Chapter Text
New York
“So how exactly are we supposed to track down this Quake?” Hector Ayala wondered, all of them in a black van.
“Find the locations which frequently have reported tremors in the last 24 hours.” Maria Hill said, looking at her phone for directions.
“How does that correlate, exactly?” Sam asked.
“Quake’s abilities are Vibrokinesis. She can manipulate vibrations to generate concussive blasts, earth quakes, the works.”
“Why haven’t we heard of her before?” Steve asked.
“She recently came into her powers about over a year ago during a SHIELD op against HYDRA in Old San Juan.” Hill revealed, making Hector raise an eyebrow at the mention of a major historical place in his home island.
“Why there of all places?” He wondered
“Not sure. I never got the full sit rep from the director, too busy haggling these two and the other four while they took down HYDRA bases.” Hill waved a hand towards Steve and Nat. “As for why, the director tried to keep her in the downlow as much as possible for her safety. Especially with the kind of people interested in her abilities. Like HYDRA.”
Steve grimaced. “Thought we had taken down the last major cell with Strucker.”
“You took out the big one but various smaller ones remained, most of whom remained under the command Gideon Malick.”
Nat recognized the name instantly. “He was part of the World Security Council during the Chitauri invasion.”
“A world leader part of HYDRA… why am I not surprised?” Hector couldn't help but comment before muttering in Spanish: "Hijo de Puta."
Spider-Man landed on a rooftop with effortless grace. “Well, I wonder which batch of criminals came out tonight and decided to work on their black belt of stupid.”
Daredevil landed next to him. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
“And the ladies couldn’t be here because they decided to have a ‘ladies night’ out in the twon.” Spider-Man made air quotes, knowing he couldn’t see him but could still sense it.
Daredevil merely sighed. “Moon Knight out tonight?”
“Maybe. He did go pretty hard on those MRD pricks from the other night so he might law low for a bit.” He then tapped his chin. “Then again, it’s Moon Knight. He wears white because he wants people to know he’s coming.”
“Either way, we keep searching. We need to find Hector Ayala.” Daredevil stated.
“I hate to be the debby downer, Matt but you sure he’s still alive?”
“I don’t know, Peter but I have to know… if he’s alive, I can get him back to his family. If he’s dead… at least they can bury him and find closure.”
Spider-Man nodded. “Then let’s get to it, partner.”
“Last time I checked, thought you were my sidekick.” Daredevil remarked, half joking.
“I’m no one’s sidekick, thank you very much.” Spider-Man said. “Quite like not having an overbearing mother hen looming over me.”
“I would never a mother hen.”
“No, you’d be a father hen.”
Despite not having eyesight, Daredevil gave him a flat look as Spider-Man looked real proud of himself.
“Hey, that was a good one.”
“Wasn’t even accurate.”
“Still good.”
The Man without Fear just sighed, wondering why he was friends with this kid.
He then felt something. “You feel that?
“You felt it too?” Spider-Man asked. While his senses weren’t on par with the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, they were still pretty potent.
“Yeah… it’s coming from the docks.” Daredevil said after a moment.
Spider-Man jumped, firing a web line as Daredevil fired his Billy Club’s grapnel hook, right behind him.
Other side of New York
“You know, when you said you had an idea for a night out, I did not think it be breaking and entering into a rich man’s penthouse.” Elektra remarked dryly.
“You sound like you’re complaining, Elektra.” Felicia noted with a knowing grin.
“Oh, hardly. Missed committing corporate espionage.” Elektra quipped.
Moon Knight landed on a rooftop, out on patrol for the night when he felt something. It was minimal but even he still he could feel the ground shake.
‘Hmm… wonder where it’s coming from.’
Hill pulled out her phone, seeing seismic activity near Hell’s Kitchen’s docks.
“Got a location.” She changed directions, making them all hold on for dear life.
Spider-Man landed, seeing what looked to be armed thugs with clear military training.
Daredevil landed next to him.
“Think these guys might be those Watchdogs I heard about once in the news.” Spider-Man said. “Go after the enhanced they call ‘Inhumans’. Kind of like what the MRD is doing to mutants.”
Daredevil clenched his gloved fist. “Then let’s show them the error of their ways.”
Just then, the ground shook once again, this time a lot stronger.
A Watchdog soldier looked at his commanding officer, a touch fearful. “Um, sir… I think we should leave soon. She might be here soon.”
“Quake?” The commanding officer scoffed. “Let her come. She’s nothing but a glass canon. All we need is one shot.”
BANG!
Said commanding officer fell to the ground, a hole in his forehead as Frank Castle rained fired on them, letting out a roar.
“Fuck, it’s the Punisher!” One of the cried out in horror.
“Call the others!” Another exclaimed.
Daredevil sighed. “You’ve got to be shitting me.” He jumped down into the fray with his Billy Clubs, attacking the watch dogs.
He grabbed one’s gun then headbutted him before striking another with his Billy Club. He then tossed the first one towards a container, leaving a major dent.
