One Universe RPG: Season V IC Thread

[wiegeabo]

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[Byrd Man]

"Oh, don't get me wrong Jim. I wouldn't put you in that kind of position. I'm not a politician. I've had to deal with them too, and I think they're probably the last thing we need right now."

"No, what I'm looking for is someone with a lot of experience. Forgive my bluntness, but I need someone who's dealt with, and can cut through, all the ******** the job brings with it. I'm serious when I say I want to turn this city around. And I need good people around me to help me do that."

"I want you to by my Deputy Mayor."

"Deputy Mayor?"

I smirk and lean back in my chair.

"I appreciate the gesture, but I've got to say no. I don't think I can sit in an office all day in a monkey suit the way Krohl does. I'm police, not a politician. I can stare down the Joker without hesitation, or go toe to toe with Two-Face and all his people. Want me to clear the drug corner at Riggs and Calhoun with a nightstick? No problem...but school reform? Balancing a budget? Dealing with the city council? Those things are what really scares me."

 

[Eddie Brock]

"That's enough, Bench."

Hydro-Man reforms in front of me, trying to hide his surprise with a scowl.

"Yes, I know who you are," I continue. "And I know what happened to you. If you let me, I'd like to help you."

Hydro-Man laughs - a response I'm used to receiving. "Help me? Look at me!" He extends his arms to the side and turns them into concentrated water jets. Like a watery blob, the arms are reabsorbed and resume their normal shape. "I've never been better!" This time, he turns the water jets on me, with enough force to knock me off my feet and launch me into the side of the armored van.

I pull myself out of the dent I made in the side of the van. Water drips from my costume and races back to Hydro-Man. "I don't understand. You weren't a criminal before the accident. What changed?"

"Everything changed!"

He tries his water jet trick again, but this time I'm ready for him. I hit him with a blast of arctic breath which freezes his arms solid. I'm not usually the type for it, but upon seeing the puzzled expression on Hydro-Man's face, I smirk. That only seems to fire him up as he redoubles his efforts. The ice shatters, and the jets hit me with significantly more force than before. This time, I topple over the van completely.

"What about you, hero?" Hydro-Man asks condescendingly. "You never once thought about using your powers to improve your situation?"

"Never."

Hydro-Man scowls. "Then you're an idiot, and we're done talking!" He covers my mouth with his hand and starts pumping water into my mouth. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't seem to know just how long I can hold my breath. My heat vision burns through his arm, turning it to steam. "&*@%!"

I try to grab Hydro-Man by the collar of his shirt, but he turns completely to water and splashes on top of me. I stand up, stepping over the toppled van, and watch the sentient puddle snake its way across the street. I tag him with another burst of heat vision. That's when I see what he's doing. He turns into a giant fist and knocks a fire hydrant loose.

Clever.

Hydro-Man starts absorbing the extra moisture, quickly growing to three times his normal size. "That's it! You and this whole city are going to drown!" He fires a water jet at me at the same moment that I unleash my heat vision. The two opposing blasts meet in the middle, creating a cloud of steam ten feet above the ground. Hydro-Man steps on top of the broken hydrant, and he continues to grow. As he does, his water jet inches towards me.

As long as Hydro-Man can turn into water at will, I can't physically detain him. And he may be able to blast me around, but he's never really going to hurt me, either. So it's a stalemate. Unless...

I zoom away from the scene, looking for the nearest construction site. I remember seeing one a few blocks away when I was flying over here. At the construction site, I pick up two bags of concrete mix and throw them over my shoulders. Nodding to the shocked construction workers, I say, "Carry on, boys."

I race back to where I left Hydro-Man. He's standing in the middle of the street, still more than three times the size of a normal man, no doubt wondering where I went. I fly above him, tearing open the two bags of concrete mix. They hit Hydro-Man's watery skin with a plop.

"What the--?"

The suddenly lumpy Hydro-Man looks up and sees me. "It sounds like you need a better moral foundation, Bench," I announce. I hold up one of the bags so he can see. "But failing that, this will have to do."

Hydro-Man has time to gulp before I clock him once. His very tangible body falls to the street, now starting to turn a grayish color. My only hope is that when they strain out what's left of him, they'll put him to good use watering a garden or maybe keeping some flowers fresh in a vase.

I return the armored van to its upright position, flattening out the dent I made. I weld the doors back on, for which the shaken driver was very appreciative. I head to the nearest hardware store and buy two bags of concrete mix to return to the construction site. While there, I also help the boys with some tricky welding. After helping them to load some gravel into a truck bed, I take off with a smile to return to the Daily Planet.

