4. Rhino.
Russia, 1990
It always seemed colder in the slums. It led to a life of knitted sweaters and socks more often than not. That is, when you have the supply to make such things. Hand me downs were much more common, the people had much more to worry about than fashion.
All Alexia ever wanted to do was be able to help her family. If she became a good looking lady, that would certainly help. She wished to be pretty like the women on the television at the bar. The one her father brought her to on his day off, when he had one.
Today she was at home, curled into her mothers stomach, balling. Not because of hunger, or cold. Such things were too common to complain about.
"Momma, Why can't I be pretty like the other girls? Why did I have to be so freakishly tall?"
Alexia suffered from an early growth spurt. It did not go to her breasts, or her butt, or make her noticeable in a "good" way. Instead her bones and muscles grew ahead of everyone else.
"My sweet Alexia, it is not bad that you are tall, and you know for a fact you are big boned."
Her mother offered comforting words that did little. She had never seen a growth spurt like Alexia's. Her husband had never seen it on his side either. At least, from the women. She couldn't tell Alexia that.
Children often wanted to grow up fast, Alexia was wishing for the opposite. Soon after she turned ten, she was a full head taller than most of her peers. The positive, she was picked for sports, sometimes. That was it.
"I don't want to be! Everyone makes fun of me! They call me Goliath! Giant!"
Children, no matter the place, can be the cruelest, even without meaning to. No matter what she wore, even if she owned a hundred dresses, or even something girly. No one would look past her size. They thought, because of her growth, that she was fed more. More than necessary, more than them.
It was then that her papa came home. A factory worker, and an often overworked one. He was mumbling hated words for his government. Their honeyed, patriotic veiled words of "All power to the Soviets, Peace to the people, Land to the peasants." Bah.
He wanted to roll up their propaganda and shove it up their ass.
One might expect a man of his status to take his misgivings out on his family. Instead, he calmly set down his bottle, and pulled his growing girl into his arms.
"Listen to me little Zaichik, those kids don't understand the cruelty they are heading towards that is life."
His words were calm and stern, Alexia was sniffing, but paying attention.
"You may be hurt now, but they are hardening your skin, readying you for a future that is coming to most, if not all of them. You must use the strengths you have, even if you despise them."
She nods, before he pulls her into his shoulder. He kisses the side of her head, before telling her:
"Show them, no one messes with Alexia Sytsevich. If they do, turn them into mincemeat."
She nodded, gripping his coat. "Yes papa."
Soon, she would learn to use the size she was mocked for, to fight back.
USA, 2007
"Hey Sally, uh, I was wondering if you're busy tonight." Three days... it took three days to work up the courage.
"Sorry Peter, you're just not my type." Her bored, glazed expression suddenly brightened excitedly. "Not with dream boats like Flash Thompson around!"
Peter's least favorite person came around at the worst time for him. His bright smile and good looks literally pushed Peter aside as he came up to Sally.
"Did somebody call my name? Get lost bookworm, like she said, you're not her type."
Peter held his hurt back, and walked the other direction.
A few weeks later.
The outdoor area of the school was quickly emptying. Many were done with their school day, and had better things to do. Those that stayed were only deciding where or what to do.
"We need one more guy for the dance! How about Peter Parker over there?"
Peter was proofreading an essay when he heard his name. He was only a second from raising his head, before he heard the negative response from the rest of the group.
"Are you kidding, that bookworm wouldn't know a cha-cha from the waltz!" One said.
"What the hell is cha-cha?" Another wondered.
A fast ballroom dance of Latin American origin. It follows a Rythmic pattern based on a quick three-step movement. You would know, if you took five seconds to look it up...
"I don't know, how bout you ask bookworm!"
If they thought they were quiet, they weren't. Peter simply stayed seated, feeling his confidence shot once more. The group went on their merry way, and it was only when he was alone, that he let tears fall.
Everything I like, no one else likes. Anything I am good at, only pushes me further away.
Peter wiped his face with a sleeve, before he breathed deeply. He tried to remember positive things, like May was making her special stew tonight. Or Ben helping him finish that diorama. The ill feeling inside him still refused to go away.
Come on Pete, it's not like it has ever been different. There is the Oscorp field trip coming up, remember that at least.
Russia, 2008
The phone ringing was akin to being annoyed back to life. She groaned as her body sluggishly moved to turn off the damn thing. It was only after it started ringing a second time, that she swore and picked it up to answer.
"Yeah?"
"It's me, Bobbi. We got work."
"Oh? Okay, I'll meet you at the docks." Alexia hung up before letting her head slump. Forcing herself to get into gear, she reached over and grabbed a clean white tee. She raised her arms, and tried not to hiss at the contact with the still healing wound in her shoulder. There was a scuffle a few nights ago. The boss's son was acting all high and mighty while drunk, mouthed off to some punks. They had to cover his ass. The Boss at least had his doctor give her some stitches and cherry vodka, free of charge.
As the shirt covered the bruises that decorated her right side and her back, she thought back to mom and pop. Pop was still working at that same damn factory, his coughs were only increasing with every year. She needed to get them out of Russia, but it wasn't going to happen until she got the cash.
Alexia grabbed her fur lined leather jacket, and headed out. She made sure to grab the last piece of bread she had, so she ate something. The docks were a ten minute walk, she took longer walks to school. Taking a bite of her bread, it tasted more stale than usual. Goddammit, Should have asked for a food basket instead of vodka.
As she walked her route, the stray that hung around the area was sniffing around the trash again. Alexia gave a loud grunt, getting the hounds attention. She crouched down like she always did, and it came right over. She fed it the remaining bread she had, not feeling like finishing it, before giving it a pat. She took a quick look in the trash cans, only one had some food in it. Looking to see no one around, she tipped it over, allowing the dog more access to scraps.
When she got to the docks, there were small groups of workers and non-workers. Bobbi stood out like a complete asshole, which paradoxically meant he blended in perfectly. At least, with the non-workers. Sometimes they mistook him for a dock worker, and he was more than happy to correct them with a middle finger.
"Alex, baby, sleep well?" He got away with calling her Alex, and Baby, without getting pounded. Don't get it twisted, they weren't each other's type.
'"I slept, that was enough."
They began walking the shoreline, Bobbi lit a cigarette and offered one. Alexia took it, only to get the short term buzz. She was having a shitty time starting her engines up today.
"So listen, we got a big job coming. If you are in, it's good money friend." Although good money was a loose term. Bobbi was not exactly a smart chap, but then again neither was Alexia. They were the grunt workers, why they were willing to take high risk.
"Real good money?" She inquired.
"Real good fuckin money. The catch, is that it's an 'import' job." That meant flying or sailing out to another country, and god knows where. A question she voiced.
"Where?" A shit eating smile planted Bobbi's face.
"United fucking States, U-S-A" He began chanting the letters, before she slugged his shoulder. "Ow! Settle! Anyways. It's got risks, but you know the return is phenomenal. Besides, all we need to do in our off time is watch football and smile!"
USA, 2009
There was a time Alexei fantasized about life in America. Of living peacefully, without violence.
"Police! On the ground, now!"
She was getting cuffed on the floor, staring at Bobbi. His lifeless gaze was aimed toward the ceiling.
"We have several KIA, I repeat, several targets KIA."
And now she was here, sitting in a slate gray room, waiting for the american police to decide what to do with her. Would she be deported? Most likely, it didn't matter, her family was stuck in Russia either way. She would rot in a cell for some unknown amount of years. Then, IF she was free, she would most likely fall into the same line of work. Same people even.
The difference now was that Bobbi was dead. She couldn't say murdered exactly. It wasn't like they were doing charity work. However, it was one less person in her life that may have at least given a shit. Her thoughts trailed back to the stray she fed occasionally, back in Russia. She wondered if the stray pup was dead by now.
It came as a surprise to her, when a pair of nerds in nice suits came in with the police officers.
"Alexia O' Hirn?"
"Yeah?" Her mouth had a copper taste to it. still bloody from the haymaker from earlier. They whispered to the police men, who left her alone with the two. Suddenly they changed their demeanor.
"Alexia Sytsevich?" They pronounced it in perfect russian. It set Alexia's nerves off, but she was stubborn, and her outer shell held strong.
"What of it? I tire of games very quick." One nerd set the suitcase he brought on the table, while the other began explaining.
"Simple, you have a biology that is uniquely fitting for our research." He set a folder on the table, her record, or some form of it. "We understand that you have been trying to get your family into the States."
"What do you want?" She asked, glaring, but felt more tired than anything else.
These men were shady, but at this point she could only hear them out. What else could she do in this fucking room?
The other nerd interjected here.
"We will bring your family to the states. But you have to do something for us. We work for a very specific group."
"And what is that group?"
"Agree, and you will learn. Otherwise, we have no further business here. What is your choice?"
Alexia had two choices here: Sit and rot in a prison cell, while her family stays in Russia, living in poverty. Or, she can agree, and they can have a chance in America. Either way, she was damned.
"Fine, What is this project called?"
"Robotism Heuristic Intelligence Navigable Operative. The acronym, is R.H.I.N.O."
"The Rhino itself is fitting as a design reference, and not just for the visual impact it will have. The rhino is the result of countless generations of evolution, the ultimate form of armored assault."
They sounded so proud. She was told to stay motionless and calm while they did their thing. Nothing felt wrong or off, then they told her it was done.
She didn't notice the difference until she started moving. She didn't feel hindered, but just knew she was heavier. They handed her a thick metal rod. She bent it with little effort, earning fast nods of approval from the scientists.
"Your first mission is the retrieval of astronaut John Jameson. We believe he found something on the moon. Something of some interest to the Eastern Bloc."
Alexia nodded. Easy enough
"We should tell you, there may be one complication." They pulled up a screenshot of a red and blue spandex wearing prick in mid-air. "They call him, Spider-Man."
She huffed confidently. "Don't matter, I'll turn him into mincemeat."
2020
Alexia was laying in rubble face first. She laid on her stomach, strong limbs spread and limp. The place used to be a cafe, used to be. Now it was a bed of rubble. If she did not have her suit, she would feel worse than she already felt.
Even as her suit was upgraded over the years, there were still those that outmatched her. The Mark II Armor was an upgrade in itself as a durable unit. The shoulder Guards with three Titanium Layered Spikes gave here fierce impalement power in her shoulder rams. That was before the radiation dosages of gamma radiation. It didn't seem to increase her size much, if at all. However, her muscle power had certainly increased.
In spite of all that, Alexia was simply brutalised. The right shoulder armor was simply gone, leaving only the left with a Spiked armored plate to protect it. The rest of the armor was damaged in all areas. Dents covered more than they didn't, some outer armor pieces were busted off. Of course her synthetic hide, The base, and primary layer of armor hasn't given out. It didn't mean she wouldn't.
The visor for her sight was cracked entirely on the side that rested on the ground. While one side was unable to see due to cracks, half of her vision still remained on the scene in front of her.
Alexia expected the bitch to come over and finish the job. Pummel her face into smithereens, tear apart her armor. If anyone could do it, it was the green beast, or his relatives. She expected the Avengers to put in a shot or two to make sure she was down.
She had expected the red and blue clad prick to make one of his quips as she laid in the rubble. His iconic costume was in view of her good eye. He might finally succeed in annoying her to death.
The last thing Alexia expected, was for Spider-Man to stand between her and another, in Alexia's defense.
"Jennifer, that's enough."
His back was facing Alexia, the big red spider on his back a beckoning target. Even if she had the strength, however, to take advantage, she wouldn't. It was too dumbfounding, the current situation. He could be webbing her up, delivering a knockout punch, delivering his annoying quips and zingers while she was down.
Why?
"Move aside Spider." The green woman, known as She-Hulk, seethed. Her pale dress was torn up(no surprise there) and her arms were quaking with fury.
For a moment, Spider-Man wondered if this level of aggression was usual for Jennifer. Thinking for a moment, it certainly wasn't. He tried to reach his teammate on a rational level.
"There's a line between justice and vengeance, and I won't let you cross it." He could hear Alexia force herself up. Turning his head slightly, he spoke to her passively. "Stay down Rhine, the fight is over."
Spider-Man didn't have to say it. She was barely able to raise one knee, the effort leaving her a heaving mess. He knew the Rhino, however. Knew that she was stubborn, that she would not openly concede.
Ironman flew onto the scene. He floated for a moment, looking at the scene in confusion. Ultimately, he decided to lower himself slowly by She-Hulk. Holding on blasting, he addressed She-Hulk.
"So, is there a reason you and Spidey are having a staring contest?"
"He is protecting her." She said, Stark then took notice of the villain that was down, but not exactly out, seemingly watching. The situation did not need to be agitated further, so he spoke neutrally.
"Spider, Rhino is still active. Keeping your back to her like that is not a good strategy." Plus, Rhino had gotten up plenty of times before. The web-head was taking a serious risk, considering his history with the powerhouse crouched behind him.
"She can barely move, and Jennifer is not stable at the moment."
Thank the Norse gods, Thor in particular, that Steve Rogers made it to the scene, Hearing everything he needed on unanswered coms. Even in a damaged tux, the man immediately showed everyone present who held the title of leadership, in a pantheon of superhumans.
