The pair and the Conscious X-Men turned to see Hawkeye stumbling out from a corner, a limping Carol Danvers, with one arm draped over his shoulders for support as he helped her move down the street.
"We setting up another medical shelter here?" The Archer quipped as he and Carol hobbled over to them. He looked over the two unconscious mutants, winching at the sight of Iceman. "Sheesh, we're dropping like flies."
Captain America was familiar with the Markman's witty humour. Usually, making quips and jokes in dire situations to break up the tension and cope with the events. Ben does the same; only in this case can he hear the slight crack in the Archer's voice.
"They're alive. That's what matters." Captain America stated in an attempt to ease the Archer's worries.
Hawkeye seemed to relax slightly as he sat Carol next to Storm and Iceman. She hissed in pain as she was placed on the ground.
"What's the damage?" Iron Man asked.
"Just some bruising," Carol admitted. "I'll be fine if I can just absorb some energy."
"Don't suppose you wanna let the little lady borrow some of yours, Stark?" Hawkeye asked with a slight grin.
This earned a deadpanned look from the Armored Avenger's expressionless faceplate.
An explosion grabbed everyone's attention as they could hear the Hulk roaring, coupled with the Phoenix Force cries and flashes of thunder and lightning.
"Looks like Hulk and Thor are taking care of business," Hawkeye said with a small smile.
"Don't get yer hopes up, Robin Hood." Wolverine snarked at him. "Ol Firebird took a hit from Goldilocks, Storm and Iceman all at once and barely gave it a headache."
The Archer looked down at the X-Men in question. His time at SHIELD provided him with some info the spy agency managed to collect on the members of the X-Men. Mainly to keep an eye on potential threats. As Fury always reminded, 'an ally is your ally right up until he's not.'
Storm was listed as a powerful mutant. Iceman, on the other hand, didn't fit into that category. At least by SHIELD standards, he had not demonstrated anything that would warrant an update into the Omega-Level threat category.
Despite that, Storm and Thor saw fit to put this kid on the front lines.
Hawkeye shook his head in disappointment.
"Yeah, but now that Hawkeye ticked off Hulk. They should have a better shot. Right?" Carol asked from her seat.
Both Captain America and Iron Man turned to Hawkeye with shocked expressions. Hawkeye didn't meet their gaze as he could already tell what they were going to say.
"What did you do?" Captain America questioned the Archer. Sounding more like an interrogator.
One look from those eyes and years of counterintelligence training went out the window faster than a Teenage boy when his girlfriend's parents come home.
"We needed every advantage we could get." He stated, with a grim tone. "Hulk is one of our biggest guns. So I did what I needed to do to make him cut loose."
The Super Soldier narrowed his eyes at the Archer. "You turned your teammate into a weapon and aimed him at the enemy."
"I did what I had to." Hawkeye shot back at Cap's accusation. "That thing is gonna end the world, so I'll do whatever is necessary to do it."
"That's not how we do things, Clint. We are Avengers, we work together, we don't use each other."
Hawkeye glared at the Star-Spangled Hero as the pair locked eyes, neither side backing down.
"I made a call that has a better chance of us living to see tomorrow, Cap. You'd have made the same choice." The Archer spat at him.
"I wouldn't use my fellow soldiers as pawns like that." Cap defended.
A chuckle from behind him almost broke his stare down as Wolverine stepped forward. "Nah, you'd be the one ta do the sacrificin. Aye, Boy Scout?"
The clawed Mutant then got in between the two as he glanced at both sides. "Point is, it don't matter who did what. Only choices we need to be makin are the ones that'll let us see tomorrow."
"He's right," Carol said as she forced herself to her feet. Hissing as she clenched her teeth and held her ribs. "We can't be arguing about these things. We need to act."
"You can barely stand." Hawkeye pointed out. "What are you planning to do?"
Carol glared at the Archer. "I told you. I just need to absorb some power, and I'll be fine."
Hawkeye clenched his jaw. He didn't like the idea of her getting back into the fight. But he's seen her in action; she easily classifies as one of the big guns, and he made a whole big deal about putting everything on the line.
