WE'RE BACK FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉
And I am so sorry my updates have been pretty slow recently. Personal matters and other things tend to get in the way. But I'll try to pick up the pace next time. 😅
"No promises." Maverick added.
As you can tell this one was difficult to write. Because I had decisions that needed to be made and I decided not to end on a cliffhanger on account that I never liked writing those. Doing cliffhangers are a necessity to gain anticipation, sure. But for this, I decided to treat this conclusion like a mid season finale to give the readers a sense of hope for whatever challenges will come next.
Now to answer some comments.
MavxMel: No problem. Of course I can't let them visit anywhere of Batman's world in this story. As for SpongeBob, while that's impossible for this story. It's not for Orion and Rapunzel's world on account of me including Bikini Bottom as a section of ToonTown. Who Framed Roger Rabbit being owned by Disney made that possible. So you can share your idea for a possible one shot on that, if you like. 👍
RustyPete12:Thanks pal! Well I can't promise that it'll be too crazy. But there is enough action in this one to feel like a mid season finale. And there will be more to come later. With a few surprises in store for future chapters 👍😉
Alright. Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎
Justice for Stamford.
Down at Columbia University...
Virginia Hunter had just concluded her class as the school bell rang. And all the students were putting up their pencils and packing their books and tablets or laptops for study. As any day of school it went smoothly. Especially since Virginia is one of the best teachers there.
"Alright, Class. Be sure to review pages one through twelve for the test when we come back. Have a good weekend." Virginia said to all of them as she was taking her purse and watched as all the students left.
One of the blonde students walked up to her with an apologetic look.
"Mrs Hunter, I'm very sorry I was late. My Dad was in a car accident yesterday and I had to make sure he got out of the hospital on time for his medication." The student explained.
"That's perfectly alright, Honey. " Virginia said with a friendly smile. "I just hope your father's doing well."
"He will be. Thank you." The student said as she seemed relieved that she wasn't in trouble before she walked out and left.
As soon as all the students had left. Luke Cage walked in as several students were gasping with big smiles as they whispered seeing one of their favorite local heroes up close. He went over to Virginia who gave him his attention.
"Virginia? I hope this isn't a bad time." Luke said as he walked in.
Because Luke is friends with her wife. Virginia knows him well enough.
"No, class just ended. Your timing couldn't be better." Virginia said with a friendly smile. "So, what brings you here today, Luke?"
"I wish it was for some questions of its serious. Your father's back." Luke said as he got to the point.
Virginia became very pale after hearing that.
"No... Not again." Virginia muttered quietly while her eyes slowly narrowed from shock to anger.
"We just sent some help to retrieve Samantha and Austin. They should be at our HQ. You need to come with us. Your life more than likely is in danger." Luke said.
"God…..Can't that bastard just leave us alone!?" Virginia snapped angrily as she slammed her desk, before taking a step back to calm herself. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose it there."
"It's alright. We'll handle it. But we gotta avoid having another incident like Stamford. Come with me. I'll take you to your wife and son." Luke assured and insisted.
"Okay. Let's go." Virginia agreed while taking a shuddery breath.
Luke escorted Virginia out of the university where Danny already had the van waiting for them. So far Nitro hasn't showed up yet. But thr police still ordered for a patrol and for a perimeter to be set up around the area. If Nitro shows up out of the blue, they'll know about it.
But first they needed to get the liable targets out of the way first.
Back down at the Heroes For Hire HQ...
Maverick and Tsunami were with Bruce Banner who was back in casual clothing which consisted of a purple button t-shirt with beige long jeans and some black shoes. He was busy using their investigation equipment and a couple of other lab tech Maverick provided so he could run an analysis on what was in the crater they found before the fight with Juggernaut.
Misty Knight was in the room with them since she's a member of Luke's team and she's around to keep an eye on Samantha.
"Most of the content in these samples are not common in your average A-bomb let alone a grenade. But what's strange is that the DNA matches Nitro, the elements of the explosions however don't. It's as if his power has changed completely." Bruce stated.
"So what you're implying is that Nitro has somehow evolved." Misty Knight said.
"Yes. However his new found abilities seem to be at odds with his original abilities. To make things even more interesting is that he requires to be in a dry hot area in order for his powers to be used to the full extent." Bruce answered.
"Are you saying he's weak to water?" Tsunami asked.
"Ironic that he's under a water tyrant's payroll." Maverick remarked.
"That's probably why he hasn't tried or been able to double cross Attuma or Ardyn, because they could easily wipe him out permanently." Tsunami figured.
"Unless he's using his power at that moment. In which once he's using them. You would have to completely submerge not only him. But also the elements he'll use to power up." Bruce explained. "Like the BTEX compound in gasoline. It will light up around water but not in water."
"Okay. So he would need to go somewhere to find enough liquid dysprosium 238 to stabilize the hydrocarbon elements within the air in order to power up. Do any of the elements match up in those patterns?" Maverick theorized and asked. While Tsunami looked lost.
"I do know of one facility. There's an Oscorp license metal refinery down in Jersey City. Nitro wouldn't find a better place to get juiced up then down there." Bruce answered as he showed the refinery location in the map which was boarded on the wall.
Ok. So we know where he'll be." Tsunami said looking at the image. "So, what's the plan?"
"First off. I'll call the local chief and let him know to keep everyone back." Misty Knight said as she took her cell phone and went outside to make some phone calls.
The door was open as they looked to see Samantha waiting inside the lounging area with her baby boy asleep on her lap. Austin Hunter was about three months old and was asleep in his mother's lap. While Samantha looked anxious and was waiting for her wife to come through the door.
Just then his other Mommy walked in when Luke and Iron Fist came in with Virginia. Samantha looked very relieved as she quickly went over and hugged her wife with one arm while holding the baby in another.
"Virge. Thank God you're alright." Samantha said while holding her close.
"I'm alright, Sammy. I'm just glad you and Austin are okay." Virginia said softly before looking down at her son. "Hey there, Sweetie. Mommy's here."
The baby was still fast asleep. But still smiled at the sound of her Mommy's voice and cooed for just a bit.
"He's been a lot braver than me. Fact that he could sleep at a time like this. Our little adorable slacker." Samantha gave a small chuckle as she was just extremely relieved that they were both okay.
"Yeah. But I think he's gonna be quite a handful when he gets older." Virginia said fondly, looking at their son.
Tsunami smiled at the sight of the family together while Maverick walked up to them.
"Just to give you the heads up. Once we're done with your father. There's a chance he won't make it after this." Maverick said out of concern of what Virginia might feel.
"...You guys do what you have to do to stop him. If it ends like that, then so be it." Virginia said without any remorse. "As far as I'm concerned, he's already dead to me."
Maverick nodded as he felt bad for her. He knows what it's like to be at odds with a father. Heck Melody knows what's its like to be at odds with both parents. But not like this. Not to this degree.
Maverick looked at Luke. "Do you have Ms Marvel's number? By that I mean the one that lives down there." He asked.
"Yeah, Danny has it." Luke said to the Maverick. "Since he helped with training the Young Avengers."
"Um, Who are you guys talking about?" Tsunami asked.
"Wha?" Maverick gawked before he teleported his girlfriend into another room. "I gave you a full sack of marvel comics to read and you don't know how Ms Marvel is?"
"Is she the same as Captain Marvel?" Tsunami asked.
"No, she's a protege of Captain Marvel. A Robin type fan. We're talking about Kamala Khan. Marvel's first muslim heroine." Maverick clarified. "Or at least what the west calls 'muslim'."
"Oh right. Now I remember." Tsunami said with clarity. "Sorry. They're just so many Marvel heroes, it's hard to keep track."
