16 – Doomed

Friday, June 22nd 2012 5:49 PM

Parker residence, Queens, New York

In the almost eighteen months since the defeat of the frost giants and the return of Thor and the other Aesir to their own realm, life for Nate had returned to some form of quiet. With a decrease in supervillain activity, he'd been able to focus more on natural disasters and petty crimes. As a result, Sentinel's working relationship with the NYPD had improved over the intervening months, during which Captain Stacy and Detective Phillips had increasingly begun to call on him when villains attacked the city or to aid in other more difficult cases. Whilst Phillips and he still did not like one another per se, he had managed to at least earn her begrudging respect. He and his friends were currently sitting in a circle in Peter's room, studying for their final exams. Near the start of their final year of middle school, the trio had been joined by Ned Leeds and Betty Brant. With high school looming, and Nate having been accepted to a prestigious boarding school a few hours north of the city, the friends were taking advantage of what time they had left as school mates.

His friendship with Gwen, which had previously been beginning to fray due to his constant need to leave group outings to deal with one disaster or another was stronger than ever. With both knowing they would no longer be able to see each other each day, they were both determined to spend us much time together as they could, and enjoy each possible moment. His increased devotion to his friends had been noticed, and they appreciated his determination to spend more time with them than he had before. None commented on it, but he knew Peter at least was beginning to wonder where he went when he left them. Currently they were laughing together while Betty, Ned, and Peter worked on math and he and Gwen quizzed each other on the book they had been assigned for English. After a while, the conversation turned to the upcoming graduation dance, and the girls began teasing the boys when good-naturedly, wondering who they had each asked. In truth, Nate hadn't even had time to think about the dance. School and Sentinel had kept him so busy he'd almost forgotten about it. At least his workload had been lightened slightly now that he'd been working more with Stark, and the increased presence of the magical hero who saved him from Hall and Marko. Whilst he had worked with Antman and the Wasp, the two bug themed heroes seemed to prefer keeping to themselves.

Their study session was called short and Nate pulled from his reverie when Peter's uncle Ben called them down for dinner. The five teens made their way down the stairs towards the dining room. The meal was interspersed with friendly chatter between the seven members at the table, Peter's aunt and uncle taking care to treat them like people rather than simply babying them. All in all, Nate mused as he listened to Ben Parker recount an amusing tale from his time in the MPs, life was good.

-AoS—

Later that evening, after a brilliant meal and another hour of study, he and Gwen found themselves on the highest branch of a massive oak in central park, gazing out at the city around them. He had one armed wrapped around his best friend, the other leaned on the branch beneath them. His friend was softly humming a tune whilst sketching the park beneath them. Nate glanced at her work, watching the muscles in her hand and face contorting in concentration as her pencil breezed across the page. Noticing his attention, she tilted her head up to smile sweetly. "What is it?" She inquired as she closed her notepad and returned it and her pencil to the bag sat beside her. He shrugged, gazing out at the pedestrians and cars moving past.

"I don't know, really", he replied, watching the world move past. He knew what he wanted to discuss with her, yet somehow, despite their years of companionship, he wasn't sure how to best broach the subject. After a few moments of companionable silence, Gwen started to softly sing a faint song. It wasn't a melody he recognised, though the words were soothing, all the same. For a moment, it was as though the city and outside world no longer existed. For just a moment, he was able to ignore his responsibilities and the weight bearing down on him. She fell silent, and once more, they quietly observed. Finally, he spoke the words that he'd been struggling with for the past few weeks.

"I've been thinking about the dance," he told her, speaking casually. She nodded thoughtfully, letting loose a faint hum. "And I don't have a date, and I don't think you do yet either. I assume if you had, you would have mentioned it". She nodded, still saying nothing. His enhanced hearing picked up a faint hitch in her breath and slight increase in her heart rate. "Anyway, I guess I was just wondering; would you maybe like to go together? Just as friends?" She nodded.

"Yeah. That sounds great". He grinned at her, and she beamed back.

"Glad we got that out of the way then". She laughed.

"Me too".

–AoS–

Sunday, June 24th 2012 9:19 AM

NYPD - Captain Stacy's office

"So what have you got?" Nate asked as he flew in the window Stacy had left open. "You said something was going on that was 'up my alley'?" The captain nodded, closing the window once more. He gestured to Nate to join him near his laptop. Sat next to the computer was a thick folder. The captain quickly booted up the laptop whilst sliding the folder over to him. Nate lifted it up carefully, before quickly speed Reading through the files within.

"There's not much concrete stuff in here". The captain shook his head.

"Nope, sorry. But that's why we need you sometimes. Ever since you started working more closely with us, most criminals in New York have cut out violent crimes. Even the Russians have gone quiet for the moment. Doesn't pay all that well when we have a guy who can seemingly turn up wherever he wants whenever he wants, and whom all their weapons just bounce off of. But our special informants suggest that something's changed. We don't have any proof. Not yet, at least. But we're fairly sure the people in that folder are to blame". He pulled up an image of a middle aged man with short brown hair wearing a slightly soiled lab coat.

