Disclaimer: I dont own the Avengers
Here I am with another update, this chapter is based loosely on the Avengers Academy Korvac Saga, but with very key differences. We also take a small look at Cade Hunter/Deathblade's background. Plus several more famous Avengers return.
The Hunt
Chapter 7: Defiance
There are many reasons why people defy a greater power. Sometimes it is because they do not agree with that power, with the kind of order that power will eventually or has created. Sometimes it is simply so that others can establish their own order in place of another. The greatest kind of defiance is against an injustice, rebellions against tyrants and those whom commit genocide. Sometimes defiance is simply done for the sheer sake of it. Like a child defying his…or her parent.
"You were out with that girl and her friends weren't you?"
The blonde haired boy looked up at his stepfather. His lip trembled as he backed away from the man.
"Answer me boy," The man growled.
"Y-yes sir I was," The boy trembled.
"What a disappointment, your mother would be very displeased, how many times do you have to take punishment Cade?"
"I don't understand, why can't I see my friends?" Cade asked.
"Because they're weak, as well as complete weirdoes, I've heard that Reilly boy talking about seeing some alien when he was younger. You mustn't associate yourself with such rabble, especially that girl you seem infatuated with," The man explained.
"Your wrong sir, Laurie's my friend!"
The man narrowed his eyes at the boy. Cade bit his lip, realising what he had said. If there was one thing Nick Tremble didn't like was being proven wrong. Cade's mouth trembled before he narrowed his eyes too. His show of defiance earned him another string of beatings.
Defiance should only be carried out for the right reasons!
The light Korvac generated had illuminated infinite Avengers mansion. A being from a possible future, Korvac had been tortured by aliens. Broken from this torture, he gained great power and set out on a path to bring order to the universe. Those whom defied him included the Collector, a being as powerful as he was. But the greatest of his enemies were the ones whom seemed so small. The Avengers had defied Korvac's conquest, but he swatted through them like flies. He had killed the Avengers, but his power was undone when his wife betrayed him. Carina is another being of possibly unlimited power. But unlike Korvac, she was no destroyer.
"Avengers, return my love and I will forgive the indignities you have visited on her," Korvac said, floating over the Avengers in energy form.
"And then what Korvac? Your agenda has always been conquest, what's going to stop you from attacking Earth as soon as we let you take her?" Pym asked.
"Forget your wife Korvac, she is a part of my plans now," Deathblade said, pointing his sword at Korvac.
"Enough, this is all pointless, has it occurred to anyone to ask if I want to go with him? I don't want you Michael, I chose non-existence over you," Carina explained.
"Carina I realise you are confused…"
"I don't love you anymore, leave me alone," The woman growled as her eyes glowed.
"It seems we have differences to work out, Avengers, give me my wife and I will leave you," Korvac's eyes flared in anger as he raised his hand.
While the Avengers confronted Korvac, telling him that they wouldn't let him take Carina, Deathblade slowly stepped away from the gathering team. He ran his hand across the blade of his sword, changing it into a katana style blade. Gripping the handle with both hands, he began seeping energy into the edge of the sword.
"You don't really care what she wants, just what you want. I am so sick of people like you; you scare her so much she'd rather be dead than with you. Doesn't that tell you something?" Remarkably it had been Veil, the young academy student that stood up to Korvac.
She was a short girl with red hair and a figure that wasn't like other super heroines. Her costume consisted of black bandages wrapped around her body, with gaps for her eyes and mouth. The rest of the Avengers soon followed her example, with Justice at the front.
"She's right, your not wanted here Korvac," He said.
"If you've changed, prove it, leave peacefully," Hank said.
"FOOLS!" Korvac yelled.
The god like being threw his hand forward, generating an intense blast of energy. Justice quickly created a telekinetic barrier, shielding the team from the blast. Korvac glared at the Avengers, fury rushing from his eyes.
"I AM A GOD IN COMPARISON TO YOU CREATURES!"
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!" Pym yelled.
However the attack didn't come from the front, but from behind Korvac. A blade pierced through the man's chest, causing him to gasp in shock. Deathblade rushed forward, reaching for his sword. Suddenly, Korvac swung his arm around, catching the warrior in midair. He telekinetically threw Deathblade into the wall, then charged a blast and shot Cade into the other room.
"Well there's that threat done with," Hazmat said.
"Jocasta, take Carina and the kids away from here, Young Avengers keep your distance," It was Pym whom took command, growing to giant size.
