Within the throne room, Loki watched as the Avengers fought against his loyal minions.
At first, the Trickster was ecstatic. It had been many years since Fenris was allowed to roam free and torment his victims. It gave him immense pride to see his son torment his enemies in this manner. If only his other children could share in this moment.
His daughter, Hela, continuously shifted her allegiance to whatever side suited her. If that didn't mean scheming against him, he'd be proud. And his other child… well, it's best that child remains tucked away. No need to wreak too much destruction on his kingdom.
Thankfully, his grandchild, Hoarfen and the Destroyer could pick up the slack. The Ice Wolf showed its ferocity against the mortals' Changeling and the Destroyer, using the souls of the Dark Elves to power the armor. Not even the All-Father saw the benefit of putting the souls of the fallen to good use.
Without their accursed leader, Malekith, conspiring against him, the Dark Elves fell neatly in line under Loki's ranks. Binding them to the armor only increased its power exponentially.
No army in the Nine Realms could stand up to his might now.
However, that glee turned sour as one by one, he saw his elite warriors fall into the hands of these mortals.
All that power, and they still failed, outwitted by these insects.
Raising his hand, Loki brushed the images aside. His lips curled into a confident grin as he looked down at Thor.
"These fools pose no threat to me," he boasted, his chest puffed out with bravado. "I command the Odin Force! The Tree of Life gives its power to me now."
Hearing this, Thor smirked. While Loki's silver tongue is renowned for bamboozling anyone who listens, Thor, having grown up with him, has picked up on some cracks in his brother's near-perfect storytelling.
Like the case now, where he knows full well that Loki's declaration is more for his own benefit than for Thor's.
"If you are so all-powerful, Loki. Then why haven't you won yet?" Thor asked, raising his head to meet his gaze.
The God of Mischief's eye twitched as his jaw clenched.
Before he could make any kind of remark. The doors to the throne room exploded. Dust and debris showered the area as Loki summoned his spear and readied himself for battle.
As the dust settled, Loki saw the large form of Ultimate Humungousaur appear before him. His right hand transformed into his bio-cannon, with one of the barrels smoking from being recently fired.
Following him were the Avengers along with Lady Sif, Brunnhilde, Balder the Brave and Faraday. They stood together, their eyes locked on the Trickster God and their fighting spirits fully ablaze.
"Knock, knock!" Ultimate Humungousaur quipped with a cocky smile.
"Room service!" Hawkeye added with a smirk as he aimed his bow and arrow at the God of Lies.
Thor looked to his team with a broad smile on his face. Heroes from Asgard and Midgard, fighting together as equals.
Captain America stepped forward as Loki stood rooted to the spot with a flabbergasted look on his face.
"Surrender!" the super soldier ordered, though his tone sounded more like a threat than a request.
The assembled heroes all drew their weapons or got into fighting stances. Ready to face Loki's next move.
A few seconds passed as Loki continued to stare at the heroes with a stunned expression. His eyes drifted to each of the heroes before him. Their damaged armor and clothing, battered bodies, and weakened states.
It was evident from a quick glance that some of them could barely stand, let alone raise a fist against him.
Yet they had the audacity to stand there and threaten him. Him. The great and powerful Loki? Who stole the throne of Asgard, conquered the Nine Realms and now holds the Mighty Thor chained at his feet.
Do these fools truly believe they can challenge him?
Like a serpent awakening from its slumber, Loki's lips coiled into a psychotic grin, and he began to cackle. His body shaking as his diabolical laughter echoed through the halls.
The sound of that laugh sent chills down Ultimate Humungousaur's spine. When a villain starts laughing like that, it's never a good sign.
"Looks like he wants to do this the hard way," Hawkeye commented humorously. Though, despite his poker face remaining intact, a bead of sweat rolled down his brow.
Captain America felt the same way. His body tensed as he felt the immense pressure emanating from the Trickster God.
Steadying his breath, Cap narrowed his eyes and raised his shield.
"Avengers, take him down!"
Immediately, the Heroes surged forward.
Hulk and Ultimate Humungousaur charged in first. The Gamma Giant and Evolved Alien raised their fists in an attempt to smash the Skinny Asgardian.
Loki raised his hand as blue energy emanated from his palm. He then erected a magic energy shield that blocked the two powerhouses. With a wave of his hand, the pair were blasted away with ease.
Captain America tossed his shield, Hawkeye and Faraday fired their arrows, Wasp fired her stingers, and Black Panther hurled his vibranium spear.
The attacks were easily knocked aside by Loki with a casual swing of his spear.
Loki smirked before leaning to the side to dodge a sword strike from Valkyrie, then raised his spear to block Lady Sif's blade. The pair struggled against each other before Loki pushed her back and swung his weapon to deflect Valkyrie's sword.
He proceeded to successfully duel both Shield Maidens with tremendous ease and proficiency. His movements were so swift and fluid until he unleashed a wave of magic that blasted them both away.
A shadow loomed over Loki, and he looked up to see Giant Man standing over him, his arms swinging down in an attempt to crush him.
The Trickster God simply raised his hand, and a blue aura surrounded Giant Man's body, freezing him in place.
Then, without looking, Loki thrust his spear behind him and easily caught Black Panther, who had snuck up behind him for a surprise attack. The Wakandan King leapt at the Asgardian Villain with a pair of Vibranium daggers drawn, ready to stab the God of Lies in the back.
Only to get caught in between the prongs of his spear and swung into Giant Man like a baseball bat. Sending the pair flying into the wall on the far side.
Loki smirked as he faced his next opponent. None other than Balder the Brave.
An annoying pest, almost as much as Thor. He'd hoped that banishing him and that stubborn Gatekeeper Heimdall to the Fire Realm of Muspelheim, he would be rid of them. But it seems that his light is not so easily extinguished.
No matter. This time, Loki will personally snuff out that light under his boot.
As Balder raised his blade, he dashed forward and swung right for Loki's throat.
The Trickster smiled as he raised his hand, blue magic surrounding it, and caught his blade with little effort.
Balder gritted his teeth as he tried to push his blade further, but Loki's overwhelming power kept it in place.
Loki chuckled. "Balder the Brave? No. More like Balder the Fool."
He stepped forward and flexed his hand, forcing Balder to take a step back and drop to one knee as he held his sword, straining to hold his ground.
Meanwhile, Loki showed little sign of putting any effort into holding him off. Holding Balder back seemed as easy as pushing back a gentle summer breeze.
"You should never have returned to Asgard," Loki said forebodingly. "Muspelheim was my mercy to you. Now, I shall show you the full might of the power I wield."
Balder grunted as he struggled with all his might to fight against Loki. But even with all his strength, it paled in comparison to the power Loki commanded. He truly did wield the Odin Force.
Still, all that power doesn't mean much when he cannot see.
Balder focused as his eye glowed with magic power.
Loki's eyes widened as, too late, he realised what the Warrior was planning.
Suddenly, Balder unleashed a blinding golden light from his body. The light was so intense that had he been mortal, Loki would have had his retinas scorched in an instant, making him permanently blind. But in his case, he was only temporarily blinded as he shielded his eyes from the light.
"Now!" Balder cried as he leapt backwards.
As the light died down, Loki lowered his arm and thrust his spear forward to strike Balder. However, the spear clanged and cracked the stone floor, missing the Warrior.
Blinking the spots from his eyes. His vision cleared, revealing a mystical portal that closed before him.
Loki rapidly searched the area and quickly found Balder on the far side of the Throne room. He was standing next to the Hulk and Ultimate Humungousaur.
The Trickster God noticed the former wielded the Bloodaxe, the weapon that belonged to Skurg the Executioner. Amora's loyal stooge.
He narrowed his eyes. Yet another one who has failed him.
Loki then noticed that the Green Ogre had opened a portal with the axe. However, Loki saw the portal that Balder used to escape him close. Meaning that the portal leads to somewhere else.
But where?
"Forecast calls for rain, String Bean!" Ultimate Humungousaur quipped as he aimed both his bio-cannons at the portal. "And I'm bringing the thunder!"
A split second later, the mortal's words clicked in Loki's head.
The King of Lies turned his attention upwards to see an open portal above his head. Where the Evolved Alien stood on the other side, his cannons aimed directly at him.
Immediately, Ultimate Humungousaur unleashed a salvo of missiles from his cannons. The unstable bone fragments blasted towards Loki like a hail of destruction. Impact against the area and detonating in a violent explosion. Engulfing Loki in a blanket of fire, smog and devastation that rocked the entire throne room.
