The 'What If?' Marvel RPG - Season thread

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Eight

"How the tables have turned, Otto. " The voice comes from above Octavius, though it appears his adversary has completely dissapeared. "Marco... wait you say that. It's my job to say 'polo'."

Octavius swipes at the voice with one of his tentacles but does not connect. Immediately afterwards he is struck in the back of the head.

"Better luck next time four-eyes."

"Mr. Stark, you only prolong the inevitable." Octavius said, looking all around him. "Your power simply does not compare to mine. Your technology matters little to me, for I control the most powerful organization on the face of the Earth. All of mankind's most sacred inventions are at my disposal."

"Well, not this one."

Before Tony could follow this comment with an attack, Otto whirled around and struck him with all four of tentacles, sending the armored hero flying into the wall. The impact left a huge crater in the marble as Tony struck and slid to the floor.

"Your arrogance will be your undoing, Mr. Stark. You underestimate me. An error that has cost you your life."

Otto smashed one of his tentacles toward Iron Man, hoping to crush him. Stark was able to roll to the side however and pointed his arm at his enemy, ready to fire a deadly blast. Before this could come to fruition however, Stark's weapon was covered with a layer of acid, courtesy of the Scorpion's tail.

As Stark wondered how to remove this substance that was slowly eating away at his armor, the Scorpion caught him with a hard left hook to the face. Stark was not hurt, but was forced to the ground all the same. The Scorpion crouched over him, raining down blows. Finally, Tony used both legs to kick the Scorpion off. But as Iron Man prepared to decimate his foe, Octavius plunged a tentacle deep into the back of his armor, further damaging the suit.

Realizing this was a battle he could not win, Tony fired up his thrusters and headed for the window.

"That's right Mr. Stark. There are dozens of my agents on the way. Flee like the coward you are. It matters not. For I have other means of tormenting you. Allow me to introduce you to someone you just might recognize."

Otto pressed a button and a hidden door at the back of the room slid open. A figure stood there, shrouded in darkness.

"I've started up a little project, Mr. Stark. The scientist in you will really appreciate it. You see, all I require is a blood sample. Thanks to your armor, you have left precious little blood at the scene of battle over the years. But, thanks to your undying willingness to be a public tool, you have participated in numerous photo-op blood drives."

Tony gasped as the figure stepped out of the doorway and into the light.

"My God..."

 

[Matt Murdock]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Eight

"How the tables have turned, Otto. " The voice comes from above Octavius, though it appears his adversary has completely dissapeared. "Marco... wait you say that. It's my job to say 'polo'."

Octavius swipes at the voice with one of his tentacles but does not connect. Immediately afterwards he is struck in the back of the head.

"Better luck next time four-eyes."

"Mr. Stark, you only prolong the inevitable." Octavius said, looking all around him. "Your power simply does not compare to mine. Your technology matters little to me, for I control the most powerful organization on the face of the Earth. All of mankind's most sacred inventions are at my disposal."

"Well, not this one."

Before Tony could follow this comment with an attack, Otto whirled around and struck him with all four of tentacles, sending the armored hero flying into the wall. The impact left a huge crater in the marble as Tony struck and slid to the floor.

"Your arrogance will be your undoing, Mr. Stark. You underestimate me. An error that has cost you your life."

Otto smashed one of his tentacles toward Iron Man, hoping to crush him. Stark was able to roll to the side however and pointed his arm at his enemy, ready to fire a deadly blast. Before this could come to fruition however, Stark's weapon was covered with a layer of acid, courtesy of the Scorpion's tail.

As Stark wondered how to remove this substance that was slowly eating away at his armor, the Scorpion caught him with a hard left hook to the face. Stark was not hurt, but was forced to the ground all the same. The Scorpion crouched over him, raining down blows. Finally, Tony used both legs to kick the Scorpion off. But as Iron Man prepared to decimate his foe, Octavius plunged a tentacle deep into the back of his armor, further damaging the suit.

Realizing this was a battle he could not win, Tony fired up his thrusters and headed for the window.

"That's right Mr. Stark. There are dozens of my agents on the way. Flee like the coward you are. It matters not. For I have other means of tormenting you. Allow me to introduce you to someone you just might recognize."

Otto pressed a button and a hidden door at the back of the room slid open. A figure stood there, shrouded in darkness.

