Remnant's Mightiest Heroes!
Chapter 31: Winter Wasteland
[~[~]
November 18, 09:11 UST
Jersey City, New Jersey
If there is one thing that Kamala Khan cannot stand, it is Christmas—especially any mention of it.
If anyone asked her, it would be because she and her family do not celebrate Christmas, especially when someone forces her to do it. Like her school, for example. When the holidays come, the faculty of Coles Academic High School practically forces the students to engage in Yuletide activities. If it were not for her parents, she would have stayed home. She will only admit that the only time she is happy is when she punches a snowman in the face.
Religious drama aside, she could not understand why everyone was so obsessed with the holidays. Everywhere she went, people were talking about the upcoming worst time of year. Acting all so cheery just so they could get presents from a jolly fat man who can somehow deliver presents to the entire world in one night. Kamala wondered how he could even fit down a chimney. There were times when she saw people setting up decorations when it was not even Thanksgiving yet, for Allah's sake!
But despite her annual loathing of Christmas, there were some aspects of Christmas that she liked. Particularly the exchange of gifts between friends and family. Doreen gave her a new friendship bracelet after hers got broken during a mission. She made a list of presents to give to her friends. With her parents' consent of course.
Her annoyance was taken up to eleven when she woke up this morning feeling so cold it hurt to move. The unspoken question was answered when she looked outside to see everything covered in snow. Way too much snow for her liking. Part of her believed that she somehow slept until December and Christmas had come early.
The polymorph would be proven wrong the moment she saw the giant standing just outside the Khan Family Residence. If it were not for her quick thinking, she would have lost her family when its foot crushed a section of their house. But when she is looking at the giant right in the red eyes, she does not take the opportunity to embiggen. Doing so would expose her secret identity to everyone, not her Abu. She never looked forward to having that conversation.
Right as she was about to throw caution to the wind, the giant was hit in the face with a 40mm grenade. It also exploded. Much to her surprise, the source came from a few people she recognized as her neighbors, who were dressed in combat gear and weapons. One of them carried a flamethrower which they started to use on the giant. They did not have time to watch as the neighbors ushered them away, but Kamala could have sworn that the giant shrunk.
Once they were in a safe area, the group introduced themselves as agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and left it at that. Kamala found it hard to believe that she has been living with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as neighbors. They are working under orders to evacuate civilians to a secure shelter. It is dangerous to be roaming the streets because of the giants but they know a safe route to a shelter.
Right before they were led away, one of the Agents took her aside. He revealed to her that he was aware of her identity as Ms. Marvel. Before the freak winter, they are having, Fury assigned him and his team to watch over the Khans and keep them safe. It is part of a protection program for superheroes and their families. If she wants to keep her identity secret, he suggests that she wait until they have reached the shelter before changing into Ms. Marvel. A suggestion that she agreed to. If things are this bad, they are going to need every superhero on deck. But not before making sure her family is safe.
So, she stuck with her family and the team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. After fifteen minutes of trudging through snow, they arrived at a local police station. With a nod of consent from her Abu, as well as a whispered reassurance that she will come back safe. Kamala took the opportunity to find somewhere to change into her suit. Once she had done it, she took off for Wilsons Auto.
"Next time I see Bruno, I'm going to ask if he can make me a winter uniform," Kamala said through chattering teeth. "Assuming I can find him."
Despite wearing a coat over her suit, she could not stop shivering from the cold. But that is nothing compared to the chill she is seeing from seeing the state of Jersey City. The once vibrant cityscape is shrouded in a thick layer of snow and ice, its towering buildings and bustling streets reduced to a silent, snow-covered expanse.
The Hudson River, normally a bustling waterway, is frozen solid, its surface transformed into a vast, icy plain. The once-bustling port and its maritime traffic are halted, leaving the docks empty and the warehouses silent.
Jersey City has become a frozen desolate wasteland. The only sounds are the wind howling through the empty streets, carrying with it biting flakes of snow that sting her face, and the occasional crushing of the snow beneath her feet as she trudged through the deepening snowdrifts. Her breath puffed out in white clouds that dissipated in the frigid air. She pulled her scarf higher over her face, squinting through the swirling flakes as she navigated the deserted streets. In retrospect, she should have thought of a better way to get to Wilson's Auto. Maybe ask those agents for a safer route.
A gust of wind whipped snow into Kamala's face, momentarily blinding her. As she wiped the icy flakes away, a sudden almost comical realization struck her. Lockjaw. The giant teleporting dog. She could've just…called him. Her hand flew to her forehead, a groan escaping her lips. Of course! Why had that not even crossed her mind? Then it clicked. Between the chaos of the giant's attack on her house, the frantic evacuation, and the general disorientation caused by the sudden winter, her mind had been a complete mess. Plus, she knew that Lockjaw was with his family, on some important business or just enjoying some much-needed family time. The last thing she wanted to do was pull him away from that for something she could technically handle herself…even if "handling it" currently meant trudging through a blizzard. Still, the face-palm was unavoidable. She needed to start thinking more clearly under pressure.
Just as Kamala fished her phone out of her bangle, fingers numb with cold, and began composing a quick text to anyone listening – "Urgent need lift 2 Wilsons. Winter = yikes!"— a blood-curdling scream pierced the howling wind. It was raw, desperate, and undeniably human. Kamala's head snapped up, her earlier self-directed frustration forgotten. She abandoned the phone, shoving it back into her pocket, and followed the sound. Rounding the corner of a snow-drifted building, she gasped. A hulking figure, easily twice the size of a car, loomed over a huddled family. Its skin was a sickly grey-blue, and icicles clung to its matted hair and beard. It roared, raising a massive, frost-covered club above its head, poised to strike. Lockjaw would have to wait. This was an emergency.
Time seemed to slow as the giant's club descended. Kamala's instincts took over. She surged forward, channeling her Inhuman abilities, embiggening her right arm to an incredible size. With a guttural grunt, she intercepted the descending blow, her enlarged hand catching the frost-covered club just inches from the terrified family cowering below. The impact sent a shockwave through her arm, a jolt of icy energy that threatened to freeze her bones. Snow exploded outwards in a white cloud, and the force of the blow nearly buckled her knees. But she held. Her embiggened hand, now the size of a small car, strained against the giant's immense strength, the rough part of the club biting into her palm. The family, a mother clutching two small children, stared up at her in wide-eyed disbelief, their faces pale and etched with fear. Kamala gritted her teeth, the strain making her whole body tremble. This was going to be a long fight.
The giant roared in frustration, pulling back his club and swinging again, forcing Kamala to brace herself for another impact.
"Get out of here!" she yelled to the family, her voice strained with the effort of holding back the giant's immense strength. She gestured wildly with her free hand, pointing back the way she had come. "There is a shelter a few blocks that way! Head straight down this street, take the first left, then you will see a police station. They are taking people in there. Go! Do not look back!"
The mother, finally spurred into action, grabbed her children's hands, and scrambled to their feet. They did not hesitate, their eyes wide with terror as they darted past Kamala's giant hand and sprinted down the snow-covered street, their small figures quickly disappearing into the swirling snow. Kamala breathed a small sigh of relief, but she knew she could not afford to let her guard down for a second. The giant was still here, and he was not happy.