"Meet George Tarleton. Genius Technician. Started out as a middleman grunt, and now he's worked his way up to second in command of the whole operation. His friends at A.I.M apparently call him M.O.D.O.C, the Mental Organism Designed Only for Computation. He tried landing a job with Hank Pym before being headhunted for Advanced Idea Mechanics by this woman, the current head of the company, Monica Rappaccini. She graduated from the University of Padua, and is now considered one of the world's foremost bioengineers, and an expert in antitoxins. Bruce Banner claims she stole his research to win her Nobel Prize, but that has never been proven". He pulled up a second image of a woman with black hair and tanned skin. Unlike Tarleton, she was immaculately dressed. "According to most of our informants, A.I.M have recently been moving large shipments of weapons into the city. For what purpose, everyone's been silent. Either no one knows, or this is all some kind of set up. Problem is, whenever we get to the sites mentioned for pick up or exchange, there's no one there, and no evidence of weapons. I don't have enough to mount a formal investigation of the company, but I can't afford to have a gang war either. Or something worse. I need someone discreet and not tied to the NYPD".

"I'm on it". Nate stated simply. The captain nodded with a smile.

"Figured you would".

Opening the window, Nate flew out into the city, wondering where to start.

–AoS–

7:53 PM

The shipment had arrived. AIM personnel dressed as dock workers carefully wheeled crates off the ship and over to his men, helping them to load them onto the trucks. He sat silently in the nondescript sedan across the road, watching the progress. His prosthetic arm rubbed against the stump, and he grit his teeth as he felt the familiar need to scratch the flesh that was no longer there. Tarleton opened the door, joining him in the car. The other man lit up a smoke, handing him a second. He mumbled his thanks. "There's more here than the last few times," the engineer stated quietly. "Just like you requested. Doctor Rappaccini has requested that I remind you of your side of the deal".

He grunted, glaring at the other man. "I'm well aware of my part. However, there is one thing that confuses me. There are rumours among my men that your 'silent client' has been handing out your tech to the Italians. What the hell are you up to?" Tarleton let out a puff of smoke before opening the door and snuffing the cigarette out against the road.

"Information is not what we agree to provide, Mr Petrov. More importantly, that's not what you paid for. You just enjoy your new equipment and keep up your part. We'll be in touch soon". Tarleton hopped out of the car, the door closing behind him. Vladimir let loose a sigh, running a hand through his hair stiffly as he briefly wondered what he'd gotten himself mixed up in.

–AoS–

Oscorp building, Manhattan

The assistant glanced up. She smiled at him sweetly. "You can go in now". Peter nodded, straightening and tightening his tie as he did so. He made his way into the office, taking deep breaths. Despite being a slight man, and only a few inches taller than Peter himself, Norman Osborn cut an intimidating figure. With his coldly shrewd blue eyes, immaculately styled short brown hair, faint stubble and perfectly crisp suit, it was easy to see how the man in front of him had become one of the country's most successful businessmen by the age of thirty. Osborn offered the ghost of a smile. "Sit down, Mr Parker." His voice was sharp and quiet.

"What can I do for you, Mr Parker?" Peter played with his cuticles nervously, handing over his report card from his bag.

"I'm starting at Midtown high soon sir. After the summer break. I want to study either chemistry or physics, and I guess I was wondering if maybe I could get a job. Nothing too big, of course," he added quickly. "I don't want anything for nothing sir. Actually, I'm sorry sir, this was stupid -" Osborn raised a hand, chuckling softly. He glanced up from the report card, eyes meeting Peter's across the table.

"Don't apologize, Mr Parker. I never do". Peter nodded, gulping slightly. Osborn's lips twitched slightly upwards. "Good grades. Brilliant even. And I appreciate your intuition. Unfortunately, I don't have anything for you at the moment". Peter nodded, trying his best not to look glum. Osborn opened a draw, pulling out a small slip of paper and began writing. He slid the paper over to him. "Take this. It's the name and address of a friend of mine. He and his wife own a small lab in the city. I find them, though they don't work directly for me. Their Lab assistant recently had to quit. Tell them I sent you. If you do well there, and they sign off on you, there'll be a job waiting for you here when you're done with high school". Peter nodded.

"Thank you sir. Thank you so much! I won't let you down!"

Osborn smiled slightly again. "I like you Mr Parker. My son Harry, he's returning from boarding school this weekend. He'll be attending midtown as well. I wonder if you'd mind taking him under your wing this year. Maybe give him some tutoring". Peter nodded. Osborn offered a hand, which he shook.

"Excellent. Swing by on the weekend, to meet harry. I have a feeling this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Peter Parker".

–AoS–

Wednesday, June 27th 2:15 PM

With their final exam finished, the graduating class of midtown middle school were permitted to leave early to prepare for the school dance. With another school year finished, Peter found himself being congratulated by Ned, Nate, Gwen,etty. He, Betty, and Ned had agreed to go to the dance as a trio. Nate and Gwen were going together as each other's date. Despite knowing they were only going as friends, the thought left a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. Shoving the feeling aside, he did his best to ignore it. Most likely, it was just unease knowing one of his two best friends would soon be gone to a boarding school and having no idea when he'd get to see him.

The group separated at the school gates. The girls rushed off to meet Betty's mom whilst he, Ned, and Nate made their way over to uncle Ben. They'd agreed to get fitted for tuxedos whilst the girls went dress shopping. Afterwards, Peter, Ned, and Betty would meet up at his aunt and uncle's before heading to the school together. Nate and Gwen planned to meet them there. His uncle greeted his friends as they hopped into the sedan, asking how exams went. All three boys agreed they felt they'd done well. Ben clapped Peter on the shoulder in congratulations as they pulled out of the car park.