"I've started up a little project, Mr. Stark. The scientist in you will really appreciate it. You see, all I require is a blood sample. Thanks to your armor, you have left precious little blood at the scene of battle over the years. But, thanks to your undying willingness to be a public tool, you have participated in numerous photo-op blood drives."

Tony gasped as the figure stepped out of the doorway and into the light.

"My God..."

Iron Man Chapter Eighteen

"Torment me, Otto?" I say, landing on the ground and picking up another apple. "Torment me?! I scoff at the idea! You're talking to a man who has killed the president! What are you going to do? How can you implicate me further? Are you going to make an army? With what? The limited data that your computer took? Please, you should be smarter than that! And as for your little 'acid' trick..." I look at my hand. With a flick of the wrist the affected layer pops off and dissolves on the floor. I look up at Otto.

"You're always a step behind, aren't you? You killed a few of my grunts. Do you feel good about yourself now? Feelin' happy that you can eliminate cannon fodder?"

Otto flicks a tentacle and Scorpion lunges at me. He's in mid-air, and I grab him around the throat.

"And you? I'm just sick of you."

I hurl the man at the hole in the wall and he falls through it, rolling out into the hallway. Apparently, the strain on my armor after picking the man up was too much, though, because my thrusters give way and I crash to the floor. Otto seizes his opportunity and slams a tentacle into my side. I roll with the blow. Otto has no idea what he's done. On the surface, I may seem calm, cool, and in control, but in my mind, I don't know what I'm going to do. He cloned me! And the damage done to my armor will take hours to repair.

"You think I didn't know about clones, Otto? Take a seat " I say strongly, sending a sonic boom his way. The blast pushes Otto into his chair. "I've met one of the Spider-Man clones."

He looks surprised.

"Thats right, Otto. And luckily for the heroes in this world, he's on our side. From what I've heard, he's out there right now, looking for the original webhead, to put an end to his madness." I take a bite out of the apple and keep talking,

" Plus, he's even running around in some of my precious technology. Now what you need to realize, Otto, is that I know that Warren can make multiple clones. And that each one means nothing."

I raise a palm and aim for Otto. Then, I turn my hand to the clone and blast a repulsor beam at it. It slumps down to the ground.

"You, Otto, are out of luck. I've downloaded the info on Warren to give to the Scarlet Spider; and I'm sure he'll hunt you both down once he's done with other wrong-doers."

Putting my hands on his desk, I look him in the eyes and say, trying to sound very calm,

"You've started a war, tonight Otto. Maybe not a war in the typical sense; but you and I, Magneto and Xavier. Scarlet Spider and Spider-Man, the world as we know it is about to change. I don't know about you, but I'm going to get my team ready."

I head for the window to leave. Before I go, however, I turn around.

"Get different apples." I say, tossing the half-eaten fruit into his lap as a power-play, "These ones are far too sour."

 

[Brainiac 8]

*MAGNETO*

Erik looked around the room at those he trusted: Rogue, Bertha, Toad; those he called friends and family. He also had those with him that even though he didn't know them that well, they were still willing to follow him into a battle that until then they never knew about.

Ever since the death of his beloved wife, he has never felt quite as peaceful as he does now. He truly hopes that everyone makes it back today.

"Toad, would you please get the jet ready. Rogue, after you give us a quick explanation of the Xavier compound, we can leave. My friends, remember...this mission is dangerous and there is no certainty that we will make it back. I will try to get through to the humanity that my old friend Charles use to possess."

"Alex...Havok....you just arrived, and this isn't your fight...if you want to sit this one out I understand. My only other request is when things go down, let me handle my son Quicksilver. I can't let him get involved with this."

Erik hoped against hope that noone in the room recognized the concern and fear he had in his eyes.

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Nine

"You've started a war tonight, Otto. Maybe not a war in the typical sense; but you and I, Magneto and Xavier, Scarlet Spider and Spider-Man... the world as we know it is about to change. I don't know about you, but I'm going to get my team ready."

With that, Tony Stark has all but concluded his lengthy speech.

"Get different apples. These ones are far too sour."

Octavius brushes the apple out of his lap and watches it roll across the floor. A smile plays at the corners of his lips.

"That was adorable, Mr. Stark." He says in his egotisitical way. "But please learn to discern reality from your own deluded fantasies. War? Don't make me laugh. There can be no war between us. If I may draw on Shakespeare himself, you are but a fly and I am a wanton boy. Understood?"

