200 gems = bonus chapter
Fully support the story at:
patreon.com/FanFictionPremium
***
In the meantime.
Baxter Building.
Johnny was sitting on the couch, enjoying the HD run and preparing to take a notable bite out of his pepperoni just as he was interrupted.
- Move it, Matchstick! - Grimm plopped down on the piece of furniture, taking up two-thirds of the space at once and pushing Storm right into the corner.
- That's where your chair is, Boulder! - Torch grinned, trying to get a breath of air.
- It's hard," Ben shrugged calmly, taking a bite of his pizza.
Fires flickered in the blond's eyes, but the ceiling, which had turned red, prevented any further argument.
- Alert! Alert! A powerful energy source and space warp have been detected," HERBIE wailed in his mechanical voice, "Alert! Alert! Alert! Alert!
- What the hell? - wondered the Creature.
The members of the fantasy team looked at each other and ran to the only place where they were guaranteed to get answers, but not guaranteed to understand them.
The door to the lab of the leader of the Four opens. Sue's already standing next to Richards.
- Pull, what's going on? - asked a question in a Grimm's booming voice.
- It's my security system, Ben. I haven't had time to connect it to the foundation's satellites yet, and it only covers a hundred square kilometres ...
- Honey," Storm interrupted her boyfriend, sensing that he was ready to go into a lengthy explanation, oblivious to what was going on.
- Yeah, sorry," the brown-haired man concentrated. - So I've developed a system that monitors the release of colossal amounts of energy and possible gaps in space, a precautionary measure, after the beginning of my experiments with opening a portal to the Negative Zone.
- So what are the gaps? - Questioned the blonde, understanding the team leader's explanation.
She decided to postpone the discussion of that portal issue for another time.
- I can't determine exactly, my dear, but according to the sensor readings, the epicentre is in the newly built Stark Tower.
- Maybe the billionaire is having a big party. - Jonathan suggested.
- I doubt it, Johnny," Reed smiled thinly.
At the same moment there was a rumble like an explosion from the wall and the lab shook.
- Everyone into the Fantastic Machine," Mr Fantastic ordered without a smile.
***
At this time.
The intersection of Harlem and the Upper West Side. The so-called Free Zone.
The Scarlet Spider.
Ben landed on the pavement and dodged the lunge of a drug dealer throwing himself at the spider-suited hero with a knife.
- Are you serious, man, I literally have the strength equal to the proportional strength of a spider and I can stick to surfaces, and you're trying to stab me? - Amused the blond man, calmly dodging.
- Just die! - barked the hooded criminal, sputtering.
However, in the next second, the drug dealer fell an unconscious sack, and the baton that had hit the back of his head returned to its owner.
- Thanks, DD," Reilly saluted his co-commander.
Matt nodded briefly and began beating up his two opponents, clipping one spectacularly with an underhook.
- Why do I get the feeling they never learn anything? - Danny asked rhetorically, shredding the assault rifle of one of the bandits with his mystical hand.
- Because they do," Luke Cage calmly confirmed his friend's opinion, tossing aside a few of the larger thugs.
- Careful, tough guy, we still have to get them to the police relatively intact," Jones lightly urged his boyfriend.
- I'm sorry, Jess, I'll make it up to you," he apologised.
The defenders hastily finished off their opponents.
- Well done, team," Ben announced, weaving a web around the criminals.
- Now, why did you bring us together again? - Cage crossed his arms over his chest. - I mean, I hope the reason is more coherent than your brother's "bad feeling"? - Luke arched an eyebrow.
- In fairness, we have to fight the Hand soon, so it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra time together, would it? - Reilly scratched the back of his head a little uncomfortably.
Daredevil was about to say something, but he was prevented by a sharp rumble.
As if on cue, all the heroes turned around, staring in surprise at the blue funnel in the sky above the centre.
***
In ten minutes.
Aircraft carrier.
- What's the situation? - Fury asked menacingly, causing the operator closest to him to flinch nervously.
- 'Sir, no response from the team sent to Stark Tower, we've lost contact with them,' replied a girl operator in a Shield jumpsuit.
The Director frowned. He should have taken Peter's warning more seriously.
- What's wrong with the picture? - Maria Hill, standing next to him, asked a question.
- We've tapped into the city's cameras, mostly in the centre," the young agent rambled, "it's... it's a must see.
The young man put the broadcast on the main screen.
At first, the entire staff was presented with a picture of the usual crowded streets of the metropolis. Then the nightmare began.
Dozens of futuristic mechanisms resembling air chariots began to appear in the sky. Hordes of strange creatures, clearly not of human origin, were dressed in strange armour and armed with laser weapons.
The aliens were shooting the entire surrounding area, including civilians. The last thing the PROTECT staff saw before the cameras shut off was the carcass of a huge spaceship. And it was roaring.
