Hey eveyrone, I'm back with another chapter of Avengers. Some readers have been wondering about my other story Total Drama and I haven't given up on it. I'm just feeling more in the mood for Marvel lately but it'll get it's turn eventually. It's probably due to the new season of Invincible which has been as great as the others. The finale is looking like it's going to be epic. I've kind taken a liking to Rex and Rae despite how I thought he was jackass in season 1 and 2 before his near death and mature change after that as he goes from an jackass to a small jerk with some new consideration for others.
Now let's carry on with the Avengers.
Also I'm looking I'm open to ides so if you got any then please share. As always read and review with comments, ideas or questions.
Chapter 34: The Masters of Evil part 1
Slowly the void of darkness began to dissipate as light filled the area. Tony's eyes slowly opened as his vision began to take in blurred sights around him before everything started to slowly come into focus. The first thing he noticed was that he was laying down and his body felt terrible. Almost as bad as when he woke up after getting blasted by shrapnel from his own weapon and waking up in that cave with Yinsen. He felt so weak, tired and like he barely had any strength to get up and stand. He actually tried that only for his body to immediately protest and fall back down.
"What happened?" The genius billionaire thought to himself as his vision began clearing up and he saw his surroundings.
He recognized the room he was in as one of the spares in the mansion that was unclaimed by any of the avengers. The first thing he noticed was that the air conditioner was turned on as he felt a cool refreshing breeze lightly brushing him. Second was that the curtains were closed keeping the room mostly dark. The third and surprising thing he noticed was that there was an IV fluid bag set up on a pole and everything beside him. There was even an EKG set up as he took notice of the wires attached to his chest. The fourth, final and most surprising was when he finally noticed that Pepper's own hand was gripping his. The red head was sitting on a chair while her head lied in the bed he was on as she slept.
He felt touched by the sight as she had clearly spent the night or who knows how long beside him. The billionaire subconsciously gripped her hand tighter as a result which made her stir in her sleep as she started to wake up. The red heads eyes groggily opening up before widening when she Tony looking back at her.
"Tony!" Pepper exclaimed with a big smile before practically jumping onto him as she wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace. Relief and joy flooding her mind as she saw her boss and the one she cared about awake at last.
Tony meanwhile was surprised as Pepper had never been this expressive with her emotions. But he certainly wasn't going to complain as he welcomed her embrace. He wrapped his arm that wasn't hooked up to the IV around her back. The billionaire had to admit this felt quite nice, he actually couldn't remember the last time he got a hug of simple genuine affection. Not since the time his mother was still alive even if their family relationship wasn't the best. The thought of her brought out feelings of sadness that he had long thought were dealt with. He mentally shook his mind to clear up as he didn't want this special moment ruined by the past.
"Well, I have to say waking up to the sight of you in the morning is a most welcome experience. Granted though I'm used to it being with company in bed while wearing less clothes. Is it even morning because I honestly can't tell with the curtains closed?" Tony joked as Pepper separated from the hug and gave him a stern look that didn't reach her smile.
"If you weren't in your current state I'd be tempted to slap you upside the head." She warned him while crossing her arms. "On second thought if you keep that up the smart remarks, I'll still do that."
"Feel free to visualize it if it helps." Tony added before dropping the humour. "What happened? Last thing I remember was being in the middle of a talk with the team and then nothing."
Pepper's smile faltered a bit but not completely as she gripped his hand again. "You'll get your answer Tony but first I need to call the others, JARVIS!" she raised her voice at calling the AI.
"Yes, miss Potts?" The AI's voice spoke up.
"Call everyone here, Tony's awake."
"Right away mam. They'll be along shortly, also welcome back sir" The AI greeted its creator.
"Good to be back." Tony returned.
The door opened a minute later as Ben came into the room, followed by Hank, Wasp, Thor, Steve and finally Hawkeye. Besides Hulk and Thor, everyone else was out of their costumes and wearing casual clothing. The expressions of everyone brightened at the sight of Tony, even the corner of Hulks mouth rose.
"Tony!" Ben, Wasp and Hank all said as they and everyone else walked up to him.
"Hail to thee Stark." Thor greeted, happy to see his teammate awake and looking better.
"Yeah, nice to see you all too. Now would someone care to tell me what the heck happened?" Tony requested.
At that Ben and Hank got more serious looks.
"An unfortunate minor oversight when you were given your medical evaluation." Ben began. "While they were so focused on your bloodwork to make sure there was no longer any trace of gamma radiation they forgot about one little detail."
"The shrapnel in your chest." Hank finished the first part.
Instinctively Tony's hand went to his chest, right over his arc reactor. "My transformation..." he trailed off as realization to what happened began to fill his mind. He remembered the pain he felt when he had changed, it was excruciating. He felt like his heart had been about to burst.
"It pushed the shrapnel and caused it to move and when you turned back to normal it must've scrapped your insides, causing internal damage. Not only that but it also ended up settling into a new spot near in your heart which was more harmful." Ben said what the billionaire was no doubt coming to realize. "We had to get you into medical and perform surgery to save your live."
"How'd you do that?" Tony questioned since in the past he had looked for a way to treat himself of the shrapnel but couldn't find a way that offered a high enough percentage to live for his liking. Truth be told he had thought about some ways if he could use T'Challa or Hanks tech but he didn't ask them for help due to his pride. That and because some part of him just felt he deserved to be punished. Payment for all the innocent lives lost, caused from his weapons in the wrong hands, including the family of Yinsen who he owed his life to.
Ben smirked while putting an arm around Hanks shoulders. "Oh me and Hank just went all Ozzy and Drix to save you.
Tony blinked for a moment before his mind registered the reference. "Wait a minute... did you two..."
