I apologize for the long delay, been dealing with stuff and needed a much-needed break. However, did start doing multiple Chapters at once and the process for it is going quite nicely, will have a solid schedule for a while now.
The original Chapter gotten quite big, so I decided to split it into two parts. I Will post part 2 within next week, as well as Ch.2 of my MHA story.
With that, hope you enjoy.
Chapter 11 – Display of Skill pt. 1
A stream of red beams headed towards us as everyone braced themselves for the worst, but a sea of golden energy came before us, rapidly taking the shape of a skeleton arm with a more refined and wide shield of Chi. Golden energy flowed around us, manifesting ribcages once the spine from the back was constructed for additional protection. Slowly, as it made the beams easily bounce off into various directions, a skull with a fully formed ribcage took shape, fully protecting us from all sides.
Whatever was left of the base behind me was obliterated by the U-Man's beams, the Mirror Dimension's added effects causing more destruction as a result. I wasn't worried about Bucky or Peter getting caught in the crossfire, I've seen what they were capable of, so I know they won't let a poor excuse of an attack like this get to them.
When the light show died down, my massive Chi construct stood tall without a scratch, releasing a low hum as it lowered the shield.
Now, I have to admit, I'm a bit obsessed with Titans from Attack on Titan and Susanoo from Naruto, the ladder being an all-time favorite power I wish I had. Having the potential to re-create that in this universe was a no-brainer for me. Shame it got placed into an overpowered clan and virtually made no sense to belong on an ocular-based ability. Nevertheless, it was still one of the coolest abilities ever to be added.
With the book that the Ancient One gave me, I discovered ways to increase my Chi amount, greatly boosting the overall amount and better control over it. After acquiring a decent amount, I had to shape it to the desired construct, practicing it over and over to make it at a moment's notice. Just like the ability I took inspiration from, it was connected to my mind, able to simply think what I wanted it to do and it would do it. Being solely made out of Chi, it was ridiculously durable and tough to crack, meaning it would take a lot to break through it.
"This… is new…" Hank uttered in bewilderment, eyes scanning the golden aura flowing all around.
"It's healing us…?" Ororo thought out loud as she witnessed the slash marks on her arms closing up.
"Sorry for the scare," I told them, not setting my sights off the giant monster, "I thought I wouldn't need to use this one, but desperate times call for desperate measures, it seems. It is purely made of Life Energy, so it heals the ones that are allowed inside it. Keep in mind, this was designed to be unbreakable whilst also providing a solid offense as well as defense. I can only make this stage due to my limited supply, but it should get the job done. I call it...the 'Jaeger'."
"Jaeger…?" Logan repeated, albeit with confusion, "Why call it that?"
"You'll find out in a few seconds," I responded, my eyes not leaving the U-Man's grotesque form for a second.
Readjusting its posture, the monstrous form of the U-Man stood to its full height, extending its appendages. "You're nothing but a candle in the wind compared to me!"
"Then my flame will simply burn brighter!"
Another wave of Chi erupted from all sides, starting off from below, gold-colored strings roped around the bones to make skin before robes followed across the whole body. Behind the shield, a crossbow formed with the limbs sticking out from each end. The second hand manifested a double-bladed sword with pure white-colored blades. V-shaped arm plates forming on the sides. The helmet was identical to my mask, with two green-colored orbs shining from the eye sockets. I released a deep growl as I adjusted my shield while winding back my blades.
My Jaeger was ready.
I was ready.
Not wasting time, the U-Man swung his arms, tentacles with red sparks from all over dashed in our direction, I rotated my blade, slicing off each one that came my way. Spinning the blade like a propeller, I cut off all of them. Bringing down my blade from above, It was caught by his oversized crab arm. Quickly rotating it to slice it off from the joint, followed up by a shield smack to the face that sent him skidding backwards. I raised my sword that started releasing a low hum, swinging to throw energy projectiles in the shape of a C. The monster sidestepped the first assault, using its remarkable agility to jump around to avoid getting hit, only the edge of my slashes making contact. While he retaliated with a new wave of red beams, the previously sliced off crab arm grew back within seconds.
He thinks I'll allow him to regenerate that easily.
Wrong.
Just as he was about to land on a floating rock, I made the plane around him split, that particular area moving hastily towards me. When I was about to swing my sword, I felt my arm being restrained, the chopped-off crab arm holding it in place while it stuck itself to the ground. Ignoring the minor beams sent my way, I retaliated by hitting him in the top half where his body was sticking out with the edge of my shield.
It caused him to stagger for a bit. Sending out another slash to push him back even further, I opened numerous portals from behind that released a hail of rocks that expanded in size and traveled at greater speed, each exploding on impact. Having no other option, he jumped forward with his chest exposed. Countless red beams met my shield, shattering the area around me, but the Jaeger stood in place due to slight changes to the Mirror Dimension. When it came closer, it evaded the Chi slash I sent with my sword, making me release a shockwave of Chi from the center of my shield upon contact, breaking all the remaining walls while disorienting the U-Man, allowing me to pierce the left side of his upper body.
