Sooooo…after watching DOFP, and the next Transformers movie trailer, I've decided that down the line, I'll also do an arc based off of DOFP, making it an Avengers/X-Men team up, and like how Marvel did back in the early or mid-2000s, maybe a sort of crossover arc with the Avengers and Transformers. Just thought I should mention that :D Also, I'm glad that this story is getting such positive feedback, as well as the occasional constructive criticism, I thank you who did so; it always helps me to improve.
We now fast forward around four weeks. As it is in comic and movie-verses, New York is now once again magically repaired and good as new, and the whole world is still reeling from the revelation of the newest team of heroes, the Earth's Mightiest-the Avengers! Throughout this arc, we'll be delving a bit into the backgrounds and histories in this AU. And of course, we'll be getting into how they are as a team! But of course, saying that you are a team is completely different than actually being and working as a team. Obstacles are bound to show up, as we will see.
You could say that their start up post-Loki's Invasion is…doomed…to failure…
HERE'S ARC 2! ENJOY :D
Disclaimer: Marvel owns everything.
Chapter 9: Teamwork for Dummies! Part 1
*Downtown Manhattan*
9:57 June 10, 2012
"Yep…" Peter sighed, his body racing for the concrete that was the streets of Manhattan. "Just your typical Manhattan Tuesday." And with that, his black spandex covered hand snapped out and his web shooters fired a thin line of webbing. As the 26 year old had done countless times, he gracefully arched himself into a swing as he dived down, almost being flattened onto the pavement, but as always, his Spider-Sense guided him. Once again, the Amazing Spider-Man set his sights on the supervillian that was making off with the armored vehicle.
"Well, creative he ain't," the young man chuckled. "Though, he did pack quite the punch…hard to believe it's the same guy the Punisher put away." As Spider-Man got in closer, he once again checked the thin credit card-like…card that he had been given just a week ago. "I called three times already…do these things even work?"
"Yes, Spider-Man, they do," came the deadpanned voice of Tony Stark. "We heard you-ETA is 1 minute."
"OK, boss, just checking," Peter quipped. And with that, he put away the card in his costume and began his free fall flipping descent onto the armor car. "Y'know, I'd expect him to be riding a horse…" With a thud, he landed on the top of the armored truck, and motioning for the police cars in pursuit to hold back, he shot multiple web lines towards the surrounding buildings, creating enough friction to slow the truck down, snapping it forcefully to a stop. "Ok, hopefully that didn't damage the artifacts inside." With a jump down, Peter immediately webbed all four wheels to the ground. Making sure that they weren't going anywhere, the Webhead approached the driver compartment. "OK, pal, time to come out of the vehicle nice and-!" His head began blazing. "Oh, boy…"
Spider-Man jumped away, just in time to avoid the vehicle's door being viciously kicked from its hinges, the metal flying straight into the air and crashing powerfully into a building across the intersection of the streets. As Spider-Man turned to face his opponent, police officers and SWAT units approached cautiously, forming a barrier with their bodies, pistols and handguns and machine guns loaded and ready, and they surrounded the armored truck, giving the Webhead enough room to handle the supervillian of the day.
"You dare to try to stop my crusade, man-spider?!" said supervillian yelled out, brandishing his sword and a shield with a red coloring & white cross. He wore chainmail fatigues, shining purple metal boots and gauntlets, a purple cape, a red crusader-like shirt over his armored torso with a white cross on it, and a red helmet to top it all off. And he looked mad. "I will see to it that you learn the error of your ways as I cast you back to the Hell of which you came, demon!"
"Huh…y'know, Crusader, I've gotten menace, public enemy No. 1, Spider Freak, punching bag, nerd, annoyance…all kinds of things," Peter quipped. "Never got 'demon,' though…that's a new one…and I think it's been a minute already, so where are they?" he added as he looked to the sky.
"Distraction will prove to be your doom! Back to where thou hath come!" the Crusader yelled as he ran towards Spider-Man, taking a leaping jump and making to bring down his sword down and slice the Webhead in two.