Spider-Man jumped in, landing in front of three others, who all aimed their guns at him. “You know, those masks are actually kind of cool looking. Shame it’s with a bunch of bigots who hunt down innocent people just cause they have powers.” He dodged their gunfire with ease then fired a web at two of them before tossing their gun back at them, knocking them out.
“Anyone with powers isn’t innocent.” The third Watchdog soldier sneered, firing his gun as the wallcrawler leapt over him.
“Say that to a 10-year-old boy who just learned he can breathe underwater.” He punched him in the gut then uppercut him, making crash into another one. “Or a 13 year girl who can go through walls, you piece of crap.”
Another came in with a machete, but Spider-Man wrapped his legs around his head, spinning around before throwing him to the ground then got up quickly,
“Frank, stop!” Daredevil shouted at Frank, who kept on shooting one of them in the head, making sure he was dead.
He raised another’s gun wielding hand, burying a knife in his gut then his neck before throwing him to the ground.
Just then, Moon Knight landed on top of a Watchdog, burying one of his Moonerangers in another’s shoulder.
A black, large car pulled out as Steve, Nat, Sam, Hector and Hill stepped out, the Boricua in full costume, mask included.
Steve rushed one, delivering a double drop kick, making crash into others. One came in with a knife but he flipped them over then twisted his arm, making him drop the knife before punching him out cold. He performed a spin kick, hitting another in the head, knocking them out.
Nat went under a Watchdog, hitting them in the nuts. She leapt over him, wrapped her thighs around another’s neck then spun around, making land on the ground, out cold. Another came from behind but she elbowed him in the nose, breaking it then spun around with a kick, the soldier falling to the ground.
Sam and Hill stayed back, firing their guns, taking out a few others.
White Tiger delivered a spin kick to a watch dog’s gut, making them stumble back before flipping another over. He ducked under another’s gun, punching thrice there then finishing it off with an uppercut. The first came back but he punched them hard in the face.
Daredevil stopped, sensing a familiar smell and heartbeat. “Hector?”
White Tiger stopped. “Do I know you?”
Daredevil remained quiet then punched a Watchdog in the face, repeatedly. Still, he was relieved to Hector was alive and well after he had feared the worst.
The remaining Watchdogs saw them all taking out their buddies, dropping their guns.
“One’s bad enough but all of these freaks? Screw this!” One of them exclaimed, all of them running away until they were hit with a concussive blast, hitting the container.
Quake walked over to them, making sure they down for the count then sighed, lowering her hand.
“Daisy.” She turned to see Hill approaching her, putting her gun away.
The Inhuman shook her head. “No. I’m not going back, Hill. You or others can’t make.”
“They’re worried about you. Mack, Fitz, Simmons, Yo-Yo, May,” She glanced at Steve and Nat for a moment, internally grimacing. “Coulson.”
Steve and Nat blinked, surprised.
“Hill?” The former Red Room operative looked at her.
“I’m. Not. Going. Back.” Daisy hissed through gritted teeth.
“I’m sorry about Lincoln.” Hill said, sincere, making her stop dead in her tracks. “But… he made the choice that saved countless lives. Hive had to be stopped.”
“Shut. Up.” Daisy growled, glaring at Fury’s right-hand woman.
“You’re running away from your pain.” Spider-Man noted, earning eyes on him.
Daisy’s eyes hardened, giving him a dark look. “What do you know about loss?”
“I know better than most. When you have powers and things happen that could have been prevented because you… could have.” Spider-Man said softly, understanding in his voice. “With Great Power comes great responsibility. It’s the axiom I live by every day to make sure no one else suffers or dies, not if I can help it. It's why I do what I do.”
“I tried to run away from my own pain. Losing everyone I knew, being awoken in a time so far from my own.” Steve then spoke. “Buried myself in mission after mission but… sooner or later, it’s gonna catch up, no matter how fast you try to be.”
Nat quietly grabbed his hand, giving it a light squeeze as she remained quiet. She wasn’t one for sharing such things openly.
“Don’t think you’re special just because you lost someone, kid. We all have.” Frank grunted, his eyes showing a glimpse of his pain. At the loss of his wife, son and daughter in such a brutal fashion.
“Trying to push the people away in your life who care about you doesn’t work.” Daredevil said sagely. “Tried it before and it backfired on me.”
“Just makes the guilt and grief you feel worse.” Sam said knowingly. “I lost my partner, Riley and if I had been alone during that time… might not be here right now.”
Daisy looked them all, biting her lip as she tried to stop the tears that wanted to spill. “I… it should have been me.” She croaked, her voice thick with emotion.
“We’ve all been there.” Frank said simply.
“No, you don’t understand! It was my fault! Lincoln would have never been in that situation if not for me!” Daisy snapped.
“You were under Hive’s control.” Hill said.
“Yet I was so willing to go back to him.” Daisy pointed out.
