A Gamer's rise in Marvel
Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel or any other work of fiction.
Chapter 25 : Desert War Part 1
X-Mansion, Westchester, New York
James "Logan" Howlett
"So you're finally back!"
Logan paused as he removed the Keys from the Motor Cycle before turning around.
Jean Grey looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a small smile on her face. Logan smirked at her before his eyes trailed down at her smoking body in an admittedly conservative Pyjama that still did nothing to conceal her sexy curves.
"Yeah, needed some free time so I went a bit cruising through New York."
The smirk on Jean's face widened a bit before she suppressed it.
"You know, Scott won't be very happy when he finds out you took his bike to go "Cruising" as you did"
Logan gives a small chuckle in return. He slowly begins walking towards her:" Then why don't we have it be our little secret then?"
With him only a few steps away her blushing face quickly takes on a more serious expression: "I…I won't tell then…. but this should be the last time understand? Don´t forget that for some reason Magneto is looking for you. Preferably you should at least tell someone when you leave the School."
Logan scowled a bit as he was already starting to feel caged again before shaking the feeling off. He knew that Jean at least was just worried about him.
Talking about worry...
Logan frowned as he thought back to his little adventure at the Pawn-shop. He really hoped that Kid would be done with her work sooner rather than later. That said, he should probably mention her to the Professor, even if he kept her skills secret as she asked of him.
"Everything alright Logan?"
Logan looked up at Jean who looked at him worriedly.
"Yeah, just thinking about some stuff that happened today…. Though you could just take a peek if you're interested. Not like I can stop you." Flirting aside, Logan was still acutely aware of what Jean could do. Especially now that he saw what had happened with the young girl today. Bone claws made of metal hardly help when your own mind is under attack.
Jean had a slight grimace as she answers:" Logan…..I know you don't have any reasons to trust us …. But I promise you, both the professor and myself wouldn't violate you like that. . We only wish to help. The Professor and I truly do care about others and would not use our powers like that."
At that Logan rushes at her and pins her to a nearby wall. He quickly lines up his clenched fist and has the two outer blades slice out of his arm with her neck trapped between them. Jean Freezes in Fear at Logan's sudden attack and remains so as she feels the third blade slowly approaching her throat. But to no one's surprise, Jeanne remains calm. Mainly because she entered his mind in a moment of Panic to learn his intentions…..And to freeze up his own body before he could harm her. With his mind open to her, she realizes that her own statement had immediately been proven wrong.
She releases Logan from her control and he leans in close. He begins to whisper in her ear:" A lot of people talk of the lines they won't cross. Their Morals and Limits. What they think is right or wrong…..But the thing is, everyone has a breaking point.
When push comes to shove, these things are discarded without hesitation. Some break faster than others. They are usually those false believers or pretenders of moral superiority…. the ones preaching of their "Good", but being incapable of doing so when they should…... no matter what, everyone crosses their lines at some point. It's by this that judge them. To see their hypocrisy. ..Whether they have spines….or are just blowing hot air" He breathes out next to her blushing face.
Jean wasn't sure if she was attracted to him or beginning to hate him. Either way, her cheeks were burning up in embarrassment, arousal, and especially anger. At both Logan….and at herself for falling for his trick.
He finally let go of her body and takes a few steps back as his claws retract into his arm. He continues to speak and begins with a chuckle: "A flicker of danger and you already crossed your line. Tell me Red, you were able to tell what I was planning but what if I seriously meant to kill you? What would you have one then?"
Her breath hitches at the question:" I…I…I would have taken it too far…" she says as her head hangs low.
Logan's eyes widen at her confession:" Well at least you're honest about it Red. Makes you ten times better already….."
He gently grabs hold of her shoulder" I doubt you've ever been forced into a situation like this anyway, so it's understandable you were caught off guard. Can't be perfect from the get-go after all…these things need time. gotta find out what your limits are and what lines you can actually keep away from crossing" He pauses as he takes in her state:" Sorry about that red…I guess I'm in a bad mood and let it out on you."
She slowly looks up at him with her eyes still watering as she begins to wipe them with her sleeves:" No it's fine…..you are right after all. I…..I definitely wasn't expecting it though." She says with a light smile.
He returns with a smile of his own:" Most people don't. At least you seem to be a good sport about it Red."
She gives a small chuckle:" Well you weren't actually trying to hurt me, even if it seemed that way…though I do wonder what's wrong. You mentioned you were in a bad mood?"
His eyes flash with uncomfortable emotions as he thinks of the day's earlier events: "Right…met someone today who really put the fear in me. The sort of ruthlessness you don't see often…..Say, mind if I went to the library right now? I need to look someone up." Logan could always tell the Professor of what happened some other time. For now, he needs to find out about himself.
Jean frowning confusion before saying:" well it's getting late, but I'm sure you could still look something up…..I'm curious though, I really didn't take you for an avid reader after all. what piqued your interest?"
Jean is rather surprised by the solemn smile she receives from Logan: " Just an old name."
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Jeanne Dark
Hell's kitchen
I quickly arrived back at my apartment with two hours to spare. Shuffling of my clothes, I quickly debate what exactly I should do now…
What, getting cold feet in seducing Peter?
Or do you just not have a plan?
I huff in annoyance as I give my reply:' I…. honestly, it's both.'
Oh? And here I thought you had no taboos
Shut up SYSTEM. It's just….I've never really been into Shota stuff and doing this to Peter now…it just feels wrong…and yeah, I know, I know. That's rather uncharacteristic for me but I actually do cherish the friendship I have with him. I don't really want to lose that because I was being horny….But there is still the issue with the Osborn girl….Ah, screw it. I need to claim my territory and I can't risk Peter being stolen. He might be against it at first, but I will rock his world in time. I will ease him into it. Get him comfortable first and then strike.
Sooooo….you actually have to show him something cool then?
SYSTEM's suggestion quickly grabs my attention as I realize that I had to prepare just that. I move over to my bedroom and quickly enter through a hidden trap door and enter my basement. As I glance around the area, I also realize that I also wanted to inspect my new purchase.
I open my inventory and retrieve the newly acquired Automag from it. Locking and the large pistol, I smile in glee at the powerful weapon I now own. As I now give it a proper inspection, I also realize what I recognize it from. The gun was one of the endgame weapons from Resident Evil 7 and I absolutely loved the hand-cannon. I think it also showed up in some Clint Eastwood movie once, but I was honestly unsure of that.
For now, I'm rather happy with my purchase, even if I will be severely modifying it. The main issue of reliability concerned me and I had already decided that I would engrave some runes on the weapon to remedy that.
With the gun now loaded, I think of something else that had been bugging me for some time now. My Damage Numbers.
Specifically, critical Damage. Notable instances were from the attacks Coulson made on me whenever I disappeared. The guy was a great shot, he perfectly remembered the location of my vitals and was capable of hitting them. Sure I was probably fast enough to dodge those attacks, but I simply don't have those instincts.
Battle instincts are learned and ingrained over time and countless combat situations. I'm pretty sure I can count my battles on two hands and most of them aren't really the standards for normal conflicts.
Or maybe I was too lazy to dodge as the gun hardly damage me after all. But that isn't important.
As far as I know, Critical hits are made up of the base damage from the weapon used on me. This is combined with a percentage of my own health. While my Vitality mainly influences HP and HPr, ive also noticed that it's been steadily decreasing the percentage of health taken away from critical hits.