The giant roared again, a sound that shook the very foundations of the surrounding buildings. He yanked his club free from Kamala's grasp, the sudden release causing her embiggened hand to snap back, nearly throwing her off balance. He swung the massive tree trunk in a wide arc, forcing Kamala to duck and roll to avoid being crushed. The ground trembled as the club connected with a nearby parked car, smashing it into a mangled wreck of metal and glass. Kamala sprang to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest. This brute was strong, even stronger than she had initially expected. She knew she could not simply overpower him; she needed to be smarter.
Kamala shifted tactics, using her elasticity and agility to her advantage. She stretched her limbs, dodging the giant's clumsy blows, her body contorting in ways that would be impossible for a normal human. She bounced off a snowdrift, using the momentum to launch herself at the giant's leg, delivering a swift kick that sent a tremor through his massive frame. He stumbled, momentarily off balance, giving Kamala the opening she needed. She embiggened her fist again, this time aiming for his knee. The impact sent a resounding crack through the air, and the giant bellowed in pain, his leg buckling beneath him. He crashed onto one knee, sending up a spray of snow and ice.
Seeing her chance, Kamala pressed her advantage. She embiggened both her fists, now resembling massive wrecking balls, and unleashed a flurry of blows against the giant's chest and shoulders. Each punch landed with a satisfying thud, the force of the impacts visibly shaking the giant. He roared in pain and fury, trying to swat her away with his massive hands, but Kamala was too quick, too agile. She danced around his attacks, continuing her relentless assault. Finally, with a final, powerful uppercut to the giant's jaw, she sent him crashing backward into a snowbank, his massive form creating a deep crater in the snow. He lay there groaning, momentarily stunned.
Kamala stood panting, her chest heaving, a triumphant grin spreading across her face. Snow clung to her hair and costume, but she did not care. She had done it. She had won against the giant.
"Yeah!" she whooped, raising her fists in the air. "Who's the boss?!"
The adrenaline was still coursing through her veins, a warm rush that momentarily pushed back the biting cold. But her celebration was cut short by a deep, guttural growl that echoed through the frozen streets. It was louder, more resonant than the first giant's roars. Kamala's grin faltered, her eyes widening as she turned to see the source of the new sound. Appearing from behind a snow-covered building, even larger than the first giant, stood another giant. This one was easily twice the size, its skin an even more chilling shade of blue, and its eyes glowed with an icy, malevolent light.
Kamala's jaw dropped.
"Oh, come on!" she groaned, her earlier triumph replaced by a sinking feeling of dread. This was not how she had envisioned her day going.
Before Kamala could even process the sheer size of this new threat, a streak of fire erupted from a nearby alleyway, slamming into the giant's leg.
"Kamala! Are you okay?!" Dante Pertuz, aka Inferno, yelled, his body wreathed in flames as he launched another blast of heat at the giant. The ice clinging to the giant's skin hissed and melted where the fire struck, causing the behemoth to roar in pain and stumble back. Just then, a star-shaped portal ripped open in the air beside Kamala, and America Chavez, aka Ms. America, stepped through, a determined glint in her eye.
"Looks like you could use a hand, Khan!" she smirked, cracking her knuckles. Without missing a beat, America charged forward, leaping onto the giant's back and delivering a powerful punch to its head. The giant staggered, momentarily disoriented by the combined assault.
"Took you guys long enough!" Kamala exclaimed, a surge of relief washing over her. Now this was a fight she could get into.
As Inferno unleashed another torrent of flames, this time targeting the giant's face, a noticeable change began to occur. The giant's skin began to steam and sizzle, and its immense form seemed to…shrink. Not by a lot, but enough to be visible.
"See?" Dante shouted over the roar of the flames and the giant's enraged bellows. "We figured this out a while back. Frost magic, or whatever. They're walking ice sculptures. Extreme heat disrupts their…molecular integrity, I guess you could say. They start to melt, literally. Though," he added, dodging a swipe from the giant's massive hand, "If they get back to a cold enough environment, they'll eventually rebuild themselves. It's like…a gross, icy version of cellular regeneration."
He punctuated his explanation with another blast of fire, causing the giant to shrink further, chunks of ice falling from its rapidly diminishing form. "So, the key is to keep the heat on 'em!"
With Inferno keeping up the relentless barrage of heat and America continuing her rapid-fire attacks, using her superhuman strength and speed to exploit the giant's growing disorientation, the tide of the battle definitively turned. The giant, now significantly smaller than its initial towering height, stumbled and roared in pain, its icy form rapidly deteriorating. Chunks of ice continued to fall away, revealing patches of grey-blue skin that steamed and sizzled under Inferno's flames. Finally, with a combined effort, America landed a powerful blow to the giant's chest just as Inferno unleashed a concentrated blast of heat. The giant let out one final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing into a heap of melting ice and steaming flesh. The ground shook with the impact, and a cloud of steam billowed into the frigid air. The immediate area around the fallen giant began to thaw, revealing patches of the snow-covered street beneath. The fight was finally over.
Kamala let out a long breath, the tension draining from her body as she watched the last of the steam dissipate from the fallen giant. She turned to her teammates, a wide grin spreading across her face.
"You guys have no idea how glad I am to see you," she said, her voice filled with genuine relief. "I was starting to think I was going to be fighting frost giants all day, by myself."
She clapped Inferno on the shoulder, nearly sending him stumbling forward.
"Thanks for the, uh, heat treatment," she chuckled, then gave America a high five. "And thanks for, well, everything. That was… intense."
The sight of her friends, their familiar faces a welcome beacon amid this bizarre and dangerous winter, brought a wave of warmth that had nothing to do with Inferno's flames. It was good to see some of her friends.
Just as Kamala was about to say more, a familiar poof of displaced air and a flash of blue energy erupted a few feet away. Lockjaw materialized, his large jowls flapping slightly as he materialized. His antenna crackled with residual energy from the teleportation. The giant Inhuman dog immediately spotted Kamala and let out a happy bark, bounding over to her with his tail wagging furiously. He nudged her with his massive head before giving her face a thorough, slobbery lick, his rough tongue leaving a trail of icy dog saliva across her cheek.
"Ew, Lockjaw! Okay, okay, I get it, you're happy to see me too," Kamala said, laughing and wiping her face with the back of her hand. Despite the grossness factor, she couldn't help but smile. Seeing Lockjaw, even with the face wash, was a comforting sight.
"Hey, uh, Lockjaw," Kamala said, wiping the last of the dog slobber from her face, "any chance you could give me a lift to Wilson's Auto? I was on my way there before… all this happened."
Lockjaw barked in response, a low rumble in his chest, and looked expectantly towards Kamala. Before she could give him a proper command, however, Dante interjected, "Actually, that's why we're here. We figured you'd be headed there, and with all the giant-sized chaos, we thought a little backup wouldn't hurt."
"Plus," he added with a grin, gesturing to the rapidly melting remains of the frost giant, "we kind of figured you'd have your hands full."
America nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we got a message from HQ. Something's going down at Wilson's. They wanted all available Secret Warriors on deck." She winked at Kamala. "So, consider this a ride share with extra firepower."