–AoS–

He stood patiently on the stool as the tailor worked, taking measurements and checking the fit of the jacket. The photo Gwen had sent of her dress sat on his phone at the base of the mirror so they could keep referring to it to make sure he and Gwen would match. The old man stood back to admire his handiwork. A crisp black suit with black pants, a dark blue cotton shirt and red tie. He nodded, smiling at Nate. "Like it?" He asked. Nate nodded, stepping down and shaking hands with the man.

"I love it".

"Excellent. You go get changed, then I'll run it up. And you can wait for your friends to finish in the front room, if you wish". Nate nodded gratefully. He made his way towards the nearest changing room, redressing in his school clothes. Exiting the changing room, he handed the old man the money his mom had gifted him to pay for the clothes. The tailor thanked him, handing over his change and shuffling off to help Peter and Ned. Nate was about to browse the shoes when he heard a scream from the other side of town. Glancing around quickly to make sure Ben Parker wasn't paying attention, he stepped out through the front door, and ducked down an alleyway. Moments later, Sentinel was streaking across the sky in the direction of city hall.

–AoS–

Wattanabe rushed into his office, out of breath and looking alarmed. He glanced up, closing his computer screen as he did so. "What is it?" He asked the other officer. She leaned against the back of a chair, eyes wide with fear".

"City Hall. Petrov's crew shot it up. They've taken the mayor hostage. Apparently, they've got some sort of high tech weapons". He leaped out of his seat, gesturing for her to follow him. She rushed after him, unclipping her holster as they ran. He glanced back at her.

"You're driving. You're faster than me". She nodded.

–AoS–

They made their way downstairs, the mayor in tow. These AIM weapons had done all they'd promised. With the new suits and guns, they'd be unstoppable. And if Rappaccini has given the tech to someone else in the city, they could worry about that later. They'd been paid to wreak havoc. And Vladimir Petrov never reneged on a deal.

Sirens sounded in the streets outside the hall. His boys winced slightly. The mayor smirked, glancing smugly at him. "There's no way you're getting out of this one, Petrov. Not now." He glared down at her, flexing his metal arm and brushing the trigger of his rifle. If she thought the cops could stop him now, she was mistaken. Fatally so.

The five of them stepped out into the afternoon sun. The police had barricaded the entrance to city hall, cars and SWAT vans blocking the streets. He hoisted his rifle, firing a repulsor blast of orange energy at the nearest officer, a negotiator holding a bullhorn. The blast struck her in the chest before she could dive out of the way, throwing her back several feet. The others opened fire, bullets bouncing off their suits. Unleashing blasts of energy from his rifle and suit, he watched, amused, as two of the squad cars and one of the SWAT vans erupted into flames, carving a hole in the barricade.

Making his way downstairs, he turned back to give one of his men an order. "You get our esteemed madam mayor out of here. I want her gone before we end up with trouble from the man upstairs. The rest of us will make certain this lot are dead. Painfully certain". The other man blinked. Reaching out to seize the mayor, he made his way down next to Vladimir.

"I never even realised you was religious, boss" Vladimir rolled his eyes.

"That's because he's not the man upstairs I'm concerned with, Roth". The other man blinked once more, before his eyes widened in recognition.

Glancing up at the sky, Roth gulped. "Right, sorry boss".

–AoS–

They raced through Manhattan, sirens whirring as they went. George flicked his handgun shut, slipping it back into his holster. He gazed out at the city rushing past, mind racing almost as fast as the car. The radio gave constant updates as they made their way towards city hall. "Kidnapping the mayor with advanced weapons. Our guy said Petrov was expecting a shipment. It's got to be AIM tech". He spoke aloud. Yuri, focused on the road ahead, nodded.

"It's enough to make me yearn for the days when we had to worry about shotguns and assault rifles". She stated with a sardonic grin. George clung tightly to the handgrip above his head as the car skidded to the left. He glanced back over his shoulder worriedly.

"Ahh, Yuri, shouldn't we have taken a right back there? You're going the wrong way!"

She shook her head. "Captain, I'm pretty sure these clowns are expecting someone to come at them head on. Probably someone with a cape." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, grinning as she turned the car once more. "We'll be able to help him better if we take a back route. Besides I know a short cut".

–AoS–

They came skidding around the corner and onto the street outside city hall. A couple dozen officers were already on the scene, firing off shots in the direction of four armour clad individuals with the mayor crouched low behind them. Yuri floored the pedal, slamming into the one in front from the side, sending him careening into the sidewalk. George jumped out of the passenger seat, side arm pointed towards Petrov's armoured head. "Hands where I can see them Vladimir! You know as well as I do, you don't want to be a cop killer!" The Russian glared at him as he stalked forward, palm outstretched and ready to fire a pulse of energy.

"Oh yeah, Captain? And why is that?" The gauntlet glowed a bright red as he charged the beam. Just as he was about to unleash a certainly fatal stream of energy, two beams of blue light slammed into the suit, blowing up the glove of his armour. George ducked behind the car, pulling Yuri down with him as he went. She peeked around the front of the car, snapping off a shot.