"It's cool. I usually keep up with them the same way I keep up with NFL players or rap artists. Hell you named every sea shell you've collected and never forgot em. Just use that same method." Maverick suggested a way to remember.
"Good idea. I think I'll try that." Tsunami said before the two walked back out.
Once outside. Iron Fist walked back in as he was on the the phone and just finished calling.
"We'll have back up down there. Ms Marvel is also bringing along Iron Heart. Miss America and Spider-Girl." Iron Fist stated.
"Girls night?" Luke inquired.
"Slumber Party." Iron Fist clarified.
"Woo! I feel my masculinity dropping in acid already." Maverick quipped at the thought of fighting while surrounded by women.
"Oh please, you're probably dying to meet even more of your favorite heroes." Tsunami said with mirf.
"Jokes on you, Goldfish. I already met them, teamed up with them and I'm one of the Young Avengers reserved members. So that technically makes you an illegal tourist." Maverick quipped a tease.
"That must be quite awkward considering your suit makes you look and sound like an adult." Tsunami said jokingly.
"Hence why I'm a reserve member, but ***k it. Anyway, we'll meet you four down at the refinery. Watch yourselves though. Nitro is now linked to the Darkness. That means there will be Heartless down there." Maverick replied and gave a word of caution to the other heroes in the room.
"We'll be there." Iron Fist replied.
"And we'll stop Nitro." Luke Cage agreed.
"Since it was all owned by Osborn. You're off the hook if you break anything." Misty Knight smirked at Bruce Banner.
"Oh joy. My conscience is clear." Bruce deadpanned with an eye roll.
One that note. Maverick and Tsunami got up to leave. And before they did. Samantha looked at them while Virginia was holding Austin this time.
"Be careful putt here." Samantha said to them.
"We will. Oh there's one thing I might need." Maverick said and whispered in the two ladies' ears. About a back up plan he has.
After hearing what he had to say, the two shared a look before looking back at him and nodding.
"Not a bad idea." Samantha said.
"We'll do it." Virginia said.
"But only as a final reserve and a safe distance. Last thing I would want is for Austin Tex here to grow up with less Moms or Momless. And believe me, that life it sucks batteries." Maverick said with care and a little humor.
"Don't worry. We aren't planning on leaving Austin an orphan." Samantha said.
"She's right. Not in this lifetime." Virginia said.
"Alright. Come on, Ocean Queen. Let's roll." Maverick said as he ran out the window.
"Right behind ya! Let's kick some butt!" Tsunami said as she jumped out the window after her boyfriend.
On that note they started to free flow and run across the buildings in the distance.
"Do you cape folk ever use the front door?" Samantha inquired.
"We don't even wear capes, sister." Misty Knight snorted with a grin.
Traveling across the city...
With Maverick and Tsunami's abilities and magical traversal skills. They could make it to their destination around the same time Spider-Man would with web swinging. They had already made it to running across Central Park's trees when they started talking.
"Any questions about the Young Avengers?" Maverick asked his girlfriend when they stopped to take a breath at one of the walkway bridges in Central Park.
"Sure. What kind of powers do they each have?" Tsunami asked.
"That's a tough question given that we got some with Spider Powers. Robotic tech. Magic. They even have a girl that has the powers of a squirrel." Maverick snorted.
"The powers of a squirrel?" Tsunami asked in a baffled tone.
Just then a young teenage girl in a squirrel-like outfit was seen in the distance to stop a group of muggers.
She had short brown hair, brown eyes, with smal paint stripes over each eye. She even had a squirrel tail. Her outfit was made of flexible kevlar with red and green colors, a brown utility belt, boots with fur at the top, and fur on the cuffs of her outfits sleeves.
This was Squirrel Girl. And she leaped in the air to use her fast speed. And agility to knock the thugs down and save the old man they were mugging.
"That would be here. Doreen Green AKA Squirrel Girl. She's fast. Flexible. Strong. And she can communicate to Squirrels similar to how Ant Man can talk to Ants." Maverick explain as he gestured at Squirrel Girl saving the day in the distance.
"Okay. That's actually kinda cool." Tsunami admitted.
"Yeah it's not her fault she has a thing for squirrels. She was actually born that way, being a mutant and all. Heck that Squirrel tail is actually hers. Like attached to her body. I still can't believe she scored a date with that thing." Maverick remarked.
"Well, I'm happy for her. Who's she dating?" Tsunami asked.
"That would be him." Maverick pointed at a teenage black hero in a white and blue uniform that was similar to Captain America's outfit.
The guy also had red lenses on his mask. A white star with a blur eagle in a pattern similar to the S.H.I.E.L.D logo. And his shield was shaped like a classic medieval shield but white with his chest logo in front of it. Squirrel Girl beamed happily seeing him show up as the guy spung kicked and knocked down the five extra bad guys who game as back up. But they instantly got their butts kicked when he spun his shield and tossed it like Cap does. Only to catch it when the fight was done. Squirrel girl ran over and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek as the guy grinned and locked arms with her and walked away.
"Rayshaun Lucas. AKA Patriot. Trained by Captain America himself. He's got photographic agility. Expert in hand-to-hand combat. And can take down over fifty men in a fight. Despite not having the super solider serum in his blood, he a total badass. He's like a Black Nightwing." Maverick explained.
"Wow. That's amazing." Tsunami said.
"Yeah let's give them some privacy before they notice us. Once Squirrel Girl starts talking, there's no shutting her up. Like Dug on decaf." Maverick suggested and quipped as he resumed his freeflow jump and sprints.
"Yeah. Great idea." Tsunami agreed before following him.
As they traveled pass Central Park and around the zoo. Which Tsunami made a mental note to visit one day. Maverick continued the conversation.
"Any other questions?" Maverick asked as he jumped over a river.
"Well, how many members are there in the Young Avengers?" Tsunami asked as she slid across the river.
"About ten of them to be exact. The second Spider-Man Miles, his partner Spider-Girl. Wiccan. Speed. Iron Heart. Ms Marvel. America Chavez and her girlfriend Ramone Watts. Their leader Kate Bishop the female Hawkeye. What else...Oh and Wiccan's husband Hulking." Maverick listed as they made it out of Central Park and back into running across buildings. "Any other members have either moved on or on reserved."
"Yeah, who's Hulking?" Tsunami asked.
"He's basically a Kree-skrull hybrid. The son of the original Captain Marvel and a Skrull princess who died years ago. Theodore Altman or Teddy as they all call him was raised on earth until his origins were discovered that he had the ability to shape shift and gained strength that nearly matches the Hulk. Adapting to a green form he eventually through a few trial like journeys. Joined the Young Avengers. And he hit it off pretty well with Wiccan. I sung on stage at their wedding last year." Maverick remarked as they made it to the top of the building they ran across.
"He sounds like an incredible person." Tsunami said.
"Well he's not exactly a Hulk copy. He just gives everyone the impression he is. If anything, Miles and Anya- I'm sorry Spider-Girl are genuine copies." Maverick remarked.
"What about Iron Heart?" Tsunami asked.
"Riri Williams. She was once a student and M.I.T. Who got an internship at Stark Industries after she used her tech to stop some X Damage Control employees from trying to steal Iron Man tech. After she was discovered. Tony Stark gave her access to one of his old labs and allowed her to use her full tech skills to pull off more heroics. She's not exactly Iron Man she's more like in her own game." Maverick answered as he looked around to see where to jump towards next.
"Sounds impressive." Tsunami said.
"So yeah they're basically the Avengers but in a Riverdale like genre. Kinda like the Young Justice but blacker." Maverick remarked as he jumped down towards Time Square and landed on one of the many neon signs. "And down here is the one place me and Noct were gonna spend our allowance money in. Time Square. This is the one place in the city that's totally sleep deprivated."