He was already gonna have trouble sleeping tonight. Why not add another chip to his conscience?
Looking up at the sky. Lighting flashed across the skyline, with arcs streaking down and striking the tops of a few buildings. That's when an idea formed in his head.
Pulling out a grapple arrow, Hawkeye reached into the base, yanked out the end of the cable, and walked over to Carol.
"Here." He said, handing her the end. The Young Agents looked at him in confusion but obliged. "Don't let go of that." He said, as he stood back and notched the arrow.
Aiming straight up, Hawkeye fired the arrow into the sky, the cable trailing behind it as it climbed higher and higher, shooting past the skyline.
Thunder cracked as lightning flashed across the sky. A bolt struck the arrow, and electricity streamed down the metal cable until it reached Carol.
The Blonde Agent felt a rush of power flow into her as the mystical lighting enveloped her. Her body glowed with a yellow aura, and her eyes turned white with power as she charged up. Her golden blonde hair sparkled as it flowed in the wind from the surge.
When the lightning stopped, Carol dropped the cable as she floated off the ground, her body radiating energy as she clenched her fists. Her body fully healed, and there was no sign of injury on her flawless skin.
"Now that's what I'm talking about." She flexed her muscles as she felt the power coursing through her.
"Head up and provide support to Thor and Hulk." Captain America ordered. "We'll keep things contained down here."
"Ya may need some backup." Rogue offered. "I'd be happy ta lend a hand if ya lend me yours?" She offered her hand to the Kree hybrid.
Carol took one look at her and shot the Mutant a glare. "Sorry, but the only time I dish out my energy is when I'm blasting bad guys. Unless you wanna be on my hitlist, that's a hard pass."
Rogue smirked as she shrugged. "That's fine. Ah can always ask Ben for a little somthin, somthin."
The vein in Carol's head suddenly flared up as her aura took on a menacing glow.
"I'd ask if you have a death wish. But seeing how we're all still in this fight, I don't really have a leg to stand on." Hawkeye said sarcastically.
Rogue chuckled as she held her hands in a placating manner. "Just a little light tasing, Darlin. Don't think none of it."
The glow died down slightly as Carol turned her attention to the fight. But, before she could make a move, the top of the building next to them exploded.
The heroes looked up to see Thor and Hulk as they battled the Phoenix above them. Hulk was perched on the Cosmic Entity's back. Gripping its flaming feathers, his glowing gamma fist pounded against the firebird, each strike causing shockwaves that shook the heavens.
Thor circled around, getting in front of the Firebird, before launching Mjolnir at the Phoenix's chest, aiming right for the Stepford Cuckoos.
The girls' eyes glow as they hold out their hands in unison. Just before Mjolnir could hit them, the hammer froze in place.
Thor's eyes widen as he tries to call his hammer back to him. The mystical weapon vibrates as the two opposing forces pull on it.
The Phoenix lowers its head, and its eyes glow, just like the girls'. A pulse of psychic energy erupts from the Firebird, and the Hulk is blown off and suspended in the air under the girls' telekinetic control.
The rageful Hulk wildly thrashed around like a feral beast as he flew around the Phoenix Force as if trapped in its orbit.
Seeing his teammate in trouble, Thor tried to help as he flew towards the Phoenix, reaching out his hand for his hammer.
But, before he could reach it, the Phoenix suddenly grabbed him with its flaming talons. The fire burned his normally invulnerable skin as it squeezed him in its grip.
It then tossed Thor to the ground below while telekinetically throwing Hulk across the skyline, sending him crashing into the roof of a skyscraper, collapsing the structure and burying him in rubble.
The Avengers and X-Men on the ground retreated down the street as Thor crashed into the ground like a meteor. Kicking up dust and debris creates a crater from the force of the impact.
Thor groaned from the crater. He pushed himself up, digging his fingers into the pavement as he lifted his head. A few feet away lay Mjolnir. The hammer landed just outside the rim of his crater.
Groggily, Thor dragged himself over to his hammer and reached for it. His fingers brushed the Uru metal.