"Shrink down to the size of a grain of sand and go inside your body where we made our way to the inflicted area and performed inner surgery? Yes, yes we did." Ben said before pointing to Hank. "Hank here dealt with your damages while I dealt with the shrapnel and vaporized them all."
"You were lucky the damage caused only minimal internal bleeding which I was able to mend." Hank warned for if it had been worse, then their fellow avenger might not be here now.
Although he had to admit he was fascinated by Ben's form called Nanomech. A living organism that was also comprised of nanotechnology, capable of shrinking to subatomic size just like he could with his Pym particles. Though Nanomech couldn't grow beyond its regular size he did posses electrical energized blasts that reminded him of Wasps. He even had insect like wings like Wasps except his were metallic like the rest of his body. He really should schedule a session with Ben to allow him to do some research on his transformations.
Tony's eyes fell down to his arc reactor, his greatest achievement which had saved his life and powered the suit that made him the hero he became. For what seemed like a lifetime ago it had become the lifeline that kept him going. Protecting his heart from the shards of a weapon he had built to protect America but had fallen into terrorist hands. It was hard to believe that the shrapnel that had plagued him was now gone and he didn't have to worry about it ever again. It felt sort of liberating, like a small burden had been lifted off his shoulders. Maybe it was because it wasn't him who removed it to escape his punishment but those who cared about him. Was it perhaps a sign that he had earned forgiveness?
"By the way Tony, I got a real good look inside your body and I gotta say you really need to hit a gym because it looked like your in bad shape." Ben teased out earning a snicker from Wasp, Hawkeye and even Pepper.
"Hey! I'll have you know there are a lot of women who'd say I have a great bod!" Tony argued.
"Just cause your not fat doesn't mean your healthy." Ben pointed out the common misconception.
"Can't disagree with that one." Hawkeye added as he knew he was as healthy as a horse and even as fit as one. Whereas while Tony looked fit, he wasn't exactly someone who trained hard. Did he even do any physical training for that matter?
"Are thee certain of this? For I know an Asgardian friend of mine who carries a round belly, yet he fights as good as any warrior and is as lively as anyone you've met?" Thor asked in puzzlement.
"You're not mortal like us and you people were worshipped as gods, they don't count." Ben waved off.
"Well Tony better start counting how many pounds he's packing and make sure it doesn't start going up." Wasp joked as well earning a look from Tony at how they were ganging up to tease him.
"I'll make sure to eat all his deserts." Hulk finally spoke up with his own smirk. He thankfully doesn't need to worry about calories thanks to his crazy metabolism. Good thing too since food is one of the normal things he loved to enjoy.
"You guys are making for lousy company right now." Tony remarked before turning to Steve. "Cap would you tell them to behave as this is no way to show support for their team leader. Especially after what I've been through."
"Well, I think some training might be in order for you." Steve remarked with a small smile. "Besides we were talking about giving the team some training before you had your collapse."
"I honestly forgot about that actually." Tony mentioned as he barely recalled that. "Anyway, thanks for the save. I hope I wasn't too much trouble while I was unconscious."
"Yeah well, you certainly caused Pepper quite a bit of stress when we told her what happened to you." Ben revealed before adding playfully. "Although she certainly showed a lot of concern for you when she basically stayed by your side the whole time during and after your surgery. We had to bring meals to her since she didn't want to leave the room."
At hearing that Tony raised both eyebrows while Peppers cheeks began to resemble her hair in embarrassment. The billionaire turned to her and she immediately looked away as she said. "I just made sure you were secure and looked over since Rhodey couldn't come due to being on an assignment, though he sent his best regards." Pepper looked to see Tony's hand suddenly holding hers and then saw him giving her a look that was both grateful and almost even loving.
"What would I do without you Pepper." Tony softly spoke with a genuine smile that was devoid of his usual cockiness and wit. It caught her a bit of guard as she hadn't seen that kind of smile from her boss in a long time. She found herself staring into his eyes, seeing emotions in them. She found herself smiling back, no longer aware of those around her.
"AHEM!"
The pair broke eye contact at the sound and turned to Ben who had a small smirk "Come on Avengers let's give these two lovebirds some privacy." His words made Pepper blush more at the insinuation.
"Nothing's happening!" Pepper objected.
"Oh, I'm quite sure something wants to happen and someone wants it to as well, maybe even two someone's." Wasp teased while internally wishing Hank would be like that with her. She could practically see the love bubbling to the surface in both their eyes. Why couldn't Hank look at her like that?
"I'd say get a room but your already there." Hawkeye added as he enjoyed the chance to embarrass Tony. He did feel a bit bad to do it to Pepper as well but hey she fell for the guy so she get's the share of teasing meant for the whole couple.
"Try not to say anything stupid Tony otherwise you'll ruin the moment between you two. Ben added before they all started to leave the room. He and Wasp were the last ones to exit as he slowly closed the door behind him before pausing. "Oh and given how your unfit for duty for awhile due to being on bed rest, I must advice you to take things easy."
"So don't do anything beyond first base." Wasp humorously added which got a stunned look from Tony while Peppers face was now resembling a tomato. Before leaving they both gave Tony a thumbs up and wink and then Wasp added a goodbye wave for good measure. All while they both had matching smiles as the door closed at last and the two occupants were finally alone.
"Remind me to channel block Wasps favorite shows and delete her recordings. I'll need to figure out something for Ben later." Tony grumbled while Pepper just stood in embarrassment. Part of the reason also being that Tony was still holding her hand and a part of her didn't want him to let go.
Five Days Later
The sun had risen announcing the beginning of the new day. The people of Manhattan had started to get out of their beds to prepare for today. Most would be feeling groggy when waking up and require some preparations to become fully awake. Like drinking coffee, washing their face, having breakfast or other things. Two people however had done none of that as they were already out and about before most had even begun to wake up.