***

"Smallville, where were you?" Lois asks, getting up from her desk as I walk in, still adjusting my tie. "Jimmy and I got back, and you were nowhere to be found - as usual."

Smiling pleasantly, I say, "Had to follow up on that water treatment plant for Perry." I sit down at my desk, pulling up the article in question and printing it. As it prints, I turn back to Lois. "So, how about you? Catch up to that Hydro-Man?"

"Hydro-Man? Hey, that's pretty good. Come up with that yourself?"

I shrug.

"Mind if I use it?" Coming from Lois, I know the question is only a formality. She's already back on her keyboard, typing away. "Hydro is with a 'y,' yes?"

I try not to laugh. "Yes, Lois."
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

CYCLOPS

Mr. Markov knocks on the door to Tara's bedroom. He opens it slowly, saying, "Tara, there's a man here to see you."

Tara is sitting on her bed, her back facing the door. She doesn't flinch.

Mr. Markov turns to me. "She's still getting over the transition," he explains. I don't need an explanation. I know all too well what it's like to go through mutation. Feeling like a freak, alienating your friends, the looks people in your neighborhood give you. It's all the more reason why I should talk to her. Mr. Markov nods and heads back downstairs.

I leave the door open and step into the room.

"Are you here to take me away?" Tara announces suddenly.

"No. No one's taking you anywhere. I just want to talk."

"What's there to talk about?" she asks, her tone cutting. "I'm a mutant."

"So am I." At this, she turns around. She seems to eye me uncertainly, so I decide a little show of power couldn't hurt. After all, the Professor convinced me he was telling the truth about himself by talking in my head. I spot an empty soda can on Tara's dresser. Lowering my sunglasses, I blast it right off the counter.

"Woah."

I take a few steps forward. "What about you? What can you do?"

Tara turns her gaze to her bedroom window. I follow her eyes, taking in the view of her backyard. There's an above-ground pool and a rusty swing set. Tara closes her eyes and holds out her hand. The ground beneath the swing set begins to shift. A mass of rock and dirt rises up out of the earth. Geokinesis.

"That's an impressive power."

Tara frowns. "Not so impressive when you tear your school's gym in half."

I shrug. "The first time I used my powers, I blew a hole through the bathroom wall. You can imagine how shocked the girls on the other side were."

Tara laughs. "You did that?"

"I did. See these glasses? They're the only thing keeping me from doing it every time I open my eyes," I explain. "Before getting these, I had to keep my eyes closed all the time. A man came to me and told me he would help me open my eyes again. I didn't believe him."

"You're here to open my eyes?"

"In a way." I pull out Tara's computer chair and sit down. "I'm putting together a team. A team of mutants, like us. And this team is going to be a symbol of hope for all mutants."

"What's that have to do with me?"

"I want to train you," I reply. "You have an amazing gift, and you can do great things with it. I want to help you do that." I smirk. "Plus, you get to run around stopping bad guys."

Tara's eyes light up. "Really?"

"Now, it isn't going to be all action and excitement. What we're doing is raising awareness - awareness of mutants and of registration. We're working hand in hand with the government to keep people safe. Does that sound like something you'd be interested in?"
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

GENERAL "THUNDERBOLT" ROSS

"Brief me." I pick up my cigar cutter and cut off the end of a new cigar.

Across from me is Dr. Dabney Donovan, the head scientist in charge of Project Doomsday. He's the classic "mad scientist" type - bushy mustache, soot-covered goggles, white lab coat. He's also probably out of his mind. But he's a damn good geneticist, and he gets results.

"As you know, the test subject received his second round of injections last week," Donovan begins. "His strength has grown tenfold, but he's beginning to exhibit signs of a...mutation."

I take a deep hit of my cigar, flicking the ash into my ashtray. "What kind of a mutation?"

"Bony protrusions along his spine, elbows, and knees," Donovan replies. "He's also nearly tripled in sheer mass."

"This is not unexpected, Doctor. You see what Banner and Blonsky turned into." I lean across my desk. "How about the subject's mental capacity? Has it been negatively affected in any way?"

"Other than a little anxiousness over the physical changes in his body, no. The test subject is alert, responsive, and healthy by all reports. We've assured him that his mutation is a natural part of the process, as well as promised that we will monitor the situation should it get any more serious."