He took out and grew one of his shrunken stinger guns, firing the blaster at Korvac. But despite the stingers increase in mass, it did little to effect the energy being. Korvac threw both his hands forward; firing energy blasts at the assembled heroes. Justice deflected another blast, while Patriot blocked the other with his shield. Kate and Clint released their arrows, only for Korvac to break the projectiles in midair. Hercules jumped at Korvac, only for Korvac to increase the gravity around the hero, sending him crashing into the room below. While the experienced heroes engaged the long time Avenger's foe, the academy students followed Jocasta and Carina.
"I knew this would happen, not only does one crazy guy sneak in but another, and who gets killed…Iron man? Thor? No its us the rejects," Hazmat ranted.
"Where are we going to hide?" Reptil asked.
"In here quickly," Jocasta said.
"Wow, great hiding place, Korvac wouldn't think to look for us here," Striker sighed sarcastically.
The academy heroes looked at their surroundings. Much to their shock it appeared that the room was continually spinning.
"I am shifting the location of this room to a different dimension every 2.5 seconds," Jocasta said.
"Less than useless, you are only delaying him," Carina said.
"Delaying who, Korvac or Deathblade?" Finesse asked.
"I don't even know who those two are," Mettle muttered.
Carina spread her arms out, covering her body with a green and purple dress. She created a tear in the room, showing the students the battle that took place. Korvac deflected blasts fired by Wiccan, Karolina and Vision. He bent Xavin's elastic form, throwing her on top of Hulkling. Then he created portals, diverting a kick from Lyra into Namora. Deathblade walked away from the battle, dragging his scythe across the floor as he looked at the door Jocasta had walked through. Korvac altered Pietro's mass, causing him to fall to the floor, unable to run with his weight. Wonder Man flew at Korvac, but the tyrant blasted him into a wall. He then lifted Gauntlet off the ground, cracking his glove before throwing him against the wall.
"Korvac once faced the Avengers and the Guardians of the galaxy, they foolishly opposed his desire to conquer the universe. It was only by my own indecision that the Avengers prevailed," Carina explained.
"What do you mean?" Veil asked.
"I am the daughter of the Collector, my father ordered me to seduce Michael, to learn of his plans. But I fell in love with him, or at least became infatuated. I watched the Avengers foolishly oppose Michael, even die at his hands. Michael felt my indecision and this distracted him, allowing Thor to defeat him. In despair I attacked Thor, he defended himself, believing that he had killed me. But like my father I can not die, so I stayed in energy form, hoping to regenerate and resurrect my love," Sorrow crossed Carina's face as she looked at Korvac.
He spread his anger to Lyra, turning her into a Hulking creature that attacked her comrades. She slammed her fists into Cap's shield. MVP stumbled across the floor, then rolled to the left as Lyra swung her fists down again. Komodo jumped at Korvac, only for the energy of his body to throw her back. Sersi created roots from the ground, trapping Lyra for just a few seconds. Venus then soothingly grabbed the girl's cheeks, calming her with her hypnotic voice. Carina lowered her head as she watched Korvac shatter Hardball's barrier, throwing the young man into Amadeus.
"Michael had escaped death, abandoning me, it was only later that I realised how foolish I had been. He was a tortured soul whom wished to change the world, to no longer be the victim, much like Deathblade and yourselves," Carina said as she turned to the academy students.
"I know of your tortures at the hands of Norman Osborn, it must have pleased you to have known of his death," Veil and Reptil shivered as Carina showed them the image of Osborn's death.
Deathblade hacking at Osborn's head was a site the students quickly looked away from. All except Finesse stopped looking, she wasn't bothered by the bloodshed. She coldly crossed her arms, expecting more from the woman. The next image Carina showed was of the tortures Veil, Hazmat and Mettle had experienced. But once again it didn't bother the girl.
"I know of your pasts and even your potential futures, time is an open book to me, that is how I knew of Michael's history and even Deathblade's. He has endured many torments!"
The room suddenly began to shake. Jocasta looked around in shock as a tear began to spread on the wall. Carina herself was shocked too as red energy seeped through the growing tear. Deathblade burst through the wall as if it was paper, holding a scythe glowing with his fiery energy.
'He generates so much energy, enough to tear holes in dimensions' Carina thought, looking at the man in amazement.
"Carina Walters, time may be an open book to you, but when it comes to people you are as ignorant as that girl. For one can not truly understand another unless they know them, talk to them or form a natural connection much like a good first impression," Deathblade explained as he walked forward.
The Academy students shuffled, ready to fight if need be. Deathblade simply ignored them, stabbing his scythe into the ground and looking at Carina.