Suddenly, Thor felt a warmth hit his back. He didn't even have a second to register it before a scorching column of fire shot down and blasted Thor. The Prince of Asgard's screams could be heard as the Phoenix unleashed the inferno from its beak.
The gathered heroes had to shield their eyes and face from the intensity of the flames. It felt like they were standing next to the sun.
When the beam of fire eventually ceased, Captain America was the first to lower his guard, and a look of shock was etched into his face.
Where Thor once lay was now a smouldering hole in the earth. The rubble glowed red from the heat.
Rushing over, he searched for any sign of the Thunderer. But, all he found was a tunnel. Carved into the ground, going for miles, to the point where he couldn't see the bottom. The heat could be playing tricks on his eyes as he could've sworn he could make out a faint glow, emanating from the base. As if he was looking at the Earth's core.
A feral roar drew his attention, along with the others, as they turned to see Hulk burst from the rubble. His veins pulsated with gamma energy as he glared at the Phoenix Force. The Cosmic Entity met his intensity as its body flared, like a pair of animals trying to intimidate each other. The Gamma Giant and Cosmic Entity stared each other down, snarling at each other.
Suddenly, the Hulk let out one final battle cry as he launched himself at the Phoenix Force. In response, the Firebird opened its wings and unleashed an enormous blast of cosmic fire that surged towards the Hulk.
From their position on the ground, it looked as though the entire sky had been set ablaze.
Hulk met the inferno head-on, and the hero's collective breaths hitched. They could faintly make out a green comet fighting against the blazing tide. Only for it to grow slower and slower. Losing its velocity and growing dimmer.
Finally, it stopped mid-air, and the flames subsided. For a brief moment, all the heroes could see was a dark, smoking mass floating above the city. Then, it fell from the sky and crashed on the other end of the block, making a faint thud as it landed.
With baited breaths, the assembled heroes rushed to the smoking form and gasped at what they saw.
Before them lay the charred form of the Hulk. His body looked frail and shrivelled, as the skin and muscles were all burnt away, and what remained was scorched black like charcoal.
Faint green lines glowed faintly from the body, growing weaker and weaker as they could make out a faint wheezing that distinguished itself from the sound of sizzling flesh.
Wolverine moved closer to the body and inspected the head. Like the rest of him, the skin and flesh had all been burnt away, as it was essentially a skull. Air wheezed through the teeth as the faint green glow of his eyes grew dim. Until the light faded, leaving a pair of normal green eyes.
The body twitched as the chest rose and fell. Despite the glow fading, the body continued to breathe.
Upon closer inspection, Wolverine saw some movement as muscles slowly grew back and knit together. A flap of skin formed across both eyes, and the teeth separated to allow a deep inhale as the air was pulled into the body before exhaling.
A slight grin appeared in the corner of the Clawed Mutant mouth as he stood and faced the group.
"He's still kickin." He informed them.
A sigh of relief escaped everyone's lips. Even those who didn't realise they were holding their breaths.
Iron Man looked down at the Hulk's charred body with his scanners. "He's healing. But slowly."
"Meaning we can't rely on his help any time soon," Wolverine concluded.
Worry quickly returned to everyone's faces as a sharp cry caused them all to turn around and face the sky.
A beat of its flaming wings sent a wave of heat through the city streets. The Heroes looked up in horror as the Phoenix Forces' burning eyes fixed on them.
The heroes froze. They witnessed this Entity tear apart their strongest members one by one, whittling their numbers down until they were all that was left.
Hawkeye gulped. But his mouth and throat were so dry, he practically swallowed scorching air. His hands trembled as his bow threatened to drop from his hands.
Iron Man, for the first time since his imprisonment in the caves, wished he was not in the suit. Despite his attempt to plan for every outcome and prepare for any potential threat. This was something he had no hope of predicting. His brilliant mind was useless in the face of this primordial force of nature.
Wolverine lived many lifetimes, fought in countless battles and faced terrors no man could ever hope to comprehend. But against this, he felt utterly useless. He could only pray that Charles would forgive him. He tried his best, but it wasn't good enough. He wasn't good enough.