"The battle is won. She-Hulk, stand down, that is an order." At his words alone, She-Hulk relented. She still breathed hard and angry, but showed returning restraint. Steve placed a calming hand on She-Hulks arm. "If she tries to fight, she still loses." He addressed Spider-Man. "Spider-Man, keep an eye on Rhino, We got Tech-boys with restraint equipment on the way."
"Thanks Cap."
A glowing yellow dot zipped in between the two sides. Suddenly, Janet Van Dyne seemed to appear out of thin air in front of She-Hulk. "Jennifer? Jen sweetie the bad guys lost. John needs you right now."
It seemed to be just what she needed to hear. Jennifer's shakes reduced to just her fists, her angry visage becoming sad and concerned. "John? Where is John?"
"On his way to the hospital, he is stable. But I think he wants his wife to be by his side, when he wakes up."
At the same time, Spider-Man crouched next to the struggling Rhino. Not a hint of fear or caution on him.
"Rhino? You still with us...Alexia?" She was relieved, honestly, but still feeling the urge that She-Hulk would ignore Wasp, come at her at any moment. Her good eye moved to look at the bug. Instead of loathing, there was confusion, and awe.
"...Why..."
"You don't look good, Cap I think she needs medical attention." Rhino's gaze didn't leave him. She tried to lift herself again, and she simply shook her head dizzily at his concern.
"I am not...worth it...never was." With no more words left, the Rhino fell over again.
As Alexia was loaded into an Avengers Jet, she flickered in and out of consciousness. Strangely, every time she opened her eyes, the puny spider seemed to be by her side. Finally she drifted into dark...
"Alexia? Why are you in american custody?"
"It doesn't matter, did you receive money at all recently?"
"Money? We got the money Alexia, but it doesn't matter. Your father... he..."
Alexia was not sure when she regained consciousness. Not quite feeling the need, or ability to move, she Looked down to assess her body. She was held down by restraints, but her armor was gone. Her flesh was so pale, like the sun hadn't been able to directly kiss it in years. But her muscles were still very defined, albeit not freakishly so. What was the term? Amazon? Some people were into that, she didn't have time for that. It was strange, she hadn't seen her body outside the suit for a good year-
"Hey Rhine." Spider-man sat in a guest chair, an open magazine in his lap. How long he was sitting in waiting was anyone's guess. He had waited patiently while Alexia regained her bearings. Normally, the appearance of the Spider annoyed, even infuriated her. Now, she was numb, most likely because of the drugs. She could only ask:
"Why?" He looked at her, in what she assumed to be, confusion. "Why did you protect me?"
He seemed to pause for but a moment, as he thought of how to word something like that. He didn't want to represent this as a favour owed or something of the sort. The Rhino was a fierce opponent, but her goals, as far as criminals go was very simple. As he understood it, it was for money. What she did with it, he didn't know. He finally answered with a counter question, that should give clarity.
"Why do I protect anybody?" Immediately upon absorbing the question, he knew that she had the answer, just by the look on her face.
It's just what you do. Alexia Thought.
But it wasn't good enough, not for her. He wanted nothing seemingly, but everyone wanted something. What was this?
"I...hate you. I have spent more time trying to crush you like a bug. You spend half of our encounters mocking me, and I destroy your precious city in return. Why protect me from one of your own?"
"You were down for the count, If She-Hulk kept going, you could have died." He was confusing her again, and not just to irritate her, for once. Alexia didn't understand.
"Wouldn't that have been a good thing?" His lenses widened, almost comically.
"No! God no! I never wanted to kill you, Alexia. Just stop you from hurting others."
"Kill me and it stops." If that's all there is to it.
It wasn't like the Avengers never killed anyone, and her past had a dirty enough record. It wasn't like she was a low level thug of the week. she had done enough collateral damage over the years alone to fund several schools for decades. That was without considering the injuries and deaths that likely occurred from her every time she used the suit on an "offensive" mission. Not to mention, her bodyguard stints of Mafia and Maggia families alike.
The colorful vigilante's lenses narrowed, and he moved his face closer to hers.
"No, it doesn't. Someone else just takes your place. Usually, it's someone worse." The goblin's laugh echoed in his mind. He thought of Norman, Harry, Connors...Kraven. All ended in the loss of life. He didn't want that with anyone else. He didn't want the only end with his "rogues" to be bloodshed.
"Look, I didn't wait here just to argue, or to tell you what you already know. You still need to heal, but I wanted to come to you one more time. To plead with you, stop this, rehabilitate. Make a new life here, or wherever you want. I have convinced the boys at the Raft to let you have some freedoms, if you behave. Just, please consider it, I know you can be better than this." He gave her a soft pat, before he got up. He moved to the doorway, before he paused.
"You said you weren't worth it. Well, I think that's a lie, but I have to prove to you it's a lie."
3 days Earlier
Avengers Mansion
"There is a thin line that we dance on. Jennifer nearly crossed that line today."
Spider-Man stood amongst peers that, several years ago, would have made him fanboy out. As the years passed, and more "heroes" came unto the scene, he became an icon himself. His idols became teammates, friends, flawed people, human.
Now, it was a proverbial standoff. Although he was not alone, necessarily.
"Spider-Man has a point, you are usually in better control. I wouldn't expect this from you." Captain America interjected, in uniform, his mask removed.
Steve Rogers had plenty of experience helping his teammates contain the hulk, he knew the signs. He never had to worry about Jennifer, so this was a change, and a sign of worry.
"That bitch almost killed John, my John." She seethed, much of her rage disappeared. However, she was not in a pleasant state of mind either.
"They always go after our loved ones Jen. This doesn't give us the right to commit murder." Spider-Man responded. "We don't even know who attacked John, or if he simply got caught in the crossfire. Hell we don't even have a why yet."
Peter didn't lack empathy for Jennifer. Attacking someone on your special day was especially cruel. She-Hulk was ready to burn any sense of empathy, unfortunately.
"Oh, because you were such a saint when Osborn threw Stacy over the bridge. Did you need a 'why' for that?"
Spider-Man's white lenses seemed to narrow. "I have told you all, again and again. Norman killed himself using the Gliders auto-pilot, in a trap to kill me."
"Convenient, that we only have your word to go on." His white eyes narrowed at the implication. As a lawyer, she knew how to dig. She wanted to talk dirt, fine, because Spider-Man knew where to dig too.
"Convenient, that everybody loves you while they go on a manhunt for your cousin. Did Bruce even get an invitation?"
That definitely got under her skin, by the way her veins protruded, while also making a few select Avengers present look away. Bruce Banner had once again been exiled, under terrible circumstances.
Hawkeye held his hands together, closing his eyes tightly for a moment. The only one that would have had the guts to argue this might have been Captain Marvel. She had returned to space, however, as her recent decisions as leader caused much of the current strain in the Avengers. Banner was one of those sore spots.
Steve Rogers decided he needed this locked down, for the time being.
"That's enough. She-Hulk, you are on temporary leave. Go see John, Pretty sure he is awake, and misses you."
Jennifer Walters glare would burn a hole in Spider-Man's mask if she had heat vision. She relented, leaving the room with an aggressive stride. Cap turned his head toward his fellow hero once she was out of superhuman earshot.
"Let's try to be patient Peter, John almost lost his life. On their wedding day no less."
"I was there Cap, but you know what I said is true. She might have her own issues, but at least she can walk in broad daylight. Could John look at her the same way? If she killed someone while they were down? Are we going to look the other way, after how we treated Bruce?"
Steve couldn't say that Peter was wrong here. But he could also recognize a complicated situation.
"Spider...Peter, I am not the best person for this. I wasn't a superhero, I was a supersoldier. I killed many people, and I was fine because they were SS, genuine evil if I could put a face on it. The world I woke up to, is a lot more complicated. Russia was our friend, supposedly still is, but...
Steve Rogers was not exactly a "Man of his time", for being known as the "Man out of time". But lines were firmly drawn where he came from. It wasn't his fault that he was frozen right before his war ended, and several other wars started, literally, metaphorically, and socially. He was doing great, honestly. However, he also should have been enjoying retirement. Not filling in for another "Leader's" failure.
His words however, set off an idea in the Spider's head.
"Cap, I would like to push for another potential applicant in the 'Superhuman Reformation Initiative'."
Steve Rogers looked at him, not understanding the sudden change in topic, before it hit him. He rubbed his head before nodding. He eyed his fellow Avenger. "I can only guess who you are going to try to redeem next."
Spider-Man, honest to god, must have been smirking under that mask.
When Alexia awoke, medical and security personnel were notified immediately. They gave her a look over, body scans taken several times during her comatose state told them she was physically fine to walk. They had to see if she was mentally capable.
"Miss Alexia, do you feel that you can walk?" The woman in question lifted her torso sluggishly, before turning to her waist to plant her feet on the floor. The guards stood tensely, ready to draw in the case of a breakout attempt. Alexia's face expressed indifference, as she stood up slowly.
"Just get me my goddamn jumper, this shit takes too long as it is."
A guard set the orange jumpsuit on the bed. Raft was displayed on the back, all caps, in bold black lettering. She took off her medical gown with no shame, and changed openly. Security for the most part stayed at attention, even if some eyes strayed lower. She was unconditionally a woman, that much was clear. It was also clear she was a strong woman, the type that bent iron bars into horseshoe shapes. The same "weight class" as She-Hulk, Titania, technically Jessica Jones. That thought snapped any and all back into focus.
Once she dressed, she offered her wrists. Thick cuffs with a glowing red line that went all the way around. Similar cuffs were applied to her feet. They appeared to be magnetic, the strength in the ankle units weak enough to allow her to walk. They walked down the halls up and down, before reaching an elevator. The elevator brought them to the main center of the Raft facility.
It was here that she got her prints done, her photo taken again, the works.
They escorted her to a very familiar cell. It was decided very early in the Raft's construction that rooms needed to be made for the long term. For cases like Scorpion or Electro, where you couldn't simply remove their powers. The Rhino had her own specialized cell from when they were still figuring out how to remove the suit. Of course, even with the suit removed, they still had to consider the gamma treatments she went under to increase her power. This resulted in a more simple room, one that offered basic necessities.
The caveat, for her, was bars, that seemed made of a red energy. This energy tired you out, the faster and more aggressively you moved. In short, it could be considered a test run to hold someone like the Hulk captive. So far it worked just fine to keep Alexia in, until someone broke her out for a job.
Once she was in her cell, the cuffs were deactivated. The glow restricting her disappeared, but they were not removed. The cell bars were simultaneously powered up. Others liked to rave and smash themselves against their bars, if they were physically able to, and stupid enough.
Alexia wasn't stupid, or angry enough. She walked over to her bed, and laid down face first, very much mimicking her position on rubble a few days ago. Half her face buried in the pillow, her good eye simply stared at the blank slate wall, re-living the scene she still couldn't believe. His back to her, a wall between her and death. Then, his hand on her, not to strike, or demean, but to care. Replaying over, and over, and over...
2017
Alexia was surprised her mother still came to visit. She knew what Alexia had done as the Rhino, but never brought it up directly. Instead, she spoke to Alexia as she always did. It was like Alexia was still a teenager. Regardless, her mother still fussed over her.
"Mama, I get three hots and a cot. Somehow, it's still more than what we had back in Russia. How are you holding up?"
Her mother always seemed smaller as the years went by. Her growth spurt didn't help, of course. But mama seemed to have shrunk in the last decade. She waved off Alexia's concerns.
"Child, I have been doing just fine. No one has raided my little homestead yet, though I am sure some want to."
They would find nothing, of course. Her mother was only tied to Alexia by blood. There was no evidence the money she received came from unethical means. Alexia also didn't dare drag her work into her mothers life. As far as they had known, Alexia did not stay in contact with her family until after her career as Rhino began.
During Alexia's first sentence, Her russian identity was found by investigators. In exchange for info on the Eastern Bloc, they reduced her sentence, and gave her communication privileges. At the least, the money was not connected to her directly, couldn't be claimed. They had no evidence, and no one was going all the way to Russia to find any. The Eastern Bloc took priority.
She learned, after finally being allowed her phonecall, terrible news. The money came too late, her father had died. Stricken with a sickness from his work at the factory. If she had been faster to get the money...
The rage had consumed her, she smashed the phone booth apart. It took three men to physically restrain her. That was before gamma treatments.
Yet, despite all that, her mother never blamed her. Never saw her as others did.
"Alexia, please listen to me. I want you to stop committing these crimes. I have more money than I will ever need. I would be hard pressed to spend it all before I die." It would go to Alexia upon her passing. The last gift she could offer her child, even if it went to pay off old debts.
Alexia would burn it all in a fire, if her mother would stay.
"Do not say that."
"Alexia, I will-
"DON'T" She spoke harshly, her hand slamming down on the table. The guards braced, ready to move.
Nothing happened for a brief quiet time. Then, the small old woman got up from her seat, and made her way to her daughter. Physical contact was technically not allowed. Mama simply ignored any verbal warnings from the guards. She gently pulled her daughters head to her chest, holding her as best she could.
"Alexia, I am old, I will join your father soon it seems."
"You are all I have." She whimpered. She seemed so weak, she hated exposing herself. But she couldn't hide from her mother, she never would.
"Oh Alex, you still think so little of yourself. Open your heart to people, and you will be surprised." She pressed a kiss to her girl's shaven head. "Please promise me, you will try to lead a new life, before it's too late. I love you my little Zaichik."
