Chapter Ten: The Frightfully Terrible Team-up

Two days after the events of Kraven the Hunter... (It's a Monday btw)

So let's do a quick recap of what's happened since I've became your personal teenaged Nightwatcher, shall we?

I've been training with previous NWs (Hatshepsut, Antigone, Cleopatra IV, Fyre McPhate, ECT.), learned my half-sister is an alien, joined a new school, made friends with a group of super powered teens (And Morgan), made enemies of the Terrible Trio (consisting of Cross, Blight, and Trick Shot), discovered my familiar (Who I named Masterizzare, thanks to Nova), tried to get Peter and Ava to become a couple, fought Electro (somewhat), beat the hell out of Trick Shot, asked to be recruited to SHIELD, and successfully kissed my crush on the cheek. Sound good? Yep, those are the highlights.

But now is where most of the fun ends.

It had been awhile since our movie night and things were getting a lot better for everyone, including me.

Anala had gotten a premotion at work and was basically running all of the IT system at work. She was home a lot more often now, and had started to teach me how to use weapons like guns and swords and more. Peter and Ava had some sort of bonding moment that made them hang out more and got constantly called on them for being a couple. It was funny the first two times then I think Ava wanted to straight up murder me. Danny, Luke, and I had started to hang out more together on Saturdays, meaning I was over at Pete's place more. I almost had a heart attack when I learned five teenagers lived in a house together but was reassured it was nothing. Sam... Something was up with Sam. It wasn't a bad thing though. He was smiling alot more, hanging out with me more, and staring at me more according to Morgan. She said she had a bet with someone that Sam and I would go on a date soon.

Even being a Nightwatcher was going great. Cleo had given me a test, which I passed, and now I was onto manipulation of light and darkness officially. Cleo often came to watch and often asked about Sam. When I asked why she would want to know that, she would giggle and say no reason.

How could any of this go bad?

My phone started to buzz and I picked it up half-heartedly. I had been lying in my room, staring at the ceiling with my Nightwatcher outfit on, debating if I should go out tonight. It was a Monday afternoon and Anala was still at work. I looked at the call ID and stared shock.

Guess who decided to be more of an asshole since I left Italy?

That's right, my asshole ex-boyfriend! (Unfamiliar? First chapter. ;) )

I picked it up, ready to hear any excuse. Okay boyfriend was a loose term. Boy who I chose to tick my mom off who just happened to be a massive ass anyway was the politer term. "What is it Damian?"

"Hey Mushina! Have you seen the news?"

"No. Why?"

"Just turn it on."

"Okay, bye. And loose this number you jerk." I ended the call. I know, jerk was now applied to me. But screw it. I went downstairs and into the living room. My phone buzzed again and I got three texts, all saying the same thing.

Don't turn on the TV.

What is this The Ring? Was Damian the freaky little chick with Anala, Danny, and some random person are my guardian angels? Anala's came with another message.

Need milk and eggs from store if u want pancakes.

I shot up and put shoes on. Pancakes were my favorite. Especially when Anala and Sam made them. Snagging a jacket over my outfit, I ran out the door.

I had been running around on rooftops when I was hit with a sonic pulse, and blasted completely off of the building.

"Ungh!" I smashed into the rooftop of the adjacent building, rolling to a halt. With a groan, I started to push myself up, but my bones started to protest. Super strength and durability I had for sure. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily translate into super pain tolerance.

I successfully stood up and ignored the ringing my ears. One of my attackers made their entrance by leaping down from the higher building and onto my chest, causing me to let out cry of pain as my head and torso slammed extremely hard back into the roof.

"Thundra?" I managed to get out, trying to convince my lungs that, yes, they really needed to keep working.

"Stay down, cat," she returned with a predatory smirk. Instead of normal eyes, they were completely black. Oh shit. I moved my head and saw Klaw, who obviously shot me, and Trapster, both with the same black eyes.

The last man came down. "Wizard," he announced smugly, as though the old as hell music video get up wasn't a dead give away.

"Oh hi," I said cheerfully as though this was nothing out of the ordinary. "It's the Frightful Four!"

"And us." I turned my head to see Cross and Blight standing there and I wondered if she had to practice how to stand there all badass like.

"And Terrible Trio-minus-one! How's it goin?" I smiled but grunted when I got Thundra dig her heel into my stomach. "Okay, nevermind."

Cross came over and placed something on my wrist. "Hello Nightwatcher. I have some news for you regarding the person who gave you your necklace."

My eyes widened. If Cross had hurt Anala...

My eyes widened. If Cross had hurt Anala...

She chuckled. "Hakim and Belinda were stubborn, I'll admit. I was about to go ask their two children where it was but then you decided to appear."

I avoided looking at Cross. Both my parents were in her possession and she was going to ask Anala and I all because of a stupid necklace? See, I doubt that. My dad was a Nova, apparently one of the most powerful forces in the universe/galaxy. And he's captured? Nope, nope, nope-ity nope nope. But if it is true, guess I really am about to be an orphan.

