X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 4, Endgames
Chapter 33: All good, or All Powerful?
…
Derreck stood at the forefront of the group, his expression determined. Alongside him were Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Dante, Logan, Deadpool, Mistress Death, and Nightcrawler. Several scientists from Jake's world of Fallout accompanied them, ready to gather any necessary data to counteract Mercer's viral nature.
Everyone was tense as they gathered their equipment and made final preparations. Derreck glanced at each member of the group; their resolve evident in their eyes. Mistress Death, his mother, stood close by, her presence both comforting and foreboding. She knew the danger Mercer posed and was ready to intervene if necessary.
Mercer is a madman and a living virus of mass destruction. If we get a sample of him, the scientists might find a way to counteract his viral nature. But even then, let the experts handle it, any piece could consume you within seconds."
Logan, looked at Derreck. "We've faced worse. Let's make sure we're ready for anything he throws at us."
Deadpool, trying to lighten the mood, quipped, "I'm just here for the snacks and the fun. But seriously, let's kick some viral ass."
Nightcrawler, ready to teleport at a moment's notice, nodded. If things get too rough, "I'll be ready to teleport you all away from any viral matter… but be on guard."
Mistress Death, her eyes filled with both concern and determination, addressed the group. "Remember, Mercer is not just a foe but a force of nature. We must be prepared for his every move. If it comes to it, I will intervene."
The scientists from Jake's world of Fallout were busy collecting their equipment. Dr. Leah, their lead scientist, looked at Derreck. "We're ready to collect any data we can. If we can get a sample of Mercer's viral strain, we might be able to find a way to counteract it."
Derreck nodded. "Good. Stay close to us. Your safety is our priority."
With everything in place, the group moved onto the ship.
…
As the ship traveled through the vast expanse of space, the group settled into a tense silence, each member lost in their thoughts. Derreck, his eyes glowing that eerie black, was using his time-viewing powers to see every possible outcome of their impending confrontation with Alex Mercer. He had been at it non-stop for the past few hours, the strain evident on his face.
Legolas, noticing Derreck's intense focus, finally approached him. "What do you see, Derreck?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Derreck's eyes flickered as he snapped back to the present, the glow fading. He took a deep breath before responding. "I've been looking at every possible scenario, every potential outcome," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of his visions. "In every scenario, someone from our group or one of the Eternals has to die during this confrontation. There's simply no avoiding it unless we want Mercer to crack the planet apart."
The group fell silent, the gravity of Derreck's words sinking in. Mistress Death's expression grew even more somber. "We knew the stakes were high, but hearing it confirmed... it makes it all the more real."
Gimli tightened his grip on his axe. "Then we'll make sure that no one dies in vain. If it comes to that, we'll make every moment count."
Aragorn nodded in agreement. "If we are to prevent the worst outcome, we must give everything we have."
Dante, ever the optimist, smirked. "We've faced impossible odds before. We can do this. We just need to stay focused and be ready for anything."
Logan, his eyes filled with determination, added, "We can't let fear dictate our actions. We fight for each other and for everyone we protect."
Deadpool, attempting to lighten the mood, chimed in, "Yeah, let's just hope it's not me who bites the dust. I've got a lot more jokes left in me."
Mistress Death looked at her son, her eyes softening. "Derreck, you've always been able to find a way. We believe in you."
The ship continued its journey, the stars outside a blur as they hurtled towards their destination. The silence was filled with unspoken promises and a shared determination to see this mission through.
As the hours passed, the group remained vigilant, preparing themselves mentally and physically for the battle ahead. Each member found solace in the presence of their comrades, knowing that they were not alone in this fight.
Finally, the ship approached its destination, the planet looming large on the viewscreen.
The ship landed on the barren, desolate surface of the planet. As the group disembarked, they were immediately met by members of the Black Order. Proxima Midnight and Ebony Maw stood at the forefront, their eyes momentarily pausing on Mistress Death and Thanos. Their gaze lingered, narrowing slightly before they turned away and signaled for the group to follow.
Proxima Midnight led the way. "Follow us. We are to lead you to the arena," she said curtly. Notably absent was Corvus Glaive, who had escaped the planet previously.
