclining for the moment. "Hey, Uncle Ben?"

His eye cracks open as he looks over at you. "Hmm?"

You look around. "So, who is the twelfth person joining us tonight? There's twelve chairs at the table, but there's only eleven people I know of who are coming."

Your Uncle shrugs. "Heck if I know. Asked the same thing myself, but May just gave me the ol' raised eyebrow and said 'Benjamin Parker if I tell you, you'd ruin the surprise!'"

You hear Norman Osborn and Captain Stacy snort with laughter from nearby at Uncle Ben- as you see why. To his other side, your Aunt May is standing there. Eyebrow raised. When he turns his head, your uncle lets out a sigh of resignation. "It always happens."

Your aunt smirks as she shakes her head, amused. "And this is why I didn't tell you- you can't keep secrets, Ben."

Clapping her hands loudly, Aunt May directs people to sit at the table- seems like you'll have a choice of who you could sit next to.

Everyone takes their seats around the table- unlike most of the teenagers that take on end, Harry sits himself down next to his father. You actually find yourself at the other 'head' of the table across from your Aunt.

All in all the seating is -from your left- The Empty seat, Gwen Stacy, Norman Osborn, Harry Osborn, Anna Watson. From your right the following people are sitting there- Stella, Mary Jane, Eddie Brock, Captain Stacy, and Uncle Ben, with your Aunt directly across from you at the other 'head' of the table.

You all sit down after Mary Jane, Anna Watson and your Aunt all bring out the thanksgiving food. After everyone is situated, your aunt looks around in dismay. "Oh, no. I forgot to grab the stuffing."

"I'll get it."

You move to get up as you see Aunt May smirk as someone sets down the stuffing's large bowl onto the table as you stare it incredulity. Sitting down in the 'empty seat' is your girlfriend, Felicia Hardy who smiles at you sweetly.

"Happy thanksgiving, Peter."

You see your aunt and Anna Watson all smiling in triumph as you notice Gwen's smile fade some. Felicia pats your hand. "Apparently miss Parker and my father arranged for me to eat here, so I asked Mrs. Parker to make it a bit of a surprise for you."

You stare in stupor for a moment before a wide, goofy grin crosses your face. "Well, I'd say it's a very good surprise."

The twelve of you say grace as led by Aunt May before Uncle Ben cuts the turkey and you all begin eating and talking. You first focus your discussion towards BLACK FRIDAY- the day your super frugal ways go wild and you find the best deals- Gwen, Felicia, and Stella show interest in braving New York crowds with you to shop for things, especially Christmas presents.

You pause and turn to Stella. "How have you been adjusting to school, by the way?"

She shrugs, eating more turkey. "Easy, I already know it and everyone else are… children."

You raise an eyebrow. "Technically, you're a kid, too."

She snorts and turns her head. "Yeah, but I'm totally smarter than them."

Felicia and Gwen giggle as you turn towards those two. "Hey, how's school and college search going for you two, by the way?"

Felicia shrugs. "Well, I'm not a genius like you, but I'm able to keep up with my work enough to make decent grades. I think I'm going to try for ESU's English department, not as illustrious as your science, but it's something enjoyable nevertheless."

Gwen finishes stuffing her face before replying. "ESU, definitely- I'm going in for biology mostly, probably a minor in electronic engineering. It's what Otto Octavius did, you know."

You see Norman's head turn. "Oh, are you all talking about College, then? I went to ESU myself, you know. It's where I met your father, Peter, and yours, Eddie. Of course, we were all nobodies back then, but we all got along as well as a wet bag of cats. At first, that is. By the way, Miss Stacy, Otto Octavius just accepted a contract to work at Oscorp today."

He takes a sip of his drink before smiling- if you didn't know better and knew what kind of man he was, you'd say he was cheerful. "I can't say I could get you an internship, Otto's very particular about his working conditions, but I might be able to get you to meet him. Also if any of you three face any trouble at ESU, be sure to get word to me and I'll clear it up."

Gwen pauses and looks over at Norman, confused. "Wait, I thought Oscorp was mainly focused upon medicinal and biological developments, though?"

