Chapter 30: Turning the Tide
Sagacious could be one of the few fitting words to describe Natasha Romanoff. The (Ex) Assassin knew what she wanted and was able to determine what those around her desired in return. It was an ability some would classify as "judgmental", yet it served her well all the same. In addition, it wasn't hard to figure out what the current team about her needed on a daily basis (Tony with his machines, Clint with his targets, and Bruce… never mind). However, after hearing the indigo enigma's plea (aka Max Steel), Black Widow was startled to find that she couldn't exactly determine what he was trying to get out of his appeal.
Which really bothered her.
Max Steel tried to go on and explain, his words thrown here or there in a nervous spiel. However, she rose her hand to pause his speech midway.
"...You're asking for our help?"
"Uh...yes?", Max answered and she frowned at the hesitancy of his tone.
"You sure about that? Because just from this conversation, you don't sound definite of your own proposal. Something I don't like when I'm being pitched a deal."
"Yeah", he sighed, resisting the urge to wince at her hardened expression. "I understand that we haven't been exactly..."
"Cooperative?", Steel suggested and Natasha briefly reminded herself that she was talking to two individuals (one of them hooked up to the vehicle's console). "Agreeable to a certain extent, but otherwise unreliable."
"Right", Max agreed. "Like I said, I know you don't trust me. But I can admit when we're outnumbered and the odds aren't in our favor to walk away with just a bruise or two."
Black Widow hummed as Max turned to the front and started driving the Racer again. "What about N-Tech? I'm sure your Boss doesn't want his top operative going into a fight like this by himself."
"No...he wouldn't", Max quietly affirmed and tightened his hold on the steering wheel. "But they're not coming. Dredd managed to reroute them over two hundred miles away with the help of A.I.M. The rest of N-Tech's forces are dealing with the aftermath right now."
Romanoff paused at this information (his body language telling her all she needed to know). His idea of teaming up still on the forefront, she then pondered her next response with a light foot tap. The notion seemed…appealing (considering how much effort they had already invested). Be that as it may, Black Widow would need more than just mere words before considering an alliance. Which was why it was time to catch the vigilante off-guard.
"Maxwell McGrath."
And with that, our teen felt his veins turn to ice, a shudder swelling up his back. Glancing back at Black Widow with her somewhat smug expression, Max could definitely confirm that he had heard his actual name. He glanced at Steel and the android was frozen as well, his partner uncharacteristically silent. So with a heavy exhale Max pulled over again, cutting the engine to give her his full attention.
"...How long have you known?", he slowly acknowledged and Steel burst off the console with an exclaimed expression.
"Really?! You're not even going to deny it?!", the automaton screamed and Max shook his head.
"I doubt it would do us any good at this point buddy."
"It really wouldn't", Natasha agreed and Max slightly slunk at the confirmation. "Besides, we don't have time to play 'Guess Who' right now."
"Ok. Then how long have you known?", Max repeated, trying to get his bearings.
"Since today."
"TODAY?!", Max and Steel stuttered out. Our teen covered his face with one of his hands and groaned. "Just...great. Uncle Ferrus is gonna kill us Steel."
"He'll have to wait until Dredd's done with us first,'' the floating bot uttered with an eye-roll.
"Wait. Did you say 'Uncle Ferrus'?" Romanoff demanded with a look of realization. "Do you mean Forge Ferrus, the Commander of N-Tech?! He's your Uncle?"
"Yes...", Max affirmed, his helmet finally fading to reveal sullen blue eyes. "I guess you could say N-Tech is like a...family business in some ways."
Black Widow didn't comment, mentally filling the information for later while carefully studying the teen's face. He was young, but Natasha reminded herself that she was younger than him when she started. And aside from his age, he didn't look out of the ordinary. Medium build, autumn brown hair, a regular teenager (which was why it was so easy to miss him in the first place).
The only thing she could pick out were his pupils, that seemed to glow with vibrant blue color. Perhaps from his own power barely contained inside. Their eyes locked and Natasha inwardly sighed at his dejected countenance.
'I'm getting soft', she regrettably thought and put her hands together.
"Look Max. Just because you're asking for help now, doesn't mean we would give it to you. Why should we? Especially after every other attempt we've made to reach you. Not to mention the fact that you both snuck into the Tower, hacked into J.A.R.V.I.S, and caused that explosion in the lab."