Steve Rogers was currently enjoying a nice morning jog as he ran the path of Central Park. He was on his third lap around the place as he moved like a champion track runner when he wasn't even going at his top speed. He had seen several interesting things while he sped through the park. A statue of a heroic dog, a castle and a carousel. While he didn't stop to admire them the sight was still appreciative for him. Suddenly he heard fast footsteps approaching him and he looked back just in time to see a black and blue figure about to pass him.
"On your left" Fasttrack told the super soldier over his shoulder with a shit eating grin as he ran past the soldier and left him in the dust. His speed far exceeding Americas champion as he ran to circle back around him... again.
"Okay I get it Ben!" Steve half humorously called after him.
The super soldier had no one to blame but himself really. When he ran past Ben he said those same words to him. Once he did that again when he started his second lap and caught up to him before he even finished the first lap, Ben decided enough was enough. So his teammate transformed into his current form and proceeded to run circles around him as he passed him by like a sportscar running past a horse wagon. But not before saying those same words back to him and then doing it again when he seemed to complete the lap and come up behind him again like he did. Then he said those words again during his next lap before repeating it again and again. By what he counted was Ben's eight lap Steve tried calling him out for using the omnitrix.
Which Ben responded with a wisecrack about how the serum inside Steve made him faster than most people so he's just using the natural ability of an alien to run faster as well. After that he dashed away and kept repeating this process. It certainly surprised the super soldier to see how fast his form was. He knew that even at his fastest he wouldn't come close to matching the aliens running speed. Finally, Steve reached the end of his third lap and came upon the rest stop. He found Ben back to normal sitting on a bench with a newspaper in hand, looking amused as he looked up at him.
"Well it's about time you got here, it's rude to keep someone waiting you know." Ben joked, pretending to be offended.
"Are you going to keep holding this over me?" Steve asked as he hoped this wasn't going to last all day.
"Hmmm." Ben hummed as if in deep thought, rubbing his chin. "I'm thinking about it but I might change my mind." He then put down the newspaper before getting up. "Anyway I don't know about you but I could go for some breakfast. Shall we grab something to eat in Andrews Diner?" he suggested, having eaten there before and enjoyed the food.
Steve thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. "Thanks but I don't want to leave just yet. I would like to take the time to look around and see the sights for a bit." He turned and looked at the sight of the buildings towering all around. "So much has changed."
"Alright, I'll see you later then. Hopefully Tony follows your example and takes the time to relax and unwind." Ben remarked while Steve rolled his eyes knowing that was going to be unlikely.
After Tony woke up and they left him alone with Pepper they later heard from her how he tried getting on his feet. It wasn't out of stubbornness in saying he's fine but simply boredom. The man was simply too easily bored for his liking and wanted to keep his mind occupied with something. Sleeping and watching TV wasn't really what he considered a nice pass time. It was only the fact Pepper stayed with him at his side that he even did so as he enjoyed her company.
The redhead had visited each day to check on Tony and make sure he wasn't doing anything he shouldn't. She and the Avengers had caught Tony sometimes trying to sneak into the lab downstairs once he felt good enough to leave his room. Having to pull him away and insisting he focus on recovering instead of working. Pepper was especially forceful on the matter as she practically scolded him to listen to Hank. They found it funny how Tony seemed to falter under her glare and words almost like a student being reprimanded by a teacher. Wasp joked how that's a true sign that Tony loves his assistant and proof how the females of the species really tend to be the more dominant ones in relationships.
Yet another example of how Steve feels he will never understand women entirely.
Then again what man ever will, no that's one mystery he feels no one will ever solve. Heck he could still recall that foolish misunderstanding that let him think there was something with Peggy and Howard which turned out to be completely nothing. Oh, how he felt like an idiot after finding out the truth that it was just them getting cheese and bread (and not even at a restaurant for crying out loud!).
Steve waved goodbye to Ben as the shapeshifter departed leaving him all by himself. The super soldier began to walk down a different path head for the center of the park now that he's done running its perimeter. He took a deep breathe, inhaling the scent of nature around him. It was so quiet here in the park as the sounds of the bustling city weren't heard from the lack of people out and about. From what he was told even if it were bustling, he was in far enough to not hear it regardless. It was still hard to believe how different everything was. So many citizens of different nationalities living here, it was a nice sight to see. He wasn't blind though as he knew it wasn't a paradise.
But it was certainly an improvement, better than what he thought life would be like after the war was over. He walked around enjoying the scenery, even spotting some squirrels foraging around. Only a few people were around since it was still early and most people would be going to work. Thankfully those that saw him didn't seem to recognize the hero since he was in casual wear. Although they did glance and stare a bit, especially some women.
Steve suddenly froze however when he saw another women staring at him from behind a tree. The reason he froze however was because he recognized her and would know her from anywhere.
It was Peggy Carter.
Dressed up in casual clothing but it was unmistakably her. Not only that but she looked as she remembered her as she didn't seem to have aged a day since he last saw her. How could that be possible?
Nearly 70 years had passed from what he knew so she should be an elder citizen or worse gone from the world. Tony had told him how Bucky hadn't survived and those he knew from back then were gone. But then again, he also said he didn't know about Peggy's fate. He hadn't checked and Steve hadn't wanted to either. To perhaps see the woman he loved was now a dying old woman or perhaps already gone from the world was something he didn't want to see. He already felt that he lost so much, he didn't want to hold on to false hope.
His thoughts were broken when he saw Peggy's face turn to one of shock before she suddenly turned and ran.
"Peggy wait!" Steve called out as he ran after her. His mind wondering how this could be? Did she under go some kind of experimental procedure that resulted in halting her aging or something?