After a few seconds of bombardment, Ultimate Humungousaur cut off his attack. Turning his bio-cannons back to hands and lowering his arms.
Hulk closed the portal, and the two Avengers, along with Balder, turned to the dust cloud. The three keeping their guard up. While the attack was devastating, deep down they all knew that it wouldn't be enough to take the Trickster down.
Suddenly, a flicker of light caught Ult Humungousaur's eyes as he immediately dashed forward and shoved Hulk aside.
"Get clear!" He roared before Loki's spear shot out of the smog, surrounded by blue magic, the weapon grazed the Alien Avengers' arm, slicing through his thick scales like warm butter before embedding itself in the wall.
Ultimate Humungousaur hissed in pain as he clutched the wound. Blood was already trickling from the wound and down his arm.
The Alien Teen's eyes widened in shock. In his evolved state, his scales are way more durable than usual. Until now, he hasn't encountered anything that was able to pierce his hide. Yet Loki's spear was able to cut through him like tissue paper.
"Impressive." Loki's voice emanated from the dust cloud. The winds picked up, dispersing the smoke and revealing the God of Mischief. "I must admit, changeling. When Amora first informed me of your power. I dismissed her claims as mere embellishment. But, time and time again, you have continued to be a thorn in my side. Disrupting my plans at every turn."
"What can I say. I'm a natural at messing up Evil Plots." Ultimate Humungousaur responded in a snarky tone.
Loki smirked. "Perhaps. But even with your power. You are nothing compared to the power I wield."
"You mean the power you stole?" the Evolved Alien shot back. "You claim to be superior to us mortals. But really, you're just a jealous little leech that couldn't hold a candle to us without stealing Daddy's power. What's wrong, slugger? Your pops not give you enough attention growing up?"
The Veins in Loki's head threatened to burst, and his teeth almost cracked from the force he exuded on them.
"You insolent worm! This power is mine and mine alone!" He raised his hand, gathered his magic together, and aimed it at the Alien Hero.
Loki then fired a powerful beam of mystical energy from his hand at Ultimate Humungousaur. The blue beam cut through the air like a spear of light, shooting straight towards the Evolved Alien at tremendous speeds.
Instead of attempting to take cover or switch to a different Alien, Ultimate Humungousaur stood his ground and smirked.
"Gotcha, sucker." He muttered as Hulk jumped in front of him and swung his axe.
The Magic Blade cut through the air and opened up another portal. Which proceeded to swallow the energy beam like Japanese noodles sucked up by a hungry customer.
Before Loki could process what had just happened. A light illuminated behind him, and the Mischief God turned around to see a portal open up behind him and his own beam heading straight towards him.
The God of Lies could barely react in time as he raised his other hand to block the beam. Only for the Valkyrie to hurl her spear into his arm. Piercing through his limb and knocking his hand aside.
That momentary distraction allowed the beam to hit him dead on, blowing Loki away and sending him flying towards Ultimate Humungousaur.
Without a moments hesitation, the Teen Hero charged forward, cocking back his right fist. Suddenly, his hand transformed into his bio-cannon, and he punched forward.
As he did, the inner workings of his arm prepped all four barrels with unstable bone fragments. Travelling down the specialised veins to the nozzles as the Alien Hero extended his arm. The bone missiles reached the barrel openings the moment he made contact with the Emerald Asgardian. The explosion from the bone missiles, combined with the Evolved Aliens' already overwhelming strength, resulted in a punch that shook the entire palace, sending Loki flying back in the opposite direction.
As he sailed through the air, the God of Mischief gritted his teeth in annoyance at these attacks as he readied himself to counter.
Just then, a small yellow light floated before his eye, drawing his attention. Focusing on the flickering light, it revealed itself to be Wasp as she matched Loki's travel speed with her stringers charged up in her right fist.
Suddenly, Wasp grew to her giant size with her fist raised and proceeded to punch Loki at full force, unleashing her built-up energy and sending Loki shooting to the ground like a meteor. Before shrinking down to her small size and flying off.
The impact barely stunned Loki, and mere seconds later, he was on his feet again. Eyes burning with anger and fists clenched as he prepared to cast a spell.
Only for Captain America's shield to hit him square in the jaw, knocking his head to one side.
Black Panther then pounced at him from the left and slashed his claws across Loki's face, and he continued past him.
The Mischief God, with fresh claw marks running across his face, attempted to fire a magic beam at the escaping Panther, only for yet another portal to open on the floor just under his gaze.
Loki looked down just in time to see Hulk's green fist before it collided with his chin, launching the Villain into the air with a powerful uppercut.
The King of Lies was barely in the air for a few seconds before Giant Man appeared above him and punched him straight back down onto the floor. Cratering it from the sheer power of the strike.
As the dust settled, the Size Changing Hero narrowed his eyes as Loki started to rise again.
Just as Loki moved and got one foot under him, an arrow suddenly embedded itself in his boot. Pinning it to the ground.
Loki's head snapped back in surprise before several more arrows shot down and pinned his other boot, his right sleeve and the corners of his cape to the ground in an attempt to restrain him.
The God of Mischief looked up to see Hawkeye smirking down at him as he gave a playful two-finger salute before aiming his next arrow.
All around the edge of the crater, the heroes gathered. Surrounding the Villain on all sides with their weapons and powers ready.
"Pour it on!" Captain America commanded.
Instantly, each of the heroes blasted Loki with their respective ranged weapons. Arrows, shields, swords, mystical beams, energy blasts, bone missiles, everything at their disposal, the heroes unleashed upon the Evil Sorcerer at once.
The resulting explosion was strong enough to be felt all across the realm.
What followed was silence as the Avengers and Asgardians kept their eyes locked on the smoking crater. Each of them was panting from exhaustion. They hit Loki with their strongest attacks. Surely, that had to do something, they hoped.
It was a hastily planned operation that Captain America put together before they burst in. Hit Loki with a coordinated barrage of fast and heavy attacks, one after the other, to keep him off balance long enough to hit him together with one massive strike.
As the others took the lull in the action to catch their breath. Ultimate Humungousaur kept his eyes on the centre of the crater.
Sure, they hit Loki with some of their strongest attacks. But given everything the Alien Avenger had faced up to this point. He highly doubted that it would be this easy.
From everything he has heard about The Trickster. Loki is as cunning as Thor is strong. So, for a guy like Loki to be caught off guard by their attacks and overwhelmed to the point where he could get dogpiled by their combined attacks means one of two things.
Neither of which bodes well for them.
"How quaint." Loki's sinister voice sliced through the silence.
Ultimate Humungousaur's eyes widened as the smoke cleared, revealing Loki standing at the centre. His body was unharmed by their onslaught, not even a hair out of line.
"Such fierce determination. But it matters not. For you are all beneath me!" The Trickster summoned his spear and swept it in a wide circle around him. Unleashing a blue wave of magic that blasted everyone off their feet.
Giant-Man, Hulk, Balder and Valkyrie were sent flying into the walls, cracking them on impact. Lady Sif was sent flying into Faraday as the pair crashed into the wall, knocking the Light Elf out from the force.
Everyone else was knocked off their feet and were sent tumbling across the ground, save for Ultimate Humungousaur, whose massive bulk only caused him to skid across the floor a couple of feet.
The Evolved Alien then aimed his bio-cannons and fired a salvo of missiles.
Loki casually raised his right hand and generated a magic barrier that blocked the unstable bone fragments, causing them to impact and dissolve harmlessly against the magic shield.
Ult Humungousaur then switched his hands back and charged at Loki like a freight train. Cocking back his left fist, he punched the magic shield with all his might, causing a shockwave to rattle the area.
For a brief moment, Loki seemed to struggle against the Alien Hero's raw strength, causing him to raise his other hand to hold him back.
Raising both fists above his head, Ultimate Humungousaur aimed to slam them down on the barrier. While he knew that even with his evolved form's increased muscle power, it still wouldn't be enough to take out Loki. The Alien Avenger could at least give the Asgardian Villain a big enough target to focus on until the rest of his team can regroup.
However, just before he could smash Loki's shield, the Trickster God lowered his shield and conjured his spear. Loki aimed the spear at Ultimate Humungousaur's chest and fired a magic beam directly into the Ultimatrix dial.
The beam blasted Ultimate Humungousaur into the air, sending him flying into the ceiling. Causing the stone above to crater, kicking up a cloud of dust before the Emerald Avenger dropped to the ground below.