There's more to it than that dear.
Oh great…Please enlighten me then.
Of course.
Ahem! Now then.
Critical damage works in the manner as you say, but its system is more complex than that. Critical hits aren't just vital hits such as head-shots and heart-shots, there are extra factors included.
For instance, at your current level, you could easily survive a bullet to the brain, but the wound and bullet are still important. A small Caliber weapon would undoubtedly do less damage than say, a rifle. That is also depicted within the critical hits. Other factors like range, size and addition to the weapon also count.
Got it?
I quickly nod at the query and think of how I could really see the difference.
I look over my stats before trying my idea.
Jeanne Dark Lv 139
Class= Magus (Thaumaturgy)(Maxed out ) / Avenger
Sub class = Engineer Lv 39
Engineer class. Grants 2 INT per Level. Triples experience the gain of all technological skills.
Race= Demi-servant
Title= Lucky Gamer LUC +30
Lv= 39 (8,200 /480,000 Xp)
Hp= 5,184,700 HP (LV x VIT x 100)
Mp= 5,017,900 MP (LV x INT x 100)
Hpr= 518,470 HP/m (LV x VIT x 10)
Mpr= 1,021,650 MP/m (LV x ((INT/2) +(WIS x 2)) x 12)
Ok….My HP is massive at the moment so it should work for my experiment. This part of the apartment is technically not really physically there. Meaning that loud noises from down here barely get out. (And yes, I have confirmed that just in case. Don't want any scream from down here to alert my neighbors.)
I reach into my inventory and pull out my M1911. I slowly line up the barrel with my temple and undo the safety. I squeeze my eyes shut and prepare for the oncoming pain and possible death.
Bang
-500.000 HP
Status effect: Temporary blindness, Severe Cerebral Haemorrhage
"HAAAAAA!" I collapse to the ground and scream as blood and brains drip out of the open wounds. I quickly begin clutching the openings and try to prevent any more blood from leaving. Ive been completely blinded by what I suspect was the bullet tearing through my optical nerves and destroying my eyeballs from the impact.
I sit still on the floor for a few more seconds before the brain eventually lessens and the blood begins to clot. My HPr should heal the wound in under a minute so it makes sense that it already happens.
Pain resistance has leveled up to 42
I eventually let go of my head and breath out in relief concerning the little ordeal I just went through. I eventually leave my prone position and steady myself at a nearby wall. My breathing finally evens out and I can begin contemplating my findings.
First off, the gun only took a tenth of my health. Being honest, that is downright amazing.
Secondly, that certainly helped with leveling up my pain resistance.
Thirdly, Gamer's mind ensured that my mind was still clear even if a lot of it was actually missing.
Fourthly….I made a mess all over the floor and I really don't want to clean it up…Fuck.
I eventually place the gun (which had fallen to the floor in my fit of pain) back into my inventory and finally pull out the newly acquired Automag. Just as before, I line the gun up with my temple and squeeze my eyes shut in anticipation of the oncoming pain. I pull the trigger.
BANG
-1,000,000 HP
Status effect: Temporary blindness, Temporary Deafness, Severe Cerebral Haemorrhage, Loss of Motor functions, Sensory loss,
Pain resistance has leveled up to 48
It goes without saying that I immediately fall to the ground without so much as a peep leaving my mouth. The gun falls out of my hand and clutters onto the floor. I'm now lying face-first on the floor….or at least that's what I expect to have happened. I can't really tell as I can't really feel anything right now.
I guess that's to my benefit as I didn't even feel a bit of pain before my senses were lost. My little plunge into darkness doesn't take too long, however, as some images slowly return to my perception. I also regain a few of my senses and quickly deduce that: yes, I did fall face-first to the ground.
Deciding against moving, I wait for my injury to heal. A few minutes pass before I move up from the ground and see the very bloody mess around me. On the side I can see bits of my skull and even parts of my scalp lying in a puddle of blood with a lot of hair still atta-….Hair….my Hair.
"NO!" with a bout of panic, I rush to a bathroom I had placed her for convenience and rush to see my reflection in the mirror. The face staring back at me is covered in blood and other remains, so I quickly conjure up some water and splash my entire heat with it. I'm hardly bothered by the lack of air, as I'm currently far more worried about the state of my own hair.
As chunks and blood wash of and my snow-white hair is revealed once more, I smile in relief as I see my hair fully regrown without a single spot missing.
I channel the water drown the shower drain and dry my hair with some wind magic. With the white strands adorning my scalp now dried and cleaned, I contemplate something else.
My "Ahoge" pointing up from my head. Ive never really been bothered by it, but with the knowledge that my hair is quickly regrown to what I probably consider my "default state", I'm having new thoughts.
Mainly some possible canon from Carnival Phantasm. If I recall, when Saber had her Ahoge pulled out, she turned into her alter state (to be fair, she was angered by Gilgamesh, causing her to pull it out on her own.)
Looking at the silly strands of hair, I wonder what would happen to me. I only have an Ahoge in my alter form and my normal from didn't have one…..I'm sure nothing will happen, but I still want to see what happens. I do wonder if I could return to my normal state on my own though... Saber was immediately calmed down when she saw Shirou, but I would need something to anger or enrage me.
"Well, you only live once…..or maybe not, but you get my point"
Yes dear.
'Now then' I grab hold of the tuft of hair and rip it out in a single motion. I hold the hair in my hands while waiting patiently for something to happen….
I groan out in disappointment and head back into the main lab and think of my next actions. First thing is to clean up the lab from the mess I made. I look over the scene and a small shudder goes through my body at seeing the gore. I use my usual methods of Hellfire and water magic to remove the offending materials.
After that, I think back on Peter….He really is a good friend. And I honestly can't wait for him to be a hero. He's always been such a good soul and I'm sure he will thrive with or without my help.
Ahhh….Jeanne?
I look back and think:' Yes SYSTEM dear? Is something the matter?' while tilting my head a bit.
Um…not really no. I'm sure it'll be fine soon enough.
I give a small chuckle:' Ok then SYSTEM. Always feel free to talk to me. I really do value your input and opinions after all.' I finish with a happy tune as I climb up the trap door and end up in my bedroom.
This really is creepy.
I once again tilt my head in confusion' What is, SYSTEM?'
Nothing Jeanne. Continue on if you will.
"well if you say so!" I answer as I'm about to leave the room. Just before leaving, I pass by the large mirror next to my wardrobe and walk towards it in curiosity.
I quickly inspect my figure and begin to blush furiously as I realize that the tight pants and the shirt which exposes my stomach might be considered….sensual o..o..o..or even Le...Lewd.
(in hindsight, I should have noticed that my hair had turned back into a lovely blond. But I was otherwise occupied at the time and more concerned whit finding a more conservative outfit for when Peter would arrive. SYSTEM's snickering in the backroad also should have tipped me off.)
This ought to be fun
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2 hours later
In front of Jeanne's Appartment
Peter Parker
Peter wasn't really sure what to expect from Jeanne when she messaged him, but he was certain it would once again be amazing. She was incredibly smart and had a job where she could use that intellect.
To think that someone like her would befriend a nerd like him was really baffling. At the time he met her, he was honestly not sure why she chose to hang out with him. He really didn't get it…
Even so, Peter has to say ever since he met Jeanne his life has really been changed for the better. He's become top of his class and is actually doing ok in PE for a change. He wasn't sure why, but Flash Thompson also seemed to back down with insults and further bullying attempts.
