Pre-Disclaimer: Formatting…. ͠ಥ_ಥ
Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel at all. I just dabble in it quite a bit. I have no financial ties to "the Amazing Spider-Man" or the "Savage", "Sensational" She-Hulk. I wouldn't even want financial ties at this time - just a chance to write a series for them.
Trigger: Eye shifting happens. A lot of it.
Warning: References to more of the "Savage" era of the She-Hulk, back when she dealt with mobsters. More grit is being added as time progresses. I don't believe it's too much, but one can never tell.
Navigating the Curve
By Juliette Lyst
Galileo
"Hold it right there, She-Hulk! I've got you point blank! Surrender in the name of the law - or I'll shoot!" the older man bellowed, a wildness in his eyes that was so alien until this point. He was far too focused, far too proud of what he was doing.
Fading rage led to a growing sense of disbelief. She had been digging, looking and searching - fueled by a desire for revenge. She had been angry - wrathful even - since before the discovery of the murder-bot, painted green and with a pathetic fabricated wig… all done to frame her with murder.
All ploys by Nicholas Trask.
He had taken everything into consideration, all the way to the fishy surveillance tapes that were 'accidentally' leaked to the press.
The main thought that drove Jen now were those of a nearly unbridled desire for vengeance. While logically, she knew that she was bound by law to not do harm to others, all she wanted then was to make Trask pay for the evils he'd brought to her doorstop.
He hadn't stopped with the murder of her mother, but had extended his reach to touch her as well. If not for her cousin's intervention, that assassination attempt might have…
It was what drove her up the beach after destroying the bot, and with help from her friend Zapper - right to this warehouse.
Upon seeing her father holding a strange device over his chest though - She felt the edges of her anger beginning to fray just a little. What could she do? She couldn't attack and harm her father. Seeing the beam of energy that emerged from the barrel and feeling it's impact… The same couldn't be said for him.
The pain she felt was indescribable - nothing that's she had experienced since becoming the She-Hulk. She was stunned, aching and psychologically in shock. Nothing and no one had ever been able to stop her before.
She knew her father was unaware of who the She-Hulk was. If he did, he would stop…
Wouldn't he?
Images swirled around, memories filled brimming with pain. Absorbing the blast from the explosion when the gun melted-down had been excruciating.
What could hurt more than her own father trying to kill her though?
Through the heartache of losing her mother at a young age and then her friend Jill - both to murder, she'd shouldered on.
Pushing and pressing forward had been her modus operandi for so many years. She could and would do her very best… to prevent others from being hurt in the future.
Yet the pain of being at Jill's funeral - the knowledge that the malfunction of her car was meant for her instead - it paled in comparison to how she felt watching her father become consumed with murderous intent.
A curious pounding filled her ears as she found herself running down a long, pitch-black alleyway.
The silence was pierced by a strange squealing sound. Something was moving - so heavy that the ground crunched and creaked under its bulk. At first, she wasn't certain what was coming so close, but as the disturbingly familiar silver serpentine shape filled her entire range of view, she wasn't able to even speak as the ground under her grew suddenly slick and wet.
Pitch black fluid crept up around her legs, grasping her around the hips and pulling her down.
No!" she screamed, scratching at the ground around her as she began to sink. To her horror, it all grew frighteningly slippery as the ground broke down between her fingers, and she felt being pulled under.
Parallel Worlds - Parallel Lives (Alternate Universe) August 18 th , Wednesday
Jen's Apartment - 2am
Eyes unseeing at first, Jennifer sat up straight in bed - shrieking at the top of her lungs. I have to get out! she screamed in her mind. Heart thudding heavily in her chest, her fingers sunk deeply into the sheets. In a few seconds, she sucked in several deep gulps of air. Just as soon as the sound emitted from her throat, it halted. Shivering and struggling to catch her breath, Jennifer exhaled heavily after a moment.
Vision clearing, she realized she wasn't being sucked underground again. Memories of nearly drowning in a container of oil would never leave her. Not right now… Never again. Sucking in another deep breath, she felt confused at the sudden breeze. What… just happened? One moment, she felt herself sinking into oil and the next…
Living Room
Even if Peter tried, he wouldn't be able to describe the sound he woke to in the middle of the night. The best comparison he could make was to a wild animal suddenly caught in a bear trap - and now it was trying to wrestle itself free. Climbing off the couch, he approached his fiancée's bedroom… concerned. "Is everything alright in there, Jen?"
The brunette had a managed to get out of bed, but wasn't initially aware that anything was different. In the background, there was a curious growing headache in the back of her head, which worried her almost as much as the fact that the ceiling seemed a lot closer than it was the night before.
In fact, I can almost touch - Something was seriously wrong.
"Hold on Jen! I'm coming in!" the young hero announced. When he flung the door open, Peter had no way to expect what he thought he saw in the room. It was dark, but he could still see - "Don't move, Jenny," he said quickly. "I have a handle on it!" Who that big body belonged to, he had no clue. It didn't matter. They needed to leave.
Smoothly maneuvering himself into the room, he aimed for a strategic point. Who is this? he wondered in growing fear. They're huge! He had no idea who this was, but he was going to do his best to defend Jen. "I don't know what you think you're doing here -"
At those words, Jennifer's brow rose. Who is he talking to? She turned to face him.
"… won't get away with being in here!" he added. Expecting a violent response, the webswinger came up short when the large form in the room merely moved closer to him but did nothing further. The shape in the shadows was familiar as well.
"If you don't start explaining right now what's happening Parker," Jennifer began, as she moved closer to him. "I'm likely to lose my temper."
It's not possible! he thought in alarm, launching himself at the wall and scrambling up onto the ceiling.
"Get down from there," she elevated her voice, frustration audible in her tone. "Before I make you wish you -" Hearing herself, she quieted. What is wrong with me? She ran her fingers through her hair, aware painfully of the fact that everything around her looked wrong. Between the absurdity of the situation and her headache, she was in a progressively worsening mood. She exhaled forcefully, struggling to contain the strange undercurrent inside her.
When was the last time she'd felt like this? This went far beyond the increasing hormones running rampant through her veins. She was genuinely mad and had no idea why.
