A/N: This is a mini comic from the Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes: Adaptation. I hope you enjoy. I made a mix mash of the next chapter... it seemed like a good thing to me to not waste it...
New York, Liberty Island...
As the morning sun rose higher, it bathed the Statue of Liberty in a brilliant rosy glow. Beside it, the Captain America memorial should have been just as bright and shiny. Unfortunately, something was amiss...
Police: We got the call about an hour ago.
A police officer explained. Beside him, Iron Man and Hawkeye studied the pair of statues depicting Captain America and his youthful sidekick Bucky, erected after their apparent demises near the end of World War Two... only the head of Captain America had been broken off and lay at the foot of the memorial.
Iron Man: It got hit in the Skull invasion?
Iron Man asked.
Police: No, sir. We checked the security cameras. It was pushed over by an angry mob.
The officer explained.
Policed Everyday people did this.
Like a dark cloud settling over them, the two Avengers exchanged concerned looks.
Hawkeye: Good thing you gave him the day off. Poor guy might be crushed to see this.
Hawkeye remarked offhand.
Hawkeye: I thought SHIELD and the government were supposed to be doing something about it?
He wondered quietly.
Iron Man: They are.
Iron Man answered.
Iron Man: Unfortunately, I don't think anything is gonna be able to get ahead of public opinion.
The two turned around and surveyed the random civilians strolling around the memorial, either passively interested or incredibly disinterested.
Hawkeye: What does that mean for Cap?
The archer inquired.
Iron Man: Nothing good...
Iron Man grimly surmised.
Meanwhile in Avengers Mansion..
Wasp: What year is it again? Because every time I set foot in Cap's room, I get confused.
Wasp wondered as she strode carefully into her fellow Avenger's room.
She looked around at the dated color of the walls, the extremely old transistor radio, and the low-sitting bed with incredibly crisp (maybe even itchy) sheet.
Wasp: Seriously, it's like a hotel room from ninteen-forty.
Rex: Nineteen-forty-three actually, Jan. Apparently Tony called in outside help to get it looking this good.
Rex corrected as he stepped in behind her.
Wasp: Now... where's the man it belongs to?
He and Janet had dropped by to see if they could help cheer Steve up, given how the man was struggling to overcome negative public opinion after the Skull agent Pitt'o Nili had tarnished his image on a global stage. The seemingly irreparable harm hung over Cap like a cloud, and for good reason.
Wasp: He's been back for a few days now. But he's still bearing the brunt of everyone's mistrust. He's lost his credibility! His name's been dragged through the dirt! I'd hate to think he's out there, probably all sad and moping around all by himself. He's probably hanging out in a museum or something, trying to relive the days when people didn't think he was the scum of the Earth.
Janet said sadly, running a hand across one of the few photos in the room, a framed one featuring Captain America, his sidekick Bucky, and his benefactor Howard Stark.
Rex: Well, we did give him the day off. He could probably use the recoup time. Two months in an alien prison aside, that Skrull did a real number to his reputation.
Rex concurred. Before they could continue their musings, the technopath's ID card beeped a steady alert and he was quick to answer it.
An image of Iron Man appeared in the top right corner.
Iron Man: (On Avengers ID Card) Avengers! I need help dealing with an intruder alert!
He called out. Rex quirked a brow as Janet moved closer to see what the deal was.
Wasp: Really, Tony? You've got a burglar?
She wondered in disbelief.
Iron Man: This 'burglar' happens to be AIM and they're raiding the Stark Industries experimental technology warehouse!
Tony responded hurriedly.
That seemed a bit more meaningful.
Rex: Huh. Not as trivial as I thought.
Connor determined, sliding his card away.
Rex: Looks like it's time to go. We'll have to worry about Cap later. Let me get Generator and I'll be right behind you.
Wasp: Ok.
He made to leave and Jan followed, but not before casting one final wondering look at Captain America's room.
Wasp: Hopefully, he's having a good day off at least...
She murmured.
Meanwhile, at Times Square...
Steve Rogers, despite having the day off, was still hard at work. Clad in his star-spangled uniform and wielding a new shield (one shaped like an actual shield and not just an oversized discus), the supersoldier was busy taking down fugitive villains still at large. Today, four of them were going down. A colorful assortment that were all deadly in their own right.
