Episode 45: Anomalies and Strangers!

After being dropped off by the taxi, MJ, Peter, and Thor made their way into the La Vie City Train Station.

"I just hope nothing bad has happened to Miss Potts, Quill, or Gwen in Sokovia City," MJ said.

"But thought you didn't like Gwen," Thor recalled.

"Just because I don't like her doesn't mean I would wish death on her," MJ replied. "Couldn't say the same about Black Cat."

"Why?" Peter asked.

"She tried to steal our PDBs," MJ reminded Peter. "If it wasn't for Noirspi's Web Shot, Thor would've lost his Marémon."

"Yeah, I guess, but I wouldn't wish death on anybody no matter who they were," replied Peter.

"But it will be interesting to see if she really does drain Don Fortunato's money," Thor said.

"Even if she was telling the truth, she'll probably take the money for herself," MJ said.

The three then checked the available lines. It turned out the Comet Train Line to Sokovia City was temporarily blocked due to the anomaly and re-routed in a southwestern direction towards Vormir Town, where the Soul Stone Badge was but no ribbon. On the line, though, was the town Eastview, which was a couple of miles from Sokovia City. So Peter and the others decided to board the train with the intention of getting off at Eastview. Their belongings went into the luggage compartment and their Marémon had to be kept in the PDBs at all times.

So once again, Peter had to place his Spidermin inside a PDB against his wishes. Once they were settled into their seats, which faced backwards and forwards with tables between them, the train lurched forward before steadily picking up in speed. The scenery outside quickly changed from the big neon-covered buildings of La Vie City to the barren desert that surrounded it on all sides. But in the distance towered the western mountains over fields of luscious green.

"What makes you think Wanda has something to do with the anomaly in Sokovia City?" Thor abruptly asked MJ. "You haven't explained why you think that."

MJ gave Thor an incredulous look. "Shouldn't you know more than any of us why that might be the case?"

"Look, I didn't know her well," Thor answered irritably. "The first time I met Wanda was on the battlefield during the Infinity War, and then during the ceremony where we were both given the Realm Champion title. Since that time, I haven't seen or spoken to her."

"You should know what she's capable of, though," Peter pointed out. "Isn't she a Mutant?"

"She is," replied Thor. "I saw her moving things with her mind and controlling other people's minds, but I'm not sure if this anomaly is related to her powers."

Taking out her smartphone, MJ did a quick internet search and found some photos she showed to Peter and Thor. Each of them showed a large structure rising over a field of grass that was red and partially distorted.

"These photos were taken by kids in Eastview using a drone," MJ said. "But then some guys in black jackets came and confiscated the drone. Fortunately, the kids uploaded the images to the internet before the drone was taken."

"Did the guys in black jackets say who they were?" Peter asked.

"According to the photos' description, the guys were from a government organization called SWORD," MJ responded, and did another internet search. "The acronym stands for Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division, and they originally focused on manned space missions and extraterrestrial studies. But then after the portal to Asgard was discovered, SWORD focused on dealing with threats from space and other dimensions."

"So they're kind of like SHIELD, then," Peter said, just as his stomach growled. "But maybe we can discuss this more after we get some food for ourselves."

"Good idea," Thor agreed. "Then again, I'm always hungry."

"There's a dining car on this train, but the food's a little too pricy for us," MJ said. "We can also get to-go meals in the viewing car, and those are generally cheaper."

"Okay, I can get those," Peter offered. "Do you guys want anything in particular?"

"Anything's good for me," replied Thor.

"I've heard the ekiben boxes on this train are delicious," MJ said. "Get me one of those and I'll be happy."

Peter nodded and got up from his seat. He made his way to the viewing car, which was right behind the car they were in. Unlike the rest of the train cars, this one had a glass ceiling allowing the passengers to have a full view of the scenery outside. Near both entrances stood dispensers containing different kinds of food including ekiben boxes.

Using the money MJ had given him, Peter selected a cold ekiben box for her, a microwavable hamburger for Thor, and a microwavable hot dog for himself. He then microwaved his and Thor's meals before being pushed by someone. It was an older boy with medium brown hair wearing a dark-blue hoodie. His hands were covered by black mittens that matched his jeans and his eyes were obscured by dark sunglasses.

"Watch it, kid," the boy grumbled as he walked past Peter.

"Sorry," Peter apologized.

"There's no point in apologizing," said the boy as he glanced back at Peter. "You were just in my way."

Peter was so intimidated by the boy's stare that he couldn't think of a witty comeback as the boy went in the opposite direction that Peter came from.

What was that guy's problem? Peter thought. He reminds me of White Wolf, but there's no way Team HYDRA would be able to get on this train without getting noticed. And what reason would they have for boarding this train? Unless…they're investigating the anomaly too.

Unsure of what to make of his assumptions, Peter decided to head back to his friends. But when he got to their seats, there was an older silver-haired teenage girl sitting next to Thor while MJ looked annoyed.

To be continued…