A year after the destruction of Doom's Castle, Bobby was about to be done with cleaning the X-Mansion. The mutant heard Tony Stark was hosting a party for a celebration of the fall of Doom's legacy at Stark Tower. Sadly, Cyclops, as the leader of the X-Men, forbids him from attending because the reckless Iceman went to the attack at Latveria behind their back. He can attend the party if he cleans the mansion.
After he is done, Scott Summer and Jean Grey enter the living room and they're both impressed by Bobby's hard work in cleaning. "Wow. This is impressive, Bobby. You cleaned up well without leaving a trace of ice. Well done," Cyclops told him.
"Yeah, Bobby. You did very well. And you did this all by yourself," Jean asked him.
"Yup! Sorry I didn't get it done sooner. I took a lunch break 'cause I was hungry," the ice mutant told them. "So, Scott, I got the mansion clean. Took me like eight or nine long hours. Does that mean I can go to the awesome reunion party?"
"You did a great job organizing and cleaning the mansion… but you're not going," the X-Man told him.
"What?! But you told me-"
"You went with Nick Fury after we turned him down and you went behind our backs. You're not going."
"Are you kidding me?! Hell, Logan went with Fury too but he can still go?!"
"Bobby, Logan is an adult and he is always a lone wolf. Plus, he owes Nick Fury and you didn't. You endangered your life by attacking another country," Jean told him.
"But I was with Captain America, Susan Storm, Luke Cage, Spidey, and Ben Grimm! Heck, we took down Doom's castle, the dude we all worked together to fight and beat him! We destroyed what was left of his legacy and a terrorist organization!"
"We have no involvement with non-mutant terrorists," Scott told him.
"That doesn't stop us from fighting Doom and his buddies!"
"That's because few of his allies were mutants!"
"You forgot to mention that Doom captured Kurt and Jean-"
"You better stop-"
"Okay okay! That's enough," Jean calmly breaks them up. "Look what happened in the past is in the past. I'm back and fine. Kurt is fine. We're all fine now. Everything is good now. Let's just leave it at that. Now, I want you both to apologize."
"Jean's right… I'm sorry for holding that Latveria attack against you, Bobby."
"It's cool," Iceman told his leader. "I'm sorry about the whole Doom crap. I shouldn't bring it up after what he did to you and the others when we weren't there to help you."
"It wasn't your fault. To be honest, if you were there, you probably would've been killed or turned into his brainwashed slave as well."
"Would not like to see myself as a villain. Probably be called the Frostman or the Glacier Man or something lame."
"True."
"To be honest…" Bobby approached and stared at the X-Men group photo. "It would've been great having the team together for an awesome mission."
"Is that why you went with them, Bobby," Jean asked. "Because you missed us being together?"
"Definitely… but now the good old team is apart. Gone their separate ways. Rogue and Gambit vacating in Paris, Kurt is back with those monks, and Storm… I miss Storm so much…"
"We miss her too, Bobby," Jean smiles as she lays her hand on his shoulder.
"Who would've thought our Storm is married to the Black Panther?! So crazy!"
"Storm chose a different path now. She gave up the X-Men so she can start a new life with King T'Challa," Scott told him.
"And I'm happy for her."
"As am I. And I know they're proud of you for being responsible and helpful you've become, Bobby."
"Thanks, Scott."
"No problem."
"So… does that mean I can go to the party?"
"Nope. I need you here to watch over the students with Kitty and Peter while we're out."
"What?!"
"Sorry, but we have a thing in New York and we could use the break from teaching so thanks for volunteering to watch over the mansion. Very responsible of you, Bobby," Cyclops pats the young man before leaving the living room.
"Whoa whoa wait! I didn't volunteer! Ha, get back here!"
"Sorry, Bobby," Jean apologized as she left with Scott.
"What? But… Oh come on!" He sat on the couch and lowered his head in defeat.
Moments later, Bobby enters the garage to sweep away any mess until Logan enters and heads toward Scott's motorcycle. "Yo, Logan," the ice mutant grabs his teammate's attention. "Whatcha doing?"
"I'm heading out, bub," he told him. "Gonna cruise around and get a few beers."
"Say uh Logan… you uh… you wouldn't mind-"
"No."