Norman grins wryly. "We were, right up until Tony Stark's disappearances. We've been planning some technological developments, but Tony's announcement today secured me Otto's contract- the two never got along, did you know?

Gwen looks rather… torn on her opinion and chooses to just quietly thanks him as he turns back to talk with Eddie Brock about something. Lowering your voice, you turn to your conversational partners. "So, what did you think of Iron Man, then?"

Felicia shrugs. "Above my level, but I like the hotrod red."

Stella smiles, raising her voice. "I think Spider-man could take Iron Man. New York's heroes beat California's any day."

Norman, Eddie and Uncle Ben toast to that as Norman turns his focus back to you. "So, Miss Stacy, Peter- how do you think Tony did it?"

You smile bashfully at Norman Osborn. "Well, honestly, I'm more concerned with two factors I haven't figured out- I understand that Tony Stark is a genius at engineering, but I can't figure out how he can manage the calculations to run that thing, let alone the ability to power it and I've mostly focused on those issues to no avail."

Norman glances at the distracted Eddie before pulling out something from his pocket and handing it over, unfolding it, it seems to be a picture of Tony Stark's chest- with a large circular device that's glowing blue within it- he's apparently at his house with a shirt off- stretching. Must've gotten out of bed?

You stare down at the picture as you stare at his chest. There's something familiar about that thing…

The form of the device in his chest- that design. The glow, and design…

You've seen this before- it's an Arc Reactor.

Your mind does the math- If this is imbedded into his chest, and can be even similar in output to the large scale on in California… Holy Shit- that's how he powers it. Tony Stark cut a hole into his chest to power his armor. That actually sounds wrong, but there's probably more than meets the eye.

You look up at the knowing look of Norman before passing the paper to Gwen, who has a similar reaction, before she hands it to Norman. "Now- as to how he has the calculations- Stark doesn't often overindulge, but he's more than once drunkenly bragged about the AI he's made- that could do the calculations just fine, I presume."

He pats his pocket with the picture. "But how did he miniaturize it? Do you have any ideas?"

End

To Be Continued…

Please Review

Christmas Special #1

A VERY PYM CHRISTMAS Quest
A spin off of "Peter Parker Quest" (In other words this actually happens in this story)

You know Drunky and Ragey
And Bow Guy and Redhead,
Sparky and Freeze Pop
And Tiny Girl and Spidey.

But do you recallllll

The Most easily forgotten Redacted of all?

Hank Pym, the shrinking man
Had a very shiny costume
And if you ever saw it
You'd say it'd pair well with DOOM's.

All of the other scientists
Used to laugh and call him lame
They'd never suspect crazy Pym
Has them under his peace ray's aim

Then one Foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
"Hank Pym with your mind so bright
Won't you save Christmas Tonight?"

Then all the citizens loved him (maybe?)
And they all shouted out with glee(?),
"Hank Pym the crazy scientist
"You'll go down in history!"

Hey there all you happy people, eagerly awaiting Christmas. It's me, your host, Wade Wilson. I'd like to remind you to call my number at the bottom of the screen if you ever need my services. I do anything- from painting your house to assassinating people (at my discretion)

But, more importantly, much like massacring that Christmas Classic, is the story that I'm here to tell you tonight. It's a story about a crazy man who will probably cause all of our horrible deaths. Well, all of YOUR horrible deaths, anyway.

That's right- Tonight's about Hank Pym.

But, you know, he wasn't always the cheerful man you know today. No, about five years ago he was quite insecure and made lists of revenge all the time. Let's start by using the Ghost of Christmas Past's powers, who I stole from the next set over, to see how he became the man he did.

But, if you don't want that we could just start into tonight's story and say damn the back story, too. So, voter's decide for Tonight's Christmas Special's plot!