I rub my chin. A false promise. I've come too far and invested too much into this project to have it scrapped just because of some "bony protrusions." Corporal Bloome knew what he signed up for. He's seen Banner on the news. The assignment has its risks, but in return we're giving him the strength to go toe-to-toe with gods.

"Pass along this status report to General Lane."

Donovan nods and lets himself out.
​

 

[Carnage27]

​

After the train arrives back in New York, I duck into an alley, and once I'm home, collapse on the bed and let sleep take over. The entire ride home scenarios played in my head, each more terrible than the next. There is a great conflict on the way, that I can be sure. Meaning I need to get people out of New York.

**********
​

The sun shoots through the blinds covering my windows, and I rub the sleep from my eyes, not to mention stretch out some of the aches and pains from last night. My head is still swimming from Crane's fear gas, eve though the primary effects are long gone.

A small knock is heard on my door, before it opens and Gwen enters, "Hey...how did the Gotham expedition go last night?"

"It could have been a lot better," I respond with a sigh. "You and Aunt May need to get out of New York."

Gwen returns a shocked look, "What? Why?"

"Venom's back," I respond. "The alien symbiote somehow rebonded with Eddie Brock, and he's back. And working with other villains, from what I gathered in Gotham. Meaning the two of you aren't safe."

"My God...that's a lot to handle," she says, worried. I had told her all about Venom. The stories horrified her, and the experience with the Goblin doesn't help the news that a monster that abducted my old girlfriend has returned. "Where do you want us to go?"

I had been thinking about the answer, but Gwen isn't going to like it. "What about your mom's?"

Gwen and her mom have never been close since her parents divorced. They have barely even talked since her father's murder, besides the fact that her mom has been bugging Gwen to move back to her house. Which of course Gwen is having none of.

"You're kidding right?" Gwen says giving me the dreaded "look". It would be enough to make Hitler crap his pants and the devil to drop down to his knees and cry like a baby.

"I know, I know," I respond with my hands up. "But it's a plausible excuse. And it will show your mom you're in good hands here."

"And what will be your excuse for not coming?" she says, look still intact.

"I'll say Mr. Jameson has something for me to do," I shrug. "Listen, I would not be doing this if I didn't think you guys were in big, big trouble. I just want you to be safe, and somewhere Venom wouldn't look."

"Yea, I get it," she nods. "When do you want us to leave?"

"When's the next train?"

**********

The wind rustles through my mask as I swing towards the Baxter Building. I dropped Gwen and Aunt May off at the train station earlier today. Aunt May was a little flustered at the last minute trip plans, but she was completely okay with going to meet Gwen's mom for the next few days. Which gives me plenty of time to figure out what's going on and find Venom.

Landing on the top floor of the Baxter Building, I tap on a window, and Reed Richards slides it open, "Ah, Spider-man, good to see you. You mentioned today that you had something interesting to show me?"

"Yes, Dr. Richards," I say as I enter the huge, lavish penthouse apartment, and hand him the small symbiote sample. "This seems to be a small piece of a symbiote that made up my old black suit. But it was attached to Killer Croc, and Batman believes it was controlling him. I was wondering if you could take a look at it. Figure out what it actually is, and whether it has a mind of it's own."

"Of course, son, I'll take a look at it," he says as he leads me towards his lab. But on our way, Sue Storm runs towards us in a huff, "Reed, come see!"

She leads us towards their sitting room, where we find Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm sitting in front of the television, both of them in their Fantastic Four uniforms. Johny nods at me as I enter, and then motions towards the TV.

There, I see the horrible visage of the Scarecrow staring back at me, "Hello, New York. I'm here, outside my beloved Gotham in order to spread the word of the new world order. An order that will bring out the primal desires of all people. The desires that will all have. And I'll show you what I mean right now, New York. Say hello to basic human nature, and say hello to fear."

**********

All across the five boroughs of New York, a multitude of gas bombs explore in the streets, sewers, and buildings, enveloping most of the city in Scarecrow's patented fear gas.

And as the denizens of New York begin to breath in the toxin, they begin rioting and tearing the city apart, dropping the city into a state of open revolution and anarchy.

**********
​

With that, alarms blare through the Baxter Building penthouse, and Reed hurries over towards the computer in the room, and begins checking the details of the alarm. "My word...some sort of chemical bombs have gone off all across the city, dispersing Scarecrow's hallucinogen. And on top of that...every bridge, tunnel, and exit out of the city has been destroyed. New York has been cut off."

And there it is. The cataclysm that I've been fearing has happened, and so much more quickly than I could have anticipated. I just had my run in with Scarecrow last night, and he's already dispersed his gas through the city, meaning there's other people involved with this.