It howled at the top of his lungs, and it was only moments later that I realized it was a type of signal. Suddenly, my senses picked up numerous new entities that weren't present before. Immediately, I knew it had to be the U-Men soldiers we've taken out earlier since it's impossible to access the Mirror Dimension if you aren't a sorcerer. My theory was confirmed moments later when I witnessed bipedal, black-colored creatures with scale-like skin alongside a set of wings and broken armor pieces on their bodies popping up from every direction. It seems like their skin was made out of the same material as the leader's monstrous form, meaning he implanted a type of virus that is capable of using his men as puppets.
That was outright diabolical.
I raised my shield to block lasers, bone spears that caused miniature explosions, or them flying straight towards me. I raised my shield, shooting out arrows all the while as I slashed away with my sword, sending out crescent-like projectiles to lower their numbers. The whole area was infested, more popping up like the ones before they were chopped down. It was at times like these that you learn a valuable lesson; when taking down an enemy, make sure they stay down for good.
"What are those things?!" Scott screamed, observing the nearest creature.
"They don't look like the ones fought in the labs," Kitty commented from the side.
Sniffing the air, Logan replied, "Apparently, the bastards in suits we already took out. Seems like they're back for round two."
"Logan's right," I confirmed his claim, "They're possessed by him in this state, greatly enhancing their capabilities and using them as puppets."
"Oh, we are so dead," Lorna said bitterly, "There are too many of them popping up. This thing will break before we take them all out."
"That's not going to happen," I relieved her, and everyone else to an extent, mentally counting each monster my senses could pick up, "They can't break through this thing, no matter how hard they try."
"That's reassuring," Hank said wiping his forehead. "We should locate others before they encounter these creatures."
"The Professor is safe!" Storm announced with a hand on her temple, "He is with Spider-Man."
"Yeah, I just got the message as well," Scott spoke up, nodding alongside the other X-Men as they received it as well.
"At least we know he's not in danger," Hank sighed in relief, then looked back at the gigantic monster, "However, at this rate, it's like we're back to square one."
"Not necessarily," I said confidently before elaborating. "This time around, we'll cut em' down easier than before, if anything they're just fodder, stalling us from focusing on the leader. I already have a few ideas in mind, but first…"
Bringing up their POVs on the sides of my HUD, I called out to my teammates, "Nomad! Spider-Man! Report in!"
"Here!"
Spider-Man shouted frantically to his teammate, climbing up the destroyed remains of a nearby wall to see what all the commotion was about. The last he heard from Ethan was after the first time the base shook, now it happened again. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good.
Reaching the top, Spider-Man's eyes widened at the sight in the far distance.
"He never told me it was so shiny…" Peter uttered while admiring the gold-colored suit of armor, amazed that, even though it was still short in comparison, it had a demanding presence to it once spotted. While he used his weapons to fight back, Peter's lenses zoomed in to get a better view of the situation, spotting a dozen or so black creatures popping up, beginning to surround Ethan.
"[What are your locations?]" Ethan's voice came through the comlink.
"Not far, I can see you from here," Peter informed.
"[I see you, Spider,]" Bucky chimed in, "[I'll be there shortly.]"
"[Good,]" Came Ethan's response, a loud clanking sound coming through the other end. "[Group up and move towards my position, this guy still has tricks up his sleeve. I should be fine for the time being, but we should figure out a way of neutralizing him.]"
"The Professor is still with me, I can't just leave him here all alone, and taking him with me isn't exactly the best idea," Peter said, unsure what to do in this situation.
Ethan was silent for a few short seconds before responding, "[Give him additional protection that will keep him safe for the time being. It's too dangerous for him to roam around us, tell him to keep his distance until someone can find him after we're finished.]"
"Understood, sighting off," Peter jumped back down to a Charles Xavier with a troubled expression with his hands on his temples, "Any luck, Professor?"
"I'm afraid not, my boy," Charles sighed, wiping away a small amount of blood coming out of his nose. "I keep trying to enter his mind, but it seems safeguards are in place to prevent Telepaths from controlling him that easily. Furthermore, these creatures of his are like puppets, it's like they aren't even human anymore. Seems like, once again, I'm powerless to do anything…"
"No need to push yourself, Professor," Peter said tenderly, "We'll make sure none of your students get in harm's way."
Charles stayed silent for a short duration, a look of worry mixed with uncertainty plastered all over his face, "I hope so, my boy. I dearly hope so."
Sensing something approaching them via his Spider-Sense, he saw how Bucky zipped down with his hooks, gracefully landing in front of the two, "You good?"
