The "Ultimate Marvel" RPG Season V IC Thread

[Blacklight]

My shoulders slump slightly. I mean couldn't a guy ever escape his...um full death experience.

"Eh you know the standard arm ripped off and the ever so fun bleeding to death on the way to medical attention. You know the usual."

I let out a small laugh which is cut off when I look at Kitty's face. I expected mild annoyance (which is the usual reaction to my humor) but all I see is concern.

Come on Anton, she scoured New York looking for you. She even hit up Ben for gods sake! That's' saying something considering that...well...it's Ben. She deserves the truth....

I reign my smart mouth in and bring my voice down to the level I use out of the webs.

"Look it wasn't major. I just went down fighting a creature that would've gone after everyone I loved. The way I see it I was just protecting my family....."

"That was a very brave thing to do, Anton. And there's no doubt in my mind that almost anyone else in that situation would've done the same thing..."

I walked over to Anton and put my hand on his shoulder, and looked into his eyes.

"I think your uncle would be very proud..."

 

[Blacklight]

"Where to go? Where to go?" I asked myself while navigating the sharp turns of the pathways between the tall buildings of New York.

Hmm... Where's all the crime at? I need somebody to whale on...

WEEWOOWEEWOO!!

"There..."

Police sirens. This looks like a job for the world-famous Human Torch...

Okay, so maybe this isn't a job for the world-famous Human Torch...

"Get out of our way, Matchstick. We've come to reclaim what was rightfully taken from us."

Now let's look at the pros and cons of this situation...

Pros: 5 smokin' hot women in leather.

Cons: 5 smokin' hot women with snakes that want to give me a beating.

"Ladies, ladies... Can't we talk about this? I see room for compromise here. Maybe we can discuss it over dinner?"

"Stand aside! We want the Crown back!"

I drifted towards the front door of the museum and stared the quintet of reptilian themed vixens down (Just a little bit more thoroughly than I should have, by the way...), and prepared myself. This'd be so much easier if Sue, Reed, Ben or hell even Dane (Dan, Don, Dunn?) were here to help, but I can do this. I'm the Goddamn Human Torch!

"Fine then. You leave us no choice but to kill you where you stand..."

"Bring it, Scaley! I ain't afraid of a bunch of girls with boa constrictors around their necks!"

"You should be... Serpent Squad! ATTACK!!"

This should be easy... At least I hope so.

 

[The Tangerine]

​

Kurt finished strapping Dr. Cassidy to the metal cot in the lab. His skin was burning and he needed Banshee. Now. He turned around to the glass cases full of vials. "Ah, Doctor, it seems all I need is right here." He opened the doors and grabbed a glass vial.

0.1% Mutant Growth Hormone

He smiled, looking now for a needle to inject himself with. He opened a drawer and found one. He removed the plastic wrapping and began filling it.

Suddenly, the door opened. "Doctor Cassidy? I was just wondering..."

Kurt turned, the hunger for Banshee in his eyes. "Get out."

The man saw the restrained Cassidy and ran out of the room. Within seconds, an alarm began blaring.

Kurt shook his head. "Foolish primate." He injected the needle into his arm, and immediately felt a rush of power into his body again. "Die Macht..." He fell to the ground, his body realing as the Banshee once more filled his body.

Meanwhile, half a dozen men ran into the room, and upon seeing Dr. Cassidy tied to the cot armed their rifiles and aimed at Kurt. "Don't move! What the hell are you doing?"

Kurt chuckled, his eyes glowing red as he turned to them, the Banshee now coarsing through his body in full force once again.

Spoiler

"You dare talk down to a god like me?" With that, Kurt lunged at the men, smashing into them before teleporting the entire group out of the building.

 

[Blacklight]

I have no clue what's going on with me...

Here's the lowdown. I'm fighting Winters in Rumekistan, I serve an icy can of whoopass, and he kills me. Next thing I know, I'm dead, but I rebuilt my entire body minutes later, and I come back with a badass new attitude and spiky appearance to match. Next thing I know, Cable's dead, and I reverted back to, well.... me.

Now I'm back in the mansion, dealing with the aftermath of it all. Warren and Ali aren't the same, neither are Jean or Scott. Logan's trying to figure out how to re-claw himself. Kitty and Kurt aren't back, so I'm all alone in figuring out what's going on with me. How exactly did I manage to revive myself and why did it change me?

I have to know...

Now, here I am, lying on my bed, bouncing a ball off my wall and catching it while I think of who could possibly help me.

The Professor can't, because he's gone all emo on us...

Hank's MIA...

Maybe Miss Frost from the Academy can help me? She's smart, right? Nah...

I think harder and harder, and try to think of all the candidates that could possibly help me. Fury? Reed Richards? Tony Stark? That guy that turns into the Hulk? Who?

Think, Bobby, think. I've got to think a little closer to home on this one...

Wait! Wasn't the Professor boning some mutant researcher before he started the whole Brotherhood thing with Magneto? What was her name... The one with the lab and the Irish accent... The redhead...

"MacTaggert!"

I then rushed off of my bed, leaving the rubber ball on it as I grabbed my jacket with the 'X' on it, and headed for the subbasement. I know where I have to go...

"Muir Island..."

Problem is, how do I get there? And undetected?

Hmm... I wonder if Scott left the keys to the X-Jet in the ignition?

"Hehehe... Nothing like a little joyride..."

 

[Gallagher]

Logan stood at the foot of his bed, still and silent, playing the events at Rumekistan over in his head for the hundreth time. Each time the pain dims. He didn't know whether it was natural or a part of his healing factor but he was thankful for it. Then his mind drifted to Ali, in many ways Ali was the closest thing he had to family and to sit with her on the X-Jet in complete, morbid silence being unable to comfort her was soul destroying.

Pushing it to the back of his mind he fell to the ground in one fluid motion and began to stretch out with some press ups. Before he could even work up a sweat he heard footsteps attempting to creep past his door, he didn't even have to smell the air to guess who it was, the air pressure changed and the surrounding area got cooler as the footsteps walked by.

"Drake." He growled under his breath wondering what the kid was up to this time.

I have no clue what's going on with me...

Here's the lowdown. I'm fighting Winters in Rumekistan, I serve an icy can of whoopass, and he kills me. Next thing I know, I'm dead, but I rebuilt my entire body minutes later, and I come back with a badass new attitude and spiky appearance to match. Next thing I know, Cable's dead, and I reverted back to, well.... me.

Now I'm back in the mansion, dealing with the aftermath of it all. Warren and Ali aren't the same, neither are Jean or Scott. Logan's trying to figure out how to re-claw himself. Kitty and Kurt aren't back, so I'm all alone in figuring out what's going on with me. How exactly did I manage to revive myself and why did it change me?

I have to know...

Now, here I am, lying on my bed, bouncing a ball off my wall and catching it while I think of who could possibly help me.

The Professor can't, because he's gone all emo on us...

Hank's MIA...

Maybe Miss Frost from the Academy can help me? She's smart, right? Nah...

I think harder and harder, and try to think of all the candidates that could possibly help me. Fury? Reed Richards? Tony Stark? That guy that turns into the Hulk? Who?

Think, Bobby, think. I've got to think a little closer to home on this one...

Wait! Wasn't the Professor boning some mutant researcher before he started the whole Brotherhood thing with Magneto? What was her name... The one with the lab and the Irish accent... The redhead...

"MacTaggert!"

I then rushed off of my bed, leaving the rubber ball on it as I grabbed my jacket with the 'X' on it, and headed for the subbasement. I know where I have to go...

"Muir Island..."

Problem is, how do I get there? And undetected?

Hmm... I wonder if Scott left the keys to the X-Jet in the ignition?

"Hehehe... Nothing like a little joyride..."

Effortlessly following the young Mutant down to the sublevels Wolverine stood right behind him for maximum effect.

"Hey bub." He whispered watching as Bobby shrieked and tumbled over himself. Logan chuckled before getting serious once more.

"Where'd you think you're goin'?"

 

[Noon]

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB368mlj7aU[/YT]

Open my eyes. A bright light shines down on me, slowly fading away and letting the room come into view. The med lab. I feel my chest rise and fall with a heavy breath, but choke on the tube going down my nose into my throat.