"Umm," he replied, words training off as he felt hot breath hit his face. Did she…? "Hold on, Jenny." He turned around and climbed over to where the light switch was. Flicking the light on, his hazel eyes widened in alarm to see her from an upside-down view. "Oh," he stuttered. "You… changed." Peter was so startled that he couldn't even make one of his jokes.
His fiancée - his adorably cute sweetheart - was standing completely naked on one side of the room, as green as he'd ever seen her.
"Parker," she replied, rubbing her aching eyes. "You act like that's new. I'm nearly five months pregnant, or did you forget that?" Peter flinched. Why was she so… sullen? Aside from the obvious… "It's a bit more complicated than that, Jen."
"Like what? What else did you see change, Pete?" she barely held back a growl that was seeping through. No… An underline rumble still remained-one that came out in her voice while she spoke. What am I doing?
Hearing the shortened version of his name had never felt so good. He was beginning to worry he had fallen prey to another time-and- space paradox. I don't understand, he thought as he dropped back down to the floor. "It's a little hard to explain honey," he responded. There was a very familiar hard edge to her words, the smooth heavy voice he was used to hearing when they'd been on patrol.
"Then what?" Exasperated, she dropped her hands, then had to drop her eyes to see him. "What… Pete, you're so," she choked, pausing to swallow hard. "I think you shrunk."
Looking up into those green eyes, Peter offered a half smile. "No, Jenny."
"Then what-" her words trailed off as she noticed one of her hands. The skin was green. H-How did…? Feeling the pain intensifying, she groaned, grasping the sides of her head.
"Jenny?" What's happening to her? he wondered. He cautiously grasped one of her arms. "You need to sit down," he stated plainly. Feeling the muscles in her forearm tighten, he braced himself. If she lashed out at him now, he wasn't certain how badly he would be injured.
Thankfully, what he feared never came.
Quietly, she listened to his suggestion and sat down on the side of the bed.
"Jen?" he asked, feeling the bed dipping far lower than normal and hearing an ominous creaking sound from underneath it.
"Shh, quiet webhead," she replied, her voice soft. "It hurts so much." She clenched her teeth together tightly.
"Lie down, Jen," he responded. He had lived with her for a few months, but had never seen her as the She-Hulk. She claimed she couldn't transform, but the display tonight said otherwise. What's going on here?
"Pete, help me," she whimpered, turning bloodshot eyes to him. Dismay began to spread as she noticed his expression reverting to one of dread.
"Calm down Jen," he responded woodenly, shaking off his shock. "It'll be okay…" He quickly got up and turned off the light.
The result was instantaneous. He heard Jen moan in relief.
"Thank you," she husked, sniffling. The searing agony pulled back into an aching throb. "Am I asleep?" she asked no one in particular.
"Nope," he chimed in, sitting next to her again. The bed creaked again before the slats collapsed, part of the frame cracking the floor under them from the sudden increase in weight and pressure. To his credit, Peter kept both of them from hitting the floor when it happened… but it was much harder to catch and hold her.
"You're not a figment of my imagination?" she asked, once she overcame the jolt.
Grateful it was dark, Peter felt down - pressing gently against her lower belly. He knew Chip was still there, though her abdomen almost looked flat now. "Neither of us are," he replied simply. Feeling the firmness he expected, he sagged in relief.
Her insides felt like they were twisting in on themselves, her head swimming from the pounding inside her skull. Grimacing, she began to shiver again, feeling their baby kicking away inside her. Why did… h-how can… Feeling an abrupt surge of nausea, she pushed away from him, stumbled to her feet, and ran for the bathroom.
She violently spewed up what she assumed must have been her dinners for the last week.
Feeling himself smack into the floor with force and flipping over, he grunted. He could feel the vibration of her steps as she left the room. It also didn't escape his notice how it sounded like she'd just broken the door to the bathroom. Carefully patting himself down, he got up and joined her. Before he got to the bathroom, he could hear her hoarse voice as it reached him.
"… Where are my clothes?" she asked, feeling more confused as time went on.
Kneeling next to her, Peter pulled her hair back and soothingly rubbed her back as she heaved again. "You sort of," he started, voice trailing off. How could he describe what he saw? Instead, he opted for silence, continuing to rub her back.
Hearing banging on her apartment door, Peter reluctantly pulled away from her. "Hang tight, Jenny," he said, standing up and walking to the door. Peeking out the peephole, he frowned.
What was the neighbor across the hall doing here? Already on edge, he opened the door a crack. "Can I help you?" he asked politely.
The elderly woman staring up at him did not look pleased. "There's far too much noise coming from here," she replied, folding her arms. "The neighbor under this apartment is my nephew. He called me."
One of Peter's brows rose. What did that have to do with him?
"I came over to ask you to quiet down - whatever it is you're doing over here."
Before Peter could respond, the sound of Jennifer vomiting in the bathroom drifted over to both of them.
The young hero noted how surprised - and repulsed - the neighbor looked. "Just dealing with a bit of a stomach issue is all."
Fortunately, the older woman accepted his words and left. 6am
Onslaught calmed for the time being, Jennifer laid still on the bed. She was grateful that Peter had thought to just pull the entire mattress off the frame before the problem got worse.
"Any clue what triggered the change?" Peter asked, addressing her back. He was grateful that her nausea had let up. I thought we were through this part. He frowned, resting a hand on her hip.
"No clue, sweetie," she responded. "I was having a bad dream, but that's never triggered anything before."
"Dream about what?" He felt her quietly move under his hand. Lifting his head, he stared at her as she turned fully to him.
For her safety and comfort, she had her eyes covered with a mask, a dark pair of shades holding it in place.
A sad expression in place, he pulled the bedsheet up again to cover her chest. "It was a bad one, I take it?" He lowered his head at her sudden hesitance. He reached out and took one of her hands in his own. "You can tell me Jenny."
She deliberated for a few minutes, trying to figure out how to word it. "Just some bad memories," she spoke at last. "Never had it that bad before."
"I thought you couldn't transform Jen," he replied. He noted how she bit her bottom lip. "Jen?"
Her mouth worked a little, but she remained quiet. How could she even explain that? Reed had given her the gist of it, but it didn't mean she fully understood. "I," her words got stuck. "Umm," Swallowing hard, she shook her head.