"Yeah, I'm just getting warmed up," Peter responded with a half-serious tone, a fair amount of anxiety building up as well.
Bucky nodded, "Then we should move. We can't waste time sitting around, he needs our help."
"Right," Peter agreed before looking down to Charles, "Keep yourself at a safe distance, Professor. These should help."
Placing several small devices onto Xavier's chair, each lit up with a different kind of color.
"These should do the trick," Peter rose up, "They are shields and sensors to make you seem practically invisible, the shields alone won't break that easily, so you can rest easy. I'll swing by if you get into any danger. Stay safe, Professor!"
As the duo propelled themselves high above the destroyed roof, all Charles could do was stare at the fractured sights before him, constantly trying to think of a way to be useful, but would constantly go back to the other dilemma that was waiting for him once this whole ordeal was over.
"Four o'clock! A big one!"
"Two more coming from the left!"
Logan and Hank exclaimed as they paid close attention to the enemies running about. With their help, which wasn't necessarily needed, I either sliced up or punched my way through whatever monstrosity decided to test its luck. While they appeared fairly strong in their own regard, they weren't able to leave a single stretch to my Jaeger, only prolonging their soon-to-be short lifespan. Controlling the construct to this degree without proper and repeated training was somewhat difficult, but I could stomach it. The issue is that my Chi, if not stored additionally, would take way too long to replenish, so going all out seemed more preferable to end things quickly.
"Storm, blow away the ones in the far back, Lorna, you focus on the ones in the front row!" I told them, with dark clouds immediately forming and spinning metal beams coming into view. Lightning bolts rained down from the sky, dozens of creatures stopping in their tracks upon getting hit, Lorna's blades coming from the side for the finishing touch. Due to being a mass horde of them, many creatures got up close to the outer layer of the Yeager, but it's not like they could break through it.
Miniature missiles and web lines came into view, each releasing an explosion that varied in intensity, blowing away the monsters, as Bucky and Peter arrived as the smoke cleared. Peter shot out energy projectiles from his Spider Arms, stunning the monsters for a few seconds for Bucky to slice them in half.
"How are there so many?!" Peter asked frantically as he jumped around the battlefield.
"It's the U-Men we already defeated," I began explaining, "Seems like the big guy placed a backup plan into his underlings, turning them into monsters that do his bidding even after they're out cold. My guess is that they are telepathically controlled, meaning if we take him out everyone else will follow."
"Do you have any idea what his weaknesses might be?" Bucky asked directly, shooting monsters as he maneuvered through the air to not get hit.
"Not too sure at the moment," I responded quickly, slamming the edge of my shield on an approaching monster, "Compared to everyone else, he has more than one X-Gene in his arsenal. His healing factor repairs any injury within seconds, but I noticed it takes more time to regenerate a limb if it was cut numerous times, but that doesn't have to mean anything."
"I'll go see for myself," Bucky informed, shooting his hooks upwards to get a better opening. Without missing a beat, he ignored any creature that came his way, moving at speeds far greater than them. The U-Men leader saw him coming, flailing his arms to send out a mixture of black-colored spears and red beams from the chest that danced in all directions. Using the creatures moving towards Bucky, the man maneuvered in specific patterns that would hit the monsters, using them as cover and lower their numbers. To further seize the advantage, Bucky sent out several smoke bombs that exploded after a few seconds, the thick cloud of smoke one-sidedly blinding the enemy. Slashing away at the ones in front of him, Bucky emerged from the smoke, eyes set on the crab monster in front of him.
Swinging its massive crab arm in an arc, red sparks started forming around it as the man aimed for Bucky, causing a slight earthquake with its intensity.
While the arm was still in place, Bucky emerged from the smoke once more, running on the surface of the abnormally sized arm. In doing so, various obstacles formed around him, ranging from weapons to appendages of all kinds. His blade changed colors while making his way up, switching through different enchantments equipped to the metal. Either sidestepping or using his hooks to quickly reposition, all the while slicing any approaching threat. In an attempt to shake Bucky off, the U-Man flung its arm into the air, but he held on without breaking a sweat.
Setting his sights down to the humanoid figure at the top, Bucky blasted off towards his target, the Vibranium blade now releasing a low hum as it shined a dark blue color. On his way down, Bucky changed angles and directions constantly, while the edges of his blade sliced off the newly formed appendages, leaving blue flames on the slashed areas, whilst switching through different modes. Approaching his target, the blade's length extended for a farther reach, slicing off the makeshift shield of skin and the right side of his human body. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, Bucky decided to retreat before he could get hit. While descending, Bucky's head would turn around to throw quick glances at his target.
"You hurt?" I asked him, the Chi aura moving towards him for safe measure.
"Don't worry about me," Bucky replied, "I think I found something."
