Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel
The Hunt is back on track, with more Marvel characters introduced, including the new Marvel Now Avengers and the unfortunate shortly lived characters of the Avengers Arena series. The rallying call goes out as a legend returns.
The Hunt
Chapter 23: Fallout
The former head quarters of the West Coast Avengers had now become the temporary housing for Avengers Academy, the Young Avengers, the Braddock Academy student body and the few remaining Initiative heroes. The young men and women, most of them still teenagers looked at the scene on the TV in horror. Washington had been destroyed and all the heroes there were dead. A final death toll numbered in the thousands, as many of the civilians, including Congress and the President hadn't been evacuated. Even the violent personalities of the heroes such as Kid Briton and Nara were shocked by the destruction of the nation's capital.
"Oh no, not Roger," Komodo whispered.
She fell to her knees, screaming as tears ran down her eyes. The other young heroes lowered their heads and remained silent. There was nothing for them to say in this situation, things had gotten worse.
"Command over the country has temporarily fallen to Henry Gyrich, whom has already begun relief operations, sending out Sentinels to secure known Squadron Supreme bases and assist the remaining members of the super hero community with helping other foreign areas hit by the surge of super human crime," Kat Farrel explained.
"This is the beginning of it all, America devastated, left near leaderless. In every timeline I have visited Gyrich's presidency comes with great cost," Iron Lad explained.
"Damn it, I like how they're using the term super human a lot, they're bloody going to blame us for this, the daft pricks," Kid Briton growled.
"They cant," Kate said.
"I think we all know whose going to push for this," Patriot sighed.
And as if she had heard them, Miriam Sharpe appeared on the TV screen.
"Well Wilson I think its clear now that mass super human registration across the world is the only viable option to maintain safety. The assaults carried out by the Squadron Supreme have only proven just how dangerous uncontrolled super humans are," she explained.
"Thank you Miss Sharpe, we've had several callers, here's one now from surprisingly known New Warrior Hindsight Lad!"
"I'm gonna have to disagree with you Ms Sharpe, if anything the super human registration act made all this possible, the government put their trust in a group of unknowns that seemed appealing at the time but as we all know now were simply using government resources to further their own plans. I agree with your statement that heroes should be trained in the use of their powers but keep in mind that it wasn't an untrained hero that caused this catastrophe, this was a deliberate attack, if you are going to stamp down on super humans, choose the known violent and dangerous types, such as criminals and known psychotics!"
"Never thought I'd be glad to hear from Hindsight Lad again," Speedball muttered.
"Thank you Hindsight Lad, now we are going to refer to Secretary," the newscaster suddenly gripped his ear as a screeching sound ran through the speakers.
The younger heroes and others across the world watching focused all their attention on the TV. A robotic laugh echoed over the channels, a shrill voice hidden by a distortion device.
"My Americans, and everyone else across the world listening!"
"Someone's hacked our signal," one of the broadcast company technicians said.
On the rooftop of Stark Tower, Ms Marvel turned to Iron Man.
"Can you track it Tony?" she asked.
"Beginning trace," he said.
"Ah ah ah, I wouldn't!"
Tony suddenly let out a screech as the lights on his armour began to flicker. He fell off the roof, vomit gushing from his mouth as he fell. Carol quickly flew down after him, catching the man as his armour shattered.
"Computer virus's, I would have thought you'd get adequate shielding by now Stark. Anyway, now that there's no chance of me being tracked I'd like to make my statement. It was I who attacked Washington, I who set up the Squadron Supreme. Who am I? I am the SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN…no just joking. It doesn't matter who we are what matters is the plan and the fire that will rise from this nation's absolute destruction. Now for those of you whom think I'm a raving lunatic know…that you're absolutely right, I'll turn you to my more sane apprentice!"
The next voice that spoke was one that wasn't as heavily distorted as Muramasa's. His apprentice gripped the speaker and took a deep breath:
"People of America, I know you are all afraid!"
"Wait a second, that voice sounds familiar," Sofia said.
"He really has lost it," Wolverine growled.