But I can't worry about that now. Gwen and Aunt May are out of the city, meaning I'm free to do my job as Spider-Man. I look over at Johnny, "Go get Jamie and bring him up here. I'm going to get Robin to come New York. Kara and Kory have been MIA for a few days here, so I won't worry about them. Sue, Ben, we're going to need you guys on patrol tonight as well. Crane's gas will drive the city into anarchy, and we need everyone we can to try and keep the peace."

"No problem, web-head," Ben nods and Sue adds, "Of course."

"Here, everyone," I say tossing the vials of antidote to them. "This will inoculate you to the poison." I toss another one to Reed, "This is an extra. We're gonna need as much as we can possibly get. Can you do that?"

"Of course, I'll get working on it right now," he nods.

"While we're preparing, I'm going to see if the rest of the League might be able to help."

"I wouldn't count on that," Reed says as he reads another bulletin on his computer. "There's another situation that may keep them tied up."
​

 

[Carnage27]

The Incredible Hulk
​

I stroll the streets of Phoenix, hands in my pockets and a ball cap drawn low over my face, attempting to blend into the humanity that has come out on this beautiful summer night. This really is a place I could live if I ever rid myself of my curse. The weather is beautiful and the people are great here.

Smiling at a few passersby, I let my guard down. I've been desperate for human interaction for weeks now, and my short conversations with Reed don't do enough to satisfy my need for socialization. Even though I don't speak to them, just being around more people makes me feel better.

**********

The hunter prowls the rooftops, following his prey from above. He smiles at the ease of this hunt. For a person who doesn't want to be found, he's walking right in the middle of a crowded downtown metropolitan area.

Kraven unholsters his rifle and loads the dart into the chamber and fires, and laughs as the dart finds its target.

**********
​

I feel a pinprick on my neck, and the next minute my consciousness is flooded with intense fear and anxiety. The people around me all turn into Hulks, each one screaming and yelling at me.

"BANNER PUNY!"

"HULK SMASH BANNER!"

"BANNER NOT DESERVE TO LIVE"

Then, as I drop to the ground and cower in fear, they transform into my father and General Ross, berating me for my short comings and failures.

As I'm on the ground, I begin feeling my muscles ripple, and my body explodes in a torrent of power.

**********

"HULK STRONGEST OF ALL! HULK CRUSH ALL OTHERS!" the Hulk roars as the people around him panic and run for their lives. But the Hulk doesn't see them as people, but as other versions of himself proclaiming their greatness and turning their backs to him. This sign of defiance drives him crazy as even Crane's fear gas affects the Jade Giant.

As he begins to terrorize Phoenix, Arizona, New York begins to tear itself apart.
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

I return to my apartment covered in soot. I had just responded to a three-alarm fire in Park Ridge. After zooming the trapped tenants out of the collapsing building, I used my arctic breath to extinguish the last of the flames. The firefighters were very appreciative for my help. Nice to know some people still want me around. I'm due back at the Planet any minute now (I told Lois I was running out for lunch), but I want to wash myself off first.

As a reflex, I turn on the TV in the living room. The news broadcast catches my eye. "SCARECROW HOLDS NEW YORK CITY HOSTAGE." Scarecrow? What's he doing outside of Gotham? I wonder if Batman knows. Of course Batman knows. Still, this is the sort of thing that merits League intervention...

...that is, until I flip the channel and see another report. "PHOENIX, AZ TERRORIZED BY INCREDIBLE HULK."

The Hulk. Dr. Bruce Banner. A close friend, actually, when he isn't trying to destroy a city. I haven't heard much from the Hulk since Bruce went off with Dr. Strange. It's odd that he'd come out unprovoked. Still, the Hulk takes precedent over Scarecrow - especially since I can expect the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man to deal with New York.

I take my League communicator out. "Attention, Justice League. This is Superman. The Hulk has been spotted in Arizona. Requesting immediate backup. Superman, out." In the blink of an eye, I've washed myself clean, and I take off, heading west.

I'm the first on the scene in Arizona. The Hulk is pulling his usual act - barking at civilians and causing major property damage. Luckily, the League's managed to create a child-like rapport with the Hulk. Hopefully, this won't have to come to violence.

"Hulk," I announce in a firm, yet nonthreatening, tone. The Green Goliath faces me. "It's me. Superman."
​

 

[wiegeabo]

"Deputy Mayor?"

I smirk and lean back in my chair.