???: Destroy him my brigadiers! Destroy Captain America!
Their leader bellowed, ordering the other three to attack. Notable for his orange and purple bodysuit and a seriously impressive moustache, Georges Batroc was a former member of the French Foreign Legion, taking his leave to become a mercenary and gaining the nickname 'Batroc the Leaper' due to his unparalleled skill in savate, a form of French kickboxing. With his body as his only weapon, his skill was equivalent to that of an Olympic athlete and not to be underestimated.
Paul Norbert Ebersol was an intuitive genius at weapon invention, as well as inventing other electrical and mechanical devices. Via his Tech-Pac, he could control modular components that could reshape themselves into almost any weapon he could think of, as well as link up with other weapons and technology and bring them under his control. This mastery of invention earned him the alias 'Fixer'.
Ferdinand Lopez was a former revolutionary from the country of San Diablo who began plying the skills he learned in the mercenary trade, becoming a feared and notorious hand to hand combatant. Best known for his array of machetes and daggers, his signature weapon became his alias: 'Machete'.
Maximilian Zaran left MI6 behind to become a mercenary and assassin. An expert in ancient and modern weapons, his talented marksmanship was something to be feared, as were his martial art skills and deadly arsenal of knives, bows, staves, maces, spears, nunchaku, shuriken, and more besides! Such talent and equipment is how others came to refer to him as 'Zaran the Weapons Master'.
Rebuffing Machete's attack with his signature bladed weapon and dodging a spear thrown by Zaran, Cap turned and hurled his shield towards Batroc. The Frenchman executed a leaping split and the shield ricocheted harmlessly off the ground where he had once been standing.
Batroc: I must confess, Mon Capitan, Batroc Ze Leaper is not impressed with your mighty shield.
He sneered.
Captain America: Sorry to disappoint, 'Batroc', but I wasn't aiming for you.
Cap retorted as his shield struck Machete right in the face and knocked him out cold. His ability to calculate angles still accurate and unhindered, the shield came soaring back into his hand, just in time to block an axe kick from Batroc.
Captain America: I don't know what you and your crew are plotting-
Batroc: Crew?! prefer 'brigade'.
Batroc interjected.
Batroc: Zaran!
The weapons master responded to his name, hurling a storm of shuriken that Cap deftly avoided by somersaulting backwards. The black-clad mercenary closed the gap as he brandished a pair of short swords.
Captain America: –but you're on our list of villains-to-incarcerate. And where I'm from...
Cap grunted as he parried two strikes and retaliated with a push kick.
Captain America: We take bad guys down!
Lunging ahead, Cap launched an uppercut that sent Zaran flying, knocking him out cold as well as his body joined Machete's on the pavement.
Fixer: Gee, that's a real different tune you're singing. A few weeks ago you wanted us to kneel before our new alien overlords.
Fixer sneered as his tech-pac sprouted a trio of arms.
Fixer: You sure you're still human? Not gonna trade Earth to the next set of invaders, are you?
Cap frowned, ignoring the taunt as he braced himself for another attack.
Captain America: Fixer, right? You're going to have to do better than a few metal sticks to beat me, son.
He retorted.
Fixer: Oh, don't worry, Captain...
Fixer replied as a blue glow thrummed through the end of his arms.
Fixer: I intend to!
Revealing to be conductors, a tree-way burst of electrostatic energy struck his shield hard, sending Steve sliding across the pavement and right where Batroc wanted him. He executed a leg sweep that took Cap's feet out from under him, putting him in the perfect position for Batroc to land a crescent kick that flipped Steven end over end until he landed hard on the pavement.
Batroc: Alas, Captain, as much as my country appreciates your contribution in the second Great War... I am afraid that ze current circumstances require we break France's treaty with you.
Batroc remarked as he struck with two more kicks that were blocked by a hastily-raised shield. Cap tried to recover, only to be attacked again by Fixer's electro-conductors.
Fixer: You really didn't think my tech-pac was a threat, did you? What else about humanity are you gonna underestimate?
The green-clad mercenary sneered.
Batroc: Fixer, please. Surely you can see that this is the real genuine article, no? But do continue, we'll find out if he is a Skrull or not.
