Chapter Text
The rumbling was heard by all, as they looked here and there, while Steve smirked at the Thunderbolts. "I think you should go now."
Massive roots burst from the ground, wrapping around the downed Sentinels and taking them inside the ground, Tony watching in horror. "What the…...?"
"Okay, that I didn't sign up for", Rhodes said next to him.
What was left of the Sentinels was ripped apart completely, including the Nimrods.
US Agent rushed through it, trying to reach Dex, who was battling it out with Daredevil, which made him stop for a moment, surprised the reports he had heard about him were real.
‘What’s he doing here?’
Punisher, having noticed him, aimed his gun at him, forcing him to hold up his shield.
“You think just because you wear a uniform and have a shield like him you think you can be like Captain America? Ain’t anyone else like him!”
“Funny come from someone who betrayed everything the uniform stands for cause of your own personal vendetta.”
Walker gritted his teeth then pushed forward, rushing at Castle, who avoided it, going to fire again but the Army Captain threw his shield at him, making him stumble back.
“Dex, let’s go!”
Bullseye groaned, pushing the Man without Fear of him but not before he threw more knives at two mutant kids, killing them.
“NO!” Matt and Walker exclaimed, earning their anger as the former tackled him, savagely beating on him then went to remove his mask.
Punisher went to get up but US Agent shield bashed him on the head, making him the former marine hit the ground, spitting out blood.
He rushed towards Bullseye, pushing Daredevil away.
The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen went to attack them both with an angry battle cry but stopped.
“WHAT THE HELL, DE-BULLSEYE!?! THOSE WERE KIDS!” Walker grabbed him roughly by the collar, slamming him against the wall glaring at him. “That wasn’t part of the mission!”
Dex grinned underneath his mask for a moment, lost in a haze before he blinked, finally coming to his senses.
“Right… you’re right.” He shook his head, standing up. “God, I don’t know what came over.”
Walker didn’t know if he should believe him… but now was not the time for that. “We got to go, this whole Island is against us.”
The Thing and Juggernaut stopped, seeing Abomination’s terrified look before leapt away.
“Heh… punk.” Thing smirked, sharing a nod with Juggernaut.
Taskmaster kicked Bobbi in the stomach, making her fall to the ground.
Hunter fired his gun, but he dodged it, slicing then leaving a massive gash on his back.
Just as he went to stab him, Mack hit him with his Shotgun Axe, making him fly several feet away.
Taskmaster shook his head, recovering quickly, tossing his shield, stunning him. He then punched with his shield, making him fly away, crashing through a wall.
He then tossed his knife at May, who caught it then threw it right back at him as Hawkeye fired his three arrows.
Taskmaster blocked them with his shield then stood up, deciding enough was enough, especially as Hawkeye rushed him, blocking his sword strikes with his bow, now a quarter staff, landing a strike to his jaw, making him stumble back.
May came in, grabbing him from behind then with all her strength, twisting her body to slammed him, neck and back first into the ground.
She did a kip up, standing up quick as she and Clint stood side by side.
Taskmaster stared at them both.
“We’ll finish this another time.” He tossed a smoke bomb, allowing him to escape.
“You should run now.” Quake said, seeing the terrified look in Absorbing Man’s eyes.
She then hit him with a powerful concussive blast, knocking him out cold.
Ghost saw and felt it too, going to run off despite wanting so badly to end Coulson and the other SHIELD agents when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
She whirled just as Spider-Man punched her faster than she could react, knocking her out cold.
“Lights out, revenant wannabe.”
He looked at Coulson, seeing his head tilted to the side.
“So… how was it?”
“Five out of ten in the pun scale.”
Spider-Man groaned, facepalming. “Oh, come on!”
“Could have been better.”
“What do you suggest, oh ‘all knowing pun master’?”
The two stared at each other in silence for 10 seconds.
“… Yeah, I’ve got nothing.”
“AHA!” Spider-Man whooped in victory, fist in the air.
Sentry and Jean/Phoenix ceased their fighting for a moment, seeing the island clearly fighting back.
Jean/Phoenix smirked. “Even an ancient being knows that you and everyone else who attacked Genosha are wrong.”
Sentry stared at them then back at the island, back and forth two more times, fists clenched then sighed, flying off to help the others.