Rogue could barely stop herself from shaking. She spent most of her life putting a barrier between herself and everyone else. Longing to be able to connect with someone. She committed many sins in her past. She only wished she could've made amends before the end.
A warm pressure gripped her hand as she saw Nightcrawler holding her hand. The Blue Demon had his right hand close to his chest, while his left held her hand. She could see him gripping a rosary that he wore around his neck. Usually tucked under his suit, but now he's pulled it out as he whispered a prayer.
Carol wanted to move. But, like the others, she found herself frozen in fear. She could absorb energy to make her stronger. She's trained so hard to use that strength to make the world a better place. So she could stand as equal to the world's greatest heroes. To stand side by side with Ben…
But, this thing, is power incarnate. Next to it, she's a paper lantern next to a nuclear reactor. She wished Ben was here. Just so she could hold him one last time.
Captain America woke up to a world so different from his own that he may as well be an alien. He's met gods, monsters, creatures from other worlds, beings from the future, and travelled to the stars. In just under a year, he's experienced more than most men of his generation would experience in a lifetime.
However, despite everything, one thing remained the same. His duty to defend his country from those who would threaten innocent lives has not changed.
Looking away from the Phoenix and down to the city before him. Across the destruction, through the smoke and flames, across the bay, Lady Liberty stood tall and proud. Her torch still held aloft as she welcomed those from across the sea to the land of opportunity.
Throughout it all, she never wavered in the face of this threat. If she can, then the Sentinel of Liberty will, too.
The Super Soldier stood tall in front of the others and marched forward. His fear was put to rest as he reached down and tightened the straps of his shield.
He said no words, but he was heard loud and clear as the heroes followed his lead one by one. Marching behind him, united as one.
Flapping its wings, the Phoenix Force cried out as its body flared.
Captain America raised his shield, Wolverine unsheathed his claws, Hawkeye drew his arrows, Iron Man raised his repulsors, Nightcrawler crouched down, Rogue raised her fists, and Carol aimed her hands as they all prepared for what would be their final stand.
Suddenly, a beam of green energy blasted from the sky and struck the Phoenix Force in the back.
The energy didn't seem to phase the Cosmic Entity, but it did cause the Firebird to turn around to see who dared attack it.
A green flash of light illuminated the sky as the heroes all looked up to see a yellow sphere drop down from the sky like a meteor.
A grin appeared on Carol's face as Cannonbolt slammed into the Phoenix Force, knocking it out of the sky and sending both crashing into the streets a few blocks from them.
Captain America lowered his shield with a smile of his own as the Alien Teen launched himself from the impact side and bounced towards them before uncurling and turning back to human.
"Someone order a hero?" He presented his arms with his usual cocky grin.
Carol quickly flew over and hugged him, relieved to see him alive. The others promptly joined to greet the Teen Avenger.
"Nice ya finally showed up, kid," Wolverine said as he crossed his arms.
"Took you long enough." Hawkeye berated as he checked his arrows. "What happened? Go for a smoothie run?"
Ben chuckled as he shook his head. "Nah, none of the stores were open. Apparently people get the day off when the world's coming to an end."
The Archer scoffed as he shook his head. Yet, for some reason, the Young Heroes chipper attitude put him at ease. Mainly because he knew that meant the kid had a plan.
"You seem oddly relaxed. Thought you would be freaking out with the weight of the world on you." Iron Man stated. "Hope that means what I think it means."
"Yep. We have a plan."
"We? You mean Jean?" Wolverine asked, his face perking up.
Ben nodded. "Jean, Scott, Laura and Emma are on their way. We have a plan to stop this thing, but it's gonna be cutting things close."
"That's our bread and butter at this point," Hawkeye remarked. "So what is your plan."
Ben grinned as he rubbed his hands together as he prepared to lay down the details. "Ok, so…."
Suddenly, a geyser of fire erupted from the ground, blasting towards the sky before forming together to form the Phoenix Force. Its eyes fixed on Ben, with divine wrath. Making the Teen Hero gulp as a cold sweat ran down his brow.