The many different attractions. Shops. Shows. And neon lights and TV screens everywhere with product placements and channels. This place is one of the best in the Big Apple.
"Wow. This place looks amazing." Tsunami said in awe as she looked around Time Square. "And it's so big."
"It's the future, Babe. Well yout world's future anyway. Did you expect it to be pocket sized?" Maverick remarked.
"Of course not. But it's a lot grander than I was expecting." Tsunami admitted.
"I figured. I'm sure if I showed you the VCR before the space ship. You'd think I was a sorcerer. Anyway. It's time that we use a special mod I developed for fast travel." Maverick announced as he was stood.
"Ooh, what did you have in mind?" Tsunami asked.
"A while back I discovered the ability to light travel through other sources of light, like electrical currents and power grids. And since this sign runs off the same power grid as the one in battery park, we'll use it to slingshot over to Jersey City. And before you ask. This method can only work with me." Maverick explained.
"Oh man. That stinks." Tsunami said pouting slightly.
"It's the only way to make sure you won't burn yourself. Anyway. Stand behind me and wrap your arms around my torso." Maverick gestured as he touched the screen.
"Whatever you say, Connor." Tsunami said before wrapping her arms around him.
Then Maverick used his neon powers to convert his physical matter into neon energy. The same with Tsunami. Before he was send through the screen. And traveled through the electrical circuits across the city at high speed.
Down in Jersey city...
The young heroine known as Ms Marvel. Was standing on a building with a billboard of a red crush soda ad. As she was pacing there. Waiting for Maverick to show up. After Iron Fist told her to wait for him there. She just passed the time to text while chewing some bubble gum. And even blowing a few bubbles with it.
Ms Marvel wore a red and blue costume with her golden zigzag emblem in front. A blue eye mask and a red burkini scarf wrapped around her neck.
She looked out and saw some kind of energy flash from one of the ad screens in the distance.
"Woah..." Ms Marvel gawked as she starred.
And then the energy traveled at high speed before it landed right in front of her. And converted back into the physical form of Maverick and Tsunami.
Ms Marvel swallowed her gum as she was impressed.
"What up, Kam?! How's our Pakistani Super Girl doing?!" Maverick beamed as he opened his arms for a hug.
"Mav! Wow, that was quite an entrance." Ms Marvel complimented. "And I'm doing good. How's The walking Vegas scene doing?"
"Never better, Kam. Livin large and has seen some crazy crap out there." Maverick quipped as he shared a brief hug with Kamala and he gestured at Tsunami. "And...I just scored a real date this time. Meet my Partner, Princess Melody. AKA the Tsunami."
Ms Marvel whistled as she was impressed. "Epic. Has the Mav Man been treating you well?" Ms Marvel smirked playfully.
"Of course he is. Otherwise, he wouldn't be walking right now." Tsunami said playfully.
"You go girl." Ms Marvel beamed with a smirk.
"Wanna show her what you really look like?" Maverick asked.
"Oh yeah! But only if you want to, don't worry I know how to keep a secret." Ms Marvel assured with a smile.
"Okay." Tsunami said before shifting back to Melody in her keyblader outfit. "Hello, Kamala. It's nice to meet you."
"Back at you, Melody." Kamala smiled as she gave a thumbs up with her hand expanding which got Melody a little off guard. "Oh, I'm a polymorph. Connor didn't mention that?"
"No, he did not." Melody said, shooting her boyfriend a deadpan look.
"You've seen Reed Richards to do. So it shouldn't be much of a shock. Only Kamala can expand her body. Even become a giant." Maverick said as he shifted back into Connor.
"Really? How big are we talking?" Melody asked.
"I usually become big enough to take on a sentinel. But there was this one time I was big enough to take on Galactus. I pinned him against an empty building for the Silver Surfer to finish off." Ms Marvel said with a big smile before she looked sheepish. "And then I passed out. If I get too big that tends to happen."
"That's amazing." Melody said. "Wait, doesn't Ant Man have that same issue if he's big for too long?"
"Not really. He uses Pym Particles and technology. This is part of my Inhuman abilities." Ms Marvel explained.
"Wonder what would happen if you combined both." Melody said with a smirk.
"Believe me, I tried that. I literally tore through all the gear and I'm just glad my clothes didn't tear with them." Ms Marvel cringed before she went on a different subject. "So. Word is that you're from Atlantis like Mav here."
"It's actually Atlantica for me." Melody corrected. "But yes. Though I was raised on the surface."
"Only I met her stalking me on a deserted island." Connor teased.
"I was not stalking you." Melody said back.
"Oh she sure was. She also sneaks out of the house to abduct a bunch of poor innocent seashells and bag them in a sack. She never feeds them or checks to see if they're alive." Connor teased some more to get on his girlfriend's nerves.
Which was working.
"I would never!" Melody exclaimed, sounding affronted.
"I'm pretty sure one of their ex husbands and war chief put a bounty on your head for anti-shellinistic hate crimes." Connor teased which was causing Ms Marvel to stifle a little giggle.
"Why you..." Melody said, trying to control her nerves.
"Oh shit she's about to bring out the sea salt and pocket knife." Connor faked the look of dread.
"I'm guessing you're not used to this side of him." Ms Marvel mused.
All of a sudden, Connor was splashed in the face hard by a torrent of water.
***SPLASH!***
"Let that be a lesson to you, Mr." Melody said with a sly smirk.
Connor looked blankly as he spit some water out and cleared his throat. "That stuff didn't come from anyone's bathroom, did it?"
"Of course not. It came from the ocean." Melody said.
"I don't believe you." Connor deadpanned.
"Of course you do, Mr. Lie Detector." Melody said with a cheeky smirk.
"You two are a riot." Ms Marvel giggled a bit.
Just then the other female Young Avengers came in. Iron Heart, and America Chavez came flying in and landed.
Iron Heart was wearing a Iron Man inspired suit with a screen face with eyes similar to Maverick's helmet but with purple dots.
America Chavez was wearing her usual attire with black shorts and long dark gray stockings and red sneakers. And a blue sleeveless denim jacket with a USA themed T shirt underneath. And red fingerless gloves.
Then came in landing from a high jump was a black girl with shirt hair a white robotic body armor built on top of her body. Which of course was Ramone Watts, America's girlfriend.
Then Spider-Girl came swinging in with a black suit and a white spider patterned logo, with its legs spread across her suit. And her mask only covered over half of her face and not her ponytail.
This was Anya Corazon.
Then finally the lead came in wearing a femine purple and black Hawkeye inspired outfit with sunglasses on as she used a zip line from her costume.
This was Kate Bishop, the second Hawkeye.
"Hey." Kate nodded.
"Oh wow. This is so cool." Melody gushed in awe of all the heroines in front of her.
Melody was beyond amazed. And Connor was pretty much used to them but found them fascinating nonetheless. And the action was about to start soon.
Of course for Noctis and his group. The action had already started.
Meanwhile at the palace in Meridia...
Tiger Shark. Attuma's second in command of the army was out among the palace grounds overseeing security as a routine check.
So far the guards Noctis described earlier were in formation and didn't bother to have conversations while on patrol like human guards would. These men were more focused.
Just then a scout called Tiger Shark on his comms.
"Sir. We've got a situation." The scout called.
Tiger Shark growled before answering the comm.
"This better be important. What is it?" Tiger Shark growled out.
"We're at Warehouse hanger base 6F. We've just captured a few signature resistance members and they're refusing to talk" The Scout answered with some good news.
Tiger Shark smiled evilly at this.