“Because it was like a drug and like those in withdrawal, you wanted that high again! That’s how Hive used you.” Hill argued then sighed. “But even still, Lincoln would have done it in a heartbeat, regardless of the circumstances.”
“You say that yet you and Fury would have been so quick to put him on the enhanced registry like all the other Inhumans you did. Bet you had a few mutants on that list as well.” Daisy sneered.
Hill stopped, looking a bit shamed faced about that, bowing her head.
Frank stepped forward. “Does this whole vigilante thing with your powers make you feel better?”
“Wh-what?” Daisy was confused.
“You heard me. You doing this to feel better? This hero bullshit or this trying to atone for something? Cause I smell the guilt, it’s all over you.”
“Excuse me?”
“Yeah, that guilt, that shame, that's my home, kid. So is yours.”
“How dare you!”
“Or maybe you're really angry at yourself, and you can't see it, because YOU killed him and you didn’t a damn thing about it!" Frank exclaimed.
“Shut up!” Daisy snarled, fists clenched, looking as if she were about to quake him.
“For Christ’s sake, at least have the guts to say his name.” Seeing her go quiet, Frank pressed her. “Say his name, goddamnn it! Say his name, you coward!”
“Frank, that’s enough!” Daredevil grabbed his shoulder, but Frank shoved him away.
“Get your goddamn hands off me, Red.” Frank growled then turned just as Daisy decked him in the face, hard, grabbing him by the collar when Spider-Man grabbed her, pulling her off him.
Daisy blinked, coming back to herself. “I-I… shit, I’m-I’m sorry.”
The former marine just stared at her, unphased by the punch (even though she could certainly throw a mean hook).
“What are you sorry for, kid? First honest thing you did.” Frank said bluntly, making her still.
“It's not about him.”
“No?”
“Okay? It’s not about…” She closed her eyes for a moment, pained. “It’s not about Lincoln.””
“It's all about him.” Frank said knowingly. “He talks to you, don't he? You hear his voice.” He paused, her expression answer enough for him. “You do, don't you?”
Daisy swallowed a lump in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes, starting to pant heavily.
“Every time I stop moving, I still hear my little boy. I see him.” He swallowed a lump in his throat. “And I hear his voice. He says, "Get 'em, Daddy. Every last single one of 'em, get 'em".” Frank said, earning sympathy from every one of them.
Especially Hector, who had at times been more of a father to his younger sister than an older brother given their huge age gap.
“That's why I do what I do. And that's why I see it in you. That's why I see it in you because you know you didn't do a goddamn thing and it's gonna keep eating at you.” Frank pointed a finger at her. “It's gonna keep eating, and eating, and eating. There's no getting away with it, you understand?”
Daisy remained quiet, tears starting to stream down her cheeks, looking at the others before she fell to her knees, sobbing loudly.
Hector walked over to her, pulling her in his arms as Sam kneeled next to them rubbing soothing circles on her back.
“Harsh… but a lot of the time, harsh is needed.” Moon Knight said knowingly.
“Just got to know when the time is right.” Daredevil stated.
After a moment, Hill sighed, seeing the looks Steve and Nat leveled her.
“You mentioned Coulson. But he’s dead.” Nat raised an eyebrow. “Right?”
Hill sighed. “Better you see it in person.”
“So, what are we, chopped liver?” Spider-Man quipped. “Cause I would very much like to know what the hell is going on.”
“I trust him.” Steve said, Frank finally realizing that ‘Holy shit, Captain America is standing before him!’, straightening up in the man’s presence. “And you owe us this much, Hill. Especially if you lied to us what I think you did.”
Hill ran a hand down her face. “Fine but I don’t trust either of them.” She motioned Frank, Daredevil and Moon Knight, who shrugged, uncaring.
“And yet, they seem to be more honest than you.” Spider-Man quipped, earning a dirty look from her.
Hill pulled out her phone. “Need pickup. Get a few extra passengers.”
“How many?” Melinda May asked on the other end.
She glanced back at the others. “About an extra five more.”
“Perfect.. be there in 40.” Melinda ended the call.
Hill put her phone away, seeing Daredevil and Moon Knight dragging the knocked out watchdogs into a pile before Spider-Man webbed them all all into a giant bag hanging from a street light.
“They’re so cute when they’re asleep. In a bigoted, psychotic way.” Spider-Man commented.
“Does he ever shut up?” Frank wondered.
“Nope!” Daredevil, Moon Knight, Steve, Nat and Sam all chorused.
The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen heard police sirens approaching.
“Police. Ten blocks away.”
“Let’s get a move on then.” Steve stated.
Felica and Elektra entered the penthouse, quiet.
“Hmph. And I thought my place was huge.” The Cat burglar quipped as Elektra began to look around.
In the living room, she was a bunch of notes on Spider-Man, questioning how his abilities.
“Seems your boyfriend’s boss is quite fascinated by his alter ego.” Elektra noted, Felicia grabbing them, looking them over.