"But you didn't know what I was gonna-"
"You were gonna ask me if I can stay the night and watch over the kids with Kit and Peter and the answer is no."
"You knew?"
"I know everything, bub. The only reason you don't wanna stay tonight is because of the whole anniversary of the Latveria strike we did a year ago."
"Yeah, man. I just… I just wanna chill and chat with the old team again. I have hardly hung out with them since then. It's awesome to… you know… team up badass heroes now and then…"
"You really wanna go huh?" The X-Man pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it at the ice hero, revealing it to be a key chain. When he pressed it, the red sports car horns went off once as Iceman smirked. "If you tell Scott, I'll deny it." Logan took off in Scott's motorcycle as Iceman took off as well in the car.
The reckless hero drove to New York and it took him an hour to find a parking spot to park the car. He walked among the crowd of people to seek a flower shop and then bought some roses for a special someone before he headed to a popular building. Bobby was walking among the crowd until he accidentally bumped into someone as he apologized, "Oh! I'm so sorry!"
"You're all good man. No harm done," said the hooded man as he walked away while keeping his head down. Bobby was suspicious about the stranger but he kept heading to his destination.
Soon, he arrived at the New Warriors building since the team hosted their reality show and became famous. The X-Man went through a wave of fans to the entrance until he was stopped by security. "Sorry dude but no fans allowed inside," the guard told him.
"It's okay. I'm not a fan. I'm actually a superhero," Bobby told him.
"Yeah right. Like I believe that crap."
"I'm an X-Man."
"Yeah, and I'm Thor. Dude just get out of here! You're embarrassing your-" Suddenly, Bobby transformed his entire body into his organic ice form for a few seconds before reverting, surprising everyone. "Whoa! Yo-You're Iceman?! That's awesome! Go ahead! Go inside! Sorry for not believing ya!"
"You're fine. Just doing your job."
When he steps inside, he arrives right when the show ends and the team begins to relax. Night Thrasher was practicing his combat skills with his batons while Microbe was stuffing himself with burgers and shakes. Speedball was having staff members straightening his hair until he spotted Bobby as he approached him. "Yo, Bobby," he smiled at the ice mutant. "Great to see ya again! Here to see Namorita?"
"What gave it away," Bobby asked.
"Well, are the roses for me?"
"Sorry."
"It's okay. Got too much of those already from sponsors and fans. I believe Namorita is in her dressing room right down there. Can't miss it."
"Thanks. Appreciate it."
"Ha! Have ya watched our show?"
"Yeah, I've watched it while I was stuck at the mansion. I love that one time when Tigershark was pulling your hair when you guys arrested him."
"I swear he was about to rip my entire hair off!" The two laughed about it until Speedball's phone rang. "Sorry, but it looks like I have to chat with our sponsors. Great seeing ya again."
"Same here, man." Bobby went over to the dressing room as it was open and took a peek to see Namorita applying makeup on herself. The X-Man gently knocked on the door to grab her attention as he greeted her, "Sup, beautiful."
The Atlantean looked up at the mirror and smiled when she saw him. She turns around and hugs the mutant as she greets him, "It's great seeing you again, Bobby. How have you been, icy?"
"Been good. Finally got out of the mansion after so long."
"That's good. Glad they finally let you go."
"Uh actually… they wanted me to babysit but I kinda sneaked out not that long ago."
"They're gonna be livid when they realize it."
"Oh definitely. Oh yeah uh… I… I got you these," he handed her the roses.
"Aww! How sweet! Who would've thought Iceman had a soft spot under all that ice," she said, teasingly.
"Always has a soft spot for those I love."
"Wow! Glad to know you love me so quickly after several months of dating."
"I uh-Well uh-I just uh like ya very much and uh… You're so cool and so awesome in every way and uh…"
Namorita laughed as she gently shoved him. "Calm down, you geek. Just messing with ya."
"Oh uh… That's a relief. I'm not very good at telling those I love them if we dated for like a month or so. I don't wanna make it weird like what I just did."
"You're fine, Bobby. It actually makes you look cute when you're nervous."
"Oh… you think I'm cute," he asked while he smirked.
"And there's the Bobby I know and love," she rolled her eyes.
"I know. I'm awesome. Anyway, there's this anniversary at Stark Tower I'm invited to very soon. Wanna come as my awesome guest/girlfriend?"
