Chapter 5: Living Legend
Artic Circle
The featureless and barren plan of the Artic Circle acted as an amplifier for the thundering noise of the Quinjets engines. The Avengers jet blasted across the icy planes as if on a wild mission. Alone side the jet flew two none vehicular individuals; one was Iron Man, the Armoured Avenger and the other was Thor, Prince of Thunder. They alone with the other Avengers have been on a wild search for the AWOL member the Incredible Hulk.
After the incident with the Enchantress two days ago, Nick Fury contacted the Avengers telling them if they didn't find the Hulk, then Fury would have no choice but sent General Ross and the Hulkbusters after him. So the Avengers set out to track down their anger prone teammate.
After a tip from an eskimo the Avengers immediately headed for the Alaska. Now Ben and Ant Man sat in the back seats on the Quinjet with Wasp in the pilot seat her hands on the controls and a huge grin on her face.
"This is coolest thing I ever done. I'm driving a jet." She said enthusiastically.
"It's actually on auto-pilot, Wasp. Sorry." Iron Man corrected, causing the size-changing heroine to pout.
Outside Iron Man looked ahead "The fishermen reported a crater around about here." He reported.
Sure enough, over the next glacier, the team came across a massive crater with massive patches of ice thrown up everywhere, like something massive crashed here and was now gone.
"What is that, Ant-Man, a meteor hit?" Iron Man asked.
"No," The Scientist Supreme replied. "That's the Hulk throwing a tantrum." He stated as if it were obvious. Even though it wasn't a joke, both Wasp and Ben did snicker at the comment.
Ben stopped and thought for a moment, even though he gave Hulk his communicator – witch he hadn't told any of the others about - he hadn't heard anything from the green giant since he left. Even though he new that Hulk needed his space but still. Was it really to hard to just say 'Hi I'm ok just smashing some ice burgs see ya later.' Maybe Ben was thinking to hard about it, after all from what he new the Hulk wasn't too big on sentiment.
The Quinjet soon touched down on the icy plateau. And the Avenger piled out. The temperature was so cold that Ben immediately Turned into Bill Chill to deal with the climate. Wasp and Ant Man were wearing winter coats to help them deal. Iron Man had heaters installed in his armor while Thor didn't seem bothered by the cold in the slightest.
Currently the Thunderer was admiring the massive cater before them. "Truly the Hulk's anger is impressive." He praised before turning his armored leader. "Tell me, Iron-Man, how do you intend to convince him to come back with us?"
"I have no idea, Thor." Iron Man responded glumly, then faced the crater. "Jarvis, scan for life forms."
"Mortal technology," Thor scoffed. "You would do better to trust your eyes and ears."
"I'm picking something up. It's a life sign, but it's faint. That's so weird though since I can't see or hear it." Even though his face was covered, Thor new that Iron Man was smirking at him.
Suddenly Wasp and Big Chill flew past them to investigate. Wasp flew ahead of the moth like alien and casually looked back with an annoyed look.
"Okay, if this is some kind of evil snow monster, I'm going to be…" since she wasn't paying attention to were she was going she slammed right into a block of ice. Only this wasn't any block of ice. Inside the ice was a large round disc, with a red rim and a whit star in the center. Wasps eyes widened as Big Chill came up behind her.
"Woah someone lose a trashcan lid up here." He quipped, then saw something behind it that made his eyes widen.
Behind the disc was a man completely frozen in ice. He was a large muscular man easily in his thirties. He wore a suit mostly comprised of a blue tunic, white sleeves, and red gloves and boots. On his tunic, a stylized star was visible, along with red and white strips around his mid-torso to his waist, along with a brown utility belt.
While Ben was only mildly surprised by seeing a man in an iceberg, Wasp, Ant Man and Iron Man all looked like they've seen a ghost.
Wasp pointed a shaky finger at the figure. "Tony, that's- that's" she stammered.
"Captain America." Iron Man finished, his tone indicating the he couldn't believe it either. "And according to my armor he's alive."
Big Chill just looked at his team, then back to the 'ice man' "Who the heck is Captain America" he asked.
Two Miles from New York
After removing the man from the block of ice, the Avengers loaded up the man, now identified as Captain America, and took of back to New York—their previous mission apparently forgotten. During that time Iron Man gave Ben a quick summery on who this mystery man was.
Apparently Captain America was a man known as Steve Rogers. He was a man who underwent a procedure during World War 2, to become the worlds first Super Soldier. And he fought throughout the war, becoming a symbol for peace and hope for the allies. I a way Captain America was the 'First Avenger'. But on his last mission he and his best friend and partner Bucky Barnes, vanished after a fight with the Captains archenemy the Red Skull. Everyone believed Captain America was dead. Apparently they were wrong.
Now Ben, as Heatblast, was currently melting the ice of the Captains body, being extremely careful not to accidently burn him. he still couldn't believe that someone could survive 60 years in a block of ice. Maybe those enhancements he got allowed him to survive. Either way Ben was now in the presence of a legend of this Universe.
Suddenly Captain American groaned, Heatblast gasped as he moved away. He was so shocked that he completely forgot to change back to human. The others approached him.
"This is incredible, he's waking up." Ant Man said in amazement.
"Is his brain okay?" Wasp asked from the pilot seat. Ant Man walked forward and leaned in close to the thawed out soldier. "Captain… are you all r…" before he could finish Captain Americas eyes shocked open, a panicked expression present on his face.
"Bucky!" he screamed, he then grabbed his shield and slammed it into Ant Mans helmet knocking him into the front of the cockpit. He then kicked Thor in the face and leaped of the table he was on and pushed it into Iron Man, pining him to the wall.
"Okay, Captain, you're safe. You're with friends." Iron Man groaned as he tried to reason with the man out of time.
"What are you?" Captain America demanded. "Some kind of HYDRA automaton?"
Heatblast, having watched the whole event with wide eyes, finally snapped out of his shock and approached the panicking man. "Listen, you've been frozen in ice for decades." He said, his hands held up in a calming manner.
Captain American looked at the fiery alien, witch only made his eye widen with fear. "What are you!" he yelled as he backed away from Heatblast. The transformed teen mentally slapped himself for not changing back to human, he may have just made this worse.
The Captain held his shield tightly as the held his gaze at the magma alien before him. "Where have you taken me? Where's Bucky?" he demanded, his years of military training were the only things that was keeping him from completely freaking out right now.
"Calm yourself, Captain." Thor said as he approached the First Avenger from behind. "As the robot and fire daemon say, you are among friends."
He then placed a hand on the soldiers shoulder. Big mistake.
In one fluid reflex, Captain American; grabbed Thor's arm, slammed the edge of his shield into his stomach, winding him, then judo flipped him into the front console of the Quinjet, causing it to spark and malfunction. With a huge lurch the entire jet went into a nosedive, heading right towards the ocean. Wasp frantically did everything she could to keep the ship from crashing. The jets sudden drop took everyone off balance, allowing Captain America to head for the loading ramp. He smashed the controls with his fist, causing the ramp to lower. The Super Soldier then leaped out of the falling aircraft and slashed down into the water, just off Liberty Island.