Shaking it off, Ben quickly turned back to the group. "Ok, abridged version. Heavy Hitters hit her hard, hit her fast and keep hitting until I say otherwise. Everyone else, head for the hills and be on standby."
"That last one is a contradiction." Hawkeye pointed out as the Teen started to run.
"Don't care, saving the world here!" Ben called out as he activated the Ultimatrix and slammed the dial down.
"HEATBLAST!"
The Fire Alien generated a fire comet under his feet, and he rode like a skateboard into the sky.
He was soon joined by Iron Man and Carol, who flew alongside him like an escort.
"Not that I don't appreciate the straightforwardness of your plan, Ben. But, I'm gonna need a little more of this plan. You do have one, right?" Iron Man asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
The Young Avenger understood the Billionaire's scepticism. After all, the fate of the world is in the balance, and something like a vague plan of attack isn't gonna be enough to ease someone like Iron Man's mind.
Heatblast turned to the Armored Avenger as they flew down the street. "We need to weaken the Phoenix."
"We've been trying," Carol interjected. "We hit it with everything we got. It just keeps coming back and somehow getting stronger."
"I didn't mean by actually hurting it." Heatblast clarified. "It's a being of pure energy; the actual entity can't be hurt. But it needs a host to survive."
Carol's eyes widened, as did Iron Man's from behind his mask. As both pieced together what the Alien Teen was getting at.
"So, we need to take out the girls." The SHIELD Agent stated.
"Not completely." Heatblast quickly added. "We just need to break their concentration so they can't pull its leash."
"If you were going for that. Maybe you should have picked a different alien." Iron Man pointed out. "I mean, I don't think fire vs fire is gonna be that effective here."
Heatblast smirked as he side-eyed the Billionaire. "Oh, I didn't choose him to hurt the Phoenix."
Suddenly, he shot forward, ahead of both heroes as he raised his hands. Iron Man and Carol looked forward just in time to see a massive fireball hurtling towards them.
The Fire Alien intercepted the blazing projectile and easily absorbed the flames. Causing his body to glow as he looked back at them.
"I chose him to shield you guys."
The Phoenix Force cried in outrage as it unleashed another blast of fire from its chest. Heatblast moved to intercept the blaze.
"I'll take the fire! You two hit it from the sides!" He ordered. He then collided with the beam of fire and started taking it in.
Carol and Iron Man quickly flew around either side of the Firebird. The Blonde Half-Kree fired her photon blasts, while Iron Man blasted repulsor rays along with a salvo of mini-missiles. Both attacks struck the Phoenix Force dead on. Energy beams pounded the flaming body while the missiles detonated across it.
But, those attacks didn't seem to affect the Phoenix at all. In fact, it didn't seem to notice them at all as it focused solely on Heatblast.
Something Carol was able to pick up on. Both the Phoenix and its five hosts had eyes trained on him. If the goal is to break their concentration. Then tunnel vision like this provides the perfect opportunity.
Dropping her photon beam, Carol focused her energy into her fists, causing them to glow brightly before she rocketed towards the Girls, cocking back her right fist and striking the Core with her full strength, sending out a shockwave that actually knocked the Firebird off balance.
The girls winched from the attack before they turned their attention to Carol. The girl closest to Carol aimed her left palm at her, and a blast of cosmic flames fired at her.
Acting on instinct, Carol quickly raised her hands to block and absorb the attack. The beam hit her, and the energy flowed into her body.
The Young Agent felt a surge of power surge through her body. Like the biggest hit of caffeine of her life, Carol felt so energised that her body and mind started buzzing. Her body glowed with power as she balled her fists, let out a battle cry, and fired a massive beam of photon energy at the Phoenix.
The blast knocked the Phoenix Force back, cutting off its attack on Heatblast and almost making it crash into Iron Man, had he not managed to avoid it.
"Hey, watch it!" Iron Man yelled at the Teen Girl.
A bashful expression appeared on Carol's face as she clasped her hands in embarrassment.