2020, Tuesday
"Hello Alexia. It is good to see you." Doctor Mousey greeted his patient warmly.
Alexia hummed. That was a change, usually she grunted. Of course, that could be the medication.
"I know you are still recovering, so today will be an easy day. If you don't want to answer, just decline." She took out her notebook. "So, how are you feeling?"
"The usual." The doctor gave a single nod.
No slurs today, a good sign. Yet, she was clearly thinking about something...
"I heard they will allow you more freedoms for good behaviour. Maybe even-"
"Why did he do it?" She interrupted him.
"Pardon?"
"The Spider, he saved me, why?" The doctor had to pause for a moment.
The hero known as Spider-Man was a subject Mousey had learned to avoid, depending on his patient's mood. When he did come up, it was often in a negative light. Alexia usually referred to him as "Damn bug", or "Pest". He was the reason she was in here, and why she was dragged back. But this wasn't a complaint about coming back, or being beaten or mocked(usually both).
From what the doctor had been informed of, Spider-Man came between her and another "Super". He did this, because Alexia was down, and the other hero seemed intent on continuing the fight, possibly to kill. If Alexia's status when she was brought in any indicator, he made the right call. "Well, he is what they call a hero, that's what he-"
SLAM*
He was interrupted, when Alexia's palm smacked hard on the table. A small indent would be left. He didn't flinch, this type of thing happened too often.
"I know that's what he does, but why me?" Usually, there would be some admonishment for being aggressive. But there was genuine confusion in her eyes. The usually guarded Alexia was open, and for an odd reason. He decided to prod gently with a question:
"Alexia, is it so hard to believe that someone might care, without strings attached?" She snorted like her supervillain namesake.
"What, like you? You are paid to sit there and talk to me. As far as I know that bug does not get a single dollar for what he does. He owes me nothing, but he still...he.." When she trailed off, he took the chance to gently interject.
"I am paid a salary whether any of you see me or not. I could just take my notes and be done with it. Alexia, I am here, because I want to help you. Is it so unbelievable that Spider-Man, who has made his career helping those that despise him, would try to help you too? That someone genuinely believes you are worth saving?"
Alexia was quiet, but the doctor could see the war raging within her. Her head was lowered in thought, staring hard at the ground. Veins were popping from her clenched fists.
"But you don't believe it do you? Maybe you need someone you have not met before..."
It was clear at the moment, that this was as far as they would get today. The Rhino released her anger with a deep breath
"Sure doc, how about we wrap this up. I'm tired." Physically, mentally, and emotionally, it was obvious. Even the doctor had to agree, even as a new plan formed in his head.
Wednesday
Spider-Man was surprised when he was contacted by the Rafts resident psychiatrist. Usually, they only bothered him to round up criminals that escaped, somehow. Doctor Mousey was one of the good ones. He actually tried to help the former rogues, even made breakthroughs where Spider-Man couldn't.
This was one of those rare times they(meaning Mousey) asked him to visit. Instead of him asking, which he really shouldn't have to. He may not have the ego or money of Stark, but goddammit, he was Spider-Man. If that meant anything anywhere, it was here.
Of course he was planning to come here anyway, he just found it convenient to not sneak in. It was especially convenient, that Mousey wanted to ask him about Rhino.
"I think you have broken her." Is what the doctor started with, as Spidey had taken a seat in front of the doctor's desk. The colorful hero's lenses widened.
"What?"
"Mentally, I mean." He corrected herself.
"Again, what?" Spider-Man seemed to have a problem understanding. At least, what he did. "I don't play mind games with her. A few insults sure, but she always shrugged it off."
Mousey shook his head.
"It's not about that, she doesn't understand why you protected her. For years I have been trying to reach her, and she has stayed as tough as her synthetic hide. Now suddenly she is asking me about you."
Her opinion of Spider-Man was unchanged over the years, when she did talk about him. It often leads to a dead end, or a lack of progress either way. Until recently that is.
"I told her, it is what I do." The hero stated
"Exactly! For good people, innocent bystanders. Count the number of times you have fought to stop the Rhino, and the number of times you have fought to help the Rhino. Specifically, protecting her from one of your own." He actually managed to silence the usually witty Spider-Man, a first in several years. "Listen, I think Alexia suffers from an extreme case of self degradation. She literally cannot fathom anybody caring. What I wanted to ask of you... I know you are trying to push for the recovery for some of our...patients, that you might try to turn them into 'heroes'. What I want you to do, with Alexia, is help her remember she matters."
Beneath the mask, Peter was conflicted. More than what his mask would be able to convey. He WANTED to help her, he wanted to help everyone that needed it. But not everybody wanted it, and fewer wanted it from him. He was expecting to wing it with an offer to a better path, and hope Alexia was open to that. But him being a constant?
"I don't know if she would listen to me, doc..."
The doctor tried to think hard about a solution, but could only ask the obvious question.
"Do you know anyone willing to take personal time to see Alexia? Besides you?"
Spider-Man's white eyes were squinted in thought. Before suddenly, he clapped his hands together. A solution, a chance appeared before him.
Hallelujah.
Thursday
It was odd, her sessions were on tuesdays. Today was Thursday, if things at the Raft were anything, they were punctual. Besides, nothing really happened on Thursday. Unless a new mutate was getting brought in.
Alexia sat in a chair that looked more comfy than it actually was. It was alright, designed to give prisoners very little to work with. They were able to hold weight, with a softness that nullified any decent offensive use. They were also bolted to the floor. They gave her a larger chair, only because the last size was just too small for her ass to sit comfortably.
She would have been offended if she was younger, more insecure. Nowadays, it was more or less a part of her, her unnatural size. If athletic women sports had taken off more in her time, maybe her size could have helped her escape the poor conditions. Maybe, she could have fame instead of infamy, and made lemonade from her lemons. Just maybe, a man would actually want to look at her-
The door slid open, and in came this...her peers would have said dweeb. The plaid button up and glasses would paint him as a nerd. However, she was a woman. She could see how the plaid shirt hugged him, secretly showing a slim and fit figure. His pants complimented him the same way. His glasses made those chocolate orbs stand out even more. Don't judge, it has been a while.
Without fear the man walked over to her. He took a seat straight across from her, within grabbing distance. He offered his hand.
"Hi, I'm Peter."
Alexia stared at his hand for the longest minute in their lives. She considered several options, some of them violent. Then she remembered what the Spider said.
As he seemed to lose hope, and retract his hand, she grabbed it gently.
"Nice to meet you, I am Alexia."
She actually shook his hand, step one was complete.
Now, where do I go from here? Better I make it clear right off the bat. I don't want her to think I'm misleading her.
"So, um, I am here for a few reasons." He started, "Are you familiar with the Superhuman Reformation Initiative?"
"No."
Of course she wouldn't have Peter! Get your head in the game!
"Well, long story short, it is about giving people a second chance. We have not been open about it yet, because it is still in development. However, a handful of villains have already applied and gone through trial phases."
She scoffed at the idea at first. "And how is that working out for you?"
"Well, you recall Flint Marko, the Sandman?" She nodded. "He was one of the first, now he is working With the Wild Pack in Symkaria, as an official Avenger." Of course, The Avengers were stretched thin as it is. Still, Marko had earned his rank among the heroes.
Her eyes widened. Peter resumed the assault.
"Herman Shultz finally renounced his ways as well. While he is still technically on house arrest, he has a technician job in Damage Control." That one gave Spider-Man a huge boost of pride. Shultz might have been considered an idiot by some, but the man was a genius inventor. He just had to drop the bank robbing stint. Once he paid off his dues, the man would make bank! Oh irony. "We have been moving slowly, but carefully. So far we have had really positive outcomes."
Alexia was quiet again. Her eyes were narrowed in thought. Finally she asked:
"I suppose you are here to offer me this same chance as well?"
"Yes, that's not the only reason I am here."
"And what would that be?"
"Even if you don't want to join the program, I am just here to pass that message from the Spider. Believe it or not, I came here to see you." Her expression seemed conflicted, between shock and immediate distrust.
"What for?" Was he a spy for the Eastern Bloc? Was he even Peter Parker? She half expected the Chameleon to show himself. The bastard had been quiet and on the run since Kraven put the barrel in his mouth.
"Well, to talk to you. If you are willing to tolerate me, I can come visit. I guess your doctor wanted you to meet a new face, get a fresh perspective."
Alexia was floored, she couldn't understand this...she wanted to say kid. He wasn't a kid however, he was a man, with a boyish charm. To top it all off, he wanted to talk to her, visit her. She couldn't help but ask:
"Why would you ever agree to this?" At this moment, he gave her a genuine smile.
"Because I think what people need sometimes, is a friend. Nothing more, nothing less."
In a secret room, Mousey watched the encounter thoughtfully. Finally, someone might penetrate that thick hide.
"Is that the Rhino? And who the hell is in there with her?" His colleague asked as he entered the room.
"That is Peter Parker, I asked Spider-Man if someone would be willing to visit one of our prisoners."
"And his photographer came?" It was then that his colleague noticed Alexia actually responding to Peter. Engaging with the young man like they had known each other for much longer. The man had never seen the Rhino willing to engage with another so quickly. Her own doctor struggled to reach her. "How the hell did he get her to open up so fast?"
"Simple, he treats her like a person."
It figures of all places they wanted her to start, it would be the street that included the church that has been wrecked. The same church that held the wedding her team crashed. Of course they had the rest of the street, and the next couple of streets after that to work on.
The employees of damage control worked as swiftly and safely as they could. Men walked to and fro, made call outs. Machines moved back and forth, digging, pushing debris. You could not find more dedicated workers if you tried.
"Listen Rhine, the current deal is eight hours a day, five days a week." To her slight embarrassment, the Spider brought her a kit.
"Make sure to apply sunscreen every two hours, no need to work with sunburn." Spider-Man turned to the Site Coordinator, well, one of them. "Herman, baby, you got this?"
Herman Schultz made an excellent turnaround in the last few years. He wasn't trusted to run operations solo yet, but he was getting there.
The ex-convict waved Spider-Man off like a fly buzzing around "Yeah yeah, get out of here Spider, before people start asking for autographs."
Spider-Man shot a web at a nearby building before turning back.
"I'll be back at the end of your shift to take you back. Behave!" Alexei grunted at the hero as he swung away.
The workers had slowed when the two arrived on the scene. Many watched warily as Spider-Man swung away, leaving her with them. Then, Alexia lifted a pylon, too heavy for six men, over her shoulder. She looked at her site coordinator.
"Where do you want this?"
8 hours later
Spider-Man arrived on the dot. He found it odd he actually arrived on time. Odder that he was happy to see Alexei. She seemed happy to see him too, and he couldn't help but point it out.
"You are looking chipper, and...goddamn you got a lot done here today."
While there was still work to do in the church, a majority that would need Alexia's "expertise" was accomplished within the eight hours. Progress that could take days, even weeks were already done.
"Yes, I have done much today, We will be able to move onto the next street tomorrow." She smiled at him, tiredly, but still smiled. Her skin was slick and shiny, Peter felt his eyes trail momentarily between her-
Steady now boy!
Thankfully she didn't seem to notice. Seeing she was alone, he did an odd thing, and jumped into the back of the Raft van with her. She eyed him, but said nothing. Her stomach seemed to want to say something, as it rumbled.
"You sound like you haven't eaten today, did you get a lunch break?"
"Ja, but for an average person. My calorie intake is a bit... larger." Oddly she seemed ashamed of it, was that because he was here?
"There is nothing wrong with that Alexia, perhaps we can work out something..."
Several Weeks Later
She laid down a pipe, and moved to her spot to get lunch. Several men eyed her, more specifically the lower and mid regions. Wearing jeans and a dark grey tank top, her skin was slick, and wetness built up where you would expect. None dared to make a move, their brains constantly reminded them when they spotted the inactive cuffs on her wrists: This is the Rhino, she will break you.
"Hey Alexia, your boy toy is here with your lunch!" Herman called out.
Of course, there was one who was not afraid.
Peter Parker came on her lunch break, everyday. His hands held bags containing extra food, a godsend. The switching of traditional roles was a joke begging to be made. Un-ironically, the men didn't have the stones.
"Dumplings?" It was a first for Alexia. Usually Peter brought sandwiches. Not that she minded the change.
"I figured I could show you a 'Parker Family Recipe'." His smile warmed her, warmed her more than the heat of the day. Of course, the chill was setting in, and soon snowfall would occur. That didn't stop her cheeks flushing, even if she could blame it on the weather.
"I appreciate this Peter, you don't have to come every day." She stated.
"I want to." He replied.
Alexia had to look away, fixate on her own food. She could hide the growing blush easier. She almost missed Peter's question.
"Are they treating you well?" He asked. She took a moment to think about her response. Something Peter learned about Alexia that Spider-Man never did. She wasn't THAT stupid. She had to think longer, sure, maybe she was slow to learn(that could be stubbornness), but she nevertheless could.
"They have small levels of distrust, but they seem to appreciate my efforts enough to keep any mouthing off out of hearing range. I have pretty good hearing." Except when it comes to Spider-Man. Always getting the jump on me.
"That's good, they distrusted Schultz at first, but he won them over pretty fast. I couldn't believe the potty-mouth of some of these guys. And then Shultz made them look amateur in comparison."