A few moments later the confused Captain America emerged from the water and climbed onto the platform. He looked up to she the glorious sight of Lady Liberty standing tall in the sunlight. In was reassuring for the soldier to be once again on American soil.
His musings however were interrupted by the arrival of Iron Man.
"Captain America, stand down." Iron Man ordered as he hovered above the soldier. "You really need to come with us."
The Captain responded by throwing his shield like a Frisbee. The shield collided with Iron Man knocking him out of the sky and in a brilliant form of accuracy, ricocheted of multiple objects before coming right back to the Captain. He then turned to see Heatblast land behind him with fire in his hands.
"Hey, we don't want to fight you. We're trying to help you." He tried to reason again with the confused soldier.
"What are you, mister? One of Zemo's experiments?"
"What? No, I'm… Well, it's complicated." Heatblast tried to explain.
"Stand aside, Ben." Came Thor's voice as he descended out of the sky right above Captain America, his hammer raised to its zenith, intending to stick the Super Soldier.
"Thor, no!" Heatblast yelled as he tried to intercept him. but it was to late; Captain America raised his shield to bloke the attack and the two weapons collided. Whatever kind of material the shield was made out of, it did not react well with the power of Mjolnir as when both weapons made contact, a massive shock wave erupted from the spot sending all the heroes flying in different directions. Heatblast ended up being sent right into a wall, leaving a big dent.
Heatblast shook of the wooziness and looked at he super soldier, who was just getting back up, and to his surprise the shield didn't even have a dent in it, whatever that shield was made of it could take the full power of an enchanted hammer. Then Heatblast got an idea, the shield seemed to be made of some kind of metal and Ben had just the alien to deal with metel.
He tapped the Ultimatrix dial and in a familiar green flash Heatblast was replaced with an alien with crab-like claws for hands and a silver metallic head with green eyes, that floated between it large pointed shoulders. His body was mainly black with yellow feet, hands, shoulders, and chest. The Ultimatrix symbol was, like most of Bens aliens on his chest.
"LOADSTAR" the alien called out, though when he did his mouth did not move.
Captain America groggily stood back up the power of that attack made him a bit woozy. However he quickly got over that when he saw the new alien in front of him.
"What are you?" Captain America slightly gasped.
Loadstar raised his pincers. "If you give me a chance to explain then I will tell you." He said.
However instead of talking, Captain Americas face hardened and he tossed his shield at the transformed teen. However Loadstar was expecting that and extended his arms, the air became distorted as a wave of magnetic energy flowed out of Loadstars pincers, catching the shield and stopping it in its tracks. Captain America's eyes widened as Loadstar levitated the shield above his head.
"Now maybe we can…" before Loadstar finished, Captain America closed the gap in speeds equivalent to an Olympic athlete and leaped into the air were his foot met with Loadstars head. Since the head was only connected to his body bye his magnetic field and with the Captain augmented strength, he was easily able to send Loadstars head flying away from his body, were it bounce a few time as it hit the ground, much to Loadstars annoyance.
Without his head Loadstars body began to act on impulse, randomly swinging its arms and walking wherever it wanted. With this act the magnetic field holding the shield dissipated causing it to drop and land perfectly onto Captain Americas waiting arm.
No sooner had that happened Wasp arrived on the scene, where she narrowly avoided getting swatted by Loadstars pincers. Seeing the Ultimatrix dial on his chest, she quickly deduced who it was.
"Hey cut it out Ben" she said to the spasming body.
"Don't bother," a voice called out behind her, she turned around and saw Loadstars head lying on its side looking at her. "His ears are over hear with me. He cant hear what your saying."
Wasp blinked at the sight of her friends dismembered head, then screamed, "AHHHHH. Ben what happened to you?"
"Oh you know, sunny day, thought id catch some rays." He joked before getting annoyed, "What do you think I got my head knocked off."
"How did this happen."
"What am I doing an interview? Put me back on my body before it wanders off." Ben shouted.
Before Wasp could respond to the talking head, the massive form of Giant Man rose out of the water. Wasp looked back to Loadstars head.
"Just what here for sec while we deal with this first and stay calm, lets not loose our heads." She said with a smirk.
"Oh ha HA." Loadstar said as his eyes narrowed when Wasp flew away. He would have just grumbled some more until he saw his body stumbling towards him. "Oh no" was all he got out before he literally kicked himself in the head. Feeling the contact, his body began to frantically search the ground looking for the head, that proved to be worse as each time it swing his arm it would knock the head away even further.
"Ow… it Ow…could be Ow… worse Ow… Not sure how Ow… trying to Ow… be positive Owwww…" Loadstar managed to say in-between kicks.
"Sir, we really need to get you to a hospital." Giant-Man explained as he tried to use solve the problem without any more fighting.
However Captain America's attention was cause by a large tourist boat that was passing by. He saw people on the boat taking pictures of the scene. People of different race and nationality, that would have been killing each other in the Captains day, but were now standing together with no sign of malice. The Super soldier looked at the scene in shock and confusion.
"Okay, enough." Iron Man said as he flew infront of the boat. "You have to come with us. You don't understand. This is not 1943."
"He's a warrior, Stark." Thor stated as he got back up.
"He will not yield."
"You've got that right, buddy." Captain America confirmed as he tossed his shield at Iron Man. This time the armored hero dodged the attack, which instead flew to the boat and rebounded of the boat back passed Iron Man and into Thor. Captain America the tackled Iron Man out of the sky and, as a reflex, Iron Man fired his repulsors. Captain America then grabbed Iron Mans arm and aimed it at Giant Mans head, firing a repulsor beam right into the Goliaths face sending him falling back into the water. The super soldier then stomped on the edge of his shield causing it to bounce up and slip perfectly onto his arm. the First Avenger looked over at his defeated foes.
Suddenly a sharp pain struck him in the back of the neck. He turned to she Wasp floating behind him, a very guilty look on her face.
"Sorry." She apologized. "Sorry, but I need you to listen."
"My apologies miss. This solider doesn't listen to HYDRA agents. He just takes them down."
"Fine, don't listen just look." She then flew off, the Super Soldier hot on her trails. She lead him up a flight of stairs, when he reached the top, he froze… standing just a few feet from him was a memorial… His memorial.
A Giant Bronze statue of him and Bucky was standing on top of a stone plaque, which read, 'In the Honored Memory of Captain America and Bucky.'
Captain America stood there rooted to the spot, his adrenalin fading, making him realize how tired he was. He didn't even notice the other Avengers come up behind him until Iron Man spoke up.
"You've been gone a long time, Captain." He said as his faceplate opened up revealing his face. He then walked up and put a hand on the Super Soldiers shoulder, this time he didn't resist.