Hey. Wait. What are you guys-

*CLICK*

"-And he only paused a moment when
he heard him holler "Stop!"
For Frosty the snow man
had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye saying
"Don't you cry
I'll be back again some day
" thumpity thump thump
thumpity thump thump
Look at Frosty go
thumpity thump thump
thumpity thump thump
Over the hills of snow"

The girl, in a brown outfit finishes her Christmas carol, along with the Squirrel on her shoulder. This girl is not any average girl for she is in fact Squirrel Girl, armed with a Santa Hat and Christmas cheer! Smiling at the camera she waves cheerfully.

"Hey there, boys and girls! I hope you enjoyed my caroling so far. Now next Monkey Joe and I-"

CHANNEL FIVE, HERE I COME!

She pauses as you see a figure barrel onto the stage. Dressed in red and black, along with a Santa hat and coat, Deadpool triumphantly jumps and lands in next to Squirrel Girl.

Can't Escape me so easily, television audience! We're not done here-

He pauses and looks over the girl he's next to before pointing as she mirrors the action.

You again?!
"You Again?!"

Deadpool pulls on his jacket and points towards the camera.

This audience is mine. I was greenlit for a Christmas Special, and by god they're going to have to put up with me until I tell them about Hank Pym's Christmas.

Squirrel Girl face palms before letting out a sigh. Monkey Joe mimics her actions.

"At least you're wearing pants…"

She pauses and looks at Deadpool. "They did what? Hank Pym's one of the nicest guys I know! That's not very nice."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Squirrel Girl looks at the camera. "Hey, this guy might be a jerk, but you should at least listen to him on Christmas. It's the one time of year you're supposed to have good will in your heart towards your fellow man, even if he barely counts, and that means you have to put up with him for tonight."

She pauses as the squirrel on her shoulder cracks its knuckles as she gives a very flat look at the cameras.

"Or else Monkey Joe will come for you. He'll know if you change channels."

Clapping her hands she smiles sweetly. "So, let's all get along and have a very Hank Pym-y Christmas!"

The lights begin to fade as the ghost Deadpool dragged in groans in agony. The two of them quietly exchange commentary, barely audible as the screen transitions.

Mutant
"Monster."
You know, Spider-man's taken- and he won't have any interest in you anyway. Freak.
"I-I wasn't interested anyway. Besides, at least people can look at me without vomiting."
You sure stare a lot for someone not interested.
"And you don't?"

CHRISTMAS EVE, 2008

There's a party going on, many notable up and coming scientists have been invited. Most notably, Tony Stark is attending. The van Dyne Manor is the location at which this is taking place.

But, tonight's about not about him, though it only could have happened thanks to his caustic wit.

For, in the basement, a student of Vernon van Dyne is working, the methodical, repetitive sounds of machines overpowering the background of the party.

Tonight, Hank Pym is working.

Not for the sake of science. Not for the sake of learning.

No, he is working for revenge. Pulling out a part of a toaster he's opened he wires it into another contraption as he looks at an image of Tesla's 'peace ray' before continuing.

To the side, in the rubbish bin, is a silvered helmet that reminds one of an Ant's head. Muttering under his breath, Hank Pym pauses to look at the list next to the peace ray picture. "THE LIST"

So far, there's one name on it. Tony Stark.

Glancing sadly at the helmet one last time, he pauses as he sees a girl standing there hodling the helmet and looking it over.

"Excuse me, what are you doing in my lab?"

The girl glances over at him and smiles. "Well, I saw you show off this thing to Tony Stark, and I saw what happened, so I thought I'd see if you were okay. Are you?"

Snorting, he turns back to his work. "I'm fine. Or, I will be, once I'm done with this."

Setting down the helmet on the desk, the girl leans over as she lets out a gasp. "Hey, I recognize that. You're building Tesla's deathray!

"…why are you building a deathray?"

Hank, not pausing to respond, begins soldering one piece to another. "I'm not building a deathray. I'm building a peace ray. To give me piece of mind."

He glares at the list, again. Pausing, he looks back over. "That doesn't answer why you're in here, though."

The girl smiles. "Well, that's because I live here- I'm Janet van Dyne. You're in my house, after all. So, how does it work?"

Hank sets down his tools and looks over at her. "How does what work?"

"The Helmet, of course."