"Alright then, let's move out!" Kamala declared, a renewed sense of purpose filling her. She clapped her hands together, shaking off the last remnants of the cold and the lingering adrenaline from the fight. Dante and America nodded in agreement, and the three of them gathered around Lockjaw. The giant dog sat patiently, his tail thumping gently against the snow-covered ground. Kamala reached out and patted his head, giving him a quick scratch behind the ears.
"Okay, boy, Wilson's Auto. Let's go," she instructed. Lockjaw let out a low rumble of acknowledgment, and his antenna began to glow with that familiar purple energy. The air around them shimmered and crackled, and in a flash of blue light and a rush of displaced air, they vanished from the snowy Jersey City street, leaving behind only the rapidly melting remains of the frost giant and the faint imprint of Lockjaw's large paws in the snow.
[~]
The world dissolved into a swirling vortex of blue energy, a brief sensation of disorientation washing over them as they traversed the strange pathways of Lockjaw's teleportation. Then, just as suddenly, they were somewhere else entirely. The cold, snowy air of Jersey City was replaced by the warm, grease-tinged atmosphere of Wilson's Auto. Or rather, beneath Wilson's Auto. They materialized in the familiar, dimly lit underground headquarters of the Secret Warriors.
But as it turns out, even the Secret Warriors HQ felt the chilling effects of the freak winter they are having. While the underground location provided some insulation, the temperature had noticeably dropped. Small space heaters hummed in every corner, struggling to combat the persistent cold that seeped through the concrete walls. Condensation beaded on the metal surfaces, and some of the exposed pipes had a thin layer of frost clinging to them. Several members of the team were bundled in extra layers of clothing, and mugs of steaming beverages were clutched in gloved hands. The usual air of focused activity was tinged with a sense of unease, the flickering monitors casting long, dancing shadows that amplified the already tense atmosphere. Even here, deep beneath the surface, the unnatural winter held them in its icy grip.
Kamala, Dante, America, and Lockjaw made their way deeper into the HQ, following the sound of raised voices. They found Daisy Johnson, Quake, standing in front of the mainframe, her brow furrowed in concentration. Beside her, Doreen Green, despite the situation, was perched on a stack of old tires, chattering excitedly and gesturing at Tippy-Toe, who was munching on a half-eaten acorn. The mainframe's numerous screens displayed a chaotic array of data: weather maps showing the unnatural spread of the arctic conditions, energy readings fluctuating wildly, and communication lines flickering in and out of service. A thick layer of frost had even begun to creep across some of the colder monitors, obscuring the data beneath a thin layer of ice. The central screen, usually displaying the Secret Warriors' logo, now flashed a stark red warning message: "CRITICAL SYSTEM INSTABILITY – EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE EXTREMES." It was clear that even with their underground location and advanced technology, the winter was taking a serious toll.
"Doreen," Daisy sighed, rubbing her temples. The flashing red warning on the mainframe screen was giving her a headache. "Any update on the mainframe? How bad is it?"
Doreen hopped down from the tires, Tippy-Toe climbing up her shoulder. "Oh boy, Daisy, it's…not great. The cold is wreaking havoc on the systems. The cooling units are working overtime, but they can't keep up. The processors are fluctuating like crazy, and the hard drives are getting dangerously close to freezing. We're getting all sorts of error messages, data corruption is rampant, and honestly, it's a miracle we're even getting any signal out at all."
She gestured to a screen displaying a cascade of error codes. "See? 'Thermal Overload,' 'System Instability,' 'Imminent Data Loss'… it's like a greatest hits album of computer malfunctions."
Daisy grimaced. "So, what you're saying is, we're on the verge of a complete system failure?"
Doreen shrugged with Tippy-Toe mirroring her. "Pretty much. Unless we can find a way to warm things up down here, we're looking at a potential data wipe. Not to mention, if the mainframe goes down completely, we lose all our communications, intel, and everything. We'd be flying blind."
She paused, then added in a surprisingly serious tone, "Honestly, considering the conditions, it's a testament to the engineers who built this place that it's still running. It's like trying to run a marathon in a freezer. The systems are tough, but they're not designed for this."
Daisy nodded grimly, processing Doreen's assessment.
"Alright," she said, her voice firm, "then that's our priority. Doreen, I need you to focus on maintaining your squirrel network. With comms going haywire, Tippy-Toe and her friends might be our only reliable source of information if the mainframe goes down. Make sure they're relaying messages effectively, scouting for safe routes, and anything that can help us keep track of what's happening above ground. We need to be prepared for the worst."
Daisy turned back to the flashing screens, her expression troubled. As she turned back she finally noticed the newly arrived group. "Kamala, Dante, America, Lockjaw," she said, a flicker of relief crossing her face. "Glad you guys made it. We've got a situation."
Kamala nodded, a frown creasing her brow. "Daisy, I think you're understating things a little. This isn't just a snow dad gone wrong. This is a blizzard. It's not just the weather, it's the whole world gone wrong. We've got giants and who knows what else lurking out there. This is a whole different level of chaos."
Just as she finished speaking, Doreen came up and threw her arms around Kamala, squeezing her tightly. "Kamala!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine relief. She pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning Kamala for any signs of injury. "I'm so glad you're okay! I was worried sick when the blizzard hit. Are you sure you're alright? No frostbite, no ice-related trauma?"
Kamala smiled, patting her best friend's arm. She said, her voice reassuring. "A little shaken, but otherwise, I'm good. Thanks for worrying about me, though. But right now, we've got a big fight ahead of us."
"You're correct Kamala. And you're right when you said I was understating it. While our communications have been unreliable, I was able to get in touch with Director Fury. Jersey City is just the tip of the iceberg. No pun intended. The world is undergoing what could be described as the greatest massive, global freeze in history. Directive 51 is in effect. We don't know what caused it, but until we figure it out, we have to do what we can to restore what little law and order we have working in this weather."
The other Secret Warriors nodded at their leader's words. Kamala recalled the panic that fell upon the Khan residence. It was a miracle that the giant didn't kill her family. But she can't help but wonder if somewhere out there, there is one poor unfortunate soul that witnessed their family slaughtered by the giants. The memory made her determined to ensure that doesn't happen to anyone else.
"Do we have any theories?" America asked. "I would like to think that this is all caused by one ice-themed supervillain."
"That is on the table," Daisy admitted. "S.H.I.E.L.D. is checking on the incarcerated villains who match the description. They're also on alert for any on the loose. The Secret Warriors are to assist in their capture for interrogation. If they are responsible for this winter…they can kiss their freedom goodbye—permanently."
Kamala could feel the tension rising. She herself can feel her balling fist tighten enough to draw blood. Her peripheral vision told her teammates are suppressing their rage. Although it hasn't been confirmed, someone or something was responsible for all this frigid mayhem. The polymorph gave a silent prayer for the unfortunate soul responsible for this.
"Right now, Gwen is with the Web Warriors in New York. Last I heard from her, she was helping Spider-Man develop a formula for insulated webbing. The cold is freezing their regular fluid. Luckily for them, we have everything they need in the New York Wilson's Auto. The Avengers are scattered across the globe. According to Director Fury, a team led by Hawkeye is the only one available on the East Coast if we're in serious trouble."