"Keep them there. I'm on my way now. And I'll be sure to make them talk " Tiger Shark said with sadistic satisfaction.
Unfortunately for Tiger Shark who seemed confident that they have the upperhand. He should've alerted Attuma about this first. But he was always too over confident and eager. That and he has a rivalry with Ardyn Izunia who seemed to be winning his master's favor more than Tiger Shark ever was.
Tiger Shark was too eager to go for this.
So he swam over to the base hangers and went into one labeled 6F. He swam in and his smile dropped into a gasp as he saw that the place was empty.
"What the- Hey!" Tiger Shark called out in anger. "Where the hell is everybody!?"
Just then the shutter doors closed immediately. They practically slammed shut and it made Tiger Shark shriek briefly like a girl.
Before someone grabbed him by the collar of his uniform and pinned him against the wall with a grip around his neck making him struggle.
The lights turned on and it appeared to be Gladiolus who had Tiger Shark against the wall with Ignis standing next to him.
"Wha...Ack! How did you get in here?!" Tiger Shark choked in his grip.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Gladiolus said smugly before looking threatening. "Now unless you want to cut your life short, I wouldn't try alerting anyone in the palace."
Tiger Shark gulped and held his arms up. "Now look, there's no need to get violent." He suggested.
"Too late." Gladiolus smirked before he knocked him out with a punch to the face.
"Guh!" Tiger Shark grunted as he was punched and he immediately lost consciousness.
"They don't seem to need this utility closet." Ignis amusingly noticed a door to a small compartment open near the trash shoot. "It would be a loss of task money to let this go to waste."
"I couldn't agree more." Gladiolus said before picking up the unconscious Tiger Shark and stuffing him into the closet.
Then Gladiolus slammed it shut and then he dragged a locker over to block it from anyone seeing it inside. With Tiger Shark gagged and cuffed in . He'll have even more trouble being heard.
With Tiger Shark out of the way. All that's left is to shut down the palace security and to take care of the spotlights.
"Psst. Gladio, I'm in position. Has the security alarm been shut down yet?" Prompto asked over the comms.
"Not yet. Noctis is leading the Caption of Security our way as we speak." Gladiolus said back into his comm.
"He's almost there. I had to send some fake notifications to get him into the hangar. Get into position." Noctis replied from the comms.
"Understood. I'm on it." Gladiolus replied back into his comm.
So Ignis hides behind the fuel containers while Gladiolus hides behind the desk next to the shutter doors. And they wait for the Captain of Security to come right in. With Tiger Shark out cold in the utility closet, no one would notice him.
As the shutters open and the Captain walks right in, wearing a premium red color version of the usual Meridian officer uniform. He looked around and wondered where the staff was. Before rhe shutter doors shut instantly making him jump in fright.
Then Gladiolus knocked the Captain down from behind and placed his boot against his head.
"You have five seconds to give us the codes before I start breaking bones." Gladiolus said in a threatening tone.
The Captain gulped as he smiled nervously. It's obvious most of these people are afraid of Gladiolus. It's no wonder Aranea Highwind finds him attractive. Some ladies find the hard-to-read, intimidating males to be very attractive.
Meanwhile outside. Noctis was in position under a guard toward the Northwest end of the palace walls. Using camouflage tech to stay invisible.
*"Prompto. Get your ass in here. The alarm's been shut down."* Gladiolus said into the comm. "It's time to begin step two."
"Alright alright, just let me take down the spotlights first." Prompto whispered in mild irritation before he ran up the rails and kicked off before he pulled out his pistols which had silencers. And he shot five disruptor rounds at the five spot lights in front. Which not only shut down. But it emitted an electrical shock that took down the guards that were operating them.
So far the means to break King Triton out was going good.
Meanwhile back in Jersey City...
Tsunami and the other Female Young Avengers had arrived at the Oscorp metal refinery. Which consists of a field f gas pipes. Chemical depots. Trucks that are meant for loading Nd delivering cargo. Large gas tanks and red barrels. All the stuff that's meant for hazard work and a recipe for disaster on the wrong hands.
"This is it." Kate Bishop said to the heroines.
"Woah. This place is enormous." Tsunami said.
"Most of the metal people use for building electronics often come from places like this." Ms Marvel explained.
"And it's high chemical compounds and wide range of gas is big enough to cause an explosion that can wipe out half of New York." Ramone Watts said as she scanned the possibilities.
"Dios ten piedad. If Nitro sets off another explosion. It'll be worse than Stamford." America Chavez realized.
"When hell freezes over." Iron Heart seethed.
"Not if it floods over first." Tsunami said as she made streams of water swirl around her fingers with a determined look.
"I'm gonna go scout ahead on the west end. Miles will report if he sees him on the east end." Spider-Girl said as she webswings over. She'll let them know if they find anything.
As for Maverick. He was on the other end of the refinery. Not just because it spreads them oit to cover more grounds. But it's also Girls Night in the Young Avengers. No boys allowed in their squad.
"So how hard is your boyfriend taking not being invited to the party?" Iron Heart smirked under the helmet as she looked at Tsunami.
"He's trying to act all nonchalant. But I can tell he wishes he were in my place." Tsunami said smugly.
"They all do." Kate remarked.
"Yeah. The last thing a Femme Fetale girl club like us needs is a male comedian trying to steal our thunder." Ramone Watts snickered.
"Yeah. I know he likes to joke around. But deep down, behind all the jokes is a sweet little sea puppy in need of a hug." Tsunami said.
*"You know I can hear you, right?"* Maverick spoke on the other end of the comms.
"You were meant to." Tsunami gave her quirky response.
*"Don't dwell on it, Mav. Girl's Night hurts less after the first few nights."* Spider-Man Miles said.
*"You sure we're not invited?"* Maverick whined.
"Sorry, Sweetie. But you should already know the rules by now." Tsunami said smugly. "No boys allowed."
*"Woow. So that's how it is?"* Maverick snickered as he found it to be unbelievably amusing.
"Yeah, that's how it is. What're you gonna do about it?" Tsunami asked smugly.
*"Nothing, I'm just gonna wait for Karma's ugly ass to show up and do it's work."* Maverick remarked.
"Heh. You got some serious internal armor, Princess. Even the men in our team can barely survive his ego. Except maybe Spider-Man." Kate remarked as she found the young couple amusing.
"Oh, I think Connor can give him a run for his money." Tsunami said jokingly.
Over on the eastern part of the refinery. Spider-Man Miles had gotten a full scan of the area while swinging around. And then he perched on the side of a gas tower.
"Alright I've got a full scan on my end." Spider-Man Miles said as he was sending over the idea from his mask to Maverick's helmet.
"Same here on my end." Spider-Girl said from the west end as she was perched on a lamp post while sending over the info from her mask.
At that moment. Luke Cage. Iron Fist and Musty Knight showed up. Along with The Hulk as they all came up and landed from behind Maverick who was on top of the roof of the main building.
"Alright. Spider-Man and Spider-Girl just gave me a full readout of the area. I'm going to drain all the gas and metallic fluids from every drainage, tower and connected tank across the refinery. It should make it more difficult for Nitro. But he'll still be dangerous with all the gas trucks and red barrels everywhere." Maverick said to them as he was hacking into the refinery's pipe line.
"You do your thing. And we'll do ours." Luke Cage said.
"Uh, excuse me. But where exactly is all that fuel gonna go?" Misty Knight asked.
"Oh it's gone. I basically extracted the liquid from in between the contents and caused everything to evaporate. I doubt Oscorp would mine considering they get paid to repair their own shit." Maverick answered and quipped.
"Or shit they cause." Misty Knight snorted.
"I forgot to ask. Does anyone know if Robbie is coming?" Iron Fist asked.