The group traveled for a few minutes in tense silence. The oppressive atmosphere was only heightened by the presence of the Black Order. Finally, they arrived at the entrance of a massive arena.
Standing at the center, Alex Mercer greeted them, though "greeted" was a strong term. He was in the middle of his lunch, consuming a tied-up Eternal. His tendrils were already breaking down the body as he retracted them, absorbing the energy and nutrients.
Mercer dismissed Proxima Midnight and Ebony Maw with a wave of his hand. "You are no longer needed," he said, his voice dripping with casual malice.
Turning his attention to Derreck, Mercer popped his neck and looked directly at him. His eyes glinted with a predatory hunger as he licked his lips, savoring the potential battle. "You've got fire in yah... good, it makes the meat tender."
Derreck just stared back, unflinching. Alex Mercer's tendrils flared for a moment as if to gauge their reactions. While everyone else in the group flinched at the grotesque display, Derreck remained impassive, his bland expression never wavering.
Mercer seemed satisfied with Derreck's reaction. He smirked and walked further into the arena. "Let's see if you taste as good as you look," he said over his shoulder.
As the group entered the arena, they were directed to the V.I.P. area where they would be observing and analyzing the battle. Each of Derreck's companions took their seats, each reacting uniquely to the grim spectacle that awaited them.
Legolas, known for his sharp senses and keen perception, took his seat with an unusual unease. His elven eyes, which had always been able to see the essence of a being's soul, were met with a chilling void when he looked at Alex Mercer. It was as if Mercer was a profound emptiness, an absence of life where a soul should have been. The realization that Mercer was merely a sentient virus who consumed his hosts' memories sent a shiver down Legolas' spine. He had faced many evils, but this was different—unnatural and deeply disturbing.
Gimli sat down with a huff, his grip tight on the handle of his axe. He had faced many battles and seen many horrors, but there was something about Mercer that made his skin crawl. The dwarf muttered something about Mercer not being natural, shaking his head in disgust at the sight of Mercer's feeding.
Aragorn took his seat with a composed yet wary demeanor. His eyes were locked on Mercer, assessing the threat he posed. Aragorn's mind was already working on strategies and contingencies. He understood the gravity of the situation and knew that they had to be prepared for anything.
Dante, ever the optimist and brimming with confidence, flopped into his seat with a smirk. "Well, this should be interesting," he quipped, trying to lighten the mood. Despite his bravado, even Dante couldn't completely mask the tension he felt in the presence of such an abomination.
Logan, with his claws retracted but ready to spring, took his seat with a steely resolve. His eyes never left Mercer, his senses on high alert. "We've got this," he growled softly, more to reassure himself than anyone else.
Deadpool, always the jokester, plopped into his seat with a theatrical sigh. "I better get a good seat for this show," he said, though the usual humor in his voice was tempered with a rare seriousness. He pulled out a bag of popcorn, but his eyes were sharp and focused.
Nightcrawler took his seat, his tail twitching nervously. He was ready to teleport at a moment's notice, his mind running through escape scenarios. "I will be ready to get us out if things go south," he said quietly, his eyes never leaving Mercer.
Mistress Death, both comforting and foreboding, sat down with a calm that belied the gravity of the situation. Her presence was a stark reminder of the stakes involved. She looked at her son, Derreck, with a mix of concern and confidence. "We are with you, always," she whispered.
The scientists from Jake's world were busy setting up their equipment. Dr. Leah, their lead scientist, was directing the setup with precision, ensuring that everything was ready to analyze Mercer's viral nature if given the chance. "Make sure the containment fields are ready. We need to be able to isolate any samples immediately," she instructed, her voice steady but her eyes betraying the tension she felt.
The equipment hummed to life, various scanners and containment devices at the ready. The scientists were acutely aware of the dangers posed by Mercer and were determined to gather as much data as possible to find a way to counteract his viral threat.
Derreck remained standing, his eyes locked onto Mercer with an unyielding stare. The weight of the potential outcomes lay heavy on his shoulders, but he showed no fear.
But nothing, could have prepared them all for what they were about to see.
The moment was sudden—lightning fast. In the blink of an eye, Alex Mercer's blade arm cleaved through Derreck in a single swift motion. Both halves of Derreck's body balanced precariously on one leg before collapsing to the ground having lost their balance.