"I appreciate the gesture, but I've got to say no. I don't think I can sit in an office all day in a monkey suit the way Krohl does. I'm police, not a politician. I can stare down the Joker without hesitation, or go toe to toe with Two-Face and all his people. Want me to clear the drug corner at Riggs and Calhoun with a nightstick? No problem...but school reform? Balancing a budget? Dealing with the city council? Those things are what really scares me."

"I get where your coming from. You think I like board meetings?" I say with a grin.

"Seriously...the city needs someone like you who doesn't think like a politician. Someone the people trust." I can read people like a book, and I know I'm getting to him, but I also see that it's not enough.

"Jim...I need someone I can trust."

 

[Carnage27]

I'm the first on the scene in Arizona. The Hulk is pulling his usual act - barking at civilians and causing major property damage. Luckily, the League's managed to create a child-like rapport with the Hulk. Hopefully, this won't have to come to violence.

"Hulk," I announce in a firm, yet nonthreatening, tone. The Green Goliath faces me. "It's me. Superman."
​

Superman floats in front of the Hulk, expecting the regular monster he's used to. Unfortunately, the Scarecrow's Fear Toxin currently flows through his veins, and instead of seeing his friend, the Hulk sees a red flying demon taunting him for his inability to fly. And any taunt thrown at the Hulk makes him even more angry, and even stronger.

"Stupid red-guy! Hulk strongest of all!" he bellows at Superman, swatting him with all the giant's strength, sending the Man of Tomorrow crashing through a few buildings.

The Hulk leaps on top of him and begins pounding Superman into the ground with fist after fist, "Just because Hulk no fly doesn't mean he's not strongest!"

 

[Eddie Brock]

Superman floats in front of the Hulk, expecting the regular monster he's used to. Unfortunately, the Scarecrow's Fear Toxin currently flows through his veins, and instead of seeing his friend, the Hulk sees a red flying demon taunting him for his inability to fly. And any taunt thrown at the Hulk makes him even more angry, and even stronger.

"Stupid red-guy! Hulk strongest of all!" he bellows at Superman, swatting him with all the giant's strength, sending the Man of Tomorrow crashing through a few buildings.

The Hulk leaps on top of him and begins pounding Superman into the ground with fist after fist, "Just because Hulk no fly doesn't mean he's not strongest!"

I catch the Hulk's fist in my hand, mustering up enough strength to throw the rampaging creature off of me. Something's not right. The Hulk isn't acting like himself. I throw myself at him and bring him to the ground with a haymaker of my own. I'll be able to keep pace with his strength for a while, but as the Hulk gets angrier, he's going to start overpowering me. And the Hulk's one of the few beings I've encountered who can make me bleed without the help of Kryptonite.

"Hulk, calm down!" I bark like a parent scolding a child. I use my arctic breath to encase him in ice from the neck down. That won't stop him, but it'll give me a second to catch my breath. "This isn't you! Something's making you do this!"

 

[Carnage27]

"Hulk, calm down!" I bark like a parent scolding a child. I use my arctic breath to encase him in ice from the neck down. That won't stop him, but it'll give me a second to catch my breath. "This isn't you! Something's making you do this!"

Superman lands a solid blow that sends the Hulk to the ground, but it'll do nothing but anger him more. I sit in my own subconscious, watching the battle unfold. If only I could call out to my friend, tell him what's going on, but that's impossible at this time.

The Hulk regains his footing and smacks his two hands together, causing a sonic boom that sends Superman tumbling through the air, "Leave Hulk alone! Hulk never afraid! Hulk no like this!" He jumps towards the spiraling hero and spikes him into the ground.

 

[Byrd Man]

"I get where your coming from. You think I like board meetings?" I say with a grin.

"Seriously...the city needs someone like you who doesn't think like a politician. Someone the people trust." I can read people like a book, and I know I'm getting to him, but I also see that it's not enough.

"Jim...I need someone I can trust."

"What about Krohl?"

I pick myself up off the recliner and walk towards the window.

"He was Hill's deputy for eight years, so being deputy again is probably the last thing he'd want to do. But if you can convince him, I think you can get a good guy on your side....he means well....it's just, he doesn't get the support he needs. He's been in Hill's camp for years, so he's gonna have an inside view for you."

I turn around and look at Wayne.

"He's the man you want. You want me so bad, then you appoint me back at my old post if you win. That's still an if. You got some ground to cover to catch up with Councilman Kane."

 

[wiegeabo]

"What about Krohl?"