Tony and Rhodes tried to blast the attacking vines, but massive roots slammed into them like tidal waves, throwing them off.
"We're out of time!" Rhodes snapped as they fired their thrusters, barely dodging an incoming tree branch that nearly swiped them out of the sky.
The recently awoken Sharon rushed back into the plane, seeing Walker, Hoskins and Dex.
“What is going out there?” Hoskins asked.
“No idea.” Sharon shook her head.
Abomination entered after a moment, along with what remained of the MRD, dragging in the mutant children they had captured, putting them in cages.
“What is that?” Sharon asked lowly, glaring at the giant behemoth, feeling disgust at the presence of those kids.
Abomination growled at her. “Following Ross’ orders.”
“After you tried to kill him years ago?” Sharon raised an
“If you have a problem, take it up with him, see which hole he decides to put you in.” Abomination sneered then stomped off to the other side, making sure they were secure.
Sharon gave the kids an apologetic look.
"Strap in."
The plane began to take off, Tony and Rhodey making sure no vines attached to them.
Just then, Sentry swooped in, taking care of it as well, allowing them to escape.
Rogue flew at them, planning to stop them but Sentry, punched her hard in the stomach then the face, knocking her out.
Iron-Man swooped in, carrying her, putting a power dampening collar around her neck.
‘She may have her uses.’
Everyone who had fought began (except Daisy) to gather around Erik, Wanda and Lorna helping him stand.
He looked at his daughters, especially the one with his abilities.
“You should not have joined the battle.”
Lorna gave her father a look.
“I make my own choices, father.”
Erik sighed. “Yes… yes, you do.”
Lorna blinked, surprised.
Just then, Gambit rushed over to them, eyes widening in terror.
“Oh no…”
The Master of Magnetism’s eyes narrowed into slits.
“I thought I had given you orders to keep my daughters safe, Gambit.”
“Well, um…” Gambit chuckled, awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. “You see…”
“He couldn’t have stopped me if even he wanted to.” Wanda pointed out. “And I can imagine Lorna snuck off while he was busy.”
Lorna merely grinned in response. “Talking to… Rogue, was her name, right? The one with the grey streak of hair.”
Erik grimaced, especially at the sour look shot at him by Logan, Cyclops and Storm as Bobbi and Kitty.
“… Yes.”
Logan then looked around, concerned. “Where is she?”
Bobby put two fingers to his comm device. “Rogue, do you copy?” Silence. “Rogue, do you copy!?”
Logan’s fists clenched. “Fuck…”
Just then, Jean/Phoenix landed, the flaming Phoenix disappearing, earning their attention.
Jean smiled at them. “Hey guys.”
“Jean!” Cyclops rushed at her, pulling her into a tight hug.
Storm did much the same and Beast strode up, hugging her as well.
“Glad you’re okay, Jean.” Logan said, sincere, pushing down his worry for Rogue for a moment.
“How did you manage to control your power?” Erik wondered, curious.
Jean looked at them. “The Phoenix… it wasn’t meant to destroy life like the Professor had always feared. It was meant to help protect it but because of the suppression of my powers, thinking it was something to be ignored, it became rageful, bitter. Working with it together… allowed its true power and nature to flourish. A rebirth so to speak.”
“Like a Phoenix… remarkable.” Beast murmured in awe, all of them stunned.
Mack just shook his head. “What the hell have our lives become?”
“Science fiction with a coat of horror.” Coulson said dryly.
“And mysticism.” Daredevil, Moon Knight and White Tiger chorused.
“Mysticism?” Mack raised an eyebrow.
“Think you been spending too much with the kid, Red.” Frank remarked.
“Actually, I’m science fiction. The Hand on the other hand…” Spider-Man trailed off, rubbing his temples. Boy, had that been a mess a few months back.
“And I’ve got an Egyptian God who looks like a pigeon in my head who made his avatar.” Moon Knight said, tapping his head.
“Thank you all for coming.” Erik looked at those that had come to Genosha’s aid, finally removing his helmet. “I owe you all an immense debt.”
Steve just nodded back, before the Master of Magnetism's face turned grim. "But they took some of us. And some of us were killed."
All of them bowed their heads, solemn.