"It doesn't matter, it's stupid anyway."

Hank looks over at the helmet and picks it up before he tosses it towards the rubbish bin before she catches it and sets it back down, huffing. "Hey- why are you doing that?! You can't say it's rubbish!"

Crossing his arms, Hank turns off his tools and leans against the desk, arms crossed. "Tell that to Tony Stark and everyone else up there."

He flinches as Janet flicks him on the nose. "Hey, none of that attitude! Besides, I don't have to- you put time and effort into making it right? That makes it something worth appreciating. Besides, talking to ants sounds cool."

Shaking his head, he turns back around, a much less harsh expression on his face as he waves her off. "Take it if you like it then. I'm busy."

"Hey, don't say that- it's Christmas Eve- you shouldn't be inside and alone on Christmas Eve!"

"Well, that's nice of you to say, but I'm fine. I'm used to it."

He pauses as Janet grins at him, tugging on his arm with surprising strength. "Hey- do you want to build a snowman?"

You see that annoying girl? That one there? Well, expect to see more of her. She doesn't go away. Man, I wish he'd just built that deathray.

"Hush, we're heading to the present already. Let's see what he's been up to in five years."

YOU ARE NOW HANK PYM

It's been five years since that Christmas, and it is once more Christmas eve. You're no longer working under Vernon van Dyne, and as such, you're in your lab that also is your apartment in New York.

That isn't to say that Janet still doesn't bother you. Because she does, a lot.

But you've been doing the best you can with what you've got, and its nice to have company, anyway. She's like an annoying little sister.

You've been working discovering a new particle you refer to as 'Pym Particles' depending on how they're used, they can make things grow of shrink. But you haven't yet fully figured out how to safely use them.

You're currently drinking a cup of hot chocolate- four marshmallows, not three, not five. Four- trying to decide what to do for the evening. As far as you know, Janet is going to the movies with someone.

You've been toying with some ideas on things to do for the evening.

You probably shouldn't work on anything tonight-you DID promise, after all. And dealing with Janet after breaking a promise isn't fun. She commanded the ants to torment you last time. For a week.

Still, you should do something today- you've got superheroes on the brain- Spider-man and Scarlet Spider here in new York, though the latter doesn't show up too often, really- and Iron Man in California. If Tony Stark can be a super-hero, so can you! Besides, then you might be able to ask Spider-man about his webbing- it always dissolves before you can get a sample.

And you could snoop on Janet, but you might discover what gift she got you, which would upset her. After all you wouldn't want her to find out what gift you got her…

You did, right?

Surely, you must have…

PANIC! PANIC!

You look outside, seeing crowded streets as you throw your coat on and head into the storm of madness that is Christmas Eve shoppers in New York City. And it's evening- shops will be closing very soon

What should you get Janet? Some expensive? Something girl-y? Something science-y?

"Excuse me, son, may I have a moment?"

There's one of those annoying bell-ringing street-side Santas talking to you- likely asking you to donate to something.

You pause as the gears in your head turn. This guy is a Santa- he'll know something about gifts, surely.

"Perfect! You're a Santa, you'd know. What kind of gifts do girls like? Jan didn't appreciate the automatic make-up applier I got her for her birthday."

Yeah… that's also why you aren't allowed to work on Christmas Eve again. There was also that time she caught you trying to make that weather controller, too, because the snow was interfering with a delivery to your house…

The Santa is caught a bit off guard before he recovers.

"That isn't important now- I need your help! Without your aid, Christmas is doomed. Doomed I say!"

You pause and look at the man- he's ragged looking and you don't see any of those money collectors, or even a bell. This might just be a hobo. Besides- Janet's very important- you'd hate to see her face if you told her that you forgot to get a her a present!

You glance at your watch- it's still a distance to get to the shops.

"Look, I've got to get a present for my friend before the shops close, but I'm willing to listen to you, you'll just have to walk with me as I go."

The old man pauses and looks at you. "You'll listen?"

You nod as you start walking, him keeping pace. "Yeah, but I will need some advice for a gift, though."