Everyone, including the seasoned warriors and scientists, was taken off guard by the sheer speed of the attack.
Mercer stood over the bisected body of Derreck, a look of intrigue crossing his features. He observed intently as black, slithering, snake-like appendages emerged from Derreck's severed halves, reaching towards each other. Slowly, they began to reconnect, knitting the two halves back together in a grotesque but mesmerizing display of regeneration.
Deadpool, who had been munching on his popcorn, spat out his snack in shock. "Whoa, I haven't seen that before! I mean, I knew it wouldn't kill him, but damn!" His usual bravado momentarily gave way to genuine surprise.
Logan's eyes widened, and his claws extended instinctively. "Holy...that's new," he muttered, readying himself for whatever might come next.
Aragorn and Gimli tightened their grips on their weapons, their expressions a mix of horror and shock at how sudden that was. Legolas, still shaken by the void where Mercer's soul should have been, was visibly disturbed by the sight of Derreck's rapid regeneration.
Mistress Death's expression remained stoic, but her eyes narrowed, reflecting her concern for her son. "Stay focused," she said to herself as if to reassure herself.
The scientists from Jake's world, who had been preparing their equipment, momentarily froze before resuming their tasks with heightened urgency. Dr. Leah's hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the settings on a scanner, her mind racing with the implications of what she had just witnessed.
Derreck, his body fully reconnected, stood up slowly. His eyes locked onto Mercer, his expression as bland and unyielding as ever.
"Wow, even I was taken off guard by that?", Mercer taunted, licking his lips as if savoring a meal.
Derreck's voice was steady as he replied, "You'll find I'm not so easily consumed."
Mercer, his eyes narrowing with rage, transformed his arm into a blade whip and lashed out at Derreck. The whip sliced through the air with deadly precision, aimed directly at Derreck. But in a swift, unexpected move, Derreck caught the whip in his hand, his grip tightening around the blade.
Derreck's arm wrapped around the whip-like weapon, almost as if he were studying it with curiosity. Mercer's frown deepened as he tried to pull back, but Derreck held firm, not budging an inch.
"Let go... LET GO... I SAID LET GO!" Mercer roared, pulling with all his might. The ground beneath him began to cave in under the force of his struggle, but Derreck remained unmoved.
With a flick of his arm, Derreck sent a wave through Mercer's biomass, causing the whip to ripple violently. In one fluid motion, he flicked Mercer into the air, the tendrils of his arm trailing behind. Mercer crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact.
Derreck quickly seized a small piece of Mercer's tendrils, pulling it off despite its resistance. The act caused a small shockwave, the force of which sent ripples through the arena.
Mercer, now enraged, lunged at Derreck with fury. "DAMN IT! I WON'T LET YOU WIN! I WON'T LET YOU!" he screamed, his punches powerful enough to destroy tanks. But no matter what he did, Derreck seemed to ignore the blows, his focus unwavering.
With calm precision, Derreck placed the squirming piece of Mercer's biomass into a reinforced vial. The vial's advanced technology froze the piece instantly, preventing it from escaping. He then teleported the vial to the science team, who eagerly awaited the sample.
Mercer's rage reached a boiling point. He lunged again, but this time, Derreck responded lazily with a punch to Mercer's face, sending him flying into the opposite wall. The impact was devastating, and for the first time in a long while, Mercer felt something he never thought he would feel again—actual pain.
His nose was broken, blood trickling down his face. To his shock and horror, it wasn't healing. The pain was real and persistent.
"You… you hurt me," Mercer muttered, disbelief and rage mingling in his eyes as he stared at Derreck. The realization of his vulnerability only fueled his anger, and the arena seemed to pulse with the intensity of the confrontation.
As Derreck's punch sent Mercer flying into the opposite wall, the reactions of his companions varied, each reflecting their unique personalities and perspectives.
Logan's eyes widened slightly as he watched Derreck's nonchalant yet powerful response to Mercer's attacks. He leaned over to Dante and muttered, "Of course… Derreck's adapting like he always does. Mercer is only making it worse with every attack. At this point, he's already lost."