"That being?" I inquired while my eyes aimed three Chi Arrows at the mutated soldiers in the distance.
"He has a healing factor that quickly repairs any injury within seconds, that much is obvious. However, he isn't invincible," Bucky began explaining, eyeing the creature's wounds that just now healed, "I tried various enchantments to see if they would be any effective, I might just have found the one. The Uucho enchantment seems to leave burn marks on the damaged area, acting like a virus that eradicates the cells completely. It takes a longer period of time before it could even start to regenerate."
"Hmm, interesting," I mused while thinking it over, "At what intensity is it set?"
"It isn't that powerful on its own, I theorize I was able to damage him due to being used alongside Vibranium. Otherwise, it would need a massive amp to do anything."
"I see," I hummed, several plans forming in my mind, "I noticed you aimed for his main body, cutting off his arm in the process, what about that?"
"It's just now starting to repair itself," Bucky observed with the help of the HUD in his mask. "As you would expect, it's the most "vulnerable" part of his body, granted if you can leave lasting damage on him. If we damage it, it will decrease his regeneration speed significantly, and if we're lucky, we'll leave a finishing blow because of it."
"Then I know what to do," I told them, responding with silence to relay my plan, "If the enchantment Nomad used managed to leave a lasting effect, we will try a more powerful variation of it. Spider, you will fight him close range, prioritize on causing repetitive attacks to exhaust his healing factor. Nomad, after I strike, you will follow up on the wounded areas where we think will cause the most damage."
"Got it," Bucky replied simply.
"But will it be enough?" Peter asked, "All things considered, he's pretty big to leave a lasting wound, I feel. Not to mention all these hideous things flying around us, that might be a problem."
"Way ahead of you," I uttered, commanding my Jaeger's arms to move towards the duo, engulfing them in a bright violet ball of fire. While there weren't any notable changes, the only one now visible was Peter's spider legs releasing a loud hum as they changed colors. Their equipment was the main focus for the spell to be dozens of times more effective than when Bucky first attacked. While doing so, I decided to add additional defenses to my Jaeger. Purple flames ignite around the whole armor, if he tries to get up close, he'll just end up burning himself. Also, the same way how my Vibranium armor acts, it's now replicated to a bigger scale, planning on returning whatever they dish out tenfold.
"As for the others…"
Raising my sword to the sky, I sent a purple slash in a general direction, shooting several arrows in different directions. When they got far enough, a simple command made the purple fire extend to wherever the arrows were, incinerating a hefty amount of creatures that gave us an opening.
"Go!"
Right on my mark, Bucky and Peter bolted to opposite directions, taking out more monsters on their way towards the boss. Purple slash marks were left on the U-Men creatures that crossed their path, releasing a wild flame that crippled their regenerative capabilities afterward. I provided support so they could move freely when they got to the boss, Bucky prioritizing on dealing damage while Peter would distract and occupy him. The web fluid is even more durable, and his projectiles should slow him down considerably.
"Kitty! Mind doing me a favor?!" I called out to Kitty with my arm extended, the girl jumped towards me to make contact. Waiting for the ideal moment, I told her to phase me, to which she complied. The U-Man rushed forward with its chest exposed, countless sharp bones coated with red energy, phasing to avoid his attack only for me to come out right behind him, canceling the ability when my sword was still in his body, an ear-piercing roar of pain came when the Chi Blade solidified.
Rotating to my left, my blade followed, leaving a wide slash on his right side, the insides infested with a purple flame that slowed down the healing. Going in for a second strike, he jumped high in the air to wait out until his wounds healed. Sending out several Chi Arrows in various directions, I would open portals to redirect them towards the U-Man's main body. After they all hit, I once again commanded the Mirror Dimension so he would fall back down. Slashing away with my sword in rapid succession. Thanks to our combined efforts, his movements become slower with each hit, causing more damage before his body could repair itself to the fullest.
"Arghh!"
The U-Men leader screamed in agony as his body tanked repeated blows from each side, the golden arrows lighting up with a purple flame on the opposite end. Bucky and Peter made sure everything was ready on their end, shielding themselves from any projectiles that managed to sneak their way past their defenses. Standing their ground, they braced for what was coming next.
Raising my weapon, the secondary blade was transferred to the upper one, instantly changing colors when it was fully gone. Now appearing as a thick, purple flaming broadsword with a white outline that released loud humming sounds, as well as its weight tripling while I rocked it back. There was so much energy stored up in a single object, especially this specific type and amount that felt like a bomb that was moments away from going off.
Slowly raising it upwards, the humming sound increased in intensity. While traveling, the blade started to increase in length, making it so I didn't need to move for my weapon to reach the U-Man. In a final, desperate move to avoid the attack, he put all of his strength to jump away, red sparks coming to life as they spread across its entire body. The webs stuck to his skin started to burn, but most of it stayed intact and the arm pinned down was ripped off to escape.