"Sorry!" She called out to him in a meek manner.
Heatblast chuckled as he flew over to her and patted her on the shoulder in reassurance. "Don't beat yourself up. That was a good shot."
"Thanks." She replied. "But I should be more aware of my surroundings."
"Worlds at stake. I think throwing a little causing to the wind can be forgiven." Heatblast chided.
Iron Man agreed as he flew over to them. "Yep. Especially since it paid off."
The Teens looked at him confused.
"What do you mean, Tony?" Heatblast asked, his curiosity peaked.
A cry of the Firebird drew their attention as the Phoenix charged right at them. Specifically aiming at the Ultimatrix Wielder.
Only for Carol to intercept it and slam her fist into its face. The power was enough to knock the Cosmic Entities head to the side and get it to focus on her. Carol quickly flew away, and the Phoenix force pursued her like a Hawk chasing a sparrow.
Leaving the two men to have a quick powwow.
"Ok, spill. What do you have, Tony?" Heatblast asked again.
"Hard to explain." Iron Man replied. He then pointed to the dial on his chest. "Got something in there that can see the flow of energy?"
Heatblast nodded as he tapped the dial.
"AMPFIBIAN!"
"Ok, what am I looking for?" The alien asked.
"Look at the Phoenix. Specifically, the girls." Iron Man ordered, which Ampfibian complied.
Focusing on the Stepford Cuckoos suspended inside the Living Inferno. Concentrating on the energy flow.
His vision became distorted and blurry. With everything moving so fast before his eyes, he couldn't properly focus on the energy.
So, he closed his eyes, removed the visual stimuli, and focused solely on the energy flowing around him.
At first, it started as a tingling sensation. But the images began to form in his mind. First, he picked up the flow of electrical energy from Tony's arc reactor; then, he picked up the electrical impulses coming off Tony's brain. Before he finally tracked down the massive flow of energy above him.
It was an incredible dance of energy that flowed like a raging hurricane. It seemed chaotic at first, but the more he focused on it, the more he could find the patterns and see a symphony of flowing power, not just electrical but heat, psionic, cosmic, gravitational, cosmic, and many others. Such a combination, in perfect harmony, was so beautiful it almost made him emotional.
But his awe is cut short when he suddenly notices something strange. The Phoenix's energy flow was practically perfect, save for this one anomaly in the centre of it. An area where the energy is suddenly altered. Like a river meeting a dam, the energy's natural flow was disrupted and redirected, flowing and circulating through five different points like a circuit before resuming its normal flow.
Picking up the electrical impulses from those five points, Ampfibian quickly realised that it was the Stepford Cuckoos. They were forming some kind of psychic chain that regulated the Phoenix's power to keep in control.
Opening his eyes, he turned to Iron Man with a surprised look. "The girls…" He started to say before Iron Man took up the reins.
"I picked up on a pattern in the energy flow concerning them. They're forming a Series Circuit. Sharing the energy between them in a closed circuit." While Ampfibian couldn't see his face. He could tell the Billionaire was smiling under that helmet. "But, the thing about Series Circuit is that…"
"They are a linked chain. Break one of the links, and the whole circuit collapses." Ampfibian finished, interrupting Iron Man.
"… Yes." Iron Man said dejectedly. His thunder was promptly stolen by the Teen Shapeshifter.
"Now that you mention it. When I was Heatblast, I did feel that Phoenix Force power got weaker when Carol distracted one of the girls."
"Meaning we divide their attention, we can break their control." Iron Man stated.
Ampfibian thought for a moment as he looked up at the Living Inferno as it chased Carol after she blasted it with another photon beam.
"I can keep its attention on me while you and Carol hammer it from the sides. Use everything you got." He suggested.
Iron Man nodded. "Should be easy. They seem to like you."
"I was connected to them earlier, through a psychic link." The Alien Teen explained. "Seems like I made an impression. Which works for me, 'cause that means they'll likely target me more than anyone."
"As good a plan as any. Let's get it done." Iron Man said as he readied his weapons.
The Alien Avenger nodded as he reached for the dial. "Time to bring out the big guns."