"Welcome back." Tony said, Captain America looked back at the Iron Avenger, nodded then collapsed, the fatigue finally catching up with him. however the moment was interrupted by the sudden clang of metal against concrete. The team turned around to see Loadstar still playing soccer with his own head.
"If you're quite done up there!" the Magnetic alien screamed, "Would somebody mind putting my head back on please!"
"You should have quite while you were a head." Iron Man called out, which only made the transformed teen yell incoherently.
Soon the Avengers, plus one, were back on the Quinjet - after fixing Loadstar who was still mad at them for not helping him sooner - heading for the mansion. During that time Captain America regained consciousness and was now calm enough for the Avengers to explain, as delicately as they could, what happened to him. The whole time the Super Soldier said nothing; he just let them talk as he took in everything they said.
"So I've been gone for 60 years." He said as a statement rather than a question.
"Yeah, stuff like that can be a little overwhelming. Trust me I've had my fair share of this kind of experience." Came Loadstar's response as he stood opposite the man out of time. In truth Loadstar was very weary of the Captain, not only was he able to take out the entire team by him self. But he was able to do it in the most strategic way possible. True the man had some sort of special super steroid in his system that made him faster and stronger than most people, but he was able to use the Avengers skills and powers against them, despite only just being thawed out of a bloke of ice. All in all the fiery alien was glad this guy was on their side.
Captain America looked at Loadstar, with curiosity rather than fear. "And just what are you?" he asked, "I've seen many strange things in the War. But nothing like you. Are you some kind of mutation?"
"Why dose everyone always…" Loadstar started to say before he caught himself, remembering whom he was talking to, then calmed down. "No I'm not a mutant, I'm an alien. But not the bad kind." He said quickly, when Captain America raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just a… well… it might be better if I just show you." He then slapped the Ultimatrix dial and, in a flash of green light, turned back into Ben. Captain America reacted in an instant when his vision was blinded, grabbed his shield and got into a fighting stance. Ben held up his hands in a calming gesture.
"My name is Ben Tennyson. And I can transform into aliens." He said in a calming tone.
Captain America lowered his shield and looked around at the other heroes. "Who are you people?"
At this Iron Man stepped forward. "We are the Avengers" he said proudly. Captain America gave the billionaire a strange look, then Tony continued in a nonchalant manner. "That's what we call ourselves. Earths mightiest heroes kind of deal. We protect the earth from threats too big for any one hero to face alone. I'm Iron Man; this is Ant Man, Wasp, Thor and you've already meet Ben." He said pointing to his teammates as he introduced them. This made the Captain relax a little, but he still seemed a bit on edge. This was going to be a long day.
It wasn't long until the Quinjet touched down in the hanger and the Avengers, plus one, exited the vehicle. While Iron Man still kept explaining the events that happened after Captain Americas 'disappearance'.
"…So we won the war. Thanks in part to you." The billionaire finished as they walked across the ramp to the entrance.
"So HYDRA's gone?" Captain America asked in curiosity.
"Uh, it's complicated." Iron Man answered with a guilty look on his face, before moving on. "I've had J.A.R.V.I.S prepare a room for you until we get everything sorted out. You've been gone along time, Cap."
"Welcome back, sir." The A.I's voice rang out causing Captain America to jump in surprise as he looked around for the source of the voice.
Thor placed a comforting hand of the super soldier. "The building has it's own voice. Tis very disconcerting." This made Captain America calm down a little, but he did seem a little uncomfortable with the thought that the house is alive.
The group soon arrived at the assembly hall, were Iron Man activated the holographic display, another thing that made the Captain's eyes widen.
"There's something I have to show you." Iron Man said to Captain America as images of the super soldiers exploits flashed on the display. "My dad used to tell me stories about you when I was a kid. You were an inspiration to me."
The images soon stopped on a newspaper article stating that Captain America had fallen in the live of duty, making the soldier in question look at it with a neutral expression, however Ben knew it was just a brave face, he had used it for so long after his family died that he new that look anywhere.
"That's some poor reporting." Captain America commented dryly, then suddenly looked a little hopeful. "But if I survived, maybe Bucky."
Iron Man closed his eyes and bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Cap. Every kid in school learns that Captain America and Bucky sacrificed their lives to stop the Red Skull. It's a miracle you survived."
Captain America lowered his head as if the realization was finally coming to him. "Bucky's gone…everyone I ever knew, my whole world… It's all gone, isn't it?" he then took his shield and placed it on the table before walking out the room. Wasp was about to follow him before a hand rested on her shoulder. She looked back to see Ben with a hard look in his eyes.
"Give him some time, Jan.," the Ultimatrix hero said, "He just needs time."
Ben looked at the retreating Captain, he new more than anyone the feeling of losing your whole world and right now he new that the super soldier needed to be alone.
The healing process had begun.
Unknown Location
Meanwhile; somewhere in the ocean was an island surrounded by fog. The island was uncharted and hidden from the world for one reason. it was a tropical island with trees and wild life, but the main focus was the large base that was built on it. On that base was in insignia of a skull, with a mass of octopus tentacles under it, the symbol for Hydra. The organization that brought the allied forces so much trouble during World War 2 and has been continuing its antics long after the war.
For a while Hydras activities have been slowly decreasing due to their lack of leadership. But due to the events of the Break Out Hydra is now celebrating the return of two of their most valuable members.
First and most important was the current leader of Hydra, a man clearly in his senior years, with a monocle on his right eye. He wore a green uniform that was common for HYDRA personal but with a few alterations. He had a sword on his right thigh. Replacing his right arm was a red prostatic arm, which had a very devilish like design to it. This was Baron Strucker, one of the few surviving members from HYDRA from the war and has been leading HYDRA for many years.
The second member to return was Baron Stucker's left hand man and prime enforcer, the Grim Reaper, a tall man with shriveled green skin. He wears a dark blue cybernetic suit with a scythe mounted on his right arm replacing his hand. He also wears a dark blue cape as a hood to cover the upper part of his face.
Currently the two in front of a mass of HYDRA soldiers, each wearing the slandered uniform and helmets which looked like skulls. All assembled to welcome back their long lost comrades.
The celebration however was interrupted by the sound of alarms sounding through the base. Then the doors at the far end of the corridor suddenly exploded, the HYDRA soldiers all prepared their weapons and took aim at the smoking doorway. Then out from the dust came someone no one expected to see.
He was a tall man wearing a purple suit and a tight mask stuck to him. He wears yellow boots and gloves and a patch of fur on each of his shoulders. The man strolled into the room with his own sword drawn and raised. The soldiers quickly backed away and then bowed to the previous leader of HYDRA, Baron Zemo one of the most dangerous men in history.
The only one who did not seem pleased that the former leader had returned was the current leader. Baron Strucker gave Zemo a grudging look as Masked Daemon approached the throne he was sitting in.