From what he's seen in this new world, people certainly found different ways to acquire powers. Apparently sometimes they were successful while other times they weren't so lucky and either died or suffered negative side effects. When that happens it sometimes led to a damaged mind and diminished sanity. Either that or the power went to their heads and sent them on a power trip. He certainly hoped none of that was what happened to her.
He soon caught up to her as they were now by Belvidere Castle where she turned to face him after no longer running.
"Peggy, is it really you?" Cap asked while trying to calm his nerves. He could fight Hydra operatives, lead men into battle, confront danger without fear and yet when it came to women especially Peggy he could be shaken.
"...Steve." she said with her voice sounding just as Cap remembered her as she looked at him with a conflicted look.
"Your... alive." Steve said in disbelief at seeing it was actually her. "And you haven't aged, how?"
"Well... I am a goddess after all." Peggy said as she suddenly got a smirk that didn't belong to her.
A ring of green smoke instantly covered her shoes before moving upward and transforming her appearance. Her clothing changing to a skintight green body suit and mini skirt. Her hair turning into long locks of blonde hair that seemed golden. The form of Peggy Carter vanished as the beautiful form of the Enchantress took her place.
Steve backed a few steps before his look of surprise turned into an unappreciative glare for her deception. He had read the file on her after joining the team as the Avengers said he should familiarize himself with their enemies. She was categorized as being an especially dangerous villain with an almost obsessive interest in Thor. Having once turned the Hulk against the team through her magic and actually coming close to killing most of the Avengers before she was stopped and defeated. She certainly had some nerve to disguise herself as the woman he loved.
"The Enchantress I take it." Steve reluctantly greeted.
"So nice to finally meet you Captain Rogers." Amora greeted him amusingly as if she found an interesting new toy. "I've heard quite a bit about you from a certain mortal and wanted to see you for myself."
Steve didn't wonder who it was she meant as he was more focused on the enemy before him which he already looked with dislike. "You've got some nerve impersonating the woman I loved, why'd you do that?"
Enchantress smirked while shrugging her shoulders. "Oh, just to see how you'd react. You've been told that your time has long since passed yet you clearly still held onto hope that those you knew weren't all gone."
Steve frowned. "I'm starting to see why Thor speaks badly of you along with everyone else."
The Enchantress smirk lessened at those words. "Well then allow me to show you something else for you to think of."
She fired a green blast of magic at Steve but he quickly tucked and rolled out of the way, her attack instead hitting the nearby lake and causing a significant explosion. Out of reflex his hands went to his back only to realize his Shield was still back at the mansion as he wanted to avoid being recognized by the public. This wasn't good as that put him on a disadvantage but even so he wasn't going to back down. This wasn't the first time he'd be facing a bigger or more dangerous opponent after all. He didn't know how strong she was but Thor did mention she specialized in using her magic more than her physical skills. That means that his best bet would be to engage her in close combat where her magic would be harder to use without risk of harming herself from such close-range blasts.
Using his agility he avoided more of her blasts before closing in on her. She raised her hand and channelled her magic before bringing it down to aim at the ground. Suddenly Steve was surprised to see what looked like a green ring of her magic rapidly spread out around her. The grassy ground turning into a brownish sand like surface while she remained over a small circle of grass beneath her feet. With a leap he jumped over the transforming landscape and went to try and punch her. Amora smirked in amusement before disappearing when a ring of magic almost instantly rose from her feet and teleported her away. Steve adjusted his body and landed on the patch of grass before searching for her and spotting her at a distance near the edge of the transformed terrain over the grass.
"Not quick enough soldier." Amora teased.
Steve narrowed his eyes and looked at the sand like ground in apprehension before lightly stepping on it. His suspicions proving warranted when his foot slipped under the surface revealing watery like texture instead of solid ground.
"Quicksand." He took observation before seeing he was basically stranded where he was now as the entire area around him was nothing but quicksand for over two dozen feet.
"No where to run now." Amora proclaimed before unleashing another blast of magic at him.
Steve didn't panic however as he bent his knees and waited before using what little room he had to get a two steps for a running start. Leaping to the air and over her attack as he sailed through the air and came upon her with a kick. The Enchantress simply jumped back gracefully, putting distance before Steve landed where she had been and ran forward to try and engage her again.
"I've had my fun, time to end this game." Amora smirked before directing her magic to her hand and then waving it in front of her. A large cloud of her magic suddenly sweeping before her and enveloping Steve before he could even try to jump back to dodge.
The super soldier suddenly found himself falling to the ground as his body stopped responding. He tried to move but it was no use as it felt like his body was trapped in a full body cast made of steel.
"Do not bother wasting your efforts, that spell of paralysis will keep you still for a while." Amora revealed his problem as she strutted towards him with a look of playfulness. "Honestly it was amusing for you to think you could actually defeat me. You curse your ignorance along with much else for your defeat."
"It's pathetic actually."
Steve managed to lightly turn his head at the voice to see Zemo walking up from wherever he had been hiding. Along with a muscular, bald-headed man with a large axe who he figured must be the Executioner. "You know I'm surprised you were captured so easily Captain. I didn't think you'd fall for such a ruse despite how convincing it looked." The former Hydra leader spoke almost disappointingly. "As you were already told, all of your past allies are dead and buried."
Steve gave Zemo a look of contempt that hid the small bit of sadness from the discovery. "I suppose for a moment even I was naively hoping things weren't completely as I was told."
"Your weakness is pitiful." Zemo scolded as if his expectations had not been met this time.