"As for us?" Daisy gestured towards the mainframe. "While investigating the cause of the freak winter, we've got work to do. With the mainframe going down, I've got Riri and Doreen working on establishing a communication network. We've already found the solution to that. Although it may be temporary, it's the best we've got. Doreen?"
"Before the winter, I've been working on a personal project of mine," Doreen piped in excitedly, her bushy tail twitching. "Ever since I could communicate with Tippy-Toe and other squirrels, I figured why not extend that benefit to everyone else? So, I started working on an app I dubbed "SQUEAKEN". Get it? It's a play on the words Squeak and Spoken? Although I may have gotten it from Kronk, another squirrel whisperer like me. I hope that Disney doesn't sue me."
"Doreen, focus please?" Daisy insisted. Doreen realized she was getting off-topic and cleared her throat.
"Right. So, the fact of the matter is that when the storm hit, Doreen and I were able to use the program for my app to create special collars that Tippy-Toe and her friends could wear so they could deliver messages in between shelters. If you happen to see a squirrel with a collar on, be sure to talk to them, they may have valuable information."
Tippy-Toe squeaked in pride as she stood up on her hind legs and showed off a small high-tech-looking collar around her small neck. Then, to their shock, they beeped and said in an artificial voice, "So glad that I can talk with everyone. Hello!"
"Hey, Tippy-Toe!" Kamala said with a small smile and a wave of her hand.
"This is great! Most squirrels don't like it when a human hears them as it would endanger their roots in the human political world."
"Wait…what?"
"Thanks to Tippy-Toe and her friends," Daisy continued. "We were able to plot safe routes for stranded civilians in search of shelter while avoiding the giants. Communication has been established between them. There are also S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in the field carrying out rescue operations."
Then Daisy's face hardened. "But we're also receiving distress calls from shelters that are under attack. Shaun and Riri went to help. Thanks to earlier reports, we were able to develop weapons that capitalize on the giants' weakness to fire. But it's not the only shelter under attack. I warn you that we're going to be stretched thin. Luckily, we have Lockjaw to take as around the City. Once you have finished your mission, contact Lockjaw and he'll come pick you up for your next. I'm not going to lie, it will be hell. There will be barely a break in between."
"When do we ever take a break?" Dante asked with his arms spread in front of him. "I mean, this is a situation where I don't need to hold back. My flames will be turning those giants into puddles. Of course, they'll be frozen again due to the cold, but at least they'll stay puddles…just frozen."
"Speaking of which, Riri was bored at some point and made winter gear for us," Daisy said, gesturing to a nearby table with a briefcase on top. "These I think you'll find that they will provide more warmth than our usual loadout. As well as a heated punch to our giant friends. There's much to be done, and I'll provide updates as they come."
"We get winter gear?" Kamala asked with a little bit of apprehension. Now that she got a closer look at Daisy, she noticed that her suit was different than her usual. Her form-fitting, dark material is enhanced with thermal insulation, probably a thin layer of fleece or a similar material underneath. The high collar is extended and lined with fur for warmth around her neck. Her winter gloves are reinforced at the fingertips. Her boots are insulated, waterproof snow boots with good traction for icy surfaces. A hooded parka is added for extra protection against wind and snow.
Now that she looked at every one of her teammates, their outfits had changed. Doreen's suit already has elements that lend themselves to winter adaption. Her long sleeves and leggings provided a good base for insulation albeit thicker. Her usual jacket is replaced with a hooded parka, possibly made of a water-resistant and windproof material. The hood itself is lined with faux fur for extra warmth and a touch of squirrel-like flair. Her insulated gloves are fingerless, possibly for dexterity when needed. Her winter outfit is complete with insulated boots with good traction on ice and snow.
Even Dante's uniform changed, despite the possibility his fire powers would keep him warm in this weather. The core design of his red and black suit is retained but with modifications. The fabric looked to be replaced with a flame-resistant, high-tech fabric design to withstand both extreme cold and the heat generated by his powers. There is a subtle venting system to allow excess heat to escape, preventing overheating. A light, insulated liner is added for warmth without impeding his movement or interfering with his powers. A high-collared, insulated neckpiece protected his throat and face from the cold without restricting his breathing. The insulated boots helped by providing excellent traction for navigating icy surfaces.
Lastly, America is wearing a dark blue thicker, insulated jacket. Her star-spangled top is swapped for a long-sleeved thermal shirt with a similar star pattern incorporated into the design. Insulated leggings are worn under jeans for added warmth. Heavy-duty, insulated snow boots for traversing icy terrain. Her fingerless gloves allowed her to maintain dexterity while providing some protection from the cold. Completing the look is a beanie with a star motif providing additional warmth.
Suddenly, Kamala felt a little out of place.
"Yep," Daisy said with a small pop at the end. "You're the last one not properly dressed. Riri talked to Bruno, and he helped with the design."
Kamala felt her heart leap for joy. Well, it's official. This Christmas, she's giving Bruno an extra big present.
[~]
Rayshaun Lucas, his breath misting in the frigid air, meticulously checked his gear. The roar of the wind added a sense of urgency to his preparations. He ran a gloved hand over the Vibranium weave of his shield, ensuring there were no cracks or weaknesses caused by the extreme cold. With Riri Williams working frantically to restore power to the city substation, and by extension the streets and a nearby shelter.
Thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D. supply drops, he was able to change his loadout for this mission. Given that these giants are weak to extreme heat, there's equipment to capitalize on it. Miniature flamethrowers, incendiary charges, and thermite dispensers. With Riri's help, he applied a heated shield edge and a flammable coating. Safety has been taken into consideration and proper insulation and control systems have been installed to protect him from the heat and prevent accidental fires.
Part of him felt a little reluctant to use such weaponry. There's a reason that flamethrowers have been deemed inhumane. But so much was at stake. Cap warned him about it during World War II. He didn't like talking about it, but he hoped that Shaun would never have to experience a hell like that. Shaun saw films like 'Saving Private Ryan' that showcased how hellish it is.
At one point, he asked if his mentor felt scared when he willing sign up to fight in a war that is hell. Cap admitted it. He also told him that courage isn't about being without fear. It's about doing something despite being afraid. Just like the brave men and women of those who fought. His desire to fight for his country, to defeat the strong who took advantage of the weak, was stronger than his fear. So, he buried his fear so that he may fight against the giants threatening the innocent.
"Ironheart, how are we on the repairs?" Shaun called over the comms. The blizzard is disrupting communications. It applies to short-range communication but is not necessarily completely disabled. Aside from static and interference, it still worked. The question was for how long.
"Ugh, this is worse than I thought," Riri muttered. "The cold has completely messed with the transformers, and some of the relays are frozen solid. I've managed to bypass a few circuits, but it's like trying to perform surgery with mittens on. At this rate… the best case scenario, I'm looking at another hour, maybe two, to get everything back online. But if any more of this and this equipment freezes over, we're in serious trouble."
"Is there any way to expedite the repairs?" Shaun asked urgently. "I'm about to fight for my life against giants in the blizzard."