A clear voice could be heard over the rushing wind and hails of bullets from the other officers shooting. "Because I'll stop you, Petrov. That's why". Yuri grinned at him as he stood up, firing a shot at one of Petrov's men. He ducked back down, the sound of one of the enemies being tossed into a nearby structure meeting their ears. She grinned at him. "Sounds like the cavalry's here, cap." He nodded, taking a moment to reload his pistol. Yuri once again poked her head above the parapet, letting out a whoop at whatever she saw.

George leaped to his feet, rushing over to cuff the fallen man and attempt to reach the mayor. He ducked under a stray blast of energy, and winced almost sympathetically as Sentinel flew one of the armoured men into the air before dropping him onto the concrete below. Though the man inside was still alive, the suit itself had clearly shorted out. George rushed over to the prone Russian, picking his rifle up off the ground beside him. "Ouch. Sorry mate. It looked like that hurt". As Petrov and Sentinel brawled near a parked SWAT van, the former slammed into the side of the vehicle, George slid behind a pillar, firing blasts from the rifle at the man closest to the mayor. The first bolt struck the other man's shoulder pad, nicking the armour. The other man spun around, immediately returning fire. Yuri rushed up alongside him, emptying her pistol as she went. She whistled slowly as Sentinel spun Petrov through the air before tossing him into a nearby empty building. George grinned as a stray energy bolt struck the last enemy on the face plate, knocking off his transparent helmet and allowing Yuri to shoot him in the forehead.

The two officers rushed over to the shaken mayor, Yuri inspecting the hostile to confirm he was dead. Sentinel landed beside them, Petrov struggling to break free of his grip. Yuri made her way over to the pair, cuffing the Russian as she high fives the superhero before escorting the prisoner over to the swat team. Petrov kicked and swore in Russian the entire way, even as they shoved him into the back of the van and slammed the doors. The mayor clutches George's hands, thanking him repeatedly. He waved off her gratitude, assuring her it was only his job.

She turned her attention to sentinel, who stood off to the side talking to Wattanabe. The hero stood up straighter and met her gaze as she approached the pair. The mayor offered a hand, which he quickly accepted. They shook hands, the mayor smiling as they did. "Sentinel. It's a nice change of pace to be able to thank you in person. This city owes you a considerable debt. I owe you far more than that". The hero smiled, clearly embarrassed.

"It's alright madam mayor. I'm just doing what I can to help out". They shook hands again. He turned to Wattanabe. "I'll see you around, Yuri". The detective nodded, waving goodbye as he took off into the sky. Mayor Stone made her way over to the other officers. George handed the rifle over for evidence before walking over to stand next to the young detective.

"Not bad for a day's work, I'd say. We've got some real evidence now, at least". Yuri nodded thoughtfully, still watching the sky where Sentinel had been. He gestured down the road. "Come on, Wattanabe. I'll get you a coffee". She grinned and they made their way off down the street.

–AoS–

The doorbell rang. Stretching out on the couch, Gwen groaned slightly. It was too early for Nate to have arrived. Maybe Peter or one of the others had forgotten something. She'd been enjoying a quiet afternoon with the apartment to herself. She'd just resolved to send them away if they were trying to sell anything when the ringing sounded again, more urgent than before. "Just give me a second!" She shouted, rolling her eyes. Her mother always said these salesmen were vultures. She was starting to wonder if maybe she was right. "I'm coming!" She opened the door, stifling a yawn as she did so, running her eyes.

On the other side of the door was a well put together woman, wearing a pinstripe jacket and pencil skirt with practical shoes. She smiled warmly, curled brown hair brushed neatly behind her ears. She didn't appear to be holding anything to sell, just a simple handbag. Gwen frowned slightly. The brunette smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "I'm so sorry to bother you," she laughed, brown eyes shining, "but I was wondering if maybe you had a phone I could borrow? My car broke down on the way to work outside your door". She pointed down the stairs onto the sidewalk where a stationary green Nissan sat, hood popped. "My phone is dead, and I need to call my maintenance guy". She was clearly desperate and embarrassed. Gwen nodded slowly, telling her to wait there. Floating a few inches above the ground, he hovered out after him. Doom swore, pushing himself onto his hands and knees. Nate glared at him as he floated above the snow covered mountain peak.

"Thank you so much for this," the woman called after her as she made her way into her mom and dad's study to get the phone. "You're a lifesaver. If I don't get to this meeting, I'm gonna lose a major deal. My entire business rests on getting this package where it needs to go. My name's Monica, by the way". Gwen returned with the phone, passing it over.

"I'm Gwen," she replied. Monica smiled, offering her a hand. She took it. The other woman had a limp grip, she noticed. Monica began dialling, holding the phone up to her ear once she was finished. "Yes, Vic," she was saying, rolling her eyes fondly as she grinned at Gwen. She smiled back awkwardly, waiting for the woman to finish. "Yes, I have your package here. I can get it to the apartment in an hour or so, but my car broke down. Just wanted to let you know. This sweet girl named Gwen lent me a phone. Okay, bye-bye". She hung up, and after a second quick call to a mechanic, handed the phone back. She began fishing around in her purse, explaining she felt bad and wanted to pay Gwen back. She assured the woman it wasn't necessary, but she insisted. She grinned after a few minutes.