"Angelica's still talking with him. He took it hard after Nitro got away." Luke Cage answered.
"I gave him a new suit also. With the cure to his depowered condition. It's up to him if he wants to wear it." Maverick said as he was still hacking into the automatic pipelines.
"Well, if anybody deserves a shot in this fight, it's definitely Robbie." Misty Knight said with certainty. "Especially after what that asshole Nitro did to his team."
As soon as Maverick finished hacking the pipelines. He ended up sending in a neon energy throughout the whole plumping system. But kneeling down and touching a chemical pipe that was in front of them. The pipe was connected in a bented curve and both ends lead down to two different steams of pipes. His neon energy caused everything to glow as it rushed across the whole plumping system like a rush of water. And it evaporate everything it touched. Converting every other element into a vapor that faded away.
On that note. A dark portal opened up from the main plaza entrance to the Oscorp refinery. And Maverick saw it first.
"That's him." Maverick said before he turned to Hulk. "Remember. Smash anything that comes through the portal but don't smash anything out there that's red."
Hulk nodded in a grunt and then growled angerly as he looked out at the dark portal. And he jumped down.
The Femme Fatale group saw it as well from where they were standing.
*"Alright Kate, you're up."* Maverick said on the comms.
"Got it." Kate Bishop said before addressing the team. "Alright guys. Let's head down."
The other girls nodded as they all went down using their powers and abilities to traverse into the refinery plaza. Luke Cage and Iron Fist was up in front with The Hulk standing with them as he looked pumped and ready for action.
They heard foot steps coming from the portal. Maverick's first instinct was to blow the portal up and end the fight now. But they need to catch Nitro and stop him here and in person.
"If anyone needs to make a call, text or use the restroom, now would be a perfect time to mute, pause and hold." Spider-Man quipped.
Spider-Man said this at the moment Maverick texting before he stopped.
"Damn it." Maverick muttered as he put his Gummiphone away.
Then suddenly. The foot steps became the sound of many foot steps. As these Green Goblin looking Heartless game out in droves flying around on gliders. They all kinda resemble the original Sam Riami Goblin if his horrible yellow eyes were the same as the Heartless and no mouth.
'Ironically they all look a little better. More Kingdom Hearts and less Power Ranger.' Maverick thought on that subject.
The Goblin Hearts flew out in a set of ten as they flew in certain tossing pumpkin bombs at everyone.
"You gotta be kidding!" Spider-Girl dodged a pumpkin bomb by jumping in the air.
"Everyone! Take cover!" Luke Cage yelled as he ran up and knocked a Goblin Heartless down as it flew towards him.
Maverick back flipped several times and formed two water leashes to tie around two Goblin Heartless from the air and he yanked them down. "Down Green Beans!" He yelled.
Tsunami was surfing around the area using her freeflow water abilites as she shot down five Goblin Heartless as she tossed some water daggers to the heads. But she noticed more kept coming from the portal. And they were tossing pumpkin bombs at a fuel truck. So she held her hands out and covered the truck in a large wave of water to lessen the explosion. Which worked.
"We have to destroy the Portal! Or we'll be dealing with these monsters all day!" Tsunami yelled.
"What about Nitro?!" Spider-Man asked as he swung around and Venom kicked a Goblin Heartless into five more.
"He'll pop in like a zit somewhere else if has to!" Maverick said as he was blasting at them in all directions.
Ramone Watts was firing from her proton cannon arms as she heard what Maverick said and she lookd up at America Chavez who was flying around and punching Goblin Heartless. But then America got hit by one Pumpkin bomb from behind.
"Ah!" America yelled as she fell.
Ramone Watts gasped and jumped in the air and caught her in her arms before she landed on the ground. "Amere! Are you okay?!" She asked out of worry.
"I'm okay, Babe. Don't worry." America Chavez said reassuringly before the fight resumed.
Ms Marvel grew into a giant size as she whipped her elastic arms around to knock over seven Goblin Heartless. Used her forearms to guard her face against and onslaught of Pumpkin bombs and then she slammed a large foot down on five more Goblin Heartless. Then Ms Marvel scooped up a large group of Goblin Heartless with her hands and tossed them into the air for Iron Heart to fly in and blast them with her repulsor rapid blasts.
"We have to flood the portal! Any heat blasts will only cause it to grow! I learn that the hard way in Genosha!" Maverick protested as he was slashing at enemies his keyblade and dashing in the air with a Sonic Blade move.
Which gave Ms Marvel an idea.
"Hey Mel! Did Connor ever show you that really old Anime series called One Piece?!" Ms Marvel asked as she kicked a bunch of enemies away.
"Oh, you mean the one with the pirate guy that can stretch his limbs out like rubber?" Tsunami asked.
"Yeah! I borrowed some moves for a fanfic I wrote! Where Mr Fantastic punched water into-" Ms Marvel explained as she was spining her arms like rotator blades into six more Goblin Heartless.
"GET TO THE POINT!" All the other girls yelled.
"Right, right! Form a wall of water in front of the portal!" Ms Marvel pointed at the dark portal.
"Right! I'm on in!" Tsunami called out before using her powers to form a large wall of water in front of the portal as quick as she could.
Then as Iron Heart flew around and shot down maybe twenty Goblin Heartless with her wrist mini rockets. She saw what Ms Marvel's plan was with the water wall and she smirked as she got the idea. She hovered in place and held her hands out to shoot some plasma lasers to fill the water wall with lava in the middle.
And then Maverick who had just finished off a group looked behind and saw what they were doing. He then held his hand out and formed a neon brick circle in the middle for Ms Marvel to punch.
Then America Chavez flew over and opened three star portals to circle around all exposed sides around the dark portal.
And thus everything was aligned.
As Hulk was jumping around and jumping down Goblin Heartless off their gliders. He looked over and saw what they were doing.
"Does Hulk smash that?!" Hulk asked.
"No thanks, Hulk! I've got this one." Ms Marvel smirk as she stretched her arm out backwards and swung it around. "Marvelouuuus! PUNCH!"
Then Ms Marvel thrusted her large fust forward and punched the neon target in front of the water wall filled with plasma.
*PUNCH!*
Then on that note. The force of the shattered target caused the large water all to get knocked over onto the dark portal. And it splattered only around the portal as all the excess kept falling around it thanks to America Chavez's portals.
And on that note. The dark portal wad destroyed and Iron Fist used his chi power fist to finish off the last of the bunch with some sick Kung Fu style combat of twirls and kicks.
Thus all the Heartless were taken down. But the fights not over yet.
"Hmmph. Hulk wanted to smash too." Hulk grumbled with his arms crossed as he was mad he didn't get to destroy the dark portal.
"It's okay, big guy. I'm sure you'll get your chance soon enough." Tsunami said reassuringly to Hulk.
"It's not over yet. Nitro should've been here at this point." Luke Cage said skeptically looking at the crater where the Dark Portal was.
"That's because... He's already here." Iron Fist said with narrowed eyes.
Just then they heard some loud boom coming from inside the building as the front walls, glass and entrance collapsed. And suddenly. Nitro himself. Looking the same as he did the day he blew Stamford to bits. Came walking out of the dust and fog of smoke and he stood with yellow eyes and an evil smirk.
"Tick. Tick...Boom." Nitro quickly said.
"NO!" Maverick jumped.
And then as Nitro set himself off.
*BOOOOOOOOOM!*
He had consumed enough of Oscorp's liquid metal and fuel from inside to atleast bring half of New York down along with its resident heroes.
Thakfully...Maverick was quick. He had constructed a dome of neon to contain the blast. But it was still raging and it was intense. Maverick held his hands out as he was doing his best to keep it contained. He was on one knee as he held his hands out.