I sit up, wires tugging at my skin. I feel the tube slide up through my nose as I pull it out, a never ending string coming from inside me. The last bit finally comes out and I cough in discomfort, pinching my nose. My vision is blurry and my head feels light. Everything seems slower than it should be. I pull out the IV stuck in my arm and the electrodes stuck to my skin.

Bleeep, bleeep.

The machines complain at being disconnected, hateful squeaking. My bare feet slip on the cold floor and I fall onto my knees, they hit the white tiles with a crack. I don't feel it. I blink and stare at the whiteness for a few moments as red spots drip onto it from my nose. I stumble to my feet, dizzy.

My skin starts to itch.

Pale gauze wraps most of my skin, tight bandages. Absent minded I scratch at it. My hand moves to my abdomen. Tiny little stitches sit in my skin in a neat line.

I pull them out. The thread comes loose and slides back the way it was sown, with an extra coating of red. The wound doesn't re-open, already healed without a scar.

I stumble forward into the chrome worktop, littered with various medical tools. I see my hazy reflection distorted in its surface. My eyes are blank, my hair wet and limp, only a few bruises remain around my eyes.

My skin itches so much.

I scratch and scratch. The gauze comes away. My nails tear at my skin. Rivulets of blood stream across my back, arms and legs. The itch becomes a burn. The burn becomes a searing pain, a clawed ache that reaches round my bones and squeezes.

I realize that bone still juts, misshapen, through my skin. The pain is now unbearable. The scratches don't heal, they blister. Tiny glittering shards sit smugly in the wounds, cutting my fingers and nails and refusing to budge. I fall again, unable to stand. My ankle snaps as I slip onto the hard tile. It starts to heal again almost immediately.

"Arrrrgggghhh!"

A spike of bone bursts through my skin at a horrible angle, tearing through the flesh with a freakish strength, redirected by an embedded shard of metal.

I lay paralysed with pain, dry sobs wracking my body silently. I close my eyes and hope to pass out, but waves of pain keep me awake on the cold floor, wet with blood.
​

 

[Mr. Marko]

JOHN SILVERCLOUD - FORGE
Starstruck - XVI

"Damn it!" Forge jumped to the ground as three of Hammerhead's men opened fire on him. "Arcade, get your head out of the clouds and help me out!"

Arcade, on the other hand, was hiding behind a crate. "Oh, come on, kid. Lets have some fun with them!"

Forge turned around fired his plasma cannon on his wrist at them. "This really is a game to you, isn't it?"

Arcade chuckled as he grabbed a small ball from his vest. "My Daddy always said: Do what you love and love what you do." He tossed it high and far, with perfect aim. It landed in the middle of them, and exploded bright and hard, sending the men flying in different directions. "Daddy taught me well."

Forge shook his head as he collected himself. "Somehow I doubt he taught you to kill people."

Arcade chuckled, a huge grin on his face. "What can I say? I like what I do!"

Suddenly, Hermes' voice chirped on Forge's arm console. "Download of Hammerhead Database complete."

Forge pressed a button on the screen, calling up any pertinent information on the warehouse. "Anything fishy going on?"

"The database shows recent shipments of large amounts of trinitrotoluene."

Arcade turned and look at Forge. "TNT? How much?"

Hermes chirped in response. "One thousand pounds."

An enormous pit formed in Forge's stomach. There was, quite possibly, a thousand pounds of TNT in this very warehouse. That was enough to leave the entire warehouse a pile of dust within seconds. He pressed his communicator on his chest. "Attention, Bolts. There is possibly a very VERY large amount of TNT in this building. Do NOT do anything that might cause it to light."

Suddenly, a familiar voice crackled over the communicator. "Seems like you ladies have ruined Christmas already."

Forge grunted angrily. "Hammerhead! How did you get on our frequency?" He had encoded the comms to prevent interference.

"I found a few of yer friends. And let me tell ya, kid, I can't speak for the two punks I loaded with lead, but this six-armed doll still has alotta fight in her."

"Spiral!"

Hammerhead chuckled. "You have two minutes. Meet me outside and we can negotiate a trade." The voice stopped. "Mr. Baker, I know you're there. I expect you here too." With that, the sound of crunching was heard before it went silent; he had smashed the comm.

"Flint? You hear that?"

After several seconds, Flint's voice came over the comm. "I heard. Do as he says. I have a plan."

Arcade scoffed. "Twenty bucks says his plans involves killing everyone in sight?"

Forge shook his head, but inside he feared Arcade was right.

 

[Venom160]

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeKjUksT_90[/YT]

Open my eyes. A bright light shines down on me, slowly fading away and letting the room come into view. The med lab. I feel my chest rise and fall with a heavy breath, but choke on the tube going down my nose into my throat.

I sit up, wires tugging at my skin. I feel the tube slide up through my nose as I pull it out, a never ending string coming from inside me. The last bit finally comes out and I cough in discomfort, pinching my nose. My vision is blurry and my head feels light. Everything seems slower than it should be. I pull out the IV stuck in my arm and the electrodes stuck to my skin.

Bleeep, bleeep.

The machines complain at being disconnected, hateful squeaking. My bare feet slip on the cold floor and I fall onto my knees, they hit the white tiles with a crack. I don't feel it. I blink and stare at the whiteness for a few moments as red spots drip onto it from my nose. I stumble to my feet, dizzy.

My skin starts to itch.

Pale gauze wraps most of my skin, tight bandages. Absent minded I scratch at it. My hand moves to my abdomen. Tiny little stitches sit in my skin in a neat line.

I pull them out. The thread comes loose and slides back the way it was sown, with an extra coating of red. The wound doesn't re-open, already healed without a scar.

I stumble forward into the chrome worktop, littered with various medical tools. I see my hazy reflection distorted in its surface. My eyes are blank, my hair wet and limp, only a few bruises remain around my eyes.

My skin itches so much.

I scratch and scratch. The gauze comes away. My nails tear at my skin. Rivulets of blood stream across my back, arms and legs. The itch becomes a burn. The burn becomes a searing pain, a clawed ache that reaches round my bones and squeezes.

I realize that bone still juts, misshapen, through my skin. The pain is now unbearable. The scratches don't heal, they blister. Tiny glittering shards sit smugly in the wounds, cutting my fingers and nails and refusing to budge. I fall again, unable to stand. My ankle snaps as I slip onto the hard tile. It starts to heal again almost immediately.

"Arrrrgggghhh!"

A spike of bone bursts through my skin at a horrible angle, tearing through the flesh with a freakish strength, redirected by an embedded shard of metal.

I lay paralysed with pain, dry sobs wracking my body silently. I close my eyes and hope to pass out, but waves of pain keep me awake on the cold floor, wet with blood.
​

I ignore the pain as more bullets lodge themselves into my chest. All my focus is on getting my hands on Winters. The soldiers surrounding Winters exchange concerned glances then look to their leader.

"Keep firing you idiots! Hes' not invincible, just keep shooting until he drops!"

Following his orders the bullets come even quicker riddling my body, they don't even break my stride. Finally getting close enough I lash out breaking necks and tearing off limbs, their screams fueling my rampage even further. A few minutes pass and im covered in blood standing among the remnants of Winters forces.

"You think you've won? You'll be dead before you can..."

I don't let him finish his threat. I lunge at him and land several blows to his jaw shattering it.

"YOU ****ING BASTARD! YOU RUINED OUR ****ING LIVES!"

Suddenly reality shimmers around me and im back in the large empty arena of the Danger Room. Winters' ruined face is replaced with a severely dented metal floor.

"War?"

I wipe the sweat and tears off my face and get to my feet.

"What do you want John?"

"Why aren't you in the Med Lab? Ali could wake up soon."

I take a deep breath and head for the exit making a point to avoid his gaze.

"I needed to blow off some steam. Has Scott and Jean got any info on where the Professor or Kurt disappeared to?"

"No, Jean has tried to use Cerebro but she just too exhausted."

"Hmph anyone get a hold of Dr. Mactaggert? We could use her help with reclawing Logan."

"Arrrrgggghhh!"

The screams echoes along the halls of the sub-basement chilling my heart even further.

"Ali!"

I leave John in the dust as I rush to the med lab. I feel the blood drain from my face as I see Ali on the ground covered in blood.

"Oh god...."

Moving to her side I can see little metal shards sticking out of the wounds.

"What the hell?"

I look up as John enters the room.

"Holy ****! What the..."