Alexia finished the dumplings faster than she meant to.
"This was good, I will need to share with you my own family recipe. We call it Pelmeni in Russia."
"I look forward to it." His smile made her heart race.
"You would have loved the way my mama made them. She is, no longer here...she was the only one that visited, until you..."
Alexia didn't really talk about her mother, only in past tense. Peter never pried, and now he didn't have to. She shared it with him willingly, he decided to share in return.
"I learned all I have about cooking from Aunt May. She would have loved to show off to you. She passed away last year."
"I'm sorry."
"She is with my uncle now. I know she is at peace." He put a hand on her shoulder, pointing a finger to his heart. "They stay alive, here."
"Alexia, you want the usual buzz?" Mousey asked.
Alexia looked at herself in the nearby reflection, upon being asked. Her hair had started to grow again. She had forgotten the color of her hair, a reddish brown. She shaved it down for simplicity, after her transformation into the Rhino. It wasn't necessary, but it made things simple. Usually, the woman in question asked for it herself. It was one of the few privileges the detainees were allowed at the Raft. Yet, when the usual time for her to request it herself arrived, she didn't. In fact, she seemed to have forgotten
She was forgetful, but she had little to forget here. Matter of fact, everything seemed to stick in her head now. She couldn't forget, especially...
"No... no thank you."
2021
"No way, they teach you to not smile in school?"
"They did, as a matter of fact."
"Do they give you detention for being happy?"
She chuckled. "No, but you were expected to keep yourself in check. As a child, we still had playtime, even if it was mostly just pretend war." Her gaze drifted off. "Besides, I never had anything to be happy about."
Peter frowned. "Why?"
"After my growth spurt, I was a foot taller than most a grade older than me, every year. Somehow bigger and tougher than most of the boys. It also meant I was never very popular. I was an outcast." Suddenly the words were bleeding out. " I started to dress like a boy, and act like a boy. Fell into certain crowds. The crowd that embraced my talents, were the worst kind of crowd, didn't want me for my 'stunning personality'."
Peter knew the feeling of being an outcast.
"When I was a kid, I dressed very nerdy. Dress shoes, slacks, white button up. I could barely lift weights to save my life. I got pushed aside more often than not. What I was good at..."
"Pushed you further away." Alexia finished. "You seem like you grew into your own just fine, I am sure you catch the ladies attention now."
Peter's face went red. Alexia chuckled meaningfully. Peter looked at Alexia, assessing how she must have been in her early years. He wondered if there were any pictures.
For someone who was supposed to be in her forties or approaching them, Alexia did not look it. Her skin was pale, tight and smooth, and her hair had grown out significantly. She looked the same as she did when he first met her, sans hair. Seriously, what was with Gamma radiation?
"You must have had some guys attention as well, once the jackasses grew up." Her response was more good hearted laughter.
"Ha! Never. No one wants a woman that dwarfs them, let alone one that looks almost masculine. I am not pretty, or effeminate." She fixed her gaze on her scarred hands.
He had asked her about some, and knew their stories. Some were from bloody brawls, others were from bullets grazing her. She had stopped stabbings by grabbing the blade with her bare hands.
"I don't think that's true." Peter said. She stopped laughing, to look at him, waiting for him to correct himself. "I don't."
To Peter, the scars that decorated Alexia were negligible. He wanted to touch them actually. Trace them like patterns
"You are not being funny."
"I am not trying to be. Look, maybe you don't act effeminate, that's hard to do here of all places. But not all guys worry about a lady's height, they usually worry they are too short to be taken seriously.." He accidentally launched a proverbial nuclear attack with his next words, forever ending an emotional cold war that fought brutally within the russian woman.
"Besides, you're pretty. You just need to see it."
Later That Night
A light emitted from the Rhino's "cage". For once, she was using the mirror, the light designed to activate automatically at her approach.
Alexia considered what she would look like with longer hair. How much more...feminine she would look. It was still short, but it was reaching her ears fast. Of course, it wouldn't remove her height, and wouldn't get rid of her broad shoulders. Her hands were still scarred, as were parts of her body under the jumpsuit. She was beginning to bore holes into the mirror.
The mirror itself was made of a specialized plastic, behind it a sensor that would raise an alarm if broken. In short, if someone tried to break the "glass", security would be alerted. After that, mirror privileges would be removed.
She wondered if she somehow broke something, as the alarm began blaring hard. The shrill sound was almost enough for her to start tearing apart her room, but she didn't. She noticed her bars no longer emitted a red glow, and her cuffs didn't seem to activate either.
Her answers came, in the form of a very wrinkly old man, an old comrade of hers.
"Hey! The security systems have been deactivated. We are being sprung free!" Adrian Toomes, The Vulture. The old man was either in his sixties or even his seventies, yet he often fought toe to toe with Spider-Man. This was a result of his suit, the source of his flight apparatus and strength. Why he hadn't gone for his suit first was a tad touching, but confused Alexia.
They were not exactly friends, but they had worked together many times over the years. Enough for mutual respect. Both of them, as well as other members of the "Six", had been spurned by the Wall Crawler. Still, usually his Vulture gear was first priority.
"By who?" It could have been anyone, Doc Ock, that Goblin prick, back from the dead. Hell, it could have been The Leader, actually no, his head got caved in. The Avengers were looking for Mr. Green for a reason after all.
"Not sure, whoever it is has an offer, but who cares? We have an out, let's go!"
Any other time, and every time before, Alexia jumped at the chance to spring herself free. But now, she hesitated. Things weren't great, but they weren't terrible, even bad. If she left, she would be on the run again. She had no one on the outside besides criminal employers, no one that cared for her...except...
"If you are willing to tolerate me, I can come visit."
"Because I think what people need sometimes, is a friend. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Besides, you're pretty. You just need to see it."
"You go ahead Adrian, I am staying."
"What?" The old man was thrown off, never had he heard of the Rhino denying a chance to break out.
"I am not going to stop you, but I am not leaving. I wish you luck."
"What's taking so long?" Max Dillon, Electro, called out of sight. That might explain the loss of power. Although he was supposed to be caged as well. This stuff still went above Alexia's head.
"If... you're sure." He left her, shrugging off his hesitance. He was leaving either way.
"Where is the big girl?" She heard Electro ask.
"She's not coming."
"What?! What the fuck?!"
"She's NOT coming, now let's go!"
A short time later the lights came back on. As security moved to restore order, they went through each room, taking count of who left, who tried to leave, and who didn't. To their shock, they found Alexia, in her cell unmoving. She simply sat on the bed, staring at a blank wall.
The Next Day
Spider-Man stood at the center of the Rec room, his eyes roaming over each individual screen. Some rooms were empty, their tenants having left, either by smashing their way out, or simply walking out. Other tenants, who did not get as lucky, were still locked in their rooms as usual. His gaze, regardless of where it went, always started and ended on the same screen, on the same prisoner.
"I can't believe she didn't just leave." He expected the worse. hearing that she stayed, it warmed him. Mousey hummed thoughtfully
"She has been nothing but a model prisoner. You hear she declined to escape when Toomes came by?"
"He what? And how do you know this if the power was out?" Spider-Man asked.
"We have left multiple ways of recording events here. There is a recorder in each room, not connected to the main power." The Security operative explained as he checked the different cameras..
It wasn't shocking that they had recorded audio, he would have been more surprised if they didn't. However, to have that level of privacy breached. He couldn't help but voice his concern.
"That... sounds like an invasion of privacy."
The Raft guard of seven years experience could only shrug his shoulders. "Frankly, for what some of these guys have done, and what they are capable of, they are lucky to have working toilets."
Peter wasn't sure when he would have time again, so when he realized there was still time for visitation, he took it. He parted ways with the doctor, saying Peter might be able to get an answer from Alexia, who had remained silent since the breakout. He web-slinged away from the Raft, only to change, and run right back to the boatman, asking for a lift.
Peter came into the rec room breathing heavily, partially from nerves, partially because of being winded. She seemed pleasantly surprised to see him, probably not expecting him to arrive so fast after the previous night's breakout. Then again, to her, he was kind of lacking in sense, taking the time to see her.
"I heard about the breakouts, you could have left." She said nothing to him, but her cheeks reddened. He took a seat close by her, not feeling an ounce of fear, the security outside thought he should be struggling to move, carrying those balls of steel around.
"Why didn't you leave?" He asked. Her cheeks reddened then she mumbled something. "What was that? I didn't-"
"Because, I wouldn't be able to see you anymore!" She barked, before she looked away, like it was shameful to admit. Her hand began tapping the table during the silence. A hand, Peter's hand, rested over hers, and she looked up. His smile was as warm as it always was
"I'm glad you didn't leave, I would have missed you."
2 Months Later
Alexia sat in the chair, patiently awaiting her sudden "visitor". While they were not specific, she believed it would be Peter, who else took the time to see her? Intentional or not, he acted as a liaison between her and others. He didn't need to, but often she went to him. In some cases, he came to ask her for advice. Make no mistake, their visits were far more "play" than "work". If Peter was playing the messenger, he got it out of the way.
Her hair was done up, having more to work with. She was able to get a request in for some volumizing shampoo and conditioner. She wondered if Peter would notice.
The door slid open and she turned, expecting Peter. Instead, she got Spider-Man. The disappointment must have been clear on her face.
"Hey Rhine, I know you probably don't want to see me, but I have an offer. I would say no worries if you say no but... I really need your help."
S.H.I.E.L.D. Base 31
"Alright, everybody, listen up. Zebediah Killgrave has control of a Raider class Helicarrier, and She-Hulk. Most of the crew was told to get out and keep quiet, they are still fighting Killgrave's influence in containment. The Wrecking crew is present, we believe they may be under the manipulation of Killgrave as well. They are worse than normal, and avengers are stretched thin overseas as it is. Spider-Man is here, but he needs backup besides us. To make up for this, the Rhino has agreed to assist us, in exchange for some 'privileges'. Spider-Man and Rhino are going to go in first. Once they give the clear, we will move in, put the human grape into cryo, and provide medical to any crewman possibly left. Questions?" One man raised a hand. "Speak."
"What is Kilgrave's goal in taking the carrier hostage?"
"Unknown, could be for a variety of reasons. It is currently believed that he is working for someone else, who or why is still unknown and will remain unknown until the Killgrave is in custody. What is known as that he can cause a lot of damage before we can bring down the carrier with force, should our infiltration team fail."
Another person raised their hand, he gave them the go ahead.
"How can we trust her to not stomp away? Or join up with the wrecking crew?"
"Besides the fact she is getting a reduced sentence from this at the worst? We don't. We trust Spider-Man."
Quinjet, on route to Helicarrier
"Rhine, how are you feeling?"
Her suit was fixed up and modified. The replacement pauldron was much bigger, the spikes replaced by little circular bumps. It was probably intentional, giving her a choice to shoulder bash without skewering someone in the process. The face mask was a new addition, but it was necessary for the plum prick. Besides that, it felt the same, moved the same.
"Fine, I guess."
What was unusual for her was not the suit, even after such a long time. It was the fact she was on a quinjet, heading toward a jacked helicarrier. Possibly to rescue the person that nearly beat her to death. That, and she was sharing space with her longtime enemy, now her "partner" for this mission.
"It's good to have a clear headspace before we get into the fight. Anything you want to share, or vent?"
A part of her wanted to tell him she still didn't understand him. Ask him why he gave her a chance, why he selected her to help him. But all of that, was buried with a different emotion, and thoughts of a different person. He asked, so she answered.
"I wonder what Peter is doing." The white lenses seemed to widen, but he responded fast.
"If he knows about this, he is worried about you, wants you to come home safe."
She couldn't help but smile fondly. Something the Spider noticed, but didn't mention.
"Spider-Man, we are coming in hot, Wreckers on the deck, they look ready to greet ya." The pilot spoke over the com. She equipped the facemask they designed to be compatible with her suit, hopefully protecting her from Killgrave's influence. The rear of the quinjet opened as they hovered in place for a moment. It was all they needed.
The Wrecking Crew noticed the two shapes falling toward them from above. They didn't anticipate the larger shape, Killgrave had bragged no strength class Avenger was available. Their shock played a part in their downfall, as the Rhino landed on them with a mighty-
SMASH!*
Rhino landed on Thunderball first, he was the one who used his brains the most While Spider-Man shot globs of webbings at the other three. The shockwave shook the deck, the rest of the crew struggling to keep their balance. Knocking out Thunderball quickly, leaving him a comatose indent in the floor, Rhino looked up to be struck hard against the jaw by Piledriver. The man didn't let up after his first strike, laying into Rhino with a five hit combo. On his sixth strike, Rhino countered, and delivered an uppercut creating distance between them. Rhino only took a moment to brace before Rushing forward head downward. Her new pauldron collided with Piledriver's stomach, forcing him to expel his lunch. She ran him across the deck and into the wall of the coms tower, proceeding to deliver hits until he went limp.
The other two were distracted by the Web-head. Spider-Man crawled around Wrecker's massive body. Wrecker was increasingly frustrated, unable to catch the bug. Bulldozer tried to help, and ended up smacking around Wrecker in his attempt to get Spider-Man off him. He was rewarded with a knuckle sandwich from Rhino straight into his unarmored face.
The fight ended fast after that. Spider-Man webbed them up while they were busy watching birds circle their heads. Spider-man pulled an eyelid open, noticing the purple accent around their dilated eyes.