"So you escaped as well." Strucker stated with a hint of malice.
"Yes, I escaped a prison you left me to rot in, Strucker." Zemo responded, what many people didn't know was that Zemo had somehow managed to survive long after the war and was imprisoned on the Raft, and know thanks to the Break Out he was free to reclaim his rightful place. "I see you have kept my seat warm."
"HYDRA is mine now."
"Don't embarrass yourself." Zemo scoffed, "I was running HYDRA when you were a child. Now look at you. A child in an old man's body."
"Reaper!" Stucker screamed. In a swift response, Grim Reaper charged Zemo with his scythe poised to strike. He slash an arc right at Zemo's head, but the Masked Daemon effortlessly dodged the strike and, in a surprising show of strength and skill, grabbed Grim Reapers scythe and ripped it from his arm. He then kicked the literally disarmed HYDRA agent to the base of Strucker's chair.
The current leader of HYDRA stood up, his cybernetic hand glowing with unknown energy as he and the former leader of Hydra prepared to face off.
"Baron Strucker!" a voice rang out catching the attention of both Barons'. A HYDRA soldier rushed into the room only to halt when he saw Zemo, in which he immediately dropped to his knees. "Lord Zemo. Uh, sir, there is news."
"What?" Zemo responded clearly annoyed by the interruption. However that annoyance quickly faded when the soldier opened his palm to reveal a device which lit up showing a hologram of the Avengers with someone the Baron thought he was rid of forever.
"Captain America is alive."
Suddenly the thought of taking back HYDRA didn't seem to interest Zemo any more. His most hated enemy hate returned and the organization that had been after him for so long had failed to capture or even destroy him. He had no use for people who have failed to conquer the world for so long, even with the absence of their greatest enemy. If he was going to ride the world of Captain America once and for all, he was going to do things a little differently.
The Masked Daemon sheathed his blade then turned away from Strucker.
"Where are you going?" the leader of HYDRA asked his predecessor.
"You can have HYDRA, Wolfgang." Zemo responded as he made his way out of the room. "All I want is Arnim Zola."
During World War 2 HYDRA's top scientist was a man named Arnim Zola, he was responsible for many scientific achievements for HYDRA during the war. One of which was the creation of a deadly chemical weapon known as Virus X. Zemo had planed to used the deadly disease against the allied forces, but an incident with Captain America caused Zemo to be exposed to the Virus instead, making his suit become permanently bonded to his body including his mask.
Arnim Zola was able to develop a treatment to prevent Virus X from spreading and even developed augmentations that boosted Zemos strength and speed, making him into a deadly warrior. If Zemo were going to defeat Captain America, he would need Zola's help to take out the Avengers first.
The former leader of HYDRA made his way to a hidden location that no one but he and two others new about. A secret laboratory that was built a short time after the war. Now Baron Zemo was descending into the lab via an elevator and entered into a large open laboratory with large machines, test tubes and other equipment, spreading out in all directions.
Zemo passed another set of test tubes when he suddenly felt a presence behind him. Turning around he saw a massive creature rise out of the shadows. It looked like a giant blob like creature with a fat body long thin arms and an angry looking face. The blob took a swipe at Zemo, but he quickly sidestepped the attack, he then drew his sword and slashed at the creature, severing its arm. The creature didn't even seem to be fazed by the dismemberment, instead it glared at Zemo as it regrew the lost limb. The creature roared as Zemo raised his sword ready to engage the creature.
"Enough, my pet." A voice called out in a thick accent. Zemo turned to see the very person he was looking for, however person may be a stretch as the being before was very far from being human. He was a broad shouldered male, with a camera instead of a face, which is presented on the stomach on a yellow TV screen. He wore a big orange scientist safety vest with large purple gloves. "You'll have to excuse Doughboy.
He is very excited to see that you also escaped from SHIELD's prisons during the recent exodus." The mechanical being said as he strolled up to his old ally. In response to his master's command the creature, now identified as Doughboy, immediately relaxed and put on a cheerful smile and placed its slimy arm on Zemos shoulder in an affectionate display. However the Baron wanted none of that and slapped the creature's hand away and got right down to business.
"I have news, Arnim. But first…"
"Yes." The scientist agreed, knowing exactly what the Masked Daemon wanted.
A few minutes later, Zemo had been place in a special machine that bathed the enhanced human with a special kind of energy. Arnim Zola stood to one side to monitor Zemo's vitals as the procedure neared its completion.
"It is good you escaped when you did." The scientist commented. "Your last treatment has almost worn off. We did too good of a job on Virus X, my old friend. Sadly, I still have found no cure. Our formula is the only thing keeping it from…"
"Captain America is alive." Zemo suddenly interrupted, the anger and impatiens finally reached it limit.
Arnim Zola stood there frozen for a moment, a mixture of shock and awe plastered on his screen face. "Amazing." He gasped as he raised his arms as if to praise lord for a miracle. "Erkstrom's super-soldier serum must be responsible. Had we ever obtained a DNA sample from the Captain, we could have created an army of super-soldiers. And of course cured you, Baron." He was so caught up with his innovated dream that he almost forgot that crucial point.
The scientist walked over to Zemo, who was cracking the tensions in his arms and neck after lying on that table for a long time.
"I still believe the serum will reverse the effects of the virus." Zola finished.
"You need a DNA sample? I will bring you Captain America's head." Zemo said as if it would be an easy task. "But there is a problem. The Captain it seems has found powerful allies."
"I am the finest bioengineer on the planet." Arnim Zola boasted as he placed a large arm on Zemo's shoulder. "And over the decades I have learned one thing. "Every problem has a solution." Head said as more lights flickered on revealing hundreds of large test tubes, each with a Doughboy inside. The creature roared with savage intent, Zemo looked on, if his face was visible a small smile would have been seen, he may finally get his revenge on Captain America.
Avengers Mansion
Back at the mansion, Captain America was standing infront of a mirror in the room assigned to him by J.A.R.V.I.S. Steve still found it odd that technology had advanced enough that now it could actually talk to you. Now he was just staring at himself with his uniform on, he examined every detail right down to the smallest tear. All the adventures, all the missions, the people he new, it was all gone. He was a man out of time, a stranger in his own land; he didn't belong here anymore than ice belonged in the desert. He was completely alone.
A knock on his door brought him back to the present. "Come in.," he answered. The door opened and Ben walked in, a concerned look on his face.
"Hi Captain, sorry in I'm disturbing you."
"Its ok, just taking it all in." Captain America replied with a crestfallen face.
"Yeah it can be kind of overwhelming. Waking up in a place you've known your whole life, only to find everything different; similar, but different." This made the Captain look at him with a curiosity, which Ben took as a sign to keep going.
"Before you ask, no I'm not from the past like you, or from the future. I'm from another dimension entirely." Captain America's eyes narrowed, he may not have believed Ben but given the fact that he had just woken up 60 years in the future he guessed anything could be possible.