"Oh, boy," Peter said as he leapt out of the way, barely dodging the attack. Due to how high his confidence and faith were right now, Crusader's attack left a massive crater. He was extremely powerful at the moment…quite a bit out of the Webhead's strength level. "OK, Arthur, let's discuss this rationally here-!"
"BEGONE!" Crusader yelled again as he continuously slashed away with his sword, Spider-Man barely managing to dodge each time. Peter then jumped out of the way, right in front of the armored vehicle. "I WILL secure these artifacts of King Richard Lionheart! The will of God shall-!"
"DEMON!" Peter yelled frantically, pointing behind the villain. Crusader made to turn back and look-only to be knocked to the ground by a fist that seemingly materialized out of nowhere, followed by a woman with insect-like wings and a purple costume growing to normal size as she landed right in front of Spider-Man. "Huh," Peter quipped, "wasn't expecting that." Looking at his finger, he murmured, "I must use these new powers for good…"
"Hey, Spidey, good to see you!" Wasp replied with a smile. "So, who is this guy?"
"Not a regular of mine-calls himself the Crusader."
"Crusader?" Jan replied, watching the Crusader get up, sword and shield in hand. "As in Arthur Blackwood, the Crusader? The guy who gets stronger the more confidence he has?" She shook her head with a sigh as she locked eyes with the villain. "I'm going to have to ask you to surrender," she told him, "or else you WILL get beat up."
"Surrender?!" Crusader laughed. "HA! I know not the meaning of the word! I shall send thee back to the hell of which thou hath spawned, and I…" he trailed off as he noticed Hawkeye, Mockingbird and Black Widow appearing on top of the armor truck he had stolen, Mockingbird twirling her staffs and the other two aiming their weapons at him.
"Hi," Hawkeye grinned, his arrow aimed right at him.
Crusader then heard something landing on the ground behind him, and turned to see the Black Panther crouched down, claws extended and daggers at the ready, looking ever so deadly as the cat he was named after. A roar of a motorcycle engine caused Crusader to turn to the body of NYPD officers and SWAT, who had parted a bit to make space for Captain America to arrive. The super soldier dismounted his bike, took up his shield, and gave his a cold stare.
Crusader looked at the assembled heroes with surprise, but it didn't last as the villain simply bowed his head and prayed. After a few seconds, he had a triumphant smile on his face. "You think that superior numbers shall win thee the day?! I am the Crusader, chosen by the saints of Heaven-!"
FRAKAKAKABOOOOOOOOMMM!
A roar of lightning sent a shock into Crusader as Thor descended from the skies, his helmet gleaming in the sunlight and a smirk on his face, Mjolnir in his gloved hand and the other tapping onto the weapon in a challenging manner.
Crusader didn't even get to respond before he felt the ground quake. Looking up, he saw the gigantic form of Yellowjacket lumbering forward, stepping over the police and their barricade.
A sound of wind gushing alert him to a new presence to his back above him, and Crusader turned to see Captain Marvel and Spider Woman floating in the skies, their fists glowing yellow and venomous green. Another sound of wind made Crusader turn to see Iron Man slowly descending from the skies to a floating position, his repulsors aimed right at him.
A flash of pinkish energy and the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver were standing to his left, ready to engage.
The Crusader instinctively began backing away, but stopped once he felt his own body bump into another. Looking up, he saw the snarling face of the Hulk. As any sane human being would, he made a mad dash away from the green behemoth.
"So…feel like surrendering now?" Spider-Man asked.
Crusader was still for a few moments, observing the assembled heroes, before twirling his blade and giving out a battle cry. "I shall never surrender! Forever I shall stand strong, for my Lord is with me! Thou will all fall before my sword and I shall-!"
SNIKT SNIKT!
"Ya mean that sword?" the Wolverine deadpanned as he sheathed his claws to remove the cigar from his mouth, the cut pieces of Crusader's blade falling pitifully to the ground, much to the horror of the Crusader.
"No…NOOO!"
"Should I gut him now or wait 'till we're done with him," Logan asked as he huffed out some smoke. "Personally, I say we gut him now, but…"
"NO NO!" Crusader begged as he threw his shield away and went on his knees. "Don't kill me! I surrender, I SURRENDER!"
"Huh…" Jan chuckled. "That was easy."