“Never thought Tony would be capable of something like this.” Steve admitted.
“Me neither.” Sam added, Nat and Clint nodding agreement, even if the latter was rightfully pissed at him for exposing his family to Ross of all people.
“People can surprise you.” Logan said knowingly.
Some other Mutants started gathering around them, as Steve looked at them, and declared. "We sent them back one time, but they will not stop. Now, it is up to us to fight against these people and their will that they're trying to impose on us all. And I promise you, everyone they captured, including those kids, we'll save them!"
In spite of what had just happened, the Mutants felt hopeful on hearing his words, and some even clapped and cheered for him, Steve and Magneto sharing a smile.
"You're still hurt", Wanda said to Magneto, looking into his eyes, an understanding passing between them. "You need to rest."
"Unfortunately, you speak true", Magneto sighed, as Lorna and Esme helped him sit down on a rock. "However, our people need saving.” He looked at Wanda, understanding between them.
She nodded then looked at Team Cap, who gave her an encouraging nod. “Will you have me?”
“Anytime, kid.” Clint smiled.
“And me?” Lorna asked, looking hopeful.
Erik stared at her, stern. “No. I need you here, Genosha. For should anything happen to me, Lorna…” He trailed off, implications clear as day.
“We’ll save them, I promise.” Steve promised.
“Actually, leave that to me.” Logan said, earning looks of surprise. He then looked at Storm. “You hold the fort while I’m gone.”
“Like I did last time?” Storm pointed out with a small grin.
“I’ll help.” Cyclops said. “Figured it’s the least I owe you given I was the last time before well…” He trailed off, those who knew him best understanding.
“Guessing the old leader is finally back from the grave.” Logan quipped.
“Careful, Logan, you sound like you missed me.”
The Canadian mutant snorted.
“Like I missed mosquitos.”
That earned a few chuckles, sniggers and giggles from the X-Men.
Cyclops rolled his eyes at him, but the upward quirk of his lips revealed his real feelings on the matter.
Logan then grew grim. “Think they got Anna Marie.” He tried to comm her but got no response. “Fuck…” He growled.
The X-Men became just as grim.
Steve put a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get her back… we’ll get them all back.”
After a moment, he nodded, grateful for his assurance.
The Fantastic Four strode up to Captain America.
“Captain Rogers. Honor to meet you.” Reed greeted him, the two shaking hands.
“Reed Richards.” Nat noted. “Considered one of the world’s smartest men. Dissapeared alongside former air force turned test pilot, Benjamin Grimm, and the Storm siblings, Susan and Johnny after their ship, the Marvel-1 was damaged by cosmic radiation.” She looked at the four of them.
“Guess now we know what happened.” Coulson noted.
“Yeah… Tony helped us stay under the radar. Though after what happened in Germany, we secluded ourselves and our family somewhere safe but…” Reed sighed.
“We couldn’t ignore this. The guilt would have eaten us alive till the end of days.” Susan said quietly.
“Besides, got to show off how awesome I am!” Johnny grinned, earning a web to his mouth and a small stream of ice to cool him down.
“Cool off, hot head.” Spider-Man quipped, fist bumping with Iceman.
"Thank you." Susan mouthed quietly, seeing the indignant look on her younger brother's face.
“There’s a reason I like you kid.” Thing said with a grin to the Wallcrawler, patting him on the back before glancing at Gambit. “By the way, thanks for letting me know, Remy.”
Gambit smirked in response, playing with his cards.
Logan blinked, seeing a bit of a resemblance to the Remy LaBeau he once knew back in the 80s. Not to mention his mannerisms and abilities (mutants abilities weren’t hereditary per see but a child having their exact same powers as their parents was decently high). Seeing he was most likely late 20s at most, he wondered if…
“Gambit knew while Magneto and the X-Men powerful, never hurts to have an ace up your sleeve, Monsieur Grim.” The Cajun mutant said.
“And in this instance along with the group that came with Captain Rogers, I’ll allow unplanned visitors to Genosha, even those that are SHIELD.” Erik gave said Agents of SHIELD the stink eye.