Jeanne gave him tips on how to supposedly beat a bully without having to resort to physical violence and he thinks it may have worked. The idea was to simply dodge and trip your opponent here and there while constantly provoking him with quips and humorous insults. It not only worked in embarrassing Flash, it somehow improved Peter's reputation as well.
He will admit, it was rather strange at first. A lot of people were suddenly far more friendly with him, but he honestly didn't want to befriend any of them. His reason for that was ironically also given by Jeanne
"If people only begin acting friendly due to a change of your reputation or fame, then it indicates both a weak character and shallow personality. Keep away from such trash." She had said back then.
And he actually did follow that advice. He continued hanging out with Ned and the Osbornes, just as he always had. They were his friends and wouldn't ever want to replace them.
Peter is roused from his thoughts as he finally reaches the door to Jeanne's apartment. As his hand reaches for the doorbell, he thinks back to his newest friend.
Jeanne was…She was honestly one of the coolest people he knew. She was incredibly confident, spunky, and just downright fun. Even if she held some rather extreme opinions on some things. She was one of those people where you could definitely believe she broke the law in some capacity.
But she surprisingly not a bad influence, at least not in his opinion. Sure her first response to finding out he was being bullied was to prepare some gloves and a shovel for Flash, but she still meant well…..he hoped so at least.
But she was a whole lot more. Living on her own, started with nothing and already had her whole life planned out with most of it still in front of her. She was honestly someone to look up to even if she was a bit scary here and there.
And this is why he is quite shocked when the door abruptly swings open to reveal….Jeanne?
"Peter!" the girl in front of him gives him a radiant smile. The kind that seemed so foreign on her face. The girl Peter knew would often smile in a manner akin to a teasing schemer. Considering her propensity to teasing him with her rather….. developed body. He doubted there was anything more to it as he was certain she didn't see him that way. Which is why the smile he receives now is so…shocking.
Rather than teasing or jovial, it was rather radiant, and dare he say, glowing with purity and kindness. Not that Jeanne couldn't be kind, it's just... she usually wrapped it up with a sarcastic comment or a joke. Not like this. There is also the fact that her clothes were…..so normal for a change.
She wore a long-sleeved sweater that loosely covered her body leaving barely any skin to see. Her skirt also went down to her ankles. Something she usually said she thought too uncomfortable.
"I'm so glad you came! Come on let me get you inside" she says as she gently takes hold of his hand and leads him inside. He lightly blushes from her gentle touch and his mind is still reeling in confusion as he is ushered inside. To his surprise, he also catches a whiff of what he assumes to be her Perfume? Shampoo?
You see Jeanne usually had a rather unique scent if you got close to her (something that he has witnessed more often than he would admit.) and one would quickly notice that she usually smelled of….what he would describe as light ash or a campfire. She explained this was due to the fact that she had to work in the same area as experimental Propulsion thrusters and such, leaving residue on here.
Now it was different. He could compare her scent to a….well he'd imagine a flowerbed or even a meadow actually.
As he is lead to the couch in her living room, he cannot keep it bottled up anymore:" You….You are Jeanne right?" as he realizes that may have been insulting, he immediately tries to apologize but is instead stopped by the sweetest laughter he has ever heard.
"Haha Of course silly. Who else would be?" she says while giving a kind chuckle.
Peter continues to babble out:" B…b…but your Hair? And your clothes. E..e..e..e..everything's different!"
She smiles in response while twirling her golden blonde hair in her fingers:" Well I wanted to try a new look you know. It can never hurt to try other things…..Now then."
She leads him down to the couch before saying:" Rest up a bit. I prepared dinner for us." She then heads over to the kitchen to bring out said dinner.
This honestly sent all warning Bells of in Peter's head. Jeanne can't cook. That is a simple fact of the universe. Water is wet, gravity is a thing and Jeanne creates abominations in the kitchen. He has never been subjected to her cooking, but he can tell he wouldn't survive it.
She would often ask May to teach her, and it usually ended in disaster. His aunt May. The always headstrong and unyielding May, gave up on something for the first time in her life. I guess Jeanne burning water happened a few times to often.
But now he was alone and at Jeanne's Mercy. Was this the reason he was invited? Did he anger her somehow? Was this an elaborate prank that will end in Murder?
At least it gave Peter a reason for her strange behavior. It was to give him a false sense of security with no means of leaving without appearing to be rude or being an asshole.
'Damn my Parker Luck'
Expecting the worst, Peter keeps his eyes locked onto the coffee-table and waits for his oncoming doom. He eventually hears Jeanne's shuffling feet before a plate of food is placed before his eyes. To his absolute shock, his nose is assaulted not by something rancid and burnt, but a rather pleasant aroma.
"Here you go, Peter. Spaghetti Bolognese. I really hope you like it" Jeanne says with a blinding smile expected him to take the first bite.
Taking a fork into his hand he slowly begins to twirl some noodles around the fork as he asks:" Yo…You made this?"
She only nods with a happy smile adorning her face:" Yup. wanted to try cooking for you once"
He doesn't know why, but the way she had said that and her entire look to go with it caused his heart to skip a few beats. A small blush was forming on his face. As she continues to look expectantly at him, he eventually realizes that he still has to try the food.
He slowly brings the food to his mouth and eats the meal Jeanne had prepared. He is unexpectantly delighted at the flavor and soon continues by scooping up more noodles onto the fork.
"do you like it?" Jeanne asks with an expecting grin as she intertwines her fingers.
"Yes! It's amazing Jeanne, you really did something amazing here" he quickly answers as he swallows another bite. Though his Aunt May had cooked better meals, he can't deny that Jeanne was finally capable of cooking herself.
She beams with joy and jumps at him in response to his compliment. Before he can react, her light body crashes into his and they find themselves sprawled out over the couch. She quickly hugs him close and he gets another whiff of her shampoo. Another thing he notices are the two soft sensations pressing upon his chest.
Jeanne on the other hand grins like an idiot and says:" I'm really glad you liked it! Thank you, Peter."
He slowly reciprocates the hug and says:" N….no Problem Jean. You...You did good work and that should be praised. his heart is beating like crazy and his Pants began to tighten up from the contact. He truly hopes she doesn't notice that.
On another note, he doesn't know if others exist with the same type of crappy luck he has, but this surprise makes him wish that they get a good chance for once as well.
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Same time
The swirl of the Root
The Root. A realm beyond time and space, beyond life and death. The lynchpin of Reality and the core of creation. Within its swirl, many beings and realms reside. it is a gateway and hub to all reality, yet it is unknown to almost all. It is a place of infinite and absolute Power. The infinity stones, for instance, draw their Power from it directly, and should they ever be destroyed they would be reformed in the swirls of energy.
Many Deities, usually unknowingly, draw their Powers directly from the root. Yggdrasil's roots gather power from its streams. Ymir, the progenitor of the Norse gods bathed within it. The great earth-mother and Babylonian Goddess Tiamat along with Gaia were born from its waters. Father of Egyptian divinity, Nun was enveloped in its light. Kronos, the first titan of Olympus, gained great Knowledge from it and even Galactus was cocooned within its shells as existence was destroyed and reshaped. Every being of great Power held their origin here…..
Except, of course, a new Outsider, which came from beyond the void. An existence not unlike the Beyonders. For many months now, this being has held the interest of the only entire living within the root itself.