Just then the doors of Octavius' office burst open. A plethora of agents enter the room with their guns drawn, but Iron Man has already dissapeared. The officers approach the body of the Stark clone as Scorpion emerges from the hole in wall, rubbing his neck.

"At ease gentlemen, I assure you that Mr. Stark will not give you any trouble. I have rendered him quite unconscious. Throw him in a holding cell and call every news station in the country. I expect to go public with his capture before night falls."

 

[guitarsingerguy]

*MAGNETO*

Erik looked around the room at those he trusted: Rogue, Bertha, Toad; those he called friends and family. He also had those with him that even though he didn't know them that well, they were still willing to follow him into a battle that until then they never knew about.

Ever since the death of his beloved wife, he has never felt quite as peaceful as he does now. He truly hopes that everyone makes it back today.

"Toad, would you please get the jet ready. Rogue, after you give us a quick explanation of the Xavier compound, we can leave. My friends, remember...this mission is dangerous and there is no certainty that we will make it back. I will try to get through to the humanity that my old friend Charles use to possess."

"Alex...Havok....you just arrived, and this isn't your fight...if you want to sit this one out I understand. My only other request is when things go down, let me handle my son Quicksilver. I can't let him get involved with this."

Erik hoped against hope that noone in the room recognized the concern and fear he had in his eyes.

Gambit slides the cards in his hand into his trench coat pocket. He stands up, tightens the buckles on his boots, and lights a cigarette.

"Ah t'ink ah best go get some practice time in. Ah been offa my feet fa' too long."

Gambit leaves the room and walks over to the training facility. Once inside, he starts a program that shoots red lasers all around the room. There's only an average of roughly 3 inches apart from each beam.

"Let's see if ya' still got it dere' Remy."

Gambit places his cigarette in his mouth and dives into the middle of the lasers. Remy glides through the course with ease. The ashes from his cigarette don't even have time to hit the ground before Gambit catches them in his hand.

"Xavier, ah don' like noone messin' round in ma head. Gambit not gonna play nice no more."

 

[Cyrusbales]

XAVIER

Storm walks in, she seems concerned about my plans.

"Proffessor, is it really a good idea to kill these people? If we fail, imagine the consequences."

"Precious storm, there is no need to worry. Whilst my plan can potentially fail, the chances of it doing so are very minimal. Think of all the bloodshed that has been exacted upon our kind? Young mutants, being terrorised, abused, killed. This is no decent world, and these world leaders are just as guilty. Sentinels? Mutant registration? These people will be condemned to the fate they wished upon us."

Storm can clearly understand, her compassion is why she is one of my most trusted people.

"And what about Scott? Do we know what happened?"

"I've been trying to get a fix on him using Cerebro, but it would appear some kind of spike in his mutant abilities caused him to overload and destroy himself. However I'm unconvinced."

"Why proffessor?"

"Well when a mutant dies, they give off an unusual telepathic signal, however I failed to recieve one this time, although it was rather unusual. I will keep looking for him though Storm, don't worry."

"It's been another hour...."

"Exactly my sentiments."

 

[Apprentice]

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 13

I cough a little. Pete's gotten stronger. I try to pull myself up, but I can't. Something's holding me to the ground. I look down and I see a black substance crawling up my costume. I look at Peter, he doesn't seem to know what's happening. I feel the liquid fully encompass me and before it covers my face, I look at Peter. He's a little confused, I can tell. The liquid forms a hard shell around me and I can feel it seeping into my veins. Then, I can hear it in my head...

"Look at him... he thinks he's all powerful...that he can rule the world." It says.

"What happened to him?" I ask.

"Years ago, Spider-Man was recruited to be part of the Secret Wars. A trans-galactical battle that involved Earth's greatest heroes against its most evil villains. Our friend, Parker, fought well. His costume, however, didn't quite do as well as he did. He stumbled upon a costume repairing machine and it gave him what you see him in now." It says.

"That black thing?" I say.

"Precisely." It murmurs. " The costume, the black one, is an alien. It needs a host to survive, and that's where Pete comes into play. I don't know if Peter's still in there. I could hear him trying to fight the alien... Tony Stark came very close to saving Peter, but eventually, he'll lose that battle. Eventually, the suit will drain him of his energy, Parker will die, and the suit will move onto a new host."

"What about you? How do you fit into all of this?"

"I'm the creatures spawn...essentially its son. However, because Parker and the suit were busy battling each other, neither of them knew about me. The suit thinks its doing justice in its own harsh manner. Well, I've come to you so that we can put things right. This new Spider-Man is out of control. So, I propose that you and I join together so that we can stop him."