"I know. We don't have an excuse", Max sadly stated and Black Widow mused on his visible guilt. "Were Mr. Stark and Dr. Banner pretty upset when they found out? "
"Tony was a bit, but he has a flair for the dramatic. Bruce leans toward the more understanding side."
"Really, we weren't trying to cause any trouble. Working at the Tower with them was a lot of fun."
"Aside from being on pins and needles with Stark trying to figure out who we were,'' Steel interjected sarcastically.
"Yes, that's the other thing,'' Natasha said with a critical stare. "Why did you do it? Were you two spying for N-Tech or for your own reasons?"
"Wait, spying for N-Tech?!", Max fretted with a bewildered look. "Why would you even think that?"
"Can you really blame us for thinking you have an ulterior motive?", Romanoff noted and Max shook his head. "You just said yourself that there wasn't a valid excuse for what you've both done."
"No, there isn't. But we didn't start working at the Tower for some inside information or something. It kind of just fell into our laps", Max assured, leaning back to stare at the ceiling. "Which I know is hard to believe. Steel and I honestly came here to get away from everything for a while. Have some time off, relax, do normal things you know? Not to have everything blow up in our faces."
"Metaphorically and physically", Steel agreed, fusing himself back into the main controls to pilot the Racer. "Mainly we were just looking out for each other. But being inconspicuous is another skill we need to master."
'We're all works in progress', Black Widow thought ironically. She definitely knew that she was.
"How'd you get your powers?"
"Oh, that? It's a looong story", Max said and inwardly chuckled at her curious expression. "Let's just say it's another family thing. Besides, we can't stay hidden like this forever."
"...Fair for now. Miles Dredd is the prime concern currently. But tell me, does he really want you that badly?", Natasha inquired, placing.
"You have no idea", Max nodded. "He used to just want my T.U.R.B.O. Energy for himself. But now he doesn't need me anymore. We're just the main obstacle in his way. And who knows what A.I.M. really wants."
Black Widow sat back a bit and exhaled as he finished, her original notion of him splintered (slightly). If what he said was true, then Dredd succeeding could be a complete disaster! Especially since his own power managed to keep the other monsters at bay. If Max Steel fell, then…
"Maybe we could figure something out,'' Natasha began and Max perked up at the deal accepted. "However, that doesn't mean I'm completely convinced. AND, we'll need you both to fully comply with us. No running away, no trying to hack into our systems, no explosions."
"That's completely reasonable", Max stated, his helmet materializing back in place. "We're done running. I want to settle this."
"Ok then Max Steel", Black Widow concluded. "What did you both have in mind?"
MEANWHILE
Iron Man took aim and fired, never-ending pulses of energy discharged against the larger aquatic foe. Water Elementor screeched in annoyance at the assault, the heat sizzling its form but otherwise leaving the surface intact. So with a roar the liquid nemesis launched more steamy missiles from New York's underground supply. Iron Man managed to avoid the attacks and broke off into the skies, taking a short breather while surveying the battle in front of him.
The situation was messy right now, with their group split between three main adversaries (not including A.I.M. soldiers coming out of the woodwork). Captain America was clearing out the rest of their troopers, while Thor battled Earth Elementor with the sheer might of his Hammer. Even Hulk seemed to be having some difficulties, the Rhino's armor giving the villain an advantage. He saw Clint shoot another electric arrow at the Water Elementor, but even that didn't seem to stop the behemoth.
"Tell me you have a plan Stark", Clint commed, quickly placing a finger to his earpiece.
"Of course", Tony replied (doubtfully). "But why am I the one who always has to come up with something? It's a group effort Clint."
"Funny", Barton mumbled and dodged another slam of Water Elementor's fist. "Remind me to laugh about it later."
"Agreed", Thor voiced and swung Mjolnir's head across Earth Elementor's jaw. "But where did our comrade go? Romanoff took off with this beast chasing her, but only it returned. She isn't answering either."
Barton said nothing, yet Tony could see how Hawkeye's grip tightened as Thor mentioned Black Widow. Even more so when Water Elementor lunged and a dart hit the creature perfectly in its eye (an Achilles Heel they had finally realized).
Captain America grunted as he threw his shield at one last A.I.M. agent, the fighter collapsing when the weapon collided against their skull. Steve paused as the other combatants lay still on the ground, then set his sights on Dredd and Naught with a determined face.
