'ello peeps! here is the next much-anticipated chapter! and on a side note, in this fic there will be no slash or smut. at most maybe some entertaining innuendos from the merc, but that is all I got for you people. Don't forget to review, it feeds my soul. thx and enjoy!
Seconds ticked by rapidly as the Avenger's filtered into their positions as detailed by Captain America prior to exiting the elevator. Bruce had successfully made his way to the control room where the scientist frantically reviewed security footage in search of activity. Deadpool's breach in security somehow managed to cut camera footage for the entire floor, making it difficult to visualize Spiderman and further damage caused by the explosion.
Black Widow and Iron Man jointly cleared the rooms down the hallway as they proceeded to where Spiderman was last located. The pair hoped to intercept Deadpool if the mercenary hadn't already reached the vigilante.
Hawkeye scanned the sides of the Avenger's Tower as he made his way a few floors above the general commotion. His eyes filtered through the glass paneling searching for any backup the mercenary may have brought along. Satisfied with the lack of firepower, Clint focused on his next task to secure the area.
The archer began the process of setting up block points around the roof bound exits, just in case their guests got creative. He already jammed all but the last stairwell exit. The only exit was down, theoretically.
JARVIS's informative tone calmly came over the communal ear com with some crackly static.
"Sir, there is significant damage to the containment room due to a low-grade explosion. Video surveillance is unavailable as is my security for the floor. Emergency lockdown protocol has been initiated."
"Good work JARVIS, keep us updated on visuals to the surrounding floors. If there is so much as a glimpse of Deadpool or Spiderman I want their locations immediately." Stark shifted restlessly as he peered into the passing rooms.
Natasha took the lead as she and Tony secured the floor. They worked their way towards Steve who had made a beeline the containment room.
Tony shook his head in irritation at the lack of preparedness. He would need to reprogram JARVIS with an updated security system to include aerial attacks. Of course, as he owned the tallest and most technologically advanced building in New York, air infiltrations hadn't exactly been on the top of the to-do list. His AI was due for an upgrade anyway. Glancing forward to where Natasha positioned, another crinkle of static cut the tense silence.
Bruce's pressing tone filtered into the com. "Nat, I have eyes on Spiderman. He is located a floor directly above both of you heading to the west wing."
"Thanks Bruce."
With his stumble of rushed words, Natasha's eyes flickered to Steve who stood outside of the containment room shaking his head in dismay. The room was empty.
The ceiling had mostly caved in according to what she could see from down the hall. The Russian spy was suddenly very glad Bruce was in the control room rather than near potential explosives or triggers. The team wanted to avoid Code Green at all costs.
The Avengers had enough to work through at the moment. Especially considering a highly trained mercenary infiltrated and bombed part of the tower. Director Fury would not be pleased. Now, Spiderman was missing or dead. Natasha frown at the situation at hand.
Spiderman was still a wild card.
The Avengers still knew little to nothing about the vigilante apart from the fact he was eighteen years old and generally not considered dangerous. SHIELD on the other hand viewed the red and blue youth as an uncontrolled, enhanced individual who needed to be vetted and apprehended for defying the Accords.
Nick Fury wanted answers.
It was the Avenger's job to give it to him with minimal side damage. If the Avengers are unable to provide adequate information, SHIELD would enforce the Sokovia Accords by any means necessary. If Spiderman refused contact, more forceful methods would be applied. This is what the team wanted to avoid, especially with the new information on Spiderman.
In part of Captain America's agreement with Fury, the collective team would train and eventually initiate Spiderman into the Accords. This contract extended to the completion of missing information from the vigilante's file. The Avengers could not let Spiderman leave just yet; it was for his own protection.
Natasha spared a peek to the ceiling as she and Stark re-routed to the nearest stairwell to intercept the vigilante. Reaching the top of the stairwell, the pair silently entered the hallway and turned to where the sound of rushing footprints echoed closer.
Spiderman's frenzied steps came to an abrupt halt as his body froze at the sight.
Peter's breath hitched as a look of shock flashed against his masked features before morphing into trepidation. The youth subconsciously shuffled a step back at the sight of the two Avengers.
Natasha spoke softly, to the flighty figure. "Easy there Spiderman, don't do anything stupid." She paused to give the retreating figure a one-over, "it'll be safer if you come with us." The spy knew the Spider could hold his own but was nonetheless relieved he hadn't been skewered by a mass murderer.
Uncertainty lingered in the vigilante's actions as the Spider hesitated to move in either direction. Spiderman took a coup d'œil behind his shoulder as if deciding whether or not to retreat further.
Natasha's glare never ceased from observing the vigilante's movement as he cautiously back away as they pressed closer. Conflict marred Spiderman's actions as he clenched and unclenched his fists.