She scoffed, grinning. “I’m sure Spider is bit pleased that so many are interested in his abilities.” She then grimaced. “But I’ll make sure they never lay a finger or needle on him.”
She walked around a little while longer.
“Blueprints I saw showed tons of empty space right behind…” Felicia did the math in her head, looking around the before his eyes landed on the family portrait of Norman, Harry (when he was a young) and a woman who was no doubt Emily. “There.”
“Who leaves space unused in a Manhattan apartment?” Elektra wondered as she walked over to it.
She then noticed some type of helmet with schematics on at his desk, walking over to it.
“Hmm.. schematics for a prototype combat mask. Looks like it can reveal structural weaknesses.” Elektra noted as Felicia grabbed it, putting it on.
“Whoa…” Felicia said in awe. “This is amazing. Spider would probably be gushing over and try to replicate it.”
“You’d buy him the tools needed without thinking about it… or steal them.” Elektra quipped.
Felicia then noticed the mask showing something. “Hmm… looks to be showing a door hidden in that wall. Guessing that might be the empty space.”
“Let’s find out what it is.” Elektra said, the two walking over to it, the cat burglar gently removing the portrait, seeing there was a key pad.
“Guess someone likes spy movies.” Felica quipped, grabbing some of her tools, hoping to find fingerprints as Elektra entered the master bedroom, looking around for any clues she could find.
It was then she noted photo on the nightstand, no doubt Emily, grabbing it, she made her think.
“Hmm, I wonder if…” Elektra opened the drawer, seeing a journal there, glancing over at the pages till she found what she was looking for.
The date Emily Osborn died, funnily roughly around the same time as when Richard and Mary Parker died due to their plane being sabotaged courtesy of HYDRA.
Peter had once tried to see who was the most likely suspect it with it really coming down to Daniel Whitehall. Sadly, he never concrete evidence for it and Whitehall was reported dead in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico in March of last year.
She closed the journal, putting it back where she found it, trying to make it look as if it had never been touch then returned to Felicia.
“Try 6206.” She suggested.
Felicia blinked. “Why?”
“It’s the day Emily Osborn died. June 2nd, 2006.”
Felicia’s eyes widened before tapping her chin in thought. “That-that tracks.” Just as she was about to type in the code, she checked her phone, seeing her boyfriend had sent a picture. “Huh… that’s something.”
“What?” Elektra asked, looking at her phone.
“Seems Spider and Devil boy are off on a little field trip with Moon Knight and…” She trailed off, in disbelief. “The fucking Punisher!?”
Elektra just blinked then shrugged. “Eh, they’ll be fine.”
“Even if it involves SHIELD apparently?” Felicia asked, making the former student of Stick stop dead in her tracks.
“Come again?”
Genosha
Erik stared at the reflection, putting on the suit Hemblem had made for him (better than ever to test it out given it gave him more protection than his old costume), which was dark purple and red. He then closed his eyes, putting on his helmet (Same color scheme as his suit) then opened them.
There didn’t stand Erik Magnus Lensherr, a victim of one of the worst tragedies in human history as well decades of mutant bigotry.
Instead stood Magneto, leader of the mutant nation of Genosha.
He walked to the entrance. Seeing his two children, he gave them both stern looks. “Stay here.”
“But-”
“Please.” Magneto looked at them both, a silent plea in his eyes.
Wanda sighed. “Fine. Unless things go bad, which they will with Stark then all bets are off with me.”
Magneto nodded, conceding to that before he stepped out, seeing Esme waiting for him. She raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow at him.
“You ready?”
“Hardly but when was that ever stopped me, my dear?” The Master of Magnetism replied with a smirk that did not reach his eyes.
For it would seem war had come to Genosha.
Gambit walked over to him. “Is there anything you need from me, Mon Ami?” He asked in a voice so serious he had no idea the Cajun mutant was capable.
“Keep an eye out on my children.” Magneto ordered. “If someone so much as lays a hand on them… do what you must.”
Gambit nodded. “Your wish is my command.”
“It’s not a ‘wish’, Gambit. It’s an order.” Magneto leveled him a stern look then softened. “Please.”
Gambit looked a bit terrified then smoothed his expression with an assuring smile. “Of course.”
After a moment, the Master of Magnetism nodded.
Magneto then hovered in the air, a metal circle appearing below Esme, allowing her fly with him.
Zephyr One
Inside the SHIELD plane, Steve and Nat entered the command deck as Hill led them.
“Pleasure to have you two on board despite the circumstances.” A tall, muscular black man suggested, getting between the two. He then held out his hand in greeting. “Agent Romanoff. Captain Rogers. It’s an honor.”
Steve shook the man’s hand. “What’s your name, soldier?”
“Alphonso Mackenzie though my friends call me Mack.” Mack introduced himself.
“Hope you mind if I call you that?” Steve wondered.
“Not at all, sir.” Mack smiled and Steve smiled back.