"I would love to come and see the other heroes… but I already have plans on set and talk shows I already promised to attend. Sorry."
"You're good. I know your cool life as a famous celebrity and superhero. You're a great and awesome person, Ita!"
"You sure? I'm no Captain Marvel or Thor."
"You're way better than them both."
"Aww! That means a lot coming from my 'cold' boyfriend."
"Did you just do a pun? Never heard ya saying a pun before."
"Who do you think I got it from?"
"Fair. Very fair. So uh… when you're not busy with being famous and all that… Do you wanna go on another date? Like walking in the park, dine at a restaurant, or go see a movie?"
"I would love that very much. I'll make sure to schedule a day off for just the two of us. It'll be my top priority."
"Thanks, babe."
"Now, if I'm not mistaken, you got a party you need to go to."
"You got it. I'll catch you later."
"You definitely will." The X-Man was about to leave until the Atlantean grabbed his arm. "Oh what the hell." She leans up to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Great seeing you again, Bobby."
"Always great being with you, Ita." Bobby plants a kiss on Namorita's forehead before waving goodbye to his girlfriends and starts heading to the party.
Meanwhile, the hooded man Iceman ran into earlier went to the abandoned subway station and sneaked into the tunnels. The man wandered through the darkness until he noticed that he wasn't alone. A pair of glowing green dot eyes appears as the suit glows, revealing Vulture hanging upside down on the ceiling before landing in front of the trespasser. "Well, I wasn't expecting you to be here," he said through his menacing helmet. "I thought you were still locked up… Max."
The hooded man revealed himself to be Max Dillon, Electro. "I always have friends on the inside to bust me out of the old jailhouse," he smirks. "Besides, there's no way I would turn down a chance for a good old payback."
"Same here," Scorpion agreed as he crawled among the ceiling towards them. "After what the spider and his hero friends did to us, they're gonna get what's coming to 'em!"
"Agree," Lady Octopus agrees as she emerges from the shadows. "Their interference back at Latveria will not go unpunished. The heroes will face the consequences of their inexcusable actions. And soon… all of New York will. I believe that you're here to hear the plan," she asked Electro.
"Yeah. I wanna know what the plan is so I won't go out there blindly," he responded.
"Well, we shall distract the heroes long enough for the others to launch the real attack."
"What real attack?"
"You and the whole world will see. And by the time the heroes discover our true intentions… it will already be too late."
Later, Iceman arrives at Stark Tower as he drives to the car at the entrance before he steps out for the valet to park his vehicle. Once he steps inside, the mutant transforms into his organic ice form as he approaches the front desk where he can pick up his name tag and where to go. He enters the elevator and heads to the top floor where the party is located. When he arrives, the ice hero is surprised by the setup and the number of guests who arrive to celebrate the anniversary.
Iceman wanders around and enjoys his time celebrating as he enjoys the songs and the buffet. While he was enjoying the party, the X-Man noticed Black Widow was there as she was working on a terminal before he approached her. "Hey, Widow," he greeted her, grabbing her attention.
"Well, hello Robert. It's been so long since we last saw each other," she smiled.
"So, what brings you to Tony's humble abode?"
"Nothing special. S.H.I.E.L.D. likes to keep close contact with the superhero community and since straddles those two words. I bounce back and forth quite a bit."
"Always good to have help from someone in extremely tight clothing!"
"Still haven't changed a bit, huh Bobby?"
"Well, you know me, Widow. I really missed our conversations before we went our separate ways. Anyways, any weirdness going on in the city?"
"Not really. Enjoy the silence… it rarely lasts."
"Yeah. Silence is more boring than punching and kicking."
"Well, be careful what you wish for, Bobby. Now, if you excuse me. I have some work to do."
"Gotcha. See ya later, Widow. Stay beautiful," the X-Man smirks as he leaves to enjoy the party while Black Widow rolls her eyes.
Suddenly, Daredevil jumps in and lands behind the agent as she knows his presence. "Hi, Matt. Sneaking here wasn't necessary. You could've just used the front door."
"I like to make an entrance, Nat," the blind hero told her. "Is Fury here?"
"No. He got something else better to do than being at one of Stark's parties."
"Yet, you're here. Did he send you here to spy on us and report on our activities?"