"You have bought a great threat upon us Cade Hunter," Carina said.
"I know, it was part of my plan, you are also part of my plan…but only if you wish!"
Meanwhile in the city, Aeon examined his armour. The gold colour was old, but the addition of an A on his chest seemed new. If he could smile he would, it felt good to not be bursting with energy. He could no longer control energy, but he had still enough power and skill to face his opponents. The opponents in question were the Beast of the Hand and these government sanctioned Avengers. But they didn't have to be the enemies.
"Commander Victoria Hand, please call your men off and let us handle the situation," Aeon politely said to the woman.
Victoria pushed her glasses back, quite shocked by his tone. Ares gripped his axe tightly, unwilling to accept any demands this unbeliever made.
"Iron Man, please take your Avengers out of this fight, there are a group of children on the rooftop nearby. They will need your help, Miss Hand please pull your people away to avoid further chaos. Iron Fist, Luke Cage, I will be happy to help you both to save Daredevil," Aeon explained as he ran his hand along the edge of his left gauntlet.
He shaped the material of his armour into a shield, pulling the weapon off his gauntlet.
"If you see a red haired child heading towards the fight, don't block his path."
"Why are we taking orders from you?" Venom snarled.
"Because you're all outclassed, this is a battle only a small group can win, now everyone please stay out of the way."
Aeon stabbed his shield into the ground and motioned for Luke and Iron Fist to join him. Daniel tightened his mask as he and Luke walked to Aeon's side. The Beast of the Hand cackled as he looked at the trio. Aeon patted Luke and Dan's backs, the edges of his armour glowing as he looked at the beast.
"Lets do it," Iron Fist said.
Luke grabbed Aeon's arm, hammer throwing the armoured man towards Daredevil. The beast threw his hand forward, only for Aeon to twist in midair. Daredevil's punch missed Aeon by inches. When Sven landed, he grabbed the Beast's wrist. Sven's eyes turned dark as his A symbol was replaced by two linked D's. The Beast widened his eyes in horror as Aeon created a Billy club from his armour. He wrapped the wire around the Beast's wrist, then grabbing his neck.
"Can't hear too well can you monster?" It wasn't Aeon's voice that echoed, but the voice of Matt Murdock.
Small horns popped out of Aeon's armour as it changed to a pitch red colour. The Beast gasped, turning to see…nothing.
"Without the soul of Matt Murdock and his power, your just another blind man."
"Someone who can't see me coming," Danny smiled as he ran towards the beast.
The Beast swung his arm around, punching Aeon so hard that he stumbled away. Aeon's armour suddenly returned to its gold state and the Beast regained his heightened senses. He swung his fist at Danny, who slid across the floor, narrowly missing the punch. Iron Fist jumped to his feet, clutching his wrist as he charged his signature technique. Luke Cage ran at the Beast, football tackling him to the ground. The Beast grabbed Luke's head, only for a fiery chain to slam against his back.
"You didn't forget about me did you asshole," Ghost Rider grinned as he twirled his chain around.
"Or me?"
Wolverine popped his claws out, diving and stabbing the bone blades into the Beast's chest. Luke Cage grabbed the Beast's arms, holding him in a full nelson. Iron Fist and Aeon both ran forward, but stopped as fire shot forth from the Beast's mouth.
"YOU WONT DEFEAT ME!" The creature yelled.
He kicked Wolverine, sending him rolling across the floor. Then he slammed his head into Luke's, but the action did little but bruise Luke's face.
"All right people, there are still wounded out there, lets go find them, Carol your with me on these kids, lets find them," Tony said as he began flying off the ground.
"Chang, Walker pull our men out, make sure all civilians are clear of the area," Hand ordered her troops, much to US Agent's confusion.
"Ma'am are we going to just let them go about their business?" He asked.
"We cant waste time pursuing Daredevil, there are bigger threats to deal with, like these citizens that have gone crazy. I want this situation contained, no casualties what so ever, that means you Moonstone, Ares and Venom, your to come with me back to the Helicarrier," Hand explained.
"Yes ma'am," Moonstone mockingly said.
The Avengers of both sides began flying and running to support civilians. Photon flew a wounded man away, while Jessica applied CPR to an unconscious child. Iron Man and Ms Marvel spotted the children Aeon mentioned. They were standing on the rooftops, torn between helping and fleeing. Ray heard Iron man's engines and on instinct jumped down to a fire escape. He climbed through a window, hiding as Tony addressed the other orphans.
"All right everyone, I know you're all worried but trust me when I tell you we're here to help," Tony said.