"Gggggrh...This is worse than holding an atomic fart burger in!" Maverick groaned as he grit his teeth under the mask.
"Connor! Are you okay!?" Tsunami called out concerned.
"I will be as soon as the neighbors stop blasting their music...UGH!" Maverick groaned as he armor starts to glitch and he shifts back into Connor who's starting to look pale while he grimaced.
Luke Cage was about to run in along with some others but Iron Fist held his hand up.
"If he drops the shield, we're dead." Iron Fist warned.
"Well, we can't just sit around and let Nitro kill him! We gotta do Something!" Misty Knight protested.
"No need...I've got a Deus Ex Machina on the way..." Connor groaned with a grin. "FELICITY NOW!"
Just then the teleported from the Stingray II activated and in came what everyone was expecting. But not at this moment.
Robbie Baldwin. AKA Speedball!
He wore a helmet with a translucent yellow visor over his eyes. His suit was blue, with red armored pads on his shoulders, lower arms, and red boots.
"Sweet Christmas." Luke Cage muttered in disbelief and relief.
Just then. Speedball warped through the neon berrier and he delivered an enegry punch to Nitro's face.
*KINETIC PUNCH!*
Speedball punched him through several walls. As the explosion dissipated and Connor collasped on the ground and loss consciousness while Tsunami ran to him.
"Connor!" Tsunami cried out as she ran to him, kneeling beside him with great concern. "Are you okay?! Talk to me!"
But Connor didn't respond. He was so out of it from trying to contain that blast. It was out cold.
Meanwhile Speadball was unleashing a flury of kinetic blasts and punches into Nitro's face and torso as he was knocking him across debris and trucks. He was making Nitro feel the decade and a half worth of hell he was put through. And he wanted him to feel it all. And then finally he jumped in the air.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Speedball jumped into the air and slammed his fist down but Nitro dodged and barley stood on his feet.
"You're not my target. Or Attuma's target. Walk out and we'll call it even for not killing you back in Latveria." Nitro said with a cough.
"You still owe me five thousand four hundred seventy-eight point seventy-five." Speedball said.
"Get bent. I don't even know you. Though those colors look familiar." Nitro snickered.
"Last time I saw you. I was Speedball." Robbie replied under the mask.
"Speedball was an idiot in a bunnysuit. You're an idiot in bondage gear doing cosplay now. And even if you are, why come all the way out here?" Nitro snorted.
"I won't you to try and kill me. Free shot. Point blank range. I want to see how much it hurts." Speedball said as he took his helmet off and replaced it with his Penance helmet.
"The hell is he doing?" Misty Knight inquired as she watched from a distance with Luke Cage and Iron Fist.
"It's your funeral." Nitro smirked as he held his hand up. And caused a small explosion around Penance.
*BOOOOM!*
The explosion caused the other heroes near by to shield their eyes. Debris fell everywhere as Nitro walked over and looked around to find a body. And suddenly. Like a zombie. Robbie came out from the ruble. As he was shirtless and bleeding all over. And charted around his body. But slowly healing due to the newly acquired healing factor upgrade the new suit gave him.
Robbie stood on his knee and huffed in satisfying pain.
"...Eh...Now I know how it felt." Robbie said darkly.
Talking about the victims of Stamford Connecticut.
"It's been fifteen years since the day you murdered six hundred and twelve innocent lives, in STAMFORD ON MY WATCH!" Robbie roared in anger and furious hatred. "And yet their are still over six and a half billion people on this planet."
"Keep your distance, Freak." Nitro warned.
"And out of those six and a half billion. You're the only one that matters!" Robbie snapped as he puts his helmet back on, blasted Nitro and rammed into and head butts him in the face with the spikey helmet.
"AAAH! DAMMIT!" Nitro howled in pain.
"Six hundred and twelve died because of you! Sixty of them were school children! I was supposed to be protecting them! And I didn't!" Penance raged as he slammed Nitro down to the ground. And he in delivered multiple kinetic punchs to Nitro's face.
Each punch was spraying blood across the pavement. As Nitro's face was looking more and more battered than bruised. Soon Nitro's left hand was melting away from Penance's kinetic enegry emitting from his body.
Penance became satisfied by his actions. And stood up and glared hard down at the lump of pathetic and physically broken piece of shit that was Nitro. The man who is the center of his hatred for his need for pain. His self loathing life style. All is coming to an end now that he sees Nitro in pain.
"So...Y...you got your licks in...Now what?" Nitro wueezed.
Penance had nothing left inside of him. Because he no longer needs pain to have his power. He took the helmet off. As his suit reconstructed back to normal. And he walked over. And slammed the helmet onto Nitro's face who howled in pain.
"You're not going to die. But when Atlantis is through with you. You'll wish for it." Robbie seethed as he walked off. And picked up his Speedball helmet off the ground. And looked down at it.
Maverick was seen walking over back in his suit with Tsunami at his side. And the other Young Avengers right behind them.
Maverick called a message from his Mav Club and he have permission to the ground bridge to open a portal. Then on that note. The Submariner and a group Atlantian soliders came out from the portal, and surrounded Nitro who was limb on the ground. Barely alive.
Coming out of the portal was also Namorita and Firestar. Two of the remaining New Warriors members that are alive. Came over and looked at Robbie. Who had an unreadable expression.
"Robbie? Sweetie?" Firestar asked as she walked up to him. "Are you alright?"
Robbie's face looked less bruised. He was still bald with some hair growing in from his skin. And despite that he was covered in blood. He looked briefly lost before he look at Firestar with assurance.
"I am now. My debt been paid." Robbie said in a less brooding and unbroken voice.
"Well, you've certainly earned this victory, old friend." Namorita said with a small smile. "Our fallen teammates would be proud to know that justice has been served."
Just then. A small rock fell out of Nitro's suit as the Atlantean troops were halling him out. And the rock rolled down to Maverick who picked it up. It was another pearl shard. Which means they have the key to their next destination.
"How many does that make it now?" Maverick asked his girlfriend.
"If I'm right. This makes eight shards we've retrieved." Tsunami said.
"Right...Course we would've had ten more but ever since Boom Boom over there and his boss split the ninth one in three..." Maverick sighed and shrugged. "We're gonna have to talk to Leonis, once Noct and the others get back."
"Well, hopefully they can tell us where to find the other pieces." Tsunami said.
"No. If they could, they would've told us by now. I'm thinking divide and conquer. But will need Noct and his band of Foo Fighters fans involved." Maverick clarified.
"Well, we'll have to wait until they get back from their mission." Tsunami said.
Maverick nodded in response before Luke Cage, Misty Knight and Iron Fist walked over to them.
"We'll send the police and the Department Of Damage Control to take care of the surprisingly minimum damages." Misty Knight grinned. "You kids did good."
"And you saved a lot of lives." Luke Cage smiled and agreement.
"We all did. Course I'm kinda both bumped out and shocked that Nitro never once attempt to go after his daughter." Maverick said in response.
"Perhaps Virginia was never his priority to begin with." Iron Fist said with a shrug. "But if Nitro would've succeeded in his plans, she along with all of New York would've been dead."
"It's done now. Nitro will continue to answer for his crimes." Namorita said to them as she walked over.
"I sure would hate to see his mugshots after this, cause...damn." Maverick winched looking at Nitro's damaged and banged up face as he was being halled out by the Atlanteans.
Just then all the Young Avengers came over as Kate Bishop shook Maverick and Tsunami's hands.
"It's been a blast meeting you, Tsunami." Kate Bishop smiled.
"Next time we should hang out longer and throw popcorn instead of punches!" Spider-Girl quipped.