Batroc proffered.
Batroc: I heard they turn green when they die.
Fixer grinned and unleashed another bolt of energy that struck the red, white and blue shield. Batroc moved in next striking with a back-kick that Steve managed to shrug off.
Captain America: I may not be familiar with you, mister, but I know when someone is talking too much!
Hurling his shield with all his might, Cap successfully took down Batroc with a blow to the head before the ricochet smacked Fixer upside the head, putting the last two brigadiers down for the count alongside Machete and Zaran.
Catching his shield and slinging it back over his arm, Captain America exhaled heavily as the battle drew to a close. The rush of wind from above drew his attention skyward as a familiar form descended from on high.
Thor: Victory is yours, Captain!
Thor called out as he landed.
Thor: And yet you look as if Ragnarok itself were upon you. Thor Odinson would know why.
He pried, studying the unconscious villains.
Thor: You fought well from the looks of things.
Despite his praise, Cap's gaze was heavy and tired.
Captain America: Not well, Thor. I just barely got by.
He replied.
Captain America: I was sloppy. I got distracted by Fixer's verbal taunts. I gotta admit, the old saying's wrong... words can hurt me.
He muttered. Looking up, a crowd watched from the sidelines, some of which were recording the fight with their smartphones, while others shot the supersoldier dirty looks wrought from angry mistrust.
Captain America: People. Humanity. I let them down. I know I still have a job to do, that Captain America is still needed... but I'm not a hero any more. I'm just a man trying to save whatever face hasn't been kicked in yet.
He muttered.
Thor: I understand.
Thor replied, catching Steve's attention.
Captain America: Is that so?
He wondered with a raised brow.
Thor: Aye. Once, long ago, I was young and foolhardy. I used my powers vainly and was consumed with pride. My father forced me to live under oath; I could not so much as lift mighty Mjolnir until I learned to be worthy of my powers. I was brought low and had to learn to stand all over again.
The Asgardian described.
Thor: I have been where you have been, Captain. And I believe that you too, will learn to stand again. One day you will win the hearts of the mortals of Midgard back.
He promised, a beefy hand on Steve's shoulder. All of a sudden, a familiar electronic chirp could be heard and Thor frowned at his belt.
Thor: Odin's beard! I cannot say I have missed mortal technology. T'would seem this card sounds off more frequently than before.
He grumbled as he retrieved his Avengers ID card.
Iron Man: Avengers, assemble!
Iron Man called from the other side.
Captain America: That's strange... my ID card didn't go off.
Captain America noted as he slung his shield over his shoulders.
Thor: Iron Man believes you to have 'the day off', as he calls it.
Thor explained.
Thor: But you are a warrior! And a warrior does not need vacation! Follow me, Captain, for battle is nearby!
He urged with an eager grin.
A short while later...
The Stark Industries experimental technology warehouse was located in the industrial district of New York, on the edge of the city. Normally it was peaceful, quiet, and seemingly unimportant. But a cadre what of AIM drones were on the scene, having broken through the main doors and shorted out the security measures in order to access the goods within. Loading crate after crate onto one of their transports, their act of grand larceny was going well.
Drone: That's the last one! We only have a minute and a half left!
The leading drone ordered the others.
Drone: Get this on the transport before the Avengers arrive. We need it all if AIM is to pick itself up after the betrayal of Getz.
???: I think not, villain!
A new voice thundered, causing the AIM agents to freeze in their tracks and look in horror towards the newcomers.
Drone #2: Ohhhh darn...
One gulped in right.
Captain America slowed his motorcycle to a halt as Thor hovered close beside him, Mjolnir gripped tightly and ready for action.
Captain America: If you know what's good for you, gentlemen, surrender.
Captain America ordered.
Drone: You think we're not prepared for the Avengers, Skrull-lover?! Our science has been forged by the greatest minds to ever walk the planet! We will destroy you before we surrender!
The lead drone retorted.
Drone#3: This is Two-Two-One, we have a situation. Send in the Adaptoid.
Another called into a walkie-talkie.
Thor: Adaptoid?
Thor repeated with a scoff.