"They were definitely under Killgrave's influence." Spider-Man said.
"Where do we begin?" Rhino asked. Peter thought for a moment.
"For an egoist like him, he could be in the command center, or the captains quarters..." He said.
"Perhaps we split up, We should be able to cover more ground." Risky, but it already was risky to trust Rhino, technically.
"We may need to, listen if you find crewmates, be gentle, they could be under his control."
"Got it."
A part of Peter really hoped that all crew members really had been thrown off. He knew Killgrave's record, how he manipulated women with his powers. Jessica would sooner kill the man, part of the reason he brought Rhino instead. He hoped the suit would help her resist his control. Part of him hoped Rhino found Killgrave first, if he did anything to Jennifer...
His inner musing was unkindly interrupted mid-thought by his Spider-Sense blaring.
SHUNK!*
Veering to the left allowed him to dodge the metallic green limb that speared through the floor. He tucked to the wall watching his assailant pull out his tail.
"Scorpion, something is different about you. You get a haircut?"
Scorpion was modified, his claws were replaced by massive pincers. His tail further modified with what appeared to be a double barreled gun, with blades on either side for impalement.
"A few modifications, courtesy of my employer."
"I don't suppose you are fighting me 'under the influence' of the human grape?"
"Ha! No one needs to manipulate me, especially when they give me another stab at you!"
"You mean no one needs to try...much."
Scorpion lunged at Spider-Man with an animalistic roar. Peter dodged the lunge, but had no time to quip. The scorpion tail turned in his direction faster than it ever did, Twin beams of yellow energy shooting out. Spider-Man barely maneuvered out of contact, the thick yellow energy flying by him.
He landed once more, just to backflip away from impalement.
SHUNK!*
Scorpion tore the stinger out of the hard metal floor, and proceeded to thrust at him with lightning speed.
Just a hair faster, Spider-Man dodged until Scorpion pierced the wall behind him.
SPLAT*
Shooting a gob of webbing into Scorpion's face, the cyborg blindly swung a claw. The hero dive-rolled forward, planting his hands into the ground, before springing. He drove right into Scorpion's face, Feet first.
The Scorpion landed on his back. He recovered from the uppercut faster than Peter anticipated. Flipping unto his claws and knees, his stinger sent out a stream of energy not unlike machine gun fire. Spider-Man sprinted and dove behind a console.
Peter spotted a broken monitor by him, and grabbed it. He flung it up, Scorpion immediately opened fire on it. He then sprung out of his cover, shooting several webs at Gargan's feet and face.
He ran at Gargan, who drove his claw in front of himself too soon. He webbed the claw down as he leaped over the cyborgs shoulder like a fence. Using his weight, he pressed the tail to the floor, acting quickly to web it down. Gargan was swinging his only claw around madly. Spider-Man webbed it, pulling it to Gargan's chest before sticking it there.
Leaping on him once again, Spider-Man slammed his fists into Gargan's head three, four, five times. He then leaped up, shot a web on either side of Scorpion, and brought himself down to earth.
SLAM!*
The Scorpion seemingly down for now, he shot multiple layers of webbing all over the body to keep him pinned. Seeing no point in sticking around, he left in search of Alexia, in the case she ran into any surprises.
He did not notice the burning orange glow from under the webbing.
It figured Alexia would be the one to find them first, in the control room. She-Hulk stood at attention, like a good soldier. Killgrave sat in the captain's chair lazily. He got up at Rhino's arrival.
"Look Jen, it is your old pal the Hippo-sorry, Rhino."
"Ida na hui." Alexia cursed quietly.
"This is too good. Of all the freaks they could pull out to get me, they chose the dumb one that always loses." He was one of those types.
"I will give you one chance, before I break your legs, your arms, and your jaw, human plum."
"I think Jennifer would disagree. She told me a lot about her life, the Avengers. Jennifer, tell me, isn't that the bitch that almost killed your husband?"
"Yes." Came a full reply from Jennifer.
Killgrave stepped up behind She-Hulk, his position on the platform making him the same height as her. "Jennifer dear, I want you to put everything else to the back of your mind, I want you to only focus on the big grey moron in front of you."
Jennifer, unable to say no, seemed to zero in on Alexia even more than before.
"I want you to remember that day, I want you to remember how she ruined you and John's big day. How he was in the emergency room." With every poisonous word, the anger was drawn out of Jennifer. Her body shook with rage, her mouth curling into a snarl, not unlike a rabid dog.
"Now, kill the dumb bitch."
She-Hulk sprinted at the Rhino like a mad woman. It reminded Alexia all too much of that day. The Rhino rushed to meet her opponent head on. The difference this time, was that she was ready.
Purposefully avoiding full speed, instead of clashing head on, she swerved. Her side was close enough to clip into she-hulk. The green amazon was sent to the floor. Rhino was able to turn to meet the mad bitch, who went for a lunge. Alexia sent her down to the floor with a fist straight down into her cranium.
SMASH!*
Not waiting for Jennifer to respond, she grabbed her by elbow and began to swing her around. She released her before she could grab at her armor, sending her flying across the area. She-Hulk disappeared through a deck wall.
CRASH!*
Rhino turned her sights on the purple man, who was beginning to look nervous. Then, a rumbling sound, before a green fist burst out of the floor, uppercutting Rhino. She Hulk sent another hard fist into her, following up with a knee to the gut. Her armor absorbed the hits, but the force was still felt throughout her body. She-Hulk swung out at a poor time, and Alexia got behind her. She got an arm around She-Hulk's neck, and a hand on her head, fingers digging into the superhuman's skull. She could snap it now, end it, tear off her head-
Peter showed up in her head again, smiling at her like he always did.
Dammit
Her hesitance cost her, as She-Hulk managed to grab her, and roll her over her shoulder.
THUNK*
Rhino landed hard, leaving an indent on the floor. She-Hulk smashed her fists down on Rhino, who shrugged the pain off to deliver her own uppercut, sending She-Hulk through a console. Thankfully it seemed unimportant, as no immediate changes or alerts occurred. She-Hulk shrugged off the hit fast. Soon both clashed again, their arms braced in a grapple, with neither caving in.
Alexia knew she couldn't hold it forever, She-Hulk was growing stronger by the minute. What did she have? What could she do?
Come on Alexia, use that dumb head of yours and think. Our fight might take the Helicarrier out of the air- Wait, no actually I can't wait. But I need an opportunity.
Rhino lifted She Hulk upward, then swung down. Springing her arms free, She lowered her shoulder, with the sharp spikes.
SHUNK*
She rammed into She-Hulk, skewering her viciously. She then ran them across the room, before letting go. She-Hulk flew off the spikes and across the floor, leaving a trail of green blood. The green woman got up, body quaking with rage, the muscles increasing further in size. Alexia backed off of her, moving backwards, now for the last touch.
"John cried like a bitch."
She-Hulk screamed with fury. She barreled toward Rhino, her fist ready to blow a hole through that synthetic hide.
Rhino sidestepped, She-Hulk's fist through inches past her target, colliding with the glass.
CRASH!*
The glass shattered, She Hulk flew out the window, leaving a vacuum that began to suck everything not bolted to the floor, or a Rhinoceros, out. Killgrave had the air sucked out of his lungs as he flew out toward the hole. Rhino grabbed him, planting him into the floor as the emergency shutters came down, stopping the vacuum.
She-Hulks momentum sent her flying a good mile away from the helicarrier, falling hundreds of feet into the ocean. She would be fine. Rhino let her drop from her mind.
With his bodyguard literally out the window, the Killgrave had a lot less to be cocky about. His abilities worked by pheromones, but he had to tell you what he wanted. Alexia resolved to simply not let him speak.
He barely had time to suck in a breath. Alexia clamped her right hand around his neck and lower mouth in a vice grip. She grabbed an arm, and looked him straight in the eyes
"I do not know how to break these, so they properly heal." That was a lie, but he didn't know that. She had run with the big boys of Russia, they taught her some things. Plenty of ways to make someone talk, or keep them from talking.
SNAP*
She snapped the arm like a twig. His muffled screams were wonderful. She followed with the other arm, before moving onto both legs. He was barely coherent by the time she was done with his limbs. But she wasn't taking a risk, not with this... literal fiend.
Plowing a fist into him, more of a love tap really, several ribs broke at once. This way, when she let go, he was in too much pain to tell her to do anything. She pinched his jaw between two fingers. Tears streamed from pupiless yellow eyes, the expression of mercy, whether through death or not, she wasn't certain. He would need medical attention, Rhino wouldn't kill him.
However, she was not going to let him speak for himself, ever again.
Spider-Man came upon Alexia taking a seat. His eyes came upon Killgrave, whose body twitched.
"Rhine, you ok?" She waved a hand.
"I am fine. The target is mincemeat, but alive." Damn right he was mincemeat. Peter then realized Jennifer wasn't here.
"Where is She-Hulk?"
"She punched out the window... fell into the ocean."
Spider-Man felt a spike of worry, then remembered she was Hulk's cousin. Walking over to Killgrave, he checked the man's pulse. "Still alive. But he will need medical attention."
"I was about to call you, then activate the beacon." Spider-Man nodded.
"Lets-"
Suddenly, The Scorpion rushed through, the doorway. Yellow energy shot out of his tail at full charge heading straight for Spider-Man, a millisecond too late to react. The blast was intercepted by the Rhino, who tanked it, shoulder first.
"Alex!"
Alexia slumped to one knee. Smoke emitted from her, and Scorpion thought that was it for her. He flew over her, lunging at Spider-Man-
- His tail was suddenly grabbed by a grey hand. Still smoking, Alexia held the middle of the tail with her left hand, and pulled him back. Scorpion was thrashing wildly, attempting to free himself. Alexia didn't give him the time to turn his pincers on her. Placing her right hand on the base, She tightened her hold, before pulling.
Mac Gargan's screech was something out of a horror movie. It wasn't funny, or cool, it was just...terrible. Spider-Man could have gone the rest of his life without hearing the noise ever again. When Rhino pulled, She removed the tail entirely. It had resisted for a few seconds before giving in. The severed wires sparked as an unknown battery fluid oozed out.
Gargan Screamed his lungs out for a solid five seconds, until his vocals seemed to give out. It reminded Peter of a gruesome scene in Day of the Dead, Scorpion had a similar open-mouthed expression on his face. He had managed to stay on his feet for a moment, taking a few ginger steps, before his eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he fell forward. Gargan lay twitching, the damage too much for his nervous system to handle.
They both stood silent. The tail in Alexia's hand had gone dead right before Scorpion fell over. When Gargan went still, Spider-Man checked for a pulse.
Reinforcements landed to retake the helicarrier, and force it to land. Medical Quinjets arrived with security to take in Killgrave and Gargan. Spider-Man gave a rough outline of events.
"Thanks Spider-Man, we will take it from here. Don't worry about She-Hulk, she already swam to shore, called base from a payphone."
"Christ, I can't believe they are both alive!" A medic expressed as they loaded up a capsule-encased Killgrave. "This poor fucker ain't gonna walk or talk for months at best. That's if he heals right."
"I would save any and all pity, this guy is a convicted rapist. Surprised they didn't remove his 'fifth limb'." His partner replied.
Spider-Man ignored them, and walked up the ramp, Alexia already seated and waiting.
"You did good Alexia."
"You are not mad?" She expected a reprimand.
"What you did was brutal, but Killgrave had to be disabled, he won't be able to talk his way out before he is in a cell. As for Gargan..." He shuddered, but looked at the event realistically. "If you wanted to kill him, you wouldn't have held the base in place. You could have easily pulled out his spine, predator style."
"Or Mortal Kombat" She offered.
"Exactly- wait, you have played Mortal Kombat?"
"I did not spend all my time here doing crimes."
Spider-Man booted up their ride, and was heading back in the direction of New York, to the Raft. It was quiet for a time, then Spider-Man turned the Quinjet in a direction away from the raft.
"Hey, Rhine, I wanna show you something while we are out."
What game was he playing? Alexia thought. He better not get her in trouble, get her visitor privileges revoked
The Quinjet landed softly, clouds broke away to sunlight at the most convenient time, to blind her damn eyes. Upon her vision adapting however, she stared at the scenery.
They were still in New York, but not a part she was familiar with. There were trees, benches, and walkways. What stood out to her was the flowers, so many flower beds of different shades and hues covered the area. Alexia was thankful that the paths were big, it made it easier to traverse without worrying about stomping on them.
"After the first few invasions, people wanted a way to honor the memory of those lost. Every flower here is planted to honor the memory of a victim. Any and all of them. For those that we have lost, and may lose. Everyone is free to plant a flower, as long as it isn't toxic or unsafe. You can pick one too, so long as you plant one in turn."
She sat by the biggest tree she could find, carefully leaning on it. It held strong against her, not budging at all. If she wanted to rip it from its roots she could, but she didn't want to, at all. Never in the suit had she just sat so... peacefully. Her little rest spot was surrounded by Daffodils. This was ironically convenient for Spider-Man who hung from one of the tree's branches upside down.
"This flowerbed is mine, all of the Daffodils I mean. Go ahead, pick one." She looked at him in shock, not only at the number of flowers present, but that he didn't do Roses and Violets. His colors and all that. She picked one carefully, and sniffed it. "Every time I visit, I plant two. For two people I cared about, and have lost. I pick one, but only to give it to someone... who means a lot to me. Someone who matters."
