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***
24 December, 2013.
Felicia Hardy's apartment/the flat of a trio of lovers.
Peter Parker.
- And there's the top left," I proudly announce as I hang the final balloon on the Christmas tree.
- How do you not mind hanging toys upside down? - Mary clarifies, chewing on a gingerbread man.
- Spider perspectives, vixen," I jump from the ceiling. - Besides, with that tree under the ceiling, there weren't too many options left.
- We could get a stepladder," Felicia joined the conversation, trying to sort out the garlands.
- Yes, but why? - I smile cheerfully. - Do you need help, Kitten?
- No, I'll do it myself, Spider," the thief announced, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.
- Whatever you say," I sit down next to Mary and try to take a bite of the biscuit, but she pulls her hand away.
- It's mine," Mary said, smiling softly.
- MJ, you've had five of these," I reply with righteous indignation.
- What can I say, our baby loves sweets," my pregnant behemoth shrugs.
Although I would never call her that out loud.
Don't, Pete, I need you alive," the symbiote agrees.
- Well, if it's a baby," I laugh, placing my palm on MJ's belly. - God, I wish I could get an ultrasound as soon as possible, just to make sure there are no abnormalities," I added under Miss Watson's questioning gaze.
- This way!" Felicia calls out loudly to the fanfare of lit garlands. - I'm a master technician!
- And your luck has nothing to do with it, of course," I say condescendingly.
- You're just jealous that you're not the only one in our family who knows about technology," the blonde shows me her tongue.
- Kitten, once you burned the toaster, - I remember the case of two months ago. For which I got it right back.
I tear my jeans when I try to put my leg over my leg.
- They were brand new," I glance at Hardy, hinting at the effect of her strength.
- Or you've been eating a lot of biscuits," the blue-eyed girl jokes.
- Oh, come here," I jump up from the couch and try to grab a laughing Felicia.
Mary just laughs, looking at us.
It's idyllic.
The week had flown by, and introducing my clones/brothers and sister could be exhausting, but now, almost everyone knew everything about everything, and those who knew the most personal details were few and far between.
Not to say that everything went smoothly. For example, Matt felt that this acquaintance was an attempt from me to put the responsibility for the Defenders on my brother's shoulders. Of course, it wasn't because of any sudden distrust Murdoch had for me. It's just the redhead's nervous.
Our team has a big case coming up. Fisk is starting to lose control of his territory, I think, if Tombstone hadn't become less decisive (understandably because of whose interference) there'd be a gang war, after which Kingpin, at best, would have fled the city.
So the fat man's final ace is his desire to strike a co-operation deal with the Hand, as we are informed by our Horny's spy on Wilson's cohorts, Miss Nachios.
Of course we don't want that. In any case, I hasten to reassure my friend, informing him that Ben is not replacing me, specifically that he is helping me. Spider-Man isn't going anywhere.
Next up is Delia's more fleshed out introduction to the Fantastic Four and the Shield. After all the explanations and discussions, Fury assigns Delia to be Natasha's mentee, so that her sister can better immerse herself in the structure of how the Shield functions.
Eh, if only he knew how he'd unleashed Delia. I can totally see this plot, forbidden love at work.
I've always loved workplace romance stories. Especially in adult films.
With Cain, the situation is both simpler and more complicated and fun. I didn't even know what to make of the fact that my brother was attracted to Gina Gray: coincidence, fate, the mockery of the universe? So I just told him that a guy in stylish red glasses was dating her, and Cain just snorted.
Either way I'm glad Logan is out of this race. Thanks to the Thunderstorm for seducing our two-hundred-year-old Don Juan.
At least now, after all the business, I can have a proper rest, getting ready for Christmas with my girls.
I pick up a shrieking Fey and escort her to the sofa. I sit down between my ladies and Mary covers us with a plaid.
- So, to kick off the snow marathon, which do we watch first, all of Harry Potter or One House? - MJ asks in a thoughtful tone. - Which is closer to the spirit of Christmas?
- Die Hard," Felicia and I answer in tandem.
- If you say so," Carrot-top sighs and switches on the telly.
We start to watch a film, but such a homely and romantic moment is interrupted. And how could it not be?
To the girls' displeasure, I wriggle out from under the plaid and answer the communicator.
- I hope this is important, Fury," I said grudgingly into the bracelet's screen.