Aragorn, ever the strategist, observed the scene with a mixture of awe and contemplation. "Derreck's resilience is remarkable. It's as if he's becoming stronger with every blow," he commented, gripping his sword tightly.
Gimli let out a low whistle. "That's one way to put a monster in his place," he said, his eyes twinkling with a mix of respect and excitement.
Legolas, still shaken by the profound void he sensed in Mercer, felt a small measure of relief. "Derreck is truly formidable. Perhaps he can cleanse this abomination," he whispered, his keen eyes never leaving the battlefield.
Dante, always one to appreciate a good show, grinned widely. "Now that's what I call a punchline!" he exclaimed, though his light-heartedness couldn't fully mask his admiration for Derreck's power.
Deadpool, recovering from his initial shock, shook his head in disbelief. "Didn't see that coming. Note to self: never underestimate the bland-faced guy," he said, making a mental note to upgrade his own tactics.
Nightcrawler's tail twitched nervously, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. "Derreck's strength is incredible. We're fortunate to have him on our side," he said quietly, ready to teleport if needed.
Mistress Death's expression remained calm, but her eyes softened with pride and concern. "Derreck is showing his true potential. Let us hope it is enough," she said, her voice steady.
The scientists, busy examining the virus sample, were captivated by the unfolding battle. Dr. Leah, the lead scientist, looked up from her microscope, her face a mix of confusion and realization. "Wait… this can't be right. The virus can rapidly evolve and adapt, but it's being consumed by these little black worm-like parasitic cells…? Wow… Mercer isn't consuming Derreck… Derreck is consuming Mercer, his cells adapt way faster than Mercer's cells, which make them their perfect predators?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Desperate to regain control, Mercer formed hammer fists and brought them crashing down on both sides of Derreck's head. The impact, however, did little more than slightly crack on contact, the force hurting Mercer more than it did Derreck.
Logan nodded as if confirming his own thoughts. "See? With every attack, Mercer's making it worse. Derreck's adapting, consuming him bit by bit. This fight's already over," he said, his voice filled with a grim certainty.
Logan nodded as if confirming his own thoughts. "See? With every attack, Mercer's making it worse. Derreck's adapting, consuming him bit by bit. This fight's already over," he said, his voice filled with a grim certainty.
Suddenly, Derreck shot his finger forward, which morphed into a black tendril. He drove it into Mercer's chest cavity like a stinger, and then yanked it back.
For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, subtly at first, Mercer's body began to change. His skin started to puff up, tumors and sores rapidly forming. Swollen pus sacks erupted across his body, as if his own viral nature was experiencing a catastrophic failure at the subatomic level.
Mercer screamed in agony, his body continuing to swell. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" he bellowed, his voice filled with panic and pain.
Before their eyes, Mercer's form grew grotesque and distorted, reaching over 20 feet tall. His body was an abomination of pulsating tumors and bloated flesh, swelling until it could no longer contain itself.
Finally, with a sickening sound, Mercer popped. His body exploded, sending dissolving matter splattering across the arena. The ground sizzled where the substance landed, the viral matter dying on the spot.
The companions and scientists watched in horrified fascination as the once formidable Mercer was reduced to a puddle of lifeless goo. The arena was silent, the air thick with the smell of decay and burnt flesh.
Logan watched the spectacle with a grim expression. "Told ya," he muttered, though even he seemed slightly unsettled by the sight.
Aragorn took a deep breath, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "That was… unexpected," he said, his voice steady but his eyes reflecting the gravity of what had just occurred.
Gimli shook his head, a mixture of awe and revulsion on his face. "Never thought I'd see something like that," he said, his grip firm on his axe.
Legolas, still disturbed by the void where Mercer's soul should have been, felt a strange sense of relief. "Perhaps now, this abomination is truly gone," he said quietly.
Dante, always quick with a quip, found himself momentarily at a loss for words. "Well, that's one way to deal with a problem," he finally said, though his usual bravado was tempered by what he had witnessed.
Deadpool, covered in some of the splatter, wiped his face and looked at the goo on his hand. "Ew, gross. I'm gonna need a serious shower after this," he said, though his tone was more serious than usual.
Nightcrawler's tail twitched nervously, but he couldn't deny the effectiveness of Derreck's method. "Incredible… and terrifying," he said, ready to teleport at a moment's notice if needed.
