The team gathered in the central chamber of the New York Sanctum, the soft hum of magical wards blending with the faint buzz of advanced holographic displays. The central image hovered in the air—a projection of the SHIELD Helicarrier, its massive, imposing form a symbol of power and authority. The air was tense as Albedo stood at the forefront, his crimson eyes scanning the group.
Jean Grey leaned against the table, her arms crossed as she studied the projection. Rick Jones, in his A-Bomb form, crouched nearby, his claws lightly tapping the floor as he waited for Albedo to speak. Polaris stood beside Scarlet Spider, both of them sharing a look of quiet anticipation. Winter Soldier and Luke Cage were closer to the front, their expressions unreadable but focused. Thor stood slightly apart from the others, his hand resting on the hilt of his newly crafted Stormbreaker, his gaze unwavering.
Albedo took a deep breath and began. "Our next move is critical. The Maker is distracted, caught up in damage control after Project SMASH. He's under review by the U.N., and while he's busy maintaining his political position, SHIELD has been left vulnerable. It's time we exploit that."
Jean tilted her head slightly. "How vulnerable are we talking? SHIELD doesn't exactly leave their doors open."
"They don't," Albedo admitted, his voice sharp but steady. "But the Helicarrier isn't invincible. Without the Maker's direct oversight, their response times and coordination are weaker. And that makes it the perfect target."
Rick let out a low whistle, sitting back on his haunches. "The Helicarrier? You're aiming high, boss."
Polaris frowned, her arms crossed. "Why the Helicarrier? What's so important about it?"
Albedo gestured to the projection, zooming in on the schematics. "The Helicarrier isn't just a floating fortress—it's the nerve center of SHIELD. All their operations are coordinated from there. Their files, their communications, their contingency plans—it's all stored onboard. If we can get access to that data, we can expose their secrets and figure out the Maker's next moves."
Scarlet Spider raised an eyebrow. "And if we don't find anything useful?"
"Then we still make an impact," Albedo replied, his tone firm. "Disrupting SHIELD's operations will force them to divert resources, weaken their infrastructure, and create more opportunities for us to strike."
Winter Soldier leaned forward, his tone measured. "What's the plan?"
Albedo's eyes narrowed as he highlighted key points on the Helicarrier. "We're going in stealth. Clea's wards and Doom's tech will cloak our approach, but once we're inside, we'll need to split up. One team will head to the server core to extract the data. The other will create a distraction—something big enough to keep SHIELD's forces occupied."
Luke Cage crossed his arms. "And what about the other Thor?"
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the question lingering. The Thor in the room—Albedo's ally and the rightful God of Thunder—spoke, his voice low but firm. "This pretender wields my name, but his power is not his own. He is a pawn, like so many others in the Maker's game. We cannot afford to underestimate him."
Jean frowned, her voice cautious. "Do we know anything about him?"
"Not much," Albedo admitted. "Whoever he is, he's been working with the Maker for years. He's strong, fast, and wields Mjolnir. But he's not the real Thor." He glanced at his ally, adding, "You are."
Thor nodded, his expression resolute. "I will deal with the pretender if it comes to that."
Rick grinned faintly, his sharp teeth glinting in the light. "So, we're hitting the Helicarrier, sneaking in, grabbing their secrets, and maybe punching a fake Thor. Sounds like a party."
Jean's expression remained serious. "It's not going to be that simple. SHIELD has some of the most advanced tech and trained agents in the world. If we're not careful, this could end badly."
"That's why we plan for every possibility," Albedo said. "We move fast, stay focused, and adapt if things go wrong."
Polaris nodded, her voice steady. "If this works, it'll be a huge blow to the Maker's forces."
"And if it doesn't?" Scarlet Spider asked.
"Then we make sure SHIELD regrets ever letting us onboard," Albedo replied, his tone cold but determined.
The group exchanged glances, the tension in the room thick. But as they nodded in agreement, there was a shared sense of purpose. This wasn't just another raid—it was the next step in their fight against the Maker, and they all knew the stakes.
Albedo looked at the projection one last time before turning back to the group. "We're going to hit them hard, take what we need, and get out. Let's get to work."
The night was still, the faint sound of water lapping against the docks breaking the silence. The moonlight cast a silver glow over the group, their figures shrouded in shadow as they crouched near a cluster of abandoned shipping containers. Each of them wore their respective combat uniforms, subtly altered to blend into the darkness while remaining functional.
Albedo stood in the center of the group, his crimson eyes scanning the area as he activated his AI. The faint hum of the device in his suit connected him to the others. "Alright, listen up," he said, his voice low but firm. "This is how we're doing this."
He gestured toward Polaris, who stood a few feet away, her arms crossed as she focused on the Helicarrier hovering far above the waterline, its massive silhouette barely visible against the night sky. "Polaris, you're the key to this operation. Your job is to use your powers to keep the Helicarrier under control. Stabilize it, disrupt their systems if you can, and make sure it stays where we need it."
Polaris nodded, her green hair catching the faint light as she glanced upward. "I can handle that. If they figure out what I'm doing, though, things could get messy."
"That's why we have the rest of the ground team," Albedo replied, turning to Luke Cage, A-Bomb, and Thor. "You three will act as guardians. Keep Polaris safe, keep us from being discovered, and act as reinforcements if things go sideways. Stay sharp and stay ready."
Luke Cage gave a small nod, cracking his knuckles. "Got it. Anyone comes for us, they're gonna regret it."
A-Bomb grinned, his massive blue form blending surprisingly well into the shadows. "Looking forward to it. Been a while since I had some real fun."
Thor rested his hand on Stormbreaker, his expression calm but focused. "If the pretender dares show himself, I will ensure he knows what it means to face the true Thor."
Albedo turned to Jean Grey and Scarlet Spider, the latter crouching near the edge of the container with his mask pulled over his face. "Jean, Scarlet, you're with me. We're going in stealth. Our job is to infiltrate the Helicarrier, get to the server core, and extract as much data as we can. If things get heated, we adapt."