"When I first met you, you where some kind of fire man then a creature that could control metel. Is that the kind of power humans in your dimension posses?" the Captain asked.
Ben chuckled at that comment. "Well I know one other who can turn into a fire guy, but he's different from me. You see I get my powers from this." He then held up the Ultimatrix for the super soldier to see. He then went on to explain just what the alien device was and what it was capable of, along with a few stories of his adventures in his own universe. Throughout the explanation Captain America was barely able to keep his amazement at bay, he could hardly believe that that much power could be bestowed on someone at the age of 10. However one thing about Ben bothered him, his eyes. It was his eyes, was the feeling of someone who has experienced and seen too much, Steve had only seen that look in the eyes of the soldiers he fought beside.
The sudden memories of his fellow soldier immediately dampened the spirits of the super soldier, the images of his fellow Howling Commandos and Bucky, how he would never see them again. It was too much for the Captain to bear.
"What the point of going on." Steve said as he looked down at his boots. "Everyone I new, my friends, my comrades, all of them gone. I should have never woken up. I'm a solider. Not some future man. I can't imagine a world that's changed so much still needs Captain America."
Ben saw how torn up the Captain looked as he thought about the people he lost. Was this how he looked when he first told the others about his family. That thought even made Ben become lost in his pain, even after all this time in a new world the pain of his loss still felt as fresh as the day it was inflicted on him.
The teen hero sighed, "Look Cap, I know what its like to lose your whole world like that." Captain America looked up at the young hero, "Three weeks ago, one of my villains attack my family… and killed them all." A tear fell from his eye as he started to chock, he may never be used to telling this story.
Captain America looked at the boy with wide eyes, he new that this boy had experienced some kind of pain, but he never new it was something that serious. He stood up and walked towards the weeping teen and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Its alright soldier" Steve said. "You're not the first to loose people and you wont be the last." He then looked Ben right in the eye with a confident expression. "And ill make you a deal. If you wont give up the good fight, then nether will I." Ben looked at the older hero, tears still falling down his face, he then wiped away the tears and put o a brave face for the war hero and nodded. Captain America grinned as these two misplaced heroes stood in silence.
Suddenly a beeping noise caught their attention, Ben reached into his pocket and pulled out his ID card, "Avengers Assemble" came the synthesized voice of Tony Stark. After this emotional drain Ben did not feel up to being a hero right now, but he new his duty, he would have to put aside his emotions for the time being. Ben turned to walk out the door and meet with the others, only to pause and see Wasp in the doorway.
"Jan?" Ben said surprised by her presences. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." The size-changing heroin said before she walked over to Ben and gave him a gentle hung. The hung lasted for a moment before she let go. "I'm so sorry for what happened to you both." Wasp said now addressing both heroes, who still looked a little shaken by their experiences.
Ben then shook his head. "Still Tony said there's a mission we've got a job to do."
Janet then placed a hand on Bens shoulder stopping him. "After everything that's just happened I don't think you're in the right mindset to save the day today." Ben was about to protest, but then he realized that she was right, Bens mind was all over the place with memories of his family still haunting him. If he went on a mission right now he might be more of a liability.
Ben sighed in defeat, "Ok Jan ill sit this one out. But I get to go in first on the next monster attack." He stated pointing a finger and Janet with a stern look on his face, which only made Wasp giggle.
Wasp then turned to Captain America, who stood in his place a little unsure weather to be at attention or at ease. Wasp then walked up to him and gestured to the room. "What do you think? Iron-Man tried to make it feel as much like the '40s as he could."
A sudden beeping interrupted her as the 40's style radio suddenly opened up revealing a J.A.R.V.I.S terminal.
"Excuse me, Ms. Wasp, Master Tennyson, There appears to be a guest at the main gate." The A.I informed before transforming back into a radio.
"As much like the '40s expect for the talking computer." Ben quipped.
"Ill go see who it is." Wasp said as she made her way out the door. "If it's S.H.I.E.L.D again, ill be sure to give them a zap for you Ben."
"Thank you." The teen replied. Even though Ben had made it very clear to the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D, Nick Fury still persisted in his attempted to get Ben to join S.H.I.E.L.D. Every now and then an agent would show up to make Ben an offer in order to convince him, or in other cases bribe him to join S.H.I.E.L.D. And call him crazy, but Ben would have sworn that he saw, on several instances, agents of S.H.I.E.L.D tailing him and watching him wherever he went. At one point during one patrol he could have sworn he saw Agent Coulson tailing him in a red 1962 Corvette. Luckily every time Ben saw them, he would instantly duck into an ally, turn into Big Chill and disappear, can't follow what you cant see.
Also Ben was not an idiot, he new what kind of game Fury was playing, if Fury couldn't study Ben in a controlled environment, then he would have to study him on the go like game hunters on safari. Made Ben feel like he was some rare species of butterfly Fury wanted to put in a glass case.
His wandering mind was brought back to reality when a certain Super soldier asked. "What's SHIELD? Is that some future word for pest?"
Ben grinned at that statement. "Sort of. There actually an international peace keeping organization that works for the government. It stands for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division." He then saw the confused look on Captain Americas face. "Yeah I know, it's a bit of a mouthful. That's why they shortened it to S.H.I.E.L.D"
Captain America looked like he was going to ask another question, when suddenly there was a loud crash, followed by the sound of Wasp screaming. The two heroes' immediately responded and ran out of the room in order to see what was happening. After running down several corridors the pair turn another corner only to see Wasp flying at them with a panicked look on her face.
"Wasp what is it?" Ben asked. Wasp quickly pointed to the end of the corridor, the two men followed her gaze and saw the large figure of Doughboy as it floated around the corner then blorped around a pillar.
"Eww," Wasp said, her face visibly disgusted. Suddenly the mansions auto defense systems activated and a missile platform rose right underneath her. It then proceeded to fire four missiles into the intruding monster. However once they impacted into the blob like creature, they were immediately absorbed by the creature and exploded harmlessly inside of it, Doughboy then burped as if the missiles were an excellent meal.
Needless to say the heroes were both surprised and disgusted b the blob that was infront of them. Wasp, however, was the first to get over it.
"Okay, you're fat and disgusting." She said charging up her stingers, "And lucky for me slow." She then proceeded to charge the blob.
"Wasp, wait." Captain America warned, but to late Wasp already engaged Doughboy by firing several stingers at the blob. The stinger hit their target and this time the creature actually let out a cry of pain, this only enraged Doughboy who then, in an impressive display, put on a burst of speed despite it bulk, in a few short seconds the creature had already caught up to Wasp.
"Okay, I take it back, not slow." Wasp said in a panicked tone as she frantically flew backwards firing her stingers in an attempt to evade the monster. At the last moment she was able to dodge the attacking Doughboy as it lunged at her, however she briefly forgot that Ben and Captain America were behind her and Ben was in the middle of dialing up and alien to notice the giant blob coming at him.