Perfect, he just sealed his own fate.
"Spider-Man! Nomad! Fall back, now!" I commanded the two, both blasting off in opposite directions.
While the U-Man was airborne, a single order for the Mirror Dimension made the area around him shift forward, a move almost practically identical to how Thanos grabbed Dr. Strange in Infinity War. Reaching an upright position, the blade released a low boom, burning brighter than ever before, that alone enough to cause momentary blindness.
"Try surviving this, you parasite!"
I roared as the monster came flying towards me uncontrollably, a look of fear and denial on the U-Man's face could be spotted as he got closer. Finding the ideal moment to strike, I swung down my sword with no hesitation, the blade extending once more mid-swing. Like cutting through butter with a hot knife, I cleanly sliced the U-Man in half, a thin line of blue flame visible on each end. Just as my blade made it all the way through, the arrows I sent out earlier erupted into the same azure-colored flame, engulfing the leader into a massive ball of blue fire. Just by the sheer power of the spell, it felt like it was pushing everything close to it back how intensely it burned.
After about a solid ten seconds, the ball of fire finally vanished, leaving nothing in its wake.
It took a while to figure it out, but the battle has finished.
"There's…" Kitty uttered in shock, "There's-"
"Nothing left," Charles finished her sentence, sharing the same expression.
"Gee, overkill much?" Logan expressed in a bored tone after seeing such a display.
"Considering he had safeguards in place to prevent any injury, I find that comment ironic," I answered emotionlessly, fixated on making sure there wasn't any possible way for him to regenerate back. So far, that seemed to be the case. "All in all, what's important is that it's finally over."
A massive headache caused me to choke on my own words, clutching my head as I kneeled with a grunt. My concentration over my Jaeger broke as well, causing the golden armor to release an echoing mumble as its armor and skin evaporated respectively, leaving it in its skeleton form before it too disappeared.
"Damn, it took quite a bit out of me…" I thought while waiting for the pain to ease up, "It's the first time I properly use it in battle, not to mention additional spells and enchantments added to make it more resistant. It does drain a solid amount to create, controlling it isn't necessarily the issue, but prolonged use if too much is used can be troublesome. I'll have to do extensive training just to boost up the time I can use it, and looking into a solution for Chi usage would be preferable as well."
Still keeping my hand in place, my eyes looked up to where the last U-Man was located. A thought that was present when I witnessed a headless Aldrich Killian popped into my mind, although it wasn't as troublesome as the first time. Why was that? The guilt of straight-up burning a person to death was present, yet I felt more like my actions were justified than anything. Was it the fact that, unlike before, I have comrades now? Not only am I battling for my own survival, but theirs as well. I'm not fond of killing, even if I'm forced to, but there's no other way about it.
It took some time to kick in, but now I'm more open-minded about the thought.
A hand on my shoulder made me look up, meeting Jean's deep green orbs that made me focus solely on her. "Are you hurt?"
"Y-Yeah… I'm fine," I said in an exhausted manner, "Just a little winded, that's all. I'll be good as new in a few minutes."
Jean only stared back at me, worry written all over her face. They weren't noticeable, but the signs of stress were present, the Phoenix fiasco still an issue needing to be discussed. Obviously, I was going to explain the whole thing once we get back to base, just so Xavier isn't close by, and to go over it in private. "More importantly, are you alright?"
"I'm… good," Jean didn't even try to mask it, at best half attempting to put on a brave face but gave up halfway. "...Thanks to you."
Hearing numerous thwips and zooms from above, Peter and Bucky landed a few meters from one another around the same time, rushing to regroup with me and everyone else.
"Nice work, you guys," I commended the two, "Sorry if that came a little too close to comfort, didn't want to leave much breathing room to not miss our shot."
"My senses went haywire way before it even happened, so I was ready in advance. But still…" Peter said, sounding a bit saddened at the end, his head looking back to the battlefield, "Wouldn't be too much of an issue! I'd swoop in to save Bucky if I saw he was in trouble!"
Placing his elbow onto Bucky's shoulder, the genius attempted swinging with a more upbeat attitude, causing the former assassin to eye him with a bored expression. "If that helps you sleep at night, by all means," Bucky then turned to face me, "The creatures he controlled reverted back to their normal forms. With him gone, we won't have to worry about these guys anymore. After we acquire more data, we'll be able to fish out the rest, if there are any."
I nodded in agreement, "Good. They might be aware it was our doing. The H.Q. suddenly went silent. Luckily, time in the Mirror Dimension flows differently, we have a chance before they all go into panic mode."
"Then we better not waste it," Bucky agreed.
"Phew," Kitty expressed with a smile, "I'm just glad that it's over."
"Same here," Alex agreed, releasing a groan while doing quick stretches
Charles strolled forward to us all, "Seeing as now that our troubles are over, shall we make our way back-"
Catching a low spark behind the bald man that was interrupted, I already knew what was happening just by seeing that familiar gold spark. A wide portal that belonged to Kamar-Taj opened a few meters away from us, four sorcerers with robes that had a yellow thunder-like symbol on their chest, the only difference being they had a different color for each. Their ages varied through each member, with only one female among them. They wore different colored robes that had some similarities in design, all except the tallest and shirtless fellow with long brown hair tied up in various places.
Speaking of which, I recognized the many animal-head necklaces and wristbands, hours of reading books taught me those belong to animal magic, most likely meaning he was a Druid. Scanning the others, I couldn't spot anything too worthwhile, due to the Druid sticking out like a sore thumb, and I didn't recognize anyone from my time at the temple.
All but one, Averdrian.
He was the center of the whole group, a man that was in his early thirties judging by his appearance, black hair that formed a small bun with two short bangs hanging from each side. Instead of robes, he wore dark brown leathered pants with a sleeveless white fur coat that trailed down to his knees, but the most prominent feature was located on his arms. They weren't gauntlets per say, but had a mixture of blue and white glowing stone-like material with gold accents, along with oversized chains connected to them.
I remember this man, I would only see him in passing when I was at Kamar-Taj, that being due to different schedules so I would rarely encounter him. The reason he stood out to me so much was that I caught a glimpse of him in a sparring match against a fairly powerful sorcerer, using those chains to extend their length to corner his opponent. They moved with precision and impressive speeds to boot, that alone causing plenty of trouble to deal with. He was a formidable opponent from what I've seen, someone I wouldn't want to fight a few months ago when I was just a novice. However, I don't have an ounce of knowledge of his full capabilities.
This doesn't seem good, not in the slightest.
"Ethan Chester," Averdrian said, a harsh and vile tone as he signaled me out. "You sure are a piece of work, aren't you?"
"Huh?" I pondered out loud, completely bewildered by his claim. "I beg your pardon?"
"You are well aware of your actions." The female spoke up. "Acting delusional won't help your case."
"Calm down, now," Averdrian eased his teammate, then focused back on me. "I have to ask, did you forget the first lessons of being a sorcerer? In case you forgot, meddling in outside affairs and getting spotted are probably the first two things that should be embedded into your skull upon starting. Yet, you managed to fail on both of those accounts."
"Am I supposed to know what event you're referring to?" I asked with a tilted expression. "Secondly, who are you guys? I only remember you seeing you a few times at the temple."
"Let's just say, it's our job to monitor for inter-dimensional entities or creatures capable of causing chaos within our realm and contain them. Back to what I was saying, we know you've been running around using magic in the open without care and risking exposure. It seems you've encountered the host of the Phoenix Force, so you might have done something right in your bundle of missteps".
"For your information, my personal business and what I do isn't connected to Kamar-Taj nor does it raise any suspicion of my magical abilities. Not like it matters, whatever I do is on me, with caution and within reason.""
"Really?" Averdrian replied sarcastically. "You forget using magic at all can be traced back to us and Karmar-Taj, that's the issue. You also said your actions are within reason? Then killing Aldrich Killian, CEO of A.I.M. in cold blood is within reason, I take it?"
Naturally, this came as a surprise to everyone present and definitely painted me in a bad light. Only I had no intention of staying quiet. "First of all, I didn't kill him, the reason for his death is using a defective serum of his own creation. As to why I was dealing with him in the first place was because he intended on using that serum to make his own army of super-soldiers, ones capable of causing a massive explosion large enough to level a city block. Was I just supposed to forget what I learned and ignore it?"
"Again, I fail to see why you would concern yourself with such trivial matters," Averdrian spoke back. "Not only did you unnecessarily engage with a well-known and public figure, you most definitely have government officials and most likely S.H.I.E.L.D. investigating into the case as they managed to find whatever surveillance footage was intact, and we both know how fast news spreads around those kinds of organizations."
"Oh, so S.H.I.E.L.D probably have some footage of me after all," The immediate thought surged through my mind, something I eventually expected yet prayed I had more before getting noticed. "He wouldn't make such a claim if he didn't know some actual proof exists. My hope is that not too much of it is caught on tape. I'll have to make sure to cover up my tracks better."
"Whatever they find it will ultimately mean nothing," I said without a hint of doubt in my voice. "I'll admit, it was sloppy of me to leave evidence, if any, but they'll just be grasping at straws. They had the literal God of Thunder drop by on a vacation, you insinuating that they don't already question the possibilities of other supernatural possibilities is quite ignorant of you. That said, they won't find out who I am nor where I come from, I feel like time will do that on its own."
"That aside, the new host of the Phoenix Force is the bigger issue." Averdrian stated.