"How do I know I won't end up like Peter?"

"You'll have to trust me. If you don't you'll end up like Madame Webb."

"Fine. But I expect you to leave as soon as we've stopped Pete"

"Done" It says, and I can feel it flooding my system. The, without warning, we crash through the front of the pod. Ready to take on Peter.

Spider-Man tensed as the creature hurtled towards him. The opponent seemed no longer human, his visage coated by a strange substance that reminded him almost of...the symbiote. He launched himself backward, a webline tagging a stone gargoyle and allowing him to fall back onto the next rooftop. "You get freakier by the second," he quipped, loosening two balls of impact webbing at what had once been the Scarlet Spider.

What is that? Peter demanded.

The symbiote replied, some what grimly, We should know that. It is us.

What's that supposed to mean?

The symbiote did not respond. In the dark tatters of his mind, Peter Parker curled into a corner once again, and shrouded himself in the shadows.

 

[Kaboom]

The explosion rocketed the car from the side of the road sending it careening into a ditch. Sue, having failed to use her powers in so long, was unable to react and the force of the blow rendered her unconcious.

"Sue," I screamed, as I tried to wake her. Bust she wouldn't. It had been years since I had been fully submerged in water, my strength nearly completely drained i too was unable to force myself from the seat I was in.

Then the passenger door ripped open, revealing a group of troops, clad in armor, but entirely unrecognizable to me. They were not Atlantean. But who were they. They Dragged Sue's limp body from the car, as I continued to attempt to pry myself from the driver's seat unsuccessfully.

"Stop," I plead. Plead? Since when does a king plead? But I was no longer King. I was relegated to watching my wife, dragged away from me unable to do anything to stop it.

"SUE! NO!"

Soon my unknown attackers had fled and the fullness of my loss began to over take me. No people, no kingdom, no Sue. I had to get her back. I had to stop running.

I had to find Johnny Storm.

 

[Matt Murdock]

Spider-Man tensed as the creature hurtled towards him. The opponent seemed no longer human, his visage coated by a strange substance that reminded him almost of...the symbiote. He launched himself backward, a webline tagging a stone gargoyle and allowing him to fall back onto the next rooftop. "You get freakier by the second," he quipped, loosening two balls of impact webbing at what had once been the Scarlet Spider.

What is that? Peter demanded.

The symbiote replied, some what grimly, We should know that. It is us.

What's that supposed to mean?

The symbiote did not respond. In the dark tatters of his mind, Peter Parker curled into a corner once again, and shrouded himself in the shadows.

The Scarlet Spider Chapter 14

"Hi there, Petey!" I say, rolling through the pod. Pete hurls two heavy web balls at me. I catch one of them and the other slams into my face. A few of my new alien-built teeth fly out, but turn into liquid on the ground. They reform at my feet, and grow back quickly.

"That hurt... a little. But, c'mon, is that all you've got?"

Parker punches me hard in the chest and I fly backwards. My suit and his suit must be equal in strength. His might be stronger, since its a little more mature. I ease myself up off the building top and take a fighting stance. I tap into my suit and make my fingers claws. The suit can't fully control itself. Tendrils are flying everywhere.

"You need to help me..." It murmurs. " I'm still as uncontrollable as Parker. I'm as evil as his suit...I'm as cruel as his suit. It's up to you you prevent me from becoming him."

 

[Kaboom]

John Storm, sat behind the desk iin his office on the One Hundreth Floor of the Baxter Building, the home offices of multi-media Giant, Storm Enterprises. John had taken the corporation from its scientific focus into an Entertainment studio to support his own, more creative endevears...i.e. making him a movie star. It could be said that John Storm was living a perfect life....a billionaire a few times over, who could rival sheiks, shahs, and princes.
"Mister storm, you have a visitor here who refuses to identify himself." John motioned to Ben Grimm.

"Get rid of for him," he said just as the doors burst open as I walked in. I hadn't seen him years.

John erupted into flames as soon as he saw me.
"That was a ten thousand dollar suit you just made me waste," John thndered. "i thought i said I never wanted to see you again!"
"Sue's been kidnapped."