My voice comes out as a growl while I address John.

"Find Scott and Jean and tell them to get Dr. Mactaggert here now!"

John nods and bolts out of the Med Lab while I turn my attention back to Ali.

"Baby I know this is gonna hurt but I need to get you back into the bed......"

 

[Venom160]

"That was a very brave thing to do, Anton. And there's no doubt in my mind that almost anyone else in that situation would've done the same thing..."

I walked over to Anton and put my hand on his shoulder, and looked into his eyes.

"I think your uncle would be very proud..."

A warm smile spreads across my face. Even though I never actually knew the man having confirmation that he'd be proud means alot.

"Thanks Kitty. You don't know how much that means to me......"

A moment passes in silence at we stare into eachother's eyes.

"So....."

I get to my feet and head into the kitchen.

"Uh how are things that the X-mansion?"

 

[Blacklight]

A warm smile spreads across my face. Even though I never actually knew the man having confirmation that he'd be proud means alot.

"Thanks Kitty. You don't know how much that means to me......"

A moment passes in silence at we stare into eachother's eyes.

"So....."

I get to my feet and head into the kitchen.

"Uh how are things that the X-mansion?"

"Good. Good. The other X-Men are out on a mission. Don't know if they're back yet..."

Slowly my mind drifted to what they were doing right now, but they'll be fine. They always are...

 

[Venom160]

"Good. Good. The other X-Men are out on a mission. Don't know if they're back yet..."

Slowly my mind drifted to what they were doing right now, but they'll be fine. They always are...

"Yeah I thought I heard the X-men mentioned on a new report about what went down in....uh Rumekistan I think it was. Hope they're ok. Want something to eat or drink?"

 

[Blacklight]

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you" Part II

Hearing the dial tone as my 'go' signal, I dial another number, and patiently wait. The phone doesn't ring long, maybe once or twice, and I hear the sound of a familiar voice speak. "Hello?" It asks.
"Hey, MJ." I say with a smile.
"Peter!" She exclaims. "Peter, are you home yet?"
"No..." I say, turning around and leaning against the building side. "Not yet."
"Well, where are you?"
"Chelsea." I respond quickly.

"...Did I hear you right?"
"If you heard me say Chelsea, then yes."
"Peter, that's in Manhattan!" She shouts.
"Yeah, I know where I am." I tell her smugly.
"What are you doing there, it's twelve midnight!?"
"Well there was an 'incident' that kept me here late and the bus I was on broke down."

"Bus...why do you need a bus?"
"Right...about that. You know the whole 'new suit' thing you made me?"
"Right..." she says, playing along.
"Yeah, you know the mask on said new suit?"
"Yes..."
"Yeah, I'm going to need a new one."
"New one? What happened to the one you had?"
"...I don't know." I say shaking my head. "Probably somewhere in the sewers or in the hands of a hobo right now." I pause for a moment, and quickly come back. "By the way is that suit dry clean only?"
"...Peter...what happened?" She asks inquisitively. I take in a deep breath as I prepare to tell my tale, and I rest my head up against the wall as I take a quick moment to think.

"Alright, you remember the one guy I told you about. Flint Marko, the Sandman?"
"Uh...I think so. Guy made out of sand, right?"
"Exactly." I say in agreeance. "Alright, well, imagine that...but instead of sand, he's made out of water."
"...waterman?" She says with a giggle.
"Yeah, close to that." I say with a weary voice. "Hydro-Man."

"So you spent your night fighting a man made out of water?"
"Yeah, pretty much." I say with a sigh. "Turns out defeating water isn't really easily done. Especially on an island city."
"Alright, details. How'd you come across him? How'd you stop him. Go." I take in a deep breath as I rub my forehead, and I begin to tell the story from the top.

"Alright, so seven hours ago I was on my way home from the Bugle. The sun was out, but it was a little brisk. I was jumping the rooftops on patrol when I heard a shriek from the streets. Instinctively, I jump down to the streets to investigate the source of the scream. When I hit the sidewalk, I was face to face with something I never thought I'd see."

"Sea?" She asks with a clever tone.
"I thought I was the comedian?"
"You're just the headliner."
"Do you want to hear the story or what?"
"Sorry, sorry." She says hastily. "Continue."

"Right, so I came face to face with a literal man of water. I mean like, see through human shape with water running all through it and everything. Like a water balloon just before it pops or something." I take a breath, and continue.

"Anyway, so the guy was pretty big as it was, but he was standing over this woman in the middle of the street. I got his attention by making some joke about things being 'fishy', and he immediately turned around in a crazed rage."
"What happened next?" She asks excitedly.
"Next?" I respond with a question. "Next is when things got wet, wild, and crazy."

Seven hours ago...


The Daily Bugle. One of New York's finest newspapers, and my place of employment. You see, I'm their web designer and consultant when something goes haywire, so naturally, when something goes wrong with their network over there, it's me they call...

So it all started when I started my shift at the Bugle, walking in rather exhausted from my other shift... as Ricochet. With all the times I've been through this lobby, it's become more and more familiar to me, and seeing all the familiar faces like Betty and Robbie makes it feel much more comfortable. And then there's J. Jonah Jameson...

He's a different story...

"DAMN IT!!" I heard Jameson screaming from his office to his assistant, which instantly caught mine and some of my co-workers' attentions.

"It's gonna cost a FORTUNE to clean all this webbing off my windows!"

Webbing? Who's webbing? Reilly's? Spider-Woman's? Who's? Brcause it certainly isn't my webbing...

"That Tarantula is starting to get on my nerves!! Waltzing up my building and getting his filthy webs all over my windows..."

That was a close one. It's only Tarantula's web... Good to see this city's not completely without Spider-Man, since all my defective, life-ruining clones are still around.

"PARKER!! Glad you're here! You're FIRED!"

Again? That's the 15th time this week he's fired me...

"Mr. Jameson, sir the network's out of whack..."

"Nevermind, Parker. We need you to fix these computers STAT!"

"Yes, Mr. Jameson..." I murmured while I approached the main computer that runs all the systems. It was a simple problem really, nothing to complicated. Just a few simple System checks and cookie cleanouts to care of it in a short amount of time, in which afterwards Jameson came back with some rather... unnerving news.

"Robertson! I've got our first page headline! Spider-Man Robs City Bank!!"

What? How can that have happened? I hung up the webs awhile ago, and not to mention, I'm right here.

"Why would Spider-Man rob a bank, Jonah? He's a hero. Albeit, a hero that hasn't been around as much lately, but a hero nonetheless..."

"Because he's a MENACE, Robbie! He's got you all fooled into thinking he's this self-richeous do-gooder, but he's really a CRIMINAL!! Besides, we've got pictures!"

As I looked over to continue my eavesdropping, I saw Robbie taking said pictures from Jameson's hand, and scanning them, his facial expression changing from curious to worried. Which made me freak out... What the hell's going on?

"These could be fakes, Jonah. Who did you get them from?"

"Beats me. They came in the mail this morning. Anonymous sender. No return address..."

"Even so, J.J. I'm stil having trouble believing Spider-Man would rob a ba--"

"Mr. Jameson, sir? I think I've got a scoop that you might want to hear about..."

"What do you want, Leeds. Can't you see I'm busy!!"

"Ignore him, Ned. Tell us what you got..."

"I think I've got an idea for a story, Robbie. Look..."

Ned pulled out a couple pictures of his own and gave them to Robbie, and he looked dumbfounded as ever.

"Ned, what is this?"

"One of my contacts on the NYPD says that there's been a new vigilante showing up around Manhattan. Calls himself "Ricochet"..."

"Where did you get these pictures of this 'Ricochet' guy you've been hearing about?"

"These were taken by cellphone at the scene of one of the crimes he busted. He stopped a mugging right around Soho the other day and this is what they got of it."

"Interesting. Jonah why don't we print this for the front page? Seems like a good story."

"Nope. Absolutely not."

I looked at Leeds as his shoulders slumped and the excitement in him slowly diminished. From what i know of Ned, he really wants to be a good reporter. As good a s Ben Urich, but to get to the top, he needs a good story, so he's been waiting for the right story to come to his doorstep, so now, maybe my escapades as the Remarkable Ricochet might just be the break he needed to finally get out of that copy room...

"Why not, J.J.? This could sell papers! With Spider-Man gone, a new hero might just be what this city needs..."