"And your desire for revenge after all these years seems incredibly petty to me. So, if you're going to kill me then just do it already." Steve shot back, unafraid before smirking a bit as he taunted back. "I'd rather not have to look at your masked face any longer than I must. Though I suppose it's preferable to whatever's lurking underneath it. I'm curious, are you now as ugly as the Red Skull was or did it get worse after all these long years?" Steve wasn't usually one to mock an enemy but it seems Ben had been rubbing off on him a bit. Plus he can't deny that saying it did help him feel a bit better despite his predicament.
Almost as fast as lightning, Zemo's hand grabbed Roger by his neck and brought him face to face while giving the former soldier a hate-filled look. His other hand on his sword looking like he wanted to plunge it through Steve's heart. Clearly those words had an effect as his mind involuntarily flashed back to the incident that ruined his face. He could practically recall the agony he felt when he was infected by virus X.
"Still so confident aren't you!?" Zemo practically spat before calming himself and releasing his grip. "No doubt you're thinking that your fellow Avengers will emerge victorious against me." The eyes of his mask narrowed. "Well, I'll enjoy breaking that confidence along with your spirit when you see them all beaten, until then you'll have to wait and see."
The Enchantress put a sleep spell over the super soldier. Steve tried to fight against the effects of her magic but it was too strong and he collapsed passed out.
"Our first prisoner, now we move to the next one." Zemo said as a portal opened from the Executioners axe and the two took their new prisoner along with them as they continued their plan. "But first a pit stop."
"Amazing." Arnom Zola proclaimed as he held a small vile of Steve Rogers blood over his head. Looking upon it as if it were the holy grail itself. "The DNA of Captain America at last."
"How soon can you make the cure for virus X?" Zemo asked as he stood behind him with arms crossed.
"I'd stake my reputation on it being ready in perhaps just under a week." Zola declared while looking at the vile with pure excitement at what he'll learn from it. "And just imagine what we'll be able to create with this. An entire army of super soldiers unlike anything the world has ever seen." He turned to Zemo before getting a small sneer. "That fool Samuel Sterns created an army of mindless brutes but with this we'll create soldiers with not only strength but sound minds for tactics and combat. They'll make the gamma army he made look like a squadron of incompetence cavemen."
"My cure comes first Zola, after that we shall see, so get to work right away." Zemo ordered before leaving the room.
Finally, he'll be free of the curse he'd been enduring all these decades. He'll finally be able to remove his mask and not be repulsed by the sight that greeted him in the mirror. More importantly those moments of pain when his treatments were wearing off would be gone along with any trace of the pain that he still felt from virus X.
Of course, what Zola didn't know is that he had no intention of letting him replicate the super soldier serum. Zemo despised Steve Rogers like no other and the idea of anything about him carrying on was foul to him. Oh sure, the idea of desecrating part of his being by using the replicated formula to build an army and conquer the world was enticing. However it was the idea of using the serum that coursed through his most hated enemies veins that he despised the idea to implement. It would be like admitting that Steve Roger was the most valuable resource to exploit. That his near century old serum was still the far superior one to anything that Hydra had tried to make all this time.
The world had been trying to replicate the success of Captain America but that success had evaded them all. Now the opportunity had fallen on his lap and he wanted nothing more than to throw it away and set it ablaze. But he needed it for his well being which was the only thing he would tolerate. He already dreaded the idea of any part of Rogers coursing through his veins but ones own life tends to come with a cost to preserve as he's learned.
He'll savor the moment he finally acquires everything. First all of the avengers, then the world and then Steves life. Everything Hydra had long since tried to accomplish he will succeed in doing on his own without their help.
"Well, that's not completely true." he thought on one minor detail before continuing on to meet up with the others.
It was now past noon in the day as people were bustling around the city like usual.
Ben walked around just strolling to pass the time after he ate his breakfast. Since Tony's medical issue the team had gotten the lucky break from not having super villains to deal with. He figured the capture of so many villains all at once (minus the still missing and at large Absorbing Man), plus the foiling of The Leader's plans helped calmed things down. He figured the other villains were lying low after seeing such a victory for the Avengers. Either that or they were busy planning their own schemes next. Whatever the reason the down time these past few days was certainly welcomed. That whole gamma incident left the team feeling like they needed a rest. Except for Hulk who just proclaimed he needed no such thing.
He took a bite of the Crunch bar he bought at a store and wondered what he should do next. He would like to actually go somewhere to help pass the time well. Now that he thought about it, he recalled that there was a museum with a section dedicated to WW2 which included Captain America and his comrades in it. Perhaps he should go check it out, although it's too bad Steve's not with him. He bet the super soldier would've found it interesting, then again maybe it would've been a painful reminder of what he's lost. He didn't know if Steve had truly put it all behind him.
His train of thought however was interrupted when he heard the sound of a loud car engine. Turning his head, he saw a speeding car pass by a few blocks away with a police car in hot pursuit.
"Guess what I'll do next has been chosen for me now." Ben muttered to himself before showing the rest of his candy bar in his mouth and then running to find an alley while chewing and swallowing it. Once he found one, he ran into it and then transformed into Stinkfly as he flew up out of the alley and towards where the speeding vehicle had gone.
It didn't take long for him to catch up and stop the runaway vehicle. The masked men he captured proving easier than the last ones since they weren't packing heavy fire power. With the use of his slime he easily made their vehicle spin out of control and then trap it in a large sticky puddle. The culprits pinned to the ground unable to lift themselves up. He left them to the police that had been pursuing them who took them into custody. Had Ben stayed however he would've taken notice of a strange occurrence when the men all began declaring their innocence for some reason, saying someone made them commit the crime.
"Well that burned a few good minutes." Skinfly hummed as he flew over the city, looking down and enjoying the view. "The day is still young so what shall I do next? I had thought about the museum but I don't feel like going there anymore and it's too early for lunch." His four eyes turned to see Lady Liberty in the distance. "Maybe I'll go see Liberty Island, I didn't get the chance to see it due to fighting Steve when he first woke up. Then again perhaps I cou-urgh!"