"We're here to help," Dr Strange repeated Iron Man's words as he helped citizens on the streets.
He didn't use magic, only his traditional knowledge and skill as a medical doctor. Nico tapped her staff against the ground, magically creating several stretchers for Hammer agents to transfer the wounded.
"Shit, everything's gone to hell," Black Tarantula sighed as he watched his former friend fight the heroes.
Realising how wrong things had gone, Black Tarantula squeezed his hand into a fist and dived off of the building he stood on. He landed feet first on the ground, immediately breaking off into a run for Daredevil. Black Tarantula slammed his fist into the Beast's head, knocking him away from Cage. Aeon ran up behind the Beast, grabbing him again and fusing his soul with Murdock's.
"Murdock, powerful the Beast may be he is still an unwelcome guest in your body," Aeon said.
"What are you waiting for Murdock? KICK HIM OUT!" Wolverine yelled.
Zack ran out of the alleyway he had dived into. He gripped his leg, trying to stop it from trembling. Fear gripped him as he watched the intense fight going on in front of him. The Beast punched Ghost Rider so hard that it knocked his jaw out of place. He drew blood from Luke Cage's mouth and tore Black Tarantula's jacket. Iron Fist tried to attack the Beast, only to get elbowed in the head. Even Aeon couldn't hold his own, he tried to get a grip of the Beast again, but the monster backhanded him and punched him into the wall. Then he blew out a cloud of fire, covering Wolverine in flames.
'Your one boy Zack, what difference can you make?' Zack wondered.
He lowered his head, only for his eyes to be drawn to the gold shield dug into the ground.
With another addition to the team, Sieg knew that he was more than ready to face whatever lurked outside the city. He flew ahead of the team; ignoring the looks Arachnophillia repeatedly threw his way. His hand trembled as he felt the battles both his master and Deathblade fought. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the path ahead. Hovering in midair was James Crowner, dressed in the battle armour he had prepared for the confrontation. Sieg had no doubt that the scheming billionaire had built the armour specifically to fight him. He always had an agenda just like all the other geniuses. Sieg flew down to the roof of a half repaired building. The rest of the team soon assembled behind him, with James landing in front. His helmet's faceplate split apart, revealing the man's grinning face.
"Sieg, I see you've found some new friends…but what are you guys up to now?" James asked.
"We're heading out of the city to fight the Squadron Supreme," Sieg said.
"The Squadron…Sieg this is ridiculous, you've already fought Alpha Flight, now your trying to scare the newest heroes away," James sighed.
"You know about the Squadron?" Sieg asked.
"Yeah, they're a new group of heroes that came to me for funding, Hyperion came to me and told me his story along with Zarda's, they want to help protect the Earth. Hyperion's from a distant planet, he and Zarda came here and brought together a whole new bunch of heroes. They needed funding for a base so they came to me. Right now a few of the members are meeting with Miss Hand to discuss cooperation with the government," James explained.
"Wait a second…your going to work with the government, that's against Sven's own plans," Sieg said.
"And what do you know of Sven's plans?" James asked.
Sieg widened his eyes, rubbing his head in a mixture of confusion and frustration.
"The Squadron aren't who you say they are Crowner, they're part of a project Osborn had composed to replace the worlds heroes," Tigra said.
"Nice to meet you again Miss Nelson, are you guys sure the Squadron's dirty?"
"They're rotten, to the core," Grasshopper growled.
"And who are you?"
Grasshopper lowered his head, with Sofia and Sooraya patting his back. A sudden realisation hit Sieg; the Squadron had been getting their funding from James. Could he be a part of it? Sieg quickly shook that question aside, James schemed but he wasn't like Osborn. X-23 walked up to the billionaire, sniffing him to confirm whether or not it was James. She growled out of anger, he was James Crowner.
"I can vouch for Sieg's story, I was one of the people tortured by Neo Cortez, the leader of the project," Arachnophillia said.
"Neo Cortez…why do I get the feeling I've heard that name before?" James wondered.
James put a hand to his ear as he heard his radio crackle. He switched on the hologram projector, displaying Gloria and Chase Stein.
"Hey boss man, Karen told us you went out in the armour, why?" Chase asked.
"Oh hi Sieg, wow that's quite a cast you've assembled," Gloria said.
"Gloria you need to get in touch with James's bank and tell them to cut the funds being sent to the Squadron Supreme," Sieg said.
"What, but why?"
"They're dirty, trust me on this."