"Great. Just when I thought there couldn't be anymore supernut-jobs in this city, another one shows up... Fine. We'll print Leeds' story..."

"Sweet! Thanks, Jonah. You won't regret this!"

"...On Page 2. Save the Front Page for the Spider-Man Robbery."

"But, Jonah..."

"I don't want to hear it, Robertson just do it. Time is Money!"

"Fine..."

As soon as Jameson sat back down at his desk and lit his cigar, Ned and Robbie took their exit from his office, and passed by my desk on their way.

"Hey, Pete. What have you been up to?"

"Hey, Robbie. Nothin' much. Just doing some updating of the site before I pack up and head home."

"That's good. I'll see you around, Pete. Good to see you."

"See ya, Robbie." I said as he headed for his office. After which I finished up my updates and grabbed my backpack and headed for the front door. Apparently there's a faux Spider-Man running around that's framing me for robbery, so I need to find out who it is. The last thing I need is Fury coming after me for a crime someone comitted in my name. And when I find out who's behind it, I'm going to have to introduce them to my friend, Ricochet...

​

 

[Noon]

I ignore the pain as more bullets lodge themselves into my chest. All my focus is on getting my hands on Winters. The soldiers surrounding Winters exchange concerned glances then look to their leader.

"Keep firing you idiots! Hes' not invincible, just keep shooting until he drops!"

Following his orders the bullets come even quicker riddling my body, they don't even break my stride. Finally getting close enough I lash out breaking necks and tearing off limbs, their screams fueling my rampage even further. A few minutes pass and im covered in blood standing among the remnants of Winters forces.

"You think you've won? You'll be dead before you can..."

I don't let him finish his threat. I lunge at him and land several blows to his jaw shattering it.

"YOU ****ING BASTARD! YOU RUINED OUR ****ING LIVES!"

Suddenly reality shimmers around me and im back in the large empty arena of the Danger Room. Winters' ruined face is replaced with a severely dented metal floor.

"War?"

I wipe the sweat and tears off my face and get to my feet.

"What do you want John?"

"Why aren't you in the Med Lab? Ali could wake up soon."

I take a deep breath and head for the exit making a point to avoid his gaze.

"I needed to blow off some steam. Has Scott and Jean got any info on where the Professor or Kurt disappeared to?"

"No, Jean has tried to use Cerebro but she just too exhausted."

"Hmph anyone get a hold of Dr. Mactaggert? We could use her help with reclawing Logan."

"Arrrrgggghhh!"

The screams echoes along the halls of the sub-basement chilling my heart even further.

"Ali!"

I leave John in the dust as I rush to the med lab. I feel the blood drain from my face as I see Ali on the ground covered in blood.

"Oh god...."

Moving to her side I can see little metal shards sticking out of the wounds.

"What the hell?"

I look up as John enters the room.

"Holy ****! What the..."

My voice comes out as a growl while I address John.

"Find Scott and Jean and tell them to get Dr. Mactaggert here now!"

John nods and bolts out of the Med Lab while I turn my attention back to Ali.

"Baby I know this is gonna hurt but I need to get you back into the bed......"

Warren? No, not warren, last time I made that mistake...

His hands touch me. I freeze up, my whimpering stops. Stay still, just go limp.
​

"I think it's the sound of your scream." His voice echoes in my head
It'll be over soon. Just leave.
"It's intoxicating."

I press my face closer to the ground, staring at the reflection of the overhead lights on the tiles and trying not to cry out. I still feel his hands on my skin, a burning touch, hurts more than the little sticking pins under my bones. Please don't...

He lifts me from the ground, spikes of pain shoot through my limbs and I can't help but let out a small whimper. He gently places me back on the bed.

I turn to look at his face again in confusion. Is it really him this time?

"Warren?"

 

[Venom160]

Warren? No, not warren, last time I made that mistake...

His hands touch me. I freeze up, my whimpering stops. Stay still, just go limp.
​

"I think it's the sound of your scream." His voice echoes in my head
It'll be over soon. Just leave.
"It's intoxicating."

I press my face closer to the ground, staring at the reflection of the overhead lights on the tiles and trying not to cry out. I still feel his hands on my skin, a burning touch, hurts more than the little sticking pins under my bones. Please don't...

He lifts me from the ground, spikes of pain shoot through my limbs and I can't help but let out a small whimper. He gently places me back on the bed.

I turn to look at his face again in confusion. Is it really him this time?

"Warren?"

My heart breaks as Ali presses her face to the ground and goes limp.

Garrison you twisted sonuva*****.........

I gently lift her into my arms feeling her body tense. Her pained whimpers tearing at my insides even further. I bring her back to the bed and try to lower her into the bed as gently as possible hopefully minimizing the pain inflicted.

"There please don't move too much. Help is coming."

Ali looks at me in confusion, like shes seeing me for the first time.

"Warren?"

What little control I had left finally gives out and my eyes start to sting as tears well. I try and hold back but with everything that has happened there's really no stopping it.

"Yeah honey it's me....oh god Ali I'm so sorry........"

 

[Catman_prb]

"You know, I never thought it'd go down like this," Clint said, inhaling the smoke from the lit cigarette in his mouth.

"The world keeps turning around. I thought it would've stopped by now," he pondered thoughtfully as the wind blew across his hair. He was on top of the Triskelion, and from here...he could see for miles.

"And I never thought I'd take up these damn things again," he muttered, looking at the pack of cigarettes in his hand with disgust.

"But we all surprise ourselves don't we," he said thoughtfully, hanging his head "I've decided I can't keep doing this,"

"It's not fair, on anyone, dwelling on you when you're gone. You wouldn't want me crazy, I dont think," he whispered, the wind taking the words before they reached his ears.

"Anyway, there are lots of nice young ladies out there who'd like my services," he said, a little mournfully.

"Bye Natasha,"

 

[absonic93]

Hank released the tightly, loving grasp he held on Janet's hand as he wiped tears from his eyes.

Standing up, Hank gave a final look at his wife before leaving the room.

"Where's Fury?" he asked one of the agents outside in the hall. He had helped get Janet to the S.H.I.E.L.D. medical bay immediately after the battle, and Hank thanked him for that. But this agent wasn't going to supply Hank with the answers Fury could.

"General Fury is off premises at the moment. He will be notified of Mrs. Pym's status." He spoke in a stiff tone that gave no emotion. Hank rolled his eyes at the obviousness of the answer.

"Well I need to speak to him as soon as he's available." Hank finished, striding right past the agent to where one of the doctors stood.

"Any news?"

The doctor turned to face Pym, placing a clipboard on a nearby counter.

"I'm sorry Mr. Pym, but nothing yet."

Hank tried not to be angry. It wasn't their fault in any way. He just...couldn't help it. He wanted to lash out. To yell at this face that the women lying lifelessly on that bed was his wife, and he loved her.

But what good would that do? It would only prove what an ass he was.

Before Hank could reply, the doctor seemed to anticipate his question.

"We'll let you know any immediate change in her condition. Now go get some rest Mr. Pym, you've had a long day."

 

[Eddie Brock]

Twenty-six long, hard hours. That's one thousand, five hundred and sixty minutes! That's ninety-three thousand, six hundred seconds! And let me tell you this, I felt every single second of it. I'm in a unique position to answer an age-old question. What hurts more - a kick to the balls or childbirth? Childbirth wins by a painful mile. I'm sparing you the details, but - rest assured - it was one of the worst experiences of my life.

So why can't I wipe the smile off of my face right now? 'Cause childbirth is followed by the greatest experience of my life. There's no contest. Nothing has ever had such a profound impact on me as this one moment did.

"It's a girl!" Dr. Lee announced. My smile was almost literally a mile wide as he raised up this tiny child. I'm sure Eli was just as ecstatic, but I didn't take my eyes off my daughter for a second. When I looked at her, something in me changed completely. I felt so uncontrollably moved by that moment.

Dr. Lee looks up at Eli. "Do you want to cut the umbilical cord?" he asks the brand new father. Eli is so stunned that he can't offer a verbal response. He just moves over to Dr. Lee and takes what looks like a big pair of scissors. I watch as Dr. Lee places two clamps on the umbilical cord and shows Eli exactly where to cut. The look on Eli's face at that moment will always shine in my memory. He's never been so proud.