 

[Kaboom]

"Tell me why I should care?"
"She's your sister," I reply.
"She stopped being my sister the day she exchanged vows you...fishboy."
"Atlantean."
"Does it matter....really?"
"I need your help, Johnny."
"John...and I said no. Thing..the Atlantean..is ready to be shown out." Ben took a step forward.
"I'll do anything, John. I need her. With your vast array of satelites surely you could tell me..." John tapped the table with his fingers.
"Do you know Faust? He made a deal with Beelzebub, in exchange for well not much. a lil intel, i suppose, much like what your asking for."
"Your no devil.."
"My flames, burn hotter than his Namor. Now tell me would you do anything?"
"I would."
"A few hours ago, a mutant fanatical, named Xavier toook over all of the earth's satelites to broadcast executions of world leaders. That includes my own..I want them back. You take care of Xavier, I'll take of you."
"Where is he?"
John slid a few pieces of paper across the table to him. Science, technology, movies, Storm Enterprises did not make John Storm a multi-billionaire by hocking popcorn flicks to fifteen year old girls. The real money came from patents, militiary contracts, and right now those satelites were not just broadcasting tv shows for tots, but was keeping watch on a very volatilesituation, that if got out of hand could work its way back to Storm Enterprises.
"Get me my satelites back, and we'll be able to find Sue...oh and Namor, Xavier is the foremost mutant telepath on the planet, you may need this." John tossed the sub-mariner a collar. "It'll blackout your thoughts."
"Where did you ..."
"No questions, just results. Get me my satellites. and takea bath. you smell like seaweed."

 

[Brainiac 8]

Erik watched Gambit walk out of the room. He then looked around the room. "Gambit has the right idea, we need to get ready for what is to come. Please everyone prepare, and don't forget to make sure your Psydampners are on when we leave, they may be what saves your life. I'll let you know one more time that if you have any worries and want to back out of this mission, I'll not think any less of you."

"Meet me at the jet in two hours, then we'll leave for Xavier's base."

He then turned toward Rogue. "Rogue, can we talk for a moment before you leave?"

 

[Kaboom]

I sped through Westchester County, looking for Greymalkin lane.

 

[Noon]

Erik watched Gambit walk out of the room. He then looked around the room. "Gambit has the right idea, we need to get ready for what is to come. Please everyone prepare, and don't forget to make sure your Psydampners are on when we leave, they may be what saves your life. I'll let you know one more time that if you have any worries and want to back out of this mission, I'll not think any less of you."

"Meet me at the jet in two hours, then we'll leave for Xavier's base."

He then turned toward Rogue. "Rogue, can we talk for a moment before you leave?"

"Of course"

The room empties and I make my way over to Eric, he towers over me but I always look him in the eye.

 

[Kaboom]

Atlanteans by nature have limited telepathic powers, had Johnny..err, John not given me the brainwave inhibitor sneaking up on Xavier would have been like driving a tank down 5th Avenue and expecting passers-by not to notice.

Lucky, Storm had one on hand.

I had parked my bike, miles away, and came in under the radar. Xavier no doubt had patrols, and after having recharged my batteries in the shower, and a quick dip in the bay, i felt like i could take on his entire army of X-Men. Still, i was out of practice, and in truth I wasn't looking for a fight. I just needed to disable his satellite uplink.

It was the only way to find Sue.

 

[Brainiac 8]

"Of course"

The room empties and I make my way over to Eric, he towers over me but I always look him in the eye.

"Anna, you know the position you are going to be in during this confrontation. You use to be on Xavier's team, and you will be fighting the woman you called mother for many years. Are you ready for this? I do not want to see you hurt. What I'm trying to say is, as always, I will be there for you if need be."

"It's the same for me. I trust you implicitely, you are one of the very few. I will be dealing with my son while we are there, and I'm not sure how it's going to work yet. I would like you to please help me if need be."

Erik hated himself for seeming so weak right now, but he couldn't help feeling helpless in this situation. It's just so hard hiding the hurt all the time, always having to look strong and sure....he had to have someone that could see what Erik is feeling inside.

 

[Noon]

"Anna, you know the position you are going to be in during this confrontation. You use to be on Xavier's team, and you will be fighting the woman you called mother for many years. Are you ready for this? I do not want to see you hurt. What I'm trying to say is, as always, I will be there for you if need be."

"It's the same for me. I trust you implicitely, you are one of the very few. I will be dealing with my son while we are there, and I'm not sure how it's going to work yet. I would like you to please help me if need be."

Erik hated himself for seeming so weak right now, but he couldn't help feeling helpless in this situation. It's just so hard hiding the hurt all the time, always having to look strong and sure....he had to have someone that could see what Erik is feeling inside.