The aliens words were cut short when he suddenly found himself being tackled out of the sky by something big. Two large metallic hands enveloped him in a tight bear hug that put pressure on his chest. His four eyes bent back to see his attacker. His assailant was revealed to be a large red armored suit that he recognized as the villain called Crimson Dynamo.
"I know you, Crimson Dynamo!" Stinkfly claimed while struggling in his grip but it was no good as his wings were pinned, he was not physically strong enough to break free and he couldn't use his stinger to strike back from this angle. "What do you want with me? I thought your beef was with Ironman?"
That's what his file said cause apparently, he despised Tony. What reason he had for that besides the fact Tony obviously kicked his ass (more than once he imagined) remained a mystery however if there even was one.
"Oh it is but you're presence has been requested." Crimson Dynamo vaguely answered as the two flew down at rapid speeds. Stinkly looked below and noticed they were coming down close to what looked like a harbor. Soon the two went crashing through a roof as a green flash filled the room right before a loud crash was heard.
Crymson Dynamo landed a bit rough on the ground but without any harm as he turned to who had been his captive. There was a small crater where he had thrown the hero except, he was now in a different form. It looked like an armadillo when it was all curled up except the shell looked to be made of armor.
Cannonbolt uncurled himself as he stood up and turned to the armored villain before taking in their new surroundings.
It seems they were now in an abandoned warehouse. A quite aged one too given how run down the place looked. The ceiling which now sported a large hole was quite high which would allow for flying. The area was also spacious like a football field except for the pillars that held the place up. So, there was plenty of room to fight and most importantly of all since this was an abandoned place it had no civilians nearby to worry about.
Cannonbolt turned his attention back to the villain. "Ok so we're alone now, shall we get to the part where I kick your butt now or are you going to monologue your plan or insults me first?"
"We're not wasting time with such frivolity." Dynamo answered uninterested.
The aliens eyes narrowed as he registered a certain word the villain said. "We?"
As if having his question answered Ben saw a yellow tear appear in space as it widened with the Executioner walking out with his axe in hand. He wasn't the only one either as several others appeared as if teleported by a familiar green smoke like energy which brought forth Zemo, the Enchantress and Creel. All who appeared around Ben, surrounding him and cutting off his escape paths.
Cannonbolt glanced at the masked demon with a look. "Zemo, so you've decided to do a super villain team up to fight me. I'd say I was flattered if it wasn't for the fact the Leader did the same with several more super villains and even some of my formerly mutated teammates under his command and you know how that turned out. He wasn't even the first I've faced who implemented that method though I'll admit he certainly had the most numbers I've ever faced."
"My thanks for ridding us of that fool. His plan was meticulous I'll admit but the conclusion he was seeking for the world was pitiful." Zemo said with what almost seemed like gratitude but Ben knew he was just rubbing it in how the heroes seemed to have willingly done him a favor. Removing one less rival in the fight for global conquest.
"So glad you disapproved of him." Cannonbolt remarked nonchalantly before he turned his eyes to Creel with a small smirk. "Guess now I know what happened to you after Thor tossed you out of the state. So, you failed with one losing team and now decided to join another. If you want my honest opinion, don't expect this one to do any better."
Creel growled lightly in anger at the reminder of what happened to him. It had been humiliating and having to crawl through the desert like a rat for hours without water wasn't any more pleasant.
"I believe that's enough small talk." Zemo declared as he pulled out his sword. The other villains taking the cue as they all assumed fighting stances. Enchantress hands lite up with magical energy, Executioner raised his axe, Dynamo revealed two small arrays of missiles while Creel pulled something from his left pocket and turned his whole body into a silvery metallic look.
Through all this Ben was alert and if he were honest a bit concerned. This wasn't like when he fought the Serpent Society nor like the still recent battle with the Leader and those gamma villains and monsters (which he had help with that time). Unlike with either of them these villains were stronger, more dangerous and not to mention likely smarter as well (Not counting the Leaders own intelligence). There was also the fact that their powers as a group are all diverse unlike most of the Leaders forces which had mostly been just physical enhancements. Enchantress was especially the most dangerous as memories of his battle with Moran Le Fay came back and how he had great difficulty beating her by himself. He didn't know if she was as powerful as the Celtic sorceress but considering she was revered as a goddess he had a feeling she might be stronger which he did not like.
"Just so you know I'm no stranger to fighting several enemies at once." Cannonbolt warned before changing into Diamondhead for better combat versatility. His left hand turning into a spike like blade as he prepared for battle.
Dynamo made the first move by firing some miniature missiles at the avenger. Diamondhead raised his regular hand up, causing a crystal wall to spring in front of him. The defensive wall held strong as the missiles detonated against it. Executioner moved in and swung his axe down but the alien blocked using his bladed arm. The limb withstanding the weapon as the two entered a power struggle trying to push the other back. Ben saw Creel coming up from behind him and grabbed the Executioners arm before quickly pulling and throwing him into villain as they were sent backward. His bladed hand returning to normal as he gestured to the two downed villains and created a crystal pillar cage to hold them.
Enchantress fired a burst of magic at the Avenger who rolled out of the way and then raised his hand towards her. Several pillars of crystals rose up around her at tilted angles converging at the top, forming a cage. She gave him a coy smirk before disappearing and reappearing outside the cage and then with a gesture also teleported Creel and her partner out of their confinement.
"Man, teleportation is such an annoying power to fight." Diamondhead thought in mild irritation.