Coulson stepped up, unflinching. “The old SHIELD, the one infected by HYDRA is gone. Brought down thanks to Captain Rogers, Miss Romanoff, Mister Wilson and former Director Fury. The new one is… trying to be better.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Erik said simply when Quake dragged back Creel, who was out cold.
She glanced at Ghost, also clearly out cold.
“Looks we got some prisoners.”
“We’ll interrogate them back at the base.” Mack said.
“The Professor might be able to pull some information out their heads.” Storm suggested, Beast rubbing his chin in thought then nodding, agreeing with the idea.
Erik stared at her. “Your abilities are unique… but you are not a mutant, are you?”
“No.” Quake shook her head. “I’m an Inhuman.”
Erik blinked, surprised not by the fact that Inhumans were a thing (he had met their king and queen once before) but rather, seeing an Inhuman outside of Atillan was a very, very rare occurrence.
“You don’t look surprised hearing the word ‘Inhuman’.” May noted.
“You are not the first of your kind I have met.” Erik said simply, earning a look of surprise from the agents of SHIELD. “But a story for another time.”
They all looked at the destruction, corpses littering on the ground. Both of MRD but tragically, mutants who simply wished to live their lives in peace, among those who didn’t hate them simply because they were different.
Nightcrawler, Mack and Daredevil bowed their heads, muttering a silent prayer for them.
Moon Knight stared, muttering a small prayer in Hebrew. He still remembered a few, his father had drilled his fair share into him and his brother before the latter… He shook his head, dispelling that trail of thought.
White Tiger did a cross over his chest, murmuring a prayer in Spanish for them.
Steve clenched his fists, angry on behalf of every single innocent person killed by this senseless act of violence.
So much death… and for what!?
Nat, seeing this, quietly grabbed his hand, giving it a light squeeze.
He looked at her, giving her a smile, which she smiled back.
Clint and Coulson raised an eyebrow, noticing it but remained quiet as it was not the time (Nat would have their heads on a pike if they said anything in public) and she deserved someone that was good.
Steve was the definition of that.
‘Still, wondered when that happened? While on the run, perhaps?’ Coulson internally mused. After a moment, he pushed down that thought away. Now was not the time.
“We’ll avenge them.” Steve stated. “That is my vow to you all.”
Tentatively, Lin Li walked over to Erik.
"Lin." Erik acknowledged the girl, smiling gently.
Lin Li was among the many that had sought his protection. The poor girl's mutation made her a target, with no help coming from her parents, she ran away, seeking refuge in the woods, where her powers flourished. A beautiful gift, to connect with nature, both flora and fauna, it was greatly appreciated in helping rejuvenate the island. Which was why they were here. "Has something happened?"
"Well, yes, sort of, I mean, it has." Lin stammered before breathing in to calm down, to the Brotherhood leader's amusement (along with some of the others). "They talked."
"They?" Erik looked at the green glow illuminating the area they were on. "They spoke to you?"
"Umm, not exactly." Lin nervously admitted. At his questioning gaze, she straightened and explained. "They, as in the island, only said one word."
"And what word is that?" Magneto desired to know. He'd raised this island from the depths of the ocean because they needed a new safe haven for their people. To find that there was so much more was a shock to him. He needed to know more, for all their sakes.
"I believe it's their name…Krakoa."
Erik, after a moment, smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder.
“Then on this day, Genosha may have fallen… but from the ashes, Krakoa shall rise and flourish!”
That earned cheers from the mutants gathered around.
A couple of miles away, Deadpool dug around, looking for what Hemblem had been working on (The mutant suit crafted busy helping others with their wounds due to his ability to manipulate blood).
“AHA!” He sat up straight up, looking pleased with himself, seeing the suitcases. He opened up them, eyes widening, his suit sudden feeling warmer…
And tighter.
“Mama mia… it’s beautiful.” He looked down then back at the readers. “I am soaking wet right now and you will be too once you see it, folks but it’s damn early for that and the author doesn’t want to blow his load just yet.”
On the plane, the Thunderbolts were practically at each other’s throats.