The One Above All. The true god of the multiverse. And while some assume him to be of interest at this moment, one would be correct. But yet, something else transpired near this transitory realm.
The swirl houses as aforementioned, a plenitude of other realms and worlds. One of these is the throne of Heroes. A Realm created from the collective consciousness of mankind, Alaya. A realm housing Great historical figures of the past that have impacted their times and have gone down in history. It houses any and all heroes that existed, will exist, and only exist among other realities.
Within this realm lies many more. Homes for the spirits that inhabit it. Among them is our point of interest. Within one of those realms lies a boundless and barren wasteland. The vast landscape is not covered in vegetation or structures, but rather a countless number of swords sticking out of the earth as if to imitate graves. The only being living within this world is a lone man dressed in red and black. His once pale skin has been darkened by the overuse of his magic, his eyes which were once a warm gold had taken on the color of steel for the same reason.
Perched over a small hill, Heroic Spirit EMIYA rests in his after-life, awaiting his next Deployment as a Counter-guardian of Mankind. While being more than deserving of the recognition belonging to heroes, he had not reached this place on his own.
He was a man who dedicated himself to the ideal of saving others. His Life's purpose, conjoined with this goal inherited from his father. The tragedy of it all was that this ideal brought about his undoing.
When Confronted by a calamity which had the potential of killing one hundred people before him, he decided to "make a contract" with Alaya to become a hero capable of producing miracles and become a Heroic Spirit after his death. He believed he could save both the lives of the dying people before him and save even more as a hero after his death. Although he desperately fought to end a war, he was in turn branded as the mastermind behind that war and subsequently executed because of the betrayal of his allies. Although he died of betrayal, he did not hate mankind. However, Alaya ironically gave him the duty as a Heroic Spirit "to slaughter all humans at a particular location when mankind is at the threshold of complete self-destruction", a "Counter Guardian".
His belief that he would continue to save many people as a Heroic Spirit did happen, but it was through being made to clean up after human actions and forced to take many lives to save humanity as a whole, instead of "saving everyone" - protecting humans without having to cause deaths of humans as he would have liked to. After seeing human self-destruction and forced to oppose his own ideals countless times, he began to deny himself and his ideal. Even knowing that the Throne of Heroes was isolated from time and space, EMIYA desperately came to believe that his only hope of release was to have himself summoned into an era where Shirou Emiya exists and kill his past self, hoping that the double paradox created by Shirou Emiya being killed before having a chance to make the contract with Alaya and that the killing was done by a Shirou Emiya who successfully made the contract with the world would create a time paradox great enough in magnitude that could potentially erase his existence as a Counter Guardian.
He had attempted it a few times and got quite close to it…..but in the end, something always stopped him. Be it the constantly changing timeline and his inability to follow through with his plan. The closest he ever came to his goal was when….when the truth of Sakura and her life was revealed. The revelation that his own Sakura had suffered to such a degree and that she had never been helped….it only amplified his despair and self-hatred.
The only good he saw in that ordeal was the fact that, that Shirou had forsaken his dream to save her….EMIYA was more than glad to sacrifice his arm and his life to save the brat. It made living in this hell a little bit better.
In hindsight, he thought it quite funny how another version of himself, the one who ended up with Rin, was far more stubborn and adamant in upholding his ideal knowing full well what it would bring him.
It is safe to say that EMIYA's opinions have changed over the course of his many summonings. While he now understands the beauty of his impossible dream and the many paths that his past self could have taken, it did not change his current Predicament.
He was still cursed to be a counter guardian and he was no closer to changing this. He senses slight distortions manifest behind him. Only Alaya appears to him here and he instantly knows that he will be forced to commit another massacre in her service.
Sensing the fully formed presence now behind him, EMIYA realizes that this being was not quite the Alaya he knew. He scoffs in annoyance at the realization.
The Throne exists among all realities, so it does occur that another Alaya will make use of his services. He despised it, to be switched around like some figure on a playing board. An apt description of his role, even if he did despise it.
Turning around to see his master and Jailer, he double-takes at her appearance. Normally Alaya manifested in a form meant to appease the guardian in question. For him, she would always take on the appearance of a blonde and green-eyed woman. Never the appearance of his saber, as that would only anger him, but rather one just similar enough to cause a sense of nostalgia and longing.
The Alaya in front of him however was very different. And those differences sent chills down his spine.
Before him, was a female with blonde hair and green eyes. But unlike all other versions, she was a small child. While her clothing was simple, it was not what held his attention. her entire body was covered in black and red threads that hindered her movement. He had a suspicion of what they were, but he outright denied the possibility of that "Thing" having somehow subjected Alaya.
"I'm sorry"
He is broken out of his thoughts by the girl's meek voice.
"I'm sorry"
Her eyes begin to tear up and a blood-like substance begins to spill from her eyes. The sight causes a pang in EMIYA's heart and his first instinct to run to her aid is quickly suppressed as he tries to assess the situation
"I'm sorry"
EMIYA backs away from the goddess in shock as she collapses to the ground and begins to openly sob.
"I'm sorry"
The red tears drop to the ground and the soil quickly begins to darken.
"I'm sorry"
EMIYA rushes back as the ground continues to change and the effect spreads out from the crying girl. He tries to project Kanshou and Bakuya but quickly remembers that he isn't actually in his reality marble but rather within his domain of the throne. Servants are no more Powerful than humans in the throne and all magic is disabled.
"I'm sorry"
In circumstances such as these, there is only one option remaining, no matter how foolish it is.
"I'm sorry"
EMIYA takes one last look at the girl as well as the blackened ground which is slowly nearing him. A mud-like substance is beginning to bubble up from the cracks and he can immediately discern the threat that liquid poses
"I'm sorry"
With a sudden Bolt, he begins running in the opposite direction of the little girl. His plan is simple. Reach the end of his domain and reach that of another spirit. He never tried to do so before, so he doesn't know if it will work.
"I'm sorry"
The crying voice continues to echo out behind him as he sprints across the landscape. He isn't sure if this shadow can follow him to the next servant's domain, but perhaps if it isn't another counter Guardian, then the chances are slimmed.
"I'm sorry"
He also hopes that another Alaya will take notice of him. He doesn't have high hopes, but he thinks she would adverse to losing a favorite pawn right?... Right?
"I'm sorry"
As he continues to run he slowly notices the blackened ground and the black mud rushing behind him as it gains in speed. If it wasn't obvious that he was being targeted, it was now.
"I'm sorry"
The world around him slowly begins to ripple as the horizon slowly breaks apart. Noticing what can be described as an invisible wall shimmering in the light, he quickly rushes towards it.
Bracing his elbows, he jumps through the thin boundary and rolls across the unknown ground with his landing.
Ripping up from his position, he quickly notices the Forest in Infront of him. To his rising fear, it was not filled with lush greenery but rather dead trees with red lines adorning their bark.
Noticing the ground, he sees the same black mu which was overtaking his own domain. The reality finally sets in as he realizes that he is completely surrounded.
"I'M SORRY"
A voice once again says behind him. Looking around he sees the corrupted Alaya once more. Green eyes are now pitch black. The golden blonde hair was now an ashen white. Her tears and wails of Anguish continued unabated as the black mud close in on him from all sides.