She slowly digested the info, allowing silence to reign. He didn't pick one for her, but he allowed her to pick one. That meant...something, trust? Friendship? Were they...friends? They weren't enemies anymore, not after this.
"Spider?" He looked at her. "Thank you, for trusting me."
"If I didn't before, I do now." Please don't make me regret it, please.
Alexia flicked her gaze, and caught sight of a family, a couple and their little boy on the walking trail. The parents were looking elsewhere, involved in discussion, while the little boy stared at Alexia. Instead of being intimidated by the giant, the little boy waved exaggeratedly at her.
Without thinking, she waved back, and the little boy seemed to jump around in excitement. The parents turned, noticing their child's newfound energy before seeing Alexia. Any concern they had dissipated at the sight of Spider-Man casually hanging from the tree.
They spent a short time in quiet. Alexia stared outward, Spider-Man looking at the flowerbeds, searching for any small issue he could fix while he was here. He broke the silence next.
"Hey." She looked at him as he spoke. "I never meant it, the insults, from our past fights. I had to break your focus somehow..."
She waved it off.
"Makes no difference, everyone else did."
"That doesn't make it okay. I hope you know, you were a Hero today."
The praise was getting to her, and she looked away. It was quiet again, minutes passed before Alexia started to speak.
"I thought about killing him you know. The purple freak? Few I know in this line of work that are such scum. He represents the worst of manipulators and violators. There are few, that, even I feel...deserve to die."
Spider-Man took it in quietly, before responding. "But you didn't."
"I couldn't. If I killed him... I don't know if Peter would see me in the same light. I don't know if he would even look at me anymore."
"I shouldn't speak for him, but I know him pretty well. I think he would forgive you. Maybe disappointed, but I don't think he would give up on you so easily."
"Can I plant flowers here too?" She asked. His mask shifted slightly as he smiled.
"Good thing I always bring extra seeds."
They stayed an extra hour, Spider-Man flying her back in time to clean up and rest.
When Alexia returned to the Raft, she felt more like she was coming home. Her armor being removed, felt like a burden off of her shoulders. Showered and cleaned, the staff seemed to show more trust in her than ever. as she was escorted back to her cell.
Alexia let herself fall gently unto the bunk. It smelled fresh. Maybe they cleaned it in case her mission killed her, but she didn't care. She was ready for the stressful day to be over, to have rest.
She felt closure with Spider, and simply wished to dream of Peter. The one thing she couldn't doubt, was that he would worry about her. She could imagine the worry in his voice, he sounded so similar to the Spider...
...
...
...
Her eyes snapped open.
One week after Helicarrier raid
Jennifer did not want to come here. But after talking with John, she realized there were several misconceptions that needed to be cleared up.
Kilgrave's orders lingered in her mind even after she fell hundreds of feet face first into the ocean. Somewhere between calling for help and waiting for it, her mind replayed that day.
Their wedding, crashed by villains, big surprise. It was chaos, the moments blurred after She and John has just cut the cake. the next thing she recalled, was Rhino standing over John, who's body was bloody and limp. That was when her memory went into even further haze. but revisiting that memory, there was a look on Rhino's face. Confusion? regret? Was Jennifer just adding details, or was there more to it?
Rhino was neutral when she arrived, seeming to be in deep thought. Alexia remained quiet when Jen sat across from her. She wasn't green, she was just...Jennifer. She decided to ask her questions, and get it over with.
"That day... did you hurt John?"
"No." Alexia responded.
"Do you know who did?"
"I was focused on bigger targets, everything happened too fast." Alexia stopped, but added. "Jameson was my first mission as the Rhino, but it has never been personal. He was an objective, for a goal that no longer matters. I do not know who hurt him, I did not want him to be hurt."
"Why were you standing over him that day, did you really just-"
"I found him that way. I don't delve into the personal lives of every target I've ever had. I didn't even know it was a church till we got there, then I realized it was a wedding, then, before I know it, I'm looking down at him, wondering just what the hell I signed up for. I'm not excusing it, but you wanted the truth, there it is."
It was quiet again, before Jennifer decided to speak.
"You didn't have to help me, I remembered all of it. you could have snapped my neck, but you didn't. I know you could have killed that... fucker, but you restrained yourself. Why?"
Alexia's face grew softer, and she smiled, smiled.
"I have a person outside. Someone I want to see, without a cage between us. Someone I love."
Not one moment during their talk, did Alexia break eye contact with her. After every beating she has taken, Alexia would never submit to anyone, or fear her death, ever again. Jennifer stood up to leave, as short as the visit was, she felt she heard what she needed to.
"I am... going to put a good word in for you. I guess, not much is different between us yet...but..."
"I am always down for a fight greenie, you want a rematch? Let me know."
2022-May
A tracksuit, how Ironic. Of all the things they give her, it had to be the russian stereotype tracksuit. Red with white stripes, at least it wasn't orange. Mousey even let her have a nice new haircut, a chanel bob, her bangs cut even and clean, her hair going slightly past the ears. It represented the new person she had become, or in Peter and Mousey's words, always had been.
Going through security seemed to have a lot of steps and hurdles. By the end of it however, it seemed no different than when she left prison the first time. Nothing crazy or exciting, no booming announcements.
The difference for her, between then and now, was the finely sculpted piece of ass waiting for her outside. Peter was dressed in his usual dorky attire, and she loved every bit of it.
"He-" Peter couldn't get half of a hello in, before she lifted him up by his waist in a bear hug. He wasn't mad however, instead laughing and hugging her back. "You seem happy."
"I am free, and now I can move forward with my life. I would have gone insane without you." She let him down, and he didn't seem the least bit embarrassed, even with the growing blush on his face.
"I'm happy to help. So, how about we blow this popsicle stand?"
Peter Parker's Apartment
"So this is called, Pelmani?"
"Pelmeni, Peter, you like dumplings, no?"
They could have gone anywhere. Peter said it was his treat, whatever she wanted. Instead of any dining establishment, they bought ingredients and returned to Peter's apartment. She then kicked him out of the kitchen, as she began making dinner. Peter had that thought repeat in his head several times. Fresh out of prison, and Alexia wanted to make him dinner. Repeat that:
The Rhino, was in his kitchen, making him dinner.
Of course, he hadn't thought of her as Rhino for a long time. She had simply been Alexia, or Alex, as she insisted before.
"It is ready d-Peter." She had almost made a slip. But she corrected herself. Dear was reserved for married couples, or actual couples. At least that's how she understood it. She set their plates down, and watched as Peter took the first bite. His expression was thoughtful before quickly becoming joyous. Another win for Alexia "I knew you would like it."
She took a few bites herself, approving her work, even after so long out of practice. She watched Peter as he clearly took to it. No one could pretend to like something, and munch on it so fast.
"So I heard you denied an offer to work for the government, in your Rhino suit." He asked, once he gave himself a moment to breathe. Alexia's pause was momentary.
"I want to change for the better. I don't want to be Rhino anymore, I want to be... Alexia."
"In spite of everything, it's okay to be both."
Of course he would say that. She wondered if he was actually conflicted about it, and just didn't share it with her. Of course, maybe he already had his "Identity Crisis".
There was a true sense of pride in having realized the spider's identity, despite being "dim-witted". What would she do with such information? Did she confront him? Alexia didn't want to ruin this. She promised herself, and Peter, that she would change for the better. Alexia wanted Peter to trust her on his own terms, as he let her trust him on hers. "But, could I see you if I was Rhino?"
"Of course."
As they finished their plates, Peter's phone buzzed. He took a look at it, and the blood drained from his face.
Spider-Man always dreaded the day he would see one of his rogues like this. There were only a handful he could say he hated. All of them he had some level of pity for. He met his contact on the rooftop.
De Wolfe had been on the force for some time. She had seen the rise of costumed escapades grow over the years. It never rid the city of its original parasites and monsters. To her, it just gave them a colorful costume.
Although they met on the rooftop, today was the rare occasion he went directly into the police precinct. Some would stare wide eyed, but surprise was overshadowed by the grim atmosphere. They knew what he was here for. They went down to the morgue. Spider-Man didn't need the cold, to shiver at the sight of the frail body under a white sheet.
"We found him earlier today, under a bridge. Thankfully he pulled him down before anyone could get pics onto the internet. I figured...you should see him. You are probably the only person alive, who can confirm his identity for us as a witness."
She pulled over the sheet. Peter brought his hand up to his mouth, to mentally hold back the need to vomit.
Jesus Christ, what did they do to Adrian?
The old man's body was maimed horribly. It was as though they picked him apart like the birds of his namesake. His eyes, and eyelids were gone, leaving holes in the skull-like face of the man.
Adrian was not an innocent person, he hurt people. He was a bitter old man that could have done better than hold grudges and commit robberies. But he didn't deserve this.
"Why would they do this to him?" He asked, once he could speak.
"From what the coroner told me, he was dead before they did this. He was raised up in a cross position. His eyes were plucked, and his mouth stuffed with feathers. The strangest thing, was that his suit was left on him. We know he fought to the death, that was for certain. But usually, these villains are killed for their tech, or a vendetta. This implies neither."
"Was anything left? A hint, or a note?"
"There was a word, painted green behind him, it could be coincidence, but..."
"But you can't rule anything out." He finished. She gave him a picture wordlessly, Peter was angered, horrified, but he couldn't look away from it.
The picture was of Adrian, posed under the bridge. The lettering was above him, stained in green, and was very clear to read.
"ASCENSION"
"So you are gonna sign up for the program?" Peter asked as his former bully turned friend did his pull up exercises. His hair was freshly cut, and sweat was running down his neck.
Peter had hesitations about this program. However, if it helped flash get his life back together, he would support his friend. Flash grunted a confirmation.
"They say it could give me legs again, hell they will give me a decent pair of 'cybers' free, if it doesn't work out." It was quiet again, Flash took a look at his friend,deep in thought, and decided to take a break. "I see your gears turning Parker, spill."
"Well, there's this woman." Peter Started.
"Oh boy."
"Shut up, anyways, I have known her for a while, we used to have a relationship like... ours used to be." Flash was quiet, but motioned for him to go on. "I... like her, but there is also an age difference."
"How big?" Flash inquired.
"At least ten to twelve years." That Peter didn't wince as he said it out loud, said a lot.
Flash stopped his movements, and shifted down onto a seat. Taking a drink to collect his thoughts, Flash responded, strangely fast.
"Peter, I treated you like shit when we first knew each other. Some of it was me, some of it was you. After we got to college...I told you about my father, how he beat me. I was jealous of you, of the Uncle that loved and supported you. But, after my accident... after everything... you have stuck by me."
"Flash..." His friend sounded like he had held this in for years. Peter asked for advice, and he was getting a confession.
"Look, you have given your heart to more than one lady, and gotten it crushed. I know MJ got really close, so had... Gwen, even some others too. One might say, don't do it. But do you really have anything to lose?" Peter felt frozen on the spot, every word ringing true. "If it's age, because she has 'less time'. That just makes now all the more precious. I screwed up my love life more often than not, but if I find that chance again. I'd take it in a heartbeat."
Flash took in a breath, before he gripped his old friend's shoulder.
"Peter, we can't choose everything, but we can choose love. You taught me that. If we can mend our relationship, what is really stopping you and this lady? Frankly, go for it."
"Mr. Thompson? Physical Therapy is happening in a few minutes, you better not be pushing yourself too hard." A nurse warned Flash as she popped her head in. Peter took that as his queue to leave, but not before giving his friend a manly side hug, before he could argue.
"Thanks, Flash."
"Ah, get outta here, get your lady, dweeb."
Peter left, feeling better now than he did. Less confused, and now more resolute, he messaged Alexia about dinner, his treat. Flash watched his friend leave, waiting for his footsteps to disappear, before he whispered:
"Thank you...Spider-Man."
They went out for dinner together. It was a fancy place, so Peter tried to dress accordingly. Classic brown blazer, but with a nice white button up. Alexia wasn't comfortable with a dress, instead wearing a ladies suit, pants and all. Peter didn't mind.
"I understand you are looking for a place outside the city."
"I want to be close, there is work for me...outside the city, but..."
"Sounds like you might have a reason for wanting to stay?'
Alexia suddenly felt nervous, she told herself today was the day. Get it out in the open, at the very least how she felt about him. Bracing her self, she was about to respond-
"Peter Parker! What are you doing in a place like this?"
It was Alexia's worst nightmare. Blonde, petite, beautiful, young. She oozed confidence as she sauntered over, placing a hand on Peter's shoulder. Peter, a good gentleman, responded kindly.
"Norah, I am having dinner with a friend." She gave him a playful pout.
"I am still waiting for that update on the Schultz--Shocker turnaround!"
"You will get it soon enough. Meanwhile, my companion and I were in the middle of something."
She turned to Alexia, and it must have been her expression, because she nodded, making Peter promise to send her an update, and promptly left gracefully.
"Sorry about that. I-what's wrong?"
Alexia had a stare that promised absolute death as she looked at Norah's retreating form. Her hand was tightened into a fist, as though she had her mother insulted, and her family name spit on. Peter's voice brought her back, and she removed her death gaze. Her facial expression was still... frustrated? Unhappy? It was hard to describe with any single word or emotion. "Who is she?"