Jean nodded, her expression focused. "I'll handle any psychic interference and keep us connected. If anything changes, I'll let you know."
Scarlet Spider gave a small thumbs-up. "Stealth and infiltration. My specialty."
Albedo straightened, glancing between them. "This isn't just about gathering intel. If we pull this off, we're going to expose SHIELD for what it really is—a weapon for the Maker. But if we fail, it's going to make things a lot worse for all of us."
The group nodded, their shared determination cutting through the tension.
Albedo reached up, activating his AI to link the entire team. "Stay on comms. Polaris, the moment we're in position, start your work. Everyone else, stick to your roles. Let's move."
The group broke apart, each moving to their assigned positions. Polaris knelt near the edge of the docks, her hands hovering just above the ground as she focused on the Helicarrier's electromagnetic systems. Thor, Luke Cage, and A-Bomb took positions nearby, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement.
Albedo, Jean, and Scarlet Spider slipped into the shadows, making their way toward a concealed entry point that would lead them to the Helicarrier's boarding system. The mission had begun, and every second counted.
The trio moved through the shadows with precision, the massive silhouette of the Helicarrier looming above them. The faint hum of its engines vibrated through the air as they approached a maintenance lift extending down to the docks—a service entry point that wasn't heavily monitored. Albedo held up a hand, signaling for them to stop as his crimson eyes scanned the area.
"No guards yet," Scarlet Spider whispered, his voice muffled by his mask. "Looks clear for now."
Albedo nodded. "Jean, confirm."
Jean Grey closed her eyes briefly, her telepathic senses stretching outward like an invisible net. "No immediate threats," she said, her tone calm but focused. "But there are guards near the maintenance hub above. They'll spot us the moment the lift arrives."
"We'll deal with them when we get there," Albedo replied. He motioned for the group to move. "Scarlet, Jean, stay close. I'll handle the lift."
The group slipped onto the lift, and Albedo accessed the control panel, his AI humming quietly as it bypassed the security protocols. The lift ascended smoothly, carrying them toward the underbelly of the Helicarrier.
As the lift neared the top, Jean's brow furrowed, her telepathy sweeping ahead. "There are two guards at the maintenance station. They're not paying attention yet, but we need to move fast."
"Perfect," Albedo said, his tone sharp. "Jean, Scarlet—get ready to change. I'll stay out of sight."
Scarlet Spider glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "How exactly?"
In response, Albedo closed his eyes and activated his mutant ability. His body shimmered and morphed, shifting rapidly until he transformed into Overkill—a sleek, humanoid form designed for stealth. His black and dark-blue armor glinted faintly under the dim light, and then he vanished, his form becoming entirely invisible.
"Like that," Albedo's voice came through their comms.
Scarlet Spider shook his head with a smirk. "Show-off."
The lift slowed to a stop, and as the doors hissed open, the two guards turned, their casual conversation cut off by their sudden awareness of movement. Before they could react, Scarlet Spider sprang into action. He shot a web to seal the first guard's mouth and leapt onto the second, taking him down with a quick chokehold. Jean followed close behind, a psychic nudge rendering the guards unconscious before either could raise an alarm.
"Efficient," Albedo said from somewhere nearby, his invisible form still undetectable.
"Years of practice," Scarlet Spider replied, already stripping one of the guards' uniforms. He tossed the other to Jean. "Let's get dressed."
Jean sighed, slipping into the oversized uniform. "These never fit right, but it'll have to do."
Once the two were disguised, Albedo's voice came through again. "I'll stay cloaked. Jean, use your telepathy to lead the way. I'll handle anything we don't see coming."
Jean adjusted her helmet, focusing on the Helicarrier's layout. "The server core is three levels up, heavily guarded. There's a maintenance corridor we can use to avoid most of the patrols."
"Lead the way," Albedo said, his footsteps soundless as he followed them invisibly.
The trio moved quickly through the Helicarrier, Jean leading them with her telepathic guidance. Scarlet Spider walked beside her, his movements casual yet prepared for action at any moment. Albedo remained invisible, his Overkill form allowing him to maneuver silently through the corridors. When they approached guards or personnel, Jean's telepathy brushed against their minds, implanting subtle suggestions that made them look the other way or ignore the group entirely.
At one point, they came to a checkpoint where four guards stood alert, their weapons at the ready. Jean paused, closing her eyes as her psychic energy rippled outward. The guards stiffened briefly, their eyes glazing over before they relaxed and stepped aside.
"Move now," Jean whispered, leading them through.
Scarlet Spider glanced over his shoulder as they passed. "Gotta say, Jean, your powers make sneaking around way less stressful."
"Let's hope they keep working," she replied, her tone cautious.
As they approached the server core, the air grew colder, and the hum of the Helicarrier's systems grew louder. Albedo's voice came through the comms again. "We're close. Everyone stay sharp."
The trio advanced, their movements precise and silent. The server core loomed ahead, a heavily secured room filled with blinking lights and whirring machinery. Albedo, still invisible, took point, scanning for any additional threats. So far, the plan was working—but Albedo knew better than to let his guard down. The hardest part of the mission was about to begin.
The group stepped into the server core, their movements careful and precise. The room was enormous, its walls lined with towering racks of servers that hummed faintly. Lights blinked in a steady rhythm, casting an eerie glow over the metallic floor. In the center of the room stood a figure they hadn't expected to see—Obadiah Stane.
Stane stood at a control console, his back to the group as he worked on the system. His signature bald head and broad shoulders were unmistakable, even in the dim light. He was muttering to himself, seemingly engrossed in his work.
Jean and Scarlet Spider froze for a split second, their eyes widening in recognition. Scarlet was the first to recover, nudging Jean lightly and stepping forward. "Hey, boss," he called, his voice casual but carrying a slight nervous edge.
Stane turned abruptly, his piercing eyes narrowing as he took in the two figures in SHIELD uniforms. "What are you doing here?" he barked, his voice sharp and commanding. "This area's restricted. Who authorized this?"
Jean stepped forward smoothly, her expression calm despite the tension in her body. "Apologies, sir," she said, her tone crisp and professional. "We were sent to check the system's integrity. There was an alert in the lower levels about a possible breach. Standard protocol."
Stane's eyes flicked between them suspiciously. "A breach? Why wasn't I notified?"
Scarlet Spider shrugged nonchalantly. "We figured you had enough on your plate, sir. Just trying to keep things running smoothly."
Stane grunted, his suspicion lingering but not enough to press further. "Fine. Just don't touch anything you don't understand. This system is delicate."
"Understood, sir," Jean replied, giving a curt nod.
While Stane's attention was on the two of them, Albedo, still invisible in his Overkill form, slipped silently toward the main server interface. His AI flickered to life, scanning the system and beginning to bypass its security protocols. The display lit up with streams of data, and Albedo's crimson eyes darted over the information as he worked quickly and efficiently.
Jean kept Stane distracted, her telepathy subtly nudging his thoughts to focus on her and Scarlet Spider. "How's the integrity of the system looking, sir?" she asked, feigning curiosity. "Anything we should be aware of?"
Stane scowled, his attention shifting back to the console. "The system's fine. If there's an issue, it's in your sector. Focus on your job and let me do mine."
Scarlet Spider played along, leaning casually against the console as if trying to appear at ease. "Of course, sir. Just making sure everything's running smoothly."
Meanwhile, Albedo continued working, his AI quietly infiltrating the server's core database. His fingers moved rapidly across the interface, pulling up files and downloading the information they needed. A small part of him marveled at the irony of Obadiah Stane being oblivious to his presence—it was almost poetic.
Got it, Albedo thought to himself as the last of the files were secured. His AI sent a silent ping to Jean, signaling that he was done.
Jean's expression didn't waver as she received the signal. "Thank you for your time, sir," she said, taking a step back. "We'll leave you to your work."
"Good," Stane grunted, already turning back to his console. "And don't let this happen again. Next time, I want proper authorization."
Scarlet Spider gave a mock salute, his voice light. "Yes, sir. Won't happen again."
The two backed out of the room, their movements calm and measured. Albedo slipped out silently behind them, still cloaked in invisibility. Once they were clear of the server core, Jean let out a quiet breath of relief, her composure slipping slightly.
"Well," Scarlet Spider whispered, his voice tinged with amusement. "That was close."
"We're not out of this yet," Albedo said, his voice calm but firm as he deactivated his invisibility. "Let's move. We have what we need, but now we have to get out of here before they realize what we've done."
The group exchanged nods and moved quickly down the corridor, the tension still thick as they began their escape from the Helicarrier.
The group moved swiftly through the Helicarrier, their steps silent and purposeful as they retraced their path toward the exit. Scarlet Spider hung slightly back, his eyes scanning the corridors as they passed. Despite their successful infiltration, an uneasy feeling gnawed at the edges of his thoughts.
"This is going way too smoothly," Scarlet Spider muttered, his voice just loud enough for the others to hear through the comms.
"Don't jinx it," Jean whispered back, her tone sharp. She glanced over her shoulder, her telepathic senses stretched out for any signs of incoming threats. "We're not out yet."
Albedo, still in his Overkill form and cloaked in invisibility, moved ahead of them, his AI scanning for any signs of interference. His voice came through their comms, calm but focused. "Stay alert. If there's trouble, we'll handle it."
The group reached the deck, the night sky above a stark contrast to the metallic expanse of the Helicarrier's surface. The quiet hum of the engines filled the air, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though they might make it out without incident.
Then, without warning, Albedo was struck by an immense force that sent him flying across the deck. His invisibility shimmered and failed as he crashed into the ground, skidding to a stop. The sudden attack left the others stunned, their heads snapping toward the source.
Standing near the edge of the deck was "Thor." His armor gleamed under the lights of the Helicarrier, and Mjolnir crackled with electric energy in his hand. His face was stern, his gaze cold as he stared down at Albedo.
"You thought you could sneak onto my ship and leave unnoticed?" Thor's voice boomed, laced with disdain. "The Maker anticipated your little plan. He left me here to ensure it failed."
Jean immediately reached out with her telepathy, her brow furrowing as she tried to probe Thor's mind. But she recoiled almost instantly, her eyes wide. "I can't get in. There's something… wrong. His mind isn't natural."
Scarlet Spider dropped into a defensive stance, his claws extending as he prepared for a fight. "Figures. I knew this was going too well."
Albedo pushed himself to his feet, shaking off the impact. His Overkill form glinted in the light as he squared off against Thor. "You're not the real Thor," he said coldly, his crimson eyes narrowing. "You're just another one of the Maker's pawns."
"Perhaps," Thor said, his tone unbothered. "But I am more than enough to deal with you."
Before Albedo could respond, more figures emerged from the shadows of the deck. Several Avengers stepped forward, their presence adding to the tension. Captain Marvel, Hyperion, and Iron Patriot joined Thor, each radiating power and confidence. The group was outnumbered and outgunned.
Jean took a step closer to Scarlet Spider, her voice low but steady. "We need to get out of here. We can't take all of them."
Albedo didn't respond immediately. His mind raced as he assessed the situation. They had the data, but escape wouldn't be easy with this level of resistance.
Thor raised Mjolnir, electricity crackling around him. "Surrender now, and I may be merciful. Resist, and I will crush you where you stand."
Albedo clenched his fists, his form shifting slightly as he prepared for the fight ahead. "Mercy isn't an option we're counting on."
The deck erupted into chaos as the battle began.
The deck of the Helicarrier was a cacophony of noise and energy as more figures emerged from the shadows, stepping into the fray. Captain Marvel descended from above, her body glowing faintly with cosmic energy. Blue Marvel strode onto the deck, his calm yet imposing presence radiating power. Red Hulk followed close behind, his steps heavy enough to rattle the metal beneath him. Lastly, Obadiah Stane arrived in his Iron Patriot armor, his weapons humming to life.
"Quite the party," Scarlet Spider muttered, his claws flexing as he glanced at Albedo. "Please tell me you've got a plan."
"Fight until our reinforcements get here," Albedo replied, his voice sharp but steady. "Stick together, use their chaos against them."
Jean stepped closer, her telepathic abilities already at work. "They're unorganized," she said, her voice calm but focused. "The Maker sent them as a blunt force, not a coordinated unit. If we stay smart, we can hold them off."
"Good," Albedo said. "Let's remind them why we're not easy targets."
Thor raised Mjolnir, lightning crackling around him as he charged. "Enough talk. You'll fall like the rest!"
The battle erupted in an instant.
Thor charged forward, swinging Mjolnir with devastating force. Albedo shifted into Cannonbolt, his spherical form rolling into Thor's path. The collision sent shockwaves across the deck as Cannonbolt absorbed the impact and countered, rolling back with surprising speed and knocking Thor off balance.
Scarlet Spider launched himself into the air, webbing Captain Marvel's arm mid-flight and yanking her trajectory off course. She landed hard, skidding across the deck. Before she could recover, Scarlet flipped over her, landing a precise kick to her side that sent her stumbling.
Jean extended her hands, her telekinetic powers flaring as she intercepted Blue Marvel's advance. She focused, forcing his momentum back, though his sheer strength made it clear she wouldn't be able to hold him for long. "A little help here!" she called out.
Albedo transformed into Feedback, energy crackling around him as he turned toward Blue Marvel. "On it!" he shouted, extending his arms. Feedback's tendrils latched onto Blue Marvel's energy signature, siphoning power and forcing him to pause. Blue Marvel grunted, his movements slowing as Feedback absorbed enough to even the playing field.
Meanwhile, Red Hulk barreled toward Scarlet Spider, his massive fists swinging with terrifying force. Scarlet dodged with ease, flipping and web-slinging out of range before landing on Red Hulk's back. "Big guy's strong, but not quick," he quipped, webbing Red Hulk's eyes and twisting out of reach.
Captain Marvel recovered quickly, her cosmic energy flaring as she took aim at Jean. Jean raised a telekinetic barrier just in time to block the blast, though the force sent her sliding backward. Albedo, noticing the attack, shifted into Megawatt, his small, electrified form darting forward with blinding speed. He unleashed a concentrated burst of electricity, catching Captain Marvel off guard and forcing her to retreat.
Iron Patriot fired a barrage of missiles at the group, his targeting systems locked on all three of them. Albedo shifted again, this time into Ghostfreak. His ghostly form phased through the explosions as they erupted harmlessly around him. He darted toward Iron Patriot, slipping into his armor and disrupting its systems from the inside. Stane cursed loudly as his HUD flickered, and Ghostfreak's eerie voice echoed in his helmet.
"Not so fun when someone messes with your toys, is it?"
Iron Patriot staggered, his systems glitching as Scarlet Spider swung in, landing a decisive blow to the helmet that sent Stane crashing to the deck.
The three worked seamlessly, their teamwork compensating for the overwhelming power of their opponents. Jean kept their minds connected, coordinating their movements and feeding them tactical insights. Scarlet Spider's agility and precision turned every opportunity into an advantage, while Albedo's transformations kept their enemies guessing.
Despite the chaos, the Avengers' lack of coordination was their downfall. Each of them fought individually, their power impressive but unfocused. Albedo, Jean, and Scarlet Spider exploited every gap, their synergy turning the tide of the battle.
But even as they held their ground, Albedo's eyes darted to the horizon. Their reinforcements couldn't arrive soon enough. This fight was far from over.
The roar of engines filled the air, and beams of energy shot across the Helicarrier deck as reinforcements arrived. Thor descended with a crash, Stormbreaker sparking in his hands, followed by Polaris, her magnetic energy shimmering around her as she landed gracefully. Luke Cage arrived moments later, his impenetrable form stepping out from a cloaked jet, and finally, A-Bomb leapt from the craft, landing with a thunderous boom that shook the deck.
"About time," Scarlet Spider called, flipping away from another of Captain Marvel's blasts.
Polaris raised her arms, her magnetic energy flaring as she redirected several stray projectiles midair, sending them careening harmlessly into the ocean below. "You seemed to have things under control."
A-Bomb cracked his knuckles, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Not for long! Let's see what these guys are made of!"
The battlefield erupted into chaos as the combatants separated into individual clashes. Albedo's team quickly adjusted, engaging their opponents one-on-one while Jean's telepathic connection kept them coordinated. The Helicarrier deck became a warzone, with sparks, energy blasts, and debris flying in every direction.
A-Bomb vs. Red Hulk (General Ross)
A-Bomb wasted no time charging at Red Hulk, the blue-scaled titan colliding with his fiery red counterpart with a resounding crash. The impact sent a ripple of energy across the deck, leaving deep dents in the reinforced metal. Red Hulk—General Ross—growled, his crimson eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and disdain.
"Jones," Ross spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You've always been a thorn in my side."
"And you've always been a walking temper tantrum," A-Bomb shot back, grinning. "Looks like neither of us has changed much."
Ross snarled, his fists glowing faintly as the heat radiating from his body intensified. He swung a massive punch, but A-Bomb ducked low, using the momentum to drive his shoulder into Ross's midsection. The blow sent Ross stumbling back a few steps, but he recovered quickly, his rage only growing.
"You think this is a joke?" Ross roared, his voice echoing over the chaos. "You've been a failure your entire life, Jones. A liability. Just another weapon gone wrong."
"Yeah, well," A-Bomb replied, dodging another swing and landing a sharp counterpunch to Ross's side, "at least I'm not a weapon on a leash."
The jab struck a nerve. Ross's growl deepened, and he surged forward with renewed fury. His fists came down in a relentless barrage, each strike powerful enough to shatter steel. A-Bomb evaded most of the attacks, but one clipped his shoulder, sending him sprawling across the deck.
"You're nothing but a waste of potential," Ross said, advancing with deliberate steps. "Just like Banner. Just like everyone who stood in my way."
A-Bomb pushed himself to his feet, rolling his shoulder as he shook off the impact. "You sure talk a lot for a guy who's getting his butt kicked."
Ross snarled and charged again, but this time A-Bomb was ready. He sidestepped the assault, grabbing Ross by the arm and using his momentum to hurl him into a nearby metal structure. The impact left a massive dent in the wall, but Ross barely flinched, his rage fueling him as he turned back to face his opponent.
"Let's see how you handle this!" Ross bellowed, his body flaring with intense heat. The temperature around him spiked, and the metal beneath his feet began to glow and warp.
A-Bomb felt the heat but refused to back down. "So, you're a walking furnace now. Cute trick."
He charged forward, meeting Ross head-on in a clash of raw power. Their fists collided, sending a shockwave rippling across the deck. For a moment, it seemed they were evenly matched, but A-Bomb knew he couldn't let Ross's heat overwhelm him. He had to think smarter.
Using his agility, A-Bomb twisted away from Ross's grip, circling him with calculated movements. He feigned an opening, and when Ross lunged, A-Bomb spun around him, delivering a crushing blow to the back of Ross's knee. Ross staggered, his balance faltering, and A-Bomb capitalized with a flurry of rapid strikes.
The final blow came as Ross swung wildly, his anger blinding him. A-Bomb ducked under the strike and delivered an uppercut that sent Ross flying backward, crashing into the deck. Ross groaned, trying to push himself up, but his strength finally gave out. He collapsed, unconscious, the heat around him dissipating.
A-Bomb straightened, brushing off his hands as he looked down at the fallen Red Hulk. "Guess you should've stayed retired, General."
The fight won, A-Bomb turned his attention back to the chaos around him, ready to assist his teammates in their battles.
The chaos of the Helicarrier deck swirled around Jean Grey as she squared off against Captain Marvel. The cosmic energy radiating from Carol Danvers cast an otherworldly glow, her presence imposing and relentless. Jean's telepathic senses flared, brushing against Carol's mind and quickly retreating—it was a fortress of sheer willpower, bolstered by a force Jean couldn't easily penetrate.
"You've made a mistake coming here," Captain Marvel said, her voice steady and authoritative. "Turn yourselves in now, and maybe I won't have to take you down."
Jean raised her hands, her telekinesis flaring around her like a protective shield. "I've faced worse than you, Danvers. You're not as unstoppable as you think."
Captain Marvel's expression darkened, and in a flash, she launched herself forward, her fists glowing with energy. Jean reacted instantly, throwing up a telekinetic barrier that absorbed the impact of Carol's strike. The sheer force of the blow sent Jean sliding backward, her boots screeching against the deck.
"You're out of your league," Captain Marvel said, her fists glowing brighter as she unleashed a barrage of energy blasts.
Jean darted to the side, her telekinesis deflecting the blasts, though the strain of each impact rippled through her body. With a focused effort, she reached out with her mind, trying to find a weakness in Carol's approach. While her telepathy couldn't penetrate Captain Marvel's mental defenses, her telekinetic abilities were another story.
Jean focused on the energy surrounding Carol, her powers intertwining with the cosmic forces. She redirected an incoming blast, sending it careening into the nearby hull, and then countered by hurling a piece of debris at Carol with telekinetic force. Carol dodged the projectile with ease, closing the distance between them in an instant.
Carol swung a glowing fist at Jean, but Jean caught the strike midair with a telekinetic grip, holding it inches from her face. "You're strong," Jean admitted, her voice strained. "But raw power isn't enough."
With a burst of telekinetic energy, Jean pushed Carol backward, creating distance between them. She didn't waste a moment, lifting several pieces of metal debris from the deck and hurling them at Captain Marvel in rapid succession. Carol batted them away with ease, her glowing aura intensifying as she powered up for another assault.
Carol charged again, her fists glowing brighter than ever. Jean's eyes narrowed as she focused, reaching deep into her telekinetic reserves. As Carol swung her fist, Jean caught it once again, this time enveloping her entire arm in a telekinetic grip.
"You rely too much on brute force," Jean said, her voice calm but sharp. "Let's see how you handle this."
With a sudden burst of power, Jean redirected Carol's momentum, twisting her body and slamming her into the deck with a telekinetic surge. The impact left a dent in the reinforced metal, and Carol groaned, stunned but not defeated.
Jean didn't let up. She focused her energy, lifting Carol off the ground with her telekinesis and holding her midair. Carol struggled, her energy flaring as she tried to break free, but Jean's control was absolute. With a sharp motion, Jean hurled Carol across the deck, slamming her into a pile of debris.
Captain Marvel pushed herself up, her glowing aura flickering as she glared at Jean. "You're better than I expected," she admitted, her tone grudgingly respectful. "But you're still going to lose."
Jean stepped forward, her telekinetic energy radiating around her like a storm. "Not today."
As Carol prepared for another charge, Jean's eyes glowed faintly, her telekinetic power surging. She reached out, focusing on the energy within Carol's aura, and twisted it. The glow around Carol faltered, dimming as Jean manipulated the cosmic energy, forcing it to disperse.
Carol staggered, her body suddenly heavier without the support of her powers. Jean seized the opportunity, striking with a telekinetic wave that sent Carol crashing into the deck once more. This time, she didn't rise.
Breathing heavily, Jean stood over her fallen opponent, her powers still flaring around her. She glanced back at the battlefield, her determination renewed. "One down," she muttered, turning her attention to the next fight.
The deck trembled as Luke Cage faced off against Iron Man, or rather, Obadiah Stane wearing the suit of the Iron Patriot. The sleek, red, white, and blue armor gleamed under the Helicarrier's lights, but Luke's unshakable confidence made him seem like the more imposing figure.
"You're way out of your league, Cage," Stane's voice boomed from the suit's speakers, distorted but arrogant. "This armor's the pinnacle of tech. You're just a man with tough skin."
Luke smirked, rolling his shoulders as he stepped forward. "Yeah? Let's see what happens when that fancy tech meets unbreakable."
Without hesitation, Stane fired a barrage of micro-missiles. The projectiles hissed through the air, exploding on impact as they struck Luke dead-on. Smoke and fire engulfed him, and Stane chuckled, satisfied.
"Guess that settles—" Stane started, but his words caught in his throat as the smoke cleared.
Luke Cage stood unharmed, his skin untouched by the blasts. He dusted off his jacket with a casual motion, his expression calm but with a hint of annoyance. "Is that all you've got? You're just wasting my time."
Stane growled, his frustration evident. "Fine. Let's get serious."
Iron Patriot's repulsors flared to life, propelling Stane forward at incredible speed. He aimed a gauntlet strike at Luke's chest, but Luke stepped to the side with surprising agility, grabbing Stane's arm mid-strike. With a grunt, Luke twisted, forcing the armored man to crash into the deck.
Stane recovered quickly, spinning around and unleashing a concentrated repulsor blast. Luke raised an arm to shield himself, the beam slamming into him and pushing him back slightly, but he held his ground.
"Not bad," Luke admitted, lowering his arm. "But you're gonna need a lot more juice if you want to slow me down."
Stane took to the air, hovering just above Luke as he unleashed another barrage of energy blasts. Luke weaved through them with surprising speed for a man of his size, each missed shot leaving scorch marks on the deck. As Stane descended for another attack, Luke grabbed a piece of broken metal debris and hurled it with incredible force.
The makeshift projectile slammed into Iron Patriot's chest, sending Stane spiraling through the air before he crashed into a nearby structure. Sparks flew from his armor as he scrambled to his feet.
"You're a tough one," Stane admitted, his voice dripping with irritation. "But I've got more tricks up my sleeve."
Panels on the Iron Patriot's shoulders opened, revealing two mini-guns that began to spin rapidly. Stane unleashed a hail of bullets, the deafening sound echoing across the deck. Luke sprinted forward, the bullets ricocheting harmlessly off his unbreakable skin.
Closing the gap, Luke leapt into the air and brought his fist down hard on Iron Patriot's shoulder, the impact denting the armor and sending Stane staggering. Luke didn't let up, following with a brutal uppercut to the chest that lifted the armored man off his feet and sent him crashing to the ground.
Stane groaned, his armor sparking as it struggled to compensate for the damage. "You're just… a brute!" he spat, pushing himself up.
Luke leaned down, grabbing the front of the armor and hauling Stane to his feet with ease. "You're not even fit to shine Stark's shoes," he said coldly. "That armor? It's just a crutch. You don't even know how to use it properly."
With a roar, Luke slammed Stane into the ground with enough force to leave a dent in the deck. The lights on the Iron Patriot suit flickered, and Stane groaned, his head lolling to the side as the armor's systems shut down.
Luke stepped back, rolling his shoulders as he glanced around the battlefield. "Another one down," he muttered, turning his attention to where his teammates were still fighting. "Let's finish this."
Amid the chaos, Albedo faced off against Blue Marvel. The towering hero floated just above the deck, his calm yet imposing demeanor a stark contrast to the destruction surrounding them. Energy crackled faintly around him, his mere presence radiating raw power. Albedo, now in his Feedback form, stood ready, his stance tense.
"You've made a mistake coming here," Blue Marvel said, his voice deep and steady. "You don't understand the forces you're up against."
Albedo narrowed his glowing green eyes, the tendrils on his Feedback form crackling with absorbed energy. "I've faced impossible odds before, and I'm still standing. Let's see if you're as invincible as you think."
Without another word, Blue Marvel moved, his speed staggering. He appeared in front of Albedo in an instant, his fist striking like a comet. Albedo managed to raise his arms, the impact of the punch sending him skidding across the deck. Feedback's energy-absorbing abilities dampened some of the blow, but it was clear he couldn't rely on raw strength alone.
"You're strong," Albedo admitted, his voice slightly strained as he stood up. "But you're predictable."
Blue Marvel didn't respond. He dashed forward again, unleashing another devastating strike. This time, Albedo transformed mid-motion, his form shimmering as he became Cannonbolt. He curled into a ball just in time, the punch sending him rolling back but leaving him unscathed.
Cannonbolt uncurled, launching himself toward Blue Marvel like a wrecking ball. Blue Marvel braced himself, catching the impact and holding Cannonbolt mid-air. The raw strength on display was staggering as Blue Marvel swung Albedo around and hurled him into a nearby structure, the metal crumpling under the force.
Albedo groaned, shifting back to his base form momentarily to regain his footing. "Okay, strong and fast. Noted."
Blue Marvel advanced, his calm demeanor unshaken. "You're outmatched. Surrender."
Albedo smirked, his body shifting again, this time into Megawatt. The small, electrified alien zipped around Blue Marvel, firing concentrated blasts of energy. Blue Marvel raised a glowing hand, deflecting most of the attacks, but the rapid movements and unpredictable angles forced him to stay on the defensive.
"You're annoying," Blue Marvel said, his tone still calm but with a hint of irritation.
"Part of the charm," Albedo quipped, darting out of reach before transforming again, this time into Ghostfreak. His ghostly form phased through Blue Marvel's next attack, reappearing behind him.
Blue Marvel turned quickly, unleashing a powerful energy wave. Albedo shifted into Chromastone just in time, the alien absorbing the blast and redirecting it back at Blue Marvel. The counterattack caught Blue Marvel off guard, sending him stumbling.
"That's the thing about me," Albedo said, his voice steady. "I'm not just one thing. I'm everything you don't expect."
Blue Marvel recovered quickly, his energy flaring as he charged again. Albedo shifted rapidly between forms—XLR8 to dodge, Swampfire to entangle, and finally Feedback to absorb another energy blast. Each transformation was precise, each movement calculated to keep Blue Marvel guessing.
But Blue Marvel's raw power was relentless. He broke free of Swampfire's vines with ease, closed the distance with XLR8's speed, and forced Feedback to retreat under the sheer force of his energy. Albedo gritted his teeth, realizing he couldn't keep this up forever.
Then an idea struck him.
Transforming into Echo Echo, Albedo created a swarm of duplicates, each one darting around Blue Marvel and unleashing deafening sonic waves. The disorienting barrage forced Blue Marvel to falter, his hands clutching his ears as he struggled to maintain focus.
As Blue Marvel staggered, Albedo shifted one final time—into Humungousaur. The towering alien seized the opportunity, charging forward and delivering a devastating punch to Blue Marvel's midsection. The blow sent the hero sprawling across the deck, his energy faltering.
Blue Marvel groaned, trying to push himself up, but Albedo was already standing over him, his form shifting back to his base state. "You're strong," Albedo said, breathing heavily. "But you rely on that strength too much. Sometimes, strategy beats power."
Blue Marvel slumped to the ground, unconscious. Albedo straightened, his body aching from the intense fight. He glanced around the battlefield, his focus shifting to his teammates. The fight wasn't over yet, but one more threat was down.
Scarlet Spider and Winter Soldier moved in sync across the Helicarrier deck, their precise strikes and expert coordination cutting through the wave of SHIELD soldiers that poured onto the battlefield. The soldiers came armed to the teeth, firing advanced weaponry designed to subdue even the most dangerous of enhanced beings. But against the combined skill of the two warriors, they were quickly outmatched.
Scarlet Spider leapt into the fray, his claws glinting in the dim light as he disarmed one soldier with a quick swipe and webbed another's weapon, yanking it out of their hands. He somersaulted over a third, landing a devastating kick to their chest that sent them crashing into a stack of crates.
"Too slow!" Scarlet quipped, flipping out of the way of incoming energy blasts. "Is this seriously all SHIELD has to offer?"
Winter Soldier, meanwhile, was a methodical force of precision and efficiency. His cybernetic arm deflected a barrage of bullets as he closed the distance to a cluster of soldiers. He disarmed one with a swift kick, slammed another to the ground with a brutal shoulder check, and used the fallen soldier's weapon to take out a third with a single shot.
"Focus, Kaine," Winter Soldier growled, his tone sharp but calm. "They're stalling us."
Scarlet Spider nodded, his web-shooters firing in rapid succession to entangle another group of soldiers. "Yeah, I noticed. They're trying to buy time for reinforcements."
"Not if we stop them first," Winter Soldier said. He scanned the battlefield, his sharp eyes locking onto the entrance where more SHIELD troops were pouring onto the deck.
"We need to seal that entrance," he said firmly, glancing at Scarlet Spider. "Can you rig something up?"
Scarlet Spider grinned beneath his mask. "Way ahead of you, old man."
With a flick of his wrist, Scarlet Spider launched a series of webs at the structural supports near the entrance. He darted across the deck, webbing key points while dodging incoming fire. Winter Soldier provided cover, his marksmanship precise as he took down any soldiers aiming for Scarlet.
"Almost done!" Scarlet shouted, finishing the last of the webbing. "But this isn't gonna hold for long. We need something with a little more… boom."
Winter Soldier smirked, reaching into his belt and pulling out a small explosive device. "I've got just the thing."
Scarlet Spider swung back to his side as Winter Soldier primed the device and hurled it toward the entrance. The explosive latched onto the structure, its timer counting down rapidly. "Fire in the hole!" Winter Soldier called out, grabbing Scarlet by the arm and pulling him back.
The explosion was deafening, the shockwave shaking the deck as the entrance collapsed in a cascade of twisted metal and debris. The path to the deck was sealed, cutting off any further reinforcements.
Scarlet Spider dusted off his hands, his tone light despite the chaos. "Well, that's one way to do it."
Winter Soldier shot him a dry look. "Effective is effective."
They turned their attention back to the battlefield, where their teammates continued to clash with the remaining Avengers. The odds were still stacked against them, but with no more reinforcements coming, they had a fighting chance. Scarlet Spider and Winter Soldier exchanged a brief nod before diving back into the fight, ready to hold the line.
The battlefield on the Helicarrier deck erupted into even greater chaos as Polaris was sent flying across the deck, crashing into the metal surface with a pained groan. Her magnetic energy flickered faintly around her as she struggled to rise, clearly overpowered by someone—or something.
"Lorna!" Jean Grey shouted, starting toward her fallen ally, but stopped abruptly as a figure descended onto the deck.
Magneto.
His imposing form hovered above the battlefield, his crimson cape billowing as he descended with a cold, calculating expression. The Master of Magnetism landed gracefully, his piercing gaze sweeping across the carnage. Polaris looked up at him with a mixture of shock and pain.
"Father…" she murmured weakly.
Magneto's voice cut through the noise, calm but filled with an unmistakable authority. "I warned you, Lorna. I told you not to stray into this madness." His gaze turned to the rest of the group, his eyes narrowing as they settled on Albedo. "And you. You've been meddling in things you do not understand."
Albedo, still in his base form, stepped forward cautiously. He wiped blood from his lip, his exhaustion evident but his resolve unwavering. "Magneto. I was hoping we'd meet under better circumstances."
Magneto's gaze hardened. "Spare me your diplomacy. You've broken into SHIELD's most secure facility, disrupted its operations, and endangered my people. Give me one reason I shouldn't end this now."
Polaris tried to stand, but Magneto gestured, and the metal beneath her seemed to hold her gently in place. "Stay, Lorna. You've already embarrassed yourself enough."
Albedo clenched his fists, his mind racing. Magneto wasn't here to play games. If he didn't handle this right, the situation could spiral out of control.
"I came here to expose the truth," Albedo said firmly, holding Magneto's intense gaze. "The Maker has been lying to you. Manipulating you. Everything he's built, everything he's promised, is a lie."
Magneto raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp. "You expect me to believe the word of an invader?"
Albedo reached into his suit, activating the small device containing the data they had just stolen. The holographic projector whirred to life, displaying a series of files and videos in midair. "Don't believe my words. Believe the evidence."
The images flickered to life: surveillance footage of meetings between The Maker and high-ranking SHIELD officials, documents detailing experiments on mutants, and—most damningly—personal files on Magneto himself. They showed detailed plans of The Maker's manipulations, from his calculated decision to save a young Magneto to his orchestration of events that forced mutants under SHIELD's control. It also revealed falsified records about Magneto's family, including lies about Lorna and Wanda's fates, designed to keep Magneto loyal.
Magneto's expression shifted as he watched, his face a mask of controlled fury. "Wanda… Pietro…" he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling slightly. He clenched his fists, and the air around him grew heavy with magnetic energy, the deck beneath them groaning under the strain.
Polaris looked up at him, her voice weak but desperate. "Father, please… this isn't just about you. It's all of us. He's been using us."
For a moment, it seemed Magneto might strike Albedo down in his rage. His eyes burned with a fury that could have torn the Helicarrier apart. But then he turned his back, facing the horizon as he struggled to contain himself.
"You've brought chaos to my doorstep," Magneto said, his voice cold but quieter now. "But you've also brought the truth."
He turned back to Albedo, his expression grim but resolute. "You and your… group may leave. This once."
"Magneto," Albedo began, but the Master of Magnetism raised a hand to silence him.
"Don't mistake this for an alliance," Magneto said. "You've exposed the Maker's treachery, but you have yet to earn my trust. For now, take your people and go. And pray we don't meet again under less favorable circumstances."
With a wave of his hand, Magneto manipulated the magnetic field around the Helicarrier, creating a clear path for the group to retreat. Albedo nodded, gesturing for his team to move quickly.
As they regrouped and made their escape, Albedo glanced back at Magneto one last time. The Master of Magnetism stood alone on the deck, his shoulders heavy with a mix of anger and grief.
For now, they were free. But Albedo knew this victory was only the beginning.
Back in the New York Sanctum, Albedo and his team gathered around the central holographic display. The room was dimly lit, the glow of the screen illuminating their faces as the information stolen from the Helicarrier was uploaded to public servers and sent to every major news outlet in the world. It was out of their hands now, delivered to the world for judgment.
The data spread like wildfire. Broadcasts from every major network lit up with headlines: "SHIELD EXPOSED: EVIDENCE OF MANIPULATION AND MUTANT EXPERIMENTATION," and "NEW EVIDENCE CHALLENGES MAKER'S LEGACY."
Albedo leaned back in his chair, his crimson eyes scanning the various news feeds. The footage and documents detailing SHIELD's experiments, the manipulation of Magneto, and the tampering with mutant lives were now public knowledge. People everywhere were reacting—some with shock, others with skepticism.
"This is it," Jean said, her voice quiet but tense. "We've shaken the foundation."
Luke Cage crossed his arms, his tone skeptical. "Maybe, but don't underestimate the Maker. He's had years to build his image. People love him."
Scarlet Spider leaned against a wall, his mask rolled up to reveal a thoughtful expression. "Love only goes so far when the truth starts hitting home."
Albedo stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the screen. Despite the apparent victory, a nagging feeling gnawed at the back of his mind. This was only one step, and he knew the Maker wouldn't let this go unanswered.
Hours later, the team gathered in the Sanctum's main hall, where a large screen projected a live broadcast from the United Nations. The Maker was at the center of attention, standing tall and confident behind a podium. The room was packed with representatives from every corner of the globe, their expressions ranging from anger to unease.
The footage Albedo had leaked was being discussed openly. Clips of the experiments, the manipulations, and even SHIELD's ties to the Maker played on screens around the chamber. A cacophony of voices filled the room, representatives demanding answers and accountability.
The Maker raised a hand, and the room slowly quieted. His expression was calm, almost serene, as if he had expected this all along.
"I understand your concerns," the Maker began, his voice steady and measured. "The information you've seen today is troubling, to say the least. But I assure you, there is an explanation."
Albedo's hands clenched into fists as he watched, his frustration mounting. "He's too calm," he muttered. "He had to have known this was coming."
The Maker continued, addressing the assembly with the air of a man who had nothing to hide. "Much of what you've seen today is being taken out of context. Yes, there were experiments—painful choices made during desperate times. But these measures were taken to protect our world, to ensure our survival in the face of unimaginable threats."
He gestured to the representatives, his tone turning somber. "We live in a world of gods, monsters, and forces beyond our comprehension. Every decision I've made, every action taken, has been to keep humanity safe. And while I regret the sacrifices that had to be made, I will not apologize for protecting billions of lives."
The room murmured, the mood shifting as some representatives nodded in reluctant agreement. The Maker pressed on, his voice growing firmer.
"As for the claims of manipulation," he said, turning his attention to the footage of Magneto and the mutants, "I can only say this: Mutants have always been a critical part of our world's safety. My actions have been to unite them under a single cause, to ensure their strength is directed toward protecting humanity—not destroying it."
The camera panned across the room, showing divided reactions. Some delegates seemed swayed, while others remained skeptical.
Jean's hands curled into fists as she watched. "He's turning it around. He's making it seem like everything he did was justified."
Polaris, standing off to the side, shook her head in disbelief. "Even with the truth staring them in the face, people still want to believe in him."
The Maker finished his speech with a confident flourish. "We face unprecedented challenges in this world, and I will continue to do what is necessary to keep us safe. I welcome an investigation into these allegations, and I promise full transparency. But I will not stand by while my work to protect humanity is undermined by those who seek to divide us."
The room erupted into applause from some sections, while others remained silent or whispered among themselves. The broadcast cut to commentary from political analysts, many already spinning the Maker's words in his favor.
Albedo turned off the feed, his jaw tight with frustration. The room was silent for a moment before Luke Cage broke it.
"Well," Luke said, his voice low, "that went about as bad as it could've."
Albedo stood, his expression unreadable. "He's bought himself time," he said quietly. "But the cracks are there. We just have to widen them."
The team exchanged uneasy glances. The Maker had dodged the bullet for now, but the fight was far from over. Albedo's resolve hardened—he wouldn't let this setback stop them. If anything, it only made their mission clearer.