"I knew it was in here somewhere. Here we go". A thin mist was sprayed into Gwen's face, and she staggered backwards into the apartment. Monica smiled as she stepped in after her, closing the door behind her. Gwen groaned, rubbing her head as she gripped the wall in an effort to stay on her feet. "Don't worry," Monica continued, a sweet smile still plastered on her face. "It's perfectly harmless. Just something to relax you so you'll sleep on the trip. I'm sure by now you've realised my car wasn't really broken down. Sorry about that, I needed you to let your guard down. Someone really wants their hands on you, Gwenie. You've made me a lot of money". The last thing Gwen Stacy knew was Monica Rappaccini's warm brown eyes as the woman helped lower her safely to the floor.

–AoS–

When she next awoke, it was in an unknown stone building. A roaring flame flickered merrily in a nearby fireplace. She was sitting in a comfortable wooden chair with velvet lining. She was unbound, and a meal had been laid out in front of her. There was a faint smell of pine needles in the air, mixed with something else she couldn't quite place. With a groan, Gwen carefully sat up, pulling the chair closer to the table. Reaching tentatively for a knife and fork, she cautiously took a bite of the offered food. "Do you like it," came a soft, faintly accented voice from the corner of the room as the door opened. Her gaze snapped up, looking for the newcomer. He stood in the doorway, armour and cloak covered body silhouetted in the faint light of the fire. She could not make out his face under the deep hood of his cape.

"Who are you?" She asked, ignoring his comment on the food. He laughed, the sound mocking.

"It is considered rude where I come from to answer one question with another. Perhaps we might make a game of it, wouldn't you agree, Gwen?" She glared spitefully at him. Her father had always taught her to keep sick freaks like this talking, distracted, if she could. Still, everything about him made her skin crawl. The less direct interaction they had, the better. But perhaps, at least for the moment…

"The food is fine. How do you know my name?"

"Because I took my time. Did my homework, as you Americans say. Just fine?"

"It's good, I suppose," she took another bite. "Why am I here?" His eyes gleamed in the light.

"We come to it. Because I needed you here, and I have friends who were more than happy to oblige me. Where do you think we are?"

"I'm not sure. I'd say we aren't in New York though. Your accent is European, but we couldn't have gotten that far. Why do you need me here?"

"Bait. What makes you think we couldn't be in Europe?"

"Travel time. There's no way you could have gotten me all the way to Europe by now. Unless you had powers. Do you? Have powers I mean?"

"I do. Are you afraid?"

"Yes. Who am I bait for?".

"You are wise to fear Doom, little girl" he stepped fully into the light, revealing a silver metallic mask in addition to the rest of the armour. It made him look like some sort of soulless machine. Like he was some early artists impression of Darth Vader. He glared down at her, eyes flashing out from the slits in his mask. She gulped".

"You haven't answered my last question". She breathed softly. He smirked, reaching into his emerald robes. He retrieved a small device in one hand. In the half light, she couldn't make out what it was. With his other hand, he reached up and removed the face plate of his mask. She let out a horrified gasp. Underneath the mask was the warm smiling face of Mr McNorman. He grinned at her, placing her missing mobile she'd lost almost two years prior on the table next to her plate.

"Does this answer your question, Gwen?"

She nodded.

–AoS–

He walked out of the bathroom, brushing his hair as he made his way back into his room, still shirtless from his earlier shower. Grabbing the blue cotton shirt off his bed, he started buttoning it up, only to stop as the phone on his bedside table began to vibrate. Hastily grabbing it, he frowned when he saw the caller ID. Gwen's old number. She'd lost the phone the Christmas before last. Why would whoever found - or more likely stole - it be calling him now. Despite his misgivings, he answered, telling Violet to try and trace the call. A shaky voice greeted him when he spoke. Cold dread tightened his chest. "Gwen?" He murmured hoarsely. She responded affirmatively. He could tell she'd been crying. There was a struggle on the other end, followed by the sound of something hard striking flesh and renewed tears. A second voice spoke.

"My apologies, Sentinel. I expected her to be a good girl. She refused to cooperate. I have your friend. Come to castle von Doom in Latveria. I know how fast you can fly. If you do not arrive on schedule, Gwen dies. Do you understand me, young Atlas?" Nate gulped, feeling a mix of horror, rage, and betrayal bubbling up inside him.

"Mr McNorman?"

"No. Call me Doom. Victor Von Doom".

–AoS–

He slammed through the ceiling of the castle into the entrance hall, gazing around darkly. A shadowy figure approached from upstairs. "Ahh. Perfect timing, Sentinel. This way, please". Within an instant, he was on top of the figure in familiar armour, smashing its silver mask. Cold mocking laughter reverberated through the stone walls of the castle. The armoured figure exploded, throwing him back over the bannister. Winded, Nate pushed himself up, wondering briefly if he should have ignored the threat and stopped for help. "Surely, young Atlas, you never believed it would be that easy? You can punch and kick as much as you like. Destroy as many Doombots as you like. But you will never harm Doom. He is eternal! Doom fears no mortal! Especially not a stupid little boy with a spandex suit!"

He snorted loudly. "Then cut out the theatrics, stop hiding behind your toy soldiers, and FACE ME YOU GUTLESS COWARD!" The stones beneath his feet shook violently. Emerald fires erupted from between the cobblestones. A shimmering mystic portal opened in front of him and a streak of emerald lightning arced out, too fast to dodge. The energy slammed into his chest, lifting him off his feet and tossing him back into the fire. He screamed as the flames licked at his suit. Doom stepped through the portal, metal boots scraping noisily against the stone floor.

