Before arriving at the cave
Ben flew at supersonic speeds heading towards Brazil where Trixx had triangulated the mysterious groups location, ok..more like speculated using the facts she had but it was still a pretty good guess.
This Kryptonian form is so powerful Ben thought as his body absorbed the distant UV rays making him feel a tingle all over his body as he was still getting used to the Kryptonians physiology and its advantages. Trixx, give me a full analysis of this form, Ben mentally requested Trixx.
Specie is Kryptonian, possesses powers of vast superhuman strength and speed, near-invulnerability, flight, super breath, heat vision, X-ray vision, telescopic/microscopic vision, super hearing and voice synthesization. Weaknesses are being exposed to radiation from a red sun or an artificially made red sun radiation which was mostly found in the now extinct Kryptonian home world. Green Kryptonite is also a weakness of him and some magic too would cause some minor damage to the form according to the files I retrieved from the watchtower but it was yet to be proven came Trixx voice while she also displayed the information for Ben to see. If the normal form is this powerful,I wonder how powerful a kryptonians ultimate form could be. Ben's train of thought started from there.
I wonder if I'm faster than jetray he thought while increasing his speed with a BOOM soaring and cutting through the clouds in super sonic speeds slightly higher than jetray. Approaching destination Trixx voice cut off his thoughts.
Decelerating, he came to a stop floating up some meters above the dense forest cover. Looking at the vast green tree canopies extended for miles reminded him of the creature he had first encountered when he had landed in some part of the forest days ago. I wonder if he is still here,and if so then he would have taken notice of the group hiding in the forest Ben thought as he tuned his new super hearing to try and listen to any peculiar noise coming from the forest.
Indeed Swampthing had taken notice of the Avengers in the forest but since they mostly used renewable sources of energy and didn't seem to have any ill will against the environment he decided to leave them be in their hideout.
Floating above the zone calculated by Trixx on where they may have potentially set up their base of operations, he descended to the forest floor and proceeded to allow her to analyze the area looking for traces of human life, footpaths or man made objects in the forest. Ben's eyes roamed the forest floor while Trixx analyzed everything Ben set his eyes on. The tree species and their ages, the various animal and insect species since his brain which was technologically and mechanically advanced could allow him to zoom far off objects. Weak uplink and downlink signal detected, cannot triangulate exact location or the data being uploaded due to the heavy canopies above from the trees and the thick vegetation around us, I suggest using your Methanosian form to locate them Trixx mentally replied while the readings Ben was shown backed up all of Trixx findings.
The dense forest wasn't exactly helping their cause in terms of visibility...since his enhanced vision could only see so much and his superhearing wasn't much help either because of the many animal and insect species in the forest each communicating via their own signature sounds and frequencies which proved to be overwhelming for Ben who has only been using this form for a couple of hours now. "I bet superman could find them with ease," he mummured referring to how superman had vast experience using his powers while he relied on instincts and the occasional help from Trixx who was already adapting to the kryptonians features.
In a flash of bright green light Ben changed to Swampfire and started trudging along the forest floor with the forest creatures staring at him curiously. They probably think I'm the creature that protects them, Ben thought. He used his chlorokinesis to search the forest for the group which he realized was much faster because he found the group in a cave some miles away and by the feel of things they had set up a pretty efficient base with technology and all that. He could feel the minor effects of the solar panels on some of the tree canopies surrounding the cave. How did they set up a fully functional base in this short time period, He thought. Multiple sensors and triggers detected, caution is advisable while proceeding from this point, Trixx informed Ben while mapping out the area a few meters ahead of them and showing Ben the various traps and sensors. I know the perfect guy for the job. By thought,he changed to his Necrofriggian form, Big chill and went invisible / intangible then proceeded to fly through trees in their direction knowing that this form would be able to avoid all their sensors and traps.
In the cave after revealing himself
"WTF are you!!!?" Tony shouted after getting over his shock. "Ben 10" "Tony language" Cap chided at the same time that Ben replied. "Is that supposed to mean anything!!!?" Nat replied while reaching for the pistol taped under the chair she sat on. Wanda, Thor, Bruce and Hawkeye watched warily, each of them ready to fight and defend themselves incase he was a threat.
"How did you get past all the sensors and WHO are you!!" Tony demanded his anger rising for not getting his way and the answers he needed in these past few days. "My name is Ben and I come in peace." Ben who had turned to his normal self replied while raising his hands up. "You better answer my question or in pieces is what you'll be kid" Tony said charging his repulsers.
"Runs on self sufficient and renewable energy,impressive." Voiced Ben slightly impressed. Trixx had scanned ironman and made that observation about the suit. His suit armor runs using a miniaturized arc reactor which generates three gigaojoules per second. According to the design and structure in his chest it keeps a piece of shrapnel from logging into his heart and also powers his suit, Trixx mentally explained to Ben all these while showing him graphic designs of Tony's suit and the arc reactor. All these information she got by hacking Jarvis in seconds since Tony's suit was lined with lead preventing any form of X-ray scans.. It seems the earths are more developed than I thought, Ben thought to himself.