"Come on, where is he?!", Naught exclaimed, firing a blast at Rodgers that he re-directed with his shield. "Max Steel should of been here by now! And A.I.M. won't be happy if we don't deliver."
"Patience is a virtue", Dredd informed, raising a hand to order for his lackey to stand down. "He'll be here, especially after our last conversation. Plus a good warm up is just the thing to get me in shape for it."
Naught stepped aside as Dredd lunged, steps pounding and fist raised high in the sky. Immediately colliding against Captain America's buckler with a ear-piercing clang, Dredd got to work by throwing heavy dukes around. Steve maneuvered and sidestepped his strikes with ease, quickly making Dredd's explosive temper rise. Rodgers then started with own barrage, managing to kick the villain a few times in his chest. The villain attempted to fight back, but Captain America threw his shield at his knees; knocking the anti-hero over in a most embarrassing fashion.
"Ok, that's it. Playtime's over!", Dredd shouted and the eyelids of his helmet turned a smoldering scarlet. Steve charged at the villain once more, but this time he was sent flying as Dredd unleashed a terrible wave of corrupted T.U.R.B.O. energy. Rodgers hit the ground with a hard thud, yet that didn't stop Dredd as he fired, shooting a heavy rain of blasts at his opponent. Steve quickly got on his feet and weaved his way through the projectiles, a haze of smoke and debris surrounding his walkway. Captain America threw his shield at Dredd's again, hoping to knock the maniac out of the sky. Except this time the armored mad-man blocked it with his arm, sending the weapon into a nearby wall.
With a snarl Dredd rushed at Captain America and pinned him, raising his hand to prepare a searing blast. At this Iron Man started to fly over, but a watery whip quickly curled around his ankle and dragged him right back. Thor, Hulk, and Clint did no better either as their opponents didn't give them an opening. Dredd purred as he thrust his palm into Steve's face and set his pulsars to ignite.
However, instead of burning Captain America's face off, Dredd got something else in return.
With an angry snarl the T.U.R.B.O. Racer came into the far horizon, Dredd's peripheral vision spotting it instantly. It's meshed treads tore up cement as it propelled forward, an aura of fury surrounding the speeding vehicle. The super-villain then set his sights on a new prey, abruptly throwing Captain America into a large store window with a wicked cackle.
"So predictable", Dredd quaked and set himself in the Racer's path. "But that's what I expect from Max Steel."
The all-terrain vehicle paid no mind as it continued on its path, not stopping for any sort of distractions. Dredd prepared to grab the transport as it drew near, waiting with a sense of baited anticipation. The transport rolled over a hill and was shot into the air dramatically, yet it didn't exactly reach its perceived destination (which would of been straight into Dredd's hands). A portal of violet energy appeared and the Racer jumped into it, the opening quickly closing behind it in a blinding light.
"WHAT?!", Dredd hissed, crazily looking around in all directions. He only knew of one being who could make those teleportation portals, and the blasted fool wasn't supposed to be-
"Remember to keep your eye on the ball!", Max roared, another portal appearing that the teen flew out of. Stunning the scoundrel in his T.U.R.B.O. Strength Mode, our hero threw a mighty jab, striking the villain's stomach with focused precision. Pushing Dredd straight into miles of rocky asphalt, Max took a battle-ready pose as his nemesis lay sprawled on the ground.
Again.
"Well...I'm PLEASANTLY surprised", Dredd fumed and slowly got back on his feet. "Normally you don't resort to tricks Max Steel. This is-"
"Enough with the talk Dredd!", Max yelled and crashed his fists together. "You said you wanted to end this. So come on! Either put up or shut up!"
"Oh, someone's mad", the maniac beamed and wiped the dust off himself. He gazed at the hero's stance and evilly snickered. Ah yes, the same old Max Steel, as confident as ever. And he couldn't wait to break that spirit.
"Very well then. Actions do speak louder than words. I've been looking forward to this as well."
"The feeling's mutual", our youth whispered and Max stormed ahead, a scream of attack filing his lungs. Smashing straight into one another, both forces clashed; techno-organic against metal and will versus will. The earth beneath them quaking, good and evil dueled for ultimate supreme. The surrounding structures or streets were not even spared from the assault, each warrior using whatever wasn't pinned down to attack the other.
At the display of power, every other fighter near them stopped and watched in stupor, faces shifting between feelings of awe or intimidation. Even Iron Man had to pause and blink repeatedly to make sure he was seeing correctly. Which definitely sent tremors up his body.