X-23 and Jim both sniffed at the air and growled. James's alarms blared as he cut the communication line. He slid on his faceplate, hid hands glowing as he turned to the edge of the building. A portal hole appeared before the team as they prepared themselves. Citizen V drew his sword while Grass Hopper aimed his stingers. They waited, but nothing came out of the portal. Jim's ears twitched as he popped out his claws.
"THEY'RE BELOW US!" He yelled.
The building suddenly shook, as two super humans slammed their fists into the buildings foundations. Hyperion and Hyper Girl flew out of the building's entrance, firing optic blasts around it. The beams cut the building in half like a knife through butter. Sieg summoned his sword and looked to all his team members.
"EVERYONE GET OFF THE BUILDING!" Sieg yelled.
Grasshopper prepared to jump, only for the floor to collapse under his weight.
"GRASSHOPPER!" Tigra screamed.
Citizen V grabbed Tigra's arm, pulling her onto his flight platform. Sooraya changed to sand form while Sofia flew upwards. Prime grabbed X-23 while Michael flew to grab Grasshopper. Jim ran off the side of the building, jumping as it crashed into the side of a building next to it. He hit the ground, leaving a crater from his landing. Jim cracked his neck back and flexed his arms around. Another portal appeared before him, causing him to growl as he flashed his canines. His opponent drew a broadsword from his red scabbard.
"Names Justin, I'll be your killer today," The man said.
He was dressed up like a knight, but Jim could smell the cybernetics underneath the man's red chain mail and pointed helmet. Jim grinned as he ran forward, thrusting his claws towards his opponent. Michael reached Grasshopper in time, flying him away from the falling building.
"Them again," Guardian growled.
"Yep, us again."
Guardian turned around just in time, dodging an energy blast fired by Spectrum. James flew to Sieg's side while the rest of the team tried to recover. Dust gasped as a ball of fire flew towards her sand form. She narrowly missed the attack, only for a volley of ice spikes to fly at her. Two women were stood on the building in front of her, one with red hair, and the other with white. They were dressed in clothes that matched their powers. The ice woman wore a coat with a furry collar while the fire lady was wearing a red bustier with pantyhose, gloves and thigh high boots.
"AMBUSH!" Michael yelled.
Spectrum hit Guardian with an energy blast, sending him and Grasshopper falling to the streets below. Their armour protected them from the impact of the fall, but they were still left in a daze. Another portal appeared in front of them and two more figures ran out. Blue Eagle thrust his spear forward, narrowly missing Michael's chest. The new addition to the squad, Temptress mimicked the agility and claws of a panther. She slashed Grasshopper's wrist guard, and then kicked him across the head. Jim deflected Justin's sword swing, and then swung his claws around. Justin barely dodged the claws, while Jim followed through with a knee to Justin's face.
"Where is he, where's that bastard Hyperion?" Sieg wondered.
"You'll deal with me," A voice hissed behind him.
Sieg turned around, thrusting his sword forward. His strike narrowly missed Zarda's cheek. She backhanded Sieg, sending him flying onto a rooftop. James tried to fly to Sieg's aid, only for Hyper Girl to grab his leg. The girl threw him towards the ground, and then dived like a missile into his chest. A crack ran across James's armour, bruising his chest on the inside. Zarda landed where Sieg was recovering. She pulled an axe from a holster on her back, dragging the blade across the ground. Sieg raised his sword, blocking the woman's powerful strike. He swung his head back, narrowly dodging Zarda's second strike. Power Princess grabbed Sieg's hood, throwing him into the post of a water tower.
"Pathetic, weak," Zarda muttered.
"You shouldn't talk about yourself like that," Sieg growled.
Zarda snarled at the boy before swinging her axe forward. Sieg ducked just in time, Zarda's axe cleaved through the support pole for the water tower. Then Sieg cut the other support pole, running towards the edge of the building as the water tower fell on top of Zarda. The water slammed into Sieg's back, knocking him off balance. He quickly recovered in midair, grabbing a web line made by Arachnophillia. The red skinned girl pulled on the web line, throwing Sieg safely towards street level. Sofia slowed his fall with her winds powers, while Prime and X-23 supported James. Prime pulled Hyper Girl off of the billionaire, gripping her in a bear hug.
"I bet you're sexy underneath the armour," Temptress said as she scratched Grasshopper's cheek.
"HEY SKANK!" Tigra yelled.
She and Citizen V jumped off the flight platform. Tigra slashed Temptress across the chest, while Citizen V slashed apart Blue Eagle's spear. Both Avengers then punched their opponents in the head, throwing them both back. Guardian fired a blast from his hand, knocking Spectrum into the air.
"We have the advantage again, everyone don't hold back," Sieg said.
"THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!" Hyperion yelled in delight.
Hyperion flew past Sofia and Arachnophillia, grinning as Sieg raised his sword. Suddenly, Hyperion disappeared. Sieg widened his eyes behind his mask. Then he turned to his left, seeing Hyperion with his back turned. The man smiled before he disappeared again.
'He's too fast,' Sieg thought.
He felt someone grip the back of his shirt. Hyperion threw Sieg into the air, sending him flying across the street.
"SIEG!" Sofia yelled.
Hyperion ran towards Sieg's landing point, tapping him like a beach ball. Sofia and Arachnophillia tried to fly and swing to his aid. But Hyperion gathered air into his lungs and blew to two girls back. Arachnophillia crashed onto the hood of a car, while Wind Dancer hit her head on the pavement. Dust continued to dodge the elemental twin's attacks, unaware of the state of her other teammates.
Carina and the academy students looked at Deathblade in shock. Korvac's former wife in particular was taken aback as Deathblade bowed to her.
"Forgive me for my anger towards you earlier, I assumed that you were still aligned with your husband. I am happy to see you are not, my plans rest in your hands…"
"Wait, you come to our home and bring this upon us, why not kill us now? Are you toying with us?" Veil asked.
"Its true Madeline Berry, I could kill you all quite easily…but I don't want to kill you," Deathblade said.
"Why the change of heart?" Reptil asked.
"I never desired any of the Avengers dead, least of all not you, as selfish or confused as some of you may be I understand you."
"What a goon," Striker muttered.
"Did you think your first agent deserved to die Striker? What was his name? Oh yes, Rick."
Striker stepped back, looking at Deathblade with fear. He knew of his old agent Rick, a man who tried to rape him. If it wasn't for his control over electricity manifesting then Striker knew he would be just another paedophile victim.
"Your mother was a terrible woman…"
"DON'T YOU DARE GO ACCUSING MY MOTHER!" Striker yelled.
"One day you're going to have to see that your parent doesn't give a damn, like Carina did," Deathblade said as he turned to Carina.
"Like you did," Carina whispered.
Deathblade lowered his head as Carina showed the Academy students a moment from his childhood. He was Sixteen, standing at the doorway to his father's office. A fresh bruise was on his right eye and sweat was running down his face. His eyes began to glow a red colour as he walked into the office. Grabbing the man by the collar of his shirt, Cade threw him against the wall.
"For years, for yeas I've put up with it, the beatings and the callous truth you tell. You're a murderer and your trying to make me like you, someone who accepts bloodshed like a hobby," Cade explained.
"What are you on about boy?" The man asked, surprised by his son's show of strength.
"You tried to keep me away from real friends, so you could introduce me to the thugs you work with. I was never a son to you, just a legacy for your crimes, raping little girls, killing whole families…you're a monster."
Cade's father stood up, gripping his boy's collar.
"I'm the monster? There are hundreds of people out there who have sinned as I have, this whole life, this house and the food you refuse to eat is because of the things I have done," He explained.
"I NEVER ATE THE FOOD OR ACCEPTED THE MONEY BECAUSE IT WAS STAINED WITH BLOOD!" Cade yelled.
He pushed his father again, this time hitting the man's head against the bookcase. Cade covered his eyes, fighting back tears. Not for the life he never had, but for the lives his father had taken.
"The police are coming for you old man, they're coming because they know what you did. You were an accomplice in my friend's murder and now they're going to know. And then you will be punished for every other crime you committed."
His father laughed as he walked out of the office.
"I'LL BE OUT CADE! JUSTICE IS A JOKE!" He yelled after his son, laughing as the boy slammed the door.
Cade stopped at the drive way to his home. He turned back to the door, energy seeping in his hands. With simple movements of his hand he created a small dagger. The sorrowful expression left his face as he walked back into the house. Carina shifted the scene, showing Cade standing over the body of his father. He glared at the body as he stepped back against the wall. His gloved hands were stained with blood, just like his father's soul. The young man let out a howl of agony, causing Carina to lower her head with empathy.
"Your father beat you?" Veil asked.
"And that justified you killing him? It's the same excuse every serial killer has," Finesse said.
"Says the girl who cant decide whether she gives a shit about human life or not. I'm not some mere serial killer, I know that the people I kill deserve to die because they have taken a life as well, but I will not set out on a path that will leave no one standing, unlike Korvac. I see potential in you, the potential to do great or terrible things; I'm not going to kill you based on this. It is better to unleash potential, not destroy it," Deathblade explained.