But to his shock and elation, a blinding light suddenly envelopes him. He quickly recognizes the feeling to come from his own Alaya. Noticing the connection be formed with his own being he slowly begins to relax as he believes his impending doom to have been prevented.
But as quickly as the light came, it disappeared again….with EMIYA still in the same place.
He slowly realizes the significance of what had just happened:" That bitch….She just made a copy of me…She could have easily helped me but…"
He finally grasps the meaning of Alaya's actions. She didn't want to lose EMIYA but she still wanted to see what would happen with this corrupted Alaya and what she would do with him. The little girl is far weaker than her counterparts and is, therefore, no threat to them…so they just want to wait and see what happens then.
Archer can only mutter out a single thing before he is enveloped by the dark Mud:" Damn my E-Ranked Luck."
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1 Hour later.
Jeanne's Apartment
Jeanne dark
I have to say, I really enjoyed my time with Peter. I don't know why, but my cooking skill somehow turned positive all of a sudden. I couldn't complain, considering how much Peter liked it. SYSTEM said it was something with how my Demonic cooking and normal cooking skills may have inverted or something. I wouldn't know why that would happen, but SYSTEM didn't care to explain int.
She's been rather rude actually, constantly giggling in the background. But I'll admit, it hasn't really made my evening worse.
Peter enjoyed my cooking. We watched Star Wars together and then I gave him a little gift of my own. It was a prototype Handheld Taser designed for Police forces. You see, normal tasers can often fail due to the pins not reaching the flesh. This one completely removes that issue. It basically sends out an electric blast that targets the nervous system of the Perp and has an effective range of 8 meters.
And well I gave Peter one. After that, we played some boardgames….and I sent him home after that. I was rather close to him during the games and I noticed a l..l..little issue in his pants. I..I..I knew it was my fault so I didn't want to make him any more uncomfortable.
So I got Mercy on the line and she drove him home. She was a bit confused at my action and also asked about my hair. I really don't know what people were wondering about it today. I didn't even bother styling it before Peter came…..could it have been that disheveled?
That definitely wasn't it dear.
…..'Oh god, it's dirty isn't it' I ask the entity in my head. Rather than answering me, SYSTEM continues to laugh.
I huff out a bit of air in annoyance before heading off into the kitchen. Filling the sink with hot water and chemicals, I begin doing the dishes. After finishing with the second plate, SYSTEM speaks up again
So what's the plan for today "Jeanne"
I ignore the sarcastic tone as I dry the plate. Eventually, I do answer her though:' Well SYSTEM, for now, I'm cleaning a bit and after that….well to be honest, I think we should some things differently now.'
Oh? And what exactly do you mean?
'You know, everything actually. I thought we might start with Shield. I think this cat and mouse game has gone on long enough. We should come clean with them and make sure they are able to defend themselves. Not to mention the Ancient one. I don't feel so good in lying so much to her and she might even be able to help in getting rid of the sin of Gluttony. I'm not really comfortable with eating so ma-
Ok, this has obviously gone on for long enough.
I turn my head to the side in a questioning manner 'SYSTEM? What do you mean?'
Ending this Farce obviously before you do irreparable damage.
'What do you mean SYSTEM, I just…I want to do right by people. I haven't really been the nicest person and I really should stop'
Wow, this is ridiculous…
You know what let's play a bit then.
So you want to be a nice Person Jeanne?
I once again stare in confusion as SYSTEM's voice grows more hostile:" I mean…yes…I-
And how do you think that will end?
My breath hitches at the thought' Wh….what?
You think it will end any differently to last time, Oh precious Saint!
Do you really think you won't be used again like last time?
Betrayed and Burned!
I freeze as the memory comes to the forefront of my mind. The slurs and screams directed to me. The flames licking at my feet.
What's wrong Jeanne? Losing your nerve?
If you want to be a weak and pathetic fool once more then do it.
Don't you want to be the fool again?
The stupid girl. Blinded by her faith, unwilling to see the evil of humanity.
'No…I…I…SYSTEM I….' tears begin forming in my eyes as I crumble under the verbal onslaught. 'Why are you being so mean SYSTEM!' I yell out in my mind.
Ha…Hahahhahah. How stupid are you Jeanne?
'Stop it SYSTEM…..'
You know, I really expected more of you. But in the end, you're still the stupid do-gooder who got burned by her own people. And you barely even resisted.
'that's not…..I didn't…
You were so sure you would be saved by your precious god, but I guess that never happened hey! No instead you burned like a good little pawn. You never amounted to anything else after all!
'Shut the Hell up you BITCH!' I yell out in my mind.' Of course, it won't be like that! i'm MY OWN PERSON. I WORK FOR NO ONE BUT MYSELF. SO, YOU TAKE BACK THAT SHIT YOU SAID TO ME. '
So, you won't come clean to SHIELD?
OF COURSE, I WON-…..WAIT…what….
Guess you finally snapped out of it.
Check a mirror if you would Jeanne.
Still completely confused by what happened, I move to the bathroom and check the mirror hanging above the sink. Looking into my reflection I'm beholden to a shocking sight. My currently blonde hair turning back to a pale white and a small sliver of hair poking out above my forehead.
The implication of this is now entirely clear to me. From my behavior to Peter's reaction and eventually SYSTEM's Behavior.
And with that, I also realize that I completely blew it with Peter…..He was hard and everything. It was perfect…and I blew it cause I got embarrassed….
"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK"
Jeanne darling, it's really not that bad.
Oh really? How the hell am I supposed to explain this to him? Cause I'm never doing that again!
I mean seriously, I went from "Your son calls me Mommy too" to " Nice to meet you, Ma'am". How the hell will I explain that!
You could say you were on drugs?
I am truly shocked that that isn't just the only answer we have, but may very well be the only one that works…..Maybe we say I took some new Hormonal balancing….stuff and that affected my behavior?
Meh, better than nothing, I guess.
But as I was saying, it's not that bad.
Let me prove it to you you.
Peter Parker (Age 13) LV 10
Title: none
Rep (73)
Obe (31)
Thoughts you: Has been enjoying your company and cherishes your friendship. Has developed a crush for you. You might feature in lewd dreams.
So Rep went up. He has a crush for me which is really great and the last bit….I'm flattered, I think?
See. You didn't mess up darling.
'Yeah, I guess you're right on that.' I eventually agree with SYSTEM…with all that now finally out of the way, I can get busy with some other stuff.
I head over to the living room and pull out my Laptop. for now, I need to prepare for New Mexico.
Knowing that Thor would crash in New Mexico, I only had to search up Jane Foster's current location to know where I'm headed. Puente Antigua. The only thing notable about the place is the current Weather disturbances and cosmic radiation detected in the outer area.
I wonder if SHIELD has already made their way there, but I doubt it. New Mexico is big and you can't really do much without further info. Coulson is probably chilling in some Local office of the organization.
Or he's going from town to town because you are an actual priority to them?
'Or that. Yeah…."
With that thought now completed, I begin my own work. I don't know if SHIELD figured out, I can shapeshift due to the loser's club, so I won't be using a new face until I'm absolutely sure.
So Moira Penning it still is. I was technically seen on live footage in Monaco, but the images were of low quality and my face was barely seen. This gives me the chance to make minimum adjustments and be fine.
I morph into my disguise once more but focus on the hair in particular. I change the style into that of a bob cut and also change the color into a natural red. I take a few pictures and begin to transfer them to the laptop. With that, no one will associate me with the person sighted in Monaco….except well Shield obviously. That's the point after all.