“Then call me Steve, please.”
Mack nodded. “Alright then… Steve.”
Downstairs, Daisy was there, shaken as Hector and Sam stayed close, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Frank, and Moon Knight feeling a touch of uneasiness at being in a SHIELD plane with SHIELD agents no doubt in abundance.
“Been a while, Frank.” Daredevil said.
“That it has been, Red.” Frank said. “See you got yourself a sidekick.”
“I’m not a sidekick.” Spider-Man said quickly. “If anything, he’s my sidekick.” That earned a snort.
“Sure, in your dreams.” Daredevil said flatly.
“A man can dream, your honor. A man can dream.”
“Dreams? Yes. Delusions…” Daredevil gave the Wallcrawler his patented disappointed frown, Frank chuckling.
‘Probably too stupid to realize it.’
“How’s Karen?” Frank asked after a moment.
Daredevil sighed. “She’s doing alright. Works at the Bulletin now.”
Frank nodded. “Good. That’s good.” He then looked at Spider-Man. “What about you, kid? How’d you get involved with this wall to wall asshole?”
“Language.” Daredevil chided him, earning a flat look from Spider-Man.
“I live in New York, DD, I’ve heard way worse.” Spider-Man then shrugged. “Well, got bitten by a radioactive Spider during a trip to a science lab and the next day, when from a scrawny, puny kid to a someone who was jacked, can climb up walls and have almost like a sixth sense.” He shrugged it. “Thought about calling it the Peter tingle for a while but I realize that was dumb and Spider Sense was way cooler anyways.”
“So, you get powers and decided to put on some spandex to help people?” Frank wondered, having heard his words earlier with Quake.
Spider-Man’s mood seemed to turn to dour. “I… looked the other way one time and it led to the death of someone I cared about.” He clenched his fists. “Never again.”
Frank nodded.
"As for how I met him..." He trailed off.
"Caught him stopping a getaway car of bank robbers with his bare hands." Daredevil said, making Frank blink in surprise.
"Did I hear you right?"
"You did."
"It was nothing." Spider-Man waved it off.
"Stopping a car going at 60 miles per hour dead in its tracks is not nothing." Daredevil said flatly.
“I wish I had stayed.” Marc sighed, hearing them. And being in a SHIELD plane didn’t help matters in the least.
‘And yet, this is somehow more pleasant than hearing Khonshu blabbering on.’ Jake Lockley remarked inside their shared mind, a sentiment of agreement between all three alters.
“Understandable but don’t worry. SHIELD knows about you guys.” Mack said, earning their attention, walking downstairs. “Been keeping tabs on you. Especially with the Accords in full effect.”
“You think that fills any of us with comfort?” Daredevil asked in a low growl, making the man on edge.
Daisy rushed over to him, hugging him tightly. After a moment, he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry. For everything.”
“It’s okay. I… forgive you. For all of it.” They separated. “Just… don’t run away when we want to help. That hurt more than what you did under Hive’s influence.”
She nodded at that. “I’ll… try.”
“Do or do not, there is no try.” Spider-Man croaked in his best Yoda voice, making her laugh.
Mack then leveled them a look. “Not sure how I feel about the Punisher being on this plane. Or the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. Or Moon Knight. Really any of you vigilantes.”
“Deal with it.” Spider-Man said, getting in front of them. “They don’t hurt innocent people. Just bad guys who did evil crap like rapists and murderers.”
“And I don’t kill.” Matt stated.
“Nor do I.” Hector added.
“I only kill when I have to.” Moon Knight supplied as Frank kept quiet.
Mack leveled them all a look then sighed.
“Name’s Sam.” Sam held out his hand in greeting.
“Mack. Never thought I’d get to meet the Avengers.” Mack shook his hand.
“We are fugitive ones though.”
“Still heroes in my eyes for all the lives you’ve saved.”
“Appreciate that.” Sam said. “But they do what we do. Just more on the micro level.”
After a moment, Mack sighed, knowing he had a point.
Nat entered the cockpit, seeing someone she hadn’t expected.
“Didn’t expect to see you here, Melinda. Thought you retired from field work.”
“I did… but you know how hard it is to stay still when the people you care about are in danger. Or when Fury tells you to keep an eye out on someone.” May remarked.
“Yeah…” Nat trailed off, silence descending upon the two for a few moments.
“You’re wondering what you’ll expect when we arrive.”
“Something that scared Hill and probably even Fury and it involves Coulson.” Nat gave her a knowing look. “He’s alive, isn’t he?”
May sighed. “That’s not my story to tell.”
“But you hid it from us.”
“Fury mostly… but yeah.”
Nat looked out, silence descended upon the two, now more tense than awkward.
Genosha
Magneto and Esme landed on the ground, Cain Marko aka Juggernaut (who was far bigger and wearing red armor), Simon Lasker aka Pyro and Teresia Karisik aka Sage awaiting them.
The planes landed on the ground.
