= Chapter 178. The Need for Strengthening =
Commentary on Chapter 178. The Need for Reinforcement If anyone would like to support your favourite and invaluable author by deed rather than word (though I appreciate comments with your detailed opinion no less), you are welcome to do so: 5469980470822129 - Sber Three days later.
Frontier Labs.
Peter Parker.
- So, Raj, you ready? - I ask, clutching a syringe of greenish serum.
Or rather, Emerald Extract, or Hulk Force Extract, to put it simply.
I always talk out loud when I'm nervous...
It's kind of hard to prepare for your possible mutation into a green monster and going on a rampage," the Clintarian muttered.
- Oh good, I've been working on it for weeks, tapped into the power of Enigma and even the Mind Stone! 11.07% failure rate is an extremely good result when reduced to that.
Right," the alien sighed. - Work hard.
After I stop pissing, I inject the serum.
I sit down on the chair and listen to my body.
But once again my mind drifts far away.
From the unimportant, though amusing as hell because of Fireball's reaction, conversation with Johnny after my "laudatory confession" and the decision that I had nowhere to put the Spider-Mobile for the time being, so it would stay in Torch's garage, to thoughts of meetings with Doc Connors, Flint and Deadpool.
Also about a possible Superhero Civil War...
Yeah, the latter more than anything else.
This sort of thing was to be expected, of course the "higher powers" couldn't ignore one of Marvel's most popular events. And that's what me and the rest of you are in for.
Supporting the pro-registration side I'm not even considering. Yes, many people already know who I am under my mask, and yes, I have clones. But I also have some useful acquaintances and plans of my own.
I have a private life and too many enemies. The mask and no other option.
Never.
And then there's the second option, anti-registration.
Logical, street hero style.
But who says it has to be limited to guerrilla warfare and compulsory defeat?
We're going to have to work hard at this...
Okay, body temperature's up, heart rate's elevated. So far so good.
Distract yourself, don't dwell on the vitals too much, think about other things...
Kurt was touched by the offer to come work for me, but decided to stay at the university for now.
Well, the offer is open-ended.
The meeting with Kulichik ended with the signing of a six-month contract and the addition of a genetically modified kid to my bodyguard staff.
And Wade... Aggh, is that how he manages to piss me off so amazingly easily?
How do you respond to the question "Which one of us, in a hypothetical relationship, would be for the girl?"?
Fucking moron.
Well, anyway, and he signed the contract.
Do I really need a bodyguard with that kind of attitude?
Hmm... okay, too favourable with his regeneration and fourth-wall breaking.
How am I supposed to focus on the company now?
It's worth pulling up your brothers and maybe even both sisters. Only Del has a normal civilian profession, plus or minus, and that's just a hint.
Cain would be fine as head of security, Ben could be shoved into the lab...
- PVCHAHHHH...
OK, I'm a bit bent out of shape, but I don't think I've broken any bones.
Raj, how am I doing?
You're fine, I'm keeping an eye on you.
Right, OK.
I'll probably go and see Doc Strange when I'm done with this.
With all this dangerous shit coming up, it's time to get the Illuminati together.
Oh, I never got around to proposing to Mary... good thing I talked to my twin about "helping".
I don't know what's going on with Benji.
Victor's gone quiet.
It's been a long time since he's spoken to his high school group.
Steve's out there looking for Bucky. Yeah, I offered to help, after passing on the information and names I got from Ophelia, but Cap turned it down.
I don't know what to do with Carl, and I don't know why I need an anti-mutant solution.
Shit, Jess...
Done," came the symbiote's voice.
- What?" I asked in surprise.
- Did you really not hear it the first time, or were you thinking so hard? - A stylus with the face of a Klyntaran spoke, growing from my shoulder.
- Raj, don't mock me! - I snapped at the alien.
- All right, all right, you can't make jokes anymore, - as the alien appeared, so he disappeared into our body. - As I said, the serum was absorbed successfully, congratulations, your 88.93% has played out.
- Really? - I stare at my hand in disbelief.
Need proof? Test it! But you need to get angry," the Clintarian summed up.
I even though and easily lose my temper, but deliberately angry is not particularly skilful...
I think that for the girl would be you, - thoughtfully estimated the Klyntarec.
Are you crazy, tentacle?! - I put my palms down on the table with a loud bang, ignoring the junk scattered on it.
Well, he's older, served in the army, and you're young, much kinder...
And that's the criteria?!
I clench my hands into fists.
Here, Bearer, look!
I lower my gaze and, first of all, notice that everything has become somewhat illuminated green. Yes, and the veins have turned green... And the bar of adamantium lying on the table crumbled into shards under my grip.
- Whoa.
Yeah.
Thanks for the pep talk.
What else do you need Slim Shady for?
Huh, good for you, brother.
All right. That went well.
I go to the side table and get my unstable molecule suit, not reinforced with vibronium.
Time to get to work.
* About this time.
Mystic Sanctuary.
- Done," Herbert said doomedly.
- Well, doc, it's no big deal, is it? - Creed grinned, stepping around the shaken brown man and taking one of the flasks in his hands. - You mean I've been here all these months for this slop, Raven? - Sabretooth growled frowningly.
- That's a guarantee of the seriousness of our statement, Victor," the mutant shifter smiled contentedly. - You did a fine job, Dr Landon.
The praise in the redhead's voice made the scientist shudder. It sounded a lot like a conspiracy...
And the wild blond felt similar sentiments, too.
- I can't say I was glad to meet you, worm," Creed released his claws and moved towards the pale brown-haired man.
- Stop," the blue-skinned woman grabbed her lover by the shoulder. - He might still be needed, and only he knows the formula.
- Grhhhhh," Victor growled unhappily. - 'Okay,' Sabretooth pulled his arm out unhappily. - What's next?
- A statement," Mystique smiled anticipatively.
* A little later.
Sanctum Sanctorum.
Spider-Man.
As a courtesy, travelling home to my magic plan mentor's house through an enchanted portal.
- Hela, is anyone home? - I shout as the vortex closes.
- 'The Doctor's been waiting for you, Spider-Man,' comes a calm voice from the side.
- Wong! - I jerk involuntarily. - You should hang up your bell," I slap my heart neurotically.
- I apologise for scaring you," the sorcerer's apprentice smiled. - Come on, I'll take you to your mentor.
I followed the acolyte all the way to one of the meditation halls.
- Dr Strange, Spider-Man has arrived," the monk announced.
- 'Thank you, Wong,' replied the Supreme Wizard, hovering above the floor in a meditative state.
Bowing, the apprentice stepped out.
- What's up, Doc? - I used the catchphrase of an ear-to-ear joker, greeting the wizard.
- It's good to see you, Peter," Stefan said without opening his eyes. - Sit down.
I calmly walk over and sit down across from him.
- Your aura has changed again," the mage turned his head slightly. - Has it turned more... green?
- Exactly, - I squeeze my fingers to a pleasant crunch in my glove. - You could say, a gift from a friend.
- I see," the wizard smiled slightly. - So, is it time? - The former surgeon clarified, opening his eyes.
- Yes," I nodded. - I've been sitting here too long, and it's time to get on with our plan.
- Then it is good that I was more active in the direction of our discussions, - the Supreme Enchanter waved his palm. - And quite successfully.
A transparent golden-purple sphere appeared above the floor in the space separating us. And on this supernatural "screen" began to pop up portraits of quite familiar to me personalities.
- Who are you focusing on? - I turned to Stefan, becoming more focused.
- First of all, I'd like to consider a non-obvious candidate," the brunet waved his palm in a magical gesture. - King T'challa of Wakanda, aka the supernatural protector of his country, the Black Panther.
The portrait of the subject of our discussion enlarged.
- Yes, I've heard of him," I nodded. - Unfortunately, I didn't get to meet him in person.
But I have something that belonged to him...
- It's not over yet," Strange smiled. - Now, there are more than enough reasons why I chose the King of Wakanda: he's a ruler of considerable political influence, he has a brilliant intellect, enhanced by supernatural powers...
- Calm, intelligent, judicious," I nod. - Good qualities for a king and a member of such a squad. I approve.
- Yes," the brunet hesitated a moment. - You might not like the second candidate because of his lack of these virtues," the mage said with another wave of his palm.
- No, I just categorically disagree, - I monolithically wave away as soon as I see the face of this self-assured arsehole.
- I've heard about... your personal squabbles," Strange exhaled. - But understand, Peter, Nemore is the king of Atlantis, by ancient law he owns 70% of the planet, not to mention the rare artefacts and his personal abilities.
- Yes, yes, coupled with intemperance, exorbitant pride, anger, and an obvious tendency to exhibitionism," I fold my arms across my chest in displeasure. - I don't approve, I understand perfectly well that you won't listen to me and invite the fish, highly estimating the possible usefulness. But I don't approve.
- Well," Stefan sighed, "let's move on," the magical hand motion again. - Reed Richards.
- You don't have to describe him, he's a perfect match," I nod, "and he won't be happy about the presence of the proud king either.
- I think Dr Richards has the stamina for it," Doc hums, swiping the image again. - Professor Charles Xavier. The strongest telepath on the planet. Leader of one of the largest factions of mutants, a charismatic leader and a humanitarian at that. In a word...
- An excellent candidate, I nod. - Experienced in representing his people and interested in peace so as not to abuse his membership in the team. Endorsement.
- I've been considering the Avengers' representative for a long time," Stefan exhaled, and four portraits appeared on the screen.
- I understand the reasons for considering these two, but you've gone a little overboard with Bruce and Thor," I pointed to the images of Goldilocks and the gamma radiation expert. - Banner is pretty good at controlling the Hulk, but he can be a bit disruptive at times if the situation is too hot. And Odinson is extremely direct and honest, for Illuminati membership, more... mental flexibility is needed here.
- For these reasons, you're likely to reject Captain Rogers as well, right? - The brunet arched an eyebrow, pointing to the portrait of the Avengers' leader.
- Unfortunately. Besides, Steve's not really ready for what's going on here right now.
Like I'm so sure about Tony...
- So that just leaves him," the image of Iron Man now reigns supreme.
- You could say it's a choice without a choice," I chuckle sardonically.
- You don't believe in Stark? - Doc wonders.
- Something's happening right now, Stefan," I rub the back of my head nervously. - Something big and dangerous is coming...
- Interesting," the mage folded his hands together in interest. - Is your Sense alerting you? Clicks?
- Sort of," I exhaled.
To be fair, I do get flashes of images of the conflict from various sources.
- And while we're on the subject... how's the comprehension of my self coming along? Your place in the Web of Destiny?
- With the first, quite significantly - I remember meeting the Spider - the personification of my self, realising that I am the protagonist of the work, talking to the Unknown Knight. - But with the second one so far t... Argh!
Someone's trying to communicate, Bearer," Raj whispered, responding to a strong sensor signal.
- Peter, is everything alright? - The High Enchanter was concerned, noticing that I had slowed my own fall dramatically, resting my palm on the floor.
I didn't answer, however, listening to the message. In fact, the only one who'd thought to contact me, having detected Flair's reactions to the radio waves.
"It's time, Spider-Man. I'm waiting at my castle in Latveria. Defences are down, you'll be able to teleport. Don't keep Doom waiting."
With that, the oppressive doctor switched off.
As usual, in his repertoire.
- I'm fine, Stefan," I got up from the floor, stretching my back a little. - Start visiting the candidates, I've got an urgent rescue case.
- Who?" Strange was surprised at Strange's sudden change of plans.
- Victor von Doom's mother from Hell, see you later, Doc," I salute the shocked doctor and almost teleport away.
- Stop!
But a sharp shout from the High Wizard makes me stop.
- Doc, Doom isn't the most patient of people, so if you don't mind...
- You do realise that the High Lord of the Underworld for the last fifteen centuries has been Mephisto, the demon after the confrontation with whom we met, the demon who is clearly interested in you?
- Yes, I remember those moments," I scratched the back of my head awkwardly.
And Stefan's vein was almost bursting on his forehead.
- Mephisto in his dimension is immortal and practically omnipotent...
- The key word is "practically"," I interrupted, raising my palm. - Yes, well, I'm well aware of the risks, but Doom somehow survived every time and now there will be two of us... - and then it hit me. - Come with me, Doc, the three of us will have a better chance," I said, excited by my idea.
Until I'm weighted down to the ground.
- I'm afraid I can't," Stefan grimaced. - Once upon a time, by pure chance, I already interfered in a fight between Viktor and Mephisto... since then I've been an unwanted figure in Latveria.
- What happened? - I tilt my head in interest.
- I think it's time for you to go, Peter, you said yourself, Doom doesn't like to wait, - the wizard left the subject, obviously not wanting to plunge into the past.
- Yeah, I guess so, but still," I fumbled with the chain of the amulet. - Perhaps it would be better if the Mind Stone waits here.
- Keep it," the brunet shakes his head negatively. - Everything comes in handy in a battle like this... I think I'm even willing to increase your odds. Open the amulet.
I obediently use the levitation charms, opening the core of the locket, and the soft light of the Mind Stone floods the room.
To my surprise, however, Stefan reveals the Eye of Agamotto himself.
- Don't be afraid to use them in the Underworld; using them in another plane of existence can be good for us and give us more time," Strange said, and the Time Stone slid into my amulet, nestled next to its counterpart.
And every cell in my body, reinforced with cosmic energy, stirred, sensing the level of support it had received.
- Doc, that's... damn generous," I couldn't resist a little pun, not knowing what else to say. - But why?
- You could think of it as a sort of apology to Victor," Stefan snickered sardonically. - Don't waste any time, Spider-Man, and good luck to you.
- Thanks, Doc," I nod gratefully and open the portal.
* Latveria. Castle Doom.
- You took your time," Victor said menacingly as soon as I got up to his lab.
- I couldn't get enough of your domain," I tried to break the tension, but all I got in return was a hard look of reproach. - Yeah, I'm sorry, I know it's serious," I fold my arms across my chest. - What do we got?
- You're free to go, Boris, - before answering the dictator released his loyal subject.
- Yes, thank you for the tour, Boris, - I also say goodbye to the balding man.
- Follow me, - Victor said, turning round and waving his cloak spectacularly.
Geez, cool. Maybe I should get a cape, too. What do you think, Raj?
I suppose it would get in the way when flying on the web," the Clintarian said, yawning languidly.
You seem very calm, considering that we are not metaphorically, but quite literally, going to Hell.
Alas, because of the Underworld's focus on the fire element, I'll be pretty useless, so the only thing left to do is to strengthen you from within, and morally support you with jokes.
I'm pretty good at the latter," I said with a snort.
- Something funny? - Doom's voice rang with concentration.
- No, I'm talking about mine.
- We're here.
Victor clapped his hands and the lights came on, revealing one of the most advanced labs I'd ever seen. In some places, it was even more impressive than Tony and Reed's.
- I bet you've never seen anything like it," the Latverian said haughtily.
- Nowhere," I nodded.
I won't disappoint the ruler of a small but proud Eastern European country.
Doom's response was a hum of "I thought so," he said.
When I took a few more steps, however, any hint of amusement on Victor's part wore off.
- This is my portal," the Latverian said as we came to a stop at a staircase leading to a slightly flattened metal ring. - A symbol of constant confrontation and years of failure... The only thing left to do is read the spell.
- I'm ready," I nod.
I wish I'd had time to change. Adamantium armour wouldn't have been out of place... but okay.
Doom raised his metal-gloved hands and began to recite the spell.
While Vic was busy doing his thing, I sent out messages to family and friends that I might be gone for three days to a month.
Fuck knows how time flows in the Underworld... but Doom kinda said he fought for weeks once.
Hopefully we'll get through this faster.
The Latverian's palms glowed with a green aura of magic.
A second later, azure lightning bolts ran between the walls of the ring, and a vortex formed from the centre.
- We'll return after freeing my mother's soul," Doom said epically, standing half-turned toward me. - Or we die.
- I prefer the first option," I gave him a thumbs-up. - Lead the way, Chief.
Without a moment's hesitation, we stepped through the portal. Commentary on Chapter 178. The Need for Reinforcement Chapter 179. Battle in the fire, - already on bousti)