"Is it bad for Chip?" he asked, worried. His hand pressed against her lower belly again - her bare skin covered by the sheet. He could faintly feel some movement from within her.
"It might be best Pete," she began, humming faintly - surprised at his touch. Her hand rested over his and pressed it in closer, her thoughts wandering. "… It's okay, Peter. You won't hurt us."
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice thick. Swallowing hard, he hung his head, relieved that she was responding to his touch and didn't seem to be uncomfortable from it.
"Very," she replied. "Pete, you're her father," her lips turned up at the corners despite the pain in her head. "I don't trust anyone else with keeping her safe."
Managing a smile in response, he moved his hand away from her after a moment and pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't think this is how your transformations are supposed to go."
Relaxing more, she nodded faintly. "We need to make a call, Peter," she responded. "They should be awake now."
"… They?" he asked. Baxter Building 7:40am
A cup of black coffee sat mostly undisturbed on the side of the desk. The man seated there was staring at the monitors. "It's so strange…" he mumbled. His investigation was only supposed to take a few weeks, but now it seemed he was on a months long man-hunt.
After what though? Running his fingers through untamed platinum blond locks, he shook his head and picked up the coffee mug.
After all, random sounds were called that for a reason, right? It bothered him that he had no idea where they'd come from. Just when he thought he had a lead, it slipped through his fingers.
Hearing a set of footsteps behind him, he didn't turn around, taking a healthy swallow from the mug.
"Don't even want cream in that, darling?" a light feminine voice asked.
Lifting his head and setting the mug down, he offered a short laugh. "That completely spoils the beverage dear."
She grinned and wrapped her arms around him, looking over his shoulder. "Still searching through all of this?"
"I can't help it, Sue," he replied, lightly patting her right arm. "You know how I am with mysteries."
"If I didn't, I would be more concerned," she chirped in reply. "You wouldn't be the Reed Richards I know so well."
A call was coming in, the notification showing up across their monitors.
As he checked the identification, he stiffened for a moment. "Odd,"
Dark brows furrowed; Susan stared at the screen. "It's the same person," she responded, her voice faint. "It has to be, right?"
Reed picked up the call. "Jen?" he asked, keeping his voice even. "Surprising to hear from you."
The voice he expected to hear did not respond.
Yeah, we get that a lot." Peter was gently rubbing Jennifer's temples on one side, happy that she seemed to be at peace with the attention.
Confusion filled his face. "Who is this?" Reed asked, carefully. There were plenty of Jennifer's in the world after all - even in this country. Not many knew this number to reach them directly though.
That's hard to explain. It always is," he replied.
Careful how you speak to him, little man," Jennifer spoke up then. "It's not the time for your jokes at all."
Eyes narrowing a little, he stared at the screen. It sounded like… "How are you feeling Jen?" Since their last meeting, he was on pins and needles, wishing she'd been willing to accept their help.
Not the best, Stretch," she replied bluntly. "Right now I feel like a jackhammer just pounded me."
Straightening up in his seat, he looked over his shoulder to Sue and gestured for her to get the others. "Where are you?" If anything, he could offer to bandage up or wrap whatever it was that ailed her. Something told him this wasn't such a simplistic call though.
In bed," she responded. Her words were more clipped than was considered normal.
"Jen," he began. "If you're in trouble, we can help you." Even as he spoke those words, Reed was quickly working to triangulate where her call was coming from. He had a feeling the entire team would need to come.
Excuse me," Peter interjected. "I'm here too." He rolled his eyes. He was the one who dialed the phone to reach them.
"You understand what I mean, right?" Reed continued, ignoring the unfamiliar man's voice.
Clearly, Reed," she responded. "He is here too though," she added as an afterthought.
"Who… Is… He?" Reed asked slowly, stretching out his question. A few more clicks and - there we are! Now, he was able to see where she was located, at least in terms of what building.
I've never asked you who you share your bed with," she replied, irritable. That wasn't why she called Reed at all. "Why would you think it appropriate to ask me?" Though her rounds of sexual pinball resulted in her current situation. Both of them were aware of this.
Shivering at her words, Reed grimaced and swallowed hard. "We can be by at lunch… if that helps any?" Hearing her drawn out sigh through the line, he waited.
I don't get a say in this, do I?" she asked, her voice tight. By the time she figured out why Reed was dragging out the conversation, she knew it was already too late. No doubt the man knew where she was now.
It gives me time to get breakfast for you." Peter chimed in.
Why are you even talking about food right now, Spider?" Despite her words, she was licking her lips. It didn't make sense. She had been sick as a dog earlier, but now she -
I can hear your stomach growling from here. Considering your sudden shift, I might have to order in this morning."
Why you little…" she snarled.
Reed stared at the screen, feeling conflicted. Still, he'd already given his word. "We'll see you soon then." Before either of them could respond, he ended the call.
Sitting forward in his seat, he steepled his fingers on the desk, resting his chin on his upraised hands. How am I meant to take this? He didn't detect any subterfuge in Jennifer's voice. She didn't sound stressed. Who was that man with her? Concern was why he opted to come in person. His features pinched. Oh Jen. He shook his head.
He thought of the younger woman as a daughter, couldn't understand why she bucked at the idea of help. In light of her condition at that…
"Reed?"
Hearing his wife's voice did little to sooth the storm inside his head. Susan rested a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be fine darling," she spoke
softly. "Don't worry."
Nodding lightly, Reed closed his eyes for a moment. "We have a trip ahead."
Brows furrowing, Susan lightly scratched the back of her head. "To where?"
"Nebraska," he replied. Frowning at what he was about to reveal, he took a deep breath, swallowing hard. "We need to bring some medical equipment with us."
Stepping around him, Susan made eye contact. "Who's injured?"
Instead of speaking, Reed shook his head and looked away. How was he going to explain this? He had sworn secrecy to Jennifer and had maintained it. He hadn't even informed his wife! Sue's going to feel betrayed by this…
"Reed?" she asked, not liking how her husband was suddenly reticent. There were many times when she knew that he needed privacy, but if this involved one of their friends… What does he know?
Deciding for the time being he would be quiet; he kept his mouth closed.
Unhappy at his stubbornness, Susan removed her hand. "Fine. I'll start working on refueling for the trip. Johnny and Ben will be informed as well. But Reed?" She waited until he finally looked at her again. "We're going to have a nice discussion about this on the way."