Out of the first one stepped out Iron-Man, War Machine, Sharon, US. Agent, Bullseye (now wearing his balaclava with a bullseye emblem on it), Battlestar and Sentry, the others still on the plane.
“What business has the United Nations have with me that they would send you, Stark?” Magneto asked in a neutral voice.
Iron-Man shrugged. “No reason in particular outside the obvious one, Mags. Oh, and don’t try anything stupid.” He tapped his armor. “Replaced all metal components in this suit with Carbon nanotubes.”
“All he’d need is a single copper wire to strangle you if he so wished, Stark.” Pyro sneered.
"Threatening a UN representative, quite a fun way to start this peaceful talk." Iron-Man quipped.
“Quite poorly you have shown this is a peace talk.” Esme noted, glancing at the planes, sensing dozens of minds, all of them clearly ready for a war.
War Machine lightly tapped him. "Easy." He whispered to him, hoping to get through to his friend.
“What do you want, Stark?” Magneto asked again, his voice somehow colder than the Arctic.
Iron-Man stared at him. “For you and your accomplices to face judgement for your acts of domestic terrorism.”
“That was many years ago and I am a changed man.” Magneto said. “And as the ruler of Genosha, I have diplomatic immunity.”
“Genosha isn’t recognized as a sovereign nation.”
“Despite our trading with Latveria? Is that also not considered a sovereign nation?” Magneto pointed out. “Then again, you probably like to ignore it given your responsibility in it’s destruction.”
“You’re one to talk.” Iron-Man retorted. “How much death is in your hands?”
“More than you can imagine.” Magneto said solemnly before his voice turned firm. “But unlike you, I have tried to make amends for it.”
“This is me making amends.” Iron-Man stated.
“Look, we don’t want things to get violent. Please.” Battlestar, speaking up for the first time.
“We really rather everything goes calmly and smoothly.” US. Agent added.
Sharon looked at the master of Magnetism, an almost pleading look in her eye.
Magneto, after a moment, took a deep breath. “What else do you want?”
The Armored Avenger motioned for Bullseye to hand him over a booklet, which he did, the elder Mutant’s eyes narrowed as he read the name on it.
‘Superhuman Registration Act’.
“Wanda Maximoff. She’s a dangerous enhanced that should be in the Raft but… there is a way we can all win.” Iron-Man stated. He held out the SHRA along with a pen. “All you got to do is sign this.”
Magneto stared at it, not even bothering to hide his disgust for it then grabbed it, opening and reading it. He then closed it.
"So?" Iron-Man pressed.
Magneto starred at him then at the others with him. "Have any of you read this thing?"
They shook their heads in no… except Sharon.
“Tell me, miss…”
“Sharon. Sharon Carter.”
Magneto raised an eyebrow at the last name but decided not to comment on it. “Tell me, Miss Carter. What entails for those who signs this document?”
Seeing the station being brought to her, Sharon thought on what to say at the moment, trying to find a way to de-escalate this whole nightmare before innocent mutants are hurt...
But truthfully, she can't bring herself to offer any convoluted lie. She can't bring herself to lie to Lensherr's face and tell him that the SHRA are beneficial to either Human or Mutant kind.
Taking note of her silence, Magneto knows that she doesn't believe in what she's fighting for. More likely, she was being blackmailed to join this little expedition to his land. He wonders if others were blackmailed or under false pretenses.
Even still, he would not hold back. His people and more importantly, his children, could not afford him lacking even for a moment or someone may die.
Seeing that Sharon is being thrown several glares for her non-response (mainly Stark), the Armored Avenger took the lead by speaking up, "Signing will offer you and your people protection from others wanting to go after them,"
"And will these documents protect my people and my family from your government's control?" Magneto challenged before adding, "Because by signing this, I would be condemning my people for them to be used however you deem fit; And would be more than foolish to even consider such actions."
"So, you're not going to hand over the Witch?" Iron-Man asked, already guessing his answer.
"Don't count on it," Magneto said sternly, refusing to allow Wanda to even be within 15 feet of that awful prison.
"Is she really worth starting a fight over?" Stark asked, pausing for a moment to let his question sink in before he asked, "Is she worth dying over?"
"A thousand times over," Magneto said with no ounce of hesitation before adding, "And frankly...it is better to die on our feet than to forever live on our knees, in chains with a number burned into our foreheads! You will be given one last chance to vacate these premises, or I will be forced to remove you myself."
"Told you should've left them alone, Stark," Sharon told the Armored Avenger harshly.
"Just do your job or you'll be thrown in the same cell as the rest of them and Maximoff." Iron Man threatened her, confirming Magneto’s suspicion.
"No harm will come to my people so long as I am ruler of Genosha! Nor will any come to my two daughters," Magneto declareed with a level of protectiveness that only a father could give silently bending metal to shield his allies IF the situation calls for it.
As several people look shocked at the newly received info that Wanda is his child (And that he has children in general), the silence is cut off when someone speaks for the first time since he's been on this island.