Thor: You mortals are just making up words now, it would se-
The Asgardian was cut short when an object moving nearly at the speed of light bowled into him from behind, knocking him to the ground.
Captain America: Thor!
Cap cried as he bolted off his motorcycle.
Captain America: You alright?
Thor grumbled as he picked himself up.
Thor: Nay, Captain, I am not. But I will be once I smite these scientists.
He said with a frown, Mjolnir crackling ambiently. Turning towards their newfound foe, Steve's eyes narrowed.
Captain America: We may have a bigger problem.
He stated. Across from them, a humanoid figure slammed into the concrete, revealed to be a very strange-looking bipedal... thing. It had no discernible physical features, apart from being potentially modeled on the average male body, and was slate grey in color. It had no eyes, not even a face, but the centre of its chest did glow green, hinting at a concealed power source.
Thor sized up the 'Adaptoid' with a grim gaze.
Thor: This... thing... it is no threat. I will deal with-
Captain America: Wait, look!
Cap interrupted as the Adaptoid's hand began to shimmer. Portions of its metal body flowed like water at the wrist, spiralling into its outstretched hand to take on a very familiar form... the form of Mjolnir, Thor's own hammer! Lightning crackled within, replicating the powers and abilities of the thunder god's signature weapon perfectly.
Captain America: MOVE!
Steve shouted, leaping out of the way along with Thor before a bolt of lightning erupted from the Adaptoid's weapon. It struck the shipping containers behind them and would've vaporized the two had they not been so quick.
Rolling to his feet, Captain America caught sight of red and gold out of the corner of his eye, and looked up to see Iron Man arriving with the rest of the Avengers in tow. Hawkeye flew in aboard his sky-cycle while Miss Marvel, Generator Rex and Wasp arrived under their own power.
Iron Man: Cap! We've got this! Avengers, take this guy out!
Iron Man ordered.
Captain America: Tony...
Steve paused, watching the Adaptoid shift its focus to the other Avengers. He had a bad feeling about this. If it could replicate Thor's weaponry, what else could it do?
Captain America: Tony! Pull back! Get the Avengers out of here!
He urged, but the armored Avenger wasn't in a listening mood.
Iron Man: Alright, whatever you are, you've got no chance here. Stand down and we'll-
Thor: Iron Man, wait. Perhaps we should listen to the Captain.
Thor insisted as he moved in to join the team.
Wasp: Hey! Something's happening!
Wasp pointed out, drawing their attention back to the Adaptoid. Just as before, it's body shuddered, coming alive like it was a separate entity entirely. Entire sections began to remould themselves, taking on new shapes to replicate those of the heroes. Generator Rex Flight mode wings sprouted over his shoulders, Hawkeye's bow appeared in one hand as Captain America's shield materialized over one arm, Iron Man's ARC reactor formed in a bright green ring in the centre of its chest, flanked by the starburst emblem of Miss Marvel. Last but not least, Wasp's signature antennas sprouted along either side of its head, while it's face mimicked the look of Hawkeye's own mask.
The Avengers were astounded by the new array of weapons their foe now had access to.
Hawkeye: Thor's hammer, Cap's shield, Marvel's scarf, Rex's wings, your arc reactor and my bow and arrow?!
Hawkeye cried in disbelief.
Hawkeye: Just what is this thing?
Captain America: The scientists called it an 'Adaptoid'.
Captain America explained. Hearing the designation, Generator then popped out scanned it while telling them in realization.
Generator: Of course! It's adapting to all of our power sets.
Hawkeye: You say that like it's a good thing.
Hawkeye snarked, drawing his bow and fitting an arrow.
Hawkeye: We shooting it or what? Anyone have a plan?
Tony's sensors raked over the Adaptoid and noted the sudden swell of power directed to the chest region.
Iron Man: Yeah...
The ARC reactor glowed brighter, an intense emerald shine that heralded only one thing,
Iron Man: DUCK!
Tony cried and the Avengers split up as a green ARC reactor beam raked through the group.
Immediately going on the offensive, the Avengers attacked with all they had. Carol blasted twin golden photon beams as Connor unleashed a blast of energy from himself and into Generator as it exited out his eye. Hawkeye loosed an explosive arrowhead, followed by an electric one, as Iron Man fired both repulsors simultaneously. Wasp barraged the Adaptoid with her biostings just as Thor channeled a bolt of lightning from Mjolnir.