"Coward! Coward am I? Doom is no coward! You will regret those words boy". A blast of magical energy sent him slamming into the wall. Doom stuck a hand out, slashing a hole in reality and retrieving a gleaming silver sword. Nate staggered to his feet, running towards the dictator and swinging a first towards his helmeted face. Doom raised his open palm, and Nate's attack met a thin magical shield. A slash from the sword cut his cheek. Doom kicked him in the knee, the blow enhanced by arcane energy. He slammed into the floor, leaving a narrow crater where he fell. Doom sneered down at him.

The dictator snapped out a hand. Thick emerald arcane chains wound their way around his waist, arms and legs, binding him to the floor of the castle. Doom splayed his palm outwards. Emerald lightning slammed into Nate's chest, snaking out across his entire body. He let out an agonised howl as Doom's cold laughter intermingled with his screams, creating a horrific melody. A slash from the blade soon had his other cheek spraying blood. Doom halted his attack, stalking around him in a circle.

"I had expected more from you," the Dictator rasped through his mask. "Years of planning. Of careful preparation. For this!" A final chain wound around his neck. Slowly but surely, the chains began to tighten and constrict his airways. He struggled, desperately trying to sit up, to break free. Doom stared coldly down at him, watching him fight. Watching him lose. Watching him die. "You're no hero. You aren't even a nuisance. And when I'm done with you, the road will be open. This world will belong to Doom. I shall guide humanity to a golden age! I had hoped perhaps you might get to see it, but no matter".

Nate struggled for each breath. He could feel himself slipping in and out of consciousness. Doom and the rest of the castle around them were begging to blur. He could hear his heart thumping in his chest. Hear the blood rushing in his ears. Doom turned back towards him, smiling nastily. A blast of concussive energy slammed into his torso. He felt bile rising in his throat, and tasted copper in his mouth. Still, he struggled uselessly against the chains. Doom ran the flat of the blade along his cheeks, wiping off blood from each side.

Terror gripped him. 'Doom is going to win' he thought, 'he's going to win, and then everyone I love is going to die'. The thoughts came to him slowly now, his brain slowly shutting down. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he realised he could no longer see. His struggles against the chains were much more sluggish now. 'My mom and Steve. Captain Stacy and Yuri. Stark. T'Challa and Shuri'. In his mind's eye, he could almost make out their smiling faces. 'The people of Wakanda. Anyone who would oppose him. He's going to kill them all. He said so himself. He wants power. It's all he cares about. They'll all die. But first, Gwen and I will die. Unless I stop him'. The thought came almost unbidden. His eyes snapped open, a warm glowing crimson. Two streaks of blue energy collided with the back of Doom's head, dropping him to his knees.

The chains loosened slightly. He took a deep gulp of air, and once more strained against the bonds. The links sagged and finally snapped apart, allowing him to stand up. Within moments, he was on top of the still stunned Doom. With a single move, he lifted him above his head and punched him through the front door of the castle. Floating an inch above the ground, Nate hovered out after him. Doom was pushing himself up onto his hands and knees. Floating above the snow covered peak, Nate glared at him.

"You actually think you can rule this world? Well I'm right here, where I'll always be; between the innocent people of this world and you. You're insane Victor, and I'm going to stop you". Doom dug his fingers through the snow, and tilted his masked head up, eyes flashing behind the narrow slits. He threw his head back, laughing maniacally.

"Innocent?!" He spat, eyes dark "there's no such word! Humans are scum! Filth! The worst creatures in all the universe! It was humans who took away the only things I ever loved! If you think these creatures are worth fighting for, then you're living in a dream world!" He spat blood. "And you'll die in one too" he hissed softly. Nate shook his head. Doom shot forwards like a sprinter off the block, Nate flying in to meet him. They collided, the force throwing bursts of air around them and throwing both back. They slammed together once again, Nate's punch met by a blast of concussive force as the dictator struck him on the chin. Each time they collided, they were thrown back, only to fly through the air and smash into each other again. Nate slammed his fist against cold Steel of Doom's helmet, sending him flying. He swooped after him, slamming the Latverian with a chilling gust of wind. The frosty breath coated Doom's cape and limbs with icicles, slowing him down and allowing Nate to sledgehammer him into the mountain below.

He dived down towards the dictator, stomping on Doom's chest with both feet. The Latverian snarled, letting loose a blast of energy which sent him flying back through the air and slamming back first into the ground a few metres from Doom's position. Snow crunched underneath him. He could feel rocks rubbing against his cape. Exhausted, he let his head fall back against the rocks underneath him. His breath came out in ragged huffs. A thin stream of cold air escaped his mouth and floated above his prone form. There was no energy left in his body, he knew. Even the adrenaline had worn off. Every muscle in his body ached. His throat felt as though it were on fire. His arms and legs felt like dead weight. With a sigh, he tried to push himself into a sitting position and failed.