"Truly," Thor mused with a grin. "His faith in his god does leave quite a bit lacking."
"That's…that's it?!" Carol exclaimed as she, Jess and Stark touched down onto the pavement. The cops were now coming forward and handcuffing the Crusader. "We get told of a powerhouse villain that's as strong as me, Hulk and Thor…and THIS happens? I was hoping for a full on fight here!"
"You complain too much, Captain Marvel," Peter replied as he turned to the officers handling Crusader, never noticing the look he got from Carol from his statement. "Alright, he's all yours, officers."
"Thanks, Spider-Man, and thank you Avengers," the sergeant in charge replied with a smile. "Having you guys work together sure is a boost in confidence for the boys in blue. Anyways, we'll have a unit take him to Ryker's, and from there a SHIELD chopper will take him to the Raft."
"He's more of a 42 or Big House guy, if you ask me," Mockingbird stated as she, Clint and Natasha walked up to them, joined by Logan. "Then again…most of the Raft prisoners should be in 42."
"Eh, Crusader ain't no problem," Logan remarked. "S'long as his faith and confidence is low, he's got no powers."
"Well, what do you think, Tony?" Steve asked as the other Avengers began discussing amongst themselves.
"Not bad for a second team-up," Stark replied, his grin hidden by his helmet. "Though we could've had a better villain…"
*Doomstadt, Latveria*
2:33 June 14, 2012
'Subject: SHIELD Agent Steven Rogers, AKA Captain America. Determined species: Human. Human biology empowered to the peak of human potential as a result of Project Pegasus during World War II. Chosen weapon is a shield made of a vibranium-adamantium alloy. An excellent tactician, strategist, soldier and combatant, and also able to adapt to almost any situation with ease. Threat level: Medium.
'Subject: Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man. Determined species: Human. Genius level intellect and access to great amounts of wealth, utilized to fund and built the Iron Man line of armors, each powered by a miniature yet very potent ARC Reactor, and all armed with various weaponry, the signature ones being repulsors and uni-beam. Threat level: High.
'Subject: Bruce Banner, AKA the Hulk. Determined species: Superhuman [gamma empowered]. Genius level intellect via human form, with above average intelligence in Hulk form, sometimes displaying Banner's knowledge. As the Hulk, records indicate that strength, durability and stamina levels are so far unmeasurable. Further observation is required to determine power levels. Gamma radiated body results in immunity to all disease and a rapid healing factor. It must be noted that strength levels increase in proportion to Subject's anger. Threat level: Extreme.
'Subject: Thor. Determined species: Unknown; further data is needed. The self-proclaimed Norse Asgardian God of Thunder. Analysis of the footage recovered from the battle of New York suggests that Subject has a level of strength, durability and stamina that rival or even surpass that of the Incredible Hulk. Subject also has the power of flight, and can control thunder & lightning via chosen weapon-a small hammer. Threat level: Extreme.
'Subject: Dr. Henry Pym, AKA Yellowjacket. Determined species: Superhuman. Genius level intellect, which has resulted in the invention of the Pym Particles. Self injection of Pym Particles has resulted in Pym's body being able to produce them biologically, resulting in size alteration, superhuman strength of up to 30 tons, superhuman stamina & durability in giant form and, as of recent, bio-stingers similar to that of his wife. Ability to communicate with all species of insects via a helmet that transmits human language to a high level frequency that insects can detect. Threat Level: Medium to High.
'Subject: Janet van Dyne-Pym, AKA the Wasp. Determined species: Superhuman. Injection of the Pym Particles invented by her husband has resulted in size alteration and biological stingers. A skilled hand to hand combatant but tends to act rashly on occasion. Threat level: Low.
'Subject: SHIELD Agent Clint Barton, AKA Hawkeye. Determined species: Human. Subject is a highly trained SHIELD agent, well versed in multiple fighting styles and weapons training. Also skilled in stealth ops and various forms of warfare. Preferred weapon of choice is a self-modernized bow with various trick and high tech arrow heads. Threat Level: Low.
'Subject: SHIELD Agent Barbara Morse, AKA Mockingbird. Determined species: Human. Subject is a highly trained SHIELD agent, well versed in various forms of combat, weapons training, stealth ops and warfare. Preferred weapons of choice are two metallic bo staffs coated with adamantium. Threat Level: Low.
'Subject: SHIELD Agent Natalia Romanova, AKA the Black Widow. Determined species: Human. Analysis suggests human biology has been enhanced to a similar level to Captain America. A specially trained SHIELD agent, possible training under other organizations is suggested, as skills surpass other SHIELD agents. Threat Level: Medium
'Subject: SHIELD Agent Jessica Drew, AKA Spider Woman. Determined species: Superhuman. Analysis shows that subject possesses superhuman strength, enhanced speed and stamina, enhanced durability, flight and adhesion to surfaces. Subject has also show to be able to fire energy blasts from her hands. Subject is also immune to all Earthly disease and radiation. As a SHIELD agent and former HYDRA assassin, subject has extensive training in combat, stealth, deception, etc. Analysis suggests possible powers over pheromones. Threat level: Medium to High.
'Subject: Pietro Maximoff, AKA Quicksilver. Determined species: Human Mutant. The son of Magneto. Subject's mutation invokes superhuman speed, the limits of which are unknown, rendering him undetectable to radar, sonar and other detection devices. Also well versed in unarmed combat and combat tactics. Threat Level: Medium to High.
'Subject: Wanda Maximoff, AKA the Scarlet Witch. Determined species: Human Mutant. The daughter of Magneto. Subject is well versed in arcane arts, a manner in which is similar to Jericho Drumm, the current Sorcerer Supreme. Subject's mutation invokes hexes of probability and reality altering power, as demonstrated in the incident of two years ago when almost all of mutantkind lost mutation when the Hellfire Club kidnapped Subject. Powers rival that of the X-Man Jean Grey, host of the Phoenix Force. Threat Level: Omega Extreme.
'Subject: King T'Challa of Wakanda, AKA the Black Panther. Determined species: Human. Ruler of the nation of Wakanda, Subject has access to Vibranium weapons & technology, and has a genius level intellect. Reflexes and stamina surpass that of normal human levels. Threat Level: Medium.
'Subject: James Logan, AKA the Wolverine. Determined species: Human Mutant, sub species feral. Subject is a highly trained soldier, well versed in various forms of warfare, swordplay, stealth and combat. Subject's mutation invokes a healing factor, animalistic senses, enhanced strength & speed & stamina, and three bone claws in each arm. Under the Weapon X program, Subject's skeleton & claws were coated with adamantium, making them formidable weapons. Subject is possibly immortal and death results in constant resurrection. Threat Level: High.
'Subject: Carol Danvers, AKA Captain Marvel, formerly known as Binary & Ms. Marvel. Determined species: Hybrid; genes have been mutated into a cross of human & Kree DNA. Subject, as a result of DNA fusion, displays superhuman strength, durability and stamina that nearly rival that of the Hulk. Subject also possesses superhuman speed and flight. Subject also displays lygokinesis: energy manipulation & absorption. Threat Level: High to Extreme.
'Subject: Spider-Man. Determined species: Superhuman. Little information is possessed on Subject. Strength levels are unknown. Superhuman reflexes have been demonstrated. Subject possesses an uncanny ability to sense & avoid danger, dubbed by Subject as a "Spider Sense." Webbing of Subject's creation is the weapon of choice; the material for this webbing has shown to be a variant of a material created by Norman Osborn in previous years. Due to the complexity of the creation of this substance and any and all variants, it is to be assumed that Spider-Man has an above average intelligence, most likely almost of genius level, if not already at that level. Subject has developed a unique fighting style over the course of more than a decade. Threat Level: Medium to High.'
Lucia von Bardas, a former human turned cyborg under the employment of the Latverian Monarch, and one of his most trusted (which was saying something) aides, turned away from the screen to look at said Monarch. 'Analysis of each of these Avengers have brought up few new details, and we are still unsure of how where they function as a team. I would recommend delaying the assault, as that-'
"No," came the raspy, metallic and echoing voice of the Latverian Monarch. He stood up from his throne and approached the screen and Bardas. The man was encased in a suit of armor, not as advanced looking as that of Tony Stark since it looked similar to a medieval suit of armor, but just as well powered and advanced as Stark's suits, nonetheless. His entire body was covered in a dark green royal hooded cloak and cape. He was highly skilled in technological weaponry and arcane arts, rivaling that of Brother Voodoo, the Hellstromms and the Scarlet Witch. He was a man feared across the globe and placed #1 on SHIELD's 10 most wanted for 5 years now. "We carry out with the assault. They are still getting used to being a part of a team. There first moments are the best moments to strike, when they are distrusting of each other and unaccustomed to working as one unit. That is their greatest weakness. We shall carry out as planned, Lucia."
'Understood, Lord Doom,' Bardas responded, and she left the room, the screen remaining on as her Lord stared at the heroes on the screen. The Avengers…they who unknowingly challenged him when they formed themselves into one unit. The fools…they were all experienced in their fields, but as one unit, right now and so fresh from starting off…they were weaker than ever before.
Victor von Doom would see to it that they learned to not make such bold challenges in such a weak state of being.
*Maria Stark Mansion, New York City*
9:36 June 16, 2012
Pepper Potts had long ago found that working under Tony Stark meant that there was never a dull moment in her life anymore. What with her boss/lover being Iron Man and having his own gallery of villains and being a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, there was always something to look forward to each and every day, more so in the Iron Man department. Like in the last few weeks, for instance, when her boss/lover and his good friend Captain America decided to form a team of heroes dedicated to the protection of humanity and the world. As such, Tony had to get a good many things together, like a base, communication and the whole shebang. And after a few weeks, he was finally ready with it all. And now, here Pepper was, in front of the Maria Stark Mansion, waiting for all the Avengers to arrive.
She checked her watch again, sighed and turned to her right. "Well…thank you for being the only one on time."
The Hulk opened his eyes and turned to look down at the attractive redhead. He was currently leaning back on the brick walls that surrounded the mansion grounds, and was getting many a stare from passersby. "You're welcome," he said simply, once more closing his eyes and turning away. "Contrary to popular belief, I could be punctual and well-mannered if I need to."
"I…wouldn't have expected that," Pepper replied, honestly surprised at that. "You really should try and teach Tony some of that punctuality."
"…Yeah, that sounds like a job for Banner," Hulk replied. Pepper couldn't help but smirk at that.
At that moment, Thor descended from the skies, hammer in hand and a grin on his face. "Ho, fair maiden," he greeted as he came to Pepper and Hulk. "Tis a pleasure to see you again, Miss Potts. And friend Hulk, a great joy to see you again. What say you, my fellow Avenger? Are you ready for all the great battles and victories that we shall have in the future?" he said with a smile as he placed a friendly hand on the titan's shoulder.
"Are you ready to get a watch, Blondie?" Hulk growled back, shoving Thor's hand away. "You're late."
Thor frowned in annoyance, obviously bothered by this response and the Hulk's attitude. Before he could respond in any way, though, the Wasp appeared, along with Yellowjacket. "Hey, everyone, sorry we're late," Jan apologized with a smile, growing back to full size alongside her husband. "I had to drag Hank away from his lab…again."
"It was an important experiment," Hank defended himself, as the Hulk and Jan rolled their eyes.
"So, did we miss anything?" came the voice of Clint Barton as he, Bobbi Morse, Jessica Drew and Natalia Romanova walked up to them, each one wearing causal civilian wear with a duffel bag filled with their uniforms and weapons inside. "Doesn't seem like anything's happened much."
"That's kind of because I've been here waiting for all of you…and Tony," Pepper sighed in exasperation. "The only one who actually showed up on time was Hulk."
"Whoa, really?" Bobbi asked. "That is actually a surprise. I don't mean to offend you by saying that, Hulk, I'm just saying I wasn't expecting it." Hulk's only response was a scoffing grunt.
"Regardless, I think we can all guess who'll show up the latest," Natalia smirked.
"I can bet on that," Jessica smirked. "Anyways, the reason we're late is because we had to get debriefed on a mission we just came back from for Fury. We've just come back at 2am this morning, and we just came from the Helicarrier."
"Understandable, Spider Woman," Pepper replied with a smile. "But what are you all doing with those duffel bags?"
"Well," Natalia explained. "Since Stark finished developing this new base of operations, and it's supposed to be living commodity-friendly, and whatnot, Steven suggested that instead of the four of us living on the SHIELD Helicarrier half the time while bunking at temporary residences the rest of the time, we could take up residence here."
"Bobbi and I are just doing it for now until we find an apartment here in the city," Clint added.
"Hey, guys, guess who showed up early today," Spider-Man said as he made his presence known, swinging onto the scene and landing next to Jan and Pym. He still wore the same black costume, making a few of the other Avengers wonder just how long it took to fix his regular costume.
"Well, there goes that bet," Jessica smirked, along with Natalia. "Good to see you again, Spider-Man. It's quite a surprise indeed, seeing you here on time."
"Was there not any distress occurring across New York?" Thor asked curiously.
"Not really; I mean, apart from the occasional mugging, it's been kind of slow," Peter replied. "A bit too slow, if you ask me, really. I have a nagging feeling that something big is going to happen…and of course, now that I said that, something big is probably going to happen now. That's just my luck."
"Cheer up, Spider-Man," Jessica grinned. "Remember, you're part of a team of superheroes now."
"Yeah, that's true," Peter grinned as Captain Marvel touched down. "I can imagine the faces of the Sinister Six if I show up with you guys as back up. Man, that sure would be a good day."
"Ok, if he's here before me, then I really must be late," Carol remarked as she rolled her eyes.
"If it makes you feel any better, we're all kind of late," Jan offered as she gave her friend a warm hug. "Hulk was the only one on time, actually."
"As he so clearly stated," Thor said with a bit of agitation, which wasn't lost on the Hulk.
"You got a problem, Goldilocks?" the titan growled, getting up off the wall he was leaning on slightly, to which Thor responded by turning his body fully towards the Hulk and his fist clenching, instinct that had been drilled into him for millennia now. Instantly, the atmosphere around the present Avengers grew tense. It looked like a brawl between the most powerful superhuman on Earth and a god was about to take place, and after seeing Thor in action during their battle against Loki, they knew that a fight like that would be catastrophic at minimum. Luckily, before anything could escalate, the Black Panther arrived in the Royal Wakandan Embassy limo, his guards bowing in respect for his sovereignty before the limousine drove off.
"My apologies for not arriving at the appointed time, Miss Potts," T'Challa said as he joined his fellow Avengers. "There was a matter of importance to the safety of Wakanda I had to tend to that couldn't be ignored."
"Think nothing of it, Your Highness; no one else is early either, except for Hulk."
"Your Majesty," Bobbi began, "if this is still about the White Gorilla clans, our offer for any aid we can give still stands, you know. With HYDRA giving M'Baku-"
"As I stated before, Agent Morse, SHIELD's offer to help is appreciated," T'Challa interrupted. "However, the White Gorilla clans will be dealt with by Wakandan standards. We will always continue to deliver any and all HYDRA prisoners we capture to SHIELD, but Nick Fury knows that Wakanda fights its own battles."
"Except for that one time the X-Men saved your kingdom from the Brotherhood," Pietro offered as he and Wanda walked over to the group, both wearing their costumes. "You didn't seem to have a problem then."
"Ignore him, T'Challa," Wanda remarked with a roll of her eyes.
"Ok…how the hell are YOU late?" Peter asked. "Don't you have super speed? You should've been the first one here!"
"Yes, we should've," Pietro sighed, turning to look at his twin sister with a mild glare. "Of course, Wanda, however, doesn't have superhuman speed as I do, and you know the myths about a woman getting ready to go out." At those words, Wanda sighed and rolled her eyes again, but this time there was an ever so faint blush and smile on her face.
Peter & Clint were the only two present who could sympathize with that, both saying, "I feel you, man."
"What're we talkin' bout?" Logan asked as he pulled up with Captain America on their motorcycles. Logan was wearing his usual leather jacket over his X-Men uniform, and Steve was wearing his Captain America uniform minus the helmet-cowl fusion. "I heard Brotherhood-we goin' after Magneto today? You guys sure work fast."
"No we're not going after the Brotherhood, Logan," Steve smirked as they dismounted their bikes. "Today is just the team getting a bit more acquainted and all of us seeing exactly where we'll be based out of now that we're all a team. It looks as if we're…ok, where's Stark? This was all his idea for us to be here today!"
"I'm here, I'm here!" came the voice of the CEO billionaire as Iron Man arrived on scene, flying in and descending onto the pavement. He removed his helmet and gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry I'm late everyone-had a business meeting to attend, and I was running a bit late." Tony noticed Pepper give him a look, a look he recognized after the last few years, and he decided to come clean. "Ok, not really…I missed that meeting…ANYWAYS, thanks for coming today, everyone."
"What's this all about, Tony?" Steve asked with a smile, surprising everyone present. They all assumed that since both he and Stark where unofficially chosen by silent mutual agreement from them all as the team leaders of the Avengers. The fact that apparently, Steve had no idea what Stark had called them all here for was surprising. Just what did Stark have planned up his sleeve for this occasion?
"Glad you asked, Capsicle," Stark replied with a smile as he turned and gestured to the mansion that was behind them. "Now that we're all operating as a single team, besides us all doing our own little things too, we need to be able to have a place where we can meet and talk about supervillian threats and other stuff. Don't get me wrong guys, I'd like to have you all in Stark Tower-after all, 'Avengers Tower' does have a nice marketing ring to it…but that's not the point. We need to have our own base of operations, where we can gather and share information, where we can be sure anything we bring would be in safe hands and were we can house the large databases we'll have in keeping track of what's going on in the world and what we respond to. And as top priority, to make sure that wherever we base ourselves, that any nearby civilians are safe and out of harm's way if our enemies decided to stop by for a visit at some point."
The bustle of the streets of Manhattan behind them was the answer to Stark's last remark. The traffic sounds, a trademark of Manhattan nowadays, honked and beeped and screeched, all while dozens upon dozens of people walked on the sidewalks that coated the streets, heading to whatever destinations they had in mind. A number of people had seen that the Avengers were assembled on one of the sidewalks, and a crowd was starting to gather, with pictures being taken and people wondering if they could get autographs.
"Stark, we're in Manhattan," Spider-Man said. "There's nothing BUT civilians around here."
"Meaning that anyone who tries to attack us here will definitely be putting innocent lives at stake here," Pym also commented.
"And then they could use 'em as leverage or hostages or whatever," Logan added in.
"Stark Tower at least had the advantage of our area being so high up," Mockingbird also remarked. "Any attack on the team would have to come in from an aerial formation, or maybe someone shooting from the ground, but if it were like that, then civilians could easily escape from a situation like that. Here…the terrain makes it kind of vulnerable."
"Did you think this through, Stark?" Hulk asked in a deadpanned voice.
After hearing all that, Stark was silent for all of five seconds before his head hung down as his metal-encased hand went onto his head. "Ok…maybe that was a bad idea…" But an instant later, his head came back up, determination and resolve back on his face. "But I already had all the work done and the project is already finished, so I'm going through with this. We needed a base, I finished preparing a base, and now we have a base. And besides, with all the tech upgrades and defense mechanisms and programming I've come up with and installed, we'll be ready for any and all attacks that could ever come our way or to our new headquarters. Avengers, allow me to welcome you all to Avengers Mansion!"
The other Avengers took in the sight of the mansion once more, correctly assuming that this was the Mansion that Iron Man was speaking of. They searched for any of the "stuff" that Stark said he had done to it over the last couple of weeks; being that Tony Stark was one of the most, if not THE most, well known and uncannily skilled in technology and the like, they expected to see some high tech installments, or some advanced defense systems, or at least a few security cameras along the mansion's outer perimeters and wall and brick walls surrounding the mansion grounds. They found that it all just seemed to be a regular mansion to their eyes.
"Looks pretty…" Bobbi began.
"Bland," Natalia finished, an eyebrow arched on her head. "All I see is a regular old mansion."
"That's what it looks like on the outside of these walls," Stark replied, a smug smirk on his face. He was clearly quite proud of how he had worked whatever magic he had done in the mansion. "It's what's within the walls that have the magic. JARVIS, let's show them just what we're talking about."
'Very well, sir," the AI voice of JARVIS responded, shocking the other Avengers. It was then that from a panel next to one of the gates, the covering slid away to reveal a scanning device that also had a speaker. 'Hello, Avengers, and welcome to Avengers Mansion; as you may already know, I am Mr. Stark's Artificial Intelligence named JARVIS, and I am the entity that runs the entire mansion. Please, step inside.' At that, the metallic gates slowly slid open, allowing the group to enter into the mansion grounds via a brick and limestone path.
"The metal gates have been reinforced with adamantium, as have the brick walls," Stark said proudly. "That scanner that you all saw, that's for those of us who can't easily come in over the wall to scan the IDs I gave you all earlier, which JARVIS will recognize and grant you entrance." As they all continued down the path, they all took in the scenery that was on the mansion grounds-about a half dozen trees just on this side of the mansion, a large fountain and a number of shrubs and flowers, all along a lawn of perfectly trimmed and well-tended grass that glistened as any emerald should. "Now, this lawn and the other on the other sides of the mansion are covered with scanners and motion detection devices. If there's anything going on here that JARVIS recognizes as any threatening activity, the entire first three lines of defense are activated."
"THREE lines of defense?" Wanda gasped.
"What kinda defenses we talkin' here, Stark?" Logan asked, his interest picked up.
"Well…let's just say that you don't want to be around that fountain when the defenses go up," Stark replied with a laugh.
They all approached the front doors to the mansion-a large pair of cream-painted oak doors, each reinforced with a coating of adamantium and vibranium, with a gold colored handle on each door. Leading up to the mansion was a set of limestone steps that led to a slightly elevated porch, also made of limestone. Next to the large doors, where a normal doorbell would be, another scanning device was stationed, this time with not only a speaker but built in retina scanners and a hand print scanning device.
"This is a secondary device to help ensure that only Avengers and any guests enter, and that they are who they say they are," Stark explained. Scanning his ID card, his eyes and his hand, uncovered by the metallic gauntlet he was wearing, and with that, the large doors opened. "Step inside everyone, and prepared to be amazed." The other Avengers proceeded to step inside, but Captain America held back, needing to speak to Stark.
"Tony…yesterday, Fury spoke to me about all this-the Avengers. He doesn't seem too against the idea, but from what I'm seeing, the World Security Council isn't exactly supportive of the idea at all. Both are kind of nervous about this whole thing, and Fury made it clear he wants to speak to both of us. Just thought you should know, since he's planning to stop by some time tonight." And with that, the Super Soldier proceeded inside. Stark sighed; he should've expected this. He and Cap were working on something that could prove to be a great benefit for humanity, and people were getting scared about all these superpowered beings coming together. He figured the two of them may as well get it over with when the time comes. With a shake of his head, he refocused on the task at hand and headed on inside the mansion, ready to show off the magic.
His fellow Avengers were going to be in for a surprise.
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OK, everyone, the first part to the next arc is complete! With a title like Teamwork for Dummies, you can be pretty sure that this isn't going to start off so well, and I can promise you that there will be quite a bit of conflict. I'm debating on the typical Hulk/Thor tension and beat down that would happen before they become the somewhat best of buds. Do you guys want to see that? Let me know.
I think it's pretty obvious who the villain for this arc is going to be. It may seem overkill, but I think it fits, especially after the bit at the end of the last chapter. Inspiration from this story arc comes in part from Avengers: EMH episodes "Some Assembly Required" and "The Private War of Doctor Doom," The Avengers #2 (1963) and Dark Avengers, the Siege arc.
Next Issue (huh, that sounds pretty good…ISSUE :D yeah I'm keeping that!), we tour this interpretation of Avengers Mansion, and get to know our Avengers a bit…and start the seeds of both the tension between the team and the plots that our villain is getting ready to tear them apart.
Until Next Time, True Believers! (That might be a bit of overkill…)
PS. If there are any questions in regards to what to expect in the future for this series, please do not hesitate to ask! :D