"Look out!" Captain America yelled, pushing Ben out of the way but it didn't help as the blob like monster enveloped the super soldier and wielder of the Ultimatrix in one go.
But then Wasp fired her stingers at Doughboy, causing the monster more pain as it tried to swat the size-changing heroine. However her small size made it practically impossible for it doughy tendrils to grab her. So the blob like monster decided to change tactics and focus on the one threat at a time. It flowed of Captain America and Ben and flew towards Wasp, who was frantically trying to distance herself form the giant blob. However Doughboy once again showed a surprising burst of speed and easily caught up to Wasp, it mouth opened wide. Wasp let out a frightened scream as the giant blob's jaws slammed shut with insect themed heroine inside.
"Wasp!" Ben screamed, to stand to move after witnessing one of his friends just getting eaten. He was just reaching for the Ultimatrix when Doughboy paused a surprised look on its face. Then all of a sudden its body began to swell, getting so bloated that eventually the blob monster exploded right infront of the two heroes, covering both of them with the disgusting slim. Ben was visibly disgusted to have exploded monster on him.
Is this how people feel went I go Goop. He thought to himself as he tried to wipe some of the monsters remains if him.
Within the remains of the gunk a small pile of sludge suddenly grew a pair of yellow insect wing and then flew a few meters into the air. A cough and some brushing revealed Wasp, who did not look at all happy.
"Okay, that was disturbing." She said as she wiped some more slime off her face.
Before anyone could react a beam of energy struck Wasp in the abdomen and she fell to the ground unconscious. A stunned Ben and Captain America turned to see Baron Zemo holding a smoking gun
"Captain America, it's been a long time." Zemo said, snidely
"Zemo." Captain America snarled, his fist clenched at the sight of his old enemy.
Ben glared at the villain with a murderous look – no one shoots his friends and gest away for it – he would have charged the villain if not for a growl that came from behind him. The teen turned to see another Doughboy come around the corner, its pale eyes focused on Wasp like she was some easy prey. Ben and Captain America stood back to back, squaring off on the two adversaries.
"Ill take blob-boy, think you can take Mr theatrics" Ben said as he activated the Ultimatrix.
Captain America didn't even respond, seeing his old enemy made him think of their previous encounters and all the suffering he had caused. At that moment all the anger from the war resurfaced and the Super Soldier charged the Masked Daemon.
"Well I guess you can then." Ben stated flatly as he turned to the second Doughboy. "Ok snot blob. Lets see how you handle some real firepower. Going Heatblast." He said as he slammed down the dial.
However what he transformed into was not the fiery alien. It was a small alien that resembled a battery, with green eyes and the Ultimatrix symbol on its chest.
"BUZZSHOCK" the alien cried before realizing what had happened. "Oh come on you work fine for months and now you decide to mess up. Stupid watch." The tiny alien complained.
Doughboy however was either didn't understand or did not care about the transformed teens problem, but the green flash did distract its attention from Wasp as it eyed the battery alien then charged. Buzzshock barely had any time to avoid being eaten by the blob, but the green Megawatt managed to skirt out of the way. The fly battery then released a stream of green electricity at the giant blob, as the electric tendrils impacted on Doughboys body, it roared out in pain just like it did with Wasps stingers. The giant blob then glared at Buzzshock with hate filled eyes and charged at the flying battery.
Meanwhile Captain America charged at Zemo, who fired several shots at the super soldier, each time the Captain gracefully dodged. Captain America then delivered a tornado kick, knocking the gun out of Zemo's hand, then knocked the Masked Daemon to the ground, pinning him under his foot.
"Excellent, I was worried you won't be as I remembered you. I won't want you to be anything less than perfect for this." Zemo said with relief. He then kicked Captain America of him and drew his sword.
"All these years, I thought the Red Skull had defeated you. Now, I can finally have my revenge."
He then charged the Captain, he swung hos sword but Captain America dodged the attack, only to be meet by a kick to the chest by Zemo, making him stumble back a few feet. Once he regain his footing Captain America and Zemo began to circle each other, with Zemo adopting a fencing stance.
"How are you still alive, Zemo?" Captain America questioned.
"Death means nothing to me." Zemo replied assertively, "I evolved my body over the years. While you remain as you ever were."
The Masked Daemon lunged at the Super Soldier, slashing skillfully and swiftly. Captain America did all he could to dodge each strike, since he didn't have his shield, he had no defense against Zemo's blade, so he was limited to only dodging attacks until he found an opening. However Zemo was the one who got lucky as his blade scraped across Captain Americas chest. The Super Soldier grunted in pain as he clutched the wound and felt his hand get warm from the blood seeping out of the gash. He then tried to deliver a right hook to Zemo's face but the villain easily sidestepped the attack and slashed the right flank. Captain America yelled in pain as he fell to the ground, momentarily stunned from the pain. Zemo stood over the fallen hero practically grinning under his mask as he held his sword aloft.
At the other end of the room Buzzshock was having some difficulty with Doughboy. Apparently the blob monster new that Buzzshocks attack could hurt it and was now using its amazing speed and agility to dodge the little aliens electrical attacks and ripped up several sections of the mansion and hurl them at Buzzshock. The Megawatt was able too effectively dodge that attack due to his small body. However his attention was caught buy the injured form of Captain America with Zemo standing above him with his sword.
"Cap!" the battery alien screamed, however before he could react, a huge slab of concrete was slammed right on top of the battery alien pinning him to the ground, courtesy of Doughboy. The monstrous blob made sure that the concrete was well in-between itself and Buzzshock in order to avoid the electrical energy from the little alien.
With the wind knocked out of him Buzzshock was so dazed that he couldn't make out anything infront of him, all he could see was the blurry outline of Zemo and Captain America. The villain glanced over to his gelatinous ally to make sure he would not be interrupted. Once he was satisfied he turned back to his enemy.
"You are alone, Captain." He said, "A relic in this world. Arnim Zola's creatures will deal with your new friends, but you? Let the Skull have Bucky. Your life is mine to take."
He then leaped into the air, yelling at the top of his lungs, and aimed to impale his sword right in-between Captain Americas eyes. Suddenly Zemo's sword came to a sharp halt when Captain Americas shield appeared out of know where and imbedded itself into the wall just above the Captain, blocking Zemo's strike. The Masked Daemon leapt back in surprise as he and Captain America looked up to see were the shield came from. What they saw looked like a giant cat. However on closer inspection, it became clear that it was a man in a skin-tight, full-body black cat ninja suit. The unknown savior then leaped away and pulled out a purple dagger and hurled it at Doughboy slicing right through its blobby hid, the blob-like creature roared in annoyance as it forgot about Buzzshock and launched itself at the cat-man. However that distraction was just what Buzzshock to get out from under the slab and charge up his electricity and fired a massive bolt of electricity at Doughboy. The monster screamed as the electrical energy raised across its fat body which then began to bulge and expand until the monster exploded in a shower of slim scattering every where and covered the transformed teen with slim.