–AoS–

Gwen crept out of the castle, and onto the mountainside beyond. Freezing cold bit into her skin. She could make out dim lights of a nearby town at the foot of the mountain. Miles of destruction seemed to stretch further up, higher up the cliff. Hundreds of trees has been uprooted. Rocks lay cracked and strewn for miles. She scanned the destruction before spotting what she was looking for. A few hundred metres off to the east she saw them. Nate and Doom were both lying in a shallow crater, neither moving. Cold terror gripped her heart in a vice and she took off running. She moved as fast as she dared across the broken ground.

Just as she began to wonder if she could go any further, with her heart hammering in her chest, breath ragged, and feet aching like she'd been stung, she made it. With her knees about to give way beneath her, she slid down into the lip of the crater. Rushing across the uneven earth, Gwen Stacy fell to her knees at her best friend's side. She called his name, desperately trying to shake him awake. One eye opened, and he peered at her, smiling softly. "Hey," he breathed out, voice a low rasp. Gwen tried to choke back more tears, letting out a faint laugh.

"Hey" she replied. He reached for her hand, and she offered it, helping to pull him onto one knee. Across from them her kidnapper - their favourite teacher - sat up. He gazed at them through a thin sheet of crimson. At some point during their brawl, she realised with mounting horror, his mask had been broken. Pieces of jagged metal were embedded in his skin. Whatever strange magic that had made him look like his former handsome self had been dispelled. Thick burn scars littered the once pristine skin, like a patchwork of cobwebs. His eyes, now a shocking mask of red and blue stared back at them, glazed over and full of hatred. She pulled Nate to his feet, one arm slung over her shoulders. Doom floated up, hovering just an inch above the dirt. He and Nate stared at one another for several horrific seconds. Finally, Doom's quiet voice shattered the silence.

"Go", he ordered.

"What?" Nate's tone was stunned.

"Go", Doom repeated, "take your little friend and get out of my sight. Go. And remember you live only because Doom allows it". Without needing to be told again, Nate let the arm around her shoulders drop, wrapping it tightly around her waist. With a lurch, she found herself freefalling through the open sky, with only Nate to hold her up. She leaned in, wrapping an arm tightly around his neck and resting her forehead in the crook of his neck.

–AoS–

Wednesday, 27th of June, 7:15 PM

Midtown high school gym and auditorium

They made their way into the room, arm in arm. Ahead of them were Peter, Ned, and Betty. Beside him, Gwen looked stunning with her hair pinned back and wearing a beautiful dark blue gown that fell down to just past her knees and a pair of dancing shoes. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he wasn't worried about villains or criminals, or listening out for cries for help. He was focused on himself and his friends. Gwen grinned up at him as they entered the hall and found their table. Peter and Ned both rushed to help Betty sit down. The ensuing scuffle made all five of them laugh. Nate pulled out first Gwen's seat then his own beside her.

They ate a simple meal; fish and chips for him, crumbed steak, vegetables and salad for her. Gwen offered him some of the salad, he gave her a few of the chips. After dinner was finished, with Ned and Peter bickering over some Lego project or other, Nate stood, offering a hand to Gwen and gesturing to the dance floor. His best friend grined, her eyes shining in the way he's always adored, and took his hand. The pair made their way out onto the dance floor. They weren't the first ones to get the idea, but there were only a few already. With her hands in his, Nate took charge. He lead her in a slow dance his mother taught him years ago for his aunt's wedding. They swayed in time with the music. It was one song he'd not heard before, but that didn't bother him. As they moved from side to side and Gwen let her head once again rest on his neck and shoulder, his mind was swimming.

'She could have been killed today. We - I - almost lost her. Doom studied me for years. He did his homework. Figured out my identity. He knew everything there was to know about me. Most of it, I told him myself. And when he wanted to force me into a confrontation, he abducted Gwen. He could have taken anybody. Peter, Alexis, my mom. Even Steven. He must have known that he could have just taken a random person off the street and I still would have come to save them'. Nate winced slightly. 'He could still try that now and I'd go, regardless of what I know now', he realised. It was somehow both a reassuring and sobering realization.

'And yet, even with all the things he could have done, he still chose to take Gwen. Maybe me going to the school in Salem will be a good thing? I guess it could be good for us to get away from each other for a few years. At least that way, Doom might leave her alone. And what about all the other criminals? Will Doom tell them about me? My friends and family are in more danger from me now than they ever were before'. Gwen lifted her head from off his shoulder. She frowned when their gazes met and he stepped back from their embrace. Nate bent down, kissing her on the forehead. "I'm sorry," he told his best friend, already feeling the tears that were threatening to fall. "I need to get going". He turned and fled the room, ignoring Gwen as she called his name.

Stepping out into the warm evening, Nate leaned a hand against a nearby pillar, taking a few calming breaths. He leaned his back against the pillar, clenching his eyes shut. In the distance, he could hear the city like a living thing. Shouts, cheers, laughter and jeering crowds. It made him wonder briefly what a normal life would have felt like. A familiar shout pierced through the gloom, followed by hurried footsteps. Briefly, the thought of ignoring her crossed his mind. It would have been easy. Just fly away and leave her standing there. There was always an ongoing crime somewhere in the world, he could use that as an excuse the next time they talked. If they did. His hand hovered over the face of his watch.

But no. He was a hero, not a coward. If he was going to be a hero, a real hero, he had to face his fears. Especially if his fears were sweet, funny, brilliant blondes. Besides, he'd made a promise. A promise to both of them that he'd stick the evening out and not go off half way through. Especially after the horrors of that afternoon. She cleared her throat to let him know she was there. Reaching his side, Gwen reached out, taking his hand in both of hers. For several moments they stood there in the silence, neither moving or speaking. It was a nice silence. Finally, she spoke.