Tony's shoulders tensed slightly when he heard his arc reactor being mentioned but recovered soon after. "That's not what we asked you" Tony pointed out already tired of talking to this kid.
"My name is Ben Tennyson and I'm also from an alternate earth as I'm sure you've already figured it out by now." Ben simply stated to them. "Yes we know that already but WHAT do you want? better yet how did you find us?" Nat's annoyed voice was heard. She had taken time to study the stranger who was either extremely brave or really stupid to sneak into their temporary base with all of them there and was annoying at how he didn't exactly offer up any straight answers.
"I heard and saw what happened at the Gotham port and wanted to meet you. You clearly showed signs of being dimensional travelers so I figured we could help each other out...you are superheroes right?... coz I hate making deals with criminals" Ben couldn't help but add the last part lest he made a mistake in his deductions.
Ironman, who had been monitoring Ben's breathing and heart rate via Jarvis to confirm if he was speaking the truth visibly relaxed by depowering his gauntlets which had a domino effect to the others who were also calming down deciding not to view him as a threat...yet. Jarvis had also taken time to scan and analyze Ben which had very interesting results to Tony.
"Sir, I'm detecting a powerful, renewable and the most self sufficient source of energy signature coming from his watch. I am unable to compute or identify the technology used in developing it. I believe it doubles as some kind of computer since I'm detecting signals emanating from within it." Jarvis informed Tony from the confines of his suit and HUD. "Hack into it and retrieve any information you can get."came Tony's order. "Sir, I am unable to hack into it." Jarvis replied. "What do you mean you are unable to hack into it!??" Tony shouted frustratingly making his decision to have this conversation private very suitable. "It's programming language are beyond my technical abilities to fully understand it." Jarvis simply replied while showing him various codes in his HUD. "Damn it, we've not even bypassed the first firewall let alone even put a dent to it." Tony muttered to himself after observing all the data presented to him."
Unknowing to Tony and Jarvis, Trixx had detected the external attempt at hacking her and notified Ben. External intrusion detected. Flashed in front of Ben's eye. What's going on Trixx? Ben asked Trixx alarmed. I believe Jarvis is unsuccessfully attempting to hack me. Should I initiate counter measures? Trixx replied calmly. Is it dangerous? asked Ben. No it is not. My systems are too advanced for any technology in this sector or universe to understand my functions and coding. Should I initiate counter measures? asked Trixx again. No, let them frustrate and tire themselves out. Ben replied now knowing why Tony was so frustrated with him.
"How did you get past all the sensors and defenses?" "Teleportation?" Tony asked Ben knowing since he couldn't hack him he would get the information the old fashioned way,interrogation.
I might as well tell them Ben thought knowing that the armored guy won't give up on that particular line of questioning. "I flew past them...more like floated..." Ben explained while sliding his hand in air as if gesturing how he flew.
"That is impossible, no mortal can fly. SPEAK THE TRUTH!!!" Thor finally spoke up having heard enough of the strangers lies. "Uuhmm...I hate to disagree with you at a time like this..buut.. we did see mortals flying just a few days ago..." Hawkeye spoke up. "The cape wearing dude, the warrior goddess and the guy who has thunder too.." He shrugged while he listed the guys they fought against with his fingers. "Those are not mere mortals..I sense nothing special with him." Thor said pointing Miljonir in Ben's direction which he had summoned when Ben popped in unannounced.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Ben offended. "And how stupid do you think I am coming to lie to the very people who subdued most of the Justice league." Ben said now starting to get annoyed at the vague accusations.
This didn't go unnoticed by Nat, who was an expert at reading people due to the nature of her job before joining The Avengers. "He didn't mean it like that," she tried to clarify, "He means that...What do you mean?" Nat asked Thor failing to come up with a better version of Thor's words. It was a common occurrence to them how plain Thor can be with his words, however other people didn't get the chance to spend more time with him to get used to it. Before Thor could clarify himself he was beaten to the punch by Ben.
"I became intangible and flew past them, it was..." Ben started clarifying but was cut short when he noticed the glares directed at him. Okay..I too would think that I'm crazy if I were in their shoes right about now he thought knowing exactly how crazy he sounded. Tony having had enough was about to yell some very colorful words and drag the kid out of there when a bright green flash blinded everyone for a few seconds. Adjusting first due to Jarvis help and his HUD, he gawked at the sight that stood in front of him equally frightened and curious. There was a humanoid, moth like alien whose had a poncho, it had a black body with cyan patches on his arms, shoulders, legs and the back of his neck that resemble ice chunks. It's torso had three plates. His face had blue cheeks and underjaw. On top of its head sports a blue Y-shaped marking that extends over his scalp. On its chest was the hour glass symbol he previously saw on the kids wrist which confirmed his suspicion which it was indeed him.