'This is what was really going on in Copper Canyon?!', Tony thought as he saw Max Steel easily lift an SUV and savagely flatten Dredd's frame with it. 'Man, these two are-'
"Tony? Tony, are you there?"
Stark was snapped out of his musings by a familiar voice broadcasting through his comm. "Natasha?! Is that you? Thank God you're-"
"Listen, there's isn't a lot of time. We came up with a plan to take down the A.I.M. ship and Dredd. But I need you to meet us in the back alley twelve blocks from you. On your left there should be an entryway."
Iron Man looked and sure enough, a narrow alleyway with a winding passage stretched before him. "I can do that. But wait a second, what do you mean by 'we' and 'us'?"
"Meaning I'm not alone obviously", Black Widow said dryly. "So get over here. And Clint? Thor?"
"...What do you need 'Tasha?", Barton inquired, the bow in his hand loosening in relief upon hearing your voice. Thor's face turned into a smile at the confirmation that she was alright. "A distraction from us perhaps?"
"Perhaps", Romanoff agreed with a brighter tone. "It all depends on how you make it though. Not slammed into the pavement this time would be nice. And Hulk will naturally follow your lead."
"Won't make any promises", Hawkeye playfully swore and placed another arrow in his bow. Murmuring "Go" to Stark, he took aim and hurled another arrow, regaining Water Elementor's attention. Iron Man took the cue and took off, quickly heading into the dark entryway as the surrounding conflict resumed.
Smoothly zigzagging across back paths, Iron Man made it to Black Widow's location in no time flat. With a smooth landing he saw her patiently waiting, restocking her ammo and meticulously checking weapons. Tony double-checked his surroundings (making sure he wasn't followed) and turned to see who was actually with her.
"Well, aren't you two full of surprises", Tony spoke and his helmet came off to see...another Max Steel? Only this one wasn't bulked out and brawling miles away.
Instead, Max was intensely focused on something, his hands gripping the T.U.R.B.O. Racer and pouring energy into the vehicle. The power rippling off the teen in waves, Stark took another second to gauge his current levels. Yet Black Widow snapped her fingers in front of him to regain his attention.
"You done geeking out Tony?", she asked and Iron Man sighed.
"Yes mother. But I got to ask, when did we team up with junior and E.T.? Thought you didn't like them."
"They're...ok. Not completely sold, but it's better than just taking them out."
"...We're literally standing right here", Steel criticized and Stark shook his head.
"Consider it payback for hacking into J.A.R.V.I.S. you little-"
"I'm sorry, but can we argue about this later?!", Max gritted and tightened his hold on the vehicle. "There's already a lot of noise going on as it is. And someone has to keep Dredd occupied."
Iron Man and Black Widow stared at him in confusion, the quietness of the alley backing up their skepticism. Steel sighed at their expressions and decided to spell it out for them.
"He means that the T.U.R.B.O. Clone is taking a beating and he's trying to keep it stable. Otherwise it vanishes and Dredd will realize he's been duped."
"I thought you said your double was able to take commands", Natasha noted and put a hand under her chin. "You tell it to do something or it reflects your movements."
"Usually", Max grunted and finished his final task, taking his palms off the Racer. "But that wouldn't be enough to fool someone for long. Definitely not Dredd, that's for sure. I had to put more power into the Clone this time to make it seem…"
"Realistic?", Tony replied and observed how the teen see-sawed on his feet. "You…feeling ok there Max?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah", he exhaled and took a moment to sit down. "I went a little overboard."
"Your reserves are near their max depletion limit", Steel cautioned and did a quick scan. "That's not merely going overboard. Including the fact that you're not giving yourself enough time to recharge."
"So what happens when you're all out?", Tony asked and Max moved his head sideways.
"I'll be fine, really. The heavy work is already done. All that's left is the A.I.M. ship", McGrath stated and gave a look to Tony. "If we could get you inside, could you shut it down?"
"Well yeah, obviously", Tony bragged and put his hands on his hips. "I could do more than that kiddo. But how would we get inside?"
Instantly another ultraviolet gateway appeared and Ven-Ghan briskly walked through, the opening smoothly disappearing from sight. This time carrying a small electronic device, he quickly handed it to Steel.
"It's not much, but this transmitter should do", the alien stated and Stark gawked at the newcomer. "And she's already in place on controls."