"Norah Winters. One of my bosses, I do freelance for her firm. Good money, pisses off Jameson."
"She is...interested in you?"
"No, goodness no, and I am not either. Too buried in her work, and I... Alexia?"
Alexia had a tear running down her eye, and the utensil in her nad was Bent forward with her thumb. She shook it off, tapping the table, like she did when she was nervous. Peter had an idea as to why she was bothered, but didn't want to make an assumption. Prioritizing her, he gained her attention. "Are you okay?"
"No, yes, I mean-I'm sorry, I have no right to be upset. I thought that her, and you-and she is pretty-and I just-"
"Hey." He gained her attention. "I prefer your company."
He was a goddamn emotional assassin, he had to be. It didn't matter, his words gave her the will. She had to say something, now.
"Peter, I..." She took a second to muster up courage. "I know that...I'm not that pretty. That you've been with better, and I'm not exactly fresh produce... but you mean a lot to me and-"
She was losing again.
Peter had a curious look on his face, he grabbed her hand across the table. He looked at her, patiently, thoughtfully. His touch seemed to give her the strength to continue-
Alexia somehow noticed the shimmer of lights, moving before Peter's Spider-sense warned him of danger.
CRASH!*
The glass pane shattered, raining shards on the shocked occupants. Alexia threw the table aside, pulling Peter into her as she turned, her back pelted with shards of glass. Peter didn't have time to react, his Spider-sense just a millisecond too slow.
"Peter, are you okay?" She asked this, as several bloody shards fell out of her back, her healing factor pushing them out of her flesh.
"Alexia, what just-"
"Sytsevich, RHINO, a word please!" The new entrant roared. Peter and Alexia looked.
It was certainly Rhino, in visage and attitude. Alexia was right here however, and this armor was completely different. Dark metal adorned him. The feet were sharp and angular, digging into the floor. A pair of tubes were on either forearm. His eyes glowed a burning yellow, a similar light seemed to come from his back. In his hands was a crude yet ornamental looking weapon, a cross between a hammer and a scythe.
"Peter, hide. Don't argue."
Peter reluctantly agreed, cursing himself for not bringing his suit. If it came to fists, he might just have to forget the suit. His secret be damned, Alexia wasn't going to fight alone.
Alexia stood tall as she calmly walked toward the bestial man. He noticed her, and lowered himself into a haunch. A small rumble emitted from him.
"I expected you to be fatter." Her childhood bullies made better insults. But this was no time to laugh. This, thing was fuming like a real rhino on the verge of a stampede. She attempted to stop this peacefully.
"I'm sorry, you have mistaken me for someone else. There is no Sytsevich here."
The new Rhino smirked, his teeth exposed like a snarling dog under the Plated helm. "Funny, I am looking right at her..." His lips closed into a frown. "Where is your skin?"
Alexia, who was only more desperate for him to leave her be, to leave these innocent people alone, tried to end it here without bloodshed. "Please, what you're looking for is not here, not anymore. I'm not the-"
SMASH!*
The massive spiked weapon was swung around, obliterating a nearby dining table completely. A woman in the foreground screamed as chunks of it crashed against the wall beside her.
"Do not lie to me!" He moved his armored helm close to Alexia. His yellow eyes burned with a need, an urge, to destroy. "I am showing you respect. Acknowledge me as kin, Rhino."
"Yes, you are kin, you are Rhino. You have the title." He only huffed at her, shaking his head.
"No, I will only ascend if I take your skin, fight me!"
"No." She said. He rose to his full height, his glowing Yellow eyes never leaving hers..
"If you don't, I will kill everyone who ever spoke to you. Whoever encountered you, starting with the people here. Then, I will find the people you care about most."
Several people came to mind, her doctor, Herman Schultz, the people that she saw on a daily basis. The family whose little boy waved at her innocently. Before, between, and after all of them, Peter's face appeared.
"The Wilson Fisk bridge then. Meet me there, tomorrow, at dusk. We will end this."
"Do not run from fate, or others will die in your steed.
The new Rhino left as he had entered, rushing through the wall to make another free door, his sounds of his stomping feet echoing as the Goliath left a trail. Peter ran from his cover toward Alexia.
"Alex you can't! What if it's a trap?"
"I have to, Peter."
"Alexia-" He tried to argue. Alexia cut him off.
"No matter what you think of me, I will kill myself if I lost you because of this."
Peter didn't want to argue. He knew he couldn't. If this wannabe didn't get what he wanted, he was going to hurt innocent people, whoever he could get his hands on. Peter couldn't let that happen.
"You need to get your armor first. Maybe Spider-Man can help."
"I don't need him-"
Alexia was always trying to do things alone. Peter shouldn't be worried about someone who took a slugging from The Hulk, but he did. He cared, and because of that he was terrified.
"Please, let me reach out to him. If this leads to some kind of ambush, you shouldn't be alone. If they try to frame you, you could be back in the Raft overnight. Please."
Alexia internally cursed whoever gave Peter Parker puppy-dog eyes. She relented, giving a quiet nod. Her face settles into an emotionless expression, in spite of how warm she felt inside.
The next day, Wilson Fisk Bridge, dusk...
The Wilson Fisk Bridge had begun construction around his rise to power. It was unconnected to his mayoral run, under his own personal construction business. After Matt Murdock brought him down, progress halted. It was now stuck on a legal loop, and an eyesore for New Yorkers.
Getting her armor wasn't hard. Peter "contacted" Spider-Man, who was able to get the Raft to relent. It was already repaired for her, given that she had an offer to return for law enforcement. She contacted Shultz, and told him to lay low for a few days.
The new Rhino waited at the entrance of the bridge, wooden blockades and yellow tape would do very little to stop the massive behemoth. He heard Alexia arrive, at Dusk, as promised. She strided forward openly. She would take him head on, and this will end. She stopped a dozen meters away from him.
"So you have come, good. Our battle will be legendary, here to watch Spider?"
Spider-Man sprung from his cover, landing close. How the other Rhino knew he was there, he didn't know.
"It's over fake Rhino, how about you give up now? Save us the trouble."
"My fight is not with you yet Spider, stay out of it."
"Did you keep Adrian Toomes out of it?" The other Rhino smirked.
"I am here to take the place of the Rhino, not the Vulture, that gift was for another."
Spider-Man looked at him confused. A glowing green flicker out of the darkness of the bridge was all he had as an indication, before being rushed by a dark green armored figure with wings, both flying into the skyline above the city.
"NO!" Alexei screamed. Rhino smashed his weapon down onto the floor.
"You should not worry about him, yet. We are the ones, at the cusp of Ascension." She turned to him, lowering herself into a sprint burst position, as she huffed angrily like her namesake.
"I am going to ascend my armored boot up your ass. Kozyol."
Spider-Man wasn't afraid of heights, unless he wasn't the one flying. The Winged metallic opponent was bringing them up very high. Spider-Man's struggles kept him from outright boosting them straight up. A solid punch gave them some space, and Spider-Man thwipped a web to a wing, before yanking it hard. Both careened downward momentarily, as the "Vulture" activated some sort of burner on his wings, burning off the webbing. It gave Spider-Man enough time to kick away, giving him space between them.
He tightened his body like a bullet in free fall, speeding his approach to the ground. Once he finally passed the tip of skyscrapers, he spread to slow his descent. He only had a moment, to web a building, barely swinging away from the oncoming-
SLASH*
He didn't get off cleanly, as two taloned fingers managed to graze his chest.
He landed on a rooftop somewhere close to the Empire State Building. His opponent, instead of going for him outright, descended slowly.
The suit was a far cry from Adrian's. The bodysuit was composed of a dark, mossy green metal. His wingspan was almost three times the size, and didn't seem to need the arms to maneuver. The helm was a shiny black visor, that seemed to resemble a futuristic space helmet. Spider-Man had no good joke. He wasn't in the mood for any.
"You cannot interfere, Spider-Man."
"You couldn't wait a few days? Toomes just died for god's sake."
The new "Vulture" lifted his bloody claws. It triggered something in Peter, who looked down on his own wound. The gash on his chest was a far too familiar shape. The new Vulture grinned behind his dark visor as Spider-Man's white eyes narrowed at him.
"You killed Toomes."
"I Ascended. I am, The Vulture." Even without the EVA-like helmet adorning him, he emitted an aura of smugness. "They wanted me to just prevent you from interfering, but who's to stop me from simply killing you now?
"Good showmanship? Of course, who can expect that, from someone who murders an old man in cold blood."
"Let's see you joke while you choke on your own!"
Rhino, both old and new, charged at each other.
BOOM!*
The following shockwave shook the foundation of the bridge. Alexia did not wait for the bridge to settle, before driving her fist into Rhino's body.
The new Rhino kicked her away, going for a swing with his weapon. She stepped back as he swung fast and vicious. A sequence of three swings followed before Alexei saw an opening. Her rammed her large shoulder plate into his core once again, pushing him a dozen meters across the bridge. His toed feet dug into the ground, leaving a trail in his wake as they slowed. He let go of his weapon to grab her, using his pure strength to fling her behind him.
Alexei maneuvered herself midair, rolling on her back once before digging her hands into the ground. She got up just in time to counter the swing of Rhino's weapon. Her hands grabbed his, stopping him in his tracks. His suit should theoretically be stronger than hers, but they didn't consider her gamma treatments giving her an even playing field.
His surprise was just long enough for her to sucker punch the new Rhino, holding onto his weapon with her left hand as her fist consistently pummeled him. One of his hands let go to block her fist, and she wretched the weapon out of his hands. She swung it into him quickly, with as much force as she could apply at the same time.
SLAM!*
The Rhino's back collided with an iron pylon. She admired the weapon for a brief moment.
"What a handy weapon, although I don't need it to fight my battles." She let the weapon drop beside her.
As she rushed him, the Rhino growled. Shaking his buzz off, his back thrusters let out dual streams of golden yellow as he met her head on. He went low this time. Sending her off her feet and launching them into the leftover construction equipment, including unclaimed propane tanks.
BOOM!*
The area quickly erupted into flames, but that didn't stop the two from hammering into each other.
The Rhino managed to get an arm around Alexia, throwing her down with a lariat. She bucked him off as they landed, rolling away. As she attempted to rise off her knees, his fists came down on her, several times. Her hands and knees were planted deeper to the concrete floor with each hit.
SMASH!*
"You ARE the inferior model,"
SMASH!*
"I am the one who WILL usurp you."
SMASH!!*
"I will be the one they call RHINO!!"
He rose up his fists again, and Alexia ripped out of the ground. Tackling him at the waist, using her sharp shoulder, she screamed.
"Idi na HUI!!"
In all the fights Spider-Man had with the first Vulture, few could be compared to this one. The viciousness was on a whole new level. That, and the tech of the suit more than made up for skill and experience. It was no surprise how he took down Adrian. It was a deadly mid-air dance, one that Peter stayed on the defensive side of most of the time.
Vulture thrusted his left wing in an arc, devastating a gargoyle. The shattered stones fell toward the pursuing hero. Peter worked fast, sending a wide web to clutter the debris together. Instead of merely webbing it to a wall, he shot a short web towards the sack of stones, while shooting another at the building.
He felt the resistance pull at his arm. Pulling himself upward, he pulled the sack of stones with it. The Vulture, intending to attack while Spider-Man stopped the debris from falling on innocents, took the proverbial sack head on.
SHATTER!*
The clutter of debris shattered into even smaller pieces, most falling into the rooftops, Spider-Man shot webs, like a gunslinger, at any stone as large or larger than a pebble.
The Vulture's armor protected him, but his visor took a hard hit. The age old stone sent spiderweb cracks along its surface, while giving him a massive headache. It veered him off course, causing him to hit the wall hard. He dragged across it in an attempt to resume flight. Spider-Man landed on his back, taking advantage of the distraction. He webbed the back with one hand, and began pounding the Vultures head with the other.
While self repair systems worked on his visor, Security measures activated.
Hissss*
His back suddenly glowed hotly, removing the sticky webbing.
Spider-Man flew off, but anticipated what it would do. The Vulture was still distracted, and he shot out another web to a nearby building. Swinging hard and fast in a wide arc, He got ahead of the vulture for a brief moment. He web-zipped the wall, pulling himself forward. Vulture was too late to react, as Spider-Man drilled him into the side of the building.
SLAM!*
Vulture rolled in free fall before flying back upward along the Empire State Building. As soon as he reached the lowest edge of the rooftop, he let himself fall on all fours. Spider-Man reached the roof a moment later. He watched the crouched Vulture on the outer edge of the roof cautiously. The man breathed heavily, the visor retracted. The New Vulture spit out a thick glob of bloody saliva.
"Spider-Man, you just know how to stick your prick where it doesn't belong, don't ya?" His mouth was bloody and his nose was running red as well. Good to know the new suit didn't make him invincible. Spider-Man hadn't seen the man in some time. But there were very few people who took the mantle of vulture, and he remembered each one
"Drago, Why did you kill Toomes?"
"I said I was done, but that was far from the truth. He humiliated me, I've always wanted payback. You should really blame him, it's his own fault. He had an opportunity."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Don't you get it? Why do you think he was even broken out? The Hunter's Whores gave everyone an offer, those that were still alive anyway. Toomes thought he could take the get out of jail free card and fly away. You don't get to say no. Electro got lucky, not easy to emulate that freak. Scorpion was all too happy to agree. But Vulture and Rhino? You have to prove yourself first." Spider-Man's blood ran cold with the realization.