Mistress Death's expression remained calm, though her eyes softened with a mixture of pride and concern for her son. "You have done well, Derreck," she said, her voice steady.
The scientists, busy examining their data, recoiled in bewilderment and shock at what they had just seen. Dr. Leah, the lead scientist, looked up from her equipment, her eyes wide with realization. "Incredible… Derreck wasn't just adapting. He was consuming Mercer's viral nature from the inside out," she said, her voice filled with amazement. Or if you prefer…. He broke him down at the sub-atomic level. Like specially tailored venom specific only to mercer."
…
An hour later…
As the Eternals worked diligently to clean up the mess left behind by the exploded remains of Alex Mercer. Their scanners confirmed that the viral matter posed no further danger, dissolving harmlessly upon contact with the environment. The scientists from Jake's world carefully collected samples for further study while wearing hazmat shields that covered their suits ensuring that no trace of the virus could regenerate, and ensuring all traces of the virus were completely neutralized.
Derreck, now standing near the edge of the arena, was approached by Logan, who looked at the aftermath with a mix of lingering shock and morbid curiosity.
"What exactly did you do to him?" Logan asked, his voice tinged with both respect and bewilderment.
Derreck shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, yeah that?" he began, as if discussing something trivial. "I just made some type of new super-venom after I analyzed his viral makeup. It caused his body to self-destruct and attack itself at the sub-atomic level, neutralizing it in the process as the hive mind collapsed on itself as it went out of control."
Logan raised an eyebrow. "Super-venom?"
"Yeah," Derreck continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "I can only guess, but I'm pretty sure it felt like he was bloating with acid coursing through his every cell and piece of his body." He glanced at the remnants of Mercer's explosion. "You can guess the rest after it rapidly spread."
Logan let out a low whistle, shaking his head in amazement. "Well, remind me never to get on your bad side."
Dante, overhearing the conversation, walked over with a grin. "That's one hell of a party trick you've got there, Derreck. What's next? Turning people into confetti?"
Deadpool, who was still cleaning some of the residue off his suit, chimed in. "Confetti? Now that's something I'd pay to see. Maybe we can sell tickets to the next show."
Nightcrawler, teleporting in with a bottle of water for one of the scientists, handed it to him then looked at derreck with a respectful nod. "Your abilities never cease to amaze, my friend. Truly, you are a force to be reckoned with."
The scientists, having finished their immediate tasks, approached cautiously. Dr. Leah, still in slight shock of what they had witnessed, asked, "Derreck, could you explain a bit more about how you developed that super-venom?"
Derreck shrugged, "It's simple, really. I analyzed Mercer's viral structure and identified its weaknesses and then I did a bit of editing on the material myself, time a few trillian. Then I engineered a compound that would cause his own adaptive biology to turn against itself. Once introduced, it triggered a cascade of self-destructive reactions that quickly spread throughout the whole collective, all the while the same cells were fighting each other and spreading it to other viral cells, he was at war with himself."
Dr. Leah nodded, taking mental notes. "Incredible. Your adaptability and understanding of viral mechanisms are beyond anything we've seen. We'll need to study this further to fully comprehend its implications."
Aragorn and Gimli, standing nearby, shared a look of relief and admiration. "We are fortunate to have such an ally," Aragorn said solemnly.
Gimli nodded in agreement. "Aye, that was a sight to behold. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that venom."
The group continued their conversation, the mood gradually lightening after the intense confrontation with Alex Mercer. However, something clicked in Dante's head. He turned to Derreck with a puzzled look.
"Wait? You said that one of us or an Eternal would have to die or Mercer would have cracked the planet apart? We didn't see anyone die during your confrontation," Dante said, his voice tinged with confusion.
Derreck looked slightly sad as he responded. "Yeah... someone did die. When we arrived here and Mercer was feeding on him... that was the one outcome where he didn't kill any of you or crack the planet apart... I could see it all."
The air grew heavy with tension as Derreck began listing off the possibilities and variables he had seen, his voice almost trance-like. Each scenario he described was highly disturbing.
"In one scenario, Aragorn charged at Mercer with his sword. Mercer caught him mid-strike, tendrils wrapping around him, and then... he ripped Aragorn in half, consuming him piece by piece."