- Go to the coordinate point, Colson will pick you up and explain the purpose of the mission," Nick said curtly and ended the call.
I didn't even have time to be indignant.
If it was without the usual jokes, then it was serious.
- Girls, I'm sorry, I pulled the shield, I'll try to come back soon, - I explained, starting to change into a suit.
- I see," the ladies sighed.
- I'm sorry, but it looks like it's serious," I walk over to the couch and take the girls' hands, "I'm really sorry.
- It's okay Tiger, go," Mary is not happy but lets me go with a sad smile.
- Save the world," Fey adds.
- I love you," I kiss my ladies and put on my mask.
Invisibility, Raj.
The Klyntar disguise ripples and I blend into the interior, becoming almost transparent.
This is the only way I leave the apartment now, both as Peter Parker and as Spider-Man. It's a compulsory measure, with HYDRA it's better not to relax.
I let out the web, caught on the corner of the building, and head for the coordinates.
This winter has been surprisingly mild and snowless.
Carrier, what do you think the next mission is?
I don't know, Raj, but if Nick's got Mr Fury on, it must be serious. Anyway, Phil should be able to explain everything.
I didn't have to wait this time. I arrived on the roof of one of Shield's training centres and Quinjet was waiting.
- Glad you're not late," Colson greeted me, "come on in.
- Hello to you too, Phil," I greeted the agent.
- I'm sorry it's so rambling, Spidey, but we don't have much time, - the man answers, going into the cabin. - On takeoff.
The pilot nods and the gunboat takes off.
- Well, now we can talk, - Phil smooths his jacket, sitting down on one of the seats for special forces, which are usually transported in the Quinjet. - We'll get to Brazil in seven hours at best.
- Brazil? Something to do with our green friend? - I ask, sitting down across from the brown-haired man.
At least that's where the Hulk's last known location is. Phil's team has been tracking him for six months.
- If only it were that simple," the agent hums. - I'll start in order. Remember our old Scandinavian acquaintance from the desert?
- Thor? So what?
- His brother showed up," Phil exhales. - And he killed eight agents and took control of at least a dozen, including Clint Barton.
- So that's how it is," I nod thoughtfully. The events of the first Avengers have begun, albeit in slightly different locations. - So, we won't be able to celebrate Christmas? - I chuckle a little.
- We're on the verge of an alien invasion, and we'll be lucky to survive," Colson said, keeping the atmosphere cheerful.
- Seriously, Phil, one Asgardian is no reason to panic, - I "don't get it".
- Only he stole some artefact, - the agent presses his lips, - well, I think I can tell you.
*
We get to Brazil by squeezing all the power out of the Quinjet. Poor bird, we need to get back just as fast. But I think with everything that's going on, it might be a good time to open up the cards.
During the flight, Phil shared the history of the Tesseract, from the time it fell into the hands of the Red Skull HYDRA and was discovered by Howard Stark, to the Peggy Carter incident in the fifties and the placement of one of the infinity stone vaults in a safe for many years.
Colson then explained why Fury was so tense, and as if the possibility of an alien invasion wasn't enough. The One-Eyed Eagle set about gathering the members of the Avengers Initiative. He went after Stark himself, Natasha went after Steve, and the Hulk went after Phil and me.
The Quinjet landed in a fenced-in area.
As soon as the gangplank lowered, we saw a group of three waiting for us: a stern-looking brunette in a half-military Shield jumpsuit, a rough-looking guy with curls, and a cute, short, brown-haired girl.
- It's good to have you back, Agent Colson," the girl reported cheerfully, "Agent Spider," she said, nodding at me.
- Thanks, Gemma, I'm sorry we don't have time for a thorough introduction," Phil replied, taking the folder from the guy's hands. - What about the facility, Fitz?
- Still there, helping the residents fight the fever.
- Right. Agent Ward," the brunet nodded.
- Colson, Grant responds. - Agent Spider, I've heard of you," the guy smiles and holds out his palm to me.
- 'Yeah, I've heard of you too,' I respond to the handshake.
- Really? - Hydrovets is surprised.
- Phil's been wanting to introduce me to his team for a long time," I turn to Gemma, who's standing next to me. - I've read your research, Dr Simmons, it's very impressive.
- Really? Thank you! - She smiles. - I'm sorry, but I would never have thought you were a scientist.
- I have a lot of virtues, and, by the way, I'm not a Shield agent for a long time - I slightly correct my interlocutors.