From the dust cloud, emerged the small form of Ben Tennyson. Dazed from the attack, he free-fell to the ground.
Giant Man saw Ben's rapid descent and quickly reached out to catch him. He gently slowed his descent and lowered him safely to the ground.
Loki smirked before Balder and Black Panther engaged him once more. With Valkyrie and Hulk not far behind.
"Are you ok?" Hank asked Ben as the teen looked at his hands in shock.
One blast, and Loki turned him back into a human. The Alien Teen quickly checked the Ultimatrix. Lucky for him, it was still in the green, and he activated it, cycling through his aliens at a rapid pace before letting out a sigh of relief when he found the form he was searching for.
Humungousaur was still there.
"Yeah. I'm good. Just a little knocked around." Ben said reassuringly.
For a brief second, Ben was reminded of his previous clash with Eon and how one blast from the villain destroyed his alien forms, removing their DNA from the watch.
It was only thanks to his alternate self from the future that he was able to regain those aliens.
Thankfully, it seems that Loki's magic only reverted him back to human. At least for now. The full scope of Loki's stolen power has yet to be revealed.
An explosion drew his attention as he saw Loki blast Black Panther into a stone pillar with enough force to shatter it.
The Wakandan King dropped to the ground like a rag doll, unconscious but still alive.
Balder was next to be sent flying before Loki raised a magical barrier and swung his spear to block Valkyrie and Hulk's attacks.
Ben watched as Loki poured more power into his magic to force Hulk away. The Teen then turned his attention to Thor, who was still imprisoned near the throne. The Thunderer struggled against his restraints, trying to join the fight.
If they were to have any chance at winning. Having their resident Thunder God at their side would be a good idea.
Turning towards the imprisoned Thunderer, Ben activated the Ultimatrix and slammed the dial down.
"JETRAY!"
A blur of red shot across the Throne room, and the Manta ray alien appeared at Thor's side.
"Hang tight, Thor. I'll have you out of here in no time." Ult Humungousaur assured before grabbing the chains.
"Nay, Ben, wait!" Thor warned too late as Jetray blasted his neuroshock beams at the bindings with all his might.
Immediately, the mystical prison glowed, and a wave of magic energy burst forth and shocked both Thor and Jetray, causing both to grunt in pain, forcing the latter to fly back.
Despite his durability, Jetray's body continued to tingle from the immense power the shackles released.
In a desperate act, the Alien Teen reached for the Ultimatrix dial to change into an alien with a bit more firepower. It was risky to do so with Thor so close. But he knew the Asgardian could handle it. They've spared enough time for him to know he can take a point-blank shot from most of his aliens and walk it off with a mild headache.
This time, however, Thor was able to call out to him in time. "Halt, Young Ben!" he cried, snapping Jetray from his stupor.
"Thine power is not enough to break the shackles Loki has conjured." Thor glared at Loki, who continued to bat away one hero after another. "The power of the Odin Force strengthens Loki's magic. Meaning anything he conjures will not be easily shattered."
Jetray grunted in frustration. "There's gotta be something we can do? Maybe if you, me and Hulk all work together?"
"Nay!" Thor snapped at him. "By the Odin Force, these chains were forged and only by the Odin Force can they be undone."
With that little nugget of information. An idea burst into the Alien teen's mind.
If what Thor says is true, then there's only one option. Since he's unlikely to trick the God of Tricks to open Thor's prison for him. Then he will have to resort to the next best option.
He will just have to borrow some.
Activating the Ultimatrix, Ben slammed the dial down and transformed in a flash of green light.
"CHROMASTONE!"
He then tapped the dial again.
"ULTIMATE CHROMASTONE!"
Immediately, Ultimate Chromastone deployed his back crystals, which levitated around him before shooting towards Loki.
The Evolved Alien charged up multicoloured energy in his right fist before firing a powerful beam at the Trickster God.
Striking the Villain in the back. Loki grunted in annoyance as he turned to face the Crystal Alien.
Aiming his spear, the God of Lies unleashed a bolt of blue magic energy from the tip at the Shapeshifter.
While his face didn't show any expressions, Ultimate Chromastone smirked as he raised his left arm to shield himself.
The blue beam struck his arm and was immediately absorbed by the Alien Hero. The energy flowed across his body before converging into his right hand.
Responding to Ultimate Chromastones will, the energy formed into an energy sword that the Evolved Alien brandished before swinging it at Loki.
With speed comparable to lightning, Loki intercepted the energy sword with his spear. Energy crackled and sparked between the two weapons as Magical and extraterrestrial energies pushed against each other.
Loki attempted to use his magic to overpower the alien. However, Ultimate Chromastone simply conducted and channelled the energy Loki expelled and used it to enhance his weapon while also focusing the power into his left hand as he extended the appendage to his side and generated a Warhammer similar to Mjolnir made of solid energy and smashed it into Loki's head.
The Emerald Villain was knocked off his feet and sent tumbling across the ground before coming to a stop.
With a roar of outrage, Loki focused his power into his hands and unleashed a concentrated beam of blue magic at the Evolved Alien.
However, Ult Chromastone braced himself with his hands outstretched as he caught and absorbed the beam into his body. Only for his right hand to aim to his right and fire an energy beam that connected with one of his floating crystals. The crystal then refracted the energy to the next in the chain, continuing until the circuit is complete and the Alien Avenger forms his energy prison. Using Loki's energy to strengthen it to keep him contained.
The Trickster God looked at the energy field around him with sheer disgust. This lowly being dares to imprison him?
Drawing on more power, Loki unleashed his magic into the barrier. Causing it to glow as Ultimate Chromastone conducted and channelled the power through his body and back into the shield.
As he did, he focused and slowly stored some of Loki's magic in one of his crystals.
While he has Loki focused on the dome, he can use the absorbed energy in the crystal to shatter Thor's chains and free him. But he didn't know how much energy he needed. So if one fully charged crystal doesn't work, he can try again with more.
Thanks to Ultimate Chromastone's energy manipulation powers, he can continue to hold Loki in place, unlike with the Phoenix Force. Ultimate Chromastone isn't attempting to separate Loki from his power; instead, his mind is focused solely on channeling and controlling the magical energy Loki is emitting.
The more magic Loki uses, the stronger and more powerful the shield becomes. Giving him the perfect…
"You insolent Child." Loki chuckled from within the dome, sending shivers up Ult Chromastone's spine.
Loki glared into Ultimate Chromastone's eyes as he walked to the edge of the energy shield.
"It took me several of your pitiful lifetimes to learn how to channel the Odin Force for myself." He gloated, raising his hand as its tremendous power flowed around it. "No mere Mortal could hope to think he can channel this power so easily."
He then placed his hand against the energy field wall. "Allow me to demonstrate."
Suddenly, the energy dome's ultraviolet energy field turned blue, as immense magic power flooded into the crystals before flowing into Ultimate Chromastone.
The Evolved Alien screamed in pain as the energy overwhelmed his body, turning his crystals blue as the light radiated from his body.
In an instant, the crystals shattered like glass, and Ultimate Chromastone body erupted in an explosion of blue energy. Crystals and stones were scattered across the room.
From the ash cloud, Ben was blown back, tumbling across the room as shards of crystal and stone crumbled off his body. It was almost like Ben was blasted out of Ultimate Chromastone like a chicken from an egg.
Ben groaned as he pushed himself to a sitting position. His head spun from the impact, and he shook his head to clear it.
Looking down, he was once again back to his human form. He clenched his jaw.
Not even Ultimate Chromastone's energy manipulation abilities could handle the power of the Odin Force. That's a real pain. This means that Ben will have to stick with hit-and-run tactics. He can't afford to be hit by those energy blasts.
"Ben!" He heard Janet's voice call out before something yanked the collar of his jacket.
The Teen Hero yelped as he was dragged across the ground at high speeds. A split second later, a blue beam struck the ground where Ben was just sitting, completely vaporising the area to dust.
Ben looked over to Loki, whose eyes were locked on the Alien Shapeshifter as he aimed his spear at him. Before Loki could fire off another beam, Giant-Man attempted to crush him under the hero's giant boot. Forcing Loki to disengage and raise a magic shield to defend himself.
With Loki distracted, Ben glanced back to see Wasp in her small size, dragging him by his jacket to a safe distance from the fight.
However, Ben suddenly started thrashing. "Jan! Jan, stop. Let me go!" He cried out in protest.