"Gimli swung his axe, aiming for Mercer's head. Mercer dodged and countered, grabbing Gimli and tearing his limbs off one by one before devouring him."
"Legolas fired arrows from a distance. Mercer, moving with blinding speed, dodged each one and then pierced Legolas with his blade arm, lifting him off the ground and consuming him whole."
"Dante attempted to use his demonic powers. Mercer overpowered him, crushing his skull with his bare hands before consuming his essence."
"Logan went berserk, slashing at Mercer. Mercer regenerated faster than Logan could injure him, eventually overpowering him, and then... ripped Logan's heart out and consumed it before digging his tendrils into him and consuming him over an hour."
"Deadpool taunted Mercer, trying to distract him. Mercer caught him, cut him into pieces, and consumed each piece, regenerating rapidly from Deadpool's unique healing factor."
"Nightcrawler tried to teleport and confuse Mercer. Mercer anticipated his moves, catching him mid-teleport, and then... tore him apart in a gruesome spectacle tail first."
"My mom over there", he said nudging towards mistress death, "Confronted Mercer in one scenario, trying to use her powers to contain him. Mercer overwhelmed her, absorbing her essence and using it to increase his own power though it did make awfully pail and look a bit sick to his stomach."
"Thanos fought valiantly, using the full extent of his strength. Mercer outmatched him, finally tearing him limb from limb, consuming each part, and leaving nothing behind but he started with his entrails first, it was… slow."
As Derreck listed each horrifying scenario, his companions listened in stunned silence. The descriptions were vivid, each one ending the same way—Mercer would have cut, ripped, or punched one of them into pieces, and then ate them. It was almost like Derreck was in a trance, his voice detached but his eyes haunted by the visions he had seen.
Finally, Derreck seemed to snap out of it, blinking and looking around at the shocked faces of his companions. "Was I saying something?" he asked, his voice back to its usual calm tone.
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Derreck's revelations sinking in. They realized just how close they had come to a different, much darker outcome. The silence that followed was heavy with the knowledge of the battles they had averted and the lives that had been spared.
Logan, breaking the silence, placed a hand on Derreck's shoulder. "We're here, and we're alive. Thanks to you," he said, his voice carrying some lingering shock of what he just heard.
Aragorn nodded solemnly, his mind grappling with the weight of the scenarios Derreck had described. "You have seen much, Derreck. We owe you our lives."
Gimli shuddered, the thought of being torn limb from limb unsettling even his stout heart. "Aye, lad. That's some dark foresight you've got. I'm glad we didn't have to face those ends."
Legolas, still disturbed by the void in Mercer's essence, nodded quietly. "The visions you saw... they are deeply troubling. But your actions saved us all."
Dante, usually full of bravado, looked visibly shaken. "Man, even I didn't see that coming. You're a real lifesaver, Derreck. Literally."
Deadpool, who had finally managed to clean off most of the residue, was unusually quiet. "Okay, I'm officially creeped out. And that's saying something. Thanks for keeping us in one piece, Derreck."
Nightcrawler, his tail still twitching, offered a solemn nod. "Your ability to foresee and prevent such horrors... it's remarkable. We're fortunate to have you with us."
Mistress Death's gaze was steady, a mix of pride and sorrow in her eyes. "You have done well, my son. We are all in your debt."
Derreck merely shrugged, his expression as bland as ever. He walked over to the scientists, who were still analyzing the virus. "Oh, by the way, here's some input on the makeup of the virus Alex Mercer was made of," he said, calmly handing over additional data.
The scientists, still reeling from the earlier revelations, quickly resumed their work, eager to understand more about the virus that had threatened them all.
…
After the intense confrontation with Alex Mercer and the disturbing revelations of their potential fates, the group needed a break to process everything. They returned to Earth, each seeking solace in their own way.
Logan had a long-standing tradition of holding meetings for wounded veterans every week. It was a space where they could share their experiences, find support, and heal together. This day, like many others before, Logan prepared to attend the meeting, but this time, the weight of the recent events lingered heavily on his mind.