"Fury would never order me to do that to any of you. He cares about everyone here. Especially you."
"He and S.H.I.E.L.D. only care about using us. And it sickens me that a skillful woman I admire working for them."
"Matt, please. You may not be S.H.I.E.L.D.'s biggest fan but this is the path I've chosen."
"It doesn't take a blind man to see Fury wastes your talents."
"I appreciate the thought but I beg to differ. Fury has always tried his best to keep us safe and do what's best for everyone."
"Like he failed to mention to any of us that he wanted to destroy Doom's castle with us in it. And he made you keep that information from us," he told her as he was about to walk off.
"Come on, Matt. What's your real problem with Fury? At least owe me that."
Daredevil stopped and told her without facing Black Widow, "He gets to see you every day…" He walks away.
"Oh, Matt… You're very nostalgic, aren't you?"
Back at Iceman, he was enjoying his time at the party until he noticed a few crumbs fell on him. He looked up and spotted Spider-Man on the ceiling eating a breadcrumb. "Yo, Spidey," he waves at his friend.
The webslinger jumps off and lands in front of the ice mutant. "Hey there! What's up, Bobby," Spider-Man greeted Iceman while shaking his hand.
"Jeez! It's already been a year since we last saw each other huh? Now, here we are again with the old gang in Stark's tower!"
"Yup. Just like the good old days. Except my hair still got it and I don't have any wrinkles."
"Funny as always. So, what's your favorite thing about this place? The web-friendly high ceilings?"
"What else? The caviar… Okay, actually I hate that stuff. How does anyone eat it?"
"Yeah, those fancy foods always have a very weird taste. Like did Stark spend a hundred bucks on that stuff?"
"He probably spent whatever amount of money for some fancy perfume. Especially the ones that wanna make you wanna gag."
"There's no way to make you stop joking, is there?"
"Technically, yes. Practically, though… Yeah, not really."
"Good to know. Anyways, I honestly thought you weren't gonna show up to the anniversary. I thought you were much of a solo player."
"Yeah but once in a while it's fun to team up. Heck, I used to team up pretty much every month!"
"Like last year in Latveria? Good times, huh?"
"Ooh, bad karma. I still have nightmares about their gig. Thanks for bringing it up."
"My pleasure."
The audience cheered and clapped at the presence of the Fantastic Four as they waved at the crowd, grabbing the two heroes' attention. Iceman smiled as he approached the team. "Hey guys! It's great to see you again," he greeted the team.
"Bobby? Oh my goodness! It's great to see you as well," Susan smiles as she shakes his hand. "How have you been?"
"I've been fine. Just you know me… Just chillin'."
"Oh, Bobby. I missed your terrible puns."
"Great to see you, Robert," Reed smiled at the mutant. "We're glad you're doing well. I hope the same for your X-Men."
"Yeah! They're doing good. Some of them left and started a new life for themselves but we still have a few on the team," he told them.
"That's great to hear."
"I'm proud to be an X-Men. But I wouldn't mind being back with you guys and making it the Fantastic Five?"
"We still remember the time we added you to the team. You were a great member and a great help."
"So is that a yes?"
"We're gonna discuss that with the flame head," Ben told him. "You know how much the kid loves being the center of attention."
"Gotcha. Speaking of which, where is-"
"Well well well!" Everyone turned towards the Human Torch as he's all flame up as the reckless hero marches towards the X-Man. "Who brought this loser here?!"
"That's weird. I was gonna ask the same thing about you, hot head."
"I thought I told you the next time I see you, I will turn you into a wet puddle," Human Torch shouted as his flames lightened up more.
"And I thought I told you the next time I see you, I'll extinguish you permanently!"
The two heroes stare at each other angrily, making the crowd uneasy and afraid. Suddenly, the two began laughing together as the flame hero turned back to his original form before shaking the X-Man's hand. "How're you doing, man?! So great to see ya again! How's my favorite ice dude!"
"Great, man! So great to see ya too!"
"Ha! Sorry for that. I know how much you love to take a joke!"
"You know I do! Anyway, I was totally expecting you to be part of the Latveria strike. I was hoping we could do a good ol' ice and fire team-up!"
"If I had my brother come along, he would've done property damage to the people of Latveria," Susan told him.