All of their attacks struck home, while some rebounded off the improvised shield. But the Adaptoid carried on, barely looking scathed at all.
Miss Marvel: Okay. This looks bad.
Miss Marvel commented.
Rex: Yeah. I think it morphed to take on Thor's godly invulnerability.
Miss Marvel: That's... definitely not good.
Carol realized, diving out of the way as the Adaptoid retorted with an arsenal of its own. Firing openly on the Avengers it could target, the Adaptoid was seemingly oblivious to Wasp as she moved in behind it, ready to make another play of her own.
Wasp: I'm calling foul for having too many players on your team!
She quipped, channeling her Pym Particles to grow first to normal size and then to giant size, dwarfing the Adaptoid as she punched it into the pavement before wrapping her massive yellow hand around it.
Wasp: Into the sin-bin with you!
At first, her efforts seemed successful, until the Adaptoid used its bow to land an explosive arrow that caught her between the eyes, causing her to stumble away with a cry.
Turning back to the others, the Adaptoid hurled it's personal Mjolnir and knocked Hawkeye off his sky-cycle before unleashing a green photon beam from its right hand that collided with Tony's repulsors while using it's ARC reactor to blast back and counter Miss Marvel's own photon beams.
Miss Marvel: Now what?
She called out over to Iron Man.
iron Man: Try to divide its focus! Hit it from all sides!
Iron Man suggested. Rex moved to attack just as Janet shrank back down to Wasp size and joined him.
Her biostings peppered the Adaptoid's shield while Rex blasted his cosmic energy. The Adaptoid countered with its photon powers, now turning its own plasma cannons on Hawkeye, Miss Marvel, and Iron Man, firing intermittently.
Iron Man: JARVIS! Analyze the Adaptoid's atomic structure.
His Al swept over the body, giving Tony as thorough a reading as it could get.
Iron Man: It's some kind of nanotech android-
He cut himself short, watching the Adaptoid go on the move again.
Iron Man: Wasp! Watch out!
Turning with the swiftness of Thor, the Adaptoid promptly blasted Wasp with all three of its beam options, knocking her out of the air.
Wasp: WAAH!
Rex: Jan!
Rex surged in, running hot as he tackled the Adaptoid from behind.
Rex: If you're made of tech, then you're all ours, ugly!
He growled, attempting to quickly hack his robotic foe with his technopathic powers. But before he could get a good grip over the creature, and only managed to bypass a few layers of programming, the Adaptoid raised Mjolnir and summoned a lightning strike on itself, repelling Generator Rex and sending him hurtling into a shipping container where he bounced off and hit the ground hard.
Miss Marvel: Generator Rex!
Miss Marvel swooped in to try and beat the thing herself, only to suddenly be on the receiving end of a hard hit as the Adaptoid hurled it's shield and struck her in the face. Then it hurled its hammer, smashing into Carol's gut and knocking her out of the air. Then, hammer and shield collided in midair, generating a shockwave that overloaded Miss Marvel's senses and put her down for the count.
The Adaptoid turned on Hawkeye, repulsor blast bowling him over as it primed a bow and arrow that struck Iron Man.
Iron Man: Thor! ACK!
The armored Avenger was promptly taken down by an adhesion arrow that glued his panels together, trapping him in place. All of a sudden, the Adaptoid grew to giant size and used a supersized hand to swat Thor out of the air before it raised its boot and stomped Iron Man into the ground, leaving his armor dented and shattered in the middle of a crater.
The Asgardian managed to recover, standing with Captain America as the Adaptoid shrank back to normal size, surrounded by the bodies of their fallen allies.
Thor: Only we remain, Captain. If we meet our end this day, so be it... but I swear this machine will fall with us!
Thor promised. Cap's eyes narrowed, searching the Adaptoid for something Tony overlooked with his sensors. His team needed him.
And deep down he felt the urge to prove himself again, to prove he was an Avenger and not the Skull imposter who had them fooled for two months.
Steve Rogers was the genuine article, and now was the time to set the record straight.
Captain America: If it's a machine then it needs an engine. No matter how high tech it is.