He offered his hand to Carina, who looked at it in confusion.
"With your help Carina I wish to end the existence of Korvac once and for all, I wish to punish all those whom the Avengers have never touched."
"And what makes your goals any different from Michael's, time is an open book to me, I can see an infinite number of futures from the young ones, but only one future from you," Carina explained.
"Wait you know our future, what happens to us?" Veil asked.
"I see a future where you are all heroes, the greatest of the Avengers. But you Cade Hunter, I see only one path, a world without hope, all because of you," Carina pointed an accusing finger at Deathblade.
But he remained stoic, still offering her his hand.
"My choices are my own, the future is a blank slate, one influenced by the actions we take. Do not relax children; your futures can still change into outcomes that Carina never thought possible."
"What do you want here?" Hazmat asked.
"To do what the Avengers can not, kill Korvac once and for all, I wanted to offer Carina such an opportunity, her own revenge for what Korvac has done to her."
"You will kill Michael for good? Such a thing can not be done," Carina shrugged her shoulders.
Carina widened her eyes slightly as Cade lightly grabbed her shoulder. He looked into the woman's eyes, his eyes peacefully glowing.
"A part of you wishes to find a new purpose, don't you think that defeating Korvac will be the start?" He asked her.
Carina lowered her head, only for Cade to tilt her chin.
"If you reject my offer then I will leave you in peace."
"What do you need me to do?" Carina asked.
"I will need everyone's help," Cade said as he looked at the group of students.
"Wait a minute, your thinking of using us too? What can we possibly do?" Veil asked.
Carina smiled as she shifted the structure of the room. Deathblade stepped back in shock as he relived another memory of his childhood. It was his first battle with Sven, back when he used his Fusion identity. The bloodied and beaten forms of heroes were laid out across the ruined city block. Cade had stood over Sven, his armour glowing red, holding two scythes. Sven's armour had been cracked, his head was exposed, a deep gash was on the side of his face, along with some other cuts. But still Sven stood up, his knees shaking as he looked at Cade. Finesse couldn't believe her eyes, a boy who had been younger than her stood up to face impossible odds.
"You see, he never gave up, even when defeat was certain."
In the city, Aeon threw his hand at the Beast, only to be smacked across the head. He spun around and grabbed the Beast's wrist. The Beast quickly punched Aeon backwards. Sven recovered and grabbed the Beast again. Suddenly, the Beast spat a ball of fire from his mouth, hitting Aeon's helmet. A small crack appeared on Aeon's helmet, but that didn't stop him. He still continued to walk towards the Beast. The Beast yelled in fury before launching another fireball from his mouth. Suddenly a blur of red colours dashed in front of Aeon. The fire bounced off of a gold shield, instead flying into the air. Aeon chuckled as he looked at Zack, holding his shield with a red aura around his body.
"I thought you'd take it Zack, good to see my faith in you is well placed," Aeon said.
"This was a test?" Zack asked.
"Me putting a shield into the ground was, but this battle is serious so keep you eyes on your opponent," Aeon instructed.
"Yes sir," Zack said.
"So long as you can get back up again don't ever give up."
"That's the lesson Sven Reilly taught me, those who don't give up will eventually find victory," Deathblade said.
"Rhetorical nonsense," Finesse muttered.
"And yet you see it everyday don't you, with me against the Avengers and more importantly, the Avengers against Korvac…show them Carina," Deathblade gestured to the wall as Carina showed them the continuing battle between the Avengers and Korvac.
Most of the team members were unconscious or treating their wounds. The only one left standing was Michael Van Patrick, the new Captain America. Despite the overwhelming odds he still stood strong. Korvac fired a blast into his shield, knocking him to the ground.
"Your defiance is admirable boy, but I am a god in comparison to you insects, what can a simple man do to me," Korvac asked mockingly.
He floated towards the Captain, raising his hand to charge and energy blast. Suddenly, Michael jumped to his feet and slashed Korvac across the face with his shield.
"Your right Korvac, I am just a man, but I'm a man who's inherited the dreams of a whole generation of heroes. I am just a man…a man whose gonna kick your ass!"
The new Captain pulled his fist back and slammed it into the energy being. Like Steve Rogers before him, Michael Van Patrick delivered a series of devastating punches to Korvac's face.
"You hear that Korvac? That's just a man kicking your ass!" Michael said as he swung one more fist towards Korvac.
Suddenly, Korvac telekinetically caught Michael's fist in midswing. He pulled Michael upwards, suspending him in midair.
"Very good, just like the man before you, but its not good enough," Korvac said.