I'm so distracted that I temporarily get lost in my thoughts. The next thing I realize is Dr. Lee kneeling beside me, holding my child. "Do you want to hold her?" he asks with the caring tone of a father. I can't nod fast enough. He chuckles slightly as he slips my daughter into my arms.

My daughter. My daughter. I don't know if I'll ever get over that. This is my daughter. I gave birth to this little thing in my arms. There is now someone in this world that completely depends on me. That may sound like a lot of pressure, but nothing can make me happier. I now have someone to love unconditionally. And believe me, I will love her. I will love her like no one else could.

"Have you thought of a name?" Dr. Lee inquires from the across the room. I see him leaning on the table, scribbling away at a notepad.

Eli and I look at each other. For the past month or so, we've been sitting around - thinking of possible baby names. After a lot of debate, we reached an agreement. If it was a boy, we were going to call him James Michael. If it was a girl...

"May," I announce. Eli puts a hand on my shoulder. Smiling, I state, "May Delilah Drew." Since there's no ring on my finger, Eli agreed that the child should have my last name. Besides, May Delilah Drew flows a lot better than May Delilah Bradley. No offense to Eli, of course.

Dr. Lee dots the i's and smiles contently at Eli and I. He recognizes the look in our eyes. It's the same look in every new parents' eyes. It's a look that expresses complete wonder - yet with a subtle nervousness. I thought the pregnancy was hard, but I now realize I was wrong. Dead wrong. This is the hard part. "I'll give you two a few minutes before I need May back to finish up," Dr. Lee explains. As he's walking out the door, he adds, "Congratulations."

"May?" I whisper. May turns her head in the direction of my voice, but she can't even open her eyes yet. I don't think I've ever seen a more adorable baby. And I know all parents say that about their children. You never really understand until it's your child in your arms. "I'm your mommy," I continue, "And I'm going to take great care of you. I promise. Look, we're in this together. It's you and me - no matter what."

Eli clears his throat. I smirk.

"Yes, this is Daddy. He's going to be there for us, too," I add while turning May in Eli's direction. "I have to be honest with you, May. I have no idea what I'm doing. This is new to me. But I promise that whatever I do, I do it with you in mind." I sigh and gently caress May's little head. "I don't know if I'm going to be winning any awards for Best Mother, but...I guess that's for you to decide, huh?"

It is an intimidating prospect. I mean, I'm sure every mother is worried sick in the beginning. But there's always the possibility that I'll screw up somehow. After all, other mothers' lives aren't as complicated as mine. When I was out there, doing what I did, I only needed to think about my head on the line. But if I...if something happens...what will May do? What if, for some reason, Eli isn't there either? Suddenly, my 'great responsibility' has grown significantly. I sometimes wonder when I'm going to hit my breaking point.

I know, I know. I'm just overreacting. But hey, I'm a mother. It's in the job description.

"Even if something happens to Mommy, I'm never going to let anything bad happen to you, May," I promise my daughter. I hold her a little tighter. "For the first time in my life, I mean every word."

Eli taps me on the shoulder. "Can I--?"

I nod fervently. "Of course!" I reply emotionally. I lift up May, and Eli gently takes her from my arms. With a sly smirk, I mutter, "Daddy."

Eli sticks out his tongue and then looks down at May. I can tell that he's just as excited - and nervous - as I am. I take this opportunity to lean my head back and close my eyes. It's been tough, but it's been worth it. In retrospect, I wouldn't go back and change a thing. May makes everything okay. May makes all of the 93,600 seconds blissful - in the end.

Eli and I both turn at the sound of an opening door. Don't tell me that Dr. Lee is back already! I know he only needs May for a minute, but I don't ever want her to leave my sight. I need to take care of her - through anything and everything. My fears are calmed when I see that it's just a nurse. She's carrying a large floral arrangement.

...Who knows we're here? Unless Eli called someone while I was in labor, nobody should know. Which reminds me that I have to call Anton right away. Besides, even if someone knew I went into labor, how would they know that I gave birth? That only happened minutes ago - and there certainly wasn't time to contact anyone.

"Flowers? From who?" I ask the nurse.

She looks down at the flowers, then back up at me. She shrugs. "I don't know," she admits. As she places the flowers next to my bed, she searches for a few more moments. She pops back up with something in her hand. "Here. There's a card!"

I take the card from her hand.

Congratulations.
Hope to see you and the kid soon.
-Dad

Maybe I'm too tired, but the card only confuses me further. 'Dad?' The only 'Dad' I've ever known is Richard Parker, and he doesn't even know I exist. There's only one logical conclusion.

"I think these flowers were sent to the wrong room," I tell the nurse as she's leaving.

She shrugs. "I don't think so..."

Whatever. Free flowers. I'm too tired to complain anyway. Besides, I deserve flowers just as much as any other new mother. Maybe that's wrong of me to think, but I could care less right now. If this other girl doesn't get her flowers, her dad will send some more. I might as well enjoy the hospital's little mistake. God, I'm really tired.

"Knock, knock?"

Dr. Lee enters the room, holding his notepad. He smiles and gives an apologetic look. "Hate to do this to you, but...you know procedures," he explains jokingly. I watch as a different nurse comes in and takes May. My heart breaks a little as my daughter leaves the room. I've only seen her a couple minutes, and I already can't stand to be apart from her. "Mr. Bradley, do you think it'd be okay to let our new mother get some rest?" Dr. Lee asks rhetorically.

Eli nods. "She's earned it," he admits.

"If you want, you can go right down that hallway and keep an eye on your daughter," Dr. Lee states with a wink. Eli grabs my hand for a moment before leaving the room. Now the two most influential people in my current life are gone. I can tell that these are the hormones talking, but still...it's sad. Dr. Lee smiles at me before announcing, "I mean it: Get some rest. Lord knows it'll be in short supply in the coming weeks."

I roll my eyes and laugh nervously. It's not going to be easy, but nothing ever has been for me. And I'm okay with that. As we all know, I've never been one to shrug off responsibility - not anymore, that is. And while this may be a whole different kind of responsibility than what I'm used to, I think I'm up to it. Could raising a child really be harder than fighting any given superbaddie?

"I'm going to be okay, right, doctor?"

Nodding, Dr. Lee answers, "You're going to be fine."

Looking at the white ceiling above me, I barely mutter, "I hope so." And before I can know what's coming over me, my heavy eyelids slam shut, and I drift off to a calmer world. It's only a short reprieve from reality. My new reality.

It's a brand new day.
​

 

[Venom160]

"Yeah I thought I heard the X-men mentioned on a new report about what went down in....uh Rumekistan I think it was. Hope they're ok. Want something to eat or drink?"

Kitty trys to catch her breath between laughs.

"Oh my god that is so funny! Boomerang actually started stripping right there in the street?"

I nod as I take another bite of cold pizza.

"It was either strip or have his jewels liquefied....though it probably woulda been good for the whole gene pool if they did."

Kitty chokes on the soda she was drinking as another laugh takes her.

"Your so right, can you imagine the kinda he would have?"

"A baby boomer? Horrifying...."

Kitty's cell starts ringing and I go quiet as she answers.

""Hello? Ororo? Calm down whats goin.......what?! Oh my god I'm on my way. No don't bother sending anyone I'm on my way."

Concern surfaces as I watch Kitty hang up with storm and stare at it in shock.

"Kitty whats happened?"

"We got hurt bad. I.....I gotta get back."

I get to my feet and grab my mask.

"Alright lets go. I'll swing ya there."

Kitty shakes her head.

"No I wouldn't ask you to swing all the way to Westchester. Could you swing me to Queens? I can grab a cab from there."

"Sure."

I throw on my mask and scoop Kitty into my arms lunging out of my apartment and into the warm afternoon sky.

Ten minutes later....

We just clear the Queensboro Bridge and Kitty's voice comes up above the traffic.

"Here set me down there T."

I nod and let go of my webline landing hard on the sidewalk.

""Thanks. This.....this was fun. We should do this again."

"Definitly."

Kitty smiles and she gives me a brief hug and kisses me on the cheek.

"Bye."

I stay there till Kitty flags down a taxi and gets in. Kitty gives one final look as the taxi pulls out into traffic.

Wow....that was.....I don't know what that was.....

I look around at the small crowd that has gathered.

"What you haven't seen two teenaged super heroes sharing a private moment? Jeez!"