Now to the paperwork. My name is already used, so I edit some bits and come up with Morgan Penning. I'm legally Moira's sister or something should anyone ever look. This change is also important as it would be strange for a Journalist to suddenly change their profession to what I have planned. The name is a bit on the nose considering Morgana le Fay, but that will hardly be an issue. Besides, SHIELD already knows about magic.
After that, I forge some certificates and also put in the required documents for a transfer. What transfer you may ask? Why for the transfer of a freshly trained nurse to go to the local clinic in the sleepy little town. It's a great cover and I get one of the first chances of making first contact with Thor.
I also rent out a small house on the outskirt of town. It's got a basement and I need to remake Nine-Lives somewhere so it should be suitable.
With that all done, I now finally check out my inventory for a certain function I hadn't touched in a while.
The Gacha System: one of the most feared and respected concepts. It can destroy people's wallets and souls. It is a truly fearsome foe.
…..Really…
Yes Really!
I only have 11 tokens cause you said I should wait…..so I'm doing it.
Gacha system activated. How many tokens do you wish to use?
Wait, I have a choice?... Well 'use 1' then.
One Gacha Token removed from inventory.
Processing…..Success
Congratulations, you have acquired "Set of Black Keyes"
…SYSTEM
Yes, dear Jeanne?
Whatever is the matter?
I have a strange suspicion that this isn't as random as you presented it! Or you were setting me up for failure from the get-go. I mean Black Keys might be really useful actually, but everyone knows this Gag from FGO….so what gives!
Ok fine fine, I admit it.
I was able to tweak things around a bit there.
Did you really think a single ticked would give you something good though?
Well. YES! I'm a Gamer! I should get good shit!...so are you saying I should use more for the next roll?
Yes. It's also better to use round numbers.
I'd recommend doing all ten at once
You wanted me to 11 so you could have your little joke, didn't you?
…Maybe
Fuckin…dammit SYSTEM!
Fine, let's get this over with. 'Use 10 Gacha tokens'
10 Gacha Tokens removed from inventory.
Processing…..Success
Congratulations, you have acquired " Blade of the forgemaster "
I'm still a bit angry at the whole development, but I'm not sure what to feel concerning this. I for one have no idea what it is.
I quickly summon the blade, which is more akin to a dagger, and bring it into my hands. It is a singular piece of Black and silver metal with the grip merely being a bit of red wrapping. It splits into two pieces at the guard that then merge into one at the top. It's a rather interesting design, but now I wish to inspect it.
Blade of the forgemaster: the ceremonial Dagger belonging to the Forgemaster Isaac. Used to bring chaos and misery upon the Balkan region during the dark ages by unleashing the forces of hell. (Grants intrinsic Knowledge over Necromancy Lv +10 and works as an ideal catalyst for any necromantic rituals by eliminating casting time and magical circles.)
Adds Skill " Demon Forging " : grants the ability to summon lesser demons from the nine circles and implanting them into a vacant body. Will mutate body to suit characteristics of summoned Demon (can be denied). Instant Obedience Stat of 75 with all summoned Demons.
Well damn! This is seriously something else. If I combine this with Mabeast Creation and Necromancy? Then Ho Damn we have something good here.
This is how I'll make an army. Or specifically my goons. I contemplate this once when I was younger as it always confused me.
How the hell do evil Organisations get their goon? You know, HYDRA and AIM always had them, but where did they get them?
I might somewhat understand where HYDRA gets some but even then it's fishy. I mean it's basically a full-on Nazi Organisation intent on ruling the world. But they recruit members from America, a nation they are actively undermining. How does that work!
Then AIM is even worse. They don't have a cause, but are just "evil Scientists". The thing there is, your science guys aren't going to be your frontline soldiers and if they are then you cant expect quality work from them.
You could hire Mercenaries to basically guard what will probably be seen as a terrorist organization and that costs a lot of money, something I wish to conserve.
So my answer is this. Similar t the trick I used on the Maggia Goons earlier, I will first modify human bodies and strengthen them without changing their appearance. Then we inject a Loyal demon capable of intelligence and Boom. Loyal Minion.
Of course, I'll be making inhuman demons as well, where's the fun in making them just human after all. It also allows me to replace people without anyone noticing as the demons will inherit their body's memories. I could still use the gateway over in Derry to get some higher-ranking demons as generals or something but for now this s absolutely great! I think it actually works as a plan. 'Praise me SYSTEM!'
Good Job Jeanne
'Umu.' I nod in satisfaction. Just as I'm about to plan a way to begin my demon army, my phone begins ringing. Recognize the number as Vanessa's and quickly realize what this may be about.
I answer the phone:" Vanessa. Is he there?"
I hear a small huff from the other side:" Well hello to you to Jeanne. I'm fine by the way, how are-
I interrupt her: " Dammit this is important OK! .there?"
"Yes, Jeanne. Don't need to be that angry. He got in a minute ago and already in his cousin's room."
I smile at the answer:" Good Job Vanessa. Try to keep any doctors and nurses out while he's in there. I'll be there in a few minutes"
As she begins to question how I'd arrive in minutes (as the distance to the ICU is rather large), I simply hang up and morph my body into that of normal Moira Penning. Getting dressed in record time, I bring out my sling ring and open a Portal to the ICU.
Just as I wish to enter the portal, I'm assaulted by the need to sneeze. To my surprise, it's not once but rather twice even. By the hells, what a terrible sensation.
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Fisk Tower
"I see. Yes, thank you for notifying me. I will take care of it."
Wilson Fisk the Kingpin ended the call with those words before he leaned back in thought.
The Gang War between his Faction and the Maggia/Tombstone Alliance went rather well. Already several of the Maggia's Lieutenants were killed off with Joe Karnelli having joined the list after a failed attempt to force the former Killer Deadshot to kill him.
Wilson shook his head in amusement. There was a reason why you never forced men like Deadshot into obedience. It only took a small window of opportunity for them to turn on their blackmailers and as shown in this case, they tended to end up dead.
Still, Wilson stood up and walked to a great map of New York. The map was shown in several different colors with pictures of various men and women being pinned at places.
Looking them over he grabbed the Picture of Joe Karnelli, a blond middle-aged man, and threw it into the trash.
Mustering the wall, he looked at the Maggia Targets who were left in New York as he had decided to concentrate on them first:
- John McIver (aka Bushmaster) who led the Harlem branch of the Maggia
- Joseph Manfredi (aka Blackwing) the son of the New York Maggia Leader Silvermane
- Leland Owlsley (aka the Owl) a Financier and head of a subbranch of the Maggia called the "Owls Gang"
- Leo Dawes; the Lawyer of the Maggia in New York City
- The Costa Crime Family; one of the stronger branches of the Maggia in New York
- Alexander Gentry (aka Porcupine) one of the Maggia's elite Enforcers
- Bruno Karnelli
- Doctor Simon Marshall; A Scientist who created new Drugs for the Maggia
- Michael Marko (aka Man Mountain) the Bodyguard and Lieutenant of Silvermane
- Caesar Cicero (aka Big C) a high-ranking member of the Manfredi Family
- Dante Rigoletto; the son of his predecessor as Kingpin. Wilson smirked a bit as he remembered snapping his old Bosses Neck
- Pluto (The Organization that consisted of the Maggia's Bankiers)
- Ernesto Karnelli (aka the Underboss) was actually a big mystery even for him as he only found out about his existence by accident
- Hammerhead, leader of the Hammerhead Family
- Silvio Manfredi (aka Silvermane) and finally the Grand Boss of the Maggia in New York City
Wilson grimaced at the amount.