"He's going to kill Alexia."
"He will, if he wants the mantle. Two cannot exist, that is our benefactors one condition, well, besides saving you for last."
But Drago had no such intent. He rushed Spider-Man suddenly, his blade-like wings slicing through the air.
The fight was not going how the New Rhino wanted. He expected a fight, wanted it, but not this much of a fight. The New Rhino, in his mind, should win by a landslide. Instead, she was on even ground with him. He was told he was designed to be better, the best incarnation of the Rhino yet.
It was correct, on a technical level. However, he did not have the fighting skills. Alexia grew up in the rough streets of Russia. She went toe to toe with the Hulk, and his cousin. While she lost, so did many others, and she learned. She had to fight her whole life. And she would be damned if she let some punk with a fancy upgrade take her name.
"This isn't how it's supposed to be." He growled.
Alexia knew she had taken him by surprise, putting up a fight. There was too much on the line for her not to. She had to wear him down, then disable him.
He grabbed his weapon off the ground where it lay. Hoisting it up, he readied for the fight to continue. Alexia took note of this, and scoffed at him.
"What? Can't take anymore after all your talk? Your threats? As I recall you wanted this. I took on the Hulk, you think you, a poser, would scare me?"
Once this was done, she could see if Sp-
"Perhaps I should show that boy of yours how scary I am. What was his name? Peter?"
The noise disappeared.The smell of smoke and fire disappeared. Everything disappeared but the other Rhino, and the sound of Alexia's heartbeat, pounding like a war drum. She had a brief vision, sitting in that sterile visiting area in the lounge, empty seats all around her. The cute little nerd, wearing a plaid button up, walking up to her, not an ounce of fear, offering his hand.
The other Rhino made many mistakes, and made many reasons to pulverize him. He had made threats on innocent lives, ruined her evening, and caused further damage to the city. Now, it wouldn't have mattered if he hadn't. Even, if he was the most honorable warrior, it didn't matter. If, in his private life, he was a good man, with a loving wife and kids, it didn't matter.
He signed his own death warrant, the moment he threatened Peter, her Peter.
For a brief pause nothing happened, then she adjusted herself into a sprint burst position. The Rhino activated his own armor, powering up, his back glowing a bright yellow
"The Ascension as destined!!" He roared as he rushed forward, She roared back as she rushed to meet him.
They made contact-
They were in free fall, Spider-Man dodged Drago's clawed fingers, returning punches of his own. One hit got Drago in just the right spot Spinning him around. Spider-Man took advantage and leaped onto his back. In a move far too vicious, he grabbed the Vulture's head, and showed it into the side of the building, keeping it there. Grinding hard against the wall, Drago bucked him off before the visor shattered completely. Spiderman simply webbed him directly, and drove him back into the wall hard.
SHATTER*
Drago's visor shattered, and he tumbled in free fall, shards of the visor slicing up his face, reflexively shutting his eyes, cutting off his vision. Spider-Man acted quickly, shooting multiple webs at him as he rolled. His suit was flexible, but that meant it didn't prevent his limbs from being pulled in unnatural directions.
The Vulture was screaming, and not because of the fall.
The Webbing stopped him a meter short from hitting the ground. His systems still active, they melted the webbing away, leaving him to fall hard to the ground. he landed in a crumpled heap, arms and legs twisted and bent. His moans of pain didn't make Peter happy, but the man didn't have his sympathy. Spider-Man strode toward the broken bird.
"That, was for Adrian." He waved his fingers into the man's dark hair, raising his head up. "You are going to spend the rest of your life locked up. if there is another Vulture, it won't be you."
BOOM!!!
A resounding boom grabbed his attention, and he looked up to see the red light emitting from Fisk Bridge.
Oh no.
Peter represented all the good things in her life. He represented those that gave her a second chance. He represented, was the red and blue clad hero that stood between her and death.
The new Rhino represented everything and everyone in life that screwed her over, it represented the heartache and pain that followed her everywhere.
The two forces had collided. A massive red flash erupted from ground zero, devastating much of the bridge. It left little but what they had stood on, the foundation held, a testament in Fisk Construction quality.
The New Rhino's armor was meant to be superior, however, there were two crucial flaws. One, is that while designed to be better, it did not account for another Rhino of similar material. Two, while initially made for Alexia post gamma treatment, it did not account for fighting her. The man inside did not receive such gamma treatments, only cybernetics.
The end result, much of Alexia's damages was surface level, replaceable. She even still had her shoulder armor. Her base skin held strong.
"I-argh-this isn't possible!"
The other Rhino was crawling, dragging what was left of robotic legs. His armor was barely held together by the repair systems working overtime. It wouldn't do him any good at the moment. The New Rhino was reduced to a pathetic mass, crying for help. Alexia watched him crawl. For all his bravado, the fear mongering titan was reduced to a cripple, begging for his life. Alexia never begged.
"Oh god! God help me!" God may have answered, in the form of Spider-Man.
Spider-Man web-swinged onto the scene. Alexia turned her head to him. Her expression is numb to the world, as she let out a heavy breath, looking at him.
"I am glad to see you are safe." She said, as she bent over to grab something. "What happened to the birdman?"
"Taken care of, I'm glad you're okay Alexia-what are you doing?" She had picked up the new Rhino's weapon, and started to trudge her heavy feet toward his crawling form. His movements grew frantic as he saw her stalk toward him. Spider-Man jogged in front of her. Alexia paused as Spider-Man stood between them, the irony of the scene not lost on her. "Alexia, please stop it here. He'll go to jail, he won't come out."
"All of this happened because I tried to be something I am not."
"That's not true! You can still be a hero, you can still have a second chance." She was starting to move toward the other Rhino again. He tried to get her attention, but she strode past him. He shot out a webline, trying to pull her back, the web snapped. He shot out two more, they didn't stop her from moving forward. "What about Peter?!"
Alexia paused, before she turned around.
"I only need to tell Peter one thing." Bending close, she looked Spider-Man right into his eyes. "I. Love. You."
The two-fold confession froze Spider-Man in place.
How...how long have you...!
As he stood there in shock, he couldn't respond as she swung the hammer over her head executioner style. Her broken enemy held his arms over his head in fear. A battle cry of pure rage escaped her mouth.
Long live the old Rhino.
"Breaking News"
"New Yorkers had twice the terror to contend with these last few days, as two superhumans rampaged across New York, One calling itself the New Rhino, the other resembling Vulture."
"Thankfully Spider-Man apprehended the Vulture before too much damage was caused."
"The new Vulture has been identified as Blackie Drago, the second Vulture. An old cellmate of Adrian Toomes, the first Vulture. He has since confessed to the murder of Toomes, also revealing that he was given his suit by former members of the eastern bloc and another by the alias of 'Doctor Tramma'. Disturbingly, they were funded by the Kravinoff family, who have been quiet since the passing of Kraven the Hunter, the Patriarch of the family. Police raided their home to find it empty of any life. We will keep you updated as this story unfolds."
"Wilson Fisk Bridge was an apparent casualty of a fight between two Rhinos, literally. Too much destruction occurred at the sight to be left alone, finally allowing Damage Control to get past the legal tape and finish the job. Wilson Fisk could not be contacted for comment."
"As for the Rhinos, we are aware of Alexia Sytsevich's survival. The status of the other Rhino is not known at this ti- hold on."
The news anchor pauses, reading the new information for a moment.
"This just in, confirmation that the new Rhino-"
"I can't believe she didn't kill him."
"I know right? I heard Spider-Man tell the chief the whole thing. Swings his weapon right besides his head, then prys the armor off him with her bare hands, well 'rhino' hands but you feel me."
"Yeah, I feel you."
"Now we got his parts! To add to Sytsevich no less! Those back thrusters, the self repair system, the two handed weapon! I love modding villain tech. She is gonna be an all new Rhino when all is said and done! I wonder if She will keep the weapon?"
"You imply she is gonna stay: The Rhino, my man."
Alexia was nervous about this interview. She can't believe they accepted her application.
A dark skinned man in a yellow shirt had let her in. Handsome, strong, but not her type. He gave her a smirk as he saw her. Lead her to a cafeteria like area, he then left her, guess he wasn't doing the talking.
Not long after a woman sat down across from her.
"So, Alexia o' Hirn, formally Sytsevich. Originally a thug from Russia crime families. You are not only an ex-convict, but an ex-supervillain."
Alexia didn't flinch.
"You also served your time, released early on good behavior. Not only that, you have worked with Spider-Man on several occasions. Clarify something for me, you stated before you wanted to be done with super related stuff. Why apply here?"
Alexia had thought hard about this, from the night the New Rhino came after her, to the moment he laid there destroyed at her feet.
"Because it will never leave me. I am The Rhino, and if I have to be, I will make it something good."
The woman stared at her for a good minute, before relaxing her body.
"She-Hulk put a good word in for your release. Your doctor, Mousey? He gave us his approval. That, and Spider-Man threatened to start his own rival business. I don't need any of that, hell I didn't need you to convince me."
Her gaze became warm as she dropped the application on the table. "I heard about Killgrave, about what you did to him. Frankly, you are already in, this whole interview is a formality."
Jessica Jones extended her hand.
"Alexia, Rhino, Welcome to Heroes for Hire."
Peter drove out to Alexia's new home in Yonkers. He was going to pick her up, take her to the party. New members were always a good excuse to have a party. Peter wandered if she was going to wear a suit or a dress, probably a suit.
He parked, and grabbed his gift, walking up to ring the doorbell. He paused, wondering how exactly he should break the ice. Breathing deeply, He pressed the button firmly. It made an echo through the home as he waited.
Alexia felt nervous as she waited for Peter. They had not spoken of what was said on the bridge. She wondered if she should have said it more plainly. He was coming to take her to the welcoming party.
Alexia resolved to tell him how she felt, clearly, without room for error. She decided no matter how he felt, they could still be friends. Hearing the door ring, she breathed deeply before striding over to open it.
Both were stunned, for different reasons.
Peter was stunned, because Rhino was wearing a dress. A modest, red and blue dress, the shoulders of which had a web like pattern.
Alexia was stunned, but not because of what his red button up shirt and blue tie were screaming. She was stunned, because of the Daffodil he had in his hand. He snapped out of it first.
"So, every year, I plant two flowers. Once in a while, I will pick a flower, for someone I care about deeply." He looked at her meaningfully. "You are worth it Alexia, you always have been."
She grabbed his blazer, and pulled him into the house. She placed a hand on either shoulder, and kissed him gently. His hands grabbed her waist and pulled her in close. They held in place together, holding the moment as long as they could.
Alexia pulled away, but she wasn't done. "Bedroom, now."
"But, the party?"
"You are early, besides, it is like you, to be fashionably late, no?" Discussion done and over.
Hallelujah.
End
Authors Note
I hope everybody is doing well this holiday season. I know we just want to move past the current time, and we will, one step at a time.
Lots of influences for this one, Rhino herself a blend of classic and ultimate. Classic for her base, ultimate for her Mk 2 armor additions. Then a little nod to Web of Shadows Rhino, with her bigger shoulder pauldron.
I recommend Spider-Man the Gauntlet, if just for Rhino's story alone. Also Flowers for Rhino was another inspiration, particularly the cover with rhino sniffing the flower.
I say this again and again, but I do intend for future chapters to be a tad smaller, more in the 10k-15k word range. But I just kept going with this one. Don't regret it. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Technically, this might have the most action yet.
Now we have 2 of the original 6 done(Scorpion and Rhino were later members). I won't say who is next, but I will say original S6 members from here on out before we tackle anyone else. I will do what I can, but personally, who do you guys wanna see next?
For those of you who follow Jaune Who? I apologize, writers block has hindered that still, and I just had bursts of inspiration constantly with this one. Good news is I may have found more inspiration for it at the same time. I will be honest, I might take a break for the holiday, just to relax a tad more. However, I will still be writing, I ain't putting any story on hiatus, because they are not, and I still have stories to tell.
Now, answers for your questions:
Guest: Hey there! As of now, the priority is Spider-Man rogues, specifically those that were part of a "sinister six" team at some point. I amused myself with a thought of fem magneto, but we are going through the spider roster before any of that. Black Cat and Silver Sable are too popular, maybe down the line, but put it this way, we have a better chance of seeing squid get her own chapter first. Who is Squid? Exactly.
Bobisbadatenglish:I am glad you love the Kraven chapter, it feels good to know the extra effort paid off. Hope you like this one.
Now a harem chapter.. to be continued;) Also, I share your love of Shocker, criminally underrated, and a total underdog in spidey's rogue gallery. I have an idea in mind for her chapter, while low key, should stand out.
The champ 123: Genderbent avengers would have to be its own thing, I honestly hoped this story would get the ball rolling on more genderbent/villain related fics. I tried searching for this kind of story before I ever started writing it. Eventually, to steal a quote from the MCU: "Fine, I'll do it myself."
Rework edit:
Not too many changes here. a few more details, decided.to give the Wrecking Crew a little bit more time. I don't know why I thought they were called Wreckers, just a dumb moment. Hope you found this to be an improvement as well.