"Are you crazy!?" Wasp responded in alarm. "Loki just Uno Reversed your transformations twice already!"
"I know! But I have a plan!" Ben shouted as Wasp dragged him behind a pillar for cover.
She then released him and buzzed in front of his face, her eyes quickly checking him to make sure that he was okay. Once she was certain that he wasn't injured, she calmed down enough to listen.
"Ok, what's your plan?"
Ben peeked out from behind the cover and quickly searched around the area. He could see the remains of Ultimate Chromastone scattered around the floor. Shards of stone and crystal were littered everywhere.
Moments like this are why Ben was glad that the parts of his aliens that were separated from his body didn't disappear when he transformed back to normal.
Many of the crystal shards were dull and their standard colour. Not at all what the Teen was looking for.
Just when he started to lose hope, that's when he saw it. A flicker in the distance. It was one of his crystals. Small, roughly the size of a hunting knife, but it was glowing with blue energy.
Ben grinned with renewed vigour. That crystal is packed to the brim with Loki's Odin Force. The same power that can be used to free Thor.
"There!" Ben pointed the crystal out to Wasp. "Get that crystal. We can use it to free Thor."
Wasp's eyes widened with excitement, only to pull back and look at the Young Hero with concern. "Are you sure, Ben?"
"I'm sure." Ben insisted. He then reached up and activated the Ultimatrix again. "You get the shard, Jan. I'll keep you covered."
Wasp wanted to protest. But when she saw the determined look in his eyes, she knew better. After all, Ben had proven time and again why he's one of the Avengers' heavy hitters.
Still, even with all that power, Janet worries about him. It might seem strange for her to be protective of someone who's much stronger than her, but she can't help it. He's like her little brother; of course, she'd want him to be safe.
But out here in the field, they are both Avengers and teammates, so she needs to put her trust in him just like he puts his trust in her. Clenching her fist, Wasp steeled her gaze and nodded. "I'm on it, Ben. You can count on me."
Ben smirked. "I always do, Wasp."
He then raised his hand over the dial.
"It's Hero Time!"
A flash of green light, and the blue moth alien emerged from behind the rubble.
"BIG CHILL!" He then taped the dial once more and went Ultimate.
"ULTIMATE BIG CHILL!"
Without hesitation, he spread his flame-patterned wings and soared into the sky. Down below, the other heroes all ganged up against Loki. But the Tricksters' overwhelming power easily repelled them, sending most of them flying with a wave of magic power.
Brunnhilde was able to recover and dual Loki with his spear. In a display of impressive skill, the Valkyrie pivoted her blade in her hand, letting her wrist go slightly limp and used the brief leverage to guide her blade along the shaft of Loki's spear, giving her a clear path to his body.
However, Loki managed to see what she was planning. Due to his own cunning or by using his magic to enhance his perception.
Regardless, he attempted to move in order to avoid the incoming attack and counter.
Suddenly, a wave of ice snaked its way across the ground and encased his right foot. Anchoring it to the ground and preventing him from moving.
This broke Loki's concentration as he glanced down to see the frozen appendage. Leaving him completely exposed to the Valkyrie.
A swift thrust, and Brunnhilde's sword struck like a viper, slashing the villain's side. The sound of clothing being ripped was heard as Brunnhilde's blade cut through Loki's emerald garb.
Before the Valkyrie could even enjoy her small victory, Loki shoved his hand forth. Striking her in the stomach before conjuring his magic.
Instantly, blue magic swirled around Brunnhilde like a rope, binding her arms and legs together and lifting her into the air.
With a snap of his fingers and magic bindings, he transformed it into a green snake, which hissed at the Leader of the Valkyries.
"Ironic, isn't it?" Loki taunted her, clenching his fist, which caused the snake to squeeze her tighter. You Valkyries spent all your time ferrying those who had fallen in battle to the halls of Valhalla. But when I slaughter you here, no one will come. There will be no golden halls for you. Only the icy embrace of Niffelheim."
Loki smirked evilly as the serpent bared its fangs. "Be sure to give my regards to my daughter. Fret not; your sisters will join her soon."
In response, Brunnhilde spat in Loki's face. "I consider it a worthy fate. If it shall spare me from looking upon your wretched face, Loki."
Loki wiped away her spit in disgust before grinning. "As a merciful King. I shall grant your final request. No more shall you see my face, Shield Maiden. Or anyone else's."
On his command, the Serpent inched closer to her eyes. Its fangs dripped with venom as a few droplets touched her skin. The venom sizzled at the touch, causing her to flinch in pain. Green vapour wafts flowed from the droplets as the fangs moved closer and closer.
Suddenly, the serpent stopped. The slithering reptile gasped as if struggling to breathe. Brunnhilde glanced at the snake as it moved away from her face. Loki raised an eyebrow as well, confused by the snake's behaviour.
The Serpent gagged and coughed as a cloud of vapour flowed from its mouth. The Asgardians looked shocked as Ice formed around the snake's head, travelling down its scaly body until the entire snake was frozen solid, head to tail.
Not a second later, the air next to Brunnhilde shimmered, and Ultimate Big Chill materialised next to her.
His right hand gripping the serpent by its throat, as he froze the creature with his power. Taking care to control the temperature enough so that only the snake is affected and not the Valkyrie.
While the Alien Hero wouldn't normally be this aggressive towards animals. He saw Loki create this particular snake out of magic. Meaning it's not a real animal. Merely a construct, so he has no qualms about using such methods.
"You know, reptiles don't do well in the cold." Ult Big Chill said in a chilling tone.
He then flexed his wrist, and the snake shattered like glass, releasing Brunnhilde, who dropped to the floor.
"But then, I'm sure you already know that, you Snake," the Alien Teen continued, shooting Loki a cold glare.
The Asgardian Villain narrowed his eyes at the Teen, who quickly glanced back at the Valkyrie.
"Get clear. I've got this." He ordered her, his tone conveying it as more of a warning than a request.
Before Valkyrie could say anything, Hulk immediately scooped her up and leapt away from the area.
"What are you doing? Unhand me!" Brunnhilde protested as she tried to free herself from Hulk's grip.
"Sorry, Sword Lady. But you don't want to be anywhere near what's about to happen," Hulk responded as he put more distance between them and the Alien Hero.
He knew precisely what the Moth alien was planning. And he knew better than to stick around for it.
"No, you Ogre! You do not understand!" Brunnhilde tried to warn him, but Hulk was too busy getting them to safety to hear her.
Meanwhile, Ultimate Big Chill and Loki engaged in combat. Loki swung his spear at the Alien Avenger, only for Ult Big Chill to go intangible, allowing the weapon to pass right through him like he were mist.
This earned a shocked expression from the God of Mischief as Ultimate Big Chill became tangible and took a deep breath.
The air around the Evolved Alien swirled as the temperature dropped. Ultimate Big Chill focused all his power into himself.
"Flash Freeze!"
The Avengers felt their ears pop as the air pressure shifted instantly. A shockwave pulsed outwards, and the temperature dropped radically as Ultimate Big Chill unleashed the full concentration of his power at Loki in an explosion of sub-zero energy that instantly froze everything within a 10-meter distance.
A cloud of mist flowed from the epicentre of the blast as the Heroes crowded together at one side of the perimeter.
From the mist, Ultimate Big Chill emerged like a phantom. A smug grin on his face as he brushed his hands together.
"Loki looked a little heated. Good thing I'm such an Ice Guy." The Alien Hero quipped in a cheerful tone.
This earned a giggle from most of the Avengers. However, the Asgardians were not smiling. In fact, they were all on edge, their weapons at the ready and their guard extremely up.
Even Thor's eyes were wide in fear as he struggled against his bindings.
Before Ult Big Chill could inquire about their behaviour, a sinister chuckle came from behind him.
The Avengers all got into battle poses as the Alien Hero turned to the source of the cackle.
Ultimate Big Chill's eyes widened in shock as the mist cleared, revealing Loki. Completely unaffected by the Ice Aliens' attack. Not even a flake of snow on his clothes.
The Evolved Alien stepped back in shock. There was no way. Sure, he knew that with his magic, Loki would be able to survive the attack. But to be completely unaffected?
Flash Freeze unleashes a wave of concentrated pure plasma energy that instantly drains all thermal energy within range. Reducing everything down to the cellular level to absolute zero.
Virtually nothing can withstand the attack. Even if they are able to survive it. At the very least, they should be encased within a thick layer of ice to prevent them from moving.