Ben had decided to transform so that they could witness what he was talking about. "I call him Big chill." Big chill voiced out after everyone's vision was restored and they were all either too stunned to say anything or they were just staring at him. "I can turn.." No sooner had he started speaking in his chilly voice than Thor threw Miljonir at him which in turn forced Big chill to go intangible in the nick of time making Miljonir to pass through him safely. "You guys are crazy!!!"Big chill hissed choosing to remain intangible incase anyone else tried anything.
Inside the Iron man suit, Jarvis analyzed the massive energy that Ben's watch emitted which resulted in the blinding green light. Scanning the new creature in front of him, all Jarvis could display was an "Error" or "unknown specie" regarding to anything dealing with the creature. "The energy and radiation released by the watch while the subject transformed was contained and none leaked out." Jarvis informed Tony. "Great, so there's nothing you can tell me about the kid or this transformation of his." Tony sarcastically said to his A.I. "I believe not. My programming and database does not contain any useful data or information regarding the subject matter." came Jarvis monotone voice. "Great,just what a genius needs, a kid who can code better than him." muttered Tony already disliking the boy more.
Thor noticing the creature appear after the bright green flash, attacked thinking it was initiating an attack, being a centuries old warrior who was on edge could do that to you. Nat, Cap, Hawkeye and Wanda could only watch as they were still shocked by the sight of the floating creature. This was way above their pay grade. When did we start fighting tranforming aliens? Thought Hawkeye.
Banner on the other hand was already on alert ready to let his counter part The Hulk take over incase the situation turned violent since he felt the minute radiation from Ben's change. The scientist in him was curious as to how the transformation took place and what the binding agent was that helped him transform. Is he also a gamma experiment or victim? Banner couldn't help but think.
"I didn't come for a fight," although I would gladly kick all your annoying asses Ben finished with a train of thought. "What are you?" Wanda asked Ben since she couldn't read his mind. Not for lack of trying though, since Ben arrived Wanda has tried unsuccessfully to read his mind and that unsettled her. Was he a telepath too? Wanda thought. "Right now I'm a Necrofriggian." Ben said unfolding his wings.
"So you're an alien" Tony said as a matter of fact. "Well...not exactly..I can't turn into different aliens." "I also get their abilities when I transform into them." Ben added. "What do you mean turn into different aliens?" Banner asked becoming interested in studying the creature infront of him.
The next few hours consisted of Ben explaining to The Avengers how he could change into different aliens, the Omnitrix, his world and how he got to this earth. Banner and Tony were very intrigued and in awe of the Omnitrix but Ben turned down every request from them to analyze how the Omnitrix worked. It was one of the things Ben promised Azmuth never to let anyone do to the watch because if it's technology landed in the wrong hand it could very well mean the end of the multiverse as a whole. "Why can't I read your mind?" A question suddenly shot out by Wanda.
"Oh..well..the Omnitrix prevents telepaths from messing with my head and also protects me from possession by all whether spiritual or not." Wanda seemed satisfied by Ben's answer because she started talking to Cap who was infront of the monitor still viewing footages and typing away at something.
At the mention of protection from telepaths, Tony's face plate lifted up revealing his face. "Come on, name your price. You'll be richer than the freaking US govt. if you let me get a peak behind the hood. Just some minutes." Tony attempted the method that always got results for him and banner was also anticipating Ben's answer believing Tony to have finally persuaded him.
"I'm sorry but No. If it's about the money, I have aliens that are made up of extremely expensive and rare crystals that one shard could buy me everything on this earth." Ben replied nonchalantly. Feeling weird being the only one flying, Big chill changed back with another flash of green.
"Must the blinding light be there?" Nat questioned slightly annoyed by the flash. "Yes it has to be, they're a package deal." Ben smirked at her. "So that's how you bypassed all our defense systems, we didn't anticipate an intangible person coming through." Tony observed out loud already designing various ways to counter intangibility most of them using energy force fields which he had to test out if they could hold an intangible object. "Yeah" ben shrugged.
"You said you can turn into different aliens..how many?" Hawkeye who was mentally analyzing everything that happened asked Ben. "Over a million." Nat dropped her phone from shock at the number relayed to them. "Excuse me?" Nat spoke up.
"Well..before it was only slightly over a hundred aliens but since I fully unlocked the Omnitrix some months ago,it tallies up to over a million." Ben replied loving how shocked they all were. Even Thor who had remained stoic throughout this exchange was slightly shocked from the revelation. "Damn kid, you're full of surprises." Tony deadpaned while Thor moved to Ben to apologize for his rash behavior earlier. "I am Thor, son of Odin, god of Thunder, Prince of Asguard, apologies for my earlier behavior, I thought you had ill intentions towards us." he said while extending his hand to Ben. "It's cool, I've had worse than that," Ben shrugged while greeting him.
Thor was about to turn when he was stopped by a beeping sound coming from Ben's watch.