“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?!?!” Walker exploded on Tony, his helmet having been taken off. “We-we didn’t sign up for any of what went down. Fighting Vigilantes from New York, mutants, a flaming Phoenix that managed to beat down his sorry ass,” He motioned to Sentry, who had been awfully quiet the whole time. “Dex murdering kids just cause they have powers, not to mention starting the whole damn thing because he threw a knife at fucking Magneto himself!” Dex looked away, many thinking it was due to shame. In reality, it was he liked it far more than he was willing to admit. Being allowed to cut loose… it made him feel alive like the few times he had killed in the line of duty or that time he had thrown a ball at Coach Bradley, killing him despite it being ruled an accident. “And a damn island trying to kill us! WHAT THE HELL, STARK!?!?”
“The situation got… complicated.” Tony said delicately after a moment.
“Complicated!?” Sharon scoffed in disbelief. “I call that a cluster fuck that nearly damned us all to hell.”
“It doesn’t matter. We accomplish our goal and even captured one of them.” He motioned to the still unconscious Rogue, making many of them grim.
“But what about Creel and Ghost?” Hoskins wondered.
Tony waved dismissively. “Acceptable losses.”
“Acceptable?” Sharon echoed in disbelief. She shook her head. “You’ve clearly lost the pot, Stark.”
Tony ignored them, walking over to the pilot area.
“Tony… what is going on with you, man?” Rhodey wondered.
“None of your concern, James.” Tony said curtly, earning a stunned look from the colonel.
Tony rarely if ever used his first name, especially in such a formal fashion.
After a moment, the War Machine walked away, leaving Tony alone.
He contacted Ross.
In his office in Washington DC, Ross answered. “Report.”
Tony sighed. “The mission… didn’t quite go as planned.”
Ross leaned forward, his furrow creased. “Elaborate.”
“Rogers showed up along with the other Rogue Avengers. With them was a bunch of SHIELD agents, Frank Castle, Daredevil, Moon Knight, White Tiger, Spider-Man… and Daisy Johnson.”
Ross raised an eyebrow. “All known criminals…” Except the SHIELD agents but he could change that with the right words.
Tony noted the tone of his voice.
“Have an idea?”
“I do. But anything else to report?”
“Jean Grey is alive and far more powerful than the last time she was seen. Managed to hold her own against Sentry.”
Ross’ eyes widened. That was… unexpected.
Only two people on record who could hold their own against Sentry per Valentina’s words were Thor and the Hulk and they were no longer on Earth.
“… I see.”
Krakoa
“Well, this has been fun.” Spider-Man said sarcastically. “But I need to get back to being just a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.” He then looked at his costume. “And make sure the people of New York doesn’t see my three chest hairs.”
“Hell’s Kitchen needs me.” Daredevil added.
“I’ve got some things to take care of.” Frank said after a moment.
“The work of a Fist of Khonshu is never done. Travelers of the night always need protecting.” Moon Knight stated.
Erik nodded, understanding.
“Of course, but know that for your brave actions, you will always have a refuge in Gen-Krakoa.” The new name was going to take some getting used to.
“We can help out with that.” Logan said. “Got a spare suit on the Blackbird.”
“Aww, so you do care.” Spider-Man cooed with a grin, earning a glare.
“Don’t push it, bub.” Logan growled, earning a snort from the wallcrawler.
“Aww… and here I was hoping to put a bug over his head.” Human Torch groaned.
“The Bombastic Bag-Man…” Iceman mused, smirking. “Think it has a nice ring to it.”
“That but no need to give the teenagers of Krakoa a nosebleed.” Shadowcat quipped.
Spider-Man rolled his eyes. “You all suck.” He walked off, leaving them.
"And yet, you love us." Human Torch said, putting an arm over his shoulder.
"Somehow, someway..." Peter grumbled.
“How’d it feel, red? Finally being part of an actual warzone?” Frank asked the Man without Fear.
“… I don’t know.” Matt admitted after a moment, unsure of how to feel.
“Well, better figure it out quick cause these assholes won’t stop.” Frank looked around. “What happened to today will embolden them, making them want to step up their bullshit.”
“And they’ll be attacking the travelers of the night.” Moon Knight mused. “More of a reason to keep sending a message to them.”
A few moments later, Spider-Man returned in a non-shredded costume.
“Thanks, Logan.”
“Anytime, kid. Just be as careful as you can be in New York.”
“Roger that, Lieutenant mutton chops.”
Logan merely sighed in response, done with the wallcrawler’s big mouth.