Nodding, Reed leaned back in his seat as Susan left the room. His lips tightened into a thin line. The truth was, they would need to talk as soon as he told them what sort of equipment they needed to load. This is going to be awkward. He shook his head. Jennifer, what were you thinking?
Jennifer's Apartment 10am
Stretching to unwind some kinks in her back, Jennifer yawned deeply at the same time.
"Sleepy?" Peter asked. He was seated next to her on the bed, the frame now propped up against one of the walls and out of the way.
"Mmph," she replied.
Empty take-out containers littered the room, stacked up in piles. Peter had placed orders with three different restaurants to get enough food to sate her. Moving the tenth container off the bed and setting it next to the others on the floor, he sighed.
She'd been full, for a certainty, and they had enough for him to share.
That was a pleasant surprise.
"Well, no wonder," he remarked, lightly rubbing her middle. "An army usually runs on its stomach."
Not even bothering with decorum, she turned her head toward him and belched directly in his face. "No kidding, Pete," Dark green brows lightly twitched in reaction.
Still nonplused at her behavior, even after all this time, he quickly regathered his wits and grinned. "The madam approves of her morning fare, I see."
Jennifer tilted her head a bit, wondering where he was going with this.
"Which is good, because we didn't have enough in here to cover that." He was glad that his expectation proved true. It would have proved a fool's folly to try to whip up anything with what they had in the fridge.
"Good thing I'm only one person," she responded.
"And the noblest Chip of them all is your second," he shot back, smiling. "Does she too approve of the morning's meal?"
Jennifer nodded. "Sure," she replied. "I think she likes the juice the most though." The baby was certainly kicking up a storm at present, though if that was due to the sugar or from what happened earlier that morning, she couldn't quite tell.
How very unusual.
Stretching again, she lightly scratched her chest. "I should get dressed," she began, moving to stand carefully. Peter hurried to help her, but it was not easy going. "Before they get here."
Looking up at her, Peter pulled one of her arms over his shoulder. "There's nothing much that will fit you, Jen."
"I still need to bathe myself," Shrugging lightly, she allowed him to lead her to the bathroom - keeping her head ducked low. "I smell sweaty… Maybe I can fashion something out of our bedsheets?" Sighing, Peter helped her get seated in the tub. "You can certainly try, Jenny," he replied, turning on the water.
40 Minutes Later…
Peter opened the door, moving behind it to let the four into the apartment.
"Fancy seeing you here again," Jen spoke up from where she was seated on the couch. Fortunately, she fit into one of Peter's oversized shirts, but it was straining in a few places. Her eyes were still completely covered, so her comment about seeing them was purely said for effect.
Rubbing his neck, uncomfortable from the glares he was on the receiving end of, Reed cleared his throat. "I suppose I could say the same Jen?"
Jennifer shrugged. "Since you've never actually been here, no. Not quite," she replied.
Reed set the cases he was carrying down on the carpet. "You can understand our concern, right?" His brows creased. "I'm amazed you're still alive like that."
Brows raised; Peter peeked from around the door.
"Come over, webhead," Jen called, turning her head in his direction. "It's time that Reed explains what's going on -"
"Yes," Sue interjected. "Along with why my husband decided to tell me right before we headed over here. Instead of before."
"Oh," she replied. Biting her bottom lip, Jen frowned. "That was my fault. I swore him to secrecy."
"For what reason?" Susan asked, looking between her husband and Jennifer. One of her eyes began to twitch. "Wait a minute," she began, her pupils dilating.
"It's not what you think, Sue!" Reed assured quickly, seeing doubts multiply in his wife's eyes.
Strolling over to Jen, Peter plopped down on the couch next to her.
"-is it that you assume I'm thinking Reed?" Susan had turned her back to Jen, her hands planted on her hips as she addressed her husband.
"Sue -"
"… Pull your eyes back in your head, Hotshot," Jennifer spoke up suddenly.
Peter turned to her; a brow raised in question.
"What's the big idea, Jen?" Johnny retorted. I thought she couldn't see any of us! He wasn't even staring at her, but taken aback at the man sitting next to her. I thought he was dead! Spider-Man was mourned across the globe. Did he not die? Is that why he's here?
For his part, Peter made sure to keep an eye on both Johnny and Ben. Both of the men kept looking at each other and then him.
Folding her arms, Jennifer only offered a snarl. She knew what she looked like. With bedsheets wrapped around her hips as a makeshift skirt… the buttons on Peter's pajama shirt threatening to explode in certain places if she moved the wrong way.
"-e the father? Is that what this is?!" Susan's question came out more as a scream. She was still reeling from Reed's revelation before they left New York.
"Susan!"
"Are you kidding me right now?!" Jennifer snapped, moving to take off her shades. Bouncing between two different conversations was exhausting, especially when she couldn't see anyone.
Seeing this, Peter grasped her by the wrists lightly. "Ah-ah-ah. Bad idea, Jenny," he commented. "We just fed Chip, remember?" Once he was certain she registered what he was saying, he released her wrists.
Her lips puffed out momentarily, but she resumed crossing her arms and rested back against the cushions.
"Good girl," he murmured under his breath, only loud enough for her to hear. "I'll get you some ice cream later on." He noticed how her expression immediately changed.
"I thought you said it wasn't good for me," she responded, physically turning her body and focus onto Peter. "Or was I mistaken?" Her voice deepened.
"No, normally I would still say the same thing. For enduring all of this today though, you need a reward."
A breath catching, a single heartbeat… Two - and everything around them melted away. Peter lightly grasped her chin and brought himself closer.
What were we talking about again? Peter wondered, but sunk deeply into their kiss. It was one of the few bits of intimacy they could have for right now.
"- is not possible," Reed retorted. "Why would you ever think I would do anything like that?!"
The older man's voice slowly filled their awareness.
Reluctantly, Peter pulled away from Jen, lightly tapping her on the nose.
"-jumped to conclusions. I'm so sorry about that. Both to you and Jennifer, Reed." Susan grimaced, uncomfortable at how easily she'd assumed such a thing about her husband.
"About what?" Jennifer asked, not even aware that her friends were still arguing.