"Here's the thing. You give me the necklace, and all of you including Sun live."

I rises an eyebrow and hid back every emotion I had. "Who the hell is Sun?"

Cross raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?"

"Apparently I don't know a lot of things."

Cross smiled. "Thundra, let her up." Thundra got off my chest and I stuck two hands into my jacket pockets, one speed-dialing Sam. Hope this works. She pointed at me. "Sun is a galactic mercenary that your father knew."

"Okay, so why should I believe you, Cross? And why are the Frightful Four and Blight still helping you?"

"They aren't doing it willingly. It's a mind control spell. I just needed the assurance that you hadn't joined SHIELD yet and Fury's lapdogs weren't following you."

I smirked. "Don't count on that."

Cross growled. "I have been paid good money to take you to Taskmaster but that pendant needs to be destroyed."

I moved my hand up to necklace. "Not getting it."

"Now listen here child. You have no idea how powerful that thing is."

I looked around. "And you do?"

Cross growled and two dark black wings appeared from behind her. "I believe I do."

I stood in awe. So that's what Aven wings really looked liked. Then I realized they were fake. I could see how clunky they were and heard the sound of metal everytime the wind blew. "Sorry, but your fake wings aren't going to make me surrender."

Cross glared then used her shadow powers to bring me closer to her. "Well I wonder if half-bloods can fly?" She turned to the others. "Don't you?" With four nods and a concerned look from Blight, she threw me off the edge of the building.

Oh, thank god. She needs a breath mint. Or perfume. Or deodorant. But definitely one of those three. I tried to summon Masterizzare, but nothing happened. I tried any other Nightwatcher crap, and nothing happened. Shi-

I had stopped falling and now was sitting bridle style in the arms of a very handsome Nova.

"You know, I've never tried to pick up girls like this before." He said, a wide smirk on his face.

I rolled my eyes and mocked his smile. "Get me back up there Sparky."

We flew up there and Cross threw a fit as Nova set me down. "You little-"

Cross was interrupted by White Tiger kicking her. The rest of the team showed up behind me. "Took you guys long enough."

Spider-man shrugged. "We were a bit delayed on finding out how you knew about us then why you were dressed as Nightwatcher."

I rolled my eyes. "Remind me to tell you after we beat the crap put of this Frightful Terrible Team-up."

Spidey gave me a look as White Tiger joined us and the six villains stared at us. "Really?"

I nodded. "Cross is mind controlling the Frightful Four. Keep Blight and them busy and I'll make Cross release them." Everyone nodded in agreement and rushed towards a specific villain. Spidey to Wizard, Tiger to Trapster, Fist to Klaw, PM to Thundra, Nova to Blight, and me to Cross.

Cross smirked as I approached. "Here to take revenge girly?"

I held up two fists. "Nope, just here to kick your ass." I attempted to throw a ball of darkness at her and nothing happened.

She tsked. "Sorry, Nightwatcher. That bracelet you got there," she pointed to my wrist, "it masks your ability to manipulate darkness and magic. You are literally unable to fight back." She sent a blast of darkness at me.

I ducked and popped back up. "Wouldn't, you know," I dodged another one, "want a fair fight?"

Cross laughed. "Anyway you want to fight, I am better at it." She took off her gloves and held up her hands. "I dare you to try and beat, Nightwatcher."

"No more games," I growl, taking a few steps toward her. The sun's just coming up, casting the entire scene in a melodramatic glow. "Release everyone under your control and tell me where my parents are or I'll go supernova here and now."

She chuckles. "You're terrifying, really," she stalks closer, stopping a good foot away from me. "I'm just trying to help you, Nightwatcher. One friend to another. You scratch my back, I scratch yours."

"You're not my friend," I spit. "You're a slimy little snake that I'm going to crush underfoot. You've kidnapped, tortured probably, and even controlled people to find the pendant. I've had it. I know who you really are and I'm not afraid of you anymore." She stared at me. "You're a pathetic excuse for a human being."

"But what about Hakim and Belinda?" She smirks, his gray eyes glinting with something I can't describe. "Don't give it to me and they're dead."

"They're gone if I don't give this to you. And I won't. Besides, even if you did find them, Hakim would've destroyed you before you even got close to capturing him."

"He is a good fighter, I'll admit that," Cross lowered her voice. "But you forget my power, my dear. A finger is all I need to twist their mind to my advantage. And that's all I need to control your little boyfriend and his team."

"You wouldn't dare," I let my hand drift up to my necklace.

"Wouldn't I?"

"This is blackmail."

"Blackmail?" She laughed.

"Shut your mouth!"

"I will, once you do as you're told," she said. "Give me the necklace."

"Never," I growl back, brandishing a pair of clenched fists. She just laughs.

"You will," She chuckles. "After you hear this."

She created a small window portal and my father's voice come out. "I... don't... know... anything. Please... I have... a wife and... kids."

Cross tsked. "This would all be a lot simpler if you told me who you gave it to, Hakim. You're just causing more pain for your children. Sooner you tell, sooner you can go to them."

"Sun and the Nightwatcher will kick your ass back to hell you bitch." He started coughing.

Cross looked at me and the recording ends. "So sad when my playthings won't tell me where things are." My blood freezes.

"What did you do?" I ask in a barely audible voice, my whole body shaking so much I can barely stand. "What did you do to him?"

"Enough and I'll do much more. That is, unless you do what I brought you here for. I just wanted you to have validation that he was still alive. For now, at least."

I stared at the necklace. Should I give it to her? My instincts said no but my heart said yes. Can't those two ever agree?

"I've given you so many cha-"

Made my decision. "You gave me nothing," I spit back. "Whatever you did to Hakim, I'm going to do to you right now."

"Threatening," she nods appreciatively. "But you know the deal. No necklace means I'll kill you and your friends." She twisted her fingers and I was surrounded by black ropes. I grunted and tried to free myself. She chuckled. "Sorry, but that won't save you." She looked at Nova and my stomach dropped.

I took a deep breath and expelled any energy I had into destroying the bonds. Pure light burst them and blew Cross across the roof.

The Frightful Four dropped like potato sacks and Blight landed next to Cross, leaving Nova. Cross stood up and spit something out of her mask. I ran to stand in front of the team, who was standing in awe.

Cross shoved Blight off and looked straight at me, mask covered in blood and dirt. "I hope you know how much it kills me to do this to you. So I'll give you one last chance. Give me the necklace, and you can go free. I'll even let you see Hakim and Belinda again. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

"Maybe before. But these people are my friends, and I won't let you hurt them."

"So strong, but so stupid sometimes," she created a ball of darkness in her hand. "If that's your final decision, then so be it." Something unexplainable flashes in her eye. "I'm sorry it had to end this way."

The ball flies toward me in slow motion and I something shift inside me that I haven't felt. It floods my veins and rushes through my entire body. I close my eyes as its exhilarating energy crackles through my veins like electricity until I finally take a deep breath and open my eyes.

I bring my arms up in front of me as a shield made of pure light erupts in a wide halo around my hands. I can already feel it weakening, but I focus it on keeping the dark ball from hitting anyone. Cross yells something in disbelief as she sees it. I expel the shield at her but she and Blight disappear into a portal.

As the light dissipated, I sunk to my knees breathless. "Damn, not doing that without practice anymore." My entire body pounds with the beat of my heart. My chest heaves with every breath. "Can someone just call SHIELD?"

"Already here." I jump up and look behind the team. Mister Matrix (Fury was it?) was standing there with a... Is that a smile? The others seemed surprised too.

"No offense, but can you, like, breathe before appearing?" I say from behind Power Man.

He glared at me. "Good job Mason Sdentato."

"It was their- Wait, what?" I realized he said my real name. "And did you just call me by my real official name?"

"Would you prefer Mushina Al-Harazi?"

"No. Don't ever call me that."

"Mushina Al-Harazi!?" I looked at the team.

"Yeah...Danny knew!" I said pointing at him.

Spidey raised an eyebrow under his mask. "Really?"

I nodded. "His family runs Rand Industries. Both companies keep tabs on who gets the company next." It was silent then I looked at Mr. Matrix. "Can you please your first statement with 'Good job'?"

He looked at me. "I'm not repeating myself. Are you joining SHIELD or not? "

CLIFFHANGER! That I wrote in a half-hour because I slept till ten in the morning.

I wanted to write a fight scene but, no. I'm a jerk. :D

Just info 'cause I have someone will ask about Mushina Al-Harazi and Mason Sdentato. Mushina Al-Harazi is the name she was given when she was born. Mason Sdentato is the name her father changed it to because both Mason and him did not like Mushina.

And yes, Cross is a straight up bitch. And Taskmaster too.

WildDev13: Thank you so much (I honestly don't know how to respond)

spize666: Welcome. I had to recheck like three episodes to find that. And Cabin in the Woods does have that weird ending. My brother watched it and he was so confused by it that he stopped watching horror movies for awhile...

NotReallyAGuest: Thanks! And I kind of screwed up some of your ideas (Sorry.). And Masterizzare is pronounced master-idˈdzare. I nicknamed my cat that 'cause he's a Russian Blue named Icicle. *wink* And if you do ever make an account I'll read your stories (That's what I do with everyone. And that came off creepy.)

Review with your opinions, ideas, just wanting to talk about stuff, or flames. I really don't care. :P

NEXT TIME: Mason's answer, another NW lesson (this time with Fyre), and who the hell is DOVA?

~PoetryNeedsANewName~