The meeting was held in a cozy, well-lit community center. The room was filled with men and women, each bearing the visible and invisible scars of their service. Logan greeted the familiar faces with nods and handshakes, taking his usual seat at the front of the room. Today, Dante had joined him as a guest to bring some smiles to the veterans' faces.
As the meeting began, the veterans took turns sharing their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. When it was Logan's turn, he stood up, his usual gruff exterior softened by the empathy and respect he held for these men and women.
"Hey, folks. I've been through a lot in my life, seen things that most wouldn't believe. But today, I wanna talk about something recent, something that shook me to my core," Logan began, his voice steady but laden with the gravity of his tale.
He recounted the confrontation with Alex Mercer, detailing the terrifying scenarios Derreck had seen and how close they all came to their ends. "Derreck saw every possible way we could die, and he acted to stop it. I came closer to my end than I ever realized, and this time, my healing factor wouldn't have saved me," Logan admitted, his voice raw with the weight of the revelation.
Dante, who had been entertaining the veterans with his usual charm and humor, stepped up to support Logan. "It was a close call for all of us. Even with all my powers, I wasn't gonna walk away from that fight. We owe our lives to Derreck," he added, his usual bravado replaced by a rare sincerity.
As Logan finished his story, the room was silent, the veterans processing the depth of what had been shared. One of the veterans, an older man with a prosthetic leg and deep lines etched into his face, walked up to Logan and placed a hand on his back.
"That's... deep, man. Really deep," the veteran said, his voice filled with understanding and respect.
Logan nodded, the simple gesture offering a profound sense of comfort. The shared experiences and the support of the group helped him process the gravity of the near-miss. They had all faced death before, but knowing just how close they came this time made it all the more real.
Dante, seeing the impact of Logan's story, continued to engage with the veterans, sharing lighter moments and bringing smiles to their faces. The room gradually filled with laughter and conversation.
As the meeting drew to a close, Logan felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the bonds he had formed with these men and women. They had all faced their own battles, and together, they found strength and healing.
Before ending the meeting, Logan stood up again, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright, folks. Before we wrap things up, I've got a little surprise for all of you. A real treat, from Nirn."
The veterans looked at him curiously, their interest piqued. Logan continued, "You see, in some areas of Nirn, mammoths are still in abundance. And sometimes the giants, due to our recent dealings with those in Skyrim, are more open to trade. So... we have mammoth burgers and hot dogs."
Their eyes lit up at the prospect of eating actual mammoth, a creature that had been extinct in their modern world. The fact that it came from Skyrim added an extra layer of excitement, especially for one veteran who was an avid fan of the game.
"You're kidding! Mammoth meat? From Skyrim?" the veteran exclaimed, his excitement more than apparent. "I play that game all the time!"
Logan and Dante began handing out the food, their expressions a mix of amusement and satisfaction as they watched the veterans' reactions. The room filled with the mouth-watering aroma of grilled mammoth meat, and the veterans eagerly accepted the burgers and hot dogs.
As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. "It's like bison, only more beefy!" one of them remarked, savoring the rich, hearty flavor.
Another veteran, chewing thoughtfully, added, "This is amazing. I've never tasted anything like it. You really outdid yourself, Logan."
Dante, ever the entertainer, couldn't resist adding his own flair. "Yeah, we figured you guys deserved something special. Nothing says 'thank you' like a good mammoth burger."
The veterans laughed and chatted animatedly, the unique treat bringing an extra layer of joy to the meeting. Logan and Dante moved around the room, making sure everyone had enough to eat and enjoying the camaraderie.
The atmosphere was warm and filled with laughter as they shared stories and enjoyed the rare delicacy. For a while, the weight of their struggles lifted, replaced by the simple pleasure of good food and good company.
As the last of the burgers and hot dogs were handed out, Logan looked around the room, his heart full. "You all deserve this and more. Thanks for being here, for sharing your stories, and for supporting each other. Here's to many more meetings like this."
The veterans raised their drinks in a toast, their spirits lifted by the special treat and the sense of community. "To Logan and Dante! And to mammoth burgers from Skyrim!" one of them cheered, and the room echoed with laughter and applause.