I look away for a moment, shielding the emotion that enters my eyes. I look back and I can see he shares my feelings.

"It won't be pleasant, but ahm the only one whos been there, ah know that place. Trust me, we need an a'vantage ta win this."

 

[Kaboom]

Finally sensing my moment, i crept over the fence at the Xavier Institute, and began my intruision, silently, deftly, and hoping nobody would notice.

 

[Feature]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Nine

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the associated press, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for granting me your time this afternoon."

Otto Octavius stood behind a podium in a large room. He was wearing his finest suit, his metal arms hanging limp at his sides. Despite the staggering size of the room, it was literally overflowing with people. Hundreds of reporters and cameramen struggled to get the best positions they could.

Behind Octavius was a handful of SHIELD's highest ranking executives. Among them was Mac Gargan, wearing a striking pin-striped suit, which took attention away from his swollen, bandaged face.

"Before I get to the announcement that has brought you all here today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of millions of viewers around the globe who are watching today. I want to thank you all for your support, and I would also like to reassure you that this organization will do everything in its power to continue to promote peace in these troubled times."

A gentle round of applause followed this statement.

"Now then, if you would all turn your attention to the monitor behind me, I have some exciting news to share with you."

Octavius produced a remote and with the push of a button turned the monitor on. It showed grainy footage of what looked like a very small prison cell. There was but one occupant. Upon seeing the countenance of this prisoner, a sea of gasps erupted from the crowd.

​

"Ladies and Gentlemen, you are looking at a holding cell deep within SHIELD headquarters. And yes, the man you are seeing is none other than Tony Stark, who was recently charged with the murder of the president of the United States of America."

A clamour arose from the crowd as everyone began talking in stunned voices. People began placing calls to their editors, deperately shouting for them to stop the presses. It was pandemonium.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please!" Octavius called out, instantly creating silence. "I would now invite you to ask any questions that you might have, so that you can learn all that you can and go forth to educate the public."

Hundred of voices cried out, one rising above the rest.

"Mr. Octavius! Scott Lundgren, Chicago Star! What kind of precautions have you taken in terms of securing Mr. Stark?"

"Mr. Stark is under constant surveilance and is forbidden from having any visitors. SHIELD's finest agents are mere feet from him at all times. I assure you, Mr. Stark hasn't the slightest hope of escape."

"Otto, over here! Victoria Washburn, New York Gazette! Can you describe the circumstances surrounding Mr. Stark's capture?"

"Well, much of this information must be witheld until Mr. Stark's trial. All I can tell you is that SHIELD's own Macdonald Gargan was responsible for the arrest."

"Otto! Mark Johnson, Toronto Herald! What will be Mr. Stark's fate? You mentioned a trial..."

"Yes, more information will be available in time, but Mr. Stark will stand trial for his crime like any other American, and is presumed innocent until proven guilty."

"Mr. Octavius! Dan Fields, Life Magazine! Are you aware that in a recent poll, our readers voted you a better leader than all of the current presidential candidates?"

Octavius smiled a sinister smile as a dastardly idea began to form in his mind.

"I am honoured. That is quite interesting indeed..."​

 

[Feature]

IC Adrian Toomes: The Vulture
Season I - Part Seven

Adrian Toomes sat on the ledge of the old bell-tower, peering down at the city below. Night had fallen, and the city's neon lights were mirrored in the wet streets. Below, the hustle of the night came with much noise. But Adrian was above it all. Sitting in silence. Waiting.

Finally, the creaking of old wooden stairs could be heard as footsteps drew nearer and nearer to the top of the tower, where Adrian was perched. Turning, the old man saw Constrictor had arrived, a large rusted bell hanging between the two adversaries.

"I said to bring the wings, you old kook, not to wear them."

Adrian got to his feet and looked his foe in the eye, saying nothing.

"So this is how it's gonna be: I'm taking you to meet the Devil right now. You and him are gonna have a nice little chat, and then me and you? Well, me and you are gonna be co-workers. That understood?"

"No." Adrian spat. "Tell your master I said no."

"Oh for Christ's sake, you're an old man!" Constrictor yelled. "Come on, don't make me kill ya. I don't even wanna think about the bad karma that comes from killing a senior citizen."

"This is how it's going to be: You're going to surrender and tell me everything you know about Daredevil. Everything. I want to know what he had for breakfast this morning. And then? Well, then I'll let you in on some loopholes that ought to reduce your sentence."