"Plus, I'm sure you guys didn't need me for this one so I just hang back and chill. Ah look at me using your pun just now," Johnny laughs.
"It's all good, man. Still, I wouldn't mind being part of the team again and making it into the Fantastic Five," the ice hero smiles.
"Nah. I don't think the world is ready for a Fantastic Five. If we make it a five, then we're gonna add more to the team and we have to change our name. Also, I don't want someone outshining me. Or should I say out snowing me?"
"Clever. Clever job right there."
"Well, you're more than welcome to visit whenever you want, Robert," Reed told him. "Our doors are always open for you."
"I do appreciate it, Reed. It means a lot."
Iceman continues to wander around the party as he spots Thor telling tales about his adventures in other realms while others are laughing. "And that was a true story. Banner went on a rampage in Asgard after I accidentally pushed him out the window and fell fifty feet down. Took Asgard's greatest warriors to bring him down… for a mere second!"
"I still feel sorry about the damage I caused," Bruce Banner said.
"Eh, there wasn't much excitement going on there. You turned into the green monster was pure entertainment for everyone, Banner!"
"Ha Thor! What's happening with your dad since we last saved him," Iceman shouted.
"Oh, he is well, man of ice! Little hath changed of late. My father continues to punish that vile Doctor Doom and my brother, Loki, for their treachery of years past."
"I guess Doom chose the wrong guy to mess with!"
"Aye! Thy gift for understatement is remarkable, man of ice!"
The X-Man was laughing among the group until he spotted Wolverine chatting with Luke Cage at the bar. The ice mutant heads towards him while the two superheroes chat with each other. "So anyway, anything happened since we last saw each other," the muscled hero asked the clawed mutant.
"Nah, but the day's young," Logan responded.
"Well, maybe we should go find some trouble!"
"Or make some. I ain't fussy."
"Hell yeah!" Soon, Iceman sat next to Wolverine and he immediately annoyed Logan. "Well… look who's wandering out of the X-Mansion."
"Well well… Logan's playing nicely with others," Iceman smirks. "Isn't that cute?" The ice hero greeted Luke, "Sup, Cage!"
"Sup, kid. Great to see ya again," Luke greeted back.
"Yeah, well don't get used to it," Wolverine responded to his fellow X-Man. "I'm only here 'cause Stark told me he had some Cubans he just got in."
"I thought you kicked that habit. Or, you know, stabbed it." Luke laughs at the joke.
"I did. Don't mean I can't still enjoy smellin''em."
"Poor, Logie. You have a real problem, buddy! We need to have an innovation for ya."
"Uh do that and I'll quit the team permanently."
"You'll miss us."
"And anyway, as much as I like it up at the mansion, it's good to get down to the city too."
"Sure is. So, want to go see a Broadway musical with me while we're here?! I know how much you love them!"
Wolverine responded by popping out his deadly adamantium claws. "Don't push it."
"Uh-Okay! I'll let you be! Have a good one, Wolvie!" Iceman immediately stood up and walked away.
"Keep talking like that dumb merc and I'll kill you just like I killed that asshole!"
"Duly noted!"
Soon, the crowd cheered and applauded at the arrival of Captain America. The ice mutant smiled as he made his way to the legendary hero and greeted him, "Ha Cap! How's it going?! Been a long time since we teamed up!"
"Greetings… Robert, is it? Great to see you again," the American hero greeted the young adult. "How have you been since Latveria?"
"Been okay! Just uh… been under house arrest for sneaking off to join the Latveria raiding party."
"Did you have permission to be a part of the attack?"
"I'm pretty sure the part when I say 'I've been under house arrest' is the answer to that."
"Well, you should've told your team about it before you risk your life on a dangerous mission. You could've worried them if something bad happened to you."
"I know it's just… I really missed the good old days when we all teamed up. I remember flirting with Widow, chatting with the dudes, checking out the ladies, taking down baddies, and ruining Doom's plans!"
"You're still young, son. You still have a lot to learn. You should be very grateful for being part of the X-Men. You're a valuable member of their team."
"Whoa! Thanks, Cap. It means a lot coming from you."
"Anytime, son. Anytime."
"Say! Have I told you a time I once teamed up and saved a random Captain America dude with superpowers?"
"Now, that's a story I would like to hear."