After a moment, Erik looked at the portal opening mutant.
“Gateway.”
Gateway opened a portal, allowing them to return to New York.
“Guessing this is our ticket home.” Spider-Man mused. He looked at Magneto. “Thanks.”
“You aided Krakoa in it’s time of need. I believe this is the least we can do for you.”
“Wait.” They stopped, looking at the others, Nat tossing them burner phones.
“In case you need us… we’re a phone call away.” Steve said in lieu of explanation.
“Having Captain America on speed dial… my uncle would have freaked out like a fanboy.” Spider-Man said quietly.
Frank and Moon Knight nodded then all of them went through the portal, back in New York. Daredevil was about to follow but paused, hearing something.
White Tiger looked on, clearly conflicted.
“You want to go.” Sam noted.
He sighed. “I do… but that would put my wife, niece and sister in danger. I’ll return to them when this is over.”
Steve gave him a sympathetic look, putting a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll make sure you get home, Hector. I promise.”
White Tiger nodded, grateful. Knowing that for Captain America, his word was his bond.
Daredevil internally sighed, understanding Hector’s plight… he just hoped Soledad, Ava and Angela would understand when it was all over.
Spider-Man was the last one to go through the portal. “Later.” He did a lazy salute then went into it.
“We should return to HQ. Let the others know what happened here… and to prepare.” Coulson said.
“Agreed.” Steve nodded.
New York
Spider-Man looked at the city from a rooftop, taking it all in, happy to be back on familiar grounds. “Feels good to be back in the good old concrete jungle.”
“We were barely gone for a day.” Daredevil said flatly.
“And yet, it felt like an eternity.”
Daredevil sighed and to be fair, he did silently agree with him.
He’d rather cut his tongue than admit that out loud though.
Frank looked around then at them. “See you around, red. Kid. Loony bin.” He walked off.
Moon Knight just stared at them then jumped off, gliding into the night.
“Well… Castle’s intense.” Spider-Man said, earning a snort.
“Think that’s what kids would say ‘Understatement of the century, bro’.”
“Rude.” Spider-Man then tapped his chin, recalling something. “Anyways, think they got done with their ladies’ night?”
“Probably…” Daredevil shrugged. “Let’s head back and check up on them.”
Half an hour later…
After stopping a few muggings, Matt and Peter arrived back at the former’s apartment, seeing it dark.
Matt took a whiff in the air, copper. “Smell it?”
Peter stiffened. “Blood.”
Just then, lights were turned on, Elektra giving them an amused look while Felicia looked half awake.
Peter’s eyes glanced over, seeing the wound on her right leg.
“Oh my God, Felicia, what happened?” He rushed to her side, taking off his mask, brushing a stray hair from sweaty face.
“I’m fine, Spider, just… had a run in with an old enemy of ours.” Felicia said, sounding haggard. “Mac Gargan…”
Peter stilled. “He’s supposed to be in Ravencroft.”
“Guess not anymore.” Felicia rasped.
“Someone broke him out…” Matt trailed off.
“Or had enough influence to allow him to be let out early and quietly.” Elektra finished his line of thought, both becoming grim.
“Tell us what happened.” Peter said, looking at them both.
Earlier…
Inside of Norman’s personal lab, Felicia and Elektra looked around.
“Totally not creepy.” The Cat Burglar muttered under her breath, seeing the various containers with Spiders, lizards and a whole host of other animals/creatures before going straight to the computer. “Damn… it’s password protected and the encryption would take too long for me to hack.”
“Luckily, seems Norman prefers physical copies of things.” Elektra noted, grabbing a file, looking over it. “Hmm… interesting.”
“What?” Felicia walked over to her, looking over the file as well now.
“During an outer space mission to the moon, astronaut John Jameson-”
“Wait, that Jameson?” Felicia raised an eyebrow, recalling how his father had… less than pleasant things to say about her boyfriend. Or herself. Or really, any vigilante in New York but he had a really big disdain for Spider-Man in particular.
Elektra nodded. “Jameson found on their ship what appeared to be some kind of black sludge… or so they thought.” She stared at the image then noticed something in one of the glass cases.
They got closer, taking a step back when the black sludge jumped at them.