Constrictor chuckled heartily. "God, what is with you? You're a nut, you know that? A real nut. I'm sorry I'm gonna have to do this pal, but the Kingpin wants those wings. He wants 'em like yesterday. And I don't much like being ordered around by someone who looks like he should be wearin' a diaper."

Adrian kicked off the ground as hard as he could, soaring across the floor and landing a powerful punch to Contrictor's jaw. The blow toppled Constrictor, and he fell in a heap. Adrian landed on his feet and looked down at his opponent.

"Last chance." Adrian said.

Constrictor let out a furious yell and he got to his feet and took a swing at the elderly crusader. Adrian dodged the blow and fired back, hitting Constrictor in the stomach and knocking the wind out of him. He then put on leg behind his foe and pushed Constrictor backwards, effectively tripping him.

"I mean it." Adrian said. "I want names, locations, dates... Don't make this harder than it has to be."

Constrictor got to his feet, one of his electrified coils emerging from his right wrist.

​

"You want to play hard, old-timer?" He threatened. "Come on! Let's see what you're made of!"

He whipped the coil towards Adrian, who ducked under it. Adrian then took to the air and flew over Constrictor's head, kicking him as he passed. This proved to be a mistake, as Adrian's ankles had still not fully healed. The leg he had attacked with began to throb painfully.

Adrian circled back around coming towards Constrictor once again. This time he was knocked off his path by one of his opponent's deadly swipes, which missed by inches. Suddenly, Adrian dove off the side of the building, plumetting headfirst towards the streets below.

Constrictor stood there, panting heavily, wondering what had just happened. "Crap..." He breathed. "I friggin' killed him."

Constrictor, believing that his missed attack had thrown his foe into an uncontrollable fall, inched closer to the ledge. He expected to look down and see Adrian splattered all over the sidewalk, but no such luck. Instead, just as he glanced down, Adrian came rocketing back up, connecting with a double-fisted blow that sent Constrictor airborne. It was finished.

Adrian looked down at his prey.
​

​

"It's over." He said as he fought to catch his breath. "Now tell me what I want to know."

Just then, the sound of helicopters filled the air and a huge spotlight fell on the bell-tower. Many footsteps could be heard running up the stairs. A voice spoke through a megaphone. It was Evan Radditch, who was aboard one of the circling choppers.

"Adrian Toomes! This is the NYPD! You are under arrest! We have the entire area surrounded! Do not make any sudden movements!"

Adrian's injured ankle was throbbing worse than ever. Sweat was pouring down his face. He couldn't manage to catch his breath.

"What the hell is going on?" Adrian yelled to Constrictor, over the noise.

"Sorry old man..." Constrictor said through bloodied teeth. "Kingpin... he never wanted you... this was... a setup."

Just then, a squad of armored SWAT agents came up the stairs and surrounded him, guns drawn. Adrian knew he had to get out of here now. His heart was racing, the sweat was soaking his costume. His ankle screamed with pain.

"Put your hand on your head and lie face down on the ground!" Radditch yelled from the whirlybird.

Adrian's vision began to blur. He could catch his breath. He gasped for air. A burning was tearing through his chest. He clutched at his heart as he slumped to his knees and finally blacked out, the whole scene slowly fading away...

"We need a medic right now! Give him room you idiots, give him room! He's had a heart attack..."​

 

[Kaboom]

Im not going to say it was easy getting in. Im not going to say it was easy hiding from Xavier. but it was.

no sentrys, no automatic firing mechanisms, i was either a natural at covert ops, or I was being set up. Unfortunately, only one thing mattered....shutting down that satellite uplink.

eventualy I found mysef inside the mansion, through a secret passageway and deep inside an underground bunker.

still I hadn't seen anyone.

it was going to easy.

 

[Matt Murdock]

IC Otto Octavius: Doctor Octopus
Season I - Part Nine

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the associated press, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for granting me your time this afternoon."

Otto Octavius stood behind a podium in a large room. He was wearing his finest suit, his metal arms hanging limp at his sides. Despite the staggering size of the room, it was literally overflowing with people. Hundreds of reporters and cameramen struggled to get the best positions they could.

Behind Octavius was a handful of SHIELD's highest ranking executives. Among them was Mac Gargan, wearing a striking pin-striped suit, which took attention away from his swollen, bandaged face.