"Now that I can definitely get behind." Tsunami said in agreement.
"Call us if you need any help. Oh and maybe stop by my Mom's place after all of this is over. We can pick a weekend." Ms Marvel brightly invited them.
"I swear to God Kam's Mom's shawarma puts Gyro's on Gordon Ramsey's wall of shame." Maverick quipped as he remembered liking Muneeba Khan's cooking.
"Hmmm. Now I really want to visit soon." Tsunami said.
"Miles and I are heading to Time Square, now that our shift is over." Spider-Girl said.
"Same for Ramone and I. We always keep the action going but shift the tone of punches to cash cards." America remarked about shopping and hanging out.
"We're going there too. We might actually run into each other." Tsunami said.
"Triple dates it is." Spider-Girl winked as she pointed playfully.
"See you pareja feliz in Time Square." America Chavez pointed amusingly.
After the Young Avengers left the area by either walking off or swinging off. The Hulk walked by and may a humphed as he looked at them.
"Water Girl smashes almost as good as Hulk." Hulk said before he jumped high away and left the area. More than likely a quiet place to change back into Bruce Banner later.
"That's Hulk's way of saying you kick ass." Maverick muttered to Tsunami who smirked in response.
Then Namorita walked over to check on the Maverick.
"Are you alright, Sweetheart?" Namorita asked softly.
"I'm fine. I think I'll let you and Unc handle the prison process drenching red tape and stuff. Me and Mel are gonna take the rest of the night off to relax in Time Square." Maverick replied.
"We'll be on our best behavior, Ma'am." Tsunami assured like the sweet girl she is.
"You better be." Namorita said sternly but with a smirk.
After that, Namorita left with the Atlantean's to send Nitro to Prison. And just as Maverick and Tsunami were about to leave.
"Hey Mav?" Speedball called over.
"Yeah?" Maverick turned back in response.
"I just wanted to say... Thanks." Speedball said to him. "You gave me a second chance to set things right."
"We're very grateful for everything you've done." Firestar added.
"This whole thing about Stamford and you getting back the Explosive Diarrhea. That was long overdue. I just sped up clock." Maverick assured as he patted Speedball's shoulder. "Don't waste this. It took a lot for you to get here." He winked.
Then Maverick turned and teleported away with Tsunami. Firestar especially had looked forward to this day for a long time. And she had promised to be there for the man she loves. Especially when the real Robbie Baldwin comes out of the dark.
At this moment. Penance is dead. And Speedball is born anew.
"I'm so happy to have you back." Firestar said before kissing Speedball.
Speedball kissed her back. While he was holding a ring on his finger. He had waited a long time for this moment. Now that his inner battle is over. It's time to for his life to change for the better.
After he was done kissing her. He smiled for the first time looking down.
"Angelica Jones? I've been a total asshole to you for the past fourteen years. And yet you've never given up on me. Out of everything that's happened. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." Robbie said as he took his helmet off and got down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"
He presented a beautiful looking ring in front of Firestar. As they stood around the aftermath of Nitro's defeat.
As Robbie had planned the moment he heard that his enemy was alive. Take him down. And then get on one knee.
Firestar stood there with tears of joy falling from her eyes, trying to find her voice to answer.
"Yes... Yes, I'll marry you." Firestar managed to choke out before tackling him into a hug and a deep kiss.
All Speedball could think was 'Finally'. And now the worse of it is behind him. Whatever comes next. They'll do it together.
Meanwhile in Meridia...
After all the steps were made it was time.
King Triton was sitting at his bed. While in his underwater room which served as a house arrest-like prison. It's been days. Practically weeks since he was taken from Atlantica. Ever since Lunafreya gave him the good news on what has been happening with his granddaughter and the Maverick. He's had hope ever since.
Well now that hope is going to pay off.
Once he heard the balcony doors opened. He was about to say something in alarm when he saw Prompto break in without any noise.
"Shhh. Don't shout, bad idea to shout. Are you King Triton?" Prompto asked quietly.
"Yes, I am." King Triton whispered back after a slight bit of hesitation. "Who are you?"
"Prompto, I'm part of the Resistance. We're here to bust you out butwe gotta go now. Follow me." Prompto insisted as he gestures King Triton to follow him out of the Balcony.
Triton sighed in relief before he moved to follow.
"Good. Let's get out of here." Triton said as he followed. "How did you find me?"
"Lunafreya is on our side now. She'll open a path way for us." Prompto said quietly.
It was a good thing they got rid of Tigershark or else his troops would be hearing this conversation.
Prompto lead King Triton outside to swim across the side of the palace. And Prompto looked out to see one lamp was on in the base hanger ahead. Which was the same one his team held up in. One light bulb was the signal to wait.
"Hold on..." Prompto muttered. Before two lamps came on. "Now."
King Triton followed Prompto all the way down to the hanger. Prompto's swimming skills were fully trained in the resistance to swim fast. While King Triton was bred to swim fast.
Once they made it inside. Prompto closed the door behind them. As Ignis. Gladiolus and Noctis were sanding there while looking impressed that Prompto managed to get the job done.
"Well I'll be damned." Gladiolus grinned.
"King Triton, I presumed?" Ignis tipped his glasses.
"Noctis Caelum. And an old friend of Connor, the Maverick." Noctis said as he shook the King's hand.
That for much Noctis was certain now. Even if he doesn't have his memories back yet. Still it was a good thing King Triton never met Sea Slayer let alone seen him without his mask. He'll hear the story later, sure. But since King Triton trusts the Maverick, surely he can trust his best friend.
"A pleasure. I'm grateful for you coming to my rescue." Triton said with gratitude. "How have things progressed for our side?"
"Not that well. Attuma has the upperhand these days. We have thousands of members out there. But more and more are dying as fast as we keep recruiting." Gladiolus stated grimly.
"However there is a silver lining. Attuma doesn't have the Pearl of Asarius. And the more the Maverick keeps discovering worlds the more troops we make. So our defeats are gradually decreasing." Ignis revealed.
"Any second now, Luna is about to open a portal to the Maverick's secret hideout. Be ready for anything." Noctis said to the King.
"I understand." King Triton nodded.
Just then some anchient ruins and enscriptions began to display and shine around the room. As a wave of water rushed around the middle of the room and lit up instantly. Showing that a portal had opened up.
"Let's go!" Noctis announce as they swam in.
They made sure to bring King Triton ahead of them. Before they went in as well. And on that note. The portal closed up. Leaving the room to be completely empty. The escape plan was a sucess.
Just then. Tiger Shark muffled and screamed from inside the utility closest as he managed to finally bust the door down with whatever was blocking it. And he yanked one arm out of the ropes to pull the cloth gag in his mouth out.
"Damn it! SOUND THE ALARM! DON'T LET TRITON ESCAPE!" Tiger Shark screamed as he swam out of the hanger.
It's too late moron. King Triton is no longer Attuma's prisoner.
Down at the Underwater Sanctum of the Mav Club...
This part of the Mav Club was designed to be as a shelter for Atlantean's in mind. And since Atlantean's have to be in water after a certain amount of time. Connor made sure this chamber was made and fitted for water breathers of all kind.
The chamber was designed like a large futuristic apartment for rich folks. The portal opened at the main hall entrance were the walls and floors were the same metallic white and black designs as the Mav Club. With neon lights streaming on the top and bottom corners.
King Triton had exited the portal along with Noctis and his group. Where Lunafreya stood. Smiling at them while she was still wearing her Atlantean attire.
"Welcome to Atlantis, Your Majesty." Lunafreya gave a respectful bow. "I hope you weren't harmed during my absences."
Lunafreya was looking after King Triton while he was captive. He stayed less and less miserable because of her. Especially how she brought him hope.
