"Logan!" Scott yelled, but it was too late to stop.
Wolverine's temper was notoriously volatile, and Veronica's blatant attempt to sell mutants as commodities struck a nerve. Acting on instinct, he lunged forward, his adamantium claws slicing through Veronica's face before her protective shield could fully activate, leaving deep scars.
As one of the most potent metals known, Edman alloy was beyond ordinary resilience, easily cutting through Veronica's defenses.
"Ah... my face!" Veronica screamed in agony, her features disfigured. Anger flared in her eyes. "I'll make you pay!"
Before Wolverine could strike again, a red light emitted from his claws.
"Logan, get back!" Jean Grey, the Phoenix, shouted, her warning coming too late.
Veronica's laser eyes targeted Wolverine, blasting him downwards with a ferocious beam. As she adjusted her aim, Wolverine was dragged along the ground, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
A swath of scorched earth stretched for kilometers, a testament to the laser's devastating power.
"Logan!"
Seeing Wolverine propelled into the air, Iceman, also known as Bob, seethed with anger. His entire body turned blue as he unleashed frigid ice beams to counter the laser.
The collision of ice and energy created a spectacular display, with Bob's ice managing to freeze and disrupt Veronica's laser.
With the situation escalating, Jean Grey intervened, using her telekinetic powers to hurl Veronica's massive form into the air.
"Check on Logan," she instructed before turning her attention back to Veronica.
But as Iceman moved to assist Wolverine, a distant shout caught their attention: "You fools, Veronica is enraged!"
Veronica, wielding her blue giant sword, launched a devastating energy slash toward the Blackbird fighter.
Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, hastily fired his optic beam to counter, but Veronica's attack overwhelmed his efforts, sending him crashing into the inner wall of the fighter.
As Iceman turned to Jean Grey for aid, Veronica's fury intensified.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jean Grey reduced the intensity of her Phoenix powers, attempting to calm Veronica down.
But Veronica was in no mood for negotiation. She saw Jean Grey as a formidable opponent, one she wasn't sure she could defeat. And if she couldn't win, why bother engaging in diplomacy? Escape and call for reinforcements—it seemed like the logical choice.
As Jean Grey spoke, Veronica launched herself at the Blackbird fighter, her massive hands slamming together in an attempt to crush it.
"Hahaha... I'll turn you into a pulp!" she taunted.
However, before she could carry out her threat, a burst of red energy erupted from Jean Grey's palms, forcibly separating Veronica's hands.
Addressing Veronica, Jean Grey attempted to reason with her, urging her to calm down and engage in dialogue.
But Veronica remained defiant, seeing Jean Grey as a threat she couldn't afford to underestimate.
Frustrated, Jean Grey reluctantly retracted some of her Phoenix powers, hoping to defuse the situation.
But Veronica wasn't interested in dialogue. With a swift motion, she grabbed the Blackbird fighter, releasing an anesthetic gas to incapacitate its occupants.
"If you want them back, pay the ransom," Veronica declared as she retreated, leaving Jean Grey to ponder her next move.
As Jean Grey surveyed the scene, her heart sank at the sight of Wolverine's grievous injuries. His flesh and bones were exposed, his adamantium claws stained with blood.
....
Stark Tower, New York.
"Heh...ah..."
In the throes of passion, Ivy clung to Jude, her hands tracing the contours of his back. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the couch, spent.
Jude, still catching his breath, couldn't help but marvel at Ivy's endurance. He couldn't shake the feeling that she must have undergone some kind of transformation—how else could he keep up with Gaia, the mother of the planet, at his age?
"My love, I need a drink."
Jude gestured towards the bracelet, prompting Ivy to summon a vine to fetch them refreshments.
Activating the built-in communication device, Jude requested a delivery from Tony Stark—wine, ice, and food to be sent to their room on the 101st floor.
Tony's holographic projection appeared his expression a mix of surprise and outrage.
"What the hell! Are you two... you know, in my building? I thought you were just going to get drunk!"
Jude raised an eyebrow. "Tony, seems like you're not too pleased."
"Damn right, I'm not! Get out of my building, now! I'm hosting a wedding here in a week, and you've... you've defiled it!"
Jude smirked. "Tony, consider this a warning. I have some... liquid assets in my lower regions. You don't want them spilling all over your building, do you?"
Tony paled, his anger barely contained. "You despicable, shameless... get out!"
Jude chuckled. "Hahaha... Good boy!"