Grimacing at the pain caused by their disagreement, Reed began opening one of his cases. "How did you survive the storm, Jen?"
"Storm?" Peter asked. This was new.
"She didn't tell you about the electrical storm in her head?" Reed asked automatically, squinting a bit at Peter. Why does he look so familiar?
Sitting up straighter, Peter's mouth opened for a moment. "Is… How dangerous is this storm?"
Silent, Reed pulled out a stethoscope and leaned over Jen. "I'm going to check your lungs, alright?"
Sighing, Jennifer unwound her arms and nodded. "Go ahead."
Glancing to Susan, Peter waited until she looked his way. "Do… do you know anything about this storm?" He was befuddled now and frustrated in ways he couldn't verbalize. Here was the lone person who understood his fiancée's condition, and the man was mum.
"It's pretty dangerous," Johnny chimed in, pushing aside his misgivings. "Reed said she shouldn't be able to transform at all."
"She shouldn't," Reed added. "How were you able to?"
"Bad dream," she replied. After a moment, she lowered her voice. "It was really bad." In her mind's eye, she could still see that giant silver form.
"That doesn't make any sense," Reed commented after an uncomfortable silence. "You likely need to change back," he frowned. "How's the head?"
"Hurting bad, Doc," she replied. "Worse with light."
"Upset her stomach too," Peter added. "I thought we were past the stage where she was getting so sick."
"That's right. You should be," Reed responded, pulling the earpieces out. "How far along are you Jen?" He had a vague idea, but he wanted to be certain.
"Twenty-one weeks," she stated, unbuttoning the bottom part of the shirt to reveal her lower belly. "I suppose I'm due an additional examination?"
"This is a very unique case," Reed replied, getting his equipment ready. "I have a doppler, so I'll be checking for that heart rate too."
He didn't voice what Peter worried about at current. How much had her transformation into the She-Hulk effected the baby?
Main Universe
Baxter Building - Bottom Levels - August 18 th 4am
It didn't make any sense, none at all! Staring up at the ceiling in the bathroom, Jennifer sagged where she was hugging the toilet bowl. Saliva was running down her chin. What's happening to me?! She was having a gradually puzzling series of symptoms.
Between having terrible fevers, feeling delirious and profound bouts of nausea, she was more than a little concerned about what was going on with her body.
Treatment in the cold room helped a lot - to help keep down and alleviate the blazing fevers. That kept most of the delirium down. This time though, she wasn't sure what could be done.
It wasn't just that she felt hot.
Sweat soaked clothing stuck to her overheated body. Wanting relief, she quickly stripped out of her pants. Her muscles lightly cramped at the sudden movement.
That was another problem…
The soreness after very little movement and ongoing chronic fatigue. How can I go on missions like this?
Feeling a churning sensation again, she geared herself up for another series of painful dry heaves.
A few minutes later, she shakily rose to her feet. Moving over to the sink, she ran the tap, wanting to at least splash some water on her face. Maybe this mess will make some sense soon?
Instead, she noticed that curiously, the sink had morphed into two. Wait a minute… That wasn't right. As shadows slowly grew in her peripheral vision, Jennifer turned quickly and tried to escape the room before she passed out again. She managed to stagger a few feet out the room before she dropped to her knees and threw up again - this time all over the floor.
As she saw the floor coming up to greet her, she had a fleeting thought. Not like this… please. Not - She lost consciousness before her head smacked into the laminate floor.
Hours Later…
When viridian-hued eyes opened next, she found herself inside the medical lab in the Baxter Building. She could feel the canula in her nostrils providing cool air. Did I stop breathing? That wasn't good. Moving her right arm, she was alarmed to see all of the tubes inserted into it.
"W… Wha," she struggled to speak. Her mouth was so dry.
Johnny, seated in a chair next to her bed, sat up straighter when he saw her responding. "You're awake! Hold on! I'll let Reed know!"
Before the tall woman was able to respond, the young man was out the room, calling for Reed.
Slowly easing herself up into a seated position, Jennifer struggled to catch her breath from the exertion. Is this why I'm on oxygen? Even that tiny bit of movement made her feel unwell again. Wanting to rip out the IV line, she hesitated. It wasn't the first time the She-Hulk woke up in some strange place… and it wouldn't be the last.
The situation was different this time though. Staring down at the crisp white sheets she was under, she let her shoulders sag.
Hospitals, she hated being in them. Even if they were more or less not accessible to the general public.
Frowning, she grasped the white material in her hands, despising how weak she felt.
"Hey, the kid was right! Sleepin' Beauty's awake now."
Lowering her eyes, she refused to respond to Ben's words - let alone look at him. It was her fault, for letting things get so far. I should have left and stayed gone. What good would that have done her? She'd already collapsed in public, but had to come here anyway.
No hospital could safely contain her.
Where else could she go anyway? She had no doubt that rumors of her 'instability' was already making the rounds.
"It's good to see you're awake Jennifer," Reed spoke. He had a solemn expression on his face. "You gave us quite the scare." He didn't mention the shock, then burgeoning fear when they'd found her. She'd been face down on the floor and powerful being or not, she could still have drowned in her own vomit.
Lifting her hands and staring at them, Jennifer kept her eyes heavily lidded. "Did the same to me," she replied.
Allowing silence to fill the room, Reed finally spoke again. "I'm going to level with you Jen," He held a folder in his hands. "You've really bewildered me today." When he saw he had her attention, he continued, "I'm going to need a sample as soon as you head to the bathroom."
Uncertainty in her features, Jennifer stared at him. "Sample," she parroted, the word sounding strange to her ears. "Sample of what?"
Reed held up a sample cup. "Urine of course. For additional testing."
"Oh," she responded, not quite understanding. "Wait," Squinting, she tried to replay what he'd just said. "What do you mean additional testing?" Green orbs stared Reed down. "Testing for what?"
Here, Reed set the folder down on her blanketed legs. "There's an unusual signature in your blood tests."
"Blood tes - I told you I didn't want any of that, Reed!" She was angry. Why would he ignore her wishes? She was fed up with people poking and prodding her body. She still had terrible memories of what a close friend of hers had done because of her blood.
"You weren't conscious to make that decision, Jen," he retorted. "And furthermore, what I did find out is why I need that sample now."