He tapped the dial, and in a flash of green light, Gravattack appeared before him. The Planetoid Alien compacted into his sphere form, floated down to the closest building, and turned back to his base form.
"Now to clip this bird's wings." He raised his hands, and gravitational energy surrounded them.
In the air, the Phoenix Force flight path suddenly faltered. Struggling to remain airborne as if some unseen weight had landed on its back.
The Cosmic Entity flapped its wings to gain altitude, but it continued to be pulled down. Even its flames were flowing towards the earth. It cried out in protest as it fought against the power acting upon it.
Carol turned to see the commotion, and a confused look appeared on her face, wondering what would cause the Firebird to suddenly act so erratically.
That's when she noticed the large Alien on the top of a nearby skyscraper, and she quickly put two and two together.
Wasting no time, she moved to engage the Phoenix, her fists glowing with energy.
Back with Gravattack, he started to struggle as he fought against the Phoenix Force. He focused on increasing the gravity around the Phoenix to pin it down and get the girls to exert themselves to tire them out.
But the Ancient Force proved to be a lot stronger as it continued to fight against him. Pushing back against the Alien's gravitational field and overpowering it the more he increased the force.
Even with all this strain, Gravattack would not give up. He poured on the G's with everything he's got. Determined to hold that Firebird in place no matter what. His arms started to shake from the strain like he was trying to keep a door closed against a tidal wave.
"Just a little more." He thought. "Just a little more power and this will work. I got this."
He increased the intensity once more, completely unaware of the shaking under his feet or of the wind rushing past him and the debris and vehicles flying towards the Phoenix Force.
"Ben, stop!" Iron Man suddenly yelled, catching the Teen's attention as he looked up at the Armored Hero.
Iron Man was using his thrusters to resist the pull that Gravattack was generating, as if he were fighting an invisible tide.
"You're putting too much mass in that area. The gravitational field you're generating, any higher, and you risk making a black hole."
Gravattack's eyes widened as he backed off the G's, and the pressure ceased. The Phoenix Force immediately broke free and rose into the sky so fast that Carol was knocked aside like a fly.
It turned its eyes on Gravattack and made a beeline for him. Swooping down like a bird of prey after spotting a mouse.
The Alien Teen responded by increasing gravity around the Phoenix, causing it to drop below him, smashing into the building and cutting through it like melted butter. The top of the building started crumbling as Gravattack quickly turned into his planetoid form and flew away with Iron Man.
"Well, this just keeps getting better." Iron Man complained. "At this rate, the only thing that could stop this thing would be a black hole."
It's ironic. The only way to stop this is to take themselves out as well. They fought to save the world the entire night, but now it looks like all roads lead to doom at this point.
Gravattack thought for a moment as he tried to think of another way. Gravattack seemed to be his best bet. Using a fundamental force of reality against an Ancient Being as old as reality seemed like a good idea. It was effective when Graviton used it. Ever since that fight, Ben has trained diligently with Gravattack to try to match that kind of power.
But it seems all his training wasn't enough. At least for his current level.
A giant smirk appeared on his stony face.
"You want a Black Hole? Let's give it one."
Before Iron Man could shout in protest, Gravattack uncurled his body and taped the Ultimatrix dial on his forehead. Four spikes popped out, and a green energy wave washed over him.
His size increased as his skin crust became more jagged, with stone crests and peaks forming across his upper body. His legs disappeared, and his arms grew longer and bulkier. Finally, three small orbs broke away from his body and started orbiting around him. Each orb had its own face, similar to Gravattack's original.
"ULTIMATE GRAVATTACK!" The alien cried out.
The Ultimate Alien swiftly turned to the Phoenix Force as it swooped at the pair and unleashed a torrent of cosmic fire at them.
Ult Gravattack immediately put his hands in front of him, cupping them like he was holding an invisible ball. His three little moons circled his hands in a clockwise direction, moving faster and faster as gravity increased in the alien's hands.
Iron Man's HUD started flashing warning signs of the shift in atmospheric pressure and gravitational anomaly as the beam of fire grew closer.