Taking back to the sky I head off deeper into Queens.

Now I'm restless! Maybe I'll drop in on an old buddy.....

 

[Gallagher]

New York

"Our top story tonight: Freak electrical storms cast portions of Manhattan in complete darkness, this unusual weather activity has yet to be explained *crackle* marking the third time the Gallagher brothers have damaged our reporters equipment *crackle* And now for the sports..."

The electrical store window displayed a myriad of televisions, each broadcasting a different news channel, the glow from the sets illuminating the streets outside. Donny was always thankful for the stream of information and hell, even the company. It made him feel connected again, connected to the city he so dearly loved.

"Yo Don!" Called a large, unkept man wearing a tatty brown jacket. "Soups on man."

The soup kitchen. A place he'd visited for years, the warmth of the food was relative to the warmth of its occupants. For a group of people who had nothing they were suprisingly content.

"Thanks, I'll be right there." Donny shouted back, wiping the scruffy blonde hair from his eyes. His weathered, bearded face told the story of living on the streets for more years than he cared to remember.

"Man, it'll be cold by the time you drag yourself over here." Another man called, welcoming Donny with a pat on the back as he walked through the doors and into the light filled cafeteria.

"What's on the menu tonight boys?" Don chortles as he sits at a large elongated table.

"You'll never believe it man, get this... It's generic gloop!"

"Hey! Be thankful it's not a sewer rat Ted. These people don't have to work here, they do so out of the goodness of there own hearts..." He reminded the disgruntled Ted.

"Thank you oh lord for the food placed in front of us and thank you for the kindness you have instilled in the people who make this soup kitchen possible."

A couple of the homeless men surrounding the table rolled their eyes, they wondered how a man who had lived on the streets all his life could ever believe in any sort of God.

"Amen."

 

[Blacklight]

Effortlessly following the young Mutant down to the sublevels Wolverine stood right behind him for maximum effect.

"Hey bub." He whispered watching as Bobby shrieked and tumbled over himself. Logan chuckled before getting serious once more.

"Where'd you think you're goin'?"

Damn it! Can't I do anything without being caught?

"Uhh...uh... Nothing, Logan. Nothing at all just...uh...going to the umm... Danger room! Yeah that's it, the Danger room. Going to practice a few drills, you know? The usual stuff. Nothing to be suspicious about..."

Drake you slob, he'll never buy that...

 

[Venom160]

Kitty trys to catch her breath between laughs.

"Oh my god that is so funny! Boomerang actually started stripping right there in the street?"

I nod as I take another bite of cold pizza.

"It was either strip or have his jewels liquefied....though it probably woulda been good for the whole gene pool if they did."

Kitty chokes on the soda she was drinking as another laugh takes her.

"Your so right, can you imagine the kinda he would have?"

"A baby boomer? Horrifying...."

Kitty's cell starts ringing and I go quiet as she answers.

""Hello? Ororo? Calm down whats goin.......what?! Oh my god I'm on my way. No don't bother sending anyone I'm on my way."

Concern surfaces as I watch Kitty hang up with storm and stare at it in shock.

"Kitty whats happened?"

"We got hurt bad. I.....I gotta get back."

I get to my feet and grab my mask.

"Alright lets go. I'll swing ya there."

Kitty shakes her head.

"No I wouldn't ask you to swing all the way to Westchester. Could you swing me to Queens? I can grab a cab from there."

"Sure."

I throw on my mask and scoop Kitty into my arms lunging out of my apartment and into the warm afternoon sky.

Ten minutes later....

We just clear the Queensboro Bridge and Kitty's voice comes up above the traffic.

"Here set me down there T."

I nod and let go of my webline landing hard on the sidewalk.

""Thanks. This.....this was fun. We should do this again."

"Definitly."

Kitty smiles and she gives me a brief hug and kisses me on the cheek.

"Bye."

I stay there till Kitty flags down a taxi and gets in. Kitty gives one final look as the taxi pulls out into traffic.

Wow....that was.....I don't know what that was.....

I look around at the small crowd that has gathered.

"What you haven't seen two teenaged super heroes sharing a private moment? Jeez!"

Taking back to the sky I head off deeper into Queens.

Now I'm restless! Maybe I'll drop in on an old buddy.....

I swing almost on auto pilot through familiar neighborhoods, swinging past locations from a life I never lived. Approaching my destination I twist my body altering the angle of my swing. Hitting the pinnacle of arc I let go of the web and land on the roof of the house across the street from Pete's. As I scan the area for any prying eyes the voice in the back of my head gets louding, warning me not to do this. I should listen but hey boredom makes you do crazy things.

Finally satisfied that the neighborhood is clear I take a running leap easily clearing the street and landing gently on Pete's roof. Fully focused on my stealth now I move to the open attic window which Pete still seems to leave open out of habit. I climb in and freeze on the ceiling as I hear voices approaching, Pete and MJ. Decide to put alittle scare in the two I move to a shadowed corner and wait. Finally two figures reach the top of the staircase.

Showtime.

"Ya know Pete you should really close your attic window dude. Thats just an invitation for bad news....."

I crawl into the light as Pete instinctively moves infront of MJ and squares off for a fight.

"Whoa whoa man chill out. Its just your everloving wisecracking Tarantula."

 

[Matt Murdock]

Ultimate Iron Man

[YT]EAZq74-Qe7g[/YT]
(OOC: Just a song to set the tone, mood, and pace of this final Iron Man post for the season)

​

A cut lay just above Tony Stark's right eye, and he ran his index finger slowly and deliberately along the wound. Stark sat quietly in his office at Stark Tower. The lights were off, a half-finished glass of gin sat on the desk before him. The billionaire turned slowly in his chair, gazing out of the window absently. Pillars of smoke still rose between the concrete alleyways and streets from where Azrael had unleashed his attack.

"What has happened?" Stark muttered aloud to himself.

The sun shone over the city, reflecting off of the harbor, casting a brightness over Stark's dulled eyes. Without shifting in his chair, Stark reached backwards and picked up his drink. Slowly, and without hesitation, he brought it to his lips, finishing the glass in a long, single sip. A tie hung loosely around his neck, creased from sitting in his briefcase for so long. The industrialist's lackies and assistants had scheduled a press conference for later that evening. Though the last thing he wanted to do on an evening like this was address the public, someone had to do it. Even as he sat stroking the gash on his forehead, Stark realized that that "someone" had to be him. After his use of his nanites to eliminate dozens of hybrids, the public would surely want to make a villain out of him and his armored alter-ego.

​

Stark smiled in spite of his situation, though, as he gazed out above the city. Everyone, each inhabitant of the Big Apple, would want someone to blame, someone to levy their guilt and anguish upon. While Tony Stark might be too formidable and recognizable of a figure to be made into the "bad guy," Iron Man was still a mystery, despite the public's knowledge of his identity. And that, the enigmatic aura that surrounded his alter-ego, was whate made Stark so confident. The fact of the matter was that however wrong may exist in the city, however many things might go wrong, the people of New York would always have someone to blame other than themselves.

The city had endured too much suffering as it was. Even Antonio Stark wasn't big enough to condemn it to anymore.

As he sat, Stark heard the door to his office open behind him.

"Mr. Stark." Pepper's voice echoed throughout the glass office. "It's time."

Stark's head dipped. It wasn't every day that he thrashed his reputation in the press.
"I'm on my way." He replied, straightening up out of his chair.

Potts, placed her armful of files on a nearby coffee table and briskly made her way towards her employer.

"What're you doing?" Stark asked quietly.

"Your tie is a mess." She growled, adjusting the silk garment draped over Stark's neck.

"Pepper." Stark sighed, realizing that her fuddling with his tie was simply a means of putting off the inevitable. Her gaze was utterly fixated upon the knot just below his chin, fumbling with it over and over again.

"Pepper." He said, once more, wrapping his hands around hers.

Her shoulders dipped, as she continued to glare at the knot. Slowly, her eyes fell to the floor, and her body loosened.

"I'll tell the media you're coming." She said, turning on her heel and returning to her stack of folders.

The door slammed behind her, and Stark stood for a moment with his hands at his sides, wondering what he was going to do with himself. Nodding quietly, he adjusted his tie and made his way through the office to the front door, leaving the office behind him to sit in the setting sun vacant.