"Fine," Bullseye spoke up with a shrug, making a few look at him with confusion before he added, "If the Scarlet minnow is under the size limit, then I say we go fish for the whale,"
"Dex, NO!" US Agent and Battlestar shouted at the same time but it's too late as he's already thrown a knife straight at Magneto with accuracy almost identical to that of Clint Barton.
Or it would've been if the knife didn't just stop and is currently levitating in the air, much to everyone's surprise.
"That wasn't laced with metal, how did you do that?!" Bullseye shouted, demanding to know.
"He didn't," A female voice speaks up and then, Stark's team is then hit by a thick cloud of ice vapor, both blinding them as well as causing their movements to slow drastically.
Seeing this attack, Magneto and the others look over their shoulders, they see that several others have arrived to aid them.
The X-Men, consisting of Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, Storm, Beast, and Nightcrawler.
And Deadpool.
"That was me," Jean revealed with her hands raised before she used her powers to throw the knife aside and away from its owner.
She then used her powers to keep the Thunderbolt members away.
"You can forget the whale, bud," Wolverine said with a smile that makes those nearby feel a chill go up their spine.
Shink!
"Cause the sharks are here now, so swim while you can." He finished, letting out his claws pop out as he looks mighty eager to fight.
"Ooh, intimidating words, Stanley! Bet Storm here gets 'thunderstruck' hearing that talk from you, eh, Hugie bear" Deadpool cheered.
"Shut the fuck up, Wade!" Wolverine snarled at him as Storm expertly hides away her embarrassed blush and Kitty silently holds in her giggles to avoid Logan's wrath.
"What the hell? How are you two-" Pyro went to ask Scott and Jean but then, Iron Man flew in the air, causing them all to focus up on the threat in front of them.
"We can do a reunion later. We have a fight ahead of us," Cyclops said, making everyone agree.
"I see you didn't waste time calling in help, Magnet Man," Iron Man commented.
"If history has taught me anything, it's that fortune often favors the prepared, Stark," Magneto replied as he and his allies prepare themselves for an attack.
Iron Man chuckled before he said, "Funny, I was thinking exactly that when I made...these!" He then activated a signal on his suit and immediately... six purple robots armed with the best Stark Industries can offer and then some, standing menacingly at 12 feet, locking onto its primary targets:
Mutants
"Meet the Sentinels," Iron Man informed them as his team begin to remove themselves from Ice Man's cloud of ice. "Hand crafted to bring down even the most powerful of Mutants and lacking any metal and in case that doesn't do the job," He then gave out a signal, bringing in more members of the team.
Abomination lands roughly on the ground, letting out a roar that causes the very grounds to shake, making some of them fearful.
Taskmaster takes out a well sharpened sword, on his shoulder before getting into a combative stance.
Ghost appeared, looking guilty and apprehensive for what she's involved in.
Absorbing Man feels the stone beneath his feet, allowing it to lace and strengthen his body.
And to further add to their numbers, several MRD soldiers come out of the planes and load up their weapons.
"Magneto... consider yourself evicted!" Iron Man declared.
“I should have killed you when I had the chance.” Magneto sneered.
“Too bad you didn’t take it… cause everything you’ve built will suffer for it!” Iron-Man fired a Unibeam at them.
Ice-Man raised an ice shield to protect them from it, but it shattered, making them all duck.
Juggernaut charged Abomination, the two getting into a lock.
Sentry just watched, making some of the others on edge.
"Why isn't he doing anything?" Battlestar wondered as US. Agent threw his shield at charging at mutant with bone knives.
"Don't know... but only time will tell."
Abomination uppercut Juggernaut, making him stumble back. "Come and give me a real fight!"
Juggernaut spat out blood. "Don't you know who I am? I'm the Juggernaut bitch!"
Deadpool looked at that. "Huh... still played by Vinnie Jones but now has my voice. Weird... wonder if the Gem of Cytorrak was involved in that."
Pyro unleashed his flamethrower as Absorbing Man walked through it, back handing him before Colossus punched him hard.
Cyclops fired his Optic blasts at a Sentinel, stunning it before another fired on him, Jean deflecting the blast, raising her hands in the air.
Deadpool watched on, seeing all this and more.
“You know, I feel this requires a certain something… but the author doesn’t want to blow his load early so not yet!”
He then fired his guns at the MRD agents, who all ducked under.
Several large chunks of metal were torn from the plane before they formed a circle behind Magneto.
“FEAR MAGNETO!” He threw it at them as a boulder with nearly the force of a meteor, War Machine, flying Sharon out as Ghost phased away, US. Agent, Battlestar and Bullseye barely able to get out of way.
More mutants charged in as the Sentinels began to fire on them.
“Why aren’t you letting loose the other ones, Stark?” Taskmaster wondered, burying his sword in a mutant’s stomach, removing then kicking another way, sending him flying to another.