That piqued her interest. "What… did you find?" Ever since she was cured of the blood poisoning, she worried it would return. Is that what's taking place now?
"Some cells that were not your own."
Browns furrowed, she stared at the ceiling briefly. That was strange. "So what do they belong to, Reed?" It wasn't like him to dance around a subject.
"Just get that sample and we'll figure it out."
Rolling her eyes at his impertinence, she moved to get out of bed. "Sure thing. One urine sample coming up."
While the words were spoken with biting sarcasm, Jen still delivered on her promise.
Without preamble, Reed donned gloves, unscrewed the cap on the sample cup and set it right on the bedside table. He pulled out two pregnancy tests and put them right inside the sample cup.
Jennifer shifted uneasily in the bed, her eyes bulging. Why is he… "Reed? T-There's no need for that." Goosebumps rising on her skin, she felt her insides quivering.
His stony mask was in place. "I think there is…"
"Is there something you haven't been tellin' us, Shulkie?" Ben asked, just as bewildered as his green friend.
"It would explain a few things…" Johnny noted, remembering distinctly what happened in the cold room a few days ago…
Why had he ever agreed to do this? Johnny wanted to ask himself what made him think joining the She-Hulk in any enclosed space was a good idea?
Fortunately, Jennifer had kept to herself. She crossed her legs and looked off to the side, seemingly unaffected by the cold at all.
Shivering again, Johnny rubbed his hands together to try to generate some warmth. Maybe if he thought warm thoughts, that would help him? He wasn't certain how much time had passed but judging by a single look at his taller friend… it couldn't have been that long - could it?
Time passed far too slow with nothing to distract himself with. He began wondering if he could activate his power to get out of there.
"Flam-"
Shut it," Jennifer interrupted. All the while, she was looking either to her left or her right. Anything so as to not look directly at him. "Doing that will only prolong us being in here."
H… H-How?" he asked, uncomprehending.
The room reacts to heat, remember?" she asked, leveling a stare on him. "Tell me something Johnny," she paused a moment, trying to choose her words with care.
Yeah, Jen?" the young man asked, wanting to kick himself for his folly. It was such a bad idea to come in here with her.
What made you think of even joining me? I know you didn't miss me that much."
I," his voice trailed off as he tried to think. Maybe he wanted to keep her company? He knew that he didn't appreciate how Ben was treating her. He knew she was doing the best she could. Even though she was a hero like the rest of them, she could still get sick. In fact, she was sick.
Normally private, Jennifer hadn't felt the need nor desire to discuss what she was dealing with. It was her body after all, so who was he to say anything? Seemingly coming out of a fog, he noticed she was still waiting for his answer. "Well," he shrugged then, offering her a wink. "I'm just curious about what it's like in here. That's all."
Jennifer wasn't certain if she could believe his words, but there was no reason not to. "So," she replied, a smirk curving her lips. "Is it all you ever dreamed of?"
An additional blast of cold air rushed into the room after she spoke, and more frost formed on the ceiling over their heads.
Teeth clattering - Johnny sat still and stared at her. How could she even ask a question like that? "Oh yeah," he responded. Internally he started screaming. "It's the best Jen."
Really?" Humor remained on her face.
How did Johnny know that they really would end up in there the entire two hours? After the first ninety minutes, he couldn't stop shaking at all and collapsed to the floor.
Johnny!" Jennifer scooted over to him and reached out to touch his back. Clucking her tongue, she peeled him up off the floor.
C-C," he wheezed, struggling to keep moving in the cold.
I told you I'd keep you warm," she replied, holding onto him. In the low light, she could see how gray his skin was turning. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she rolled onto her side, dragging her teammate's body with her.
W… A-Are you -"
Quiet, twerp!" she snapped at him, shifting her bodyweight just a bit so that she was partially on top of him.
Jerking at the sudden bloom of heat at his back, he coughed convulsively.
Susan would never forgive me if I let her little brother freeze to death," she grunted, sighing heavily. "No matter the misguided reason behind coming in here Johnny… Thanks." She wanted to voice her gratitude for him being considerate of her at all. Finding people who truly cared was rare… even in her line of business.
A-Am I going to die?" he asked, teeth audibly clacking together.
I doubt it," she replied. "If you do though, what a way to go, huh?" Jennifer was trying to elicit some response out of him… anything. A weak laugh came in response to her words. While he couldn't feel her full weight on him, he felt enough. He was sandwiched between feeling warm and worrying he would be crushed to death. "Sleepy," he murmured, his head lowering.
Oh no you don't!" she hissed, squeezing him just a little - eliciting a yelp. "You sleep after we get out of here!"
Mercifully, the next half hour passed in a blur and both of them heard the sound of the lock disengaging.
The mostly limp body of the human torch was forcefully hauled out of the cold room.
The other three teammates were in shock at seeing her carry Johnny on her shoulder. "… What?" Jen asked, setting him on the lone chair in the room.
What happened in there?" Susan asked, suspicion in her voice.
"… Not you too," Jennifer snapped in response. She hated it when she was accused when she'd done nothing wrong. "He came in there with me, on his own. He didn't know what might happen."
Happens to guys like him, who don't know any better. Why would he go in a secluded place with - Never mind…" Sue's words were harsh, and she didn't notice how Jen's face crumpled in response.
Lay off," Johnny croaked, not liking what he was hearing.
No, it's fine," Jennifer replied quickly. Tension and stress were bearing down on her now. Someone else was injured all because of her. "I -" Green eyes widened as she felt a sudden surge of unbearable nausea. She groaned, slapping a hand over her mouth and rushing from the room.
Her teammates remained behind, watching with uncertainty.
"No, there was nothing then," she denied vehemently. Why were all of them looking at her like that now? Shrinking back in the bed, she looked away from Reed's accusatory eyes. I don't need this.
Upper lip curling, she looked to her right arm and forcefully ripped out the IV line. I need to get out of here.
"Where do you think you're going?" Reed asked, moving to block her way. He was shocked at her actions. "You need to stay in bed."
"No, little man…" Jennifer growled, shakily rising to her feet. "What I need is to not be anywhere near any of you right now."
Reed refused to move.
"You wanna try my patience today, Reed?" A faint rumbling was heard in her voice.