The old man clears his throat. "Well, alright, but let me begin- the other Christmas holiday celebrities are trying to kill me off. Frosty's got the north pole on lock down and I think the Snow Queen's working with him, but Old Man Winter is thankfully staying out of it. Still, my Reindeer can't take of with the blizzard that's currently ongoing thanks to Jack Frost nipping at our heels. Thankfully, the elves and Mrs Claus are safe in my workshop for now."

The old man grimaces and rubs his hands together. "and if I don't go, Krampus will take back over. And nobody wants that. So, I need you to assemble heroes tonight to fight for Christmas- I can get you anywhere you need to go in time, but I cannot do it alone, my Christmas Magics have been too greatly weakened."

You get off the train to see that it's a madman's zone as people rush from store to store to buy presents as you listen to the old man finish his story.

Magic? Jack Frost? The Snow Queen? This man is actually THE Santa?

Hmm

"So you're saying you could take me to Spider-man or Scarlet Spider or Tony Stark's house, then?"

The old man strokes his beard. "Well, not Spider-man or Scarlet Spider- without you telling me their real names, I cannot transport you to their domicile's front door. Tony Stark is doable, though. I could do it right now."

You raise an eyebrow. "One moment, please."

Pulling out your cellphone, you call Janet- she's warned you about things like this.

"Hello, Janet? I need your help."

You hear her on the phone, she sounds a bit wary. "Sure, Hank What is it?"

You quickly explain the situation as she lets out a sigh. "It's probably a drunk, but I'm currently out, I'll get the address of where I'm at- if he's legitimate, he'll take you there with his 'magic' if not- then be careful that he doesn't try to attack you and get home."

Writing down the address, you wish her a merry Christmas and hang up. Turning to the old man, you hand him the address before pausing. "You're Santa, so… have I been naughty or nice?"

He raises a cheerful eyebrow. "I think we both know that answer."

Clearing your throat, you hand him the address- "I hate to be the guy to be a pessimist, but my friend Janet says I need to prove that you're real. You said you can go to any address, right? So, here's where she's currently at."

Pulling you into an alley, you tense before a touch of his nose, and a wink of his eye, the two of you are in a completely different alley, across the street is the store Janet mentioned. Turning to the old man, you grab him by the shoulder you give him a manic smile- "I have to understand the physics and method behind what you just did."

Santa just chuckles with a stomach that's like a bowl full of Jelly. "Hohoho, Hank, m'boy, its holiday magic."

Heading towards the alley's exit, you grin triumphantly. "There's no such thing as magic- just science I haven't figured out yet."

A moment later, a very nervous Janet is introduced to Santa. "..and you're sure?"

You nod with a smile. "Absolutely."

Santa lets out a thoughtful rumble. "So, Hank- is there anyone you can think of that help us?"

You grimace as a name comes to mind. Moments later, you're knocking on the door of Tony Stark's house. Opening the door is a very surprised looking Stark, before his eyes narrow.

"Hey, Tony- you might not remember me, but-"

"Who are you and how did find out where I live?"

Clearing your throat you give a big smile. "That's not important, right now I need you to help join my group to Save Christmas."

He stare as you and steps back- looking like he's going to let you in and lets you step forward, before he slams the door in your face. Falling back, clutching at your nose, you hear the door dead bolting as a voice speaks over an intercom.

"Please leave the property immediately. Or else Mister Stark will have no choice but to eject you from his property."

Glancing at Janice and Santa, you three run- five minutes later, you're back in NYC as you let out a sigh and massage your nose, doodling into a napkin out of Janice's sight. You pause as you see a shadow overhead. In red and blue- you see Spider-man swing close overhead- he might be able to hear you. Standing up, you cup your hands around your mouth.

"Spider-man! Hey, Spider-man! I'd like you to join my group I'm assem-"

You watch him swing away out of sight without even pausing. Sighing you sit back down. "Well, at least he didn't slam a door in my face like Tony Stark did."

You smile as you look at Janet. "Don't worry Janet, even if it's just you and me, We'll save Christmas!"

And then you notice her holding you napkin doodles, which is no longer next to you. "Hank- what have I told you about deathrays?"

Freezing, you're saved by Santa clearing his throat. "Time's coming to a draw. Is there no-one else you can think of to help?"

You think and mentally assemble a list. "First off- Reed Richards."

Santa nods and with a touch of his nose and a wink of his eye- you're in an alley across from the Baxter Building- which in contrast to the busy streets is dead and isolated looking- the quarantine is still in effect and the doors are locked. You won't be getting Reed Richard's help tonight.

Shame, he would probably have been useful. But- he did have a rival!

"Victor Von Doom, please?"

The three of you are in front of a large castle- there's a sign on the door- DO NOT DISTURB. VIOLATORS WILL NOT LIVE TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE.

You grimace and remember what you know about Latveria- …yeah. No, you'd rather not die tonight. And besides that- there's no chance anyone would even let you see DOOM if he's in this big castle. Janet is also giving the place a nervous look.

"Hank… I think we should go."

You nod. Well, if Santa Claus is real…

"Can you take us to Stephen Strange's home, please?"

You're transported to a two story home in… hey, you know this place! It's Greenwich Village. You've been here before- heading on up, you knock on the door and wait. Eventually an Asian man opens the door. "Yes? May I ask what your business is?"

Clearing your throat, you smile. "I was wondering if Doctor Strange was in?"

The man's eyes narrow. "I don't know how you found this address, but he is currently out on urgent business- if you give me your name and number, I will have him get back to you the moment he is available."

Getting the doorman's name, Wong, you give him your cellphone number and name and walk away. Looking up as you walk away, you swear you see a figure looking down at you from the upper floors, but glancing again, there's nobody there. Letting out a dejected sigh- you head over to Santa.

"I'm out of people I know- unless someone like Captain America- Steve Rogers, that is- actually existed-"

And with a touch of his nose and a wink of his eye, you're in the middle of an artic tundra- a large glacier of ice in front of you. In the middle of it- there's a man, frozen in ice. He wears a distinctive and familiar Uniform.

Frozen in ice, Captain America lies (stands?) before you. Janet's eyes widen in shock as she looks around. "Holy Shit!"

Glancing around- you see that you're in the middle of the artic- snow and ice are everywhere, but none of it seems to be currently affecting you. Santa gestures- "There he is, this has been his home for a long time. Though, I don't know how much help he could be."

Janet leans closer and touches the ice. "He's perfectly preserved, too. Trapped in the ice for almost a century. Hank do you realize what this means?!"

"Yeah. I do."

It doesn't take long thanks to Santa's elves being summoned to get Captain America's ice block cut out. But, as you vanish, you hear a scream of rage as you take Captain America with you. Moments later, you're in a workshop which begins to be modularly moved around to resemble your lab and hospital- a trip to and from your lab gets you equipment you need.

Fortunately, as your Pym particles caused you to need to try to understand the human body as best and thoroughly as you can, it means you're going to try and see if the 'super soldier' can be revived. Thawing him out, you take his pulse as a precaution- he's likely dead but-

Glacial and slow, you feel a slow pulse- like Captain America's still alive. Checking again, you feel it. Yeah- there's a pulse. Captain America, somehow is still alive. The elves, quick to make what you need make a brain scan device- and much to your surprise, it seems like the scans of a healthy sleeping human male.

Getting some elves to keep an eye on him and alert you of any changes- you head over to Santa while Janet is currently doing her best not to freak out. You see old Saint Nick rather worried- and it seems for good reason.

Apparently removing Captain America pissed off the Ice Queen, who is now moving to attack, along with Jack Frost and Frosty- and a LOT of snow. Santa has to rest himself- Krampus is likely to show and try to destroy the sled, so he needs to be able to beat him.

You, Janet, and if he's awake and able to help, Captain America will need to defeat the Ice Queen, Jack Frost, and Frosty. Seems like the more snow, the more Frosty can do, the Ice Queen's actually pretty fragile if you can get up close, and Jack Frost is a monster that's rather strong.

Next: Christmas Special #2

To Be Continued...

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