Chapter 22
The S.W.O.R.D. agent's fist slammed onto the metal table, causing Ned to jump back in his chair out of fear. The pale white interrogation room of S.W.O.R.D.'s on-Earth base was almost like something out of those crime movies he and Peter would spend late nights watching.
Except now, it was real. And he was the convict.
"You're not making a believer out of us, kid," the agent glowered, "Just tell us the truth. Where did you get your tech and how long have you been working with the Kree?"
Ned's face was puffy from crying. Instead of a green and purple costume, he wore a blue shirt and an orange hoodie. His skin was no longer tinged with emerald veins and his eyes were now the correct shade of brown.
No longer was he laughing like a maniac or making snide quips. Now, he was trying not to break in front of this federal agent, a goal that he was currently failing at.
"Please, I already told you! I'm not working for the aliens!", he sobbed, trying to prove his innocence.
"Then do you mind explaining why you were running around dressed like their soldiers? Bombing entire cities?", the agent glared.
"I-I don't know what happened! I went to sleep in the medical center and I-I woke up and I found myself in some cell! I don't remember anything!", the teen yelled, his lips quivering.
"Kid, unless you want to be prepped for a lifetime in the Raft, you need to tell us everything you know about your employers! Did they give you the suit?"
"I-I don't-"
"What about you? Are you enhanced? Did they give you something?"
"I DON'T KNOW!", Ned screamed, clutching his head and facing the floor, a flood of tears going down his face, "Please, I...I just want to go home."
The agent shook his head, "Look...I get that you've been through a lot, but I need you to remember what happened to-"
Suddenly, the door to the interrogation room opened as an older man in a business suit entered with a suitcase, "Mr. Leeds, I need you to stop speaking right now."
"Who the hell are you?", the agent asked.
"Holden Holliway of Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg, & Holliway. I'm here to represent Mr. Leeds," the man explained.
Ned looked up, confused, "Um, I'm-I'm sorry, but I don't have any money-"
"Don't worry about that. Your bill's already been covered," Holliway explained.
…
From behind the one-way mirror of the room stood Osborn and Peter, both of whom were watching as the lawyer took a seat next to Ned and began speaking with the agent.
Peter's eyes looked worried as he saw his friend in probably the lowest point he's ever been in. The guy that he played with since they were kids, who brought him lego sets to build, who helped him out on patrol, who was...who is his best friend.
Osborn sighed, appearing concerned for his employee, "Don't worry. GLK&H is the best firm on the east coast. If anyone can help Ned, it's them."
Peter nodded, trying to stop himself from tearing up, "Thank you...For doing this."
The billionaire placed his hand on Parker's shoulder as a way of comforting him, "I'm not going to let anything happen to him, Peter. I promise."
He walked away, leaving the distraught teen on his own to stare at his fallen friend.
"Kid?"
Behind the boy arrived Sam, Rhodes, Strange, and Carol, all in civilian clothing and looking at the boy sympathetically. Peter wiped the tears out of his eyes with his sleeve, trying to regain his composure.
Sam shook his head, "Peter, I'm sorry. I know you two were close."
The boy's back was still turned to them, standing eerily still.
Carol cleared her throat, "Pete, we know you're dealing with a lot, but do you know anything about Ned working with the Kree?"
He shook his head, "No. No, he never...He's just a kid from Queens, guys."
Rhodes sighed, "Well, S.W.O.R.D.'s planning on taking us to their off-Earth base to discuss our strategy if the Kree come back. Suit up. We're heading over there in a couple minutes-"
"I'm not going."
Looks of surprise covered the three adults' faces, taken aback by the reply.
"Peter, what are you talking about?", Strange asked.
"I'm not going", Peter repeated in the same weary tone.
Carol looked confused, "Peter, we need your help on this, especially now that your friend's involved."
"Oh, you need my help?", Peter laughed humorlessly, "You need my help?"
She exhaled, "Peter, we told you. We didn't see the alert-"
"But Mr. Osborn did. He came right away."
Rhodes walked forward, "Peter, you can't trust him-"
The boy turned to face the heroes, eyes red and bloodshot, "And I can trust you?"
The colonel paused, taken aback by the bitterness in Peter's voice, "Kid-"
"I heard you. On the balcony, you and Osborn. Heard everything you said," the Spider-Man explained.
Rhodey's eyes widened, remembering the conversation from last night. Before he could say anything or even apologize, Peter continued, as though he was just getting started.
"And you know what? He's right. He's actually right about everything. You don't come to me or give a shit about me unless you need something from me."
"Peter, that's not true," Strange argued.