"Darling," Susan spoke, resting a hand on Reed's shoulder. "You should just let her go."
At first, the scientist refused to budge, but considered his wife's words closer. Reluctantly, he stepped out of the way.
"Smart man," Jennifer snapped at him as she walked out of the room.
"Don't go far, Jen!" he called behind her.
Pausing at the door, Jennifer lowered her head momentarily. "No worries… sir," she replied drolly. "Just going to sleep in my own bed." After that terse response, she stalked off.
"Sue… None of this makes any sense," Reed hung his head. Frustration was visible in his face.
A hush fell over the room.
"Ey, what does two lines mean?" Ben chimed in a few minutes later.
Silenced filed the room once more, and all of them looked to the tests in the cup.
Both of them… Positive.
Looking between the tests and Johnny, Ben laughed. "I suppose 'congratulations' is in order?" He felt even more amusement, seeing how the blond man's eyes widened comically.
"For what? I didn't do anything!" Johnny spoke in a rush, frightened beyond belief at the implication.
"I thought I saw foreign DNA," Reed responded to no one in particular. There was a healthy amount of incredulity he was willing to withstand.
But this? The genetic code wasn't even fully human… West Side - Baxter Building
Completely unaware of the drama unfolding in the medical lab, Jennifer was carefully making her way to her room. It felt as if the weight of the last few weeks was slamming into her.
Check…" the voice came out of thin air.
Rubbing her eyes, Jennifer looked around. Seeing no one, she continued forward.
Testing…"
Now, she stopped in place. Surveying the room again, she sighed heavily for a moment and resumed traveling to her room.
"… ink I have it," the voice intruded in Jen's mind again. "Glad I was able to get hold of you!"
Stopping once more, Jennifer pressed a hand to her temple. "J… Jaz?" The voice she was hearing certainly sounded like her friend.
In the flesh! Well… sort of."
Jennifer resumed her walk. "Sure. What do you want Jaz?" She sincerely hoped she didn't need to go anywhere right away. Jazinda had the worst habits when it came to risking their personal safety.
What did you think of the present I left you?"
Stepping into her room, the question caught Jen unawares. She sat down on the bed. "What sort of present, Jaz?" Deep down, Jennifer knew she wasn't going to like the answer to this one.
You didn't know?" Jazinda asked. "Well… I sent you a special packet of-"
ECHO's Laboratory 2PM
"Give me all of your secrets," he spoke, his voice almost in a whisper. He was standing in front of a tank, watching as an object designed from stolen notes formed. He had no idea what exactly Otto's creations were all meant to do, but he was intrigued. He noticed that the scientist was intentionally vague in his descriptions.
As if he was afraid someone else would find these plans. To others, they might not have made much sense at all, but understanding was beginning to grow as ECHO stood and quietly watched.
Arms crossed, he quietly observed. His focus, in retrospect, was said to be almost obsessive. He tackled every project like this. Having put a 'rush order' on hold for a day, his tank was occupied with nano machines and a curious looking shape. I wonder what this is for. It looked like a sphere. Stepping over to his desk, he pulled up the rendering of what its final form would be.
"What a curiosity…" It was a helmet. Getting up, he returned to the tank and began punching commands into the console in front of it. If it was possible for the circuitry inside to be squeezed into a more streamlined form, he would do that.
The door opened behind him, a sleek silver body slipping inside. It strode right up next to ECHO and waited to be acknowledged. Its body was polished to a high shine and it lacked any indentation or markings save at points it would have joints. Even those were simply creases. It even lacked eyes, a nose or any facial features. There were fingers with distinguishable digits and toes on its bare feet though.
"I take it you're here to remind me it's time for a break?" he asked casually.
Actually shifting its weight to one leg, the bot placed its left hand on a hip. "What do you think?" it replied, simply. The voice it possessed was decisively feminine.
A smirk crossed his lips then. "Now there's no need for sass, Ainslaeigh," he retorted. "I'm coming," he added as an afterthought.
Insinuating itself between ECHO and the screen, the bot crossed its arms then. "No, now." The statement did not sound like a question.
Rolling his eyes, he stepped away from the tank and turned around. The machine quickly moved to follow alongside him. "Your projects
can always wait," it continued. "However if you're not there, you won't be able to finish them."
'You're worse than HEA," he snapped. Though he had to admit… Ainslaeigh was right.
"Braver - that is the word you mean, Gunther," it responded just as quickly. Humor often needed physical expressions, but it transferred through just as easily in tone.
No words were traded between them for a while, but as Echo watched the smooth movements of the bot next to him, he couldn't restrain a smile. It wasn't wrong. He had plenty of time to finish his projects.
With friends time also passed much faster.
So what if he had to build his friends? He never judged others for how they obtained companionship.
Stretching a little as they walked, he glanced to the bot momentarily. "What are we having for lunch?"
Parallel Worlds - Parallel Lives (Alternate Universe) Los Angeles, California
Downtown - 3:42PM
The sun felt good, so nice on his skin. The patch over his left eye did little to hide the terrible scarring on that side of his face. He looked out of place where he sat, a tan Stetson pulled low over his eyes. He was clad in brown overalls and a blue shirt. His booted feet were crossed at the ankles. Maybe I should pick a different spot for tonight?
Ever since his 'accident' several years past, he'd stuck to the shadows. How he had escaped unscathed, he didn't know. One moment, he assumed his life was coming to and end. The next…
Well.
His lips turned up at the corners.
How easy it had been for him to blend into the crowd. Almost too easy. From his chiseled jawline to the glossy dark hair that stuck out from under his hat - it shouldn't have been hard to miss him. Still, he had been successfully avoiding detection for a long time.
Noticing a sudden shadow overhead, he remained quiet. If he waited long enough, they would leave him be.
A few minutes passed with his unwelcome 'company' sticking around. Irritation made him peek from under the brim of the hat. "Something I can help you with?" It was risky for him to say much to anyone. His voice was still distinct enough to be recognized by those from the Underworld he'd been so deeply involved in.
That was the past. This was the present.
Instead of responding, the tall gray-haired man in front of him grasped him by the front of his shirt and hauled him to his feet. "Well, I'll be," he remarked. His features were a bit weathered, belying the strength that still lie within the man's body. "Never thought I'd see you on this side Nicky!"