The Armored Avengers eyes widened as a black hole suddenly tore open in the Planet alien's hands. A black void of concentrated gravitational mass.
Immediately the Flames of the Phoenix were sucked in as the black hole absorbed the attack like a vacuum.
Iron Man was shocked. Not only did the Alien Shapeshifter willingly create a singularity within Earth's atmosphere, but he's actually containing and focusing it. The black hole was only sucking in the flames of the Phoenix Force, while leaving everything else unaffected.
At this proximity, Iron Man should've been sucked into the event horizon almost instantly. But he wasn't cause Ultimate Gravattack had complete control over the gravitational field.
Once the Phoenix stopped its attack, the Evolved Alien clenched his fists, and the black hole dissipated like nothing had happened.
Ultimate Gravattack gave a cocky grin. "Oh yeah! Who's bad!?" He shouted in clear defiance of the Phoenix Force.
"Ben… You just created a black hole like it was nothing." The Armored Hero stated. There was a mixture of shock and awe in his voice.
Ultimate Gravattack turned to the Billionaire, and his grin grew even more sly. "You ain't seen nothing yet."
He then aimed his hands at the Phoenix again. His moons started rotating, only this time, spinning counterclockwise as the Evolved Alien focused his power.
The Cosmic Entity glared at the Alien Avenger and dived at his again. Its speed increased as it opened its beak like it intended to swallow him like a worm.
Energy glowed in the Planet Alien's hands as he aimed as the moons spun around him more intensely.
Just then, Carol appeared right in front of the Firebird, blasting a photon beam at full blast, striking the Phoenix in an attempt to gain its attention.
Ultimate Gravattacks eyes widened upon seeing her as he screamed. "CAROL MOVE!"
The Half Kree turned to face him, seeing the energy building in his hands. Her instincts kicked in as she dropped down.
A second later, Ultimate Gravattack fired. A beam of pure white energy erupted from his hands, tearing through the air like a lance of light.
The beam cut through the air so fast that Carol barely avoided it. Her fingertips grazed the beam's edge as it cut above her as she fell.
Striking swiftly and true, the beam collided with the Phoenix Force. Its cries shook the sky as an explosion erupted over the city. The shockwave was so intense that it knocked people off their feet and made everyone's ears ring from the power.
Iron Man and Carol had to shield their eyes from the intensity. Once the light died down, they again lowered their arms with Iron Man, shocked to his core. He didn't even need his HUD to explain what just happened.
"Th-That w-was a…" He said in a shaky voice.
"Yep. A White Hole." Ultimate Gravattack confirmed. "Every bit of matter and energy that was absorbed into a black hole blasted out all at once."
It took a few seconds for the Iron Avenger to gather his thoughts. At least enough to make a coherent sentence.
"W- When did you figure out how to do that?"
"Bout now-ish." The Evolved Gravity Alien shrugged nonchalantly.
Since meeting the Young Hero, Iron Man has been both amazed and terrified by the power that Ben wields. For someone who isn't even old enough to drink, being able to stand side by side with the likes of the Hulk and Thor was impressive enough.
But this… This was more than just a simple display of strength, speed or creativity. The Teen Hero could produce and control two celestial objects with relative ease. That kind of power, in the hands of someone who isn't even old enough to drink.
Iron Man wasn't sure if he should be impressed or terrified. But, he will keep this in mind for a later date.
Before the conversation could continue, Carol flew over to join the pair. The Blonde Agent glanced at the Evolved Alien with a curious look.
"So this is another Ultimate form?" She asked, seeing the Ultimatrix dial.
Ultimate Gravattack had no neck, as he was now just a big head with arms, but he attempted to nod all the same. "Yep."
She then looked up at the three moons orbiting him. "Don't take this the wrong way. But your little friends are kinda creepy." She gestured to their little faces. "They keep looking at me."
The Evolved Alien chuckled. "Well, can you blame them?"
A slight grin appeared on her face, even though she tried to hide it. But she couldn't hide that blush.
"They're just extensions of myself. Help handle my gