Chapter 8: Assemble! Part 8
*May 12, 2012 AD*
"…reports continuing to come in as more armed forces arrive in Manhattan to aid in…"
"People are thankfully getting the medical attention they deserve…"
"…the chaos caused in what has been confirmed by the United Nations' World Security Council as an extraterrestrial invasion…"
"-Millions in damages of property-"
"-coming into the masses to pay respect for those who died in the attack…"
"-Citizens of Manhattan are in their debt-"
"-thanks to the heroic efforts of the 16 superheroes that came together to fight this invasion at its-"
"…people all across Manhattan, the nation, and even the world are giving their thanks in their own special ways, as they helped saved the world-"
"WE LOVE YOU, IRON MAN!"
"…and then he just came outta nowhere and smashed the giants, and he was like 'HULK SMASH-!'"
"Watching them battles like that, in Central Park…words can't even begin-!"
"-I don't know…I mean, the Hulk is supposed to be a monster, right?"
"International concern has come up about mutants being involved in the battle-"
"-Congressman Robert Kelly continues to voice his concern about the superhumans suddenly coming together-"
"-still no word from the Vatican amidst the rising scale in Europe in regards of ancient Norse beliefs due to the superhero Thor, who claims to be the Norse God of Thunder, and the Pope has yet to give any statement-…"
"-Spider-Man despite his alleged reputation as a public menace, even after 11 years of service-"
"-the X-Men have yet to come forward with any information in regards to one of their own being a part of this union of heroes and vigilantes-"
"-called heroes are nothing but a danger to the greatest city on Earth, especially that no good Webhead! I've been saying it for years that Spider-Man has been the cause of the dangers here since he appeared. If it weren't for him, these aliens may never have even-!"
"-Council has no statements to make in regards to SHIELD agents being a part this union."
"-Captain America, and he has been working tirelessly with relief workers in the aftermath of the battle to help-"
"-first time the nation of Wakanda has involved itself directly in affairs outside its borders-"
"-former criminals-"
"-many tough questions are indeed being asked about the union of these heroes, especially if this will be continued. With former criminals, a wanted man by the US military, mutants and vigilantes…"
"…Captain Marvel saved my boy. I owe her so much, and I just want to say thank you."
"I don't care what they say about him-he held up the building all that time to help us all escape. Spider-Man rocks."
"…saved us. No professor would ever do that. Yellowjacket and Wasp are our heroes."
"…came out and saved us all. Being a victim of bullying as a kid, seeing the Hulk come help us even though we treat him like crap…that's admirable."
"Captain America saved my life…wherever he is, and wherever the other heroes are…."
*Council Conference Room, SHIELD Helicarrier UNS Odyssey; 2000ft above New York City*
22:10 EST May 12, 2012 AD
"…I just want to say thank you."
The final screen turned black, causing the waitress' face to disappear. Nick Fury then looked up at the faces of the Council on the screens. To his left stood Deputy Director Maria Hill, and to his right stood Agents Phil Coulson and Clay Quartermain. They all were waiting for the Council's next words.
"Where are the agents that worked with the other heroes?" the Brazilian Councilwoman asked.
"I'm not keeping tabs on them at the moment," Fury replied. "I think they earned a nice leave of absence after all that."
"And the other superhumans, mutants and vigilantes?" the Japanese Council asked.
"What about them?"
"What are you going to do about the situation, Fury?" the British Councilwoman specified. "What is going to be your response to this union of heroes?"
"Should I need to have a response?"
"What are you suggesting?" Councilman Pierce, from the United States, asked with an arched eyebrow.
"They came together and managed to save the world," Fury replied simply. "That doesn't sound like any reason for me to do something about it. Among those 16 are some of the world's most well-known and easily recognized superheroes-"
"And also mutants, former criminals and one of the most powerful superhumans on the planet," Pierce retorted. "Arguably THE most…and also supposed property of America's military."
"Not to mention another new superhuman who claims to be a god," the Chinese Councilman replied. "That alone is something that needs to merit concern to SHIELD. Director Fury, as the man in charge of Earth's second greatest line of defense, we-"
"Ok, now that's just being mean," Fury interrupted. "Brand barely does anything these days."
"-We feel that this union of supposed heroes could be…worrisome, to say the least."
"Look, Council, I understand where you're all coming from, despite what you may think. I know what the dangers can be-superhumans and the like coming together; it's like the X-Men or Alpha Flight. But there is the factor of the Warriors that also joined with these superhumans."
"It sounds to me as if you're…in agreement of this union of heroes and such," the Saudi Councilman stated, a look of surprise and disbelief on his face.
"Council, we have no idea what's going to come out this," Fury countered. "Yes, these heroes came together to fight off this invasion. That doesn't mean anything at all; this could've been simply a one-time thing. SHIELD prepares for situations like this if they go wrong, but we have no evidence to indicate if this union is the heralding of a union of any kind. Besides, each of these heroes, along with the SHIED agents, already has their own agendas. I don't think they'll be keen on working all together when most of them are too used to being on their own. They don't have any reasons bonding them together, like the X-Men or the Fantastic Four…who still haven't come up back from God knows where," Fury ended in a mutter.
"Regardless, we feel that this is something the world doesn't need right now," the Egyptian Councilman stated. "After Hand's disaster that was the S.T.A.R.S. in the early 1990's, as well as the failure of your own incarnation only a few years ago, I would think that you would understand that."
"Well it's not like we can stop them if they decide to," Fury replied. "I have other matters to attend to right now, Council. We'll be speaking again soon, I'm sure." And with that, he cut the feed and proceeded to walk out of the room, his three most trusted aids following him. Within a few minutes, they had arrived at the command & control center, were the bustle of the various agents and technicians that worked to keep the Helicarrier afloat continued to ring out. Fury ignored them as he slowed his pace, walking towards the massive glass window.
"So, what DO we do now, Fury?" Quartermain spoke up, the curiosity getting the better of him.
"We wait and see what happens next, Quartermain," Fury replied, not turning to face them.
"You don't think this was a one-time thing for them, do you?" Hill asked curiously.
"I don't," Fury replied.
"You think they might actually…try to be a team?"
"No…most of them don't have the experience of working with a team or at least a partner," the Director countered. "They each have their own turf, their own agendas, their own priorities…a team isn't going to happen; not with that much diversity among 16 of them."
"So things will just…go back to the way they were?" Hill pressed on.
"Mostly," Fury replied, still not turning to face them. "But there's been a tip in the balance of power now; we know now that there are even more hostile forces up there in the stars, and with those four goons with new powers, on Earth, too…stuff that Brand and SWORD won't be able to handle, nor will we…and definitely not one or two or even five heroes together; this invasion…it's set up a vacuum that'll need to be filled every once in a while. A new age is starting to come down upon us, I think…one where we'll be facing threats like this more and more."
Hill, Quartermain and Coulson were silent for a moment, but Quartermain spoke up again. "Those 16…they're the only ones who stood a chance, and they won. They left a void…an example, and one that won't be easily filled. They had the raw power and skill to fight this off."
"Exactly," Fury replied.
"But we know that they each have their own agenda and responsibilities to take to," Hill countered. "They each have their own separate lives and go their own separate ways. If some other situation like this comes up again…what happens then?
There were a few seconds of silence, and the three of them didn't think that Fury had an answer, until he said three simple words. "They'll unite again."
This surprised them. "You sound so sure," Quartermain replied.
"I am."
"Why?" Coulson asked, finally making his voice known.
Fury at last turned to them, looking directly at them, a small smile on his lips. "Because we'll need them to."
*Stark Tower*
22:16 EST May 12, 2012
"So, even after all that has happened…the main thing you're focusing on right now is your newest suit?"
"Umm…pretty much, yeah," Stark smirked at the super-soldier, throwing him a white wine bottle, which Steve managed to catch perfectly. "Saved that for a special occasion, so you better appreciate it."
"You know that the serum keeps me from getting drunk, right?" Cap asked with a smirk.
"A fact that I envy oh so much," the multi-billionaire answered.
"And now you've probably given him the idea to try and replicate the Super-Soldier serum just for that reason alone," Pepper laughed as she entered the room.
"You don't know me at all," Stark pouted as he was greeted by his secretary/lover with a kiss. "And for your information, old man," he added as he turned to the jumbo flat screen in the room, "Stark Industries is leading the effort in rebuilding Manhattan, and providing $20 billion and counting."
"And by Stark Industries, you mean Pepper," Steve replied with a smirk.
"Of course," Stark answered.
"And with all this hard work, I'll be too busy to be at home at night, to sleep in the same bed as you…all that paper work that my mean boss dumbed onto my lap," Pepper said in her most teasing voice as she softly and seductively sat herself upon Tony's lap.
"…wait, what?"
"Busted," Cap smirked.
Before Tony could think of a comeback, the voice on the screen caught his attention. "…with so many of Manhattan's citizens continuing to celebrate their salvation at the hands of many superheroes, including the likes of Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Yellowjacket and Wasp-"
"These guys sure can't get enough of us, Steve," Stark mused as he wrapped an arm around Pepper's body, to which she responded in kind by snuggling into his body. "We're the newest talk of the town, it seems."
"I know…" Steve sighed. "But it's become a hassle. Fury has ordered Drew, Barton, Romanova, Morse and I to avoid any and all interviews with the press. But the press just doesn't want to leave us alone; they're trying to eat us up, get exclusives, trying to bring us into the limelight…"
"You're the world's first ever superhero. You should be used to all this attention from when you debuted as Captain America."
"We never got this much attention before we stopped the invasion."
"Well, heroes never gave a response like how we gave in the invasion. I mean, come on, 16 of us worked together to stop Loki and those Frost Giants. The closest thing like that to ever happen was the X-Men coming together. This is different-a bunch of us who are completely different, come from different backgrounds and have no connection whatsoever besides a few of us knowing each other and our roles as heroes, brought together under a single cause…that's not something to just ignore, Steve."
"We've done team-ups, the two of us, and a few other heroes as well," Steve countered.
"Not on a scale like this," Stark countered as well.
"Well, regardless, I can understand that the public, and pretty much the entire world, is thankful that we stepped forward and stood up for our world, but swarming us like this, and obsessing like this so much?" Steve sighed. "I'm contemplating moving from my place in Brooklyn…maybe DC would be nice…"
"Yes, Captain America living in DC, a hero who saved New York right in the middle of the nation's political center and where reporters crawl everywhere," Stark smirked. "That wouldn't bring any media attention at all."
"And how are you handling the attention?" Cap retorted with a role of his eyes and a smirk.
"The same way I always handle it-throw Pepper or Happy in the line of fire," the billionaire said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Why do I need to deal with those vultures?"
"Unfortunately, some of us aren't as blessed as you are to have someone to throw at the press," Pepper sighed as she playfully slapped Stark's arm.
"Well, at least they're talking nice about us," Stark replied. "Jameson and the Daily Bugle have been throwing even more crap at Spider-Man since the invasion; they make it seem like it was somehow his fault. And the Hulk…I can imagine how this is going for him. Where is he, anyways?"
"SHIELD's keeping Ross and the US military off his back," Steve replied. "He's staying with Betty Ross here in Manhattan, but I don't know where. He seems to be taking this all well. In fact, he's surprised by how much people love the Hulk for working with us and helping to save New York."
"He always said that the Hulk could be a force of good," Pepper offered.
"…in their debt. And out top stories continue to revolve around the actions of the 16 superhumans and mutants that took up arms and their costumes, risking their lives to protect Manhattan…" the screen continued.
"Aaaand they're still going on about it," Tony sighed with a smirk.
"Well, at least the regular villains and scum are lying low for now," Steve replied.
"There's a certain Webhead out there that'd disagree with you," Tony retorted. Before the two friends could continue their friendly bickering and banter…
"-and we realize just how bad we would've been screwed if these heroes didn't come together," a reporter was saying on the screen. "After all this, we can't help but ask ourselves as we wonder…what happens if something of this scale happens again?"
At that, Steve and Tony were frozen in their seats. Their eyes widened as they soaked in what that reporter had just said. They replayed those words in their minds and wondered…what IF something like this happened again in the future? How would humanity react, or be prepared for it? The two heroes pondered that for a few moments; it was very true, in their minds, that if the 16 of them hadn't come together as they did and worked as one to stop Loki and his armies, then only God knew what could've happened to Manhattan, and the world. It was only because of them that humanity had a chance. They stood their ground and refused to fall, even against such odds. It was unnerving, and a bit terrifying, but then again…that was the life of a hero, never knowing if you were going to come back that night, but going out there each day regardless for the greater good.
And that was what they had done, but on so much larger of a scale. With their actions that day, something new had been born, a force powerful enough to stand against that big of an onslaught. But just as quickly as it had been born…it had disappeared. The threat had been dealt with, and as the effort to rebuild began, the 16 of them had gone their separate ways. But this reporter's words had sparked some thought into both the minds of Steven Rogers and Tony Stark. If something like this was to happen again, what then?
"She's right," Steve said, a pensive look on his face. "What do we do if something like this happens again?"
"Not only that…" Stark added. "It's not just things like that…what happens from here on out, with the villains of the world? Seeing this, they may get ballsier and bolder. Especially with that new guy, Thor, and the Hulk's enemies trying to bring him down, or Ross trying to ruin his name…And that new group of villains, that Wrecker and his pals…who knows how long SHIELD can hold those guys."
"And any other villains that come up, ones like them…"
"Or villains that are already around who may decide to step it up a notch…Magneto, Doom, Mandarin, Goblin, Strucker, MODOK…"
Pepper looked back and forth between Tony and Steve, wondering just what was going through their minds. They both held pensive thoughts, what she could expect from Captain America, but from Iron Man, her boss and lover, seeing him this deep in thought was a rare moment if it didn't involve his company, armor or him being in a dangerous life-threatening situation. It was weird for her to see him like this, but it also showed her again that Tony Stark was capable of being a human being when he needed to be.
Just then, Steve and Tony looked up at each other, smiled, and said in unison, "I think I have an idea…"
*Manhattan, New York*
10:02 EST May 14, 2012
"Tony Stark himself asked you to come?"
"That's what I said," Bruce said with a small smirk as he got his satchel and jacket. "I was shocked, believe me. He wants me to go over to Stark Tower today-said he had a proposal for me."
"You mean, like a job?" Betty asked with curiosity. "Tony Stark…Iron Man…is offering you a job?"
"I don't know what it is," Bruce replied. "I just know what he told me-he wants me to consider this proposal, and he really hopes I say yes. He says it'll be good for me-"
"Well, I guess you should consider it," Betty began.
"-And curiously, he said it'd also be good for the other guy."
That caused Betty to stop for a second. "Wait…the other-? Hold on, Bruce, Stark said that it'd be good for both you and the Hulk? Ok, that kind of worries me…how do you know that he is trying something funny here?"
"I highly doubt Tony Stark is going to try anything like that," Bruce said as he and Betty went out the door. They were greeted by the SHIELD agents stationed to protect Bruce from anything Ross might try. "I'm ready to go, Agent."
"Very well, Mr. Banner," one of the agents replied as they began to escort Bruce to a waiting car, which would be taking him to Stark Tower. "Is Ms. Ross coming along as well?"
"No, I'm staying," Betty replied. Turning to Bruce, she sighed and simply said, "Just be careful; I already almost lost you, and I don't want to lose you again."
XXX
Meanwhile, approaching Stark Tower, Natalia Romanova was driving a SHIELD-owned car, her mind racing with the thoughts on why she was heading to Stark Tower in the first place. Captain America had called her, asking her to show up, with the reason that Stark had something to propose to her. Natalia was curious as to what this was. She remembered when Fury had sent her on that undercover recon mission a few years back to determine Stark's mental state. She found his a narcissistic bastard, but a man who did have a heart dedicating to helping others, though then it had mostly been out of self-preservation due to his weapons being sold on the black market. He'd changed for better the last few years.
Natalia wondered just what Stark wanted to propose to her. Why was she even going anyways? Whatever it was, she'd probably just refuse it anyways; she was a SHIELD agent after all, and one of Fury's Secret Warriors. The world's most covert black-ops team of superhumans and humans defending the world, where a dull moment didn't exist. She had too much responsibility to accept whatever this offer would be. So, why was she going to what it was? Probably because Rogers asked her to; the super soldier was her closest friend after Hawkeye, after all. She owed him that much, after all he did for her.
XXX
"So, what did Cap say, exactly?" Bobbi asked as they zoomed above the streets of Manhattan, her clutching tightly onto his back.
"Just to get to Stark Tower today, ASAP," Clint replied, guiding his Sky-Cycle through the traffic. "He didn't specify why, exactly, just that we get our asses there today. What he did say was that there was something Stark wanted to propose to us."
"Propose to us?" the slender SHIELD agent asked with curiosity. "Hmmm…wonder what it is? Hey-! Maybe he'll offer to pay for that two year anniversary cruise that we…never…had." Bobbi hardened her tone when she said that last bit, ensuring that her lover knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Ahhh…" Clint chuckled nervously as he heard his lover's words. "Yeah, I'm still working on that, Bobbi don't worry about it!"
"It's almost our three year anniversary," the blonde woman deadpanned.
"…I know…" Clint sighed.
The two were silent for a moment, until Bobbi asked, "Did we really have to wear our uniforms?"
"That's what the old man asked."
XXX
"No, I don' know how long I'll be here, Slim."
"Well, can you at least tell me why you're still in New York?"
"I couldn' just leave after all this; people needed help, ya know."
"And you're still there because…?"
"You ask a lot of questions…Steve wants me to head over to Stark Tower, says he has an offer for me."
"Captain America has an offer for you?"
"Yep."
"Aren't you a bit too…busy, being a teacher, an X-Men, the leader of X-Force and doing your own thing to accept whatever Captain America is offering you?"
"Multitaskin', Slim; one of my hidden mutant abilities. Now is there a reason you called?"
"Well, the Professor has a meeting with another kid in Scotland who just developed her mutant abilities…Sinclair, I think. Anyways, a few of us are going with him, and the Professor wanted me to ask you to meet us there, but since you're busy…"
"Tell Chuck I'll meet you all there as soon as I can. Gotta go, Slim, there's a cop givin' me the stink eye." With that, Logan hung up the phone, picked up speed and continued to race his bike across the streets of Manhattan, heading for Stark Tower.
XXX
"And neither Iron Man nor Captain America revealed the nature of this…offer?"
"Sorry, Thor, they just wanted me to tell you that it was important and that they wanted you to show up at Stark Tower to hear them out," Jane replied. Currently, she, Erik and Darcy were in their Galisteo lab in New Mexico, and Thor had just arrived from Asgard. Iron Man and Captain America had come to her last night, asking her if she could contact Thor and ask him to come to Stark Tower in Manhattan for an offer that they had for the Norse Thunder God. Jane had simply gone outside the next morning, yelled to the skies at Heimdall to have Thor come to Earth, and presto.
"Hmmm…" the Asgardian mused as he scratched his beard in thought. "I am intrigued…I guess I should go to Manhattan and see what the Captain and Iron Man have to offer me. It must indeed be important if they asked you to call me while I was in Asgard. It would be good, also, to see how Manhattan is faring, instead of just hearing what Heimdall says of it."
"And while you're there, maybe you can get me their autographs?" Darcy asked with her pleading grin. "Please?"
"I will try, Darcy," Thor smiled. He then looked down at the empty box of Pop tarts in his hand…his sixth one. "Any more Pop Tarts, by any chance?"
"Stark better hope he has some," Erik smirked as he got out another box…their last one.
XXX
They had studied hard for his test today, even before the invasion. They had put so much work into it. This was to be his hardest test yet, and he had drilled them to do well. They had barely managed to convince him to have the test today, despite Columbia still undergoing repairs from the invasion. So, he had relented and agreed.
They were mad.
The sign on the door read, "Dr. Henry Pym's lecture and test canceled."
"They're going to kill me," Yellowjacket muttered as he and Wasp flew towards Stark Tower.
"Yes, yes they will," Jan giggled.
"Damn it, Stark…of all the days to ask me to come to your tower…"
XXX
"The car is ready, sire," the aide alerted.
"Thank you, child," T'Challa replied with a bow. He then left the embassy and walked towards the car that would take him to Stark Tower.
"My King," his Royal Advisor/Shaman began as he joined the monarch. "Is it wise to attend this meeting in the attire of the Black Panther?"
"Captain America asked that I arrive in the attire of the Panther," the Wakandan monarch replied. "It intrigues me why he would want me to, I admit, but I trust the Captain very much. My grandfather fought alongside him in the Second World War, after all. And besides, he advised that this offer is for the Black Panther of Wakanda."
"And what of Tony Stark? Perhaps he may try to gain access to the vibranium again-"
"Stark has given his word that he has no such intent for this meeting," T'Challa interjected. "I assure you, old friend, there is nothing to worry about." With that, the Black Panther of Wakanda entered the royal car with his four guards and was on his way to Stark Tower.
XXX
"So, what do you think this offer is, Carol?"
"I don't know," the blonde replied. Currently, both Spider Woman and Captain Marvel were flying above the streets of Manhattan at a leisurely pace, en route to Stark Tower. Jess had been staying with Carol since the end of the invasion, something the blonde had welcomed as it gave them a chance to catch up on the last few months, what with Jess being busy with SHIELD duties. With Nick Fury giving the Warriors who had participated in the fighting off of the invasion as much time off as needed, Jess enjoyed the free time with her best friend. Of course, the two heroines had still gone out and helped with rebuilding in any way they could. Just yesterday, though, Captain America had called up Jess via their comms and asked her-and Carol, when she said she was staying with her-to come to Stark Tower today, as he and Stark had an offer for the both of them.
"Must be something big, I guess," the British heroine said as the two continued to fly. "And it must be something secret if Cap is keeping it under the radar from Fury."
"What makes you think it's under the radar?" Carol asked.
"Fury wasn't the one who called us; it was Steve-and Stark, for that matter. It has to be something that they don't want Fury to know…at least not yet."
"Hmm…makes sense, I guess."
"I can't wait to see what it is."
"And then what, Jess?" Carol asked. "You're a SHIELD agent and a Secret Warrior. You really think you'll have time for whatever it is they're offering?"
"I'll make time," Jess grinned. "What about you? It's not like you're on a team anymore, and you have a lot of free time on your hands, being an author and all."
"Hey, I'll have you know I have a very busy life, social and otherwise."
"Yes, no boyfriend, living with a cat, no boyfriend, spending your day working out and being Captain Marvel and reading, no boyfriend, the only one you socialize in your building with the most (if at all) being a little girl, no boyfriend, and keeping your feelings inside…oh and no boyfriend; yes, quite the exciting life you lead."
"Kit is a nice kid."
"Your social life still sucks."
"…Whatever."
"Get a boyfriend."
"Shut up."
XXX
"Stark Tower."
Pietro and Wanda stood before the massive skyscraper. They were wearing regular civilian clothes to fit in with the mass of people on the sidewalk with them. Captain America and Iron Man had asked them to come in their costumes, but Wanda would just make them appear with her hexes once they got inside.
"Well, this is it," Wanda sighed as she turned to her brother. "What do you think they want to propose to us?"
"Well, being that the Captain works for SHIELD, but Stark doesn't and has almost no predictable agenda…I can't say I can guess. I guess we will just have to find out. Ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess," she sighed. With that, the twins entered the Tower, and were promptly greeted by a man named Happy Hogan, who guided them to an elevator that would take them to the highest floor of Stark Tower. If they had gone in only a few seconds later, they MAY have seen the 15 news vans arriving in front of Stark Tower, or perhaps the mass number of pedestrians checking their phones as they got text messages from friends and family alike, alerting them of a news report about Tony Stark having a kind of press thing later on at his Tower's front steps.
*Stark Tower*
10:22 EST May 14, 2012
"Ok, can I say that this is ridiculous?" Hawkeye complained again.
"I must admit, Agent Barton speaks truth," T'Challa added. "It has been twenty minutes, and he still has not arrived."
"He'll be here," Logan answered, putting out his cigar. "Trust me, he'll be here."
It had come as a great shock when the 13 heroes arrived at Stark Tower to see that each of the other heroes they had fought with in the invasion were also there, and for the same reason. Steve and Tony were still pretty vague as to why they had all been called here to Stark Tower. At the moment, they were all in the massive lounge room with the side bar on the uppermost floor of Stark Tower, adjacent from his armor lab. They were anxious to know the reasons why they had been called here, but they still had to wait-Stark and Cap said that one more person had yet to arrive, and they would start as soon as he showed up. That was twenty minutes ago, and a few of them were getting impatient.
"And we can't just start without him?" Natalia asked.
"No, Nat, we all need to be here for this," Steve answered.
"He must have a good reason for not arriving on time," Thor interjected. "He is a hero of Midgard, after all, and each hero has their responsibility. And it has only been twenty minutes."
"You've lived for at least a few hundred thousand years," Pietro huffed. "Twenty minutes is nothing to you. But for me…this is agonizingly painful, waiting."
"Cap, maybe we should just start without him," Tony suggested.
"What part of 'he'll be here' didn't you get, Stark?" Logan frowned.
"I agree with Logan, we should wait for him," Wanda offered.
"Why bother? He didn't care enough to be punctual, obviously," Carol interjected a frown on her face, as she stood next to Spider Woman. "If he's not here on time, he's not coming. I say we start without him."
"And I say we wait for him-he'll be here," Logan repeated, this time getting off the wall he was leaning on.
"Look, Logan," Carol countered, getting off the wall she was leaning on and crossing her arms. "I respect that you and him are good friends, but that doesn't alter the fact that he isn't here and that there is something called punctuality that people should respect. If he can't bother to show up on time, why should bother to wait for him?"
"What are we talking about?"
"OH MY GOD!" the blonde exclaimed at the voice that came out of nowhere. All 15 of the present heroes looked up to see Spider-Man sitting on the wall as if he were sitting on a chair. What they noticed right away was that instead of his usual red and blue costume, the vigilante was wearing an all –black costume with a large white spider insignia on his chest, all from a spandex-like material that clung tightly to his body and emphasized, as the females present noticed rather quickly, a rather muscular and well-built body.
"About time, sheesh!" Hawkeye exclaimed with a scowl and a huff as Peter brought himself a bit lower. "What the heck took you so damn long!?"
"Yeah…sorry about that," the vigilante replied sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "There were a few…disturbances."
"Meaning…?" Tony asked.
"About five muggings, one attempted gangbang, a failed murder, and a few thugs trying to hijack an armored car."
"…All that in 20 minutes?" Wanda asked with wide eyes.
"Actually 30; the first 10 were to stop the hijacking," Peter replied. "That was kinda-wait…why are you all here? Did Stark and Cap want to offer you all…whatever they're offering, too?"
"Aye, Spider-Man, they did," Thor replied with a smile. "And please, do not apologize for performing your duty to this city you call home. 'Tis admirable what you do for New York City."
"Yeah, Webs, don' sweat it," Logan smirked. "Ya showed up, and that's what matters."
"Exactly, so good to see you again, counterpart," Jess grinned as she playfully punched his leg, being that his position on the wall leveled his legs with her head. "And I got to say, that costume looks REALLY good on you," she added with a teasing voice and hidden wink.
"Ahh…uh…ahh..t-thanks," Spidey replied with a surprised stammer, his mask hiding his blush. "The, uh, the other one was still kind, uh, of messed up from the, uh, invasion."
"If you're both done flirting…" Tony interrupted with a role of his eyes.
"Oh, like YOU'RE one to talk," everyone else minus Thor replied in unison, surprising each other.
"Hurtful…" Tony muttered.
"Anyways…" Steve said, instantly taking command of the situation with his authoritative voice, gaining the attention of them all, even of Thor. "Now, I'm pretty sure you're all wondering exactly why we called you all here today." The others nodded and murmured their agreements. "Well, it relates to the events of a few days ago: the invasion and our coming together to battle and defeat Loki and his armies and followers."
"T'was truly a mighty battle and I would gladly ally myself with you all once more to do battle with my brother and his allies, or against any and all enemies again if the opportunity presented itself," Thor said with complete seriousness.
"Well, I'm glad you think that way, Thor," Stark replied with a smile on his face. "Because the offer Cap and I have for you all involves something pretty much along those lines."
"What, taking on the crazy madman and his army of Frosty the Snowman wannabes?" Spider-Man asked, gaining a slightly angered look from the Asgardian Thunder God.
"No, Spider-Man…hopefully not any time soon; no, what I mean is, working together against the threats that the world sees on a day to day basis."
"You mean…what we do on a daily basis?" Bobbi asked in a confused and curious manner.
"Well, yes and no," Steve replied. "What we were thinking of is something more along the lines of a group, like a team.
"What do you mean, Captain?" T'Challa asked curiously.
"Well, think of it like this, Your Majesty," Stark answered. "We all saw the kind of power Loki and his armies had during the invasion. It took all of us together to fight it off and stop them. Yeah, it took us a while…and I mean a LONG while, to actually do anything to Loki, but that was because we weren't used to working together on that big of a scale."
"Hawkeye, Spider Woman, Mockingbird, Widow and I are used to working on a team as agents of SHIELD," Cap added, "but our team isn't as big as the team-up we did, nor does it have that kind of raw and heavy firepower. Logan is used to working on a team as an X-Men, as are Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver with their time as Brotherhood members, but not with a team as diverse and unfamiliar to them as our team-up. The Pyms work as a duo, but haven't worked with the numbers we did. I could go on and on, but what I'm getting at is this-when the 16 of us were working as one unit against Loki, we had a serious amount of firepower and skill with us, and that was something we put to good use when we fought Loki. Combined, we all-with our powers, training, skill and experience-we all functioned as a powerful unit and together, we took on a force that we all couldn't face alone, and we managed to win."
"Um…technically, Thor's dad was the one who beat Loki," Hawkeye interrupted.
"Babe, shut up," Bobbi retorted.
"Anyways, what Cap here is trying to say," Stark said, "is that we all did something amazing that day, when we came together and worked as a team. And it was something that the world isn't going to be forgetting anytime soon. You've seen the news-"
"Yeah, don't remind me," Peter said with a slightly annoyed voice.
"-and they are still going strong about what we did!"
"Yeah, that kind of happens when heroes save the world from certain doom, Stark," Carol deadpanned.
"Actually, he does kind of have a point," Jan interjected. "The way the public have responded to our saving the world this time…I've never seen them react this way to the X-Men (Logan deadpanned)…ok, bad example-the Fantastic Four, even when they stopped Galactus from eating the planet. This response is very different."
"Because of so many heroes who have seemingly no connection to each other coming together for a common cause," Panther said, nodding his head in agreement.
"Exactly," Stark replied. "Now, back to our point-together we did what one of us alone couldn't do, and when Thor arrived, it made us even stronger, and we were able to win. All of us, together."
"And that brings us to the question we want to ask you all," Steve said. "If something like this was to happen again, what then?"
At that, the other heroes had no response…save for one.
"We rush into battle head on, without faltering," Thor answered with pride, his fist clenched. "As is our duty."
"And there you go…'WE.' Everyone, the world is filling up with threats that are slowly becoming too much for SHIELD to handle on its own," Steve said. "And there are threats out there, we now know, that can prove to be too much for SWORD to handle, too. There's that Wrecker person and his three goons-they're powerful, and we don't know how long SHIELD can keep them locked up. And who's to say that more threats like them aren't going to pop up in the future. There are dangers to this world that any single hero by themselves can't handle. There may come a time in the near future, even, when there comes an invasion more powerful that the one we just faced off against. We don't know what the future holds…but what I do know is this: together, we will always have a fighting chance."
"And that brings us to the offer," Stark said with pride. "Together, we can all work to face off these threats and the rising supervillians or would-be conquerors that could threaten peace in the future. Our offer…is that the 16 of us come together and form a team. A team to be ready for the threats too big for just one of us or a few of us."
At those words, the others were shocked and could only look at the two heroes with wide eyes and surprised looks. A team-the 16 of them, together? It was a very high-aimed idea, and also a risky one. The 16 of them each had their own responsibilities to attend to, not just as heroes, but in their own personal lives as well-families, jobs, and the like. Some of them already had an enormous amount of responsibility that could overwhelm them at any time.
"Now, before you say anything or think that your own lives don't permit you accepting this offer," Cap said, seeing the faces of the other heroes, "let me just say this: it's an overwhelming offer, one that will come with a lot of responsibility, and you may not be able to handle so much. But the benefits of being in a team are quite great. You will never have to worry about being alone against an enemy, because we'll have your back. Being a part of this team could be the thing that helps your turn your life around, or help prove that you can do good for this world. This team that we're proposing, it will be a force for good and peace and justice for Earth and for humanity that will always stand strong, no matter what. I have faith in that, even if just a few of us decide to accept this offer. We can make a difference if we work together; we can avenge the wrongs caused by supervillians and criminals and the like. Each of us brings a unique skillset to the table, one that as a team, we can definitely use. Now, I know that pretty much all of us are used to being on our own, not having to worry about anyone but yourself, and I don't blame you for being comfortable with keeping it like that. Being a part of a team takes sacrifice and compromise. But the end results…they're worth it. If we do this, we can quite possibly one day bring real peace to the world. We can protect the world from the forces of evil like never before. We can avenge the wrongs caused by supervillians. And we'll never be alone, because we will always have each other to count on."
Each of them was silent at the words of Captain America. It rang out for a few minutes, until…
"We can be Avengers," Janet van Dyne-Pym, the Wasp, said as she smiled. "Yeah…the Avengers, avenging the wrongs made by supervillians and saving the world. It has a nice ring to it…Avengers. I think it's a great idea, you two. Count me in!"
"Well, if Jan's in, then I'm in," Henry "Hank" Pym, Yellowjacket, added. "And you're right-we can do so much if we all join forces and work as a team. The potential is endless."
"Being a part of a team of heroes…world-renowned heroes that are loved by the public," Bruce Banner, the Incredible Hulk, said with a small smile, "would help prove that the Hulk can indeed be a hero, a force for good….Plus it would help keep Ross off my back. I'd be honored to be a part of this team of, what was it, Avengers. Count me and the…other guy in."
"Aye, this is truly a noble cause, Captain America and Iron Man," Thor Odinson, Norse God of Thunder, said with a big grin on his face. "A union of the mightiest champions of Midgard promises great things for the protection of Midgard. I have many duties in Asgard, and therefore I will not be here on Midgard every day, but I gave my word before you all that I would always protect this realm, for I have fallen in love with it. To do so fighting beside you all, you who have proven to Asgard that the mortals can be great warriors as well, would be like nothing I have ever done before. I am honored to be considered to be counted amongst your number. I pledge to you my strength and my hammer, for I am now an Avenger."
"…well, I have no idea how to top THAT," James "Logan" Howlett, the Wolverine, smirked. "You all know I'm an X-Man first and foremost, and the leader of X-Force. My first responsibility is to mutantkind, and I ain' ever gonna quit doin' what I do best. But Steve and Stark are right 'bout being part of a team. I guess bein' part of one more team can' hurt. Any time you need me, I'll be there…if I'm not doin' somethin' X-Men related."
"Thank you, Logan, and thank you, Thor, Wasp, Pym and Dr. Banner," Steven Rogers, Captain America, said with a smile. He then turned his attention to his fellow SHIELD agents. "Clint, Bobbi, Natalia and Jess…what do you four say?"
"Well, first of all," Clint Barton, codename: Hawkeye, answered, "this is kind of overwhelming. We're under the payroll of SHIELD, and we belong to a team already, the Secret Warriors. Under that, we're stuck with deep cover missions and the like, and Fury likes to send us halfway across the globe, like, once every other Thursday."
"There's also the fact that we each have our own agendas we follow, and that gets us to disappear for weeks or months on end without communication to the rest of the word," Natalia Romanova, codename: Black Widow, added.
"But…being a part of something more," Bobbi Morse, codename: Mockingbird, continued, "to be part of a team that helps protect the world and to do something more with our skillset…we fought just as hard as the rest of you in the invasion. It felt different at the end of it all, knowing that our victory will be appreciated, and that we're there to see the appreciation. It gives off a good feeling, and it proves that what we do makes a difference."
"So, to sum up," Jessica Drew, codename: Spider Woman, finished, "the four of us…we're in. We'll be glad to be a part of this." Clint, Bobbi and Natalia nodded their agreement.
"Glad to hear it, team," Cap smiled.
"What about you, Your Majesty?" Tony Stark, the Invincible Iron Man, asked the Wakandan monarch. "I know that Wakanda likes to keep to themselves, and it's understandable if you don't want to-"
"No, Mr. Stark, you are right," King T'Challa of Wakanda, the Black Panther, interjected. "There are threats to this world that even Wakanda, with all its advances in technology and weaponry, may find it cannot stand against. There are many enemies that seek to exploit the Vibranium my people guard, and there are those that seek to bring ruin to Wakanda. Most of them come from the rest of the world, and as King of Wakanda, it is my duty to ensure that these threats do not reach Wakanda and are held at bay. Being a part of this team, these Avengers as you call yourselves, can help me ensure that. I will fight for Wakanda from the outside. If you'll have me, I will gladly fight alongside you."
"Uh, glad to hear that, Your Majesty," Stark answered, slightly put off by his response.
"If you'll have us," Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, spoke up, "then my brother and I will also join this team of Avengers. We have many sins to atone for from our time under our father, and to work alongside the greatest heroes of the world, learning from your examples and regain the trust of humanity and earn to be called their protectors, it would greatly help us on our path to redemption."
"We are willing to do what it takes to prove that we can earn our redemption," Pietro Maximoff, Quicksilver, agreed. "We want to show that we have indeed changed our ways. Being a part of your Avengers can help us achieve that goal."
"Then welcome aboard, you two," Steve replied with a smile. "Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, what about you two?"
"Well," Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man, began. "I got to say, that being asked by Captain America and Iron Man to be a part of a team that they've started, and to work side by side with the greatest heroes on Earth…it's a bit mind boggling. I have to be honest, I was about to turn your offer down flat, because…well, I didn't think I had what it takes to be a part of something so big and meaningful. But…then I remembered what an old man once said to me…with great power must come great responsibility. I've had to deal with Jolly Jonah chewing me up for the last 11 years, and people being scared of me because of him. I've never let that stop me, though, and I've sacrificed a lot to make sure that I never repeated the same mistake I made 11 years ago with anyone else. But, you offering me to be a part of something bigger…it shows me I can do more. So, if you're willing to endure being chewed off by Jolly Jonah because I'm on the team, and to endure all the crap that may come your way because of me, then you can count me in. I'll be glad to be an Avenger." He then turned to Captain Marvel. "Oh and you also count on my-!"
"Don't finish that sentence if you know what's good for you," Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel, threatened as she glared at the vigilante.
"Ssssiiiiideeee…." Peter said, undeterred by what was literally the 53rd threat to his life this last week.
Carol's glare intensified.
"….kkiickk?"
Caro's fist clenched.
"OK!" Jess laughed as she stood up between Carol and Peter, who was still sitting on the wall. "Well, counterpart, that was quite a number of words, and good to know that you'll be joining us! I can't wait to see what my new best friend is capable of. So Carol," she added as she turned to her first best friend, "what about you?"
The blonde met Jess' gaze, then looked back Spider-Man with a death stare before turning to Steve and Stark, saying, "I will not guarantee that I won't kill him."
"So you're in then?" Stark asked with a smirk.
"Of course-Cap was right, this team thing, it has potential. Yeah, I'm used to working alone now, ever since I quit SHIELD and the Warriors, but I think working in a team will help me to do better that what I do now as a loner. So, if you're willing to have me, I'm in." Her small smile returned to a frown as she pointed her thumb at the Webhead. "But like I said, I won't guarantee I won't kill him."
"You won' even be able to touch him," Logan smirked.
"And you, Jess," Carol added as she turned back to her best friend. "I thought I was your best friend!"
"You are, and so is Spider-Man!" Spider Woman replied with a grin. "What, I can't have two best friends?"
It was childish of her to say it, but she didn't even bother to restrain herself as she looked at Peter and muttered, "I hate you."
"Join the club," came the amused reply. "We have jackets!"
"ANYWAYS," Steve interrupted. "I'd like to say thank you to you all for agreeing to be a part of this. I know it won't be easy, but I know that as long as we work and stick together, we can overcome anything that's thrown our way."
"So what now?" Pym asked.
"Well, until we can get around to addressing the issues in being a team-teamwork, base of operations, communication, and the like-I think it's best that we keep this between us for now," the super soldier responded. "We'll need to work out some kinks, and then we can let the world know on what we're doing here. Of course, if something big happens before then, and one of us needs help to contain it, we'll come help. It might reveal it all, but unless that happens, we keep this team a secret for now."
"Umm…yeah…" Stark chuckled embarrassingly as he scratched his hair. "About that, Steve…"
"Tony…" Steve replied with an arched eyebrow, recognizing this voice tone. "What did you do?"
"Well…"
'Pardon me, sir,' the voice of JARVIS interrupted. 'The press conference for the revelation of the union of the heroes into a team is about to begin. All major and minor news networks, stations and papers are waiting, and Miss Potts has security trying to keep the mass of people arriving to watch at bay. The police have arrived as well to assist.'
"Wait, a PRESS CONFERENCE?!" Natalia exclaimed.
"Tony…you didn't…" Steve face palmed.
Tony only grinned and then turned to the heroes. "You all did bring your costumes, right?"
*A Half Hour later, at the base of Stark Tower*
11:12 EST May 14, 2012 AD
The air was filled with the joyous screams and cheers of hundreds and hundreds of New Yorkers. Various news reporters were talking into dozens and dozens of cameras as dozens more recorded the entire event. There was a massive air of celebration in the atmosphere, and the people couldn't be blamed. Only an hour ago, the online social networks of the Internet received posts on Tony Stark's profiles of a press conference at Stark Tower about the heroes that came together during the invasion of New York uniting as one into a team to fight for Earth against any and all villains and threats. It only took a few minutes for these to spread across the globe like wildfire. Now, every single media outlet was here at the steps of Stark Tower Plaza, where Tower security were barely keeping people at bay. On the Plaza grounds before the masses stood the 16 heroes that had saved the world.
Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, the Incredible Hulk, Yellowjacket, Wasp, Black Panther, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Mockingbird, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, the Wolverine, Spider Woman, Captain Marvel and Spider-Man.
The world's newest coalition of heroes.
The Avengers.
At least they now knew why they had to bring their costumes.
"…and we have decided to come together as one, under one banner and under one name," Iron Man said, his voice echoing from the built in microphones in his armor. "We have dedicated ourselves, from this day forward, to fight as one to protect the world from threats too big for any single superhero to withstand. I am proud to be able to fight alongside the greatest heroes the world has ever known. And we promise you all, under the leadership of myself and Captain America-but mostly by Captain America-we will always ensure the protection of mankind and of the world. To any and all alien invaders that may try to attack Earth, we say to give us their best shot! To all villains out there who think they can make the world their own personal kingdom, we say to you this: as long as the Avengers stand, you will not succeed! When you hear the words, 'Avengers Assemble,' know that you're about to be shown exactly how powerful we really are!"
The masses of people cheered on as the heroes couldn't help but smile at Stark's words.
"Avengers Assemble?" Cap asked with a smirk.
"Just made that up off the top of my head," Iron Man replied. "Seemed to fit the moment."
"So, is that our catchphrase?" Mockingbird asked.
"I guess so," Logan smirked, his claws glistening in the sunlight.
"I like it," Wasp grinned as she waved to the crowd.
"Hey, isn't that J. Jonah Jameson?" Spider Woman asked, motioning towards a rather angry man whose yelling into a phone was lost amidst the massive cheers of the crowds.
"Yeah…God I wish I had a camera to record his expression when this thing started," Spider-Man chuckled as he remembered his boss's shocked facial reaction.
All the while, people were chanting the names of random Avengers or just cheering or yelling in joy, with the media still filming and recording this live.
"So, team," Stark asked, his face mask returning to its closed position. "One for the world?" They all knew what he meant, and were ready. So, with clenched fists, a hammer, claws, a shield, a bow, a battle stave and a metal gauntlet thrust into the air, their war cry was unleashed, echoed across the distance of five blocks thanks to hidden microphones being activated by Happy Hogan on orders by Stark, enticing even louder cheers from the crowds.
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
*Baxter Building, home/campus of the Future Foundation and of the Fantastic Four; Midtown, Manhattan*
11:17 EST May 14, 2012 AD
"Huh…would ya look at that?"
Ben Grimmsat down on the couch next to his friend Johnny Storm, both of them soaking in the announcement that Iron Man had made to the world, as well as the promise that each of the 16 heroes there had just made to the planet. On the floor sat Franklin Richards, watching the screen with rapt attention and awe.
"Yer gone for only two weeks and the world gets invaded and there's a new team of superheroes," Grimm mused as he chuckled. "What's the world coming to?"
"Meh, the catchphrase isn't as cool as mine, though," Johnny smirked as he lay back on the sofa, a smirk on his face. "It's too bad we weren't here when those ice giants invaded; they wouldn't have stood a chance against us. Especially against me; hell, I could've taken them all on myself and saved the entire world!"
"Uh huh, sure," Ben replied with a role of his eyes. "Keep bragging like that and maybe they'll hold ya to that for the next invasion."
A few floors up, Valeria Richards was watching the same news broadcast with her mother Susan Storm-Richards. The excitement of the news and the impact it had upon the world was enough to get Reed Richards away from his experiments and equations to join them in witnessing this moment. "Wow this is so cool!" the little girl said with awe and glee. "Another team of superheroes."
"It is pretty impressive," Susan remarked with a smile on her face.
"Yes, I have to admit it really is," Reed mused; he had heard of the massive invasion he and the rest of the Fantastic Four had missed through the bombarding of news reports. Though he felt a tad bit guilty that they hadn't been here to assist in the invasion, there was comfort in knowing that these other heroes had managed to keep the world safe. And this new change in things did indeed promise a few things in possible aspects. "Things are going to get quite interesting..."
*Heroes for Hire Offices. Downtown Manhattan.*
11:17 EST May 14, 2012 AD
Within the meeting room, the TV rang with the announcement that was currently rocking the world. The sole two occupants watched with interest as the newly formed Avengers unleashed their announced presence.
"Huh, typical," Luke Cage smirked as he took another sip of his drink. "The big shots get all the credit for fighting off the invasion."
"Lighten up, Cage," Daniel Rand chuckled as he did the same. "I think it's pretty neat. Besides, we did what we could, as did all the other 'non-recognized' heroes here, and that's what matters."
"I guess…at least now I know who to foot the bill to."
"…Really?"
*The New Xavier Institute for the Gifted. San Francisco, California*
8:55 PST May 14, 2012 AD
"Oh my stars and garters," Henry McCoy said with awe and surprise as he and the other X-Men watched the TV screen, having just returned from Ireland and successfully gaining another new student. "This is quite the development, I must say."
"Yes, it is," Ororo Munroe agreed. "Logan seems to be quite pleased, I have to say. And it seems as if the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver also looked quite joyful as well."
"Ok…so I'm confused," Warren Worthington III asked with some slight curiosity as Jean Grey and Scott Summers entered the room. "Is Logan still an X-Man or is he a part of these Avengers now?"
"Logan is indeed still a faithful and loyal member to the X-Men, Warren," Professor Charles Xavier said sagely as he wheeled closer to the screen. "However, he is also now committed to this new team of united heroes, the Avengers as they call themselves. I must say, the fact that Logan, Wanda and Pietro are members of these Avengers…it may prove to help advance the cause of mutantkind. Their actions may indeed prove that there are indeed good mutants in the world, willing to fight for humanity."
"Wait, what's going on?" Scott asked, unaware of the announcements that had just shocked the planet.
"Oh, Logan and the Maximoff twins just formed a team with the other heroes that were in that invasion a few weeks ago," responded Evan Daniels. "It's pretty cool, man. The entire world is going crazy and everything."
"Really?" Scott remarked as he leaned against the wall, sighing to himself while soaking in the sounds of the TV. "Typical Logan, always hogging the spotlight somehow…" he muttered to himself with a chuckle. His fellow X-Man had shared quite the story about the invasion of New York, and though he had to admit he thought the Avengers was something for celebration, the timing did suck.
"Oh, I don't know," Jean smiled softly as she rubbed the new engagement ring on her finger as she snuggled into her new fiancé. "I still think that your timing couldn't have been any better."
"Cool, Peter's on the team, too!" Bobby Drake remarked as he saw his high school buddy on the screen. His fellow X-Woman Kitty Pryde also noticed quickly that her ex was a member of the Avengers alongside Logan. Despite the two ending on good terms and still being friends, she hadn't seen or talked to him in quite a while. Now that Logan was on this new Avengers team, she could do something about that.
Anna Marie, however, had her eyes on the heroine known as Captain Marvel. She could tell that the woman had progressed quite a bit in life since she had destroyed it. Although, Anna Marie also knew that it didn't mean that Carol had forgiven her. Something in her gut told her that with Logan being a member of these Avengers, a reunion between the Rogue of the X-Men and Captain Marvel was bound to eventually happen. And it wasn't certain to be a pleasant one.
*SHIELD Helicarrier UNS Odyssey, en route to Beijing*
23:15 UTC May 14, 2012 AD
"You guys seeing this?"
Agent Sam Wilson, codename: Falcon, managed to get the attention of the other Warriors towards the large screens within the weapons room they had arrived in minutes ago. Having just returned from a mission in Madripoor involving a HYDRA weapons selling, as well as dealing with the notorious Wild Pack's interference, the Warriors had been hoping to catch up on some well-deserved rest that they had been lacking for the last few days. They were instead welcomed by a shocking surprise as the black-ops unit saw five of their teammates standing proudly alongside the other heroes that had the invasion from two weeks ago head on. A team now known as the Avengers, who were now promising to safeguard the world.
Agent Daisy Johnson, codename: Quake; Agent Robbie Baldwin, codename: Speedball; Agent Jacques Duquesne, codename: Swordsman; Agent Ulysses Bloodstone, codename: Bloodstone; Agent Sharon Carter, codename: Thirteen; Agent Eden Fesi, codename: Manifold; Agent Kenneth Hale, codename: Gorilla Man; and Phobos, Greek God of Fear, were all taken aback by the sight before them. Of course, they were also quite welcome to the notion and had to admit that they thought it was pretty neat that the Avengers had formed. They also were glad to see their former teammate Carol Danvers seemed to be doing well. They all had to wonder, though, how their teammates were going to fit these new responsibilities within their already hectic lives…
Meanwhile, the command center was ringing with clapping and cheering as the screens continued to show the revelation of the Avengers to the world. Maria Hill, Phil Coulson and Clay Quartermain stared at the screens in surprise.
Fury could only smirk at the sight. "Well, what do you know?" He then sighed. He was going to be hearing from the Council soon.
*Unknown Location*
May 14, 2012 AD
"Erik, did you-?"
"I've seen it, Raven," the mutant terrorist interrupted, pointing to the screen on the opposite side of the room. "I am well aware of what has transpired."
"Logan and your children are with them," the blue skinned lieutenant stated.
"Indeed," the man answered. With a wave of his hand, the screen shut off. "It appears…that the humans now have a new defense. This is…intriguing."
*Throne Room of Doom, Doomstadt, Latveria*
5:30 UTC May 14, 2012 AD
Without a word, the dictator/monarch fired a blast at the large screen. Silence rang out in the empty throne room. Without warning, the man got up from his throne and walked towards the window that led to the throne room balcony. Stepping into the fresh air, he gazed at the European night sky, taking in the sights of the moon and stars, and then gazing downwards to the sights of the capital city of his kingdom.
Kingdom…
He considered the world to be his kingdom. He would have it.
And these…Avengers…have proclaimed that they would not let him have it?
Amusing.
"These Avengers need to be taught the error of their ways."
Epilogue:
And so, on this day, one unlike any other, a new era begins.
An era where evil will face a force of good and justice unlike any it has ever been confronted with before.
They will face great enemies and tribulations, and enemies old and new, some that no few heroes will be able to stand against on their own. Time travelers, world conquerors and masters of evil; gods and aliens and titans, of this world and beyond. Against this mass of overwhelming odds, they shall stand strong. They will not falter-not against the union of their enemies, not against those who would see humanity extinct, not against hordes of unearthly forces. They will remain firm through mistrust amongst themselves, through self-doubt, through fear, through the betrayal of one of their own in the face of lies and deception…
They will stand strong, now and forever.
I am Uatu, the Watcher, and I have witnessed the greatest event in the history of Earth and of mankind.
Today, Earth's Mightiest Heroes have assembled.
Today…the Avengers of Earth-919 are born.
EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES
in
ASSEMBLE!
XXXXX-A/N-XXXXX
And on that ending note, dear readers, I now officially welcome you all to a new saga. This is a remaking of the origins and adventures of the Avengers. This is Earth's Mightiest Heroes. This is a whole new project I've started, inspired by "Justice League: The New Golden Age of Heroes," by Shadow-DJ. Thank you all for the support you've given this story so far, I've really put in a lot of effort into this, and I really hope I meet and exceed any and all expectations you have.
Now, this is an AU, just to get that out of the way-histories and backgrounds will be altered, and all that good stuff. Also, I'll be writing this story in arcs, similar to comics. Inspiration for various arcs planned come from regular Marvel-verse canon and comics, the Marvel Cinematic Universe other Marvel movies like the Spider-Man trilogy, the X-Men movies, the Ultimate-verse, Avengers: EMH, the Justice League/Justice League Unlimited cartoons, and (bear with me on this one) DC's New 52, BUT only to a certain extent-literally only a few pages of the entire thing. A virtual cookie to anyone who can guess exactly I'm talking about (Hint: hint was in chapter 4 and/or 5).
Anyways, this is probably one of my biggest projects yet. I'll try to be frequent with the updates, hopefully once a week or every two weeks. I recognize I've not been as faithful with my stories as I used to-real life, you know? Still working on those other stories, though, so don't lose hope :D
Vision will appear in an Ultron arc later on.
Speaking of which, what famous Avengers stories are you hoping to see adapted in this series? I've already got a few ideas form storylines such as "World War Kang," "The Nefaria Trilogy," and "The Kree-Skrull War," but I'd like to hear from you guys :D
And before I forget, I heavily recommend you all check out "Marvel: Reborn," by aspiringactor, another great writer here on FanFic. An entire reformatting of the Marvel-verse, and I need to say that it's great and promises to only get better, so check it out.
That's it for now! Thanks for reading and reviewing! Until next time, readers.
Next:
TEAM WORK FOR DUMMIES!