"Before I get to the announcement that has brought you all here today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of millions of viewers around the globe who are watching today. I want to thank you all for your support, and I would also like to reassure you that this organization will do everything in its power to continue to promote peace in these troubled times."

A gentle round of applause followed this statement.

"Now then, if you would all turn your attention to the monitor behind me, I have some exciting news to share with you."

Octavius produced a remote and with the push of a button turned the monitor on. It showed grainy footage of what looked like a very small prison cell. There was but one occupant. Upon seeing the countenance of this prisoner, a sea of gasps erupted from the crowd.

​

"Ladies and Gentlemen, you are looking at a holding cell deep within SHIELD headquarters. And yes, the man you are seeing is none other than Tony Stark, who was recently charged with the murder of the president of the United States of America."

A clamour arose from the crowd as everyone began talking in stunned voices. People began placing calls to their editors, deperately shouting for them to stop the presses. It was pandemonium.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please!" Octavius called out, instantly creating silence. "I would now invite you to ask any questions that you might have, so that you can learn all that you can and go forth to educate the public."

Hundred of voices cried out, one rising above the rest.

"Mr. Octavius! Scott Lundgren, Chicago Star! What kind of precautions have you taken in terms of securing Mr. Stark?"

"Mr. Stark is under constant surveilance and is forbidden from having any visitors. SHIELD's finest agents are mere feet from him at all times. I assure you, Mr. Stark hasn't the slightest hope of escape."

"Otto, over here! Victoria Washburn, New York Gazette! Can you describe the circumstances surrounding Mr. Stark's capture?"

"Well, much of this information must be witheld until Mr. Stark's trial. All I can tell you is that SHIELD's own Macdonald Gargan was responsible for the arrest."

"Otto! Mark Johnson, Toronto Herald! What will be Mr. Stark's fate? You mentioned a trial..."

"Yes, more information will be available in time, but Mr. Stark will stand trial for his crime like any other American, and is presumed innocent until proven guilty."

"Mr. Octavius! Dan Fields, Life Magazine! Are you aware that in a recent poll, our readers voted you a better leader than all of the current presidential candidates?"

Octavius smiled a sinister smile as a dastardly idea began to form in his mind.

"I am honoured. That is quite interesting indeed..."​

Iron Man Chapter 19


I'm hovering above the press conference... I never really let Otto out of my sight. As much as I seemed to be calm, I was, and still am, terrified and I have no idea what to do. I look down. I remain cloaked and chuckle to myself. Otto has created a clone of me... perfect. Now, I don't needto take the fall for killing the president and I can still fight crime as Iron Man. I hover away, back towards the Arizona base. I need to tell Scarlet Spider what's happening.

 

[Cyrusbales]

Im not going to say it was easy getting in. Im not going to say it was easy hiding from Xavier. but it was.

no sentrys, no automatic firing mechanisms, i was either a natural at covert ops, or I was being set up. Unfortunately, only one thing mattered....shutting down that satellite uplink.

eventualy I found mysef inside the mansion, through a secret passageway and deep inside an underground bunker.

still I hadn't seen anyone.

it was going to easy.

XAVIER

"A long way from the ocean aren't we."

Hearing my voice, coming from everywhere and yet, nowhere.

"I trust you're expecting my X-men? I shall not disapoint!"

Within seconds, Storm and mystique descend upon the forgotten prince.

 

[Noon]

Rogue

We regather the team and after briefing Gambit on the security, and the rest of the team on the basics of what we're facing, we are on the jet and flying back towards the Woman who betrayed me and the man who wanted to use me.

Carefully I slip the little device behind my ear that will block Xavier from controlling me or reading my mind, out of the corner of my eye I can see Gambit and Big Bertha do the same.

After hours of flying, my butt is numb from siting in the hard metallic chair. We finally land a few kilometers away from the mansion in some abandoned scrub land I remember as a weak entry point. I stand as soon as I am allowed to undo the seatbelt and stretch my legs.

"Ok Swamp rat, remember what ah said, once ya get in, disable tha security system and we'll be there in a flicker to back ya up. To signal when the system is down just blow something up that we can see, with that pretty pink light of yours."

 

[Kaboom]

I had been so close to detroying the satleite uplink when the ones called storm and mystique descended on me. Now, i was bound with mutant inhibitors and locked in a cell alone.

"Hey amigo...." someone said.

Maybe I wasnt as alone as i thought.

"The name's Roberto da Costa"

"Namor"

"What you in for?"