UNCATALOGUED ALIEN DNA DETECTED...preparing to scan...flashed infront of Ben's HUD eyes while Trixx voiced the same. "Shit" he cursed the moment the beep sounded and the familiar yellow beam of light proceeded to shoot out of the opened Omnitrix face plate and scan Thor from head to toe twice then retract back. SAMPLE ACQUIRED...PROCESSING... came Trixx voice.
"What did you do!!!" Demanded Thor while the rest of the avengers also moved forward. Throwing his hands up in a surrender position, "It does that sometimes, it just scanned Thor's DNA so it can be stored, I did tell you that the Omnitrix is a hub of sentient DNA which means that Thor here is a sentient life form" Came Ben's reply. "What will happen to that DNA?" Banner inquired curious about the watch's inner workings. "Once the DNA sample has been analyzed, I will be able to turn into the Omnitrix version of a prime Asguardian." Everyone just gawked at him, the silence increasing to minutes. He usually loved every minute of him explaining to people how the Omnitrix worked because their reactions were priceless. "What do you mean prime Asguardian?" Wanda asked him. "The Omnitrix aliens are usually the prime examples of what that race should be or should have been. It's like the perfect version of that race." Ben explained further. Most of them had stopped looking at Ben and we're looking at the bulky watch in his hand in awe.
"What else should we know? I'd hate any more surprises." Tony said in an annoyed tone. Tony was annoyed that not even Jarvis could scan the Omnitrix. Jarvis scanners couldn't even penetrate the first layer of the Omnitrix or analyse the components that made up the first layer successfully. Jarvis had noted it was made from an unknown metal alloy while also running on a more efficient and powerful clean renewable energy to be able to withstand or accommodate the energy needed for Ben's various transformations. Azmuth made sure that no scanner could ever scan the Omnitrix successfully and even developed protocols and contingencies should one succeed.
"Well now that you mention it, the heroes you encountered at the port requested a meeting with you..." Ben held his breath waiting for their reaction. This was the moment that would determine how they all proceeded in the future. Tony, pointing at Ben readying for his outburst..was cut short when Captain America took charge. "Okay, when do they want to meet?" Caps authoritative voice shut down anything anyone wanted to say. He heard enough and wanted to resolve this issue as fast as possible, him being the diplomatic one.
"Whenever you're ready, I'll just teleport us to the watchtower where they'll be waiting.." Ben replied still not sure if the others agreed with Cap. He knew everyone by name now, with Trixx displaying all the information she got when she discreetly hacked Tony's database. Looking to his team mates, "we need to deal with this mis-understanding, the faster it is resolved the faster we can figure out what is going on and can go back home." Reluctantly,they all nodded and went to get what they would need for the meeting leaving Thor, Tony, Cap and Ben alone in an awkward silence. "So..when you said you could turn into Thor, did you mean with his powers of being a god? wait..will you also be the son of Odin?" Chuckled Tony moving towards Ben attempting to break the silence. "I guess the powers part could happen but being the son of Odin.. I doubt" Ben smirked back at him.
"How old are you? Shouldn't you be in school or something?" Wanda asked Ben coming back to the room with her small backpack the others trailing behind her. "I'm old enough," Ben sent a flirtatious smirk her way which caused her to blush a little at her question. "I was in the university before being brought here." "We're ready." Nat decided to help Wanda by taking the spotlight away from her which she in-turn sent a thankful look her way. "So how do you contact them?" "Earpiece, walkie talkie or phone?"asked banner.
"I hacked their system, I'll just teleport us." Ben shrugged and before anyone could question what he meant by that they disappeared.
Back at the watchtower.
"You should really get some rest, or do I have to get Diana in here?" Clark told Bruce as he came to stand beside him looking at the various CCTV footages playing on the monitor, one of which was their fight against the unknown group.
"I've had enough sleep. We need to put a lid on this whole situation. Your girlfriend keeps on calling for a follow up interview. Handle it." Bruce's monotone voice replied without taking his eyes off the monitor.
"I know" came Clarks exasperated reply. "She's left me over 20 voicemails, I'm yet to call her back."
Bruce turned slightly to quirk an eyebrow up at Clark, "you do know that you'll sleep on the couch right?" Lois Lane was among the few women Bruce respected for their fierceness to defend what they believe in and Miss Lane also pursues stories that no local authority dared to investigate. For a long time he believed that it had something to do with her dating superman but that theory was disapproved when she stood up against Doomsday when superman was knocked down momentarily. Superman was among the few friends Bruce could banter aimlessly with about any topic, it was due to their mutual respect for one another.
Clark grinned "Jokes on her..I can't sleep on the couch when I'm at work." Seeing the look Bruce gave him he attempted to get even.
"You're one to talk...what was that 'home' reply about. And here I thought playboys were smooth." Clark smirked looking at Bruce who had gone back to staring at the screen at the change of topic.
"I don't know what you're talking about." came the well practiced monotone voice. He knew that of all the leaguers, Clark was the only one who knew him and when to best call his bluff.
"Really, you're going to go with that?" Clark chuckled in amusement "because by the string of curses and rapid footsteps approaching I suggest you think of a better one before you're literally tied down..pun intended."clark smirked.