He would have thought Tombstone would remain neutral to the conflict, but it seemed that it was a wrong expectation. The damned Freak had been looking into expanding in Kingpin territory and had been gearing up for just that. He was only waiting for an excuse to attack and an alliance with the Maggia gave that to him. Those idiots also confused him to no end. They were at peace with the other gangs, so why suddenly attack the Russians and kill his assistant. Something was fishy there.
Now he had other problems in mind though. The war was growing to be annoying but some parts of it remained positive. He looked at another marked photo which was pinned at the wall, the Libris Family of the Maggia was also keeping out of the war which was fine with Wilson. He and Isabella Libris were good friends and he didn´t like the idea of waging war with the formidable woman.
His eyes wandered to another spot located in Hell's Kitchen.
The Russian Mob who just changed leadership and the Black Dahlias who had somehow reformed in record-time were something that worried him. He also believed that something fishy was going on with the old man in charge.
Kazan was a rather dependable man but hardly a great Leader. Normally Wilson would have expected the man to keep a strong contact with him, asking for orders and objectives on the Gang War and business. Instead, the man merely reported to him in regards to successful attacks on the Maggia and Tombstone.
Combined with the Black Dahlia's return, the strong successes which the Russians had in eliminating Maggia members, and finally, that mysterious Cannibal killing off even more Maggia members.
Well, clearly someone was pulling some strings there and Wilson would have to find out who it was and if they were a threat.
If that unknown player was content with leading the Russians and Black Dahlias then he probably would be able to create a good business relationship with them. They have proven themselves ridiculously effective, but if they were more ambitious then he would need to take more forceful means to get things back under control with them.
Wilson mulled it over for a moment before he returned to his desk to work out his further plans.
... and on top of that, he also needed to finally send someone after that annoying masked Man who was taking names in Hell's Kitchen.
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Hidden Island of the coast of Virginia
"Still nothing new?"
Mystique shook her head at Erik's question with a frown.
"No, Irene still has great trouble using her ability to see into the future. Furthermore, according to her almost, all her Prophecies so far are now unclear on whether they will happen or not."
Magneto frowned himself. He didn´t like to admit it but he had grown quite dependent on Irene Adler's Precognition ability and it had helped him quite a bit in recruiting other Mutants to his cause and avoiding unnecessary fights with groups like SHIELD.
If her ability could no longer be dependent on then it meant he would have to act more carefully from now on.
"I see, was there anything she said that could be useful?"
Mystique frowned before nodding.
"Yes, she said that "The Person unbound by Fate" will be present during the Operation at Liberty Island and that I will encounter them there. She also said that this moment would be my best chance to make an Ally of this person for our cause of Protecting our Brothers and Sisters from the Humans. They are also a Mutant, by the way, Irene confirmed that to me."
Erik raised a brow in interest.
"Indeed? Well then, my dear your new objective is clear. You are to make contact with that person during the upcoming Operation and gain their support. I myself should be able to handle Charles X-Men together with Sabretooth and Toad."
Mystique nodded in agreement.
The advice of Irene Adler aka Destiny should not be ignored and if she believed that this mystery person would be a great Ally then it only made sense to seek them out.
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Manhatten ICU
Jeanne Dark
I walk out of the Storage room to which I had Vanessa gave me coordinates. It's ironically the same one that was featured in Doctor strange. Fun little coincidence.
making my way through the corridors, I eventually spot Vanessa. Not because I recognized her ( as she is disguised as some nurse I do not know ) but rather because she is waving at me like an idiot. As I don't actually want to draw that much attention to myself here, I activate my telepathy and cast a passive "Notice me not" Field on anyone surrounding me (except of course dearest Vanessa)
I finally approach her as she points further into the corridor:" Room 403. He's been there for a while and not a lot of doctors have come around yet. It's kinda a free for all as she's In a very critical condition and no doctor wants to handle that. They think she's a lo-" I quickly slap a hand over Vanessa's mouth and drag her around the corner.
The reason for this is the fact that two doctors just walked into the corridor. The issue is the fact that I recognize them. I knew such a coincidence would bite me in the ass. Doctor Steven strange and his Girlfriend or Ex( I couldn't care less) Doctor Christine Palmer are now both walking towards the room with Banner in it. They were deep in conversation which is why they didn't notice us slinking around the corner
Vanessa's Job is technically to prevent this from happening but the issue is in the fact that Doctor strange has a photographic memory making him far more susceptible to noticing when someone has been replaced.
I widen my eyes in shock as I realize that Vanessa has been here for nearly a week now. I stare into her face and ask in an unsteady tone:" Please tell me that you never had to deal with Dr. Strange."
She only stares in confusion at my question:" what? Well yes. He's one of the best surgeons in the Hospital, he-"
"Did he notice anything off about you? A change in behavior?" I ask with rising fear. I can't have this reported to the authorities. Banner and any interest in the Fantastic four need to be suppressed until they are revealed on their own.
Vanessa's own confusion only grows at my question:" Ah..no actually. We barely speak and I don't think I'm that high in his mind. He is rather full of himself after all."
Could actually be enough? I mean, he was an arrogant bastard during this time in his life. Is it possible that he actually didn't notice that a nurse is acting somewhat differently? Well, it's worth a shot then.
I eventually grab Vanessa by the hand once more and we slowly inch back into the corridor while pretending to talk. I slowly peek over to the two doctors and notice that they are not only standing in front of Jenifer Walter's Room but also seem to be in a heated debate.
"Steven just listen to me for a second. If we don't do anything, this woman will die. Now you're the best surgeon we have on hand, cant you at least try?"
Strange scoffs at her request:" Are you kidding me, Christine, Her lungs are shredded from the shrapnel and her spine is broken in three places. I'm not going to butcher my perfect record by taking up this impossible case."
"So what? We're just supposed to let this woman die without even trying? How-" she is interrupted.
"Yes exactly! Why the hell should I risk my carrier for the sake of a stranger which may as well be better off dead. She will live in a wheelchair if she's lucky. With the way her organs are looking, I'd guess it would be a short lif-"
Before he can continue (and before Christine can slap him), the door to the room opens up and a rather disheveled looking Bruce banner walks out. I on the other hand, ball my fists in frustration at the disaster now waiting to happen.
Banner obviously heard the conversation as is now rather fuming in anger:" So…..a Man sworn to save life refuses to do his job because of his precious reputation and career huh. I wonder how someone like you sleeps at night!" he practically spits at him.
Strange stares incredulously before smirking:" Like a baby in Italian silk. Not that someone like you understands… Speaking of someone like you, mind explaining just who you are and what you're doing here?"
Banner recoils at the question and his face begins to show his nervous constitution.
Strange also notices this and gestures to palmer: "Christine call security"
she on the other hand stares at him in slight shock:" Now hold on Steven, you don't kno-"
"Dammit I said call security" he yells at her. I on the other hand notice Banners' hand which is already shoving green veins.
'Well fuck, looks like I have to do something' I think to myself as I clobber together a plan.
I rush towards the group as Dr. Palmer slowly makes her way to an emergency phone on a nearby wall:" That won't be necessary!"