He stated at length. He turned to his comrade.
Captain America: Thor, I need an opening.
Thor: Then by Odin, you shall have it!
Thor responded, rising into the air and churning Mjolnir at high speed. The clouds darkened, thunder boomed overhead, and Mjolnir glowed blue as the power a million storms surged to life within the hammerhead.
Thor: HAVE AT THEE, ADAPTOID!
Thor roared as he unleashed a lightning storm upon the machine, striking it over and over again with dozens of thunderbolts. Using the flashy distraction, Cap made his move, timing his swing just right and hurling his shield with impeccable aim. The pointed lower end wound up imbedded right in the Adaptoid's ARC reactor, shattering the casing and striking home deep within its innards.
At once the machine staggered in place, it's summoned abilities began to fade as its body slowly reverted back to its original formless shape.
Wobbling in place, the green glow died and the Adaptoid toppled backwards, landing hard on the ground and remaining still.
Thor and Cap released breaths they hadn't realized they'd been holding, the thunder god shooting the supersoldier a proud smile.
Thor: Forsooth! Your mighty arm has been the machine's undoing!
He praised.
Thor: They will sing songs about your victory, Captain! And a well-earned one at that.
Steve couldn't resist a small smile as he started walking over to retrieve his shield. As he did, the other Avengers came to.
Hawkeye: Okay, that went horribly. What happened?
Hawkeye coughed as he clutched his singed chest.
Miss Marvel: You're telling me.
Miss Marvel groaned.
Miss Marvel: Ugh, I feel like the Hulk just tap-danced on my head.
She complained, rubbing her temples.
Wasp: What even was that thing?
Wasp asked as she nursed a bruised shoulder.
Rex: Generator?
Generator piped out as he tells them what it wash
Generator: Me and Rex only managed to touch it for a second... but I know it was some kind of nano-generator, it was analyzing and replicating on powers mechancally.
Hawkeye: That's how it copied stuff like my bow and your wings so quickly.
Hawkeye realized.
Rex: Yeah, and Cap's shield, Thor's hammer, and Tony's ARC reactor.
Rex concurred.
Iron Man: I'm impressed. That's some of the most advanced tech I've ever seen. Apart from mine. Or Rex's.
Tony wheezed as he picked his dented and battered body up.
Iron Man: How'd you know where to hit it, Cap?
He wondered as the supersoldier plucked his shield from the shattered chassis.
Thor: He knew because he is Captain America. Our Captain America. A truer warrior there is not.
Thor stated proudly, clapping Steve on the back.
Captain America: A wise man once said; 'the more things change, the more they stay the same'. Every machine needs an engine, no matter how advanced it is.
Cap replied. The simple yet sage wisdom was timeless and the team shared smiles as they recognized their ally for who he was.
Wasp: Yup. That's our Cap.
Wasp mused with a grin.
Generator: A man who can inspire us to be better than ever.
Rex: A Breath of fresh air to have you around again.
Rex added. Even Hawkeye got in on the compliments.
Hawkeye: Nice to have you back in the field with us, old man.
He remarked. Surrounded by his allies, his team, Captain America was starting to feel just a bit better about his standings.
Captain America: Thank you. All of you.
He replied sincerely.
Captain America: You don't know how much I missed this. How much I missed you all.
Thor: As did we all.
Thor agreed.
Thor: Now, we must celebrate this hard-earned success... with drinks!
He declared. The others liked that idea very much as they cheered.
Iron Man: Uh... guys?
Iron Man called out as they turn to face him.
Iron Man: AIM's currently getting away with my stuff.
He stated, pointing to the fleeing orb-shaped transport. Realizing their task was not yet over, the Avengers resigned themselves to finishing the mission before drinks could be enjoyed.
Miss Marvel: Hero's work is never done and all that.
Miss Marvel determined as she took flight. The others did too, Hawkeye climbing onto his Avenge-cycle.
Iron Man: Why don't you take point this time, Cap?
Iron Man proffered. Taking him up on his offer, Captain America returned to his motorcycle and revved the engine to life, the throaty roar an echo of his own swelling confidence.
Captain America: Avengers, assemble!
He cried out, tearing off across pavement with the team in tow as he led the hunt for AIM.