"I was not. They wouldn't risk losing the Trident." Triton said before giving Lunafreya a kind smile. "I'm glad to see you're doing alright. I overheard you being taken hostage and was concerned for your safety."
"Thank you, My Lord. And I assure you I am alright." Lunafreya assured softly.
"And even though you got to stretch your fins for the first time in weeks. I'm sorry to say that you'll have to stay here for the time being. Lunafreya and the priestesses of Negrete will look after you for the time being." Ignis stated a word of caution.
"If you're seen outside anywhere without protection or seen in Atlantica, Attuma's spies will know where you are and it could trigger a final battle early to get you back." Gladiolus added.
"Well, anywhere is better than back in that cell I was in." Triton said, agreeing to stay put
"If you need to step outside or contact your daughters. Feel free to call on me or one of girls." Lunafreya referred to the ladies that were overseeing the designs.
The priestesses all were wearing Atlantean garments similar to Lunafreya. But in different patterns and colors.
"I've also contacted a certain someone who was dying to see you again." Noctis said as the elevator doors behind them made a ding noise.
The elevator doors opened and in came the one person King Triton hasn't seen in years. Ariel. His daughter. Who of course gasped with tears of joy.
"Daddy..." Ariel breathed in sweet relief.
"Ariel. My little girl." Triton muttered happily before the two met in a hug.
"I've missed you so much." Ariel said with a sob, so happy to see her father after so many years.
"I've missed you too..." King Triton replied as he held his daughter close.
Noctis and the others enjoyed the scene of a reunion before he and the others left to give Ariel and her father some privacy to catch up and talk.
Melody and Connor came back to get dressed up for Time Square when they had gotten word that King Triton was back.
He teleported into the room with Melody as they were both suprised to see him in one piece. Especially Melody who had never met him before. Connor cleared his throat and got their attention
"So. You're finally out of the fishbowl. I gotta be honest. I was planning to break you out for like a final level scenario but I couldn't say no to the boys when they said now." Connor remarked.
"Good. Because I probably would've gone mad if I had to stay in that cell for too much longer." Triton said with a smile as he shook Connor's hand. "I heard from Lady Lunafreya that you've been causing quite a few headaches for Attuma and his forces."
"The whole nine yards. Headaches. Ulcers. Stomach aches and whatever diarrhea looks like underwater. Also to help break that image. I don't think I have to tell you who this is." Connor said as he concluded thr handshake and gestured to his girlfriend standing next to him.
"Hi..." Melody gave a timid wave with a smile.
"Melody." Triton said in a whisper as he finally got to see his granddaughter, face to face. "Look at how much you've grown. I haven't seen you since you were first born."
"Be honest with me, nothing's changed since right? She still looks fresh out of the oven." Connor whispered a tease next to Melody.
"Oh hush you." Melody said humorously while lightly shoving him before swimming up to her grandfather and hugging him. "I'm so happy to finally meet you."
Connor took the opportunity to take a picture of this moment with his gummiphone and save it.
"My dear Melody. I can't apologize enough for keeping your heritage a secret from you. But knowing that you never once disconnected from sea, inspite of it all. It means a lot to all of us merfolk." King Triton spoke fondly to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder as he promised. "When this war is over. I will have the wall torn down. And nothing will separate us again."
"Looking forward to it." Melody said happily.
"Oh and we brought in someone else. We're all suprised he can breathe under water too." Connor remarked as he teleported out of the room briefly and then came back with little baby Oliver in his arms. Wearing a one piece blue Atlantean snuggy. Or pajamas. Whatever you wish to call it.
Connor passed the baby to Ariel who started to cradle her baby boy in her arms.
"Daddy? This is Oliver. Your grandson." Ariel cooed as she brought him over. And the baby just stared at Triton with the bright aqua blue eyes as his mother.
While Oliver was not in a mermaid form. He had just been trained to breathe underwater. Thanks to Donald Duck's magic for unlocking that feature.
Triton gasped in surprise as his eyes widened, filled with joy.
"I have a grandson." Triton muttered with barely contained joy before holding out a finger to scratch his chin. "Hello there Oliver. I'm your grandfather."
The baby gurgled with a smile as he grabbed onto his big finger with his tiny baby hands.
"I think they got this covered." Connor muttered to Melody.
"In that case, we better get going." Melody said before tugging her boyfriend's arm, leading him to the elevator. "You still owe me that date in Time Square."
"Keep your shells one, I'm coming." Connor scoffed.
"mmmph! Mmmph!" Someone muffled inside Connor's jacket packet.
"Oh and this little 45 milligram asked to stop by." Connor remarked as he opens his pocket open
Then Sebastian swam out and inhaled a lot of water like air as if he was holding his breath. Apparently he can't stand the smell of Axe spray.
"Oh my Lord dat ride was foul!" Sebastian exhaled and he turned and gasped seeing King Triton who was holding his Grandson. And the crab beamed apologetically. "Yer Majesty! You're alright! I am so sorry dat dis whole thing happened on my watch!"
"At ease, Sebastian. You did a good job in looking after Melody in my stead all these years." Triton said with a smile. "Which is why I'm relieving you of duty, so you may retire as you wish."
Sebastian exhaled in sweet relief before he cleared his throat and spoke in a proper regal demeanor before his king.
"Den. I must delay my retirement and offer my services to do my part in making sure we win de war." Sebastian gave a bow in respect.
He was expecting to be his overseer and advisor. Or atleast to Ariel's services.
"Well, if that's the case." King Triton said with a grin. "Then you shall accompany Connor and his team for the remainder of their journey and report his progress to me from his ship."
"Say wat?" Sebastian squeaked and dropped his jaw.
Connor winked and pointed at Sebastian with a click of his tongue. As a mischievous way to say 'Looking forward to workin with ya'. Before the elevator closed with Connor and Melody on board.
And then Sebastian fell backwards and fainted.
While Ariel and King Triton walked further into the shelter to catch up with her father.
"I left your Triton with Aquata back home. I would've left it with Alana, but I think Aquata's tough side called for it." Ariel said with remark about her sisters.
"Yes. That's probably the best option." Triton said before looking at his daughter. "How have you been, Ariel?"
"I don't know where to start. Being a mother. Especially at a time like this, it hasn't been easy. But it's been worth it. And I kind of understand what you went through with me since Melody had my rebellious side." Ariel admitted as she rubbed her arm.
"Yes. I could tell. She has so much of that same fire in her eyes." Triton said with a chuckle. "You made the right choice when you got together with Eric. You two were meant for each other. Melody and little Oliver here are proof of that."
Ariel smiled at this. She knew all of this will be behind her. Despite the time they lost. And that Attina would rest easy knowing that justice will be done soon.
Connor is very close to turning the tides of war on their side. And now that Noctis and his group are involved.
This war will end very soon.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉
So yeah. Sebastian has a good heart to wanna help in any way he can. He just didn't expect it to be in the middle of the main action. 😂
"And I swear to go easy on him. On the best of my sanity." Maverick crossed his heart. 😇 "For the most part." 😈
So yeah. King Triton is now back and under the protection of Atlantis. He got to meet Melody and her little brother Oliver in person. But he is not safe to return to Atlantica yet. Not until the war will be fully in their favor. Possibly for one large finale battle.
Also Robbie Baldwin has hung up the Penance suit and is now Speedball again. Now that he has gotten his revenge on Nitro. He can finally move on with his fiance Firestar and find peace.
As for Connor and the Guardians. Their journey is not over yet.
Thank you all so much for reading!
Be sure to Fave and Follow if you like what you see and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
And as always Disney/Square Enix Fans!
FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊
