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Chapter 4: Phoenix Force Fragments! The End of Avengers 2!
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While Lorien and Gwen enjoyed their conversation, the news reported the catastrophic outcome in Sokovia.
The Avengers had emerged victorious, but at a staggering cost. Sokovia had been obliterated, leaving nothing behind. The casualties were immense, with hundreds or even thousands dead or injured, and all properties destroyed.
In the aftermath, Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face. Her brother, Quicksilver, had perished along with Sokovia. She couldn't even give him a proper burial or say a final goodbye.
The Avengers, standing a few steps behind Wanda, shared a somber silence, reflecting on the heavy toll of their battle.
Everyone frowned slightly. Natasha also felt a pang of discomfort.
"I'm very sorry," Hawkeye said, approaching Wanda with a sincere apology. "Your brother died to save me. I feel deeply guilty."
Wanda didn't lift her head. She spoke in a sorrowful tone, "If you feel guilty, will my brother be resurrected?"
A heavy silence fell over the group. The weight of losing a loved one was palpable.
"Pah~" Captain America clapped his hands, stepping forward to break the silence. "Come on, Avengers. We have more to do. There are more difficult challenges ahead."
Captain America's words, though somber, carried a sense of resolve. Everyone nodded, sighed, and then started to act on their own. Wanda continued to cry for a while before closing her eyes, wiping her tears, and leaving the scene.
In the aftermath of the events from "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," especially the chaos caused by the Insight Project in Washington, S.H.I.E.L.D. had faded from the public eye. Tony Stark had taken the lead in establishing the Avengers Base, marked by a prominent "A" logo. This shift symbolized a new era for the Avengers.
However, these changes meant little to Lorien. After exchanging contact information with a delighted Gwen, he watched her leave, called away by her team.
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Back at the medical banquet in New York, Lorien was savoring the moment. He had just exchanged contact details with Gwen, who left with a smile.
Stephen approached Lorien, glass of wine in hand, and glanced at Gwen as she walked away. "Is she of age?"
"She's about to graduate from high school," Lorien replied.
"Oh, then you're safe from any legal trouble," Stephen joked, earning a middle finger from Lorien.
Stephen's jest was a nod to the varying age of consent laws in the United States. Most states consider someone of legal age once they finish high school. Stephen's comment was more a backhanded compliment about Gwen's youthful beauty.
"What? Are you back so soon? Just taking another walk?" Lorien asked Stephen, noticing his quick return.
"It's the same old story," Stephen sighed. "I think Christine is the best partner for my future."
Christine Palmer, a fellow trauma surgeon and Stephen's colleague, shared a close relationship with him. They were on the brink of transitioning from friends to something more.
Lorien nodded. "Then make your move sooner rather than later."
Stephen pondered this, then sighed and turned the conversation back to Lorien. "But tell me, why do so many women flock to you, yet I never see you take any of them home?"
Lorien used to drive a Ferrari, a car that, combined with his looks and status, drew a lot of female attention. Yet, despite the opportunities, Lorien never seemed to take advantage. He didn't bring anyone home, nor did he drive anyone else's car back.
Stephen was genuinely puzzled. Lorien appreciated beautiful women but didn't pursue any of them. Why?
Through the power of the Phoenix, Lorien sensed Stephen's thoughts. Stephen was questioning whether Lorien was even interested in women.
"If you think one step further, your Lamborghini will be at the bottom of the sea tonight," Lorien warned.
"Okay, I'm sorry," Stephen quickly apologized, shaking his head with a sigh. "I have to admire your mental abilities, Lorien."
Lorien smirked. Stephen had no idea how powerful the Phoenix Force truly was. If fully formed, the Phoenix Force could rival the strength of the Celestials and beyond. It was an immense power with only two significant drawbacks:
1. Collecting Fragments: Without gathering its fragments, the Phoenix Force's power remains limited. Lorien's current strength was on par with a lesser cosmic being, but as he collected more fragments, he could ascend to the level of a single-universe, multiverse, or even beyond.
2. The Phoenix's Will: The Phoenix Force carried its own will, often influencing its host to varying degrees. When Lorien first gained this power, the Phoenix's presence was almost maddening, constantly hovering in his mind.
Fortunately, Lorien had acquired a subsequent ability through his journey: Purification.
At first, Lorien underestimated Purification's potential. However, he soon realized it was a supreme power. It allowed him to eliminate any unwanted side effects.
With this ability, Lorien purified the residual will of the Phoenix fragments. It gave him clarity and control, freeing him from the chaotic influence of the Phoenix.
In the Marvel Universe, many abilities and artifacts come with severe drawbacks. But thanks to his Purification ability, Lorien could wield his powers without any of the typical side effects.
Then this ability becomes even more practical!