Beast
Backstory:
Henry "Hank" McCoy was born and raised in Dunfee, Illinois, the son of Norton and Edna McCoy. His father worked at a nuclear power plant where he was exposed to massive amounts of radiation during an accident. Norton was completely unharmed, but the radiation affected his genes and, as a result, his son was born a mutant. Unlike most mutants, Henry showed signs of mutation from birth: unusually large hands and feet, coupled with unusual strength and agility.A prodigy, Hank was also endowed with an innate superhuman intellect and during adolescence further increased his powers of simian-like augmented agility, reflexes, and strength.
While attending Bard College, thanks to his powers, Henry became a star football player as a teenager and earned the nickname Magilla Gorilla. Hank hid his mutation and thirst for knowledge in plain sight - until the school asked him to leave after he was exposed as a mutant. Hank's remarkable athletic abilities and brilliance attracted the notice of Professor Charles Xavier, who was forming the original X-Men. Xavier offered Hank, who excelled in the classroom, the chance for unlimited academic opportunities at his prestigious School for Gifted Youngsters. The costumed criminal named El Conquistador, however, also took note of his abilities and captured McCoy's parents in order to force McCoy to aid him in his criminal schemes. With the help of Prof. Xavier and the X-Men, Henry defeated the Conquistador and then joined the X-Men as their fourth member, taking the code-name "Beast".
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Natural Weaponry,
Regeneration (Mid-Low, heals from bullet wounds almost instantaneously),
Enhanced Senses,
Genius Intelligence,
Skilled in hand-to-hand combat,
Exceptional Acrobat,
Pressure Point Combat,
Hacking
Weaknesses: Feral Instincts have been known to take-over and his enhanced senses can be taken advantage of.
Winston (Overwatch)
A super-intelligent, genetically engineered gorilla, Winston is a brilliant scientist and a champion for humanity's potential. Since a young age, he has shown limitless curiosity for the world around him, but also has a fondness for stories, especially those passed down from generation to generation. By his own admission, he tends to overthink things, is a perfectionist, and tends to ramble. As an ape among humans, he gets regular remarks on this subject, including references to old video games. As a gorilla, his strength is exceptional.
When Winston loses his temper, Winston becomes a raging ape. In his off-time, he enjoys peanut butter and bananas. He has stated/joked that his love of the former is due to his genetic therapy. Due to the amount of time he spent on the moon, he has to take supplements to keep his bones in good condition. Having landed on Earth, Winston found a new home with Overwatch, an organization that represented everything he had come to admire about humanity. Winston was finally able to live up to the heroic ideal that had been instilled in him.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Genius Intelligence,
Weapon Mastery (Expert Marksman),
Electricity Manipulation (Via Tesla Cannon),
Forcefield Creation (Via Barrier Projector),
Berserk Mode (Via Primal Rage),
Limited Automatic Translation (Capable of understanding the language of most animals)
Weaknesses: Destroying his glasses would automatically activate his Primal Rage.
Song: Beasts of Peace
Winston, the highly intelligent gorilla, conducted tests within the Overwatch training facility. With a methodical approach, he aimed his Tesla Cannon at a line of practice dummies, fine-tuning his precision. Despite his sophisticated intellect and refined demeanor, Winston always keenly understood the importance of being prepared for the next battle.
After effectively neutralizing all the practice dummies, Winston felt content with his accuracy. Just as he prepared to put away his Tesla Cannon, an alarm sounded from his suit, indicating a breach. Recognizing the signal, the intelligent gorilla spoke with clarity.
"I regret to inform you that you're trespassing in a restricted area. Honestly, did you believe you could go unnoticed?"
From the ceiling above, a blue, furry mutant figure descended gracefully to the ground. His identity, Hank McCoy, better known as Beast, stood before Winston.
"I am indeed the one who should apologize for this unannounced intrusion. However, this matter is truly urgent and cannot be delayed till a scheduled meeting."
Winston crossed his arms, taking a moment to consider the unexpected presence of the X-Men. He expressed a hint of curiosity in his stance.
"Ah, the X-Men. A well-meaning group, yet one with its share of controversies, or so I've heard. So, what might I do for you in this urgent matter?"
Beast chuckled softly, appreciating Winston's perspective.
"Indeed, 'thought-provoking' is a more positive way to view being controversial. After all, both our organizations are driven by good intentions. We share not only a common ground, but also a common objective. That's why I have a proposition."
Winston leaned in, listening intently. He was intrigued yet cautious.
"Are you suggesting that we join forces? Team up between the X-Men and Overwatch?"
Beast's smile widened as he concurred with Winston's assessment.
"You are correct. Your organization is well-funded, yet lacking in firepower. The X-Men possess considerable individual strength, but our resources from Xavier alone are more limited. Together, we can create a future where harmony reigns among humans, mutants, and omnics."
Winston contemplated the situation. Indeed, since Overwatch's initial disbandment, time had elapsed before he had the chance to assemble the team once again. Despite acquiring some new members, the team was significantly different from its original state. In the past, Overwatch was at its peak both in manpower and public trust, but now, the organization faced a long road to fully regain its prominence. Winston gave a solemn nod.
"You're right. Despite being fully capable of our mission, things are not as easy as they were before. I like the idea of this team up, but before we get to any of the paperwork, you're going to have to prove yourself to me of yourself besides using eloquence of your words."
Beast nodded in understanding, acknowledging Winston's condition.
"You make a fair point. As much as I would prefer it, words alone may not suffice to prove the worth of this alliance. I'm more than willing to demonstrate my abilities through action. How would you like me to prove myself to you?"
Winston leveled his Tesla Cannon at Beast.
"Trial by combat. I'm the leader, and I don't just consider the others my teammates, but my family. And as a gorilla, its considered custom to my species that if the leader is challenged with something, they fight. If you, the follower, best me, the leader, then we can team up, no questions asked."
Beast smiled, appreciating the custom and the challenge.
"Very well. I respect the tradition and the importance of proving myself through your trial by combat. As the follower, if I can best you, the leader, you will agree to our alliance. Shall we begin?"
"Indeed."
The fight commences as Winston fires a powerful wave of electricity from his Tesla Cannon, but Beast swiftly evades it. But the electricity arcs, and it shocks him anyway. Despite grunting in pains, he moves with astonishing speed, Beast charges forward and lands an electrified, formidable punch in Winston's stomach, forcefully propelling him against the wall. Disoriented, Winston shakes his head and adjusts his glasses, regrouping for the next move.
With a powerful leap using his jump pack, Winston ascends to the air before swiftly descending towards Beast. In response, Beast performs a quick backflip, evading a powerful slam attack that creates a small crater and generates a shockwave, momentarily stunning the X-Man.
Winston presses the attack, delivering a firm punch that sends Beast staggering. Though momentarily disoriented, Beast quickly regains his composure and tears up pieces of metal plating from the floor, hurling them at Winston. However, the gorilla shields himself with a protective bubble force field, causing the hurled debris to bounce harmlessly off.
As Winston fires his Tesla Cannon, Beast gracefully leaps over the attack, but gets shocked again. This let Winston swiftly seize one of his legs. Grinning, Winston leverages Beast's captured leg to slam him forcefully into the metal floor, creating a loud impact that leaves an imprint of the X-Man in the surface.
As Winston continues to slam Beast repeatedly into the metal floor, Beast endures the onslaught until he manages to kick away a piece of armor covering the gorilla's arm. Sensing an opening, Beast swiftly strikes at a pressure point, causing Winston's arm to weaken and convulse with pain. Yelping slightly, Winston releases his grip, freeing Beast.
Hank, maintaining exceptional agility, lands on his hands and begins showering Winston's face with a barrage of kicks. In response, Winston lashes out with his Tesla Cannon, sending the X-Man flying towards the force field. In mid-air, Beast forcefully digs his claws into the steel floor to halt his momentum, then rolls toward the barrier projector and deactivates it, effectively removing the protection.
Beast swiftly evades a blast of electricity, swiftly taking cover. Winston charges towards the concrete barrier and collides into it with force. Capitalizing on the moment, Hank nimbly jumps back over the cover and lands behind Winston, seizing the opportunity to counterattack. Winston turns around to fire his Tesla Cannon at Beast, but the X-Man swiftly counters by kicking the weapon, diverting the aim. The misdirected shot misses, and Winston follows with a powerful punch. However, Beast swiftly utilizes the force of the punch to flip Winston over his shoulder, skillfully deflecting the attack.
Frustration evident, Winston seizes Beast from the ground and hurls him forcefully to one side. The agile X-Man swiftly grabs hold of a nearby pole and swings around it, using the momentum to deliver a powerful kick to Winston's face. The impact sends the gorilla sprawling onto his back. As Beast approaches, the tables have turned in his favor.
"So, have I won yet, or do you want to-"
Beast begins his self-assured boast, but mid-sentence, he notices that he is treading on something - Winston's glasses, now broken into pieces. Winston, fuming, catches this action. His expression darkens, his eyes glowing a menacing red, and he stands tall on his hind legs, pounding his armored chest angrily with his massive fists. Beast exclaims,
"Oh my stars and garters!"
As Winston transforms into his Primal Rage, unleashing a primal gorilla roar. The gorilla seizes Beast's head, forcefully smashing it into the ground. Without wasting a moment, Winston grabs the dazed X-Man, hoisting him into the air before fiercely hurling him high.
Defenseless, Beast desperately thrashes about while Winston activates his jump pack, giving chase. Closing in on his aerial target, Winston readies a powerful punch by swiftly spinning his arm in a circular motion. However, Beast swiftly evades the attack and retaliates with a well-aimed kick to Winston's chin.
Skillfully maneuvering, Beast rolls down Winston's back and clambers onto the jump pack. Employing his claws, he viciously lacerates the pack, causing it to malfunction and deactivate. As the two figures slam onto the ground, they tumble across the metal flooring in a tangle of limbs.
Beast scrambles to his feet and swiftly scampers away from the berserk gorilla, who continues to lash out with furious rage. Catching sight of an emergency button on a nearby wall, Hank spots the clearly labeled 'In case of Winston Rampage' inscription behind a pane of protective glass.
Taking a brief moment to regroup, Beast decides to confront Winston head-on. As the enraged gorilla charges, aiming a powerful double-fisted smash, Beast sidesteps the assault and counterattacks. He swiftly strikes at the gorilla's pressure points, causing Winston to bellow in pain as his body becomes momentarily immobilized.
With Winston incapacitated, Beast seized the opportunity and dashed toward the emergency panel. Crashing his fist through the glass covering the button, he activated it. Unexpectedly, a wall slid open beside the button to reveal... a jar of peanut butter. Stunned, Beast questioned aloud,
"Peanut butter?"
Beast picked up the jar, looking at it for a moment before turning his attention to Winston, who was beginning to regain his strength and preparing to charge once more. Then, a look of realization crossed Beast's face, and he chuckled in understanding.
"Ah, I get it now."
Beast said with a hint of amusement. Winston lunged forward, aiming a powerful punch at Beast. However, the X-Man adeptly evaded the attack. Taking the open jar in his hand, Beast skillfully tossed globs of peanut butter in Winston's face. The sticky substance hindered the gorilla's vision, temporarily diverting his assault.
Surprisingly, instead of becoming angrier, the gorilla's fondness for peanut butter kicked in. Instead of continuing to attack, Winston paused to sniff at the sticky substance on his face. He licked his lips to taste as much peanut butter as he could, becoming visibly calmer and enjoying the opportunity to savor his beloved snack. Beast couldn't hide his amused smirk as he tossed the half-empty jar to Winston. He chuckled, commenting,
"Quite a handy trick to quell your wrath. I'm not sure if my own favorite food would have the same effect if I were in a blind fury, but I'm glad it does the trick for you."
Winston continued savoring the peanut butter, pausing to offer an apology. Winston explained,
"I'm sorry... for my outburst. I just find it difficult to control my anger when people break my glasses. They hold significant sentimental value because they remind me so much of my father figure, who played a crucial part in shaping who I am today."
Beast nodded in understanding, expressing his empathy.
"I completely get it. It's only natural to feel upset when our cherished possessions are damaged or destroyed, intentionally or not. And I want to apologize for accidentally stepping on your glasses. It was not my intention."
Winston nodded appreciatively, standing tall and extending his right hand.
"I appreciate your understanding. And I must say, I'm quite impressed by your skill in not only enduring my rage mode, but also discovering my weakness to peanut butter as a way to calm me down; a truly strategic move. You've not only proven your strength but also your intelligence. I have no doubt you will have Overwatch's full support whenever you require it."
Beast returned the handshake, his grip firm and sincere.
"The pleasure is truly mine, Winston. We in the X-Men are always ready to stand by your side when the challenges become too formidable for you to handle. Normally, I prefer to go by Beast, but you are more than welcome to call me Hank."
Strength: Both of these intelligent creatures have the strength to lay the beatdown on each other, but one was much physically stronger. Even taking in enhancements and rage power into account, Winston is still mostly a regular gorilla, who can likely lift over 1000 lbs. and has fought Doomfist, who can punch with a force of 2 tons of TNT. However, not only has Hank tanked punches much stronger than that with no issue, he could partially lift a 60 ton golden tree off the ground. Even if he couldn't lift the whole thing, a third of it would still be more than enough to overpower Winston.
Speed: Most gorillas have a movement speed of traveling at around 25 mph or so, and has about the same reaction speeds of Genji, who can deflect projectiles flying in between Mach 5-15. However, Hank has been shown to scale to other characters like Captain America or Daredevil, who have much faster reaction times than Winston or Genjis.
Skill: This is probably Winston's only advantage. Both are intellectuals who let their do friends do most of the fighting, but the gorilla is more willing to be on the front lines with his friends, while Beast more or less sees combat as only something he'll do when it's necessary to.
Experience: Despite the variety of foes that Winston has gone up against, they do not stack up to the stronger, faster, and just frankly more weirder enemies that the X-Men have seen before. An enhanced gorilla with a tesla cannon is nothing special.
Powers: Both of them possess similar strengths and abilities, but thankfully, something that helped Beast was the fact that he has a sufficient enough healing factor to withstand the weak tesla cannon, and his enhanced durability will let him tank any of Winston's physical hits without issue.
The winner is Beast
"You surely don't believe...you can beat me?"
"I'll show you the divide in our class!"