The elevator ride to the ground floor was short, and gave Stark little time, if any, to compose his thoughts. With a natural talent for public speaking, he found little need to even write down his thoughts, remarks, or talking points. When they needed to, his words simply seemed to flow.

As soon as he stepped into the lobby of his building, flashbulbs captured Stark's image.

Silently, he made his way to a podium that had been erected and placed his hands on the side of the pedestal.

There was a distinct hum and murmur as everyone in the crowd waited for Tony Stark to begin.

The microphone was on, tape decks were recording, and the cameras were rolling. Everything was ready. All he had to do was speak.

"I don't know what to say, really." Stark muttered. "In the past month, we've seen some of the hardest days our country has faced as a nation. And, yet, it all has come down to today."

As he grew more comfortable, he eased his right hand into the corresponding pants pocket and continued.

"Either we can come together and heal, now, as a city... or... we're going to crumble. Day by day, minute by minute, until we're finished."

With his free hand, Stark pointed at a steady column of smoke rising in the distance. His hand remained fixed on the pillar as he spoke.

"We're in Hell, right now, my friends. Believe me. And, we can stay here, get the s**t kicked out of us, or... we can climb our way back."

His hand rose slightly, now pointing at the setting sun.

"Into the light. We can climb out of Hell... even if it is only one day at a time."

Stark's hand found its way back to the podium.

"No one person can do it for us, though. I walk down the streets of this city and I think. I mean, I've betrayed every confidence that's ever been placed in me. I've kept hold of all my money, believe it or not. I've chased off..."

His eyeline met with Pepper's and Rhodey's before dipping to the ground. He dared not face anyone.

"Anyone who's ever loved me. And, you know, lately, I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror. I have billions of dollars, and I use it to make this, this building, this... empire. When, in all honesty, I should be using it to help people. Without people, ladies and gentlemen, I would be nothing. People put me where I am, people are directing me where to go, and people will see me out when I die... a time that, as anyone familiar with me knows, is looming nearer daily."

Stark felt a clench in his stomach and ran his hand up his torso, feeling a silver flask in his breast pocket. He clenched it through the fabric for a second, debating whether or not to sip from it. Drinking would only help to alleviate his pain, he wouldn't lose control, slur, or let something slip from his tongue.

Yet, even so, he replaced his hand at the podium, as flashbulbs blew.

"I've made my share of mistakes. That much is certain. I've... hurt more goddamned people than I'd care to admit in this life. Whether with the Iron Man project, my hording of my money, or even my self-destructive pattern of behavior." At this, again, he glanced at Potts. "No-one is left unscathed for knowing me."

"For months, years, even, I have been fine with this style of living. In short, I've told the world to go to hell, as I've driven myself there in a silver sportscar with a bottle of gin in-hand. I've lived a life of cavalier and hubris... a life that came to a head about a week ago."

Never before had anyone in the audience, including Potts or even James Rhodes, experienced such a candid moment with the elusive figure known as Antonio Stark. His typical demeanor was one of arrogance and self-assuredness. For once, Stark was neither. His humanity, now, was showing through, and it became plainly evident just how very much he loved the city of New York.

"As everyone in the general public and the media are now aware, the city of New York was viciously and uncompromisingly attacked two weeks ago. A virus unleahed itself upon our people. Our friends. Our neighbors, and our brothers. The safest and most effective method of putting this threat to bed was to do just that... to eliminate the problem."

Stark, for once, found it difficult for himself to find words.

"The only issue with that theory is that the 'problem' in this case... the dilemma... involved human lives. Beneath the fangs, the silver skin, and the cold eyes... those people were still New Yorkers. I know - I know that I didn't have a right to do what I did. I know that I'll be punished. I'll be shunned, I'll be ostracised, and you will lose your faith in me. For that, and for my actions, I am most humbly and deeply sorry. To you, New York, I am endebted. My livelyhood, usefulness, and... vindication... all rely upon you. But, look."

He pointed into the sky once more, at a symbol far in the distance above anyone's head.

​

"That building is still standing tall. Just as our city is. And for that, my friends, I will make noapologies."

"Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, I dare not make light of the lives that anyone has lost in the struggle against the many challenges this city faces, but.... we are what we are. What is done is done. What has been made... cannot be unmade."

Stark's hand emerged from his pocket, and he gazed out over the crowd as he carefully chose his final remarks.

"It reminds me of a poem my father read to me when I was a much younger man than I am now. Though written in 1833, Tennyson's Ulysses holds as much weight today as the day it was first written. It tells the story of Ulysses, a great warrior of Greece, and, on one voyage, his ship is wrecked. His crew lay strewn about the broken planks and piece of their vessel. The beach is gritty beneath their feet, and it looks that none will survive the night. Through the mist and foams, Ulysses rises upon a rock and glances down at his friends, soldiers, and wards. He gazes upon them, not knowing what to say at first, and they gaze back, eager. At last, he speaks."

Stark's tone grew quieter.

"It may be that the gulfs will wash us down.
It may be that we shall touch the happy isles
and see the great Achilles whom we knew.
Though much is taken, much abides.
And, though we are not now that strength which in old days
moved both Earth and Heaven,
that which we are, we are.
One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate.
But, strong in will.
To strive, to seek, to find.
And not to yield."

He nodded quietly to himself.

"We have face triumphs and disasters alike, my friends. We have stood the test of time as a symbol and a model for all other statesmen to look up to. Our experiences have only served to embolden us. We will not, not ever, yield."

Anthony felt his eyebrows lift.

"No matter what 'they' throw at us. Thank you."

Silently, he stepped down from the podium, ignoring the questions hurled at him by the media. His elevator was waiting for him.

The day was done.

Night had set upon New York City as Stark finished his speech.

​

And, like every evening that had come before it, a new day would follow this one.

 

[Mr. Marko]

NAMOR - THE SUB-MARINER
The Last Atlantean - XIII

Namor scoffed as he stared down Fury. "I didn't come here to negotiate."

Sue grabbed his arm, staring into his eyes. "Namor..." Her gaze was one of desperation, her voice lowered to a whisper. "We both know that there isn't a prison on Earth that can hold you."

Namor shook his head. "Don't take this the wrong way, but that's what I said right before I ended up locked away for 9000 years. I don't want to take my chances again."

Fury snickered. "Tick tock, kids. Either way, I'm taking off with a prize here."

Namor glared at Fury. "Like Hell, primate." He leapt full speed at Fury, knocking him onto his back and grabbing the small silvery child.

Fury turned around and Namor landed, feet planted on the ground. "Get them both! I want the kid alive!"

Suddenly, over a dozen Hulkbusters came around the corner and unloaded their rifles on Namor, knocking him to the ground. Namor wrapped his arms around the small child as it began to cry loudly, rolling as he hit the floor. The baby rolled out of his arms and onto the tile floor, and was quickly scooped up by one of the men.

Fury screamed at the men. "Get the kid out of here, now!" He then pulled a Hulkbuster rifle and fired it several times at Namor, skidding him accross the floor. "Come on, fish boy! Is that the best you've got?!"

Namor, enfuriated, clenched his fists. "You don't know who you're messing with, Primate."

Fury smiled, cocking his rifle. "Actually, I do."

 

[Blacklight]

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you" Part III


"So then what happened?" MJ asked from the other line, the anxiousness in her voice loud as a bell. Not that I wasn't willing to tell her about my heroic adventures, but usually, those stories don't include me being whipped around Manhattan by a human tidal wave...
"Well after finding out from J.J. that apparently some crazed Spider-fan is dressing up like me and robbing banks, I decided to go check out the crime scene..."

* * *​

I have to admit, getting across New York without the webs is alot harder than it looks. And Daredevil makes it look so easy... Nevertheless, this persona is web-free, so I have to rely on my agility and stamina for travel now. Speaking of webs, the web-shooter repairs are going along swiftly. I'm even working on some new improvements, but whether or not I get to test them out in the future remains to be seen...

So I had arrived at the bank to see police tape surrounding the entrance, and webs everywhere. Police crusiser were in abundance, as were reporters and photographers galore. I stayed atop of the apartment building adjacent to the bank and listened below to what information the cops were giving to the crowd reporters.