"That's an interesting power you have being able to create diamonds." Creel said with some fascination and greed as he touched one of the crystal pillars. His body turned from metallic into the green crystalized material as he checked his new form with curiosity. Using his experience from previous materials he concentrated and turned his hands into crystal blades that were thinner and sharper than the one the avenger had previously formed. "Oh yeah this is nice."
Executioner struck his axe to the ground as a wave of ice pillars headed for the avenger. Diamondhead jumped to the side to avoid it and saw Creel charging in after him. The avenger was about to counterattack when he caught Amora firing an attack behind him. He fell to the ground letting her magical energy sail over him before punching the ground and forming a large crystal wall between him and the sorceress as well as Dynamo. He then rolled out of the way as Creel swung his blades downward at him. He kept rolling and then quickly got up.
"You didn't beat Thor by copying his hammer and you won't beat me copying my powers either." Diamondhead proclaimed before transforming into Blitzwolfer. "Because you don't know my abilities as well as I do!"
The alien inhaled before his mouth split into four corners and he let out loud high pitched concussive soundwaves. The moment Creel was hit by the attack he was introduced to a level of pain he'd never felt before. It was like feeling his bones were grinding and his muscles being slowly torn all at once. Large cracks began forming and spreading over his whole body like glass that had fractured and was getting close to falling apart. The wolf alien ceased his attack and Creel fell on his back completely passed out from the pain he had just endured.
"One down." The avenger noted before jumping away as Dynamo came around the wall and fired lasers from his wrists.
Amora then cast a spell and suddenly the alien found himself sinking into the ground as the floor beneath him turned into quicksand. He quickly changed into Astrodactly and used the propulsion from his jetpack to pull himself out of the sinking pit. Making a U-turn before flying at the Sorceress and transforming into Heatblast as he unleashed a large wave of fire at her. The flames seemingly consumed her but was revealed to have missed as she appeared a distance away with her teleportation.
Before he could attack again however the Executioner struck the ground with his axe and froze the Pyronite in ice. That didn't last long however as Heatblast glared through the ice and his body suddenly glowed brighter. The ice holding him breaking apart as a wave of fire exploded out from him. Amora and Scourge were blown back and landed roughly, their bodies singed a bit with slight pain but otherwise unharmed. Heatblast crossed his arms as he got hit by a laser from Dynamo, knocking him down but not causing severe harm. The avenger quickly got back up and fired a wave of flames at the armored villain but his suit managed to withstand the attack and he fired missiles at him which Ben intercepted by throwing fireballs at them.
"If only I could safely turn into Lodestar I'd tear his armor apart." Heatblast thought in annoyance knowing that form could deal with Crimson Dynamo easily. However, that ran the risk of another villain getting a hit on him which could cause his head to be separated from his body and leave him vulnerable. "Oh well guess I'll have to use someone else"
With a thought he transformed in a different alien and from behind his suit Ivan Vanko narrowed his eyes.
The new form that stood before the villain was a large blue iguana-like creature with some fangs showing and black markings around its eyes. It wore a white front shirt that was black in the back making it look like he had a shell. He had long frontal legs while the rear one were shorter, a few large spikes running down his spine, green eyes, three clawed toes that looked like they were poking out through his clothing. The omnitrix symbol was on its right shoulder.
"Articguana is going to make you chill!" The new alien declared before exhaling a freezing ray of ice from his mouth. The freezing attack hit the villain, quickly causing ice to spread and surround him almost in an instant. He didn't stop however as he kept pouring more ice until the villain was encased in a block of ice big enough for a tank to fit inside. "Two down and-ARGH!."
His words were cut short as Enchantress struck him with her magic with the ferocity of a raging fire. His body aching as it felt like his skin was partially scorched. He turned to her and quickly leaped away from her next attack.
"Damn… her attacks are powerful and quite painful, she must be even stronger than Morgan Le Fay." The avenger thought which made him feel some trepidation.
Enchantress brought her hands forward and fired a concentrated beam of magic at him. Articguana retaliated by firing his freeze breath which intercepted her attack as they entered a sort of beam struggle.
For a moment they seemed to be even but then the sorceresses attack began to push through. Articguana tried to hang on and put more energy into his attack, but he was soon faltering as he was running out of air to exhale. Her attack soon enough overpowered his own and came upon him. A green flash enveloped him right before it could hit him.
Enchantress had seen the light of him changing forms again and saw whatever he became was still enveloped by her attack as she saw the shadowed form within. She kept pouring a bit more energy, intending to incapacitate him for capture as planned. She soon ceased her attack intending to see how injured and worn down he was. Her confidence soon turned to surprise and some disbelief when she saw what looked like a humanoid turtle. The surprise however was from seeing he was completely unharmed, he hadn't even so much as crossed his arms to try and defend himself.
Terraspin smirked at her expression before turning into his fan form and charging at her. Amora fired another attack, seeing it would be an easy hit to his reckless charge. To her confusion and disbelief her magic just seemed to slip around him like a harmless breeze against a solid surface. He didn't even slow down in his charge before he tackled her, knocking her backwards. She got back up with a small snarl for the action.
The avenger turned his head as he saw the Executioner use his axe to spew fire which he used to melt the ice imprisoning Crymson Dynamo. The armored villain was freed though his armor seemed to have suffered some damage from being frozen and he guessed that he was also experiencing a few system errors. The sight made Terraspin narrow his eyes in annoyance at how the villains keep coming back into the fight.
"I won't get anywhere like this if they keep freeing each other. I need to find a way to take them down or else this will never end. If that fails, I should consider withdrawing to inform the Avengers about Zemo's new team and how we should form a plan to deal with them." The alien thought as he considered his options.
Enchantress seeing that her pure magic wasn't working for some reason switched tactics. Instead of firing magic she used it to envelop several metal beams, ripping them from their foundations before throwing them at the hero. Terraspins eyes widened for a moment before using his fans to blow at the large beams. His powerful gust of wind managed to alter their trajectory just enough to miss him.