Stark's gaze flickered behind the figure, searching for a specific mercenary. He was not disappointed.
Deadpool furiously walked towards the commotion while loudly mumbling to himself. He was accompanied by swinging swords. His rough baritone voice interrupted the scene before either Avenger could speak further.
"Oh Spidey-bear, you forgot Bea and Arthur. Today I so conveniently found out they can cut through some pretty thick webbing. Not that I don't appreciate a good chase, but the gimmicks got to go Spides. Tell me, do your webs come from," motioning with his pointer finger to the vigilante's derrière, "back there, or is it like some chemical you spray from your wrists? I want to know if I should get my suit dry cleaned." His dry sarcasm permeated with rage as a menacing gleam was cast towards the red and blue figure.
"I-I…don't, they don't…" Peter squeaked a rebuttal but his words fell flat against the red wall of muscle.
Usually, Peter was able to keep his braver Spiderman persona as a front with quick-witted quips, but it seemed Peter Parker took the stage on this one. Peter wished MJ was here, she would fire back at the Merc in an instance.
Deadpool looked beyond ticked off, as he brushed off the sticky substance coating his torso. Spiderman angled his body to face the mercenary who continued to gingerly edged closer, swords in hand. Peter didn't quite know which threat to face first.
Spiderman's head flip between the Iron Man and Deadpool, both of whom were closest to him. Peter's feet remained firmly plant on the ground as his eyes frantically shifted around the room for any other exits.
However, before Peter could better formulate a response to the Merc, another voice beat him to the punch.
"Deadpool stand down immediately. Do not approach Spiderman." Captain America's commanding order caught the attention of every eye in the room.
He stood fully geared with his vibranium shield in hand approaching the standoff. Spiderman's head snapped in Deadpool's direction.
The American hero emerged a few meters behind Deadpool who likewise appeared surprised. Cringing at the mess of the situation, Peter figured they had both followed his dusty footsteps after he climbed through the ceiling hole.
It was a crowded hallway to say the least.
Visual and auditory stimuli caused Spiderman's senses to bounce off the walls at the bombardment information. Ugh, why can't I get a grip today. Peter attempted to slow his rapidly expanding lungs as anxiety threatened to click play on his flight of fight response.
He could hear the rhythm of each heartbeat, the strongest being Captain America who was in the process of catching his breath. Black Widow's heart rate was low and steady. Iron Man's pulsed a strange, cautious pattern. Deadpool's reflected that of a hamster's on a running wheel.
"No can do Cap. I can call you Cap, right? I could also call you Mr. America, Spangles, Stars and Stripes, Spankers, or Mr. Fant-asstic, but if I'm being honest here gramps, Cap sounds more official." Deadpool rambled on, steamrolling past the warning.
"Listen guys, I'm here for my best friend Spidey. We'll be out of here in a jiffy." The Merc winked at the red headed widow sending daggers in his direction.
Peter held his tongue at the words biting at his lips, I am not your friend.
"Yeah. That's not going to happen Deadpool." Stark rebutted with a smirk playing his lips.
"Is that so shiny pants? Hmm, funny. I don't recall asking for your permission. Anyway, it looks like Webs over here was on his way out, so we'll just be leaving. Spidey, be a good little bug and get over here." Deadpool started to inch closer to where Spiderman remained sandwiched between the four individuals flanking his position.
It was a good 'ol standoff.
Peter's eyes flittered nervously between the two threats on opposing sides of the corridor. At the moment, Spiderman had two choices.
Leave at the mercy of a psychotic maniac where Spiderman's value was of monetary compensation, only to later be brought to an unknown "buyer." Or continue to be forcefully detained by his childhood heroes who sought to unmask his identity and conveniently report it to SHEILD—to the world.
Peter couldn't fathom either choice.
Shifting from one foot to the other, Spiderman subtly looked around for anything to help his situation. His unbalanced senses made him feel like he was caught between two opposite magnetic fields. It was obvious that Choices A and B were trick answers, so clearly Peter picked C—the air vent directly above him.
In one fluid motion, Spiderman used his right web-shooter to stick against the metal grate covering the entrance. With a sharp tug, the metal clattered loudly against the floor. Without hesitation, Peter shot another web up through the vent and vaulted his weight skyward.
A flurry of shouts and movement followed but Spiderman was already whisked into the vented maze of the Avenger's Tower.
Peter was immensely glad he was flexible and had a compact frame. The vent was narrow but just wide enough for Spiderman to get a decent grip on the cool metal.
He blinked rapidly as his eyes started to compensate for the lack of light. Sighing, as his shoulders got stuck, Peter began to wonder if this was really the best idea.