“All in good time, Masters.” Tony replied, firing his repulsors as Wolverine moved out of the way, rushing over to Colossus.
“Hey, bub.” Wolverine leapt at Colossus, knowing what he wanted.
The Russian mutant caught him before throwing him towards Iron-Man, the two crashing the ground, rolling on around.
After a moment, the Canadian mutant caught, his wounds healing as Iron-Man stood up.
“You shouldn’t have gotten involved, Wolvie.” Iron-Man said, the two circling each other.
“Been in a lot of wars, Bub. Rather avoid another that which you so happily want.” Wolverine growled. “But why!? With Barnes, I get it, he killed your parents despite the fact he was only the gun, not the shooter. Blackmailing Peter to though…” His fists clenched. “You crossed a line with that.”
“So says Stryker’s attack dog.” Iron-Man retorted acidly.
“Pot calling the kettle black. That’s what you are for Ross right about now.” Wolverine shot back.
Iron-Man’s fists clenched. “I’m not his attack dog.”
Wolverine paused, mulling the way he said those words carefully.
Along with the way he smelled… similar to the last time he smelled in Siberia.
He didn’t smell human. Or mutant. Or enhanced like Peter and the F4 were.
He smelled almost... alien.
Gambit watched the fighting like a hawk from the palace, his usual charm gone, grimacing. He pulled out his phone, texting an acquittance of his who may be able to lend a hand.
New Zealand
Thing entered the room, looking grim.
“What’s wrong, Ben?” Sue asked, Reed turning away from his work as Johnny focused on him rather than Franklin, who he still kept a firm grip in his hands.
“Just got word Genosha’s under attack.” Thing informed them, all of shocked.
“Who?” Reed’s eyes narrowed, already running down the list of possibilities with one coming to mind.
“Stark. Seems he managed to haggle a bunch of enhanced and the MRD to launch an assault on it.” Thing said.
“And how do you know about this?” Johnny asked.
Thing shrugged. “I play Poker with one of the guys there. Real good with cards and can make things go boom.”
Reed sighed, turning around, in thought.
Sue looked at him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We are going to help… right?”
“As if there was every any doubt.” Reed said with a smile. “Besides, Tony’s gone too far. He needs to be stopped.”
Latveria
Dr. Doom watched the footage as Genosha was laid under the siege by Stark, the Thunderbolts and the MRD.
Lucia strode up next to him. “Will you… interfere, Lord Doom?”
After a moment, the Ruler of Latveria spoke in a cold voice.
“No. For now, I shall see if Lensherr has the mettle he had years ago or his time as a human softened him more than I thought.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then I shall wait… and perhaps Doom may step in to save Genosha’s people and have them be under my rule if I feel so merciful.” Doom then waved her off before continuing his work.
On the side, his Doombots stood with one’s eyes glowing red for a split second.
The Playground
Zephyr One landed in the hanger.
The vigilantes, Steve, Nat, Sam, Hill, Mack, May and Daisy stepped out, seeing a few others waiting for them, some surprising those that knew.
“Barbara? Hunter?” Mack’s mouth was agape in shock as he stared at the two.
“Hey, Mack.” Bobbi smiled, walking over to him, giving her close friend a hug, which he quickly returned.
“Good to see you, mate.” Hunter and Mack then shared a hug.
“Situation must be bad if you two are here. Especially with the new director around.” Mack said, the two blinking.
“Wait, Coulson isn’t director anymore?” Bobbi whispered in shock, glancing at the three founding Avengers.
Mack nodded. “Yeah.”
Clint smiled. “Hey guys.”
“Clint.” Nat smiled, the two sharing a hug. “Are Laure and the kids okay?”
They two separated, Clint nodding. “Yeah, they’re okay. I’m only here cause well… Fury dragged me back.”
“Clint. About Germany, I’m… sorry.” Steve said, apologetic.
Clint waved it off. “Don’t sweat it. I’d have done it all over again in a heartbeat.”
“But your family-”
“It was Stark that exposed them to Ross.” Clint cut him off with a growl, spitting the name of a man he thought was a trusted friend like a slur. “I never should told him about them.”
“No one could have foreseen Tony going down this path… and honestly, I don’t think it really is him.” Steve admitted quietly, earning weird looks.
“What do you mean?” Clint looked confused.
“I don’t know, just… a weird feeling I guess.” Steve said vaguely after a moment.
Nat leveled him a look. ‘You’re a shitty liar, Rogers.’
“Where the hell is this place?” Frank wondered, looking around the place.
“Agent Koening called it the Playground.” They all looked to see Fury walking over to them. “Had it updated over the years should the Triskelion fall.”
“Smart.” Nat nodded, seeing the logic.
“Why are we here, Fury?” Steve asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“For a few reasons,” Steve, Clint and Nat all stilled at the familiar voice, seeing someone they thought they’d never see again, giving them an apologetic smile.
“Hey guys.” Coulson said, awkwardly. “Been a while.”