"But do not fear the heroes, they will try to protect you. Instead you should fear the people above you, the politicians and the would be presidents. Allow me to read a confession from the diary of one Miriam Sharpe: ' the New Warriors didn't kill my boy, they tried to stop Nitro however misguided they were. Nitro acted on the behalf of Damage Control, they are responsible for the killings of six hundred people and only a hero, a man described as a renegade whom threatened the president was willing to do anything about it. Wolverine avenged the death of my son, whilst Tony Stark and Captain America fought their little Civil War. Congress, the president and even S.H.I.E.L.D. itself proved ineffective in stopping terrorist threats and in my eternal shame I must confess that I am as corrupt as they, as all of us are. I accepted a bribe from congress...to remain silent concerning damage controls role in Stamford."
The voice seemed to pause, but no one knew whether it was for dramatic effect or because he was disgusted by what he was reading.
"We...I, rewarded Norman Osborn, a known killer and put our faith in him of all people. I am afraid I can no longer support a government or even a people that favours attrition over virtue, I will no longer push for registration and I will leave it in the hands of the people'. There is it people of America, straight from the mouth of she who was called the best of you, but like any senator she knew of what had happened behind the scenes, but said nothing so that her goal could be carried out, and do you accept your representatives resignation? Do you accept that this country and you the people are as corrupt as those you proclaimed your leaders? That this country is lost and must be rebuilt from the ground up?"
"Fear people of America, fear your inevitable deaths. Give into your fear and riot the streets, give in to your fear and flee your homes, hold your families, your loved ones and know that there will be no where to hide. Soon very soon, this nation and its cesspool of corruption will end. Embrace your fear, your vice and corruption, for by the end of this week, evil and sin will all end!"
The apprentice threw the speaker aside and gestured to one of the Squadron members. Nuke gave him a remote and the young man pushed it. The TV screens shut down, even internet began turning off. Lights across the world shut down, even electronic locks on prisons. The general population of prisons such as Ryker's began rushing out of their cells, attacking guards on sight. Civilians ran riots on the streets and police struggled to contain them.
"What's going on?"Aeon asked the heroes that he was with.
"Several EMP's were placed at common prisons, and some of the people on the street have gone into a frenzy," Pym explained.
"It could be some kind of mass mind control," Jocasta suggested.
"Laurie, I could fly to San Francisco and pick up Wallflower, she'll be able to contain the situation," Sieg explained.
"Then go and get her, Thor go to the empire state building and use your lightning to re power the city, Pym, Justice, Gravity see if you can buy Sieg some time," Aeon walked to the edge of the building and spread his arms as he jumped off.
The armoured man twisted in midair, his armour shaping itself into a new form. He had turned into a zodiac dragon and began flying across the streets. The hero flew out of the city, towards Ryker's Island. Prisoners were grappling with and overwhelming the guards there. Parker Robbins ran through the corridors of the prison, only for someone to clothesline him to the ground. Matt Murdock stepped out of the corner, running his hand across the wall.
"I have no idea who you are, but I know the sound of a prison uniform when I hear one, I can stop at least one person from joining the fight," Matt sighed as he leant against the wall. "Figured they would at least leave me a cane!"
Aeon shifted into his humanoid form, landing in the middle of a large group of prisoners. They ganged up on him, but with astonishing skill the young man punched and kicked each prisoner back. Looking at the man in shock, the prisoners attempted another assault, only for Aeon to again block their punches and counter with punches of his own. He ran, kicking a prisoner away from a helpless guard. Bouncing on his toes, Aeon moved between each pair of prisoners attacking him, jabbing their sides and then kicking a final prisoner in the gut.
"Not one of my best ideas, still at least this keeps them away from the powerless guards," Sven sighed.
A group of guards approached him, but a seeming gust of wind blew them back. Sven watched as a blue and silver blur ran into the prisoners. In fact the blur ran across the whole prison, knocking out prisoners faster than the guards could blink. One prisoner after another fell, until the blur finally stopped. Quicksilver huffed and puffed with sweat running down his face.
"That wasn't one of my sister's best ideas," the silver haired man groaned.