After the screen faded out, the room fell into a sepulchral silence.
- Activate code red, all agents from combat units prepare for departure," Fury began to rouse his subordinates from their shock. - Contact the director of the MECHA and tell her to send help, we have an alien invasion!
The room became a buzzing hive of activity as the agents rushed to carry out their orders.
- Set up a channel of communication with the Teamsters and, damn it, find me the Avengers! - Fury threw, turning a hundred and eighty degrees and heading for the bridge exit.
Maria Hill immediately caught up with her boss and walked beside her.
- Where are we going, Director? - The brunette clarified.
- To the lab.
It's about time we convinced their biggest cannon to join the fight.
***
At this time.
Sweden.
Peter Parker.
- What do you mean, not your plan?! - Thor shouted in the face of a grimacing Loki, grabbing him by the chest. - Answer me, brother!
While Odinson interrogates Lafeyson, I carefully stand next to the God of Deception's abandoned Scepter.
- Natasha, please deliver the bracelets for our prisoner from Quinjet," I disguise my activity with the staff as a conversation with my mentor.
Only I'm in for a bummer.
Carrier, I can't absorb this item," Raj rustles in concentration.
Honestly, I was expecting such a forte from an infinity stone level artefact and yet, what a devil!
Meanwhile, Black Widow appeared on the horizon along with a wrinkled-looking Clint.
- Are you feeling all right? - I asked with a smile in my voice.
- Yes," Barton replied tiredly, "thank you, all of you," the archer mumbled his thanks, and then stared hatefully at Loki, who had been silent to Cap and Thor's questioning.
- You are welcome, Legolas," Stark replied calmly.
As Natasha approached Lafeyson, I returned to the problem with the artefact.
Well, then, there is no choice.
I bend down and take the Sceptre in my hands. As soon as I touch the hilt, a vision of battle appears in my mind.
***
New York City, same time.
3J Communication's office.
Jonah contemplated the premise of his first cell of the future media kingdom.
Due to the specifics of his training, JJ was a print traditionalist. He had almost single-handedly built his own publishing house from scratch, ranking in the top five of America's most respected print sources for thirty years.
Although for that "almost" Jay is still paying back old friends who lent him money for the first financial outlay for the fledgling organisation.
Still, he couldn't help but recognise that progress was inexorably moving forward and if the Daily Bugle was to continue to hold its ground, he too would have to compromise stubbornness for the sake of business.
The first brick to rebuilding his vision was laid by John, his favourite and only son, with the simple remark that "Dad, newspapers are losing popularity, move to the internet".
The endeavour was then cemented by Robbie and Parker, who has done a great deal to popularise Bogle online.
And so, as Jameson usually did, once he became immersed in a topic, he was ignited, a whirlwind of indefatigable energy. Thus was born the 3J Communication conglomerate project.
Soon JJ's authoritative delivery of information to the masses would resound from every screen.
- Mr Jameson, Mr Jameson! - but the mustachioed man's wet dreams were interrupted by a shout from his personal assistant.
- What is it, Miss Brant? - inquired the combative old man with slight irritation.
Betty had long been his secretary and her professionalism had enabled Jameson to promote the girl to personal assistant.
- I've been contacted by one of our freelancers, Burrow Winters," the panting shawl explained.
- And I'm supposed to congratulate her? - J.J. arched an eyebrow, sensing his growing irritation.
- Just watch," Betty shoved her phone into the chief's hands, the best way to stop all arguments.
Jonah, on the other hand, simply pressed start on the video burning on the screen.
The video was New York City being attacked by aliens.
- Very high quality, is this a new film? - JJ noted the graphics.
- This is what's happening right now on the streets! - nailed the brunette.
Jonah knew Brant too well not to believe her.
- Then what's my personal assistant waiting for?! Send reporters to the scene!
Tri J's journalistic instincts said this was no joke or prank, but possibly the story of the century.
- Either way, you could always fire that Burrow for spreading misinformation," the mustachioed man muttered.
***
At this time.
Sweden.
- Spider, are you okay? - Cap touched my shoulder, bringing me out of my daze.
- We have to get back to New York right away! - I said sharply.
- What's wrong, Spidey? - Stark asks, surprised by my scream.
- You! Put down the Scepter, you insect! - The God of Deceit growled hatefully at me.
Without saying anything, I cut the distance to the jotun and, undeterred, punch Lafeyson in the face with all my spider strength. His nose crunches and shatters like cardboard. Even for him, my blow is quite tangible.
- Shut up! - I hate Loki and step away from all my shocked teammates.
- What the hell happened?! - Natasha can't take it.
- Loki sent the remaining hypnotised agents and the assassin mage to Stark Tower, Selvig gained access to the Stark Industries arc reactor," I turn to the frowning Avengers, "the alien army is attacking the city.
I take out the double ring and, holding the sceptre in one hand, try to open the portal.