"She learns quick." The avenger thought about how quickly she found a work around for his immunity to magic.
Seeing that he had tried to avoid her attack this time, Amora knew she found a usable method of attack. Summoning her magic again, she enveloped the pillars with them before causing them to split into several smaller pieces that turned into spheres. She then had them surround the avenger on all sides before having them launched at him.
A green flash of light once again occurred before they hit and when it cleared the spheres had collided, but this time Ben was gone. Amoras eyes immediately looked around for their opponent in perplexion.
Unknown to her, Ghostfreak floated where he had stood and flew at her.
"He's cloaked in front of you!" Crymson Dynamo warned as his thermal sensors registered a figure colder than the air flying towards her.
Heeding the warning, Amora enveloped herself in a swirling dome of magic. Ghostfreak couldn't stop himself or try turning intangible in time and collided with it. The dome electrocuting him like a fly that hit a bug zapper as he uncloaked from the pain before getting flung back.
"Urgh…" The ghostly alien groaned in pain while rubbing his head. "That was severely unpleasant."
"You'll soon feel worse after this!" Amora declared before firing green lightning bolts since he was no longer in the form immune to her magic.
A green flash changed Ghostfreak to Chromastone who raised his hand blocked the lightning as he absorbed it. He fired an auroral colored energy beam from his horn. Amora raised a green wall of magic that deflected the attack away. Transforming back into Heatblast he slapped the ground with both hands and turned the very concrete into a boiling sea of asphalt. The villains moved back from the transforming landscape for their own safety less they get severely burned.
Seizing the moment, Heatblast changed back into Diamondhead before raising his hands and created a giant crystal wall that rose from the ground while also completely blocking their path.
"He's annoyingly persistent." Amora exclaimed to Zemo who had been silently watching the fight with an observant eye. Seeing his enemy's capabilities and set of powers with an analytical mindset as he watched the avenger's movements. Observing his strength, speed, fighting style, level of power, reaction time and possible limitations.
"Quite so." The masked demon before looking down at the boiling floor near his feet. "Would you mind?"
Amora waved her hand and then her magic swept over the ground, cooling and reverting it back to a stable surface. She then prepared to bring down the crystal wall before them to continue their battle with the avenger.
Suddenly, a massive high-pitched screech was heard which increased in intensity when the crystal wall suddenly shattered apart as sound waves broke through and swept over the villains. The glass-looking dome part of Crymson Dynamo cracked and shattered apart as its occupant now held his ears in pain. He wasn't alone either as Zemo, Amora and Skurge mimicked the action as they all held their now throbbing ears in near agony. The cause of said pain was a group of three Echo Echo's who were all screeching together in a unified attack.
"Raaaaah the noise!" Ivan Vanko howled while trying in vain to block out the sound.
"Arggghhhh!" Zemo roared in both pain and anger at what he was experiencing.
Amora and Skurge were in similar states though their different physiology allowed them to better tolerate it. Slowly Amora found the strength to lift herself from the ground and then raised her hand where with some difficulty she managed to concentrate enough to cast a spell.
Suddenly a dark green dome expanded from her and enveloped them all. The interior they were now in was darker as less light seemed to emanate. But what surprised Echo Echo and his duplicates was that there was no sound anymore. Their sonic screams died out despite the fact their mouths remained open as if still trying to attack. They tried speaking but heard nothing come out of their mouths.
(What happened? Why can't I hear anything?) Echo Echo mouthed but not a single sound came out.
The aliens looked to see the villains getting up except for Crimson Dynamo who had already passed out from the pain. Amora looked at Zemo before waving her hand as a faint green aura glowed enveloped him and Skurge. With a gesture of her hand Skurge disappeared. The three aliens got alarmed looks and too late did they turn around as the Executioner was already behind them and swung his axe. Two of the aliens were bisected and in green flashes they disappeared from existence leaving only the main one left now.
He transformed into Four Arms and swung his fist at the Asgardian but to his surprise he disappeared again. He looked back to see him reappear before beside the others. The tetramand raised his fists in preparation when Amoras eyes suddenly flashed green for a moment. He was confused by that as nothing happened after a moment but before he could attack he was struck from behind by a powerful purple blast of energy. Amora seized the opportunity and fired her own magical attack as Four Arms was now caught between both attacks colliding against each. He was caught in the middle and the pain he felt was now more than doubled.
Four Arms tried to hang on or even change forms, but it was futile. The pain was too much, and he couldn't concentrate to transform. It took a few more moments before he finally fell over and collapsed. His form came undone as he turned back to human form and looking equally pained and barely conscious as his transformation had become.
Just before darkness claimed him, he managed to catch a glimpse of his attacker from behind and was stunned.
"Simon!?" Ben thought in disbelief before all remaining strength left him and his eyes shut.
The villains gathered around him.
"Well, that was more laborious than I expected." Zemo remarked.
"His diversity of abilities made it challenging to bring him down." Amora admitted as she was truly surprised the mortal had put up such a fight against them.
"Put him with the good captain in holding." Zemo told her. "We'll need to return to base to treat the wounded and so Dynamo can make some repairs to his suit." His eyes of his mask narrowed "After that we continue our assault by striking them in their own home."
Without another word Amora teleported them all.
That's a wrap as we get into the Masters of Evil.
Tony is now in recovery after his surgery to remove the shrapnel which is something I had thought about. It seemed like the perfect time for it after his gamma transformation which really looked like it messed him up. I'm surprised he didn't require a hospital after that ordeal. So yeah the Masters of Evil will go into a two parter. The next chapter will conclude it as you'll see what will happen.