- I'm sorry, but some of them have already adopted this address in connection with your past activities and your exploits during the Mohave operation, so don't get angry with them," the HYDRA slugger smirked.
We start walking towards the tent camp, familiar to me from the Mojave mission.
- So you're following Dr Banner?
- Subject Hulk is under surveillance," Ward nods.
- Don't call him that to his face," I said.
- You think Banner's that sensitive? - Grant arches an eyebrow.
- Even if he is, calling Dr Banner that nickname is just not nice," Gemma said.
- I agree with Agent Simmons," I nod in affirmation, "and besides, I just wouldn't risk pissing the guy off.
We go inside.
Familiar surroundings, some agents monitoring the situation at their computers, someone carrying a guard with guns drawn. And Phil's in the centre.
- Now, if I could have your attention," Colson announced loudly, and everyone, of course, looked at him carefully. - Our subject, Dr Bruce Banner, - after the announcement, behind the back of Fury's left hand appeared the image of a famous specialist in the field of Gamma radiation.
Phil went on to explain the plan and I just stared at the image and wondered.
How in my world some people's appearance is unconventional compared to expectations, and it's not even the Negro Fisk we're talking about here.
I, for example, am like a mix of all the Peter Parkers from all the different media I can think of, but the basis is still comic-book-original. Pretty much the same story with MJ, just with a little more of a 90s cartoon version of her, as far as a real person goes. Felicia is, without embellishment, a blonde Felicity Jones. Steve is Chris Evans, but Natasha has very little in common with Scarlett Johansson, except for the cut of her lips, the curls, and the plastic. And here is Banner, Edward Norton, not to add, not to add, except for the brunette, no Mark Ruffalo and does not smell.
That's funny.
- All right, is everyone clear? - Colson finished his briefing.
Many nodded.
- Then let's get started.
In general, the plan wasn't much different from the film version, a planted girl, a cabin away from the general population and me and Phil waiting inside.
- So there's no sick father? - Bruce clarified, taking off his glasses.
- I'm sorry we had to resort to such a ruse, Dr Banner, but you understand," Phil tilts his head.
- 'Of course,' the brunet agrees. - So, what did Shield need from me? - Bruce said, nodding at the black eagle logo.
Phil had had time to put on the Shield's jumpsuit.
- I also didn't expect to see a famous New York superhero, Spider-Man himself, such an honour," the scientist now acknowledges me.
- Have you heard of me, Dr Banner?
- I watch youtube, though the network here is at times disgusting," the man began to roll up the sleeves of his blue shirt, "with all due respect, you can hardly handle the other guy," Bruce flashed his green eyes.
- We didn't come here to hurt you, Doctor, but to ask for help," Phil said.
Just in time, the Sense was starting to buzz unmistakably.
Even Raj was tuning in.
- Help? - The green speckles faded. - What kind of help?
- Shield needs your gifted knowledge of radiation, we need to track down the stolen object, lives are at stake, Dr Banner," Phil began to explain, with his usual honest boy scout face that beckoned trust.
- Well...can you promise that my freedom will not be threatened? - seems to have worked on Bruce, too.
- We'll even take you back to Brazil if you want to, when this is over,' Phil promised.
- Also, don't use the other guy," the brunet looked at us sternly.
- Whatever you say," the agent agreed.
- Then I'll help," Bruce nodded.
- Fine," I put my palm to my ear, "stand down, everyone.
Banner couldn't see, but twenty armed Shield agents were just starting to move away from the hut.
- Let's go," Colson reported cheerfully.
It didn't take long to get back to the base. Though many of the agents cast nervous glances at the gamma mutant, his presence at the base didn't cause any awkwardness.
Except that Fitz spilled coffee all over himself at the sight of his long-time idol.
- Well, Quinjet will be ready in half an hour," Ward informed Colson.
- Um, can I have a word? - I raise my hand, looking at Phil.
Except for the brown-haired man, almost everyone is looking at me.
- Sure," Fury's left hand nods.
- I understand we'd like to get to the aircraft carrier as soon as possible, right?
- That's right.
- Then send a message to the Aircraft Carrier not to be surprised by the sudden crater in the middle of the pad," I say, folding my hands behind my back.
Phil arched an eyebrow and still nodded to the girl operator.
- Well, I'm waiting for everyone who needs to come with us outside," I leave the tent.