Riri didn't say anything for a moment. Then she said, "Okay, so the main problem is the ice. It's not just coating everything, it's actually inside some of the components, freezing the moving parts and messing with the conductivity. I'm hitting the worst spots with localized bursts from my repulsors – low power, focused heat, just enough to melt the ice without frying anything. At the same time, I'm trying to bypass the main transformer; it's practically encased in ice. If I can reroute the power through the auxiliary lines, we might be able to get some basic functionality back online faster. It's risky because those lines aren't designed for this kind of load, but it's the quickest way. I'm also trying to boost the internal heaters, but the system's barely responding. It's like it's in survival mode. If I can just get the temperature up a few degrees, it'll make everything else go smoother. It's a long shot, but it's the best I can do right now. I'm working as fast as I can."
"I understand. Just get it done as best you can," Shaun said. They're already under enough pressure as it is. Adding more isn't going to change the situation.
With his mission clear, Shaun activated his shield's drone configuration and had it fly out. It flew until it gave him a bird's eye view of his surroundings. The feed is sent directly to his visor, so he can monitor everything. Any sign of those giants and he'll be the first to know.
He can also see the traps that are being highlighted. A fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agent leading the shelter's defense loaned some to them. Remembering Cap's advice about the tools in his arsenal, he set up some traps at various chokepoints or narrow passages to funnel the giants into kill zones. The kill part is a bit of a stretch, but at least it will make the Giants shrink. There are incendiary charges, thermal landmines, and tripwire-activated flamethrowers. Might as well call the area a minefield in his opinion.
Gripping his shield tightly in his hand, he stood at the makeshift barricade constructed from overturned vehicles and debris. The wind howled a mournful dirge, carrying with it the distant, rhythmic stomping that signaled the giants' approach. Each echoing footstep vibrated through the frozen ground, a chilling reminder of the immense power he was about to face. He adjusted his stance, his eyes scanning the swirling snow for any sign of movement. The air crackled with anticipation, a tense silence punctuated only by the wind and the increasingly loud thuds. He knew he was outnumbered, outsized, and facing creatures who could turn him into a paint smear, but he also knew that he was this battle would determine the fate of the terrified people huddled inside the shelter without warmth. He took a deep breath, steeling his nerves. Riri was working against the clock, and he would buy her every second he could.
The ground shuddered as the first giant lumbered into view, its massive form barely visible through the swirling snow. It was a grotesque figure of ice and muscle, its skin a chilling shade of blue, with icicles clinging to its matted hair and beard. As the giant took another heavy step, its enormous foot snagged a nearly invisible tripwire stretched taut across the street. With a sudden whoosh and a roar of ignited fuel, a hidden flamethrower erupted to life. A torrent of searing flame engulfed the giant's legs, the intense heat causing the ice clinging to its skin to hiss and melt, sending plumes of heat steam into the frigid air. The giant bellowed in surprise and pain, stumbling backward, its icy features contorted in rage as it shrunk. The trap had worked, buying precious seconds, but Shaun knew it wouldn't hold the creature for long.
As the giant roared and stumbled, momentarily disoriented by the flames licking at its legs, Shaun remotely directed his drone to fly rapidly above the struggling giant. With precise control, Shaun had the drone release its incendiary payload, a canister of highly flammable gel—directly onto the giant's broad shoulders. The gel splattered across the icy skin, sticking fast. Just as the giant began to recover, swatting blindly at the flames on its legs, Shaun recalled his shield. The drone descended swiftly, transforming back into its shield form as it flew directly into his outstretched hand. Momentum aiding him, Shaun charged forward, leaping onto a snowdrift for extra leverage, and brought the edge of the shield crashing down onto the kneeling giant's head with all his might.
The impact was a resounding thud, the force of it nearly jarring Shaun's arm. But more importantly, the impact ignited the flammable coating applied to the shield earlier. A sudden burst of fire erupted along the shield, creating a temporary wall of flame between the giant and himself. The flames ignited the gel on the giant, setting his shoulders aflame. The giant roared again, this time in a mixture of pain and confusion, as the flames licked at its face and shoulder, further melting the ice encasing its massive form. The heat radiating from the burning shield provided a brief respite from the biting cold, but Shaun knew this was only a temporary advantage. More giants were coming.
Knowing that wouldn't hold them back for long, Shaun sprinted back towards the makeshift barricade, vaulting over the overturned vehicles and debris. He reached cover just as the first giant, still smoldering from the initial flamethrower and the burning gel, began to advance again, its icy features contorted in rage. As the behemoth lumbered forward, it stepped squarely onto a pressure-sensitive plate hidden beneath the snow. With a muffled thump and a burst of intense heat, a thermal landmine erupted, melting a significant chunk of ice from the giant's foot and causing it to stumble. Behind it, another giant tripped a second tripwire, activating another hidden flamethrower that engulfed its legs in a fresh torrent of flames. Further down the street, a third giant, attempting to flank the barricade, triggered a series of incendiary charges planted amongst the debris. The resulting explosions sent plumes of fire and smoke billowing into the air, creating a chaotic wall of heat that forced the giants to halt their advance. The street was now a chaotic scene of fire and ice, the giants roaring in frustration as they were repeatedly assaulted by the strategically placed traps.
"Like moths to a flame," Shaun couldn't help but mutter as he watched as the combined assault of flames and intense heat took its toll. The giants were visibly struggling. As the flames licked at their icy hides, chunks of ice began to melt and fall away, revealing patches of sickly grey-blue skin beneath. Steam rose from their bodies in thick clouds, obscuring their forms momentarily. More noticeably, their immense size began to diminish. While they were towering figures, they were shrinking, losing mass as the ice that formed their outer layers melted away. Their roars of rage were now mixed with pained bellows as the heat penetrated deeper, disrupting their very composition. The once imposing figures were becoming visibly weakened, their movements slower and less coordinated.
The first giant, its leg still smoldering from the thermal landmine and its lower body drenched in flammable gel, stumbled forward, now noticeably shorter and thinner. Patriot seized the opportunity. He launched himself off the barricade, using his shield as a makeshift snowboard to glide across the icy street. Reaching the weakened giant, he used the momentum to slam his shield into its chest, the impact sending the already weakened creature crashing backward into a snowdrift. Before it could recover, Patriot followed up with a series of quick, precise strikes with his shield's edge, each blow further chipping away at the remaining ice and weakening the giant's resolve. With a final, powerful strike to its head, the giant collapsed, its form rapidly melting into a puddle of icy water and steaming flesh.
The second giant, still engulfed in flames from the tripwire flamethrower, fared no better. Its roars had become weak, pained whimpers as the intense heat continued to melt its form. It flailed its massive arms blindly, trying to extinguish the flames that clung to its body, but to no avail. Patriot, using his shield as both a defensive and offensive weapon, darted in and out, avoiding the giant's clumsy swings. He used the shield to deflect the flames away from himself while simultaneously delivering sharp blows to the giant's exposed skin. With each strike, more of the giant's icy exterior crumbled away, until it was little more than a hunched, steaming figure. A final, well-aimed throw of his shield, ricocheting off a nearby building and striking the giant in the back of the head, brought it crashing down.
The third giant, caught in the blast radius of the incendiary charges, was the most severely affected. Its size had been drastically reduced, and large portions of its icy exterior had completely melted away, revealing the grey-blue skin beneath. It staggered weakly, its movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Patriot, seeing his chance to end the fight quickly, charged forward, his shield held high. He leaped onto a pile of debris, using it as a launchpad to deliver a powerful aerial strike. He brought his shield down on the giant's head with all his force, the impact sending the already weakened creature tumbling to the ground. The remaining ice shattered on impact, and the giant's form quickly dissolved into a steaming puddle, marking the end of the immediate threat.
Rayshaun stood amidst the steaming puddles that were once towering frost giants, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The wind still howled, and the snow continued to fall, but the immediate threat was gone. He lowered his shield, his arm aching from the repeated blows. He wiped a mixture of sweat and melting snow from his brow, his gaze sweeping across the scene. The air was thick with the smell of burnt ice and something faintly… meaty. It was a gruesome sight, but he knew he had done what he had to do. He leaned heavily against his shield for a moment, catching his breath and allowing his muscles a brief respite. He knew this was just one battle in a much larger war against this winter, but for now, at least, he won the battle. He just hoped Riri was making progress.
Patriot, his breath still ragged, reached for the small communicator on his belt, intending to check in with Riri and see how the repairs were progressing. He thumbed the activation button, but only static met his ear. He tried again, adjusting the frequency, but the result was the same – a crackling wall of white noise. The extreme cold and atmospheric interference were taking their toll on the short-range comms. Just as he was about to try a different channel, the ground trembled again, more violently this time. He snapped his head up, his eyes widening as he saw another giant emerging from the swirling snow, even larger and more imposing than the ones he had just defeated. Any attempt to contact Riri would have to wait. This new arrival was a priority.
Just as Patriot braced himself to engage the massive frost giant, a streak of magenta and gold shot past him, a blur against the white backdrop of the blizzard. Riri Williams encased in her sleek Ironheart armor, descended from the sky like a fiery comet. With a roar of repulsor engines, she slammed into the giant's chest, the impact sending a shockwave through the frozen ground. The giant staggered back, momentarily stunned by the unexpected attack. Riri didn't let up, unleashing a barrage of repulsor blasts that erupted against the giant's icy hide, sending chunks of ice flying and causing plumes of steam to rise into the frigid air. The sudden intervention had not only taken the giant by surprise but had also given Patriot a crucial opening.
The giant, reeling from Riri's initial assault, roared in fury, swiping a massive hand at the airborne Ironheart. Riri nimbly dodged the clumsy blow, using her repulsors to propel herself higher, then dove back down, unleashing another concentrated blast of heat at the giant's face. The ice around its eyes melted, temporarily blinding it and causing it to stumble backward. Patriot, seeing his chance, charged forward, using his shield as a battering ram to slam into the giant's already weakened legs. The impact sent the giant crashing to one knee, giving Riri another opening.
Working in perfect synchronization, Riri unleashed a sustained blast of repulsor energy at the giant's exposed chest, while Patriot, using his shield as a platform, leaped onto the giant's back. He then began delivering a series of rapid strikes to the giant's neck and shoulders, focusing on the areas where the ice had already melted away. The combined assault of heat and physical force was proving devastating. Chunks of ice continued to fall from the giant's form, steam rising from its rapidly melting body. Its roars of rage were now interspersed with pained groans as the heat penetrated deeper, disrupting its icy structure.
Finally, with a combined effort, Riri unleashed a final, powerful repulsor blast while Patriot delivered a final, crushing blow with his shield to the giant's head. The giant let out one last, shuddering roar before collapsing into a steaming heap of ice and flesh. The ground trembled with the impact, and a cloud of steam billowed into the frigid air, obscuring the scene momentarily. When the steam cleared, the giant was gone, replaced by a rapidly melting puddle of icy water and steaming remnants. The combined attack had been decisive, proving the effectiveness of their teamwork against these formidable foes.
The air hung heavy with the smell of wet earth and dissipating steam where the frost giant had fallen. Riri landed gracefully beside Patriot, her armor hissing softly as it vented excess heat. Patriot leaned heavily on his shield, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The combined exertion of the fight and the bitter cold was taking its toll.
"Thanks, Riri," he managed, wiping a mixture of sweat and melting snow from his brow.
"That was… close." Riri nodded, her helmet retracting to reveal her face, her expression serious as she glanced around at the snow-covered landscape. "Yeah, they're getting bigger. And there are more of them. We need to get back to the others. I managed to get the power substation online. The shelter should have power back."
Just as Riri finished speaking, a flash of brown fur darted across the snow-covered ground, a small squirrel scampering towards them with surprising speed. It stopped at Patriot's feet, chattering excitedly and flicking its bushy tail. Around its neck, a small, high-tech collar, barely visible beneath its fur, pulsed with a faint green light. Riri recognized it instantly.
"That's one of Doreen's," she said, pointing. The squirrel chittered again, then looked pointedly towards the direction from which they had come. A small speaker on the collar crackled to life, a slightly distorted but audible voice speaking through it. " You're needed back to the shelter, pronto! They're breaking through the perimeter!"
Patriot's eyes widened, his hand instinctively tightening around his shield. "Breaking through the perimeter?" he repeated, a grim expression settling on his face. He exchanged a glance with Riri, the unspoken message clear: things had just escalated drastically. Riri's expression mirrored his own, a mixture of concern and determination.
"Guess that means our little breather's over," she said, her voice tight. She immediately began running diagnostics on her armor, making sure everything was still functioning optimally after the fight. "Let's move! We need to get back there now!"
The urgency in the squirrel's message, combined with the distant rumbles that still echoed through the frozen air, left no room for doubt. They had to move, and fast.
[~]
The scene inside the makeshift shelter, a converted church, was one of terrified chaos. The boarded-up windows groaned under the relentless assault of massive fists, the thick wooden planks splintering and cracking. The terrified cries of the civilians huddled inside mingled with the deafening roars of the giants outside. The heavy wooden doors, reinforced with whatever debris the occupants could find, buckled inwards with each earth-shattering blow. One of the giants, larger than the rest, finally managed to smash through a section of the boarded windows, its icy hand reaching inside, scattering shards of glass and wood across the floor. The people closest to the window screamed, scrambling back in terror as the giant's massive, blue-tinged fingers grasped at the air, searching for purchase. The fragile sanctuary was on the verge of collapse.
Just as the giant's icy fingers were about to close around a terrified woman, a flash of blue light erupted in the center of the church. With a soft flash of blue light, Lockjaw materialized, his large form momentarily blocking the giant's view. Ms. Marvel sprang from Lockjaw's back, her fist embiggened to an enormous size. With a resounding thwack, she slammed her giant fist into the giant's arm, sending it recoiling back through the shattered window. Simultaneously, Inferno erupted in flames, directing a searing blast of heat at the giant's face, forcing it to roar in pain and stumble away from the window. Ms. America, followed close behind, leaping from the ground and into the air to deliver a powerful kick to the giant's chest, sending it crashing backward into the snow outside. The sudden arrival of the Secret Warriors teleported directly into the heart of the chaos by Lockjaw, had bought the terrified civilians a much-needed reprieve.
"About time!" A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent with a glowing blue watch called out. "I don't think we've had enough fire for these bastards!"
"That's alright, we've brought some extra firepower," Kamala said, jerking her head in Inferno's direction. It helped that her new suit is keeping her much warmer. The most obvious change is the close-fitting jacket custom-made with water-resistant and windproof material. Her red scarf is replaced with a thicker version of it. Insulated gloves and waterproof boots with good traction on ice and snow.
More importantly, they are made with the same biokinetic polymer as her old suit. Meaning her abilities won't break no matter how much she polymorphed.
With Inferno providing a constant barrage of heat to keep the giants at bay and America creating portals to strategically reposition her teammates, Kamala saw an opportunity. The cramped confines of the church were hindering her usual fighting style. She needed room to maneuver.
"Lockjaw, outside!" she yelled, and with another poof, the giant dog teleported himself and Kamala just outside the shattered window. Now in the open, with the swirling snow and frozen landscape stretching before her, Kamala grinned. This was more like it. With a surge of energy, she focused her Inhuman abilities, not just embiggening her fists or limbs, but her entire body. In a matter of seconds, she grew to match the giants in size, towering over the church and becoming a colossal force of nature herself. Now, this was a fair fight.
Towering over the church and the surrounding landscape, giant-sized Ms. Marvel became a force of nature. She moved with surprising agility for her immense size, her embiggened fists slamming into the frost giants with earth-shattering force. Each blow sent cracks spider-webbing across their icy forms, further weakened by Inferno's relentless barrage of flames. The giants, already shrinking from the intense heat, were now visibly struggling to match Kamala's raw power. Chunks of ice continued to fall from their rapidly diminishing bodies, and steam billowed around them, creating a hazy, otherworldly scene. One giant, attempting to grab Kamala, found its hand melting rapidly as it came too close to Inferno's flames. Kamala seized the opportunity, grabbing the giant's arm and using her immense strength to hurl it into another giant, sending both crashing into a snowdrift. The combined effect of Kamala's powerful blows and Inferno's scorching flames was proving to be a devastating combination.
Speaking of the elemental, Inferno danced a dangerous ballet of fire and ice just outside the church's shattered windows. He knew fighting inside was out of the question. The risk of setting the entire structure ablaze, not to mention the terrified civilians huddled within, was far too great. Instead, he focused on creating a fiery perimeter, blasting jets of flame at the encroaching giants, forcing them to recoil and giving Kamala the space she needed. He carefully controlled the intensity of his flames, ensuring they didn't spread to nearby structures or create hazardous conditions for those trying to escape. He was a human furnace, a living barrier of heat against the icy onslaught, his every move calculated to protect the vulnerable people behind him. The air crackled with energy, the smell of burnt ice and melting snow mingling with the scent of ozone and burning fuel as he held the line.
Inside the church, Ms. America is a whirlwind of motion and star-spangled energy, fighting a desperate holding action. While Kamala and Inferno drew the giants' attention outside, America focused on keeping any stray limbs or weapons that breached the weakened defenses away from the terrified civilians. She used her enhanced strength and speed to intercept icy fists that crashed through the boarded windows, redirecting them with powerful blows that sent splinters of wood flying. When a particularly large chunk of ice threatened to crush a group huddled near the back, America channeled her inherent power, a surge of energy coursing through her veins. Her speed and strength amplified exponentially, she grabbed the massive ice shard and hurled it back through the window with a resounding crash, creating a temporary barricade. She knew she couldn't create portals for offense inside the cramped space – the spatial distortions could easily injure the civilians – but she could certainly use her enhanced physical abilities to maximum effect, becoming an unyielding wall between the giants and the people she was sworn to protect.
Kamala, still towering over the battlefield, landed a powerful blow that sent another chunk of ice flying from a retreating giant. "So," she boomed, her voice echoing across the frozen landscape, "anyone else getting flashbacks to that time we fought those aliens in the Savage Land? Except, you know, colder?"
Inferno, dodging a swipe from a shrinking giant's icy fist, chuckled, flames flickering around his hands. "Oh yeah, good times. At least those guys weren't actively trying to turn Jersey City into Hoth. Though," he added, directing a concentrated blast of heat at the giant's face, "I gotta say, these guys melt a lot faster. It's kinda satisfying."
America, inside the church, intercepted a stray icicle that had pierced through a weakened section of the boarded-up window, sending it shattering against the stone floor. "Satisfying for you maybe, hotshot," she retorted, "I'm stuck playing goalie in here! Seriously, someone needs to invent ice-proof windows. Or, you know, maybe just stop these giant ice monsters from showing up in the first place." She then used a quick burst of her energy to vault over a fallen pew, intercepting another incoming piece of debris. "Though I will admit, watching Kamala go full Kaiju is pretty awesome."
Kamala grinned, delivering a powerful uppercut that sent another giant stumbling backward. "Thanks, America! Just trying to do my part. Though," she added, glancing at the rapidly melting giants, "I'm starting to feel a little bad for them. It's like we're giving them a painful, public bath."
Inferno laughed, sending another wave of heat towards the retreating giants. "Hey, they started it by attacking a church full of innocent people. Besides," he added with a wink, "maybe they'll learn their lesson and stick to their frozen wasteland."
The battle raged on, a chaotic mix of ice, fire, and raw power. Kamala, still in her giant form, used her immense strength to hurl chunks of ice and debris at the remaining giants, creating temporary obstacles and disrupting their attacks. Inferno continued to be a constant source of heat, his flames licking at the giants' rapidly melting forms, further weakening them. Inside the church, America Chavez remained a steadfast guardian, intercepting any stray attacks and keeping the terrified civilians safe. The combined efforts of the Secret Warriors were slowly but surely pushing back the icy onslaught, turning the tide of the battle in their favor. The air was thick with steam, the ground littered with melting ice, and the roars of the frost giants were becoming weaker and less frequent, a testament to the effectiveness of the team's combined powers and unwavering determination.
The tide of battle had decisively turned. The remaining frost giants, significantly diminished in size and strength by the relentless heat and Kamala's powerful blows, were in full retreat. Their roars had subsided into weak groans, and their once imposing forms were now little more than steaming, hunched figures. One by one, they stumbled back into the swirling snow, disappearing into the blizzard from whence they came. The immediate threat to the church and its inhabitants was over. The air, still thick with steam and the smell of melting ice, began to clear, revealing the snow-covered landscape and the exhausted but victorious Secret Warriors. The battle had been fierce, but they had held the line, protecting the vulnerable and proving their strength against the forces of this awful winter.
The last of the steam dissipated into the frigid air, leaving behind a battlefield littered with melting ice and churned-up snow. Kamala, shrinking back to her normal size, let out a long, relieved breath. "Well," she said, a wide grin spreading across her face, "that was… chilly."
Inferno, his flames subsiding, chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Tell me about it. I feel like I just ran a marathon in a sauna."
Inside the church, America gave a thumbs-up to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and the relieved civilians before stepping back outside. "Not gonna lie," she said, joining the others, "that was a close one. But hey," she added with a wink, "another victory for the Secret Warriors!"
A cheer went up from the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and some of the braver civilians who had ventured to the doorway, a small but powerful sound of hope amid the ongoing winter. The Secret Warriors, tired but triumphant, exchanged smiles, knowing they had made a difference, even if just for now.
Kamala stretched, her joints popping after her brief stint as a giant. "So," she began, glancing at Inferno, "did anyone else notice how much faster they melted this time? I mean, usually, it takes a bit more… convincing."
Inferno shrugged, a small flame flickering in his palm before he extinguished it. "Yeah, I noticed that too. Maybe they're getting weaker? Or maybe," he grinned, "we're just getting better at this whole 'fighting mythical ice monsters' thing."
America chuckled, leaning against a still-smoking chunk of ice. "Let's hope it's the latter. I'm not sure how many more of these ice-capades I can handle. My hands are freezing, even after all that portal jumping." She rubbed her hands together briskly. "Although," she mused, looking at the melting remains of the giants, "at least we won't have to worry about them coming back as ice zombies or something. That would have been a whole other level of nightmare fuel."
Kamala shuddered dramatically. "Don't even say that! The last thing we need are zombie encounters, thank you very much." She turned to Inferno. "Hey, Inferno, you think you could maybe… I don't know… make sure they're gone? Just to be safe?" She gestured towards the rapidly diminishing puddles. "Maybe a little extra… cremation, just for peace of mind?"
Inferno grinned, his hands igniting once more. "You got it, Ms. Marvel. Consider it done." He unleashed a final, controlled burst of flame, ensuring that nothing remained of the frost giants but steaming water and ash. "There. Now they're not coming back." He gave a satisfied nod. "Anyone up for some hot cocoa? I'm suddenly craving something warm."
Just as the Secret Warriors were discussing the merits of hot cocoa versus staying vigilant, a familiar whirring sound cut through the air. Ironheart, descended from the sky, landing gracefully near the group, her armor still venting small plumes of steam. Right behind her, Patriot arrived, his shield slung across his back, his expression grim.
"Sorry we're late," he said, his voice tight. "We ran into a little… detour." He gestured vaguely in the direction they'd come from. "Let's just say there's one less frost giant to worry about. We came as fast as we could. But we can see that you've already taken care of things here."
"You bet," America said with a grin and an arm pump. "Those ice cubes got nothing on us."
Riri nodded in agreement. "And I managed to get the substation back online," she added, a hint of pride in her voice. "Power's restored to most of this sector. But," her expression turned serious, "we picked up some chatter on the comms before they cut out completely. It sounds like this is far from over."
Kamala's smile faded as she listened to Riri's report. The brief moment of celebration evaporated, replaced by a renewed sense of urgency. She looked out at the snow-covered landscape, the swirling flakes now seeming less like a winter wonderland and more like a harbinger of doom.
"No, it's not over," she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else. She shook her head, her expression resolute. "We may have driven them off for now, but they'll be back. They'll keep coming back, wave after wave, until… until what? Until Jersey City is buried under a mountain of ice? Until everyone freezes to death?" She turned to the rest of the team, her eyes filled with determination. "This isn't just about fighting frost giants. This is about stopping the winter itself. We have to find the source of this… this unnatural cold. Because if we don't," she concluded grimly, "we're just fighting a losing battle."
A heavy silence settled over the group as Kamala's words hung in the frigid air. No one argued. No one offered a reassuring platitude. They all knew she was right. They had fought hard, they had protected the shelter, but it was a temporary victory at best. The melting remains of the frost giants were a stark reminder of the larger threat looming over them. The wind howled a mournful agreement, carrying with it the chilling reality of their situation. Riri tightened her grip on her gauntlets, her expression grim. Dante's flames flickered briefly, then died down, reflecting the somber mood. America crossed her arms, her usual confident smirk replaced by a serious frown. Even Lockjaw, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, let out a low, mournful whine. They all understood the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just a localized threat; it was a global crisis, and they needed to find a way to stop it at its source, or all their efforts would be in vain.
The heavy silence was broken by a sudden ripple in the air, a shimmering distortion that coalesced into a swirling, burning orange portal. From within the swirling vortex stepped Doctor Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, his crimson Cloak of Levitation billowing around him. He surveyed the scene with a grave expression, his eyes taking in the melting ice, the exhausted heroes, and the battered church. The air around him crackled with residual magical energy, a stark contrast to the mundane cold that permeated everything else. He closed the portal behind him with a flick of his wrist, the swirling orange light vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, leaving only the distinct scent of ozone and ancient magic in the frigid air.
"The situation," he began, his voice resonating with an otherworldly quality, "is indeed… dire."
A collective gasp rippled through the Secret Warriors. Kamala's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Doctor Strange?" she exclaimed, a mixture of awe and disbelief in her voice. Inferno's eyebrows shot up, a small flame flickering to life in his hand before he quickly extinguished it. America, ever the pragmatist, simply raised an eyebrow, though a flicker of surprise was evident in her eyes. Riri, though more accustomed to dealing with extraordinary individuals, still looked impressed. Even Lockjaw, usually unfazed by unusual occurrences, let out a low, inquisitive whine and tilted his head. Patriot, however, stood a little straighter, a respectful nod acknowledging the Sorcerer Supreme's presence. They'd all heard stories of Strange, tales of incredible power and his mystical knowledge. But what was he doing here?
Doctor Strange swept his gaze across the assembled heroes, his expression grave. "The Masters of the Mystic Arts have been working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of this… unnatural winter," he explained, his voice resonating with an otherworldly quality. "We have erected protective wards around numerous shelters, shielding them from the direct onslaught of these… Jotun giants." He gestured towards the melting remains of the defeated frost giants.
"However," he continued, his tone turning more serious, "containment is not a solution. As you can tell, this winter is not a natural phenomenon. It is the result of… deliberate action." He paused, his gaze settling on Kamala. "I am pursuing the individual responsible for this cataclysm, and my investigations have led me here, to Jersey City. Given your… recent experiences," he said, glancing at the remnants of the battle, "I believe your assistance would be invaluable in this matter." A subtle hint of a smile touched his lips. "After all, even the Sorcerer Supreme occasionally finds the need of allies."
[~[~]
Greetings and Merry Christmas readers.
I know that it's late on the holiday greetings, but I do believe we are undergoing the days of Christmas. So, I feel this is still appropriate. If I'm correct, we are now on the fourth day of Christmas. The Feast of the Holy Innocents or Childermas. A day to remember the children killed by King Herod in an attempt to kill baby Jesus. An attempt as we all know failed. Consider this my present to you all. Alongside Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
I apologize for being offline without warning. I had some things to take care of outside of writing. That and the docs upload process was being difficult.
For this chapter, I feel I should give the Secret Warriors a chance at the spotlight. If you are expecting our favorite Wallcrawlers to show up, don't. They will get their time to shine in the Spider-Verse arc. But maybe I'll do a segment describing their experiences during Fimbulwinter sometime.
Not only have our heroes come and conquered the frost giants, but they are also about to get on the trail of the culprit behind Fimbulwinter. How will this end? Well, you're going to have to wait for the next chapter to find out. Also, yes, Kamala becomes the Grinch during Christmas.
Thank you for reading. If any of you have a TV Tropes account, any assistance in updating the TV Tropes page would be greatly appreciated. Especially the characters section.
See you all in 2025