"Then where were you in Europe? Hm?", Peter glared, slowly raising his voice, "Where were you when London was being destroyed and I had to fight off all those drones? Or-or where were you when the UN was calling me a terrorist?! When I was about to be thrown in jail for life for something I didn't do?!"
Strange sighed, "Peter, I know you don't want to hear this, but there are bigger-"
"What? Bigger what?! Bigger things? More important things than helping out or even leaving a message to some dumb kid from Queens?", Peter shouted, his temper rising to a higher level than the group has ever seen, "You know why I didn't want to join the Avengers before Thanos happened? Because I knew the truth."
"The truth?", Sam asked, "Peter, what are you talk-"
"The Avengers don't look out for the little guy. The guys working the corner store. The people trying to make ends meet and survive in this insane world! You fight the big, world-ending threats, but what? The gang wars? The robberies? Who's there to stop that?! To stop people like Ned from getting hurt?! WHO'S THERE FOR-?!"
Peter stopped himself as he felt the sobs start building up in his throat again. The four looked horrified at the child, startled that such a kind, gentle person had so much anger and vitriol inside of him.
He took a deep breath and wiped his face, "...I'm sorry...But I don't want to be an Avenger anymore…"
Sam gulped, "Peter, I don't think-"
"Just...Please leave me alone."
Wilson sighed, stepping out of the way. The boy slowly trudged past them, his eyes to the ground as he moved.
"Peter, where are you going?", Carol asked, her voice quiet.
"Queens. Back home."
Strange cleared his throat, "I can take you there if you'd-"
"No thanks. Mr. Osborn's waiting for me in his car."
As Parker made a turn around the corner, the others stood in silence and shame.
…
The teen exited the building only to almost run into the ex-con and the scientist.
"Hey, kid! You heading off somewhere?", Scott asked, surprised the see the boy outside.
"Yeah, I thought Wilson said the team was going to S.W.O.R.D.'s base off-Earth?", Hope raised an eyebrow.
"Uh, yeah. You guys are," Peter nodded, "But, um, I'm not."
"What? Why not?", Hope asked.
"I kind of quit."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, I...I don't think being an Avenger is what I'm meant to be," the child explained.
"Oh. Well, I'm sorry to hear that, dude," Scott understood.
"It's fine. I'm okay with just being the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Besides, you've guys won't need me. You're Ant-Man and the Wasp," Peter put up a fake smile, trying to sound happier than he actually was.
The couple sadly smiled as well, seeing Parker's discomfort.
"Alright, well, see you around, Webs," Scott grinned.
Peter waved at the two before he trotted over to a sleek black car parked outside, the door opening to let him in before the vehicle left the base.
"I'm gonna miss that weird guy," Hope sighed.
"Yeah, he was cool. Plus, he actually knew who we were!", Scott smiled.
"Still think it should be the Wasp and Ant-Man.
"Details, details," Lang brushed the statement away before his positive demeanor slowly evaporated, "So…We can quit apparently."
"I guess so," Van Dyne shrugged.
"I mean...It's been working out so far!," Scott chuckled, trying to bring back his usual energy, "Me on a team! You on the frontlines! It's been going good, right?"
"I don't know, Scott."
"C'mon, Hope. Can you say you would've been able to do any of this if we weren't a part of the team? Fighting aliens, seeing Wakandan labs and sorcerers if we didn't accept that offer?"
"Can you say you're happy here?"
The two looked at one another, waiting for an answer. Scott was the one who pushed for the duo to become Avengers, but he's been stuck on the sidelines and ignored. Hope has been given the chance to do so much more, but the more she did for this team, the more she put herself out in the open.
Scott rubbed his head awkwardly, "You know, the kid said they're waiting for us, so we should probably head on in."
"Yeah. Yeah, let's go," Hope nodded in agreement, fine with changing the topic.
…
At the bottom floor of the base was a massive hangar filled with a variety of airships. Spacecraft and advanced vessels from all over the galaxy were housed there, with pilots, agents, and everyone in between walking back and forth around the area.
At one end was a small ship, preparing itself for launch. It was a pale grey, its wings stretching out from the center like a bird getting ready for takeoff. The sound of its large engines revving up filled the air around it as inside, the group, now one member short, were buckling in.
An agent sat at the pilot's seat with Carol sitting next to them as co-pilot.
"So, your first time going to space. You ready?", Rhodes looked to Sam, the colonel donned in his bulky, grey armor.
"Not gonna lie, I'm scared shitless here, man," the ex-soldier admitted, gripping at the shield in his hands, "What was it like for you?"
"Word of advice, make sure that seat belt's tightened all the way."
Sam's eyes widened as he began fumbling around with his chair in a panic, earning a chuckle from Rhodes.
"So, no Osborn?", Rhodey asked, curious as to the tech mogul's absence.
The Falcon shook his head, "I think him leaving with Parker was a sure sign that he's not coming."
"Thank God for the little gifts, I guess," War Machine smirked.
"Don't get your hopes up. If he's leaving, then that's two members down," Sam explained, "Of all people, would you have ever thought the kid would be the first one to quit?"
Rhodes stared down at his feet, sighing, "Honestly, I can't blame him."
Sam raised an eyebrow, "You think he was right? About the Avengers not caring for the little guy?"
"I don't know about that," Rhodey shrugged, "But...He was right. I should've helped him out in Europe or with the U.N. At least called him or gave him my support."
"I don't mean to come off as an asshole, but it's not like we can be there for the kid 24/7."
"I know, but Parker...He was practically family to Tony. The man wasn't sure of a lot of things, but...he was sure of Peter.''
Sam nodded slowly, his brows furrowed, "...Do you think bringing back the team was a mistake?"
"Without a doubt," Rhodes bluntly stated.
Sam gave his ally a look of pure disbelief, "Wow, tell us how you really feel, Rhodes."
"But maybe the real mistake is thinking we can be the old team."
Wilson shut his mouth, turning his face to look straight ahead. At first, he called bull on the colonel's analysis. It's not like Sam was trying to force this team to be like the original six. But then his eyes slowly looked down to the suit he was wearing. Not even a new or customized uniform, just Steve's suit from his time with S.H.I.E.L.D.
Maybe there was a grain of truth in Rhodes's words.
The entire vessel began to shake as the heroes felt the craft rise up, the sound of the roof creaking open being heard from above. Sunlight peeked in, illuminating the room and allowing the floating ship to rise out of the base.
"Engaging retro-reflective panels", the agent piloting stated, pressing a few buttons.
In a mere second, the spaceship disappeared from the view of everyone outside, almost as though it wasn't there to begin with. Cloaking the vessel was necessary as S.W.O.R.D. desired to keep their more unusual activities out of the public's view.
Within twenty minutes, the blue shades of the sky grew lighter and lighter, the government base shrinking to the point that it looked like a minuscule dot in a sea of green.
"Oh. My. God", Hope's eyes widened as she looked through the window, her heart stopping from what she saw before her.
The heroes stared in wonder as the blinding white before they peeled back to reveal a world of deep black and purple, stars twinkling before their pupils.
T'Challa turned his head to the side window, watching the blue marble that was his planet stare back at him.
"Egameni likathixokazi", the king whispered in Xhosa, his amazement clear.
"You know, it's not as big from up here," Hope commented, her eyes glued to the blue and green orb.
"Спектакуларно," Wanda breathed in Sokovian, earning a small laugh from Strange who was sitting next to her.
"That's a way of putting it," the doctor gave a small nod, a calm look on his face.
All of their jaws dropped at the sight except for Carol and Valkyrie. The Asgardian looked at the sight as though she'd seen it all before, but the captain had a genuine smile cross her face.
Carol turned her head to look at the others, letting out a small chuckle, "Yeah. Never gets old."
Sam gulped, gripping the arms of his chair. He watched with both terror and awe as he was now entering a world far greater than himself. Staring into the vast, endless realm that was outer space almost made him feel smaller than he already felt.
"Guys, I don't want to ruin this moment," Scott spoke up, "But I'm really regretting not going to the bathroom before this."
"You ruined it," Strange bluntly replied.
"Alright. We're exiting the atmosphere", Carol turned to the agent, "Might as well drop the disguise."
The pilot scoffed, taking off his aviator shades, "Finally. I was wondering how long I'd need to keep this up."
Suddenly, the agent's face began to shift, his skin becoming a lime green and sharp teeth growing from his mouth. As his ears stretched out, his eyes changed to become entirely black.
"Whatwhatwhatwhatwhat?", Scott stammered, grabbing his partner closer to him.
The others were clearly confused and a little unnerved by what they were seeing, with Sam lifting the shield up slightly in anticipation.
It was only after the agent's face stopped contorting and moving that the others realized that a green-skinned man was at piloting the ship.
Rhodes backed up a little in his seat, his eyes showing that he was clearly frightened, "What in the hell?"
"Calm down, Metal-Man," Carol joked, "Friend, not foe."
The Skrull gave a small bow, "Greetings. I am Talos of the Skrulls. Co-founder of S.W.O.R.D."
"I'm sorry, Skrulls?", Hope asked, unable to hide her discomfort. Understandable given how her last confrontation with extraterrestrials went.
"These are the guys I've been spending the last thirty years helping out. They helped create S.W.O.R.D. with Fury and are the ones running it," Danvers explained, "Oh, and they're shape-shifters."
"Couldn't mention that when we got on the ship?", Strange asked, the only one other than Danvers who didn't appear surprised or unnerved. Which makes sense when you take into account the weirder shit he's seen in his career as a Master of the Mystic Arts.
"Yes, sorry for the cloak-and-dagger, mate. Can't be too careful who to trust, y'know?", Talos replied.
T'Challa eyed him suspiciously, "So, you're the reason Captain Danvers left Earth for so long?"
"Yes. My people owe much to Carol. She sacrificed her life on Earth in order to help us find a home," Talos explained, "It is only fair we help her however we can in any way that we can."
Carol couldn't help but smile at the praise, happy to hear someone say something actually positive about her and her accomplishments over the decades. If the woman was being honest to herself...She really needed to hear this today.
Brunnhilde, meanwhile, watched the alien carefully, the kind words spoken by Talos about the captain ringing through her ears. This was the first time she's ever heard any alien say a good thing about Danvers. Every other planet she went to, people either feared the glowing lady or hated her for dismantling their empires. Now, she was looking at someone who saw her as a protector. An actual hero.
"So, you're a shape-shifter?", Rhodes asked, "Like 'Invasion of the Body-Snatchers'-type or 'The Thing'-type?"
"We simply have to look at someone and we can just change into them," Talos answered, "I mean, we've been trying to expand our powers lately-"
"Sorry to interrupt, but I gotta know. Can you turn into a filing cabinet?", Scott spoke up.
"What about a cow? Or a cat? Can you turn into a cat?", asked Wanda, curious.
"...Is it too late to return to Earth?", Talos groaned.
Carol laughed, "Some things never change."
…
"Well, you've been quiet," Osborn commented, staring at the boy seated next to him, "You okay, kiddo?"
Peter's head was pressed against the black leather of the car seat, his fingers fiddling with his backpack.
"Hm? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah! I'm good!", Peter nodded, "Um, just lost in thought, I guess. I'm just hoping I didn't make the wrong choice, you know?"
"Oh, come on, Peter. I get that those people were your idols and everything, but you were right. No matter how many times you came to them when they needed help, they never returned the favor!", Osborn argued, "It's best to cut them off before they keep on using you."
The boy nodded, taking in the man's words, "Maybe you're right."
"Oh, I know I'm right. Even when I'm wrong, I'm right. That's how the world works!"
Peter chuckled as he looked out the window, gazing at the many buildings and cars they were passing by. This was where he was at his best. Classic New York. Home.
"Um, hang on. My neighborhood's down that way," Peter pointed out.
"I know. We're just gonna make a quick detour," Osborn explained, "There's something I wanna show you. Something big."
The car continued on its way through the busy streets of Manhattan, Parker slowly recognizing the streets they were moving down and wondering what Osborn was planning.
Peter's eyes scoped the area, rolling down the window to get a better view, "Wait a minute, where are we…"
His words got stuck in his own throat as he looked out and saw the massive building in front of him.
The massive building stood as proud as ever, the redecorations still not enough to erase the boy's memories of swinging around it. The bright daylight gleamed off of it, helping it stand out amongst the many skyscrapers surrounding it.
The biggest thing that grabbed the boy's attention, however, was how rather than a massive letter A at the top, a large letter O with a small portion removed from the bottom right of the circle.
Osborn grinned as he saw the look on the kid's face, "Peter Parker, welcome to Oscorp."
…
The spaceship began to slow down, coming to a halt in the middle of space. The planet Earth was still clearly visible, but they were a long way from home.
"Why did we stop?", Sam asked.
Talos pressed a button on the dashboard and leaned next to what looked like a radio. He spoke to it in an alien language, deep and loud, almost animalistic.
The Falcon paused, "Was...Was that an answer or-?"
Suddenly, it looked like the emptiness of space opened up as in front of the ship, a large, bright, and rectangular light appeared, almost as though a massive door was opening up for the vessel to move inside.
"Aaaand we've finally come to the pearly gates," Rhodes joked, "Nice knowing y'all. Not surprised I ended up here with you guys."
The area around the light began to ripple before the blackness of space was replaced with bright, silver metal. The rippling continued until floating before the group was what looked like an enormous satellite. It looked like something ripped straight from a sci-fi novel, bright lights shining from it and a large metal circular ring spinning around the top.
"Whoa," Sam whispered, "So this is where you've been hanging this whole time, Fury?"
Talos smiled, "Avengers, welcome to the Peak."