Korvac smiled as he gathered energy into his hand. Cap stayed defiant, even as Korvac threw his hand forward. Before he could unleash the energy however, a deep mist settled over the area. This distracted Korvac, causing him to look around in confusion. Suddenly, a red fist slammed into Korvac's cheek, throwing him back. He got up off the floor, looking at the one whom punched him. As the fog passed, Korvac widened his eyes at what he saw. The Avengers Academy students stood with Deathblade and Carina. Finesse helped MVP off the ground, with Reptil handing him the shield.
"Carina, what insanity is this, you know perfectly well that you can not defeat me!" Michael said.
"I know Michael, that is why I am leaving it to this man," Carina said as she motioned to Deathblade.
"Ha, what can a fool and a group of children do against me?"
"The best my new army could do was drive you back, but together we're going to accomplish something the Avengers never could…we're going to get rid of you forever!" Deathblade said as his scythe materialised.
Again Korvac laughed, but then he stopped and looked to Deathblade as he opened the palm of his hand. Korvac could see everything, even microscopic beings. But these microscopic beings began growing and growing. He widened his eyes as the beings, shrunken by Pym particles grew to their true sizes. One was familiar, a man in a black suit based on a panther. A second man wore a helmet with insect eyes on it. Stood next to him was a young woman wearing a costume based on Pym's Yellow Jacket suit.
"Another ordinary man and reject Avengers, I am petrified," Korvac laughed.
"I'm not done yet Korvac."
If Deathblade could smile he would have as he handed Carina Eli Bard's technorganic arm. There was once a time when she would have sacrificed her very essence to find and revive Michael's broken energy form. But she had been infused with the memories of Janet Van Dyne when Pym thought that the energy being he discovered was his late wife. Using the properties of Bard's arm as well as Deathblade's own energies, Carina used her power to search space, finding the remains of the heroes they needed.
"Before you betrayed me Michael I would have found you and revived you, now I am using my power to revive those who truly deserve a second chance," Carina explained.
She threw her hands together, creating two portals. Korvac hovered back, shocked by the intense energy's emanating from the portals. He sensed that the two figures emerging from space shared the same blood, as well as the same costume. Both men wore a red and black suit, with a shining star pattern on the chest. But one wore a mask that exposed his mouth and hair. His son's costume had a slightly different design, but overall it was similar. His mask covered his whole face, with his short white hair exposed. Their shining gold bands generated an intense light as they spread their arms out. Hulkling woke up, looking to the two figures in shock. His expression was shared by Cassie who looked at the Ant man.
"I believe you know at least one of the Captain Marvel's, I also believe your outnumbered!"
Michael Van Patrick brandished his shield as he ran forward with not only the Avengers Academy Students, but also the Avengers of three generations. He yelled two words that had been yelled since the Avengers began.
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
While Deathblade defied a god and Aeon defied a devil, Sieg defied beings that only hoped to come close to being gods. His vision blurred and his ears rung as he got up off the floor. Pressing his sword against the ground, Sieg picked himself up. He looked down the street to see his Avengers holding their own against the Squadron. Hyper Girl punched Prime across the face and blew Dust through the cracks of a window. Sooraya returned to human form, slamming into the wall of the hotel room she landed in. Sieg raised his sword and prepared himself. Hyperion and Power Princess floated to the ground, the latter holding a spear.
"Would you like the honours my love?" Power Princess asked.
"I have better ways of finishing him," Hyperion smirked.
His eyes glowed red, while Sieg's sword shined a blue colour. Hyperion laughed for a moment before glaring at the boy's defiance.
"Do you seriously think that you can beat me?" Hyperion asked.
"It's not about beating you, it's about defying you, if I don't stand and fight then I'll never live up to the expectations of my teacher," Sieg said.
Hyperion and Zarda both broke into laughter as Sieg fell on one knee. Sieg's teeth grit together as he stood up. Zarda lowered her spear and prepared to throw the weapon. Suddenly, a red and gold colour spear slammed into the floor near Zarda's foot. Sieg looked up with his opponents, identifying where the spear had come from. James took a look as well, widening his eyes underneath his helmet. Standing with her arm extended was James's adopted daughter Karen. And she wasn't along either, by her side was a young man dressed in a white and red costume. He was Jason Reilly, Sven's adopted brother and his original apprentice.
"Looks like you guys could use some help," Jason said as he cracked his knuckles together, ready to fight.
Next Chapter 8: United Generations
Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. I know I've been slow with updates, especially with my Spin off fics, but I'm going to try to update them by the end of the month.