But Loki wasn't trapped. He was free as a bird and laughing like a Demonic Kookaburra.
"Now this is amusing. Did my oafish step-brother not inform thee?" Loki asked, twirling his spear in his hand and casually strolling forward. His malevolent eyes bored holes in the Teen Hero.
"While I was raised in Asgard. I was born a Frost Giant of Jotunheim. The fridged cold is nothing to me."
Loki pointed his spear at Ult Big Chill, blue energy illuminating his body.
Suddenly, Ultimate Big Chills' instincts went crazy, and the Young Hero immediately jumped backwards into the air. Instantly going intangible and unfolding his wings to put as much distance between himself and Loki as possible.
Thor's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to scream to his Young Friend, but it was too late.
In a flash, Loki thrust forward. Moving at speeds that could shatter the sound barrier. His spear shot forward, aimed directly at the Phantom Alien's heart.
Despite his intangible state, Ultimate Big Chill reflexively dodged, and the spear sliced past his left shoulder.
What followed was the sound of ripping. Followed by the sickening noise of flesh being torn. Finally, Ultimate Big Chill jolted. His breath hitched as he froze in the air. With Loki floating directly in front of him, his spear extended.
Following the spear with his eyes, Ult Big Chill tracked it from Loki's hand, across the distance between them, over his shoulder and finally located the spear head…
Pierced directly through his upper left wing.
Despite being intangible, Loki's spear had managed to stab Ultimate Big Chill's wing. Impaling it through to the other side.
A second later, a blinding pain coursed through the Alien Avenger. Ult Big Chill screamed in pain as he became tangible and grabbed the spear shaft with his hands. His remaining wings dropped as he held himself aloft.
The pain thundered in Ultimate Big Chill's head that he could barely hear Janet screaming his name.
He looked up at Loki, who grinned like the devil and laughed just as hard. Revealing the pain he was causing the Young Hero.
"You see, Changeling. It is mortals like you who disgust me." Loki said in a venomous tone. He then pulled Ultimate Big Chill closer before grabbing him by the throat, forcing him to hold his arm.
The Ultimate Alien gasped as he struggled against Loki's grip and the spear.
While the Teen Hero writhed in pain, Loki continued. "You mortals, who believe that by simply stumbling upon power by mere luck, you think yourself Gods." He hoisted Ult Big Chill higher, holding him above his head.
"You grasp at power beyond your feeble understanding and believe that you could stand amongst the Gods as equals? Bah! With your frivolous contraptions or tainted blood. You believe that merely flying above the clouds will allow you to touch the heavens?"
His sinister smile turned grim as he tightened his grip on his spear. "Allow me to remind you what happens when you fly too close to the sun."
With that, Loki pulled his arms apart.
Silence gripped the Throne room before a bloodcurdling rip shattered it, followed by a cry of agony as Ultimate Big Chill plummeted to the ground, his upper left wing sliced clean off.
The Evolved Alien clutched the severed stump of his wing in his hands as he fell to the floor beneath him.
Before he could hit the ground, Hulk jumped into the air and caught the Alien Hero in his massive green arms, cradling him as they landed gently on the ground.
Immediately, the other Avengers rushed to the Teen's side as he screamed in pain. A flash of green light, and he turned back into a human. He was still screaming as the pain seemed to amplify in his human form.
Ben clutched his left shoulder as the pain shot up and down his arm. To the point where he couldn't feel any other sensation but pain coming from the appendage.
Wasp was by his side in a flash, tears streaming down her face as she tried to comfort the Young Hero.
Rolling him onto his side, she gasped when she saw his back. Ben's favourite green jacket. His iconic item of clothing that he has worn every day since coming into this world. Now has a massive cut across the left shoulder.
Even more alarming is how quickly the jacket was turning red.
Acting fast, Hawkeye and Wasp removed the jacket and saw the wound. It was a deep cut that went diagonally from where the shoulder meets the neck, going across the left shoulder blade before stopping at his ribs.
From the amount of blood pouring from the wound, the cut was pretty deep. Acting fast, Hawkeye attempted to administer first aid. He reached into his belt pouch for some cotton swabs and gauze.
"Clint, hurry!" Wasp begged as she held Ben's hand as he groaned in pain.
Black Panther assisted the Archer in holding Ben still. The Teen Hero tried to roll over as he writhed in pain, which risked making the wound worse.
As the Archer worked on their injured teammate, the Heroes heard Loki chuckle above them.
Turning around, the Avengers glared at the Emerald Villain with pure hatred.
Thor clenched his fists as a flicker of electricity sparked from his fingers, as the sky darkened with thunderclouds rolling in. Thunder boomed as Thor glared at his Step-Brother with malice.
The King of Lies paid their glares no mind. For he was too preoccupied with the piece of Ultimate Big Chills wing that hung loosely from the tip of his spear.
With a sadistic chuckle, Loki removed the severed wing from his weapon and waved it around like a piece of cloth.
"What a fitting trophy." Loki gloated gleefully. "The first of many, I'm sure. And a reminder of what happens when you mortals don't learn your place."
He then let the severed wing go, using his magic to levitate it before a wave of his hand caused it to vanish from sight.
"I shall keep it tucked away for now. So that I am not restricted when I collect your heads."
Hulk snarled as his eye glowed green and his veins pulsed with Gamma energy.
"Stupid horned man! HULK SMASH!" He roared as he jumped at Loki with his fist cocked back.
Loki smirked as he raised his mystic shield once more. However, when Hulk punched the magic wall, a green shockwave burst from the impact, sending Loki flying across the room, slamming into the wall on the far side, causing it to crater, and the God of Mischief let out a gasp as he felt the wind knocked out of him.
For a brief moment, Loki looked shocked. All the power of the All Father and a mere mortal was able to harm him?
He didn't have time to ponder that revelation as Captain America led the charge.
"Avengers take him!" He ordered, his eyes burning with anger as he hurled his shield at the Trickster God.
The other Avengers surged forward, ready to tear Loki apart for what he did to Ben.
Meanwhile, Hawkeye, Wasp, and Panther remained behind to tend to Ben's wound.
The Archer clicked his teeth. He only carried enough for light patchwork. This was a severe wound. The kind you'd need stitches for. His cotton swabs turned instantly red, and the gauze barely slowed the bleeding. At this rate, Ben would die of blood loss in minutes.
Looking around, none of the others had any fabrics they could spare that would be effective padding, nor were any of them sanitary enough to use on an open wound.
The next best option would be to cauterise the wound. But Hawkeye didn't have any flare arrows left, and none of the present heroes had anything that could cauterise a wound, except for Ben, who was injured, and Thor, who is currently unavailable.
The one time, Clint wished Stark was here, and he was nowhere to be found.
He cursed under his breath. The colour was slowly fading from the Teen's face.
Ben hissed in pain as his hand tightened around Wasps.
"Shhh. It's ok, Ben. Everything is gonna be ok. I'm here. You're gonna be ok." Janet assured Ben over and over. Her voice was cracking, and tears continued to fall.
Hawkeye could feel her pain. Looking down at the Young Man before him. For a brief moment, he found himself flashing back to a distant memory.
In Ben's place was a boy younger than him. With red hair and a splash of freckles on his face. Just like Ben, he was lying in front of him, bleeding, as Hawkeye looked down at his blood-stained hands.
"I can do this. Just need to stop the bleeding. Don't you give up on me. You hang in there, Barn. Don't you dare give up on me." Hawkeye muttered as he tried to keep pressure on the wound.
Black Panther looked up at the Archer. Even without his enhanced hearing, he clearly heard Hawkeye refer to someone else while treating Ben.
But he couldn't focus on that right now. Ben needed his undivided attention. However, with every passing second, Panther could feel the Young Heroes' pulse getting weaker.
Wasp held Ben's hand tightly as she helplessly watched him suffer in pain. She felt so useless, he was dying right in front of her, and there wasn't a darn thing she could do to help him.
Suddenly, Hawkeye grabbed her by the shoulder and shook her from her despair.
"Janet, your stingers!" The Archer yelled, shocking the Size Changer.
"Wha?" She responded, confused.
Hawkeye then grabbed her hand and lifted it to her eye level. "Your stingers. The energy you produce. We can use it to cauterise his wound."
Wasp's eyes widened as she looked down at the Young Hero. She clutched her hand with a hesitant look.
"Are you sure? I've never used my stingers like that. What if I make things worse?" She worryingly replied.
Hawkeye gave her a hard look as he grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eye.
"Janet, right now, you're Ben's only hope. He needs you right now."
Those words were all she needed. Her expression hardened as she looked down at the Emerald Avenger and raised her index finger.
Hawkeye removed one of the straps on his arm and put it in Ben's mouth for him to bite down on.
Concentrating, the tip of her finger glowed with yellow energy, and she lowered it to Ben's wound.
Wasp then fired a thin, concentrated beam into the wound. Immediately, Ben flinched and started to thrash. Hawkeye and Black Panther quickly restrained him while Ben's muffled screams filled their ears.
Holding back her tears, Wasp pushed forward. She could hear his pain. She was hurting him. But she needed to continue. She couldn't stop, no matter how much it hurt.
In a few seconds, Wasp finished, and the wound was fully closed.
Pulling her hand away, Ben's body relaxed as he let out a sigh of relief.
Hawkeye quickly checked the Teens back and promptly determined that the wound had been closed.
They did it.
Wasp felt relief wash over her as she went back to Ben and reclaimed his hand. Quietly reassuring him while Hawkeye and Black Panther backed away.
However, the trio couldn't enjoy the moment as an explosion rocked the area, and they turned to see the battle raging behind them.
Loki blasted the stone pillar to his right, causing the stone to bend and contort. Transforming into a giant fist that he launched towards the Hulk.
The Gamma Giant roared as he punched the fist with his own right hook, shattering it to rubble with one strike.
Hulk charged Loki once more, only for the Trickster God to glow, and suddenly, over a dozen copies of himself appeared all around the Rage-Fueled Avenger.
Acting on impulse, Hulk swiped at the closest Loki, only for his arm to pass right through the copy, like he was a ghost.
The Clones laughed in unison before one blasted Hulk in the back with a mystical blast.
Hulk roared in rage as he attacked the Loki that struck him, only for it to be another illusion.
All around him, the Loki's laughed and bombarded the Green Goliath with mystical energy repeatedly, further enraging him.
"Enough!" Balder cried as he raised his sword and unleashed a blinding golden light from his body.
The illusions all continued to laugh at Hulk, save for one who cried in pain while shielding his eyes.
With the real Loki located. Hulk launched himself at the God of Mischief and seized the Villain by the arms with his massive hands. Almost encircled his skinny frame with his meaty paws.
Hulk lifted Loki off the ground and started squeezing. Loki groaned and gasped as Hulk's grip tightened. The sound of bones cracking could be heard as Loki gritted his teeth in pain.
His Green Eyes burned holes in Loki. For what he did to Ben, Hulk was gonna crush him into paste. No one hurts his friends. Not while he's here.
Suddenly, Loki stopped struggling. A sadistic grin formed on his face as he opened his eyes to glare into Hulk's glowing orbs.
"This charade has gone on long enough, wouldn't you agree?" He said in a playful tone.
Hulk snarled like a savage beast as he pulled his right hand away from Loki, balled his fist and cocked it back to punch the Emerald Villain.
Only for Loki's eyes to glow and unleash a powerful beam of energy from his eyes, blasting Hulk away, causing him to let out a roar of pain.
As Loki landed back on the ground, he raised his finger and used his magic to telekinetically stop Brunnhilde's spear from going through his head.
The Valkyrie scowled and Loki smirked at her. Only for her to smirk back at him.
Loki raised an eyebrow in confusion. Only to realise too late and spin around. Just as Hawkeye and Black Panther launched their respective weapons.
Black Panther threw two of his vibranium daggers while Hawkeye fired one of his magic arrows.
The arrow struck the daggers, causing them to unleash their mystical energy, which merged with the kinetic energy of the daggers, enhancing both. This blast knocked Loki back, striking him in the chest.
Loki stumbled as his robes smoked from the impact. He scowled in annoyance rather than pain.
While he was distracted, Giant-Man grew to 60 feet as Captain America tossed his shield to a stone pillar. The metal disc bounced off the stone structure and ricocheted to the wall before flying directly at Loki's face.
The Asgardian Villain saw the shield in time and promptly dodged out of the way.
As he did so, Cap jumped into Giant-Man's hand, who then proceeded to hurl the Super Soldier directly at the God of Lies.
When Loki dodged out of the way of Captain America's shield. He perfectly lined up for the shield to return to Cap's awaiting arms as the Sentinel of Liberty grabbed the shield by the straps and held it in front of him as he shot straight toward Loki like a flying battering ram.
The moment that Loki turned around to see where the shield went, Captain America slammed into Loki's face at full force. Knocking the Asgardian off his feet, sending him crashing to the floor as Captain America combat rolled and recovered.
With Loki down, every hero left standing jumped him at once.
"ENOUGH!"
With a ferocious scream, Loki raised his spear to the sky and unleashed a vicious wave of magical energy that blew all the heroes away. Sending them all crashing to the floor in a daze.
Hulk managed to avoid being blown back as he roared in defiance as Loki got to his feet.
The green Goliath charged the Trickster. Raising both fists over his head to crush Loki under them.
However, Loki whipped around, his eyes burning in a frenzy as he blasted Hulk with his magic, enveloping him in a blue aura.
The Strongest There Is groaned as he tried to swing his fists down. But his body became slow and rigid. As if he were trying to move through tar. A crackling sound filled his ears as Hulk glanced at his arms, and his jaw dropped.
He saw his green skin turn grey and ridged, creeping up his arms and spreading across his body. Hulk opened his mouth to let out a roar, only for the grey to reach his face, freezing it in that outraged expression as the Incredible Hulk was turned into a solid stone statue.
All around, the Avengers looked on in shock. Frozen in place as if they were hit with the same spell.
Loki grinned as he admired his handy work. "This is much more fitting, don't you agree?" He asked rhetorically.
"Another trophy to add to my collection." He then turned to the remaining heroes. An evil glint in his eyes as he glanced from one hero to the next. "Who shall I add next?"
Captain America narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Despite their initial success against his minions, Loki had single-handedly taken out the team's heaviest hitters.
Those who were left were running on fumes. They needed something that could turn the tide of this fight.
He overheard Ben mention something to Wasp about freeing Thor using one of his crystals. Quickly searching, Cap saw one glowing shard halfway between the Super Soldier and the Trickster God.
If he could reach that crystal and get it to Thor. Then perhaps they may have a chance.
A desperate attempt, but at this point, it was all or nothing. Tensing his leg muscles and clenching his fists, Captain America bolted forward at full force, making a beeline for the crystal.
The other Avengers weren't sure what the Super Soldiers' plan was, but they backed him up regardless. Charging after him, ready to face their enemy with everything they had left.
However, Loki merely smirked as he swung his spear like a baseball bat and unleashed a wave of magic energy that blew everyone away.
Once more, the heroes lay on the ground. Groaning in pain as that wave drained the last of their energy.
Captain America wheezed as he weakly raised his head. His shield lay before him as he willed his arm to reach out and touch the patriotic disc.
Suddenly, Loki's boot stepped atop the mighty shield, his sole dinging off the metal that echoed across the stone walls.
Raised his head higher, Cap's blue eyes met Loki's emerald ones. The God of Mischief chuckled as he looked down at the Sentinel of Liberty.
Oh, how easy it would be to crush this mortal under his boot, he mused to himself. But where would be the fun in that? Why break his body, when it is far more entertaining to rip apart his spirit?
He chuckled as he recalled the first words the Mortal spoke to him.
"Surrender?" Loki echoed Cap's words to him. "You really have no idea with whom you speak, do you, mortal?"
With that, Loki removed his boot and raised his spear. Aiming the blade down at Captain America's shield.
Loki then thrust the spear down, and the magic weapon clashed with the Indestructible Shield….
And stabbed straight through it. Magic pulsed from the weapon as cracks appeared across the patriotic symbol.
From the shield, a bright blue light burst, causing Captain America to shield his eyes as a sudden explosion sent him hurtling across the room.
Captain America tumbled to the ground, coming to a stop. He groaned in pain as he forced himself up and looked back at the scene.
When the smoke cleared, his eyes widened in shock, and he let out a gasp.
At Loki's feet was his shield. Shattered to pieces like a broken dinner plate.
Time stood still for the Super Soldier. From the moment he woke up in this new world. That shield has been the one thing he's been able to hold onto from his past. It was the one consistent thing in his life. More than that, it was a part of himself. As unique as he was, they practically made for each other. He and his shield were one half of the whole. Like a manifestation of his spirit. Faithful, loyal and unyielding against tyranny and injustice. The symbol of freedom and the American Dream.
Now it was gone. Shattered to pieces. Seeing his shield like that, Cap felt his heart break along with it.
The Avengers all felt something similar. They've seen that shield withstand attacks from the most powerful beings in the world. Each time, that shield has taken a beating with not so much as a scratch or blemish on it.
If Loki could shatter his shield. Did any of them have a chance?
The God of Mischief smiled in absolute delight at the look of despair on each other's mortal faces. Revealing in their anguish. Truly, their spirits have been broken, and they see the folly of their ways.
"I have watched you, worms. All this time." Loki stated as he walked away from the downed heroes towards his throne. "All of you scared and alone."
As he walked, Cap narrowed his eyes at the Emerald Asgardian when a glint of light caught his eye. Looking to his left, he saw Lady Sif's shield lying a few feet from him.
"On Midgard, you may play at being heroes." Loki continued, reaching his throne and turning around. "But here, you are less than nothing!"
Upon hearing that, Hawkeye gritted his teeth, pulled an arrow from his quiver and aimed his bow at Loki's head.
Only for Loki to casually flick a blue bolt of magic from his fingers and knock the arrow out of the Archer's hands with ease.
Hawkeye hissed as he clutched his hand. Pain pulsed from the appendage as he was sure a few bones got broken.
Around the room, the other Avengers weakly tried to get up. Including Ben, who wanted to raise his head, but he was still too weak as he felt Wasp gently hold his arm as she trembled in fear.
Seeing them all in such a sorry state. Filled Loki with such enjoyment that he didn't want this moment to end.
Sadly, though, he cannot waste any more time on them. With the final remnants of the resistance so generously delivered to him. It is best that he crush them all now and move on with the invasion of Midgard. Once he finally has the middle realm under his control, he will finally have the strength needed to conquer the final realm.
That accursed Fire Demon will bow at his feet one way or another.
Turning his attention back to the Heroes, Loki couldn't resist getting one last twist of the knife in before ending their pathetic lives.
"Without Thor, who will save you now?" Loki asked. Not that the answer mattered, as he aimed his spear at the Avengers.
Ben weakly groaned as he tried to move his arms. But he was so weak that he couldn't get them to do anything. He felt lightheaded and nauseous. His back was throbbing in pain, and he could barely feel any sensation in his fingers or toes.
Loki had them dead to rights, and there was nothing he could do to stop him. He hit Loki with his strongest forms… Almost his strongest forms.
Managing to turn his head. Ben looked down at the watch. He did have one final trump card to play. The one Alien that could do something against Loki.
But it was a risk. Using this form might stop Loki. But it might mean he'd be too late to save the Avengers or the other realms before Loki can be stopped. Plus, using him means there's no guarantee that they will help him.
Not that it matters. Ben is so weak that he couldn't even move his arm to reach the chain around his neck. Not while Loki has his spear aimed right at them, ready to wipe them out.
"Please." Ben mentally prayed in the realm of the Gods. He hoped someone would be listening. "Don't let it end here. Someone please. Help."
Suddenly, thunder rumbled from the sky above. Lighting flashed, causing everyone to look up.
Loki quickly glanced at Thor, who was still imprisoned but also looking up to the sky with equal confusion, Meaning he wasn't the one causing the storm.
Then who?
Just then, a bolt of lightning burst through the roof and impacted the ground between Loki and the Avengers.
Everyone shielded their eyes from the intense flash as something impacted against the ground.
When the light died down, Loki lowered his arm to see who this new arrival was.
At first, the being was hidden in the shadows of the smoke. From the silhouette, Loki initially took the arrival as the Destroyer armor. Having returned to his side after the Avengers transported the enchanted suit away from the city.
However, that thought was dashed when he realised the being was too small. As the dust cleared, the Asgardian Villain saw a blue light emanating from the being's chest, and his eyes widened when the being came into view.
Clade in grey metallic armor, with a chest similar to the Destroyers on his helm. With a glowing chest piece and a signature look that no other could replicate. On each gauntlet were a series of Norse runes carved into the metal, and on his back was a circular shield and a metal mace.
"I will!" Answered the Invincible Iron Man. His optics glowed as his armor charged up in a menacing fashion. "Avengers Assemble!"
Everyone's eyes widened in shock and awe. He's here. Iron Man is here!
Captain America smiled, as did the others, as their fearless leader finally arrived to join the fight.
Loki, on the other hand, was not at all pleased to see yet another intruder in his palace.
"You dare?" Loki started to say, only to cut himself off. The Trickster's eyes widened as he got a good look at Iron Man's new suit.
"That armor. The metal is Uru!" He announced in shock.
Beneath his faceplate, Iron Man smirked at the Asgardian. "Yeah, the same as Thor's hammer, I know."
This got everyone's attention. Tony built his suit with the same metal as Thor's hammer? The Team is very familiar with how powerful that mighty malt is, and Tony just made a suit out of it?
While most of the team would normally groan at the thought of Tony's ego and bravado getting that much bigger. At this moment, they couldn't be happier as it meant Tony could use that suit to kick Loki's butt.
Iron Man's optics glowed as he reached to his back and drew his mace and shield. Lighting crackled around the weapons as the runes around his gauntlets glowed. From inside his helmet, Tony grinned as his HUD showed him the weapons were ready for use.
While the Dwarves' metal forging was top-notch, the little guys had a bit of trouble figuring out the complexities of computer circuitry and internal wiring. Furthermore, the tools they had on hand were nowhere near the quality required to construct them.
Thankfully, Tony was able to salvage what little remained of the armor pieces and reconstruct a crude Heads Display system for this armor.
He had to give the Dwarves some credit. Even though they didn't understand human science. They were able to perfectly construct the armor to be compatible with his arc reactor, and the energy conduits worked seamlessly with his onboard systems. The energy was being conducted and transferred throughout the armor with no signs of overloading or short-circuiting.
He looked at the mace and shield in his hands. These were the weapons wielded by the Dwarves who were killed trying to protect their King from Ulik, while Tony was frozen in fear and did nothing while they laid down their lives.
Not wishing their sacrifice to be in vain, Tony had Eitri carve the names of the fallen dwarves into the armor as he wields their weapons against the Tyrant who started this war in the first place.
"Now get away from my people, before you get hurt!" Tony ordered in a threatening tone.
The God of Mischief glared at the Armored Avenger. "You think to threaten me, Man of Science?" He raised his hand, engulfed in the power of the Odin Force. "Do you realise the power I wield?"
Behind his helmet, Iron Man's eyes narrowed. "It wasn't a threat."
He then raised his left arm, which had the shield equipped and aimed his repulsor at Loki. The palm glowed and fired a powerful beam that looked similar to lightning. The energy of the armor mixed with the repulsor energy from the arc reactor allowed Tony to enhance his repulsor with the same mystical energy frequency produced by the Uru metal.
The beam shot towards Loki, only for the Villain to raise a shield to easily block the attack.
Loki smirked. This mortal truly thinks that even with that armor, he can pose a challenge to…
His train of thought was interrupted when a mystically charged mace burst through his shield and struck him in the face, launching Loki backward. Sending him crashing through his throne and slamming against the wall.
Iron Man held out his right hand, and the runes on his gauntlet glowed. The mace glowed in response and returned to his hand just like Thor's hammer.
Tony grinned when Eitri mentioned that he had forged Thor's hammer; he could not pass up the opportunity to include that function.
Loki grunted as he steadied himself with his spear. His head was dizzy from the impact as he raised his head to the Armored Billionaire.
Suddenly, he felt something trickle down his lip. Reaching up, Loki rubbed the area under his nose and looked down as shock spread across his face. His glove was strained red. He was bleeding.
Anger roared in his ears as his body glowed with power. The air became heavy as the room shook from the amount of power the God was exerting.
"You dare strike the King of Asgard! You, a lowly mortal who is not worthy to lick the mud from my boot!" Loki roared as he aimed his spear at the Avengers leader.
"I will show you pain the likes of which you have never seen!"
Iron Man responded by raising his shield, utterly unafraid of the sheer power on display.
"Bring it on, Reindeer Games!" The Billionaire retorted.
With an outraged scream, Loki unleashed a beam of powerful magic from his spear. The blue beam of light cut through the throne room and completely engulfed Iron Man in its radiance.
The power of the beam caused everyone to be pushed back by the pressure it generated.
When the beam died down, Loki lowered his spear with a satisfied smirk. He hoped there was enough of that armor left to add another trophy to his collection.
Only for his jaw to drop as Iron Man stood tall, completely unharmed by the beam.
Arcs of electricity sparked across the armor as the silver metal glowed, and the arc reactor and optics lit up with power.
Within the suit, Tony glanced at his HUD as the suit's energy levels reached over 400% capacity.
"How bout that?" Iron Man quipped before dropping his weapons and firing a pair of repulsor beams at the God of Lies.
Loki tried to counter with his shield again, only for the barrier to shatter and the energy to blow him back against the wall again.
This time, the energy stung. Loki hissed as his robes were smoking from the impact.
From his chained position, Thor smirked in both amusement at his brother's humiliation and pride in his friend's ingenuity. In his anger and pride, Loki had forgotten that the mortal is clad in Uru metal. A metal that is capable of absorbing and channeling magic. The more magic it absorbs, the stronger and more powerful it becomes.
Now that Loki has fed Iron Man the power of the Odin Force. Its strength has been added to the Armored Hero, making him a match for Loki's might.
"Free Thor! I'll hold him off!" Iron Man ordered, recalling his shield and mace as he activated his thrusters.
Now that he had Loki's full attention on him. Iron Man blasted into the sky with Loki quickly following him.
The God of Mischief and Armored Billionaires soared into the sky, blasting each other with mystical and repulsor beams and clashing with their weapons.
As the two battled, Ben grunted as he tried to move his arm. He needed to get back into this fight. Tony will only last so long in that suit. It might have given him an edge, but Loki is too strong and cunning for one Avenger to fight alone.
However, he was still too weak to move. His body was both numb and in pain. He felt so useless. His friends could keep fighting, and here he was, the idiot who got injured.
He could still feel the sensation of losing part of his wing as Ultimate Big Chill. He had no idea how that would affect him going forward. He's been injured as an alien before, but never to that extent. If he lost a limb, he was usually in a form that could regenerate it.
Thinking about it, it's impressive how fortunate he was up until this point.
Still, he couldn't think about that now. Not when his friends were still fighting.
He had to help. He needed to help. Even if it hurts, even if he can't do much, he will fight!
Suddenly, Ben felt a tingling sensation in his head. Followed by a strange warmth that spread through his body. It's a lot like a fever, but more like a warm, comforting embrace, being wrapped in something familiar.
By some miracle, Ben's arm started to move. While the Teen was still numb and couldn't feel it. He found a way to will the appendage to move and reach the Ultimatrix.
As if on pure instinct, he activated the device and turned the dial to the one alien that could help him right now.
While he worked, the other Avengers gathered together with Cap at the front.
"Hawkeye, Panther, Ant-Man, get to Thor!" Cap ordered, picking up Ben's glowing crystal and tossing it to the archer. He then turned to Wasp while grabbing Sif's shield in his hands. "Hu… Wasp, you're with me!"
The Super Soldier paused when he saw Hulk's statue. Seeing his teammate in this state was difficult for him. While he was sure that what Loki did to the Green Goliath could be undone, the fact that they didn't have their Jolly Green Giant with them felt wrong. The same could be said for Ben.
Wasp seemed hesitant to leave. Cap could see the resistance in her eyes. But they couldn't dwell on that. He was also worried about the teenager. However, their mission takes priority. Stop Loki, then see to their injuries.
Meanwhile, the other Avengers rushed to Thor's side. Hawkeye held up the crystal shard. The blue glowing gem shone with power.
Hawkeye wasn't sure how this thing was supposed to work. However, the Kid risked a great deal to achieve it. So he will put his faith in him.
Gripping the crystal tightly. While also trying not to think about the fact that the throne room was littered with Ben's remains, all to get this one chance.
At this moment, Hawkeye want to make that greasy-haired mouth breather pay for what he did to his friends.
Putting all his strength into it, he stabbed the shard into the stone slab. Instantly, blue energy crackled along the stone and chains until it crumbled into nothing.
Flexing his muscles, Thor, Prince of Asgard, rose to his feet.
Without missing a beat, Thor turned to his allies. As much as he wished to embrace his friends for their valiant efforts. This was neither the time nor the place. Loki must be stopped.
"Yggdrasil is the Source of the Odin force. Loki has corrupted it." Thor explained to his allies. Turning to them, he placed his hand on Giant Man's shoulder while looking to each of them. "You must find a way to break Loki's connection to it."
"Us?" Giant Man questioned with a raised eyebrow. Severing a God's connection to a reality-spanning magic tree of unknown origin and power.
Thor really doesn't ask for much, does he?
"What are you going to do?" He asked, knowing full well what the answer was.
Thor reached down and picked up his helmet before placing it atop his head. His eyes were glowing with mystical lightning as the winds picked up around him. "I am going to have a word with my brother!"
But just before anyone could make a move, a bright green flash of light illuminated the area, and the plant-like alien stood to his feet.
"Swampfire!" the alien weakly cried out.
The Alien Teen was not looking good. His usual green body was dull and withered. His petals were wilting, and some had even fallen off. Like a plant that was completely dehydrated. The wound on his back was also present. As a deep gash in his shoulder.
It seemed as though his body was trying to regenerate it. But in his current state, he was too weak to even close the wound.
Swampfire groaned as he almost dropped to his knees, had Wasp not rushed over to help him.
"Ben! Stop, you can't fight in your condition." She told him, her voice shaking with worry.
"She's right, son," Cap added, concern on his face. "You will only hinder us in your current state."
"No," Swampfire argued as he tried to push Wasp aside. However, he was so weak that even the alien's natural super strength was reduced. "Just gimme a sec. I'll heal up in no time and then it's Hero Ti.. argh."
Swampfire grunted as he stumbled, almost falling on his face, had Wasp and Giant Man not caught him.
"See, Ben. You can barely stand, let alone fight." Wasp countered as she looked at his wilted body. "I know you've relied on Swampfire's healing ability before. But think about it, Ben. You lost a lot of blood back there. Swampfire is a plant. Plants need water to grow, and you're supply is drained right now. You can't rely on him this time."
Swampfire blinked for a second. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Janet was right. His loss of blood in his human form has greatly affected Swampfire's regenerative abilities. Due to being dehydrated in this form, his plant body is unable to reform itself as it normally would.
The thought didn't even occur to him that this could be a possibility, yet Janet was able to piece that together almost immediately. Her perception is off the charts.
However, there was something she did overlook.
"No, Jan. It's not that. Look." The Plant Alien looked down, and the Size Changing Heroine followed his gaze. A look of confusion appeared on her face.
Swampfire's stump-like feet had sprouted a series of roots. The green tendrils were digging into the ground, spreading into the earth underneath.
The Alien Teen tried to lift his leg, but the roots resisted and kept him anchored there.
"Stupid roots. I don't have time for this!" He yelled as he put more strength into his legs to pry them loose.
"Benjamin, stand down!" Captain America ordered, using the Teen's full name. "You're body is telling you that you need to stop. Listen to it."
In response, the Plant Alien glared at the Super Soldier. "Cap, you saw what Loki can do. He's too strong. I won't stand by and do nothing."
"The only thing you're gonna do to help is make it easier for Loki to put you six feet under." Hawkeye berated as he stood over the Alien Teen.
Swampfire scoffed in response as he tried to get back up. Only for Wasp to grab his face and force him to look at her.
"Ben, stop being stubborn and listen to us!" Janet screamed at him. However, in her outburst, she caused Giant Man to lose his hold on Swampfire, and as a result, the Alien lost his balance as he fell to the ground.
Fortunately, the Plant Alien was able to catch himself with his arms before face-planting.
The moment his palms touched the ground, vines burst from his arms and dug into the ground just like his feet.
Swampfire could feel the vines digging into the soil, looking for something. But he didn't know what.
He tried to struggle and free himself. But the vines were too strong as they kept him rooted to the spot.
"What's going on?" He asked, starting to panic.
"Maybe your body is trying to find water?" Hawkeye suggested, confused and worried at the same time.
Black Panther, however, was skeptical. "I do not think that is the case. Otherwise, he would have attempted to reach the fountain in the plaza." He pointed to the damaged water feature that was trickling water.
This only added to the teen's stress as he once again tried to fight his alien instincts. "If it's not water, what the heck am I…"
Suddenly, the Plant Alien's body froze, and his eyes widened.