But it doesn't work.
***
New York. Aircraft carrier.
A little later.
- Dr Banner, we need you," the spy had been trying for almost ten minutes to convince the scientist to let his inner monster out.
- You don't understand what you're asking," the brunet replied tiredly, resting his hands on the tabletop.
- As far as the existing information suggests, haven't you learnt how to take control of the Hulk? - One-Eyed Eagle played his last trump card.
Bruce only laughed mirthlessly in response.
- The Hulk is not just a monster, he's an unstoppable elemental rage, a natural cataclysm, and even after learning to control my own anger, I'm still afraid to transform," Banner said.
Fury only sighed in response.
- I understand that, Dr Banner, but right now people are in grave danger, and with the Avengers not in the immediate vicinity, you're the only serious force that can turn the battle in our favour," Nick turned towards the door. - You helped people once by covering up the government's mistake without anyone knowing about it, so be a hero again, somehow I think you want to be.
With that, the spy walked out, leaving Bruce with his hands folded behind his head from nervous tension, pondering the situation.
The Director of PROTECTION was moving through the corridors of his transport ship, and he was getting angrier and angrier.
He had let the situation go to waste, decided to experiment with the Tesseract, and had provoked Loki's appearance. He was to blame for what had happened. And right now, an enemy army was tearing apart the most famous city in the country he was supposed to be defending, and there was no communication with the people who could handle that army.
Fury sighed.
At least it could have been worse, up to and including a full-scale attack on the entire planet. However, who knows what would happen in a few hours?
Nick returned to the command bridge.
- Sir, we're getting reports from several sources, including the Avengers," the young operator reported excitedly.
- Put it through," Fury's voice was serious, but involuntarily, the grip of apathy that had been squeezing him loosened after what the agent had said.
- Director, Captain America on the line," came the voice of the Living Legend.
- Good to hear from you, Rogers, where are you?
- Currently in Quinjet, trying to get back to New York as soon as possible, we...got a report of an attack," Steve reported.
- Copy that, we'll try to hold out until you arrive, - Nick accepted the information, - what about Loki?
- Captured. It helped a lot when Thor showed up, - shared Rogers.
Well, that's one good news, even two.
- He will come in handy, - nodded the spy to himself. - Why didn't Spider move you?
- He...couldn't," the blond replied, a little miffed.
- I see," the Director said slowly, "keep us informed, Captain, and come back soon.
- Over and out," Steve disconnected.
- Connect next," Fury mumbled, deciding to think it over later.
The operator nodded.
The next line was the Team's communications channel.
- This is Director Fury speaking," Nick announced to all involved.
- Fury, what the hell is going on?! - yelled Luke Cage.
- Don't clog up the channel and talk substance, Unbreakable," the Director of PROTECTION grimaced.
- I'm usually against profanity, but I have to agree with my friend here," came Rand's voice. - Right now we're facing a group of creatures that would love to eat civilians," Iron Fist said, giving some clarity to the situation.
- Everyone, listen up, there's been a massive alien attack on New York City, and that's what you've encountered," Fury explained.
- Aliens, is this a joke? - Frankie's voice came through to Nick.
- Blazing Storm, where are you?
- Ava and I had the day off, so we decided to relax in the countryside," the girl replied minglingly.
- Where are you? - The one-eyed man gritted his teeth.
- In the Bronx," replied the White Tigress.
- What a place you picked," Danny whistled.
- How soon can you get there? - Fury steered the discussion in the right direction.
- We'll try to get there as soon as we can, but not in half an hour," Rhea muttered.
- I see, try to arrive as soon as possible," the spy said.
- Don't worry, Director we try to protect the civilians on the streets, so it's not that bad," Rand reassured the chief a little.
- 'Copy that, Iron Fist, hang on, over and out.
Nick exhaled and gripped the steel handrails tightly. Not bad, but they could use some cavalry.
- Sir, one more call," the operator said modestly.
- Director Brand? - Nick asked.
- No, sir," the brown-haired man shook his head negatively.
- Put him through," Fury beckoned tiredly.
- Director, this is Tarantula," came a slightly gruff voice.
Nick immediately switched the line to his own coded earpiece.
- Cain?
- 'Yes, Tarantula,' the clone repeated with urgency. - 'I'm aware of the situation, where is the main focus of the attack?
- In the centre of Manhattan, - immediately answered the spy. - Did Spider contact you?
- You could say that," the brown-haired man smirked, "we'll be there in ten minutes.
- Wait, we?
- I think a plane full of mutants with extraordinary abilities will be just in time, over and out.
Cain dropped the call, but Fury could only think of one thing: Who should he kiss for turning the situation around so well?
A sudden call didn't allow him to deepen his thoughts.
- Director Fury?
The spy turned and met the eyes of a confident Banner.
- I'm ready.