"What is it?" Nate tilted his head down, gazing into her eyes. Gwen shrugged with a faint grin before answering the silent question. "Didn't make sense to ask if you were okay. I know you well enough to know otherwise." Nate nodded, gazing out at the city, silently watching. He sighed before turning to her once more.

"You feel like maybe going for a walk?" She nodded happily, tugging him along, still holding his hand as she began meandering around the school yard. She seemed to have no set goal in mind, just continued motion. Nate had no way of knowing for how long they walked, but he'd never appreciated her more than in that moment. "I was just thinking about what happened today". Once he'd started, the words were impossible to keep in. "What it might mean for me. For us, I guess. You, me, my folks, Peter and the others. My baby sister. Everyone I know, I guess. What if Doom tries again? I don't think I can tie with him a second time. He's never going to stop. When he comes back, he'll be even more powerful". Gwen ran her thumb soothingly over his wrist. Nate smiled gratefully.

"Or worse," he continued, kicking a rock along as they walked, "what if he just starts telling people who I am? He could do a lot more damage that way anyway. Get me arrested, probably. Send more people after you instead. People I would never see coming". Gwen tugged on his hand, and they fell still. Nate blinked as his feet fell to a halt, almost of their own accord. Gwen tugged him around to face her. With a soft smile, she reached up and brushed his hair back. Taking both his hands in hers, Gwen met his eyes, still smiling. For a brief moment, Nate felt a strange sensation in his stomach. One he had felt around her before.

"I get where you're coming from" Gwen smiled, rubbing his palms. "I really do, Nate. But I also think you're over thinking things. You're right, we don't know what comes next. But I do know that we're going to face it together, whatever it is". Nate opened his mouth to object, but Gwen glared at him playfully before pushing on. "I wasn't actually going to say anything tonight. I had planned on waiting for the right time. But, given the circumstances. And really, I guess there is no right time, is there?" Tightening her grip on his hands, Gwen's smile turned unsure.

"Okay. Here goes. This is the truth; I like you". Nate blinked. He grinned at her.

"Well yeah. You're my best friend. I like you too." Gwen rolled her eyes.

"No. I mean - I really, really like you. Like I like you more than a friend likes another friend. A lot more than that, to be honest. Like I feel like I really hope you feel the same way about me. Because I don't want to be your best friend anymore. I want to be the girl of your dreams. I want to be the first person you think of when you wake up in the morning. The last thing you think of when you go to bed. I think there's something here, and most of all I want to see where it goes". Nate stared at her, stunned by the revelations.

"Well?"

"Oh," he whispered, and now there really were tears. He pulled a hand out of hers, wound his arm around her, and bent to capture her lips with his own. Gwen smiled against his lips, wrapping a hand around his head, fingers running through his hair. Her other hand slid down his arm, brushing against the face of his watch. In a moment, they were up in the air.

–AoS–

It was perfect. Better than she ever could have hoped for. Nate's arm was safely wrapped around her, keeping her in place as they flew higher. His cape flapped out behind him, keeping her safe from the wind. Gwen hadn't actually meant to activate the suit, though now she was glad she had. They pulled back briefly and he grinned at her as their eyes met. Not satisfied with that, Gwen smirked, tugging him back in as they broke through the first layer of cloud cover, corkscrewing in a circle as they went. This was the greatest experience she'd ever had. For the first time in her life, she could understand what he felt every day when he flew through the sky like this. What she'd told Nate was true.

There was no way of knowing what their future would hold. No way of knowing what might happen to either of them, or to their friends and family. Gwen knew that better than most. Her father was a police officer, every day he left, and every day she and her mother wondered if he would come back. And yes, Doom knew about Nate. And yes, he knew she was important to him. And Nate was going to a new school. They didn't know when they would have time to see each other. Gwen wasn't even sure what this was. Whether or not it was love.

Up here though, none of that was an issue. The wind whipped through her hair, tickling both of their faces. Nate grinned against her lips as he brushed the hair back behind her ear. Stars twinkled above them as they danced through the sky, Nate slowly spinning them around. This was what he felt every day, she realised then. This total freedom as he soared through the air. This was what Doom had meant to take away. The thought sickened her.

But Doom did not matter. What he knew or didn't know did not matter. At that moment, it didn't matter where she or Nate was going to be in a year. It didn't even matter how they really felt about each other. Not for that moment. For one brief, beautiful span of time, as he held her against his chest and she soared with him up in the clouds, the only things that mattered were simple facts.

That she was Nate's. That Nate was hers. That she was in the safest place in the world, right by his side. That she was happy.

Monica Rappaccini - Claudia Doumit

George Tarleton - Rainn Wilson

Norman Osborn - Jason Isaacs

And since I forgot to add them last chapter;

Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Skurge - Karl Urban

Laufey - voiced by Ian McShane

Amora / the Enchantress - Samara Weaving

Loki - Tom Hiddleston

Odin - Anthony Hopkins

Frigga - Rene Russo

Sif - Jaimie Alexander

Volstagg - Ray Stevenson

Fandral - Zachary Levi

Hogun - Tadanobu Asano

Heimdall - Idris Elba