"Not again," Buzzshock moaned. He then looked up hoping to thank the cat-man only to see him leap away out of sight as mysteriously as he appeared, leaving a very confused Buzzshock behind.
At the same time Captain America slid his arm into the straps on his shield and promptly ripped it from the wall and held it aloft as he stared down Zemo.
"All right, sock face. You want to fight? You've got one." He snarled at Masked Daemon, the mention of his fallen friend brought up sixty years of built up rage. He launched forward blocking Zemo's sword strike and then delivered a powerful side kick to Zemo's stomach, the Baron staggered away a few feet and tried to regain his footing. However the Super soldier was not done as he spun on the spot, building up momentum and launched his shield at Zemo. The Baron dodged the shield, however after sixty years he seemed to have lost his experience fighting his enemy as he completely forgot the shields impeccable ability to ricochet back to the Captain and was struck in the back of the head buy the ricocheting shield, which then returned to Captain America's awaiting arm.
Zemo stood once more and clashed with the super soldier, their respective weapons locked trying to over power the other. In an attempt to gain back his advantage Zemo drew his spare short sword and attempted to stab the Captain in his ribs, however Captain Americas heightened reflexes allowed him to dodge the strike. Then in one fluid motion, Captain America forced the blade of the short sword into the wall, then kicked the hilt, snapping the blade off. The Baron didn't even have time to register the destruction of his weapon as Captain America shoved the edge of his shield right into the underside of Zemos chin, uppercuting him across the room and landing on his back in a daze.
"Give up, Zemo." Captain America said as he marched towards the villain.
"Never." Zemo snarled, "This is my world and you don't belong in it."
Captain America halted at held his gaze to the Masked Daemon. "I may not know a lot about the future, but I know one thing about the past. You lost the war. You'll always lose, whether I'm here or not."
Zemo glared daggers at the Captain, after all this time he had waited for this day and even with a sixty year advantage Zemo still couldn't defeat his hated enemy. In a swift movement Zemo reached into his belt and threw an explosive device passed Captain America and landed a few feet from Wasp – just after Buzzshock had defeated Doughboy.
Captain America, without hesitation, made a made dash to Wasps location, while Buzzshock was about to pursue the strange Cat-man.
"Ben hit the deck!" Captain America yelled as he jumped onto his stomach with his shield positions infront of both him and Wasp. The small alien turned to were the super soldier was coming from and saw the device near Wasp, his eyes widened… Then the device exploded.
A wave of fire and debris filled every corner of the corridor reducing everything to shredded ashes. The only part of the corridor that was not destroyed was the section behind Captain Americas shield, the two being behind the shield were completely unharmed as the shield took all the power of the blast. Captain America lifted the shield and saw the destruction, but saw no sign of his shapeshifting friend.
"BEN!" the super soldier screamed. Suddenly there was the sound of electricity sparking behind him. he turned to see and electrical outlet spark and a green tendril of energy shoot out and dashed across the floor and up the walls until in manifested into a tired looking Buzzshock.
Captain America looked at the little alien with shock and aw. "Ben, Your alive? How did you do that?"
Buzzshock shook his head. "Well when a saw the bomb I turned into electrical energy and dove into the closest electrical device, which happened to be JARVIS's terminal. Sorry JARVIS."
"Apology accepted Master Tennyson." The A.I responded from one section of the room that wasn't blown apart. Captain America just smiled, happy to know that he didn't lose anyone else. He looked back to were Zemo was but saw no trace of the villain.
At that moment Wasp regained consciousness. "What'd I miss?" she asked as she looked around at the destroyed room. Captain America held his hand down to the size-changing heroin as he remembered something Zemo said.
"I'll explain on the way. Your team is in trouble." Captain America said. With that the trio then ran, or in the case of Buzzshock and Wasp flew, to the Quinjet hanger. The fight was not over yet.
In New York there are many tourist attractions, one of them is the iconic Statue of Liberty standing tall on her island in the Manhattan bay. However today lady liberty had attracted a different kind of tourist, a mass of Doughboys had clambered onto the island and now covered the entire island in their slimy bodies. The Avengers immediately responded but the shear mass and indestructibility of the monsters made clearing them out a problem.
Each one of the Avengers was now struggling to free themselves from the monsters clutched, but no matter what they threw at then the Doughboys just kept coming back. Eventually this annoyed one particular thunder god who, while trying to fly away from the doughy tentacles, was trying to fry the monsters with his lighting. However when his lighting struck the creatures they only expanded and grew larger and larger with each strike.
"Thor, stop. The electricity is making it grow." Giant Man called out as he tried in vain to use his strength to free himself from the slim. Thor immediately stopped and futilely slammed Mjolnir into the Doughboys to no effect to the creatures.
"You say science is responsible for this monstrosity?" the Asgardian asked in annoyance as he struggled.
"Well, people are responsible for it. Bad people using science very irresponsibly." Giant Man defended, as he was pulled further into the gelatinous mass.
At the same time Iron Man was have less luck then his teammates as none of the weapons in his armor couldn't do anything against the Doughboys. Every time he blasted them, the just reformed like nothing happened; the billionaire was starting to panic.
"Someone do something." He screamed as Doughboy tentacles restrained his limbs and pulled him back into the blobby mass.
Suddenly a red, white and blue shield flew out of nowhere and sliced right through the slimy tentacles, freeing the Iron Avenger. Iron Man looked up to see the Quinjet with Captain America standing on the boarding ramp. Just then Wasp and Buzzshock flew out of the Jet and began to blast the Doughboys with stingers and green electricity respectively, each time they struck the blob mass would writhe in pain and part freeing the other Avengers. Captain America pulled Iron Man to his feet as he blocked another tendril of slim with his shield.
"Thanks" Iron Man said.
"We're not done, solider." Captain America replied, he then locked arms with Iron Man and flew off to rejoin the others, the two heroes landed in a clearing that Wasp and Buzzshock made, the two were still using there powers to hold off the advancing Doughboys while the others regrouped.
"This is one of Arnim Zola's genetic freaks." Captain America explained as the monsters circled the heroes.
"Zola, of course. I should have recognized his work." Giant Man exclaimed as the other turned to him practically seeing the gears turning in his head. "That's why Wasp's stings and Ben's electricity were so effective. They're bio-energy."
"You know that madman?" Captain America questioned.
"I studied some of his creatures before." Giant Man quickly added, "They all had a weakness. Instability. And with the right energy signature, we can accelerate that instability." He finished as his Ant Man helmet unfolded around his head. He then twisted the dial in the right side changing the frequency that his helmet uses to communicate with insects to affect the Doughboys. Once he hit the right frequency the monsters started to roar in pain and tried to move away from the source of their torment.
"Iron-Man, modulate your repulsor. Match the energy signature my helmet is putting out." Ant Man called out.