I pick myself up off the recliner and walk towards the window.

"He was Hill's deputy for eight years, so being deputy again is probably the last thing he'd want to do. But if you can convince him, I think you can get a good guy on your side....he means well....it's just, he doesn't get the support he needs. He's been in Hill's camp for years, so he's gonna have an inside view for you."

I turn around and look at Wayne.

"He's the man you want. You want me so bad, then you appoint me back at my old post if you win. That's still an if. You got some ground to cover to catch up with Councilman Kane."

"Krohl?" I think that over for a moment. It's not a bad idea. Actually...it's a pretty good one. "Hmm...I might just do that. There's nothing like having an inside man, and I doubt there's any love lost between those two."

"Sure you won't reconsider? You seem to be throwing me all the ideas I need."

 

[Carnage27]

The half an hour after Scarecrow covered New York with Fear Toxin feels like an eternity, but now I'm standing on the roof of the Baxter Building ready to lead five other heroes into the thick of things. I look at all of them, and gather my breath, "Everyone, this is something that none of us ever expected to happen on our watch. An attack of this magnitude on New York is unbelievable, especially considering everything we've been doing to try and make it safe. But it's happened, ad now it's time to act."

"You've all been given a partner and a section of New York to cover," I continue. "I don't want anyone getting in over their heads, but you need to do the best you can to keep the peace, and to keep the citizens of New York from tearing each other apart. Cranes fear gas will cause them to see you as enemies, so don't expect a warm reception. Just do your best to incapacitate them without causing serious injury."

"Got it," Ben Grimm nods.

"It's kinda hard for pebble butt to not hurt anyone," Johnny laughs. "Just a look from his ugly mug-"

"Not the time, Johnny," Sue Storm reprimands her brother.

Nodding, I resume my briefing, "Ben your with Sue. Jaime and Robin, you're partnered up, and Johnny's with me. Now, Let's head out!"

And with that the assembled heroes and I disperse over New York, hoping that we can make a difference in the chaos.
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

Superman lands a solid blow that sends the Hulk to the ground, but it'll do nothing but anger him more. I sit in my own subconscious, watching the battle unfold. If only I could call out to my friend, tell him what's going on, but that's impossible at this time.

The Hulk regains his footing and smacks his two hands together, causing a sonic boom that sends Superman tumbling through the air, "Leave Hulk alone! Hulk never afraid! Hulk no like this!" He jumps towards the spiraling hero and spikes him into the ground.

Afraid? With the Hulk, it's always difficult to figure out what he means, but he's being quite clear right now. The Hulk isn't rampaging out of anger; he's rampaging out of fear. My mind slips to the report about Scarecrow attacking New York. Scarecrow, whose modus operandi involves a potent fear toxin. I want to say it can't possibly be a coincidence, but that's more than halfway across the country from here. Unless...

A coordinated attack.

The Hulk winds up for a devastating blow, and it takes both of my hands to stop his mighty fist. Gritting my teeth, I say, "Hulk, you don't have to be afraid. I'm your friend! I want to help you!"

Suddenly, the Hulk is rocked by an explosion from behind. The shockwave knocks me over as well, and I sit up just in time to see a blur of red and gold soaring overhead.

"Terribly sorry about that response time. A Swedish model had my ear, and I just couldn't bear to tear myself away."

Iron Man. "Where's the rest of the League?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Blue," Iron Man replies as he fires a rocket into the Hulk's chest. Judging from the Hulk's reaction, it did little more than tickle him.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Krohl?" I think that over for a moment. It's not a bad idea. Actually...it's a pretty good one. "Hmm...I might just do that. There's nothing like having an inside man, and I doubt there's any love lost between those two."

"Sure you won't reconsider? You seem to be throwing me all the ideas I need."

"Like I said, Mister Wayne, I'm police. My father was a cop, his father was a cop. I subscribe the to the philosophy that you go for what you know. So, thanks, but no thanks. Best of luck in the election, though. I don't trust Hill or Kane any farther than I could throw them."

 

[Byrd Man]

"We'll know for certain once we talk to him," Charles says as he powers his chair forwards to the exit. "For now, let's make sure we put on a good appearance for the family."

"Speaking of that...perhaps it would be best if Kurt and I stay back for a few moments while you and Jean make introductions? I know Kurt has no body issues, and neither do I, but our appearances can be quite jarring when it comes to first impression."