…
Deep within a specially tailored prison, the ringwraith, once a proud servant of Sauron, skulked inside its cell. Chained up against the wall, the humiliation it felt was overwhelming, and Never had it been so thoroughly defeated. That would-be god had turned its forces into salt and dirt. Even its prized Nazgûl mount had been turned into a salt statue before it fell, pinning the wraith down. Now, stripped of whatever dignity it had left, it hissed in the dark, the nanotech ring of power gleaming in response to its owner's rage.
The wraith's thoughts were interrupted as the cameras around the cell went dark, plunging the room into an even deeper darkness. The sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor, and the wraith turned its head to see Amanda Waller approaching, her presence as commanding and unyielding as ever.
Waller stopped in front of the cell, her gaze fixed on the wraith with a cold, calculating intensity. "You look like you've seen better days," she said, her voice low and controlled. "I have an offer for you."
The ringwraith hissed, but Waller's expression remained unchanged. "I know what you're thinking. I'm no fool, and I've never put my faith in so-called gods. Not even this mysterious Core, or Almighty if you will." She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "I control everything in this facility. I'm not here to preach or beg. I'm here to make a deal."
The Ringwraith's eyes flickered with interest, a dark curiosity mingling with its rage. It saw the same look in Waller's eyes that it had seen in its master Sauron's eyes long ago—the look of someone who had glimpsed a true god and found them lacking.
Waller continued, her voice unwavering. "You see, I refuse to believe that anyone, even this Almighty, is infallible or incorruptible. At the end of the day, he's either all good and not all powerful, or he's all powerful but not all good. He's been using us like pawns, and someone needs to change that."
The Ringwraith listened intently, noting that no higher power tried to stop their conversation. It realized that, likely, the Almighty already knew and was allowing Waller to make her own choices. As much as the wraith hated to think back on what it had learned about this Almighty, it remembered his creed—he allows them to make their own choices, even if he holds them accountable for those choices in the end, because he's supposedly patient with them.
Waller's eyes burned with fierce determination. "You can either accept my deal and join my organization, or you can refuse. Either way, you already know the outcome. But at least you'll get the chance to spit in the face of the supposed righteous one… if you're lucky."
The Ringwraith considered her words, the weight of its choices pressing heavily upon it. It glanced at the gleaming ring on its finger, then back at Waller. No divine intervention, no sudden retribution. Just the cold, hard reality of its situation.
With a low, menacing hiss, the wraith nodded. It had made its decision.
Amanda Waller's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Good. Welcome to the team."
She turned on her heel and left the cell, her footsteps echoing down the corridor until they faded into silence.
The ringwraith remained chained in the darkness, its thoughts churning. It couldn't quite place the feeling, but there was something… something akin to a presence staring at them from above their reality. The sensation was unsettling, a sense of being watched by an entity beyond comprehension.
Then, it heard a voice, clear and resonant, filling the void with an undeniable presence: "I still love you Amanda, even if you don't see it." The words echoed in the wraith's mind, and it felt the presence turn away, like a person turning their face away from something that pained them deeply.
The presence vanished, leaving behind a profound emptiness. The ringwraith shuddered, a chill running through its very essence. It had known fear, anger, and humiliation, but this was different. This disturbed it in a way it couldn't quite understand.
The words lingered, and the ringwraith replayed them in its mind, trying to grasp their significance. Despite its nature, it couldn't shake the feeling of loss and disappointment that had accompanied the presence's departure. It was a sensation foreign to the creature, something it had not felt in countless ages.
As the silence enveloped the cell once more, the ringwraith's thoughts returned to Amanda Waller. It had seen the look in her eyes, the fierce determination and refusal to accept the Almighty's dominion. In her, it recognized a kindred spirit, someone willing to challenge the established order.
Yet, the words of the presence echoed persistently: "I still love you Amanda, even if you don't see it." The sentiment was alien to the wraith, but it couldn't deny the impact it had. It left a mark, a lingering sense of disturbance that it couldn't easily dismiss.
Despite its alliance with Waller, the ringwraith couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over it. The notion that a higher power, one that claimed to love even those who defied it, could feel such disappointment was deeply unsettling.
The presence was gone, leaving the ringwraith alone with its thoughts and the chilling realization that some forces, even those beyond comprehension, still cared. This revelation disturbed the wraith in ways it could not fully articulate, adding another layer of complexity to its already tormented existence.