Leaning back, he looked away. If I stay quiet, I'll be left alone. Once waking and realizing how his obsession had nearly cost him his life, he tried to turn over a new leaf. In his line of business, there were many who claimed that one day they would go straight. Not many of them lived long enough to achieve that goal.
"Oh, no you don't," the older man spoke, hands shaking marginally. "You don't get to just run away and escape when your problems multiply in front of your eyes, Nick."
Grimacing, 'Nick' finally addressed the other man. "… What do you want from me?" he asked in a low tone. If the man actually knew who he was…
"You're one of the kingpins, and you're asking me what I want?" The older man let out a sharp bark of laugher. "You need to come back."
Dark brown eye widening, Nick tried to pull away. "I… I don't know what you're talking about," he replied, intentionally vague.
"Sure you don't, Nicky," Releasing him, the older man brushed off Nick's shoulders.
"Thank-," the words became caught in Nick's throat as he noticed two other men moving to stand on either side of him. "Uh,"
Frowning and appearing bored, the older man addressed his two partners. "Bring him back with us." He laughed, seeing alarm in Nick's one good eye. "Didn't think you were getting out of it that easy, did you?"
One of the men slapped a firm hand on Nick's shoulder. "Just come with us," he suggested. The tightness of the grip ensured that this man knew their words were not a modest request.
Swallowing hard, he lowered his head - acknowledging their order. "Smart man," the older of them spoke, cracking a smile.
Feeling himself forcefully moved, Nick made sure to grab his backpack to go along with him. "Why now?"
Instead of an immediate response, he found himself waiting for quite some time as the three brawny men led him down the street. They knew how to appear casual. One of them even slung an arm over his shoulders.
"You should know by now," the older man replied. When no response from Nick was forthcoming, he decided to elaborate. "Walters is out of the area for the time being."
"No one knows why either, but we do have our suspicions," arm still slung over Nick's shoulder, the man vaguely waved to someone off to one side.
"Yeah," the third man chimed in. "Such as the fact that his daughter went missing months ago." He noticed when Nick jerked abruptly at his words.
"Jennifer?" he asked, his voice small. His feelings for her were conflicting. On one hand, he was still angry for what she did to him but on another… He was grateful for her actions.
"Who else?" the older of them asked. "We found out primarily over the waves," he smirked. They had men who were able to tap into the communications system the police force were using.
"She's not in California?" Nick asked, feeling strangely numb. He felt as if he was watching the conversation in slow motion and from a different point of view. Why did it matter to him how she was doing?
"Hasn't been for years now, Nicky," the older man leveled, glancing at Nick for a moment. "If you had stayed in the loop, you'd know this."
Looking away, Nick swallowed hard. It doesn't matter to me, not at all.
"Yeah, she's been in the courtroom - green and all," the third man noted. "She's been all over the news, so it was strange for her to up and disappear."
That got his attention. She was practicing law? In her other form? "I have missed a bit," he acknowledged.
"With the Sheriff gone," the older man added in. "It means that now it's time for us to play."
"Took him long enough to leave!" the second man stated, frowning. "That leaves open figuring out where he went," the third man noted.
"Why does that matter so much?" Nick asked. He was confused when all three men sobered up momentarily.
"That pig threw both of my sons in the clink," the older man stated plainly. "We just figure… turnabout is fair play."
"All we have to do is figure out where he went," the second man stated, a bit excited. "And make sure he doesn't come back."
"Their parole hearings are coming up," the older man supplied. "If he's not there, they'll both walk scot-free.
Nick's eye narrowed. "Is that what you needed me for?"
"It didn't escape our notice that you hit him the hardest, Nick. That's what we need."
Shaking his head in denial. "No, I already paid the price for my sins," he replied. Had he really though? Over the course of several years, he teased, taunted and mocked the sheriff. He had Morris' wife killed, tried and failed to kill his child - and nearly lost his life in the attempt.
"I don't think you have, Nicky my boy!" the older man smirked as he spoke. "I'm sure you want a piece of the pie yourself," Realizing that Nick's attention was wandering, he continued applying pressure. "I know you lost a lot of money with that serpent, Nick."
Nick twitched, grimacing at the memory.
"How were you gonna explain that to Stark?" The question was rhetorical, and all of them knew it. "How do you tell him that all of his fancy and expensive little trinkets are all gone?"
"It was just money," Nick grumbled, becoming irritated.
"Not all of us are rich like you, Nicholas," the older man retorted. "If you hadn't wasted money on the serpent, you would still have burnt it somewhere else."
Nick was quiet.
"It doesn't matter anyway," the second man noted. "We got Trask again. They'll listen to us." He grinned widely.
Saying nothing else, the older man led them to a laundromat. "Benny, we're hitting the back," he called before the man at the counter could move much.
Uncanny… Nick felt nervous now, watching how the man at the counter went from surprise to nonchalant.
"Just don't stain the floor," He remarked, turning his attention to the sports magazine on his desk.
"Don't worry," the older man laughed. "It's not that sort of job today!"
"Whatever." He pointedly returned his attention to the magazine. The less he knew or heard, the safer he was.
"What's the plan?" Nick asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
"Simple really. We just need you to figure out where Walters went. We find the big fish; we'll find his daughter. Then, we can get rid of both of them."
Nicholas Trask for the first time in his life felt uncomfortable… and afraid. His plans of having a peaceful life were going up in smoke.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Hey there! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I apologize about the comments that I have missed. I love you all, and I have quite a few things going on behind the scenes with this story.
As such, I'm trying very hard not to let anything slip through the cracks. I hope you all can understand. I'd also like to formally apologize for being delayed with updating. I had to punch out some additional writing for a future chapter further down the line.
What future chapter? You'll have to stick around to see. Thank you for tuning in, I'll see you around!
J. Lyst
Additional Author Note: Thankfully, not much needed to be done in terms of editing here. Have I ever mentioned how much I would love to have a beta? People agree… until I tell them how long the reading might be. I've had a single beta offer to edit for me. He finished… but told me he had to take the entire day off work for it. I felt so bad then.
Going to work is a lot more important than pursuing editing someone else's fanfiction chapter.
The date of this edit is December 11, 2023.