I sit off to the side of the living room while Charles gives the Krummet's the speech. It's almost the same as the one I heard all those years ago when I was younger and considerably less hairy. The family seem to be taking it in well, the two parents are nodding in all the right places while the dark-haired teenager sitting between them listens to Charles with rapt attention.

"It is my belief that mutants represent the next wave in evolution," Charles says with complete sincerity in his voice. In the decades we've known each other, he has never become jaded or disenfranchised with his mission. "Every day, more and more mutants are brought into this world. A hundred years from now, it's believed that 1 in 4 people on the planet will be a mutant. We need to prepare for the future, create a foundation of trust and understanding that bridges the gap between humans and mutants. This is what I am teaching at my school, and it is my goal in life to one day see the peaceful co-existence of both species."

"I think our son needs a place to learn how to control what he can do," the father says. "But I am curious...is that all you do?"

"Certainly not," I say. The eyes in the room turn to me. The Krummet's look at me apprehensively, unsure of what to make of me just yet. "As Deputy Headmaster, I can tell you for certain that the courses we teach prepare our students for college as well as life as a well adjusted professional. We are all certified to teach in the state of New York, and I believe Mister Wagner is in the process of earning his teaching certificate."

"What about tuition?" The mother asks. She points towards the brochure I handed to her when we first came in. "We're not in any position to pay for schooling like this."

"Tuition is free," Charles says with a smile. "Think of it as a scholarship."

"What about you, Conner?" Jean finally speaks up. The young man looks at Jean with a confused face. "Is this what you want to do? It's a big decision. As much as your parents care, it's your choice to make."

"Indeed. Parental consent is always nice, but it's always up to the potential student if he wants to join."

Conner looks at his parents and then looks at us.

"Yeah," he finally says. "I'm in."

 

[Carnage27]

Over the next two hours, Conner prepares himself for the trip to West Chester, and I stay in the corner, my image inducer making me look like a normal 19 year old man. I probably could have come in without it as Dr. McCoy did, but he let's off an air of dignity, whereas people tend to be afraid of me. I think it has to do with the tail.

Once he's ready, Conner says good-bye to his parents, who claim they'll come visit often. Personally, I'd be surprised if they do. Non-mutants tend to stay away from a place chock full of us. But hey, they might be different.

We board the Blackbird, and as the entrance door closes, I turn off my image inducer, which causes Conner to jump a little bit, "Yea, I know. Is it zhe tail?"

"No, just surprising," he laughs as we strap ourselves into seats."So is this place as good as it sounds?"

"You have no idea," I smile to our new recruit. "You're gonna enjoy yourself. I am Kurt Vagner. My codename is Nightcrawler."

"Nice to meet you, Kurt. So...are there a lotta girls at the school?" he gives me a mischievous look. "I've always been shy, especially since my powers started to manifest. Maybe being with people like me could change that."

"Oh yea, zhere are plenty of girls mein friend," I laugh as Jean and Beast take us into the sky.

 

[Byrd Man]

We board the Blackbird, and as the entrance door closes, I turn off my image inducer, which causes Conner to jump a little bit, "Yea, I know. Is it zhe tail?"

"No, just surprising," he laughs as we strap ourselves into seats."So is this place as good as it sounds?"

"You have no idea," I smile to our new recruit. "You're gonna enjoy yourself. I am Kurt Vagner. My codename is Nightcrawler."

"Nice to meet you, Kurt. So...are there a lotta girls at the school?" he gives me a mischievous look. "I've always been shy, especially since my powers started to manifest. Maybe being with people like me could change that."

"Oh yea, zhere are plenty of girls mein friend," I laugh as Jean and Beast take us into the sky.

The five of us fly back to Westchester in relative silence. Jean brings the Blackbird down outside the mansion. Charles rolls out of the exit and turns to Conner. "Welcome, Conner. Kurt, would you be so kind to show him around? And, Hank."

"Yes?"

"Go to the Danger Room and prep it for our newest student. After the tour, I'd like to see what he's made of."

The slight twinkle in Charles' eyes makes me smile. I give him a toothy grin and nod. "It'd be my pleasure."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As night falls over Queens, the monster known as Venom makes his way through the city in search of his quarry, Peter Parker...or as he is better known, "The Spectacular" Spider-Man.

For the most part, his hunt for his arch nemesis has been fruitless. Parker is nowhere to be found.

"Hiding from us, Parker? Why aren't we surprised?" He says aloud.

Then something on the street below catches his attention. A familiar face, along with someone who he does not recognize.

"Robin...Perfect, if we can't find Parker, we'll bring him to us."