Then, everyone gathered at the balcony and watched the arrival of Iron Man as he flew towards them and landed on his landing pad. His tower's system helps detach his armor pieces and reveals Tony Stark, causing the crowd to cheer. "Welcome everyone! Welcome," the billionaire greeted them. "So glad to have you all here at Stark Tower and celebrating the anniversary of the strike at Latveria!"
"The dude always makes a grand entrance like this," Iceman asked the hero soldier.
"Every time," Captain America responded.
"I remember that day we shut down the Tinkerer's disgusting operation after he stole my tech," Tony continued. "And also, we destroyed what was left of Doom's creepy castle, destroying the legacy of the madman who almost ruled Earth! I also wanna give a special shout-out to all the heroes who fought by my side and saved my life!" The crowd clapped for the superheroes. "And of course, I did save their lives during the attack and of course, few of them were scared and afraid Fury would get them killed as always. I wished the old timer would show up but I'm sure he got something important to do or he hates the way I party. Anywho, enjoy the party everyone, and let's hear for the heroes one more time!" Everyone clapped and cheered. "Alright! Every hero, let's head to the private room for a good time and celebrate!"
Soon, all of the heroes head into the other room as they're leaving the party. When Tony closes and locks the doors, the billionaire speaks to his AI, "Friday, is the room soundproof? No one can hear us from the outside?"
"Yes, sir," Friday responded.
"Good."
"So uh what do you have plans for us, Stark-" Iceman asked until Tony Stark pressed a button and transformed the private room into a meeting room, surprising everyone except for Captain America. "Wh-What is this?"
"So sorry for dragging you all here during this anniversary crap but we have a problem," the tech genius told them.
"We don't appreciate the secrecy, Tony," Reed told him. "What's going on?"
"We detected suspicious activity occurring around New York," Captain America told them. "Our friend, Captain Marvel, was investigating an international gun-running ring in the city when she was visiting."
"Captain Marvel is here," Spider-Man asks, surprised. "Where is she?"
"That's where we're getting to. She pinpointed two areas that could be where they're running their operations. An abandoned manufacturing warehouse and the Roosevelt Island's construction site. Last night, Captain Marvel investigated the site through the tunnels… she hasn't reported back since then."
"Is she in trouble? You think she might be captured," Susan asked, worried.
"She is definitely the most powerful chick of all the galaxies," Tony commented. "She's even more powerful than Thor and Banner combined!"
"Watch it, Stark," Thor said.
"Of course he would say that," Bruce says to himself.
"Trust me, Carol can definitely take care of herself… but we'll need to follow up on this just in case," Tony told them.
"What do you need us to do," Daredevil asked.
"We need to split up into two teams. One that will launch an attack on the warehouse and one small group investigates the island's tunnels for Captain Marvel," the war hero told them. "Tony and I will lead the attack on the warehouse. Reed and Nat will lead the team to the tunnels."
"Hell yeah! The Fantastic Four teams up to fight the baddies in the tunnels," Human Torch shouted with excitement.
"Hold it, hotshot," the billionaire playboy stopped him. "We need you and the Thing to be part of our team. We don't know what we'll expect when we get there. Plus, we can't afford any reckless damages to the island of Roosevelt."
"Who will be part of our team," Mr. Fantastic asked.
"Our small team will be you, me, your wife, Luke, and Iceman," Black Widow told them.
"Nice! Teaming up with Widow and our own team of Fantastic Four," the ice hero smirks.
"This isn't a game. This could be very dangerous," Captain America warned him. "We don't know who we're dealing with. Whoever it is, it's dangerous enough to deal with Captain Marvel. We need to be cautious."
"That's why I'll do a little recon around the warehouse and feed you all in on the guards. I know how most of you wanna use stealth tactics and crap," Tony told them. "As for the B-Team-"
"I think you meant the Fantastic Four-"
"Dude. Don't push it," Johnny told Bobby.
"They will raid the island's tunnels and find out what happened to Captain Marvel," Steve Rogers finished explaining the plan.
"Alright, team. Let's get this done. Make sure to stay vigilant, eat your snacks, stay hydrated, yadda yadda yadda," Tony told them as the group of heroes moved out to their mission.
Sadly, they didn't know what was in store for them, and what happened next would change everything they stood for.