Wonder Man soon landed behind Aeon, carrying Wanda in his arms. She set her feet on the ground and looked to Sven with hesitant affection across her face. Hawkeye then landed on the island, having ridden a hover cycle with Mockingbird behind him.
"I'm sorry Pietro, but we needed to end that quickly, there's too much at stake for us to be distracted. Right now our best option is to track down the Squadron Supreme, perhaps starting with their old base in Stamford," Wanda explained.
"I agree, the more time we spend dealing with every other crisis, the more time we give this mastermind opportunities to launch his Ultimatum," Hawkeye said.
"For all we know this could be his big move," Wonder Man pointed out.
"No, he's planning an absolute change, once Sieg gets back we'll coordinate with his team, we'll also need a tracker to find a scent," Aeon explained.
"So we'll need to ask…oh boy, this wont end well!" Hawkeye sighed.
Meanwhile in the city, Pym had grown to giant size and was assisting the police in blocking off certain roads. Justice used his powers to keep several rioters from moving, whilst Gravity manipulated the force to the point where the people in front of him couldn't even stand. The heroes looked up as Sieg flew towards the block, holding a blonde haired girl with a gold jacket in his arms. They landed behind Justice, with Sieg stabbing his sword into the ground.
"Are you sure you can do this Laurie, I know you did this before in San Francisco," Sieg said.
"Don't worry, I've got complete control of my powers now," Laurie Collins, AKA Wallflower smiled as her eyes began to glow.
Unlike a telepath who could erase the fear, Wallflower used pheromones to give others the feelings she had. They experienced her devotion to her mother and the hope that the person she believed in could save them. The rioters dropped whatever weapons they had taken and turned, some returning to their homes and others going back to their families, to cherish and protect them as Laurie wished to do for her mother.
"Thank you Laurie," Sieg said.
"I think it'll be best if I stay in the city Sieg, to keep things calm if more riots break out," Laurie explained.
"That's a good idea, we've got a base set up in Avengers tower, anyone whose left is gathering there," Hank said.
"So its true then, most of the Initiative members in Washington when it…" Laurie lowered her head slightly as she spoke.
She couldn't bring herself to relive the moment she had seen that pillar consume Washington.
"So many of us are getting killed off, we wanted the kids to stay in one location in case the worst happens," Tigra said.
"I see, where are they now?" Sieg asked.
"West Coast Avengers head quarters," Hank said.
"I can fly you to Stark Tower Laurie," Sieg smiled.
The girl wrapped her arms around Sieg's neck as his crystal wings lifted him into the air. They flew to the top of Stark Tower, where Beast was waiting.
"Good to see you again Mr McCoy," Laurie said.
"Likewise Miss Collins, I heard how you saved San Francisco, I trust Scott and Emma are proud," Hank smiled.
"They are, also, the others are waiting for you Sieg," Laurie turned to Sieg, whom had a confused look on his face. "You're the only one whose doing anything about this Laurie Collins's stolen body and the missing students that were resurrected, Celeste told us how Cyclops had Wolverine attack Virgil," she explained.
"Virgil," Sieg muttered, thinking of the black haired boy and how their powers didn't affect one another.
"I'm just saying, we'll be at Utopia if you need us, give us the word and we'll be ready to suit up," Laurie said.
"Thanks Laurie, I'll go to you guys soon, after you've dealt with rebuilding Utopia and San Fran," Sieg said.
Laurie nodded her head and smiled. She pecked the side of his helmet and followed Beast into the tower. A collection of heroes were already gathered inside, including old Avengers sidekick Rick Jones in his A-Bomb persona, Misty Knight and Valkyrie, Luke Cage's Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Tigra, Ant Man and Moon Knight. Iron Man entered soon afterwards, followed closely by War Machine and Rescue.
"All right Avengers, the world is in the middle of a crisis, heroes across the world are deploying to contain riots, natural disasters and war zones created by anti democratic militias, but America is the epicentre of it all, we have been attacked, our capital destroyed and our friends killed, I know some of you don't have a personal stake in this fight, but I am asking you to answer a call…
"Um Tony, I think you should look at this," Pepper gestured to the TV.
Tony blinked in confusion as he realised the other heroes ignored him and were focused utterly on the TV screen. He pushed through them and gasped at what he saw.
The red gloves and boots, the stars on his shoulders and the strikes across his belly were unmistakable. They had been painted onto blue military armour. He'd painted an A onto his helmet and wore it over his cowl. With every swing of his arm he knocked out an armed attacker. Bullets ricocheted off of his shield and armour as he dived to protect civilians.
"HAIL HYDRA! CUT OFF ONE LIMB TWO MORE TAKE ITS PLACE!" a Hydra trooper yelled.
The man threw his shield, bouncing it off of the zealot's head. He grabbed the shield as one of the Hydra agents fired a rocket launcher. The rocket struck, releasing an explosion that left a cloud of smoke in its wake.
"We did it, we finally killed him, AMERICA IS DEAD!" the Hydra squad leader yelled.
Suddenly, his target leapt out of the smoke, striking him with his shield.
"Wrong Buster, I'm back and I'm cleaning up this mess! AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
"Steve, that's definitely Steve, Pepper get me some better armour, the rest of you, well you heard the man assemble and start saving people!" Tony grinned as he rushed past the Avengers.
The younger heroes looked at the TV in shock, seeing the old Captain America fighting alongside MVP and Black Widow.
"He's back, Cap is back, we should go and help," Reptil said.
"Forget it mate, we go there we'll bloody get ourselves killed," Kid Briton said.
"What's the matter Brian, afraid?" Nara asked.
"Never say that," the young man growled.
"I agree with Kid Briton, this is way out of our league," Veil said.
"We've won fights like this before, hell we managed to get out of the Infinite mansion," Mettle retorted.
"That lucky streak wont last, maybe we'll win this one or maybe we wont, either way eventually our luck will run out," Veil explained.
"So no one should try then huh?"
The young heroes turned to the door and saw Sieg wearing his armour. He was with his Avengers.
"We have to intervene, we cant just sit on the sidelines anymore, we all have a part to play," Sieg said.
"About time, I've been wanting to hit something," Miss America said.
"Not if I beat you to it first," Nara retorted.
"Stop messing around, we have no chance of winning," Veil said.
Sieg suddenly slapped his fist into his palm.
"What makes you think we came here alone, not every hero was killed at Washington you know," he smirked as he led the younger heroes outside.
They widened their eyes at what they saw. Along with Blue Marvel, Citizen V and Prime, Sieg had assembled a great many other heroes. A Hyperion in a black version of his suit with an atomic symbol on his gold belt. Juston stood on the shoulder of his Sentinel, sheepishly waving at the mutant heroes as his sentinel muttered 'destroy'. Sam Alexander, the newest Nova stood alongside the newest human to become host to the Enigma Force Tamara Devoux and former Corps man and Captain Universe Xanders. The young blue haired, grey skinned humanoid alien wore a white suit with a blue star symbol on his chest, the star had a shield design over it and the suit had a very 'Superman' style to it. Behind Blue Marvel stood the Japanese hero Sunfire, the new Smasher and Frances Hyatt, the new cosmic Nova. Sif stood with the Warrior's Three and Beta Ray Bill. Standing with Citizen V was Jason Halloway, the son and successor of the old 1940's super hero Angel and the new Dragon Lord. Noh-Varr stood beside X-23 in his Protector armour, whilst she wore her X-Force uniform with her Domino mask included. Prime stood alongside his fellow ultra super humans Prototype and Topaz. Finally Karen emerged from behind Hulk, smiling at the other heroes in front of her.
"We aren't the 'get things done' Avengers for nothing," she grinned.
"Its time to answer the call guys," Sieg said as he summoned his sword.
Next Chapter 24: Call to arms
Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, my plans for the one-shots have changed, I'll be incorporating them into next chapter which will show what Sieg was up to during the time gap between From X-men to Avengers and the Hunt and how he recruited the new line up of Avengers. In the next few chapters I'll include the other Avengers Arena characters like Apex, Death Locket, Cammi, even the 'kill off first issue' Red Raven.
Muramasa also prepares his own forces and strikes Project Pegasus resulting in the massacre of a whole team of Avengers.