"Evidence shows that it was in fact Spider-Man who commited the robbery earlier today, as we have surveillance footage of the suspect swinging in and webbing explosives to the vault door. We also have numerous eyewitnesses to this crime, and that is all the information we have at this time... Thank you."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Who would go to all this trouble to frame me? Or Spider-Man, rather... There is quite a few suspects that come to mind. Is it Norman out to ruin my life yet again? Is it another one of Kingpin's elaborate schemes? There's so many people who could've done it, so i'm gonna have to get closer to the crime scene to look for clues.

"Help! Help! Somebody help me!"

Of all the inopportune moments, why did an old lady have to scream out for help now?

The voice wasn't to far away, only a couple blocks I'd venture to guess. So I jumped off the roof of the complex and in the alley below, and I was amazed at what I was seeing. A man made of water... But then I remembered most of the crazies I've fought before and then he didn't amaze me so much after that.

"Stop right there, Aquaman..."

The man simply turned and I looked through his blue-ish translucent form, noticing the slight concaves in what was supposed to be his aquatic head, and how what I thought were his eyebrows seemed to scowl at me in anger.

"It's Hydro-Man, a**wipe."

Just then he grew his fist to the size of a wrecking ball and slammed it down upon me, but the tingling of my spider-senses helped me to sidstep and evade it with ease. The fist then exploded upon impact and I felt the splash of water get on my costume. Hope it doesn't slow me down too much...

"Somethin' smells fishy around here... Heh. Must be you." I chuckled, and his scowl turned into a look of rage. Next thing I know, my spider-sense didn't even go off in time before he hade me pinned up against the wall with a huge stream of water. It was a cold feeling to say the least. Really cold...

"What's the 'R' stand for? ******ed-Man?"

When the water that pushed me against the brick slowed down a bit, I used my strength to push myself off the wall and to the fire escape above me.

"The name's Ricochet, Hydro-*****e."

I then let loose and tossed a few of my brand new Rico-disks that MJ attatched to the sleeves of my jacket, and watched as the effortlessly... got stuck inside his chest. Not exactly the ideal outcome I was looking for...

Or was it...

Hydro-Man looked down at the disks floating around in where his ribs are supposed to be, swimming like goldfish in a bowl. But then I pulled out my ace and the disks started blinking red before self-destructing from within him, and his entire top half had a gaping hole in the middle. Now, I know that that wasn't going ot stop him, but at least it bought me some time...

* * *​

"The disks worked?" Mary Jane asked excitedly.
"Yup. They worked perfectly, especially with the small remote explosives I planted in the center of them."
"You were always such a science nerd, Pete."
"I know. That's what you love about me, though..." I laughed. It warms my heart that me and MJ were always able to make light out of a tough situation. Especially one as absurd as this. I'm still soaking wet and colder than an ice cream cone held by Bobby Drake, but when I'm talking to MJ, I don't even notice it...
"So then what?"
"Well, the fight got pretty intense after that. Took me hours to try and take him out. I tried everything to stop him. Trapping him in a water tower, mixing him with dirt, and soaking him up with a huge towel. Nothing worked..."
"So how did you do it, Peter?"
"Just when I thought I couldn't go on much longer, the tide finally turned in my favor. No pun intended. It all came to an end when the fight ended up crashing through a beauty spa..."

* * *​

CRASH!!


When the fight managed to hit Chelsea, that's when it got rough... Especially for me. Turns out that when Hydro-Man managed to get a massive haymaker in on me, it sent me crashing through the window of a day spa, where all the women in the lobby screamed in fright. The worst part? I heard something on my face rip, and it was my mask. After taking a second to breathe and get back up on my feet and feeling the gaping rip in my mask, Hydro-Man splashed right through the door. By this point, I was practically out of ideas, but I hoped something would come to me, or else I might not ever see 16.

"Okay, hero. It's time for you to die!"

"Not today..." I replied as I tossed the last few of my disks into his legs and watched them detonate, buying me some more time to think.

Okay, Parker. Think! How can you beat water?

I looked around at my surroundings and noticed two women running out of the steam room, and hot steam had drifted out of the doorway, and then it hit me like a smack in the face from the Thing.

Heat...

"C'mon, Hydro-Man. Hit me... Show me what you've got!"

Just as his legs reformed, he literally turned into a huge tsunami and charged at me, but I quickly jumped up and clung to the ceiling while he poured through the steam room, and before he could get out, I locked the door on him and turned up the dial on the wall all the way up.

"NOOO!!! AAAAHHH!!! I'll get you, Ricochet! Mark my words!!"

As much as I would've liked to respond, I didn't. Spider-Man would've came up with a witty comeback, but that's not Ricochet's style. But now that the H2Oddball was taken care of, I could get home. I looked at the clock on the secretary's desk and saw it reading 11:37.

Damn I've got school in the morning!

But before I made my way for home, I dripped my way over to the secretary's desk and looked at her weirded-out expression. I mean, it's not everyday a superbrawl happens to find it's way to your beauty spa.

"Call 911, please... And you wouldn't happen to have a blank piece of paper, would you?"

She immediately complied to both requests, and as I made my way out the door, I stuck the piece of paper on the steam room door, signed...

-R​

* * *​

"So that's what happened..." I finished, hearing Mary Jane's enthusiasm on the other end.
"Wow, Pete. You really outdid yourself. I'm proud of you!"
"Thanks, MJ..." I thanked her as I saw the limo pull up, with Harry inside.
"Well my rides here. I'll see you tomorrow, MJ."
"Night, Tiger. Get some sleep. You've earned it."
"I will. I love you."
"Love you, too."
CLICK

I turned towards the limo as Harry opened the door, and I seated myself next to him. The squishing of my clothes drooping on the leather seats was a sound that made me cringe, but at last I was on my way home.

* * *
​

About a half hour later, we pulled up in front of my house, and while I pulled the handle for the door to open, I gave Harry some parting words.

"Thanks for the ride, Harry. I owe you one..."

"It was nothing, Pete. Don't worry about it. I don't need payment. Just helping out my best friend. Although..."

"Although what?"

"You could do a favor for me..."

"What's that, Harry?"

"I want you to consider asking me for some help... Y'know? In the financial area..."

"Harry, I could never do that! I don't want to mooch off of you, nor do I want this friendship to be about money..."

"But, Peter... I want to help... Can you at least think about it?"

I have to say, I'm a little taken aback by the offer. I mean, this is the same kid who tried to murder me in cold blood and destroy everyone and everything I hold dear, and now he's offering me money?

But then again, he is my best friend, and just like I have been given a second chance to start over with our friendship, I think he deserves one too...

"Okay. I'll think about it... No promises though."

"That's cool. That's all I ask... Goodnght, Pete."

"Night, Harry..."

The limo then drove off towards the Osborn mansion, and I approached the door.

Man, what a crazy night... Criminal doppelgangers, Liquid villains, and one of the richest kids in the world offering me money to pay the bills... Why all this stuff is happening? Hell, You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you...

 

[Blacklight]

The next day...


After the crazy night I had last night, the following saturday was pretty uneventful. I got to dry off and catch up on some sleep, and then when I woke up MJ came over with the spare mask she made for me.

As we looked into each others' eyes, I leaned in closer and wrapped my arms around her, gently pulling her closer to me. She smiled, flashing her gorgeous pearl-white teeth.

"MJ. Have I mentioned how much I appreciate what you're doing for me lately?"

"No I don't think you have, Mr. Peter Parker..." she replied while letting out a small girlish giggle that was infectious.

"Well, Ms. Mary Jane Watson, I really appreciate your support. If it weren't for you giving me a new identity, I wouldn't have been there to save those cops the other day or stop the walking tsunami last night..."

"Peter, I love you. I'll always be here to help you when you're in trouble. Not even Nick Fury can keep us apart..."

"I love you too, Mary Jane..."

She then pressed her lips against mine as we shared a small smooch, and then I smiled.

"Come up with me to the attic. I wanted to show you the new webshooters..." I said gleefully as we both headed up the stairs, but then as I reached the top of the stairs, I freaked out at the sight of an unexpected intruder...

"Ya know Pete you should really close your attic window dude. Thats just an invitation for bad news....."

I crawl into the light as Pete instinctively moves infront of MJ and squares off for a fight.

"Whoa whoa man chill out. Its just your everloving wisecracking Tarantula."

Tarantula? What does he want? Is he here to try and wreck everything near and dear to me again? Is Kaine on the loose again?

"What are you doing here, Tarantula? Because last I knew, breaking and entering is against the law..."