They all turn to face me. I on the other hand am thankful that I decided to wear my suit as I otherwise wouldn't have been able to pull this off.
I project a certain item I had seen nearly half a year ago, but due to my own eidetic memory was able to recreate it flawlessly. I pull out a newly projected silver badge as I introduce myself: "I'm special agent Moira Penning from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. "
A good thing about the incredibly long name is the fact that it also helps in distracting those who hear it. Before they can ask, I simply say:" Now please refrain from calling security, Dr. Palmer. The good Doctor here was brought on to help with the patient" I point over to Banner who himself was now widening his eyes in confusion rather than worry?"
Strange raises his hands:" Now hold on a sec…First of, someone wanted to name themselves SHIELD. Secondly, Anyone can just whip out a badge and pretend they're a spy. And lastly, what do you mean you were here to treat the patient? She's just a Lawyer, why would the feds get involved?"
I raise my eyebrow at that:" well you certainly get to the point. Firstly, yes that was the case. Secondly, considering your sharp mind, Doctor Strange, I'm certain you noticed my colleagues patrolling just outside of this building for the last week, no?"
As the last word left my mouth, Strange stares in confusion before his eyes widen in understanding. It actually also confirms the fact that SHIELD Is onto Banner. Bruce himself realizes before staring at me in confusion once more.
I ignore his stare and continue talking to Strange and Palmer:" And lastly. Miss Walters happens to be well connected and we decided to try a more…"experimental" treatment on her."
Palmer is the one who asks at this:" What kind of treatment? She's practically dead!"
I give her a smile that also promises a lot of pain:" That happens to be classified. And if you do try to discern the method of treatment, then you will be promptly tried for treason. The kind where you're never heard from again if you catch my meaning"
They both shut their mouths as they stare in shock. I quickly continue:" Now be so kind as to erase this moment from your lives and leave us alone for a while. I need to debrief the good doctor here."
They both quickly make their way and leave me and Banner alone. He stares at me in confusion while I play with the badge in my hand.
I smirk as it begins to fade into motes of light:" for a fake, it certainly looked authentic didn't it?"
His eyes widen at the sight and the implication:" You aren't SHIELD…."
"But SHIELD has this building surrounded and is waiting to tag and bag you" I answer as I begin walking down the corridor.
He realizes my intention and follows behind me:" And that doesn't really leave me a lot of choices. Letting the other guy out would endanger the patients and I can't endanger them. My best bet would try to get a helicopter from the roof or even try to change on the roof and jump my way out of the city…..but I have a feeling you have something better?"
I chuckle at his deduction:" You know, I miss the days when I was the smartest person in the room and I was walking circles around others with my genius…But yeah you're essentially right. And I do plan to help you."
He scoffs as we stop outside the storage closet:" Well that was obvious. The only question now is, what exactly do you want from me?"
Smirking in return I say:" Honestly, you don't have anything I would consider or Value…well not quite. And now, I don't want your blood or any HULK DNA (cause I already have that) but rather…..how about your friendship?"
He stares in shook before his eyes narrow and he asks:" Meaning you want the services of the Hulk?"
Shaking my head, I refute him:" Not quite. It's rather, if someone, Specifically SHIELD, ever says I'm evil, then I simply want you to take it with a grain of salt. Basically, don't trust anything without hard evidence and then, still second-guess it…actually you should second guess everything you hear from Shield"
Staring in confusion, he gives off a light chuckle of his own:" So you're in a similar boat like me….well, I don't mind heeding that advice, but I have a feeling you're forgetting the fact that we still need to escape?"
I finally let out a decent laugh as I walk into the Storage room. I pull out a sling ring before asking:" Need a final destination. Where do you want to hide?"
Staring in suspicion, he eventually shakes his head: Fine, I'll humor you. I would have gone into hiding in Calcutta. It's a city in the West Bengal Region of India."
"Yeah, I know the place" with that, I begin summoning the portal as Banner stares on in amazement. After the Portal stabilizes, I turn to him once more:" Calcutta awaits my friend!"
He shakes his head at my antics as he heads to the portal:" Guess I know why SHIELD wants you now, I cert-…." He quickly turns to me in an alarmed state "Jen…If SHIELD is here, then they'll take her if they find out what I did. She has my blood!"
I feign surprise, as it wasn't really news to me, and eventually say:" Well when SHIELD notices that I was here, then they'll assume I healed her. I was the girl who restored Starks's arm in Monaco after all"
" Holy…..your face, I thought it was familiar…So shield won't take her then?" he asks
I nod in return:" Even if not, I'll keep an eye on her. You have my Word."
"well, you better," he says as he finally steps through the Portal "Because you don't want to know what it's like if the other guy is coming after you."
I quickly close the Portal as I really don't care for his little threat…..i mean it's not little, as I'm sure Hulk would splatter me on the ground if I angered him.
But this is now done. I have blood samples of the Fantastic 4, Jennifer Walters and Vanessa will be getting me another sample of her blood as soon as she can. Now I can finally leave and have my little Pseudo-vacation in New Mexico.
Not wanting to delay it any longer, I portal over to the small town and immediately go to retrieve my Keys for the house I rented. It's a bit late but the elderly owner was still awake and quite surprised that I already arrived after literally renting today.
I quickly enter my temporary home and collapse on the bed within its bedroom.
I have had too much to do today and I really want to sleep now. At least I'll be able to take it a bit easier down here.
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Outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico
5 minutes later
The city of Santa Fe was already asleep at this hour, with only certain parts of the inner city still being full of activity.
The outskirts however and this location specifically could be considered deserted. Well, it was barely within city limits anymore and one could only see the city's lights in the distance. On this empty desert field, two bright lights began shimmering on the ground.
As the lights began to grow brighter, two intricate magical circles could be made out on the ground. The lights began to grow in intensity before a sudden explosion whipped up all the dust and sand around them.
Light coughing can be heard as a figure makes their way out of the dust while fanning their hand. The figure can soon be identified as a young man, no a boy no older than 16 it would seem. He was a blonde earing fine clothing with an intricate waistcoat and a leather jacket adorning his torso. H his legs were covered by fine leather pants and he wore old fashioned cowboy boots that went over the fabric. His most notable feature was the old Colt M1877 Revolver strapped to his left hip.
" Well, I'll be! Looks like we're a bit off-target friend. Don't even think this is the right city…Well it wouldn't be a fun Bounty if we didn't have to work for it! Real funny how I'm doing the bounty hunting 'stead of it being the other way 'round" he looks back into the smoke to see his only companion on this mission
"Could you take this more seriously boy? The fate of humanity depends on it" The man, an adult of Native American Origin speaks up as he approaches the boy. He had tribal marking adorning his face and arms and wore clothing attributed to his heritage. His lower abdomen was covered in bandages and his own coat concealed a single knife that acted as his weapon.
The two wore clothing, that while not quite the norm anymore, would not be second-guessed that often in the modern world. Especially not within the state they find themselves in.
The boy turns back to the adult and gives him a beaming smile:" Well there's no harm in having some fun on the way right? Besides, I want to see what new lead has been made in the last century. If I know this 'ere country then I know they got some good new firepower."
As the blonde runs of towards the city, the Elder man only scoffs in annoyance" You truly are a child Archer."
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Authors Note.
Finished this while sleep-deprived. So I might have to rewrite the last few bits.
Sorry for not updating in such a long time.
Please review
