(Here's the next chapter y'all.)
Noble Six: It's a big help.
Chapter 22: A Voice
(New York City, several days later, late)
People walk along the streets; some are somewhat nervous in their demeanor. Some are anxious about the latest vigilante activity. For others, it was laughable. Some stated the newest vigilante's entrance and vow had been dubbed by some to be: 'Winter is Coming for S.H.I.E.L.D.'. Some had called him the Winter Warrior, the Ghostly Guardian, the Wolf of Winter, etc. This added either to the laughter or the minimal support or just curiosity for the vigilante. While some people are walking, they believe they catch glimpses of the vigilante: standing, running, jumping away, watching, etc. Some people can't help but have the urge to follow him.
(A remote part of Manhattan)
In an abandoned factory people enter through various means and entrances. They got nervous, looking at one another…shifting nervously or with other emotions fueling their motions.
"Who are you people?" One of the people asked.
"Who are you?" Another asked.
Everyone there stood, confused and nervous.
"Somehow I think we are all for the same reason." Another added.
The people looked at one another, uncertain to varying degrees.
"That vigilante." One stated.
"Huh?! No! Uh…." Another gasped.
The group stayed quiet for a few moments.
"Wait, you all saw him to?" One asked.
The others nodded.
"I did more than just that." One chuckled.
"Anybody get the feeling we saw him for a reason?" One person asked.
"It's because we did. Isn't that right? That's why you led us here? Well, most of us anyways." The person before answered.
"It is" A voice replied.
Some of the group nearly jumped, others looked around nervously, some were calm (not many of them were).
"I admit, I feared some wouldn't come." The voice continued.
"That voice." One gasped.
"I was wondering when you'd show yourself." One chuckled.
"Yes, apologies about that. I felt that this needed to be started by you all." The voice replied.
From the shadows those same glowing green eyes appeared as the figured stepped out of the shadows.
"Why'd you bring us here?" One person asked.
"I didn't really bring you here. You all chose to follow me." The vigilante answered.
"Is that so?" Another grunted.
"You're here aren't you? Apologies about the theatrics, I felt it was important to be careful when moving around while showing myself. Law enforcement's been on a manhunt for me ever since the blizzard." The vigilante replied.
"Did you cause that?" Another person asked.
"No. I thought it was the best time to attack when the snow was falling heavily." The vigilante answered.
"Do you have other powers?" Another asked.
"No, I don't. What I have is something…I guess you could say brought to me by fate. But no, no actual powers." The vigilante answered.
"Impressive." Someone chuckled.
"I wouldn't say that, but thanks." The vigilante replied.
"So what is this? Some game?" Another asked.
The vigilante turned the individual, eyes focused on them.
"What makes you think this is a game?" The figure asked.
"You let yourself be seen in broad daylight, before the public. That's crazy. S.H.I.E.L.D. has eyes, ears, and guns everywhere. You've been attacking squads of theirs who were unaware by yourself. Yes, you beat them…but when they're prepared and have more officers to fight you, you're a dead man." The individual responded.
"You might be right. Fighting S.H.I.E.L.D., the government, and law enforcement now by yourself probably is a suicide mission. Every single time one would do that is putting one's life on the line. You may be strong, you may be fast, you may be intelligent, you may be gifted…but fighting by yourself against such an army…it seems impossible…you might be right." The vigilante stated.
"So, what is this then? Why do that broadcast?" The individual asked.
"Why indeed?" The vigilante replied.
The group stood silent, looking at one another or at the vigilante.
"This is a war, whether we like it or not. It has been since the Registration Act was passed. The heroes who originally stood against it: Captain America, Wolverine, She-Hulk, and all the others were slaughtered because they stood against fascism, bigotry, and dishonor. And now, that power is at its peak because there hasn't been a major opposition against them. I will not discredit any who have tried to fight them in secret, as I feel some have…yet there are still those who are hurt by that law who still live in fear…those who are enslaved or butchered because of it. To face the power that is making those suffer, there must be a response!" The vigilante stated.
"You're suggesting…what exactly?" One person grunted.
"That the rebellion must grow." The vigilante replied.
"You're here to recruit us to a war? That's insane! They have an army of Sentinels! A hit squad of Thor clones! They have every military branch! The police are theirs to command! Hell, even most of the public stand against us! It's a war that can't be won. Sure, you may have the right of it…but you'd be hopelessly, hilariously outnumbered and outgunned!" Another grunted.
The vigilante nodded.
"You're right, we would be." The vigilante replied.
Some of them sighed and started to leave.
"But what does that mean? I history, some of the worst periods in history evil seemed stronger than good. The Nazis and Axis powers seemed unstoppable to some, H.Y.D.R.A. spearheaded that movement and Cap defeated them repeatedly. Of course, there were times when the struggle was at a stalemate. Now S.H.I.E.L.D. has taken their place as the tyrants, except they are as secretive about it. They parade their power before everyone. It adds insult to injury!" The vigilante stated.
Those leaving stopped and turned to look back at him.
"Yes, the odds are against us. We'd be massively outnumbered, we'd be severely outgunned, we'd have far fewer resources…but that's not gonna stop me from trying. I've been training, focusing, planning, and hoping to defeat these assholes! I won't stop any of you from leaving. I won't stop any of you from going on your own path about this. But I'm going to stay and fight. I vowed to bring them down. Those words meant something, to me at least. What I hope I'm fighting for: freedom, justice, vengeance, harmony, and every other damn thing that makes something good…I swore an oath that I will uphold…I believe I'm not the only one who can make a difference! I know all of you have the will to do this! If you are too afraid, uncertain, or reject my path…so be it. If I am the only one to fight against them, so be it. But I believe that there is a heart within this world that can stand against tyranny…I can feel it. I'm not the only one who wishes to stand and fight against these monsters." The vigilante proclaimed.
The people looked at each other, him, or both.
"Count me in." The individual who knew he was there stated.
"I'm in." Another said.
"Let's do this." Another added.
"It's about damn time something done about these assholes." Another stated.
Everyone there added their support. The vigilante nodded.
"The rebellion truly begins now." The vigilante proclaimed.
To be continued…
(Hope you all enjoyed the update.)