"Wha-Who is this?!", Tony exclaimed and gestured up and down. "Who are you?! Widow!"
"Don't look at me", Romanoff stated and raised her hands. "He's their mercenary friend from space or something. I'm not even touching that right now."
Tony face twisted into an expression that screamed "REALLY?!", but he exhaled and kicked one of his feet.
"You know what? Fine, whatever! I'll just accept it and move on. So then...Mr.?"
"Ven-Ghan?", the green-skinned being supplied and Tony nodded.
"Ok, Ven-Ghan. Clearly you're able to teleport. And you can get us inside in one piece?"
"Simply put, yes", he answered and examined the sky with a raised hand. "Normally it helps to see where I'm going. But I've done blind jumps before. Therefore you needn't worry about materializing in a wall."
"Was not my next question, however I'll accept that", Iron Man finished and clapped his hands. "What are we waiting for?"
"Just one more adjustment...", Steel assured, his digits furiously altering the device Ven-Ghan had given him. After making sure it was correct, he glided over to the Racer and attached it on top of the vehicle's console.
"Ok Hazel. It should be working now and I've altered the Racer to remain locked in this Mode. Connect for stage two."
The T.U.R.B.O. Racer was quiet for a moment, yet came to life with the blaring hum of its engine. Its display smoothly turning on, a holographic "H" then appeared.
"Loud and clear", a female voice answered while Tony and Natasha shared a look at each other (Now who was this?!). "All's working on my end. You guys go do what you need to do."
"You sure?", Max asked and she laughed at his remark. "I feel bad dragging you into this."
"Please. It feels way better to actually be able to do something and not be waiting around. And I didn't get my license just to not use it."
With that, the roof of the vehicle went down, carefully concealing its lack of occupants from the outside. The Racer then bolted off into an abandoned passageway, Max standing up to stare at its departure (and hopefully the end of this whole thing if everything else went according to plan). Ven-Ghan exhaled and took the unspoken cue, raising his hands to make a walk-through portal appear. Everyone smoothly going through, the entry tightly sealing itself and the alley went back to quiet silence.
BACK NEAR THE CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY
A rumble powerfully struck the ground as Dredd brought his heel to Max's abdomen, making the hero scream out in unbearable pain. Max then attempted to push the appendage of himself, but Dredd foot was heavy and would not relent in it's pressure. The villain had managed to wear down his enemy's defenses after an extended period of complete battery. And with the other Avengers still preoccupied, it gave him the needed opportunity to deal this killing blow.
"Aww, now what's wrong Max Steel?", the evildoer cheered and stomped his foot on his foe again as he tried to rise up. "No witty banter? And no quips from Steel either? Really, I'm hurt. But I suppose all good things must come to an end."
Dredd then activated his siphons, howling with glee as T.U.R.B.O. Energy rushed straight into his bloodstream. Tendrils of energy just waiting to be absorbed by his never-ending hunger. Yes...this is exactly what he had been craving! Exactly what he deserved! He would drain the champion until there was nothing but a smoldering ember left (which would be enough to satisfy A.I.M.). Miles Dredd had to clap himself on the back for this. He knew that he was good, but this took the absolute…
Wait...something wasn't right. No scratch that, something was very wrong. This wasn't infinite power (it was a lot, yet didn't fit Max Steel's standards!) This was...
"A CLONE?!", Dredd curdled, the hero's carbon copy swiftly fading away. Impossible! The real Max Steel had managed to fool him with one of his lifelike duplicates. While managing to waste his time while the Hero did who knows what.
"WHERE...ARE YOU?!", Dredd sneered, his wrath at an all time high. "Answer me, you insignificant excuse for a weakling! I DEMAND IT!"
As responding to the super-villain's demand, the Racer sped back into view from a tight bend, firing a barrage of T.U.R.B.O. spiked projectiles at its opponent. Dredd hissed at the attack and braced himself, managing to hold his ground (but taking more of his energy to block the sudden assault). He glowered at the Racer as it stopped some feet away, throttling its engine (as if mocking him, teasing his major oversight).
No, this wouldn't stand. He would not be made an utter FOOL of! So with a hot scream Dredd began to sprint, the Racer quickly noticing this and whizzing off to avoid capture.
The pursuit lasted for a good while, Dredd gaining and losing ground constantly. The all-terrain vehicle giving him a run for his money, it side-stepped him on every corner while "playfully" avoiding arrest. And when it wasn't outsmarting him, it fired more of its missiles that he had to avoid or fend off.
"Enough!", the maniac seethed and snapped his hand out, finally grabbing the rear bumper of the Racer. "If you think you're going to deceive me again, you must think I'm a complete-"
"DREDD look!", Naught exclaimed, coming into view and furiously pointing at the heavens. "The A.I.M. Ship! It's leaving!"
"WHAT?!", the criminal demanded, his annoyance at being interrupted turning into a great sense of unease.
Sure enough, the A.I.M. Ship was quickly gliding away, it's metal plating shining as it flew under the sun. Dredd almost wildly blurted out where it was going, however it's destination was quickly made abundantly clear. Diving front first into a reservoir far near the southeast, it's barely visible frame began to sink as murky waves eagerly overtook it. Dredd felt his mind begin to scramble as he realized that their backup was gone. Even more so as the Racer unloaded one more missile, forcing him to release his grip and let the blasted convoy narrowly escape.
"What are you doing?! You're letting Max Steel get away!", his minion barked and placed his blasters up to stop the vehicle.
"...He was never in it Naught", Dredd quietly growled, taking a step back as the awareness dawned on him. He had been hoodwinked and fell for another disguised ruse. Hook, line, and sinker.
"How?! And what are we supposed to do now?!", his second in command cried out and desperately starting glancing around.
"...Regroup", Dredd ordered, the words burning his throat like poison. Defeat nearly escaped from his lips as well, yet he would not give in to those debilitating feelings. "Cut our losses while we still can."
Yet both criminals didn't realize that their opportunity to vanish had immediately come and gone.
As soon as they made a move to leave, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents appeared from the darkest shadows, their weapons set to fire and showing malicious prejudice. Quickly realizing they were outnumbered, Dredd felt his hands go up (in utter shame) as he was ordered to the ground. He could have chosen to fight back, completely destroying everything. At the same time, Dredd realized with humiliation that he had used most of his energy on red herrings (making him weak to stronger opponents). Shame then turned to utter hatred as restraining cuffs were placed on him and a mysterious man with an eye-patch gave him a demeaning stare.
NEAR THE EDGES OF THE EAST BRANCH RESERVOIR
The river sat in disturbance at its new addition, the A.I.M. ship resting lifeless in its cold and deep waters. The once proud flying vessel now lay half-submerged and beaten, its back top sticking out pointedly. Some compartments drifted in the canal, while remaining A.I.M. workers floated on wreckage in a daze. Aside from that, all was still near the water's front, tourists and bystanders nowhere to be seen.
Except when another amethyst portal appeared on the shore. Ven-Ghan walked out first and then everyone else easily followed, his hand closing the gate after Steel glided through.
"That was fun!", Tony stated cheerfully and brought up a projection on one of his gauntlets. "I was even able to steal a bunch of A.I.M.'s secure files. Win-Win."
"Don't celebrate yet", Natasha stated and put a hand on her earpiece. "We still got to call S.H.I.E.L.D. to pick up the stragglers."
"Ah", Iron Man chirped and gazed at the (moving) bodies in the river. "I wouldn't worry. They're not going anywhere."
"I can help collect them", Ven-Ghan offered and Stark smiled.
"Appreciate that. You did a pretty good job Ven-Ghan. You too Steel, Max. You boys wanna go fishing?"
"Not really", the Ultralink uttered with another eye roll. "But I suppose we will if we have to. Max?"
"Um...", the teen muttered and placed a hand over his heart. His movements were shaky and he was having trouble staying still. "Wha...What did you say Steel?"
"Max?", Steel repeated and gave a concerned look. "What's wrong?" He quickly did an internal check and then felt every part in his frame slow down. Max...wasn't OK He was-
"I...don't know", the teen eventually slurred and felt his vision began to blur. "It just happened. My…my chest is really..."
"MAX?!", Steel screamed, his best friend suddenly collapsing into the dirt with a heavy thud.
"MAX, wake up!"
And that's it (but don't worry Max isn't dead or anything. I'm not going that dark). Anyways, hey everybody! I know it's been...a good while. And you guys are all awesome and super patient. So I hope this longer chapter kind of made up for it (probably not, but let's say it did). In the next Chapter we'll see what really happened to Max and hopefully N-Tech will finally make an appearance. Until then, I'm out!