Ten minutes later, Phil, FitzSimmons, Ward, Banner, and the pilot of the Quinjet arrive at the Quinjet.
- So what was the gathering about, Agent Spider, move us 4,000 miles away with spider powers? - scoffs the HYDRA liaison.
I, on the other hand, only smirk, even though I can't see behind my mask.
- Message sent? - I turn to Phil.
- They're waiting for us," Colson nods, "here are the coordinates of the base location, they're expecting visitors from the ground.
- That's very helpful," I study the data. - Well, get ready to see some real magic," I look at Ward.
I take out my double ring and open the portal in a circular motion.
- Ladies and gentlemen, please Spider Portal, I am glad you chose our airlines, we apologise, the cinema is not spinning due to the speed of transport, - I bow jokingly.
All the witnesses' eyes become the size of a Quinjet cockpit, especially Leo and Gemma, as scientists, and Grant, as the most fucked-up one.
- Is it safe? - Banner, on the other hand, has become noticeably more nervous.
Okay, we don't need that.
- It's perfectly safe.
Under scrutiny, I cross the ring and find myself on the hard deck of the aircraft carrier.
For a while, my colleagues still hesitate, but Phil leads by example, going through the portal first. An exhaled Bruce followed, and then the rest of the agents. As soon as the pilot's other foot was over the line, I closed the portal.
- You're full of surprises," Phil said.
- Not a word," Fury interrupted me as I was about to respond.
I turn round and see Nick in the company of Cap and Romanova, dressed in civilian clothes.
- What next, Spider, will you pull a rabbit out of a hat? - says Ferocious.
- I think it's not as impressive as teleportation, - I calmly endure Nick's glare. - It's just that I decided to reveal another of my talents in connection with the emergency situation," I try to shift the vector of attention from myself to our main task.
- Well, that makes sense," Fury agrees curtly, "follow me.
Our motley group starts moving, and I stand next to Natasha and Steve.
- I have to admit, I didn't think he'd be pissed off about anything else today, but you were as close as ever," the redhead said.
- Once again my talent," I tease a little, but then take the spy's hand. - How are you? I heard about Clint.
- I'm fine," Romanova tries to keep a straight face, but I can tell when she's lying.
- We'll get him back, Mom," I whisper.
Nat responds by squeezing my hand lightly, appreciating my words of encouragement.
We reach the captain's bridge, and Maria Hill stands beside Fury.
- Now, a lot of people don't know why they're aboard our transport, but to make a long story short, our world is in danger, an alien from the Aesir race has stolen an artefact belonging to the PROTECT and has also taken control of the minds of some of our human agents. We don't know Loki's plan, but as long as the Tesseract is in his hands, the entire planet is at risk.
Everyone listened without interruption.
- Dr Bruce Banner has agreed to help us, Dr Banner, Agent Colson will escort you to the lab, the rest of you use all the eyes and ears we have, but find me anything strange related to arrogant green-eyed brunettes. Agent Spider, Agent Romanoff, Captain Rogers, hold on.
The others began to follow orders, and Colson's team led Bruce to the lab.
Our small squad approached Nick and Agent Hill.
- When I mentioned the possibility of an invasion, I wasn't kidding, with Loki you can't afford to be slack.
- Oh, I thought you called Cap to give you the five quid you lost," I recall the situation.
- What? Fury was confused.
- Didn't you argue, "You don't realise how much the changed world can surprise you"? - I parodied Fury, turning to the equally clueless Rogers.
- If you mean the Aircraft Carrier, the Captain's been here more than once, and we're in a serious situation, not a time for silly jokes," Fury says coldly.
- Understood, - yes, everyone's so serious.
- Okay, Captain, your uniforms are in the locker room, Agent Romanoff will show you out.
Cap and Widow nod and then go to change.
- Well, now that we've talked, I guess I'd better get going," I point behind me and turn around.
Since New York is under attack, I'd better get ready at home and take care of my family.
- Where are you going? - Fury wonders.
- Do you still need me?
- Of course you do!
Wow, I'm really pissing off the director.
- You're a full member of the Initiative, so you're staying with the team.
What, I'm an Avenger?!
It's not that I wasn't ready, but it's cool I didn't have to ask for it, damn it!
- And until we find Loki, you're gonna help Dr Banner in the lab, okay? - Nick continued to give me orders while I was in the clouds.
- Got it," I nodded and started walking briskly toward the science bays.