"Oh, really?" I asked. "What about it? Jean had nothing to do with it. As you can see, the Phoenix is contained and doesn't appear to come out a second time, so I don't understand what the issue is."
"Regardless, being the host of a deity capable of untold amounts of power causing chaos throughout the universe is seriously problematic," Averdrian remarked in a hostile tone. "The Phoenix Force for last two decades remained undetectable and asleep as it reincarnated into a new host, one that is not only unprepared to contain such a deity but completely vulnerable to the Phoenix Force's influence. That cannot go unchecked. Life across the entire universe can be turned to ashes if such a creature such as that roams wild."
"In case it isn't abundantly obvious already, I took care of it, nor do I intend for it to spring loose a second time," I stated seriously. "After being asleep for so many years, it's logical that the first awakening would leave such an effect, it doesn't mean anything. Furthermore, I'm positive that you're aware this is a deity powerful such as this isn't some mindless creature. We all encountered one at least once before, but trying to control this one by force is not a smart move. From what you're insinuating, aggravating the Phoenix or the host will only end badly,
"My, how protective of the girl," Averdian commented specifically. "Not only do you know her before the Phoenix's awakening, but you're also quite knowledgeable about the deity itself. Rather odd, wouldn't you say?"
You aren't baiting me with that one, buddy. "I'm knowledgeable about a lot of things revolving the Mystic Arts, I'm well informed of its history. Yet, I know better than to tamper with a literal force of nature, unlike what you plan on doing."
"Sadly, that matter no longer concerns you," Averdrian proclaimed leisurely. "Our duty is ensuring this realm's safety from anything that might pose a threat to it. If it will ease your "worries", I'll have you know I take my position very seriously, and I always promise results. We've been taming divine entities since the dawn of man, what's one more to stop us."
"Excuse me," Charles stepped forward with an unpleasant look on his face. "What exactly are you insinuating?"
"Simple. The girl comes with us so the Phoenix doesn't accidentally get unleashed in the physical realm," Averdrian explained leisurely, "This time, we were simply lucky this event occurred within the Mirror Dimension, but if it were to happen again, there is no telling what kind of chaos it may unleash upon the world if not handled in time."
"Jean coming with you?" Scott repeated the key point in that sentence. "That is not happening!"
"Oh," Averdrian's face fell, as if he had sudden realization, "You seem to not understand, this is not a request. The host of the Phoenix will either come willingly or by force, I'm simply allowing you to choose between those two options."
All of the X-Men's member's bodies tensed with a cautious expression, all but Logan who growled as his claws popped out, "Who do you think you are, bub?"
"I am but a man who aims to ensure mankind's survival," Averdrian announced, his right hand slowly rising with the single chain on his gauntlet starting to increase in length with each additional chain that formed, "And a bunch of mere mutants won't stop me from accomplishing that."
"Ethan, are you sure these guys are from the temple of yours?" Bucky asked sharply, switching to an offensive stance.
"Relax, Buck," I told him half reassuringly and half tensed at how sudden the situation changed, "No need to go there."
"I don't know, they aren't givin' us much of an option," Logan growled as his claws popped out.
"I should mention, we have a zero-tolerance policy, so it'd be wise if you simply complied with our demands," Averdrian proclaimed in a strict tone, all other sorcerers entering a stance while his hands remained behind his back, "Now, the girl?"
The sorcerers and X-Men each entered their respective battle stance, but I had no intention of it staying quiet.
"Everyone! Stop!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, causing all the commotion to come to a full stop.
This is a problem, a big problem. Of all the times I had to deal with magical issues it just now decides to bite me at the worst possible time. I'd be fine if it only revolved around me, but with Jean is a different matter.
Besides, I can't keep track of them all at arm's length. While we do outnumber them, we were severely outgunned. If anything, they would slow me down in the long run. Not to mention not knowing their true skill sets, an even bigger issue on its own. I have to get more info before I make my move since otherwise, it's suicide.
"What gives, kid?" Logan asked impatiently, eyeing the sorcerers with a sour expression.
"You all stay out of this," I said calmly, prompting everyone to gasp slightly at my request, "I will handle this situation alone."
"Are you crazy?" Kurt yelled out.
"Dude, you can't be serious?!" Alex asked bewilderingly, "You saw what he did to your friends, you're out of your mind if you willingly want to go in alone."
"I'm not making this decision lightly," I spoke up through all the complaints, "If we were to fight them head-on, we would only be at a disadvantage. If you thought our previous opponents were tough to beat, fighting a group of sorcerers doesn't even come close to that. Realistically, I can't protect nor free you all if you're caught, worrying about myself is more than enough."
"So what?" Scott asked, enraged, "You expect us to sit back and do nothing? If Jean's safety is in question, there is no way in hell we won't fight!"
Without any kind of hostility, I decided to answer truthfully. "I'm asking you to trust me. Out of everyone here, I at least have an idea of their capabilities, and probably a way to stop them. The last thing I want is for this whole thing to get even messier than it has to be. I can't be at all places at once."
"Don't talk nonsense, we'll do this together," Bucky dismissed my request, eyeing the sorcerers with a cautious expression. Nobody answered back, just battle stances and worried glances all over. It was Bucky to speak first upon spotting the bulky man's hands releasing a brown aura. "Spider, guard my left."
"Ah shit," I cursed mentally, "Bucky, stand dow-"
There wasn't time to finish my sentence as Bucky released several Vibranium projectiles from his suit, going at fast speeds towards the sorcerers. Fully focusing on them, I remembered these ones were injected with a liquid to completely tranquilize the target. Averdrian was the one to respond, lunging forward with both arms wide, two singular white chains coated in a mix of light and dark purple aura extending whilst moving with precise accuracy, destroying all projectiles either by the chains themselves or by the aura that it produced.
Before he could make another move, a blue circle formed beneath Bucky, jumping forward to escape a barrier that formed in its place. The large man met Bucky halfway with a right swing, brown energy circulating across his arm to reveal an oversized bear arm to absorb the hit, a massive shock wave busted as the two stood in place.
"Heh, that actually hurt, you bastard," The man admitted with a twitch of his eyebrow, an irritated smile on his face while still holding his ground, "Too bad, that's gonna cost ya'."
Parts of his Bear arm morphed into several tentacles, trying to latch onto Bucky's arm but only a few managed to grab him by the wrist, blue-energy lines formulating a mere meter behind him, all connecting to create a rectangle barrier, effectively trapping Bucky inside.
"So fast!" I thought worryingly, not liking the skillset of the female sorcerer, "That's Arcane magic, crap."
Bucky tried breaking free, but it was no use. Without outside help, breaking out of such a powerful construct is difficult. "Don't worry, I got you!" Peter yelled out, leaping into the air with his Spider-Legs coming to life, the edges glowing with light-green energy, throwing them towards Bucky's cage. I knew those things, they were meant to cause a flux of energy to disrupt such prisons, but didn't get to reach their target as they disintegrated upon close contact.
Portals started opening around Peter, stone-like creatures with wings resembling gargoyles came out from the other end, shooting yellow energy projectiles to which he managed to evade. In a coordinated effort, the limbs of said creatures detached, a red energy line connecting to each limb to electrocute the area from within, managing to zap him before moving away.
It lasted briefly, but the cry of pain coming out of Peter as he was frozen in place, limbs of said creatures latching around his body to lock him from any movement, his Spider Arms suppressed from assisting him to try and break free. Above him, a ring of wind formed that blasted towards the ground,
Just like that, both Bucky and Peter we're down.
"As I said, we aren't taking no for an answer." Averdrian proclaimed as he and the others advanced forward, the Druid rushing head-first with a roar.
"Goddammit..."
I opened a portal beneath me to get right in the middle, sending out a powerful force-push from the front, making them stop in their tracks. Snapping my fingers, two obsidian-colored Snitches flew out of my sleeve to my hand.
"I'm the one you're dealing with, not them," I stated with no ounce of fear in my voice, the Snitches flying towards my teammates to free them. "Final chance, I wanna do this the peaceful way, if possible."
"If it doesn't involve handing over the Phoenix Host, we aren't listening." Averdrian responded with a stern look.
"Hard way it is," I thought tiresomely of having to fight again and took a defensive stance
And that that concludes the first half, another cliffhanger it seems. Sorry for that, but felt like the ideal spot to split it. The U-Men fight came to an end and I'm satisfied with how it went. Keeping in mind this dude would have many X-Genes in his system to allow him to be such a threat.
As for the other sorcerers showing up, I felt something like this is warranted. They would be well aware that the Phoenix Force is awakened on their planet, so wanting to contain it didn't seem too far-fetched for me. Also, the reason Ethan was called out at the beginning was something due to a reader mentioning how he should face some consequences for his sloppiness, which I also feel is justified. Ethan, as cautious and paranoid as he is, can't take into account all the possible variables, especially in the earlier Chapters before he got his footing, but this just means those mistakes came to bite him in the ass. There will be a contrast between this battle and the next one.
As you might already guess, this next fight will only have Ethan participate. While Bucky and Peter haven't reached their limits by any means, I still feel like they would have an issue dealing with magic users for the first time, especially at this point of the timeline. It will only serve as a motivator to get strong and soon as possible.
The next Chapter, like I said, will come within the week, the same principle for the Chapter after it, as I managed to stockpile a bit so won't take between updates.
The link for Discord is " www - discord gg - bTyYgzEm7r" (Removes the - for the internet links),
Hope the wait was worth it
OdgovorProslijedi