 

[wiegeabo]

"Like I said, Mister Wayne, I'm police. My father was a cop, his father was a cop. I subscribe the to the philosophy that you go for what you know. So, thanks, but no thanks. Best of luck in the election, though. I don't trust Hill or Kane any farther than I could throw them."

I stand up. I've worked with Jim enough to know when a conversation is over. Although it's usually me ending them.

I stick out my hand and shake his. "Thanks for your time, Jim. And for the advice. I'll have to follow up on it."

Jim shows me to the door, but just before I leave, I stop. "Oh, and if you're tired of watching soap operas, and assuming I don't win this thing, I have a security position in Wayne Enterprises you might be interested in. And no, it's not security guard," I say with a smile.

"It's just head of corporate security. Globally. If you're interested. Let me know and we'll set something up." With that, I take my leave.

 

[Carnage27]

As I swing over the city, I'm struck by the utter devastation already doled out on the city mere minutes after Scarecrow's attack. Below, all I see are flames, raving citizens, and overturned cars. The fear gas has torn threw the city like a tidal wave made of infected citizens. All I can hope is that they're not killing each other down there.

A scream draws my attention to the ground, and I motion to Johnny that I'm headed down.

Landing at street level, I find myself staring at my high school, and I find a group of crazed citizens closing in on two forms backed against the outside wall of the school. One warns the attackers, and the familiar voice draws me into immediate action, "Back off creeps!"

Flash Thompson. The guy who made almost everyday of high school a living hell. But recently we've mended our relationship, and I think he was about to begrudgingly call me a friend before graduation. And behind him is his girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson. She's a babe, if I do say so myself. Although I'd never tell Gwen that, obviously.

I spring between the fear gassed masses and my two friends and quickly put up a wall of webs. I want to try my best to try and spare the beleaguered citizens from pain. They can't help what they're doing, so there's no reason to attack them.

Once they're held back, I hold out my hands to the two teens, "Come on, I'll get you outta here."

"Thanks, Tiger," Mary Jane says as her and Flash approach. Once they're secure, I swing up to the roof, and place them there.

"Stay here and weather out the storm," I instruct. "I'll check up on you when I can. You'll be safe here."

"You got it, Spidey," Flash responds. "Go kick the straw outta Scarecrow!"

"Thanks man, you did good!"

Okay...that almost hurt to say.

**********

Then something on the street below catches his attention. A familiar face, along with someone who he does not recognize.

"Robin...Perfect, if we can't find Parker, we'll bring him to us."

Robin and Jamie Madrox prowl Queens amongst the chaos of the fear gas attack, searching for the villain known as Scarecrow.

"Any idea where he'd be hiding?" Madrox asks. "I've got a bunch of dupes out in the city, but I don't really have much info for them."

"No clue," Robin shrugs. "Crane being in New York is weird enough. I'd know where to look in Gotham...but not here."
​

 

[Carnage27]

The Incredible Hulk
​

"Your guess is as good as mine, Blue," Iron Man replies as he fires a rocket into the Hulk's chest. Judging from the Hulk's reaction, it did little more than tickle him.

The Hulk spikes Iron Man into the ground, causing a skin-crawling sound of metal against pavement. But as the Jade Giant approaches his fallen foe, the fog of fear begins to lift from his eyes. Instead of seeing demonic presences taunting, tormenting, and attacking him, he sees Superman and Iron Man.

The Hulk doesn't count anyone among his friends, but he also knows people that have been nice to him in the past. And as the threat level lessens, I feel myself beginning to turn back into myself. The anger and fear fades away and my body shrinks back to my normal form.

As I drop to my knees after the transformation, I look up at Superman, "Superman...I don't know what happened. A dart hit me in the neck, and the next thing I know I'm freaking out. And then of course the big guy comes around. What's going on?"

 

[Carnage27]

After showing Conner the entire grounds and introducing him to Pete and some of the other mutants, I bring him towards the basement. As we ride the elevator down, he asks, "So, what the heck is this 'danger room'?"

I chuckle, "Oh...you vill see soon. Nothing I can tell you vill prepare you for the excitement."

We exit the elevator on the X-Men level, and the white hallways are a stark contrast to the mahogany walls of the upstairs of the mansion. Our footsteps are the only sounds that are made in the hall as we head towards the Danger Room. Once there, the two of us change into X-Men jumpsuits and meet Dr. McCoy, who is already in the practice room.

"Vell Professor..." I smile. "I think he's ready. Shall ve put him through zhe paces?"