"JARVIS… what he said." Iron Man relayed.
"Indeed, modulating repulsors now." The A.I confirmed, Iron Man then fired a beam of repulsor energy into the blob mass, which replied with the writhing and roaring in pain as the energy cut right through them. the Avengers advanced putting all their power into their assault on the Doughboys, however even with their weakness exploited the Doughboys were to numerous to take out. In a few short minutes they caught their second wind and rallied in a mighty surge towards the Avengers.
"There's too many of them!" Wasp called out as the Doughboy wave surged towards the heroes, who were barely able to hold the doughy tide back. Buzzshock blasted multiple tendrils of electricity at the wave, but the shear size and number of the monsters were forcing him back, if only there was a way to even the playing field. then he got an idea a little trick he never tried with this form yet. Well no time like the present. He thought.
"Hey Thor!" Buzzshock called out to the Thunderer gaining his attention, "I need you to hit me with a lightning strike."
The Asgardian looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Nay. I will not attack a friend." He stated.
"Its not an attack, this form can take it. If we're ever gonna beat these this you have to hit me with everything you've got."
Thor still looked hesitant, but the Doughboy tsunami grew closer and closer.
"DO IT!" Buzzshock yelled.
Thor immediately caved at that moment and pointed Mjolnir at the sky and the clouds gathered and swirled around with thunder banging and the smell of ozone filled the air, Thor then pointed the hammer at Buzzshock and a massive bolt of lighting descended from the sky and struck the transformed teen in full force. Once the lighting finished its strike, the heroes all saw Buzzshock, just floating in one spot with his eyes closed.
Suddenly his eyes opened, but they were now glowing with energy, then a huge grin spread across his face like a toddler that just had a bowl full of sugar. Buzzshock then let out a wild cackle and shoot forward into the Doughboy wave, splitting the wave in two. The little alien then transformed into living energy and zipped all over the Doughboy mass leaving massive gashes every everywhere he went. Soon he had reached the Statue of Liberty and sent charged of green electricity along the iconic structure, blasting any Doughboy anywhere near the structure to be rendered inert.
The Avengers then saw Buzzshock appear at the top of the statues torch, green electricity dancing across the Statue. Then much to their shock the electricity then manifested into a small army of Buzzshock clones, approximately fifty identical copies of the battery alien all stared down at the Doughboy mass, each with a wild look in their green eyes.
They all giggled as they dove into the monstrous blob. At that moment the fight became a slaughter. The Buzzshock army swarmed the gelatinous mass like ants to a sugar cube, some fire energy at the monster while others turned into energy and sliced through the Doughboys, all the while cackling like piranhas to a piece of meat. The other heroes just stood by and watched in stunned silence, watching their young friend once again surprise them with the amount of power he possessed.
Soon the roaring of the Doughboy sea then expanded and blew apart, a rain of slime covered everyone in the slime as the last of the mass was reduced to nothing by the Buzzshock, who after the monsters destruction, all turned into green energy and formed back onto one tired looking Buzzshock. The transformed teen looked to his teammates, exhaustion clearly present on his face.
Thor looked down at the slim that covered his body, "Victory… is ours."
"Hooray." Buzzshock said, weakly pumping his arm in the air before collapsing to the ground barely conscious, though he forced himself to stay away cause the moment he would fall unconscious the Ultimatrix would time out and he would not reveal his secret identity anytime soon.
Just then the heroes were surrounded by hundreds of people cheering for the heroes. However most of the praise went to one hero in particular, a small smile spread across Captain Americas face cause it looked like the world hasn't changed that much at all.
A few hours later the Avengers had all returned to their respective homes to wash up and get some rest, especially Ben who when straight to his room and collapsed on his bed, he didn't even bother changing his clothes, he just fell face first into his mattress and was unconscious in seconds.
However in the sitting room Iron Man and Captain America, the former in his civilian clothes, were currently watching a news report on the Avengers defeating the Doughboy sea.
"Bio-engineered monsters. Freaky-ooze-creatures. Is that what it was like fighting evil the '40s?" Tony asked from his seat on the couch.
"No," came Steve's response, he then smirked at the billionaire, "sometimes it got strange."
Stark just stared at the super soldier, "Did you just make a joke? Captain America has a sense of humor."
"Don't get used to it, solider. And please, call me Steve." The man out of time said.
Tony then got up from his seat "I found something. I want you to have it."
He pulled out an old photo and handed it to the Captain. Steve looked at the old photo and grinned. On the photo was a picture of him along with Bucky and a man in a dark suit.
"Howard Stark." The super soldier chuckled.
"My father, he looked up to you so much. We all did. We all do."
"That was along time ago." Steve said as the memories of the past caught up to him again. His smile fell, the realization thet everyone he knew was gone was still so painful. "Thank you for the photo, Tony. It's actually all I have now."
"That's not true." Tony pointed out, "You saved our lives today. Zemo and Arnim Zola are still out there. You have a place here, Steve. With the Avengers."
Tony held out his hand, Steve looked at the hand for a moment, then smiled. Even though he didn't belong in this place in time, his Country was still here and he still remembered a promise he made to a certain teenager. "I'd be honored." He said shaking the billionaires hand.
"Now when can I meet the Avenger who saved me from Zemo? The one in the black cat suit."
Tony happy smile soon changed from a happy expression to that of confusion.
"Wait, who?"
Back in the laboratory of Arnim Zola, Zemo stumble into the lab clutching the injuries he had received with his clash with Captain America.
"Your creatures failed me, Arnim." He called out into the darkened lab. "In order to defeat Captain America, we must destroy the Avengers." He looked around when he realized that his long time friend did not responded to him.
"Arnim?"
Suddenly a light appeared in on section of the lab, showing the unconscious form of Arnim Zola. Standing above the scientist was the beautiful figure of the Enchantress, along with the Executioner. "Baron Zemo," the Enchantress smiled seductively at the Masked Daemon, "I have an offer for you."
Zemo gave a small grin behind his mask; it looked like fortune was finally going in his favor.
And Captain America joins the team, what did you all think about the Cap/Ben moment? was it to forced or lacking? please let me know.
Two things: first is that life is getting pretty hectic at my place so updates may be slower than usual, so don't think I've given up I'm just a little short on time.
Second, what you've all been waiting for, the results of the Poll.
Skye: 7
X-23: 18
Ms Marvel: 31
So Ms Marvel is the winner. Not gonna lie, it was close, I mean X-23 and Ms Marvel were both tied for a while I thought I would have to flip for it. But eventually more of you voted and most leaded towards Ms Marvel witch is understandable. Also I should mention that just because the one you voted for did not get picked it dosen't mean that Skye and X-23 will not be in this story. They will just show up later in the story.
Just like before if you have any tips, advice or grammatical errors that need to be brought to my attention, Please PM me and let me know.
Until next time, CaptainRex75 out.