“What the hell?” Felicia uttered in shock. “Think it’s alien?”
“Given what’s happened in the last four years, it would not surprise me.” Elektra admitted then noticed the alien tech. “Chituari tech… why am I not surprised Osborn has his hands on it?”
“Lucrative in the black market. Especially with us ‘masked freaks’ becoming more numerous.” Felicia mused, rolling her eyes before rubbing her chin in thought. “Think it’s why Tombstone has been seen in a while.”
“Tombstone?” Elektra raised an eyebrow, wondering where she had heard that name.
“L. Lincoln Thompson, as you might know him better as, Tombstone.”
The former Chaste assassin nodded. “I remember… met him once in a Gala with my father. A strange yet seemingly affable man though there was clearly something dark in his eyes when one wasn't looking.”
“After Fisk was taken down, he took a control of the majority of the criminal underworld in New York. I think he may have played a role in Manfredi’s takedown as it was far, far too easy in my opinion.” Felicia explained. “But for Tombstone… he’s been since in public for a good while.”
“That is concerning.” Elektra said after a moment.
“Think there’s other things you should two should concern yourselves with!”
A long, mechanical tail went to stab Black Cat, but she dodged by the skin of her teeth, scratching her suit lightly.
She landed on the ground, graceful, her eyes widening.
“Gargan!?!? You’re supposed to be at Ravencroft!”
Mac Gargan grinned. “Gargan was who I used to be. I prefer the name… Scorpion.”
Elektra rolled her eyes. “Perfect, another supervillain. Just what New York needs.”
“And what you two will need is a funeral service!” He whipped his tail, making them jump out of the way. “Unless I get the Spider!”
Black Cat brandished her claws in response
“Go to hell!”
“I’ve been there. And I’ve come back with a vengeance, kitty cat.”
Black Cat lunged at him, getting on top of him, slashing at her with claws but his armor had not a singular scratch mark.
“What the hell?” His tail wrapped around her throat, constricting her air.
Elektra brandished her sais, attacking him but Scorpion, thanks to his superior physicality and armor, tanked them all then grabbed her by the back of her, slamming her face first on to the floor, breaking her nose then tossed towards the living room.
“Stay out of this, Black Sky. You’ll get your chance soon enough.” He turned back to Black Cat, grinning maliciously. “Now, where were we?”
Getting a small opening, she used her agility to break free, using his face to leap away, getting some distance.
She threw several bolas at him, tying him up before rushing over to Elektra, helping her up.
“You okay?”
“Yes… though.” She grunted. That had hurt. A lot.
Just then, Scorpion broke free, his tail going straight toward them. Black Cat pushed Elektra away but was unable to stop the tail from piercing her right leg.
“ARGH!” Felicia screamed in pain, Gargan pulling her close.
“Any last words, kitty cat?”
With a groan, Felicia held something out, letting a half smirk grace her lips.
“Hope you’re stronger than you look.”
She activated the EMP, making the entire apartment go dark and even stunning his suit’s systems for a moment.
With a painful shout, Felicia pulled herself of his tail then as Elektra rushed over to her, grabbing her grappling hook then firing it, escaping through the window.
Scorpion lunged after that but was unable to reach, seeing them escaping into the night.
He hissed. The Big Man will not be pleased with him.
Present…
Peter looked like he wanted to punch Gargan’s jaw.
“I’m fine, Spider.” Felicia assured him, a hand on his. “I’ll be okay.”
“You will, Gargan won’t.” Peter stated with a dark growl, fists clenched tightly.
“Peter, breathe.” Matt said sagely as he put a hand on his shoulder, understanding his anger.
After a moment, Peter took a few deep breaths, using the Shaolin Kung Fu meditation techniques Matt and Elektra had taught him to temper his anger and allow him to think clearly.
“Okay, okay, I’m good know.” Petter assured them, smiling. He then blinked. “Ah, crap, I’m so dead.”
“What?” All of them chorused when first Felicia then Matt and finally Elektra all realized, especially give the time.
Peter pulled out his phone, seeing several missed phone calls and messages from his aunt.
“I am so dead…” He put on his mask then leapt out of them window, web swinging back to Queens.
“… it was nice knowing him.” Matt said after a moment, earning snorts from them all.