The moment Clarks words set in he stopped typing and glared up at Clark who was not even trying to hide his amusement towards his friends coming predicament.
"What did you do!?" Bruce narrowed his eyes at Clark which by any indication promised retribution. "I swear Clark if you told her I'll ..." He didn't get to finish his sentence.
"What will you do!? Huh?"came a pissed off female voice. "What? Don't let me stop you. What will you do?" "What can you do?" Diana came to a stop next to Clark with her arms crossed glaring at batman who was doing his best to look at the monitor.
"Hera!!! its like you're allergic to relaxing, one minute you are getting your bandages changed and when I come back you're nowhere to be seen." "If you don't go to rest right now I will get the lasso and compel you to do it.."
Turning his head to her direction he glared at her. The stare down continued with them oblivious to how Clark was nearly busting out with laughter if it weren't for the flash zooming in.
"What's up supes." the flash stopped behind superman peeking at Bruce and Diana from his back. "The guys and I thought we should really test out this kids powers. To know what we are dealing with of course." Barry spoke with the best poker face he got which he only used while addressing either batman, superman, j'ohn or Wonderwoman because they were really scare at times.
"That's actually a good idea." said superman after a thoughtful look toward the monitor. "We'll have to discuss it with..." He was cut off by batman.
"What did you guys bet on now!" batman accused angrily while glaring at Barry for having been interrupted from his conversation with Diana.
"We didn't bet on anything." "What are you talking about?" Superman and the flash spoke at the same time.
"Barry!" Diana spoke out while gritting her teeth from anger wanting him to get on with what he was saying and leave them alone. A look at her was all it took for Barry to spill out all the gory details of the bet.
"So you want me to arm-wrestle Ben's Kryptonian form which you have placed bets against. What are the odds if I may ask?" Clark couldn't help his curiosity in the matter.
"Don't encourage them." Batman warned Clark. "And NO, it won't happen just because you have placed bets on it." "I will deal with you, Shazam and Hal later."
"Shit!! Not monitor duty again." Barry cried out while batman smirked at him. The last time the duo got into trouble they had monitor duty for two months straight and it could get pretty boring for someone as hyper active as them.
Flashing from the room he went to deliver the bad news to his friends.
"You know it isn't a bad idea, we'd get to gauge how much of supermans natural strength his watch can duplicate or clone or whatever.."Diana rumbled. Clark was surprised by Diana's input since he knew she ocassionally turned down Barry and Hal's crazy ideas.
"Tell me you didn't," Bruce couldn't hide the accusing tone in his voice while glaring at Diana. He could always sense when a person was guilty and right now Diana was like a deer caught in headlights, reeking of guilt.
"To be honest at first I didn't know what it was about, but reading on it in the website and seeing the details of the bet I couldn't contain my curiousity." she held her head high trying not to show how embarrassed she actually was about it.
"You knew about it?" "How!?" Clark half demanded looking between Bruce and Diana. He was practically second in command in the watchtower after batman yet he didn't know anything about the bet or the website Diana mentioned.
"I know about the occasional bets but it's the first I'm hearing about a website." replied Bruce who then turned to look at Diana just like Clark, waiting for an explanation.
"Fine."she finally spoke out then proceeded to type in some details into the monitor then the website popped up. LEAGUE BETS. Was the title of the website and the members were The Flash, Green lantern, The Martian, Wonderwoman, Cyborg, Shazam and Aqua man.
"Cyborg!" Batman gritted his teeth. He was the only one who could set this up without him noticing.
"Why aren't we on it?" Clark wondered outloud.
"Because you two would shut down almost all the bets being placed there." "This particular one has one hundred thousand dollars riding on it." Explained Diana.
"Wow! So much money. How can I get in on the action?" He asked an astonished Diana who thought Clark never did these sorts of things.
"What? I also have bills to pay you know. A reporters salary can only get you so far." Clark shrugged a response to the stares they sent his way.
Bruce was about to retort back but was beaten to it by the large message flashing across the monitor. Sorry for the hack,it's Ben. We're teleporting in in the next ten minutes or so.
"Contact the others. And this discussion is far from over." Bruce told them after confirming the message was indeed from Ben.
"Yeah,just like you resting." Diana mumbled while heading out.
"I heard that." Bruce glared at Diana's retreating back. "I know." was all she said before disappearing from the room.
"Now I get why we aren't on the list." Clark suddenly said looking at Bruce then proceeded to walk out with Bruce heading towards the teleporting station previously referring to how uptight they both were.
Meeting up with the rest of the team, they stood some meters away from the teleporters each nervous in their own way about the second hopefully peaceful encounter they would have but in any case they were prepared for anything and also the watchtowers defenses were on standby if needed.
The rest of the part time leaguers were off to their assignments and wouldn't be back till hours later to log in their reports for the mission.
The teleporter activated indicating that they were arriving and on cue seven figures materialized on the platform. Several minutes passed as they sized each other up while Ben was already moving towards the cafeteria because he was still starving and wouldn't mind the grilled cheese sandwich they served there with any type of smoothie they had. Leaving them alone, it was up to the two diplomatic people of each group to step forward to make the introductions and break the award tension in the air. Cap and superman moved towards each other. By now they all knew they were heroes and no reason to be fighting so that kind of helped things move along well.
"Captain America" Steve said while extending his hand to Clark. "Superman" Clark accepted the firm handshake.
"I apologize for my rash behavior at the port. I was clearly on the wrong about the whole situation." Superman apologized since it was he who attacked Captain America and started the whole fight.
"No need to worry about that,we too kept on fighting so we're all on the wrong, I just hope we can all help each other out moving forward" Steve downplayed the event as politely and briefly as he could.
"It's great we're all getting along now" Ben called out while coming back munching on a sandwich and slurping on a smoothy. "If we could all just hug it out then everything would be superb." He said grinning at his own inside joke.
Cap pointed at each of his team mates. "This is Ironman, Hawkeye, Blackwidow, Wanda, Banner and Thor. We are the Avengers. Our earths mightiest heroes."
"Batman, Wonderwoman, Shazam, Green lantern, Green arrow, Martian Manhunter and the Flash.We are the Justice league. This earths protectors." Superman pointed at his team mates. The two teams reluctantly met up in the middle to formally introduce themselves although most were annoyed with each other's presence from their last encounter"
The first thing Wonderwoman did was to seek out black widow. "Wonderwoman" she said extending her hand for a handshake. "I know" came the Widows cold reply and glare. She was still nursing a sore rib and arm. "I'm sorry for knocking into you so hard.. I thought you had super strength or powers..if I had known I..." Wonderwoman started rambling again. "It's okay. You were doing your job. It's completely understandable." The widow gave her a small smile, trying for their teams sake to put her pride aside which was working because Wonderwoman relaxed.
"Just don't do it again or I will be forced to put you down." Wonderwoman tensed at her tone but relaxed again upon seeing her smirk which then turned serious again for a moment before walking away.
"So are we good?" Asked a confused Wonderwoman to Widows retreating back.
"Yes you're good. But it will take sometime for her to come back to you."came a voice behind her which she turned to find out it was Hawkeye,their archer.
"I hope so." She mumbled looking at Nat. "I'm Hawkeye," they then proceeded to chat for a bit.
"That was quite a tactic you applied at the port." Batman voice came from Tony's back making him turn around to face him. Weird how I didn't here him approach, must be the ninja package or something Tony thought. "Yeah,it's what I do, kick ass I mean.." Tony taunted him.
Batman narrowed his eyes at Ironman who grew smug by the minute. "Great, why don't you take over Jarvis too while you're taking his victories." Batman smirked at the clenched iron fists knowing he was angry since he couldn't really see inside his armor.
"What?" batman was now smug, he didn't really like it but this was worth it. "Child's play" he cracked his fingers while walking away implying he had hacked Jarvis.
The only thing that kept Tony from blasting his ass to hell was the grounded hope of returning home to Miss Pepper, hopefully with these guys help. He walked off looking around then noticed Shazam, the flash, green lantern and green arrow discuss something by the computer and moved to join them intending to take a peek inside the computer,
Wanda had sort out Martian Manhunter immediately after introductions were made. She had to apologize for the pain she caused him. Sensing he was invisible in the back wall, she moved towards him.
"I'm sorry for what I did to you." A feminine voice spoke out to J'onn from his left side. Turning to face her while regaining his tangibility, he saw the red haired woman looking at him. "There's no need to apologize for your actions Miss Wanda. As I came to later know that it was us who attacked first and you had every right to defend yourselves." came J'onn sincere apology and declaration.
Wanda gave him a small smile with a nod showing her appreciation towards him being so understanding considering the pain she caused him just a few days ago at the port. To be honest to her self she had wanted to apologize to him ever since they learnt that they had fought against the heroes of this earth and now she can finally be at peace with some of her plaguing thoughts.
Banner and Hawkeye was standing by the side watching all that was happening while also surveying the huge room they were in which looked a lot like an assembly point for the watchtower residents. "I must admit, this place gives the avengers tower a run for its money." Commented Hawkeye.
"Yeah, having a base in space is quite ingenious. Seeing it upclose is surreal, I wonder what their governments are saying about it." replied Banner looking at Hawkeye knowing how governments fear the unknown.
"I'm glad you approve and they got used to it."Batmans base voice was heard behind them but neither moved since they had sensed him approach them which actually impressed batman.
"Banner and this is Hawkeye."he extended his arm which batman inturn took and shook. "Batman and I couldn't help but notice one of your members is missing."he said in a suspicious tone while the two just looked at him confused.
"Who!?"they both asked in alarm while looking at the room trying to spot the members of the team for anyone missing.
"The big green guy made up of muscles. And you weren't at the port either, who are you?" Batman accused banner while Hawkeye just relaxed and chuckled. There was no way this banner could have been at the port and none of the cameras picked him up.
"You're looking at him genius...and here I thought you were smarter than Tony." Black widow replied from Batmans side before banner got the chance to.
Batman was taken a back at her sudden appearance and answer and quirked an eyebrow at her which she just smirked in return before everything clicked into place.
"You're a shapeshifter?" Batman inquired looking again at banner.
"Something like that." Banner vaguely answered him. "So you're the guy who defeated Tony, hmmm not bad." black widow said while giving batman a once over look from head to toe.
"It's what I do."came Batmans reply looking black widow dead in the eyes both of them not blinking for minutes determined to win their eye staring contest.
Hawkeye noticed this and decided to intervene or else it would go on for hours. "Where's Thor? I don't see him." He asked Blackwidow who was forced out of the staring contest to answer him. "I saw him talking to the warrior bitch." Was all she said while banner and Hawkeye cringed at the name calling. They knew that Blackwidow didn't really like Wonderwoman but apparently it was more than dislike for her to be calling her names like that. Hawkeye then set out to look for Thor when he noticed iron man talking to the flash, green arrow, green lantern, Shazam, cyborg and Ben.
"She thought you all had super strength." Batman couldn't help but defend Wonderwoman. He had seen the footage and also admitted to himself that if he was to be knocked like she was he'd probably pass out too, Kevlar or not.
"I know." Was all she said before smirking and walking away leaving banner with batman who was subtly staring at her backside in that tight combat outfit. Not bad indeed he thought.
"She knows you're staring." Banner broke Batman out of his train of thoughts. Black widow was the ultimate weapon, with both brains and beauty which she knew how to utilize when the time called for it.
"What?" He asked banner trying to sound indifferent before looking at the direction Black widow went and seeing her look over her shoulder at them smirking before joining Hawkeye and the leaguers in what they were discussing.
Thor had been watching his teammates get familiar with the league members. He wouldn't have believed it if someone would have told him that they would be freely talking to the people they fought against a few days ago. He surveyed the room and saw Hawkeye walk away from Wonderwoman who was still looking at Blackwidow and decided to join in the introductions.
"For all my time in midguard and with my friends, Blackwidow is the most understanding. I'm sure she's just giving you a hard time for the fun of it." Thor told Wonderwoman stopping beside her looking at Blackwidow who was now talking with batman.
"Well I don't find it funny. Mans world is still a mystery to me sometimes. Mother always warned me about their various social norms and how they contradict one another." She replied honestly.
"It seems we share the same problems. But Tony and banner have been explaining most of them to me ever since I decided to temporarily stay in midguard before becoming King of Asguard." Thor replied in all honesty too.
Looking at him Wonderwoman couldn't help but be amazed at him,"I knew you looked familiar. Tales of your battles and victories are taught to us from childhood. The walls of the gods temple and palace have pictures and statues of All father Odin, you and Asguard. Hera!!I can't believe I'm talking to the god of thunder." Wonderwoman flushed abit from her rambling and her eyes drifted to Miljonir in Thor's hand. "Is that what I think it is?"she asked in awe. "Yes it is" Thor said flipping Miljonir in his hand.
"Tales of an island filled with beautiful but very skilled women is told among the halls and streets of Asguard. My father told me about it when I was just but a boy learning to wield a shield. I am proud and happy to know that the tales of your beauty and fighting skills was not exaggerated." Thor gave a slight bow to her which made Wonderwoman blush a little at the compliment sent her way.
"Thank you, we try our best to defend our land and people who need our help." she said trying to regain some form of professionalism.
"Is that the lasso of truth..? The Amazonians greatest weapon?" He said eyeing the rope tied to her waist near her very visible smooth thighs which his eyes lingered on for a second or two before looking up at her again, an action which didn't go unnoticed by Wonderwoman who had to hide her blush by coughing which brought his attention up to her face and for some reason she didn't feel uncomfortable as when some of the world leaders and leagers would ogle her every now and then.
"Yes it is. My mother and sisters will be so envious I met the god of thunder." She commented already planning a trip back to Themyscira.
"My brother Loki won't believe me too." Thor said fondly thinking of his brother.
"Yes the god of mischief," he had to confirm when Wonderwoman gave him a questioning look.
"Princess of Themyscira, would you mind escorting me to the place our mutual friend got his substinence from,I do not know these grounds quite yet." Inquired Thor extending his hand as an invitation,his years of dealing with royalty coming forth.
"Not at all Thor of Asguard." Came wonderwomans voice with a smile while she led the way to the cafeteria since she was quite famished herself.
Hawkeye had joined Ben and the others infront of the monitor when he couldn't see any sign of Thor.
"What's up Clint." Ben knew he was the one to ease him in the group since he was the only one he knew at the moment apart from Tony who was busy typing something into the computer.
"Looking for Thor, can't seem to find him." He replied while he nodded at green lantern, cyborg, the flash, Shazam and green arrow.
"Yeah, he's at the cafeteria with Wonderwoman. Doubt they're coming back any time soon seeing as how Thor nearly emptied the cafeteria." Ben chuckled while watching the CCTV feed Trixx was streaming for him.
"Okaay..where's the cafeteria? I wouldn't mind a bite myself." Hawkeye said while looking at the monitor interested in what he read.
"So what's the catch?" He asked referring to the bet they were discussing in hushed tones on the monitor.
"My Kryptonian form arm wrestling with superman." Ben pointed out at the screen which brought up a video recording of him after his first Kryptonian transformation.
"I can't get used to that."cyborg commented at how easily Trixx hacked and operated their systems even with cyborg possessing some form of quantum computing.
"I can't mind some of that action. Put me up for a grand." Spoke black widow who had joined them at the monitor. "Put me up for superman." She smirked looking at Ben clearly indicating that she thought he would loose.
"Ouch, and people say I'm the heartless one." Green arrow chuckled at the incredulous look Ben was giving black widow. Most of the bets were on him so he expected black widow to follow suit.
"I'm with her on this. 5 grand for superman."Hawkeye said giving Ben an apologetic look. "Hey,I need the money." He shrugged.
Cyborg updated the site with the new additions. "I didn't peg you for a looser Hawkeye, but there's a first time for everything." Tony spoke for the first time since Clint arrived implying he had bet in Ben's favour.
"More money for us," green lantern fist bumped the flash already planning which planet he was going to spend his winnings on and with which lovely ladies.
"Hold up, if it's going down them I want to raise my stake to 10 grand. I've got some important purchases I need to acquire which will need all the cash I can get." Shazam spoke for the first time since Hawkeyes arrival too. He didn't quite fully trust them yet.
Yeah, PS5 and every Jordan's pair I want here I come. He thought to himself.
"So you can turn into the green guy?" Superman and Captain America came to stand with banner and batman after discussing a few details. "He hits hard." Superman continued to rub his wrists which were broken by the hulk during the fight.
"Yeah.. Sorry about that. He didn't mean to..he was just pissed off." Banner casually apologized to him. Hulk will crash stupid blue man if he hurt friends again Banner heard hulks thought but decided not to voice it out.
"You are also one of the most powerful people the hulk ever went up against and managed to hold his own. You must be very powerful." Banner added while observing superman.
"He gets the job done." Batman replied deciding to change the subject so as not to reveal anything yet.
"Do you have any theories as to why you were brought here to this universe?" Batman asked with a serious tone.
"At the moment No, we spent the past days researching you to know who we were dealing with then Ben showed up. And now we are here." Banner summarised for them. "What's going on?" He asked batman motioning towards the monitor.
"They must be making bets again." batman tiredly said while walking towards the group followed closely by banner, superman and captain America.
"Oh shit," the flash cursed when he saw the group heading towards them. Cyborg immediately closed the opened tab and turned to face them.
"Everyone to the conference room. We have a lot to discuss." Batman said then proceeded to the said conference room with everyone in tow while flash zoomed to the cafeteria to relay the information to Wonderwoman and Thor who were already on their way back telling each other tales about the various wars they've fought over the 1000 plus years they have been warriors.
"I bet I can take him." Ben whispered to green lantern who inturn pointed at his ears then to superman who was smirking at what Ben said.
"Damn,I forgot about the superhearing." This time it was Shazam who chuckled not forgetting about how he occasionally overlooked that detail too.
They all assembled around the large table in the conference room with batman and captain America still standing as they were obviously the leaders of the groups. Ben decided to sit down with the rest of the members since he didn't really like the leadership position that much. It limited one to certain things that he should or should not do according to leadership qualities.
A few days ago.
"Sire an unknown space ship has entered our orbiting space." Kalibak reported to Darkseid, his father, while kneeling down on one knee in front of his throne.
"Who dares to challenge my rule." The anger and interest in Darkseid's voice tempted Kalibak to flee but his fear kept him rooted to the spot because he wouldn't make it to door. Darkseid had already conquered all the planets and solar systems he needed except for earth which he was still in the planning face. Every being worthy to face or defy him and his cause to seek the anti life equation was either dead by his hands or by deaths hand or was keeping out of his way. So when his second in command, Kalibak reported the ship to him, he couldn't help but be a bit hopefull about it. Eyes glowing red he looked down at Kalibak waiting for an answer.
"They have not made contact sire. We only know of the ships name.. "The Sanctuary II""
...CHAPTER END...
I want to thank all of you for reading Quantum universe and I salute the one reviewer who made his thoughts known. Thanks very much.
I know I'm a new writer so mistakes are common but I try to give my best because I love writing and this is just the first among many stories which I plan to write.
All reviews are welcomed, both positive and negative because that's how we learn and change what needs to be changed.
All suggestions about the events you would like to take place in this epic adventure are welcomed.
I'm also thinking about the various names to give Ben's Kryptonian, Martian and now Asguardian forms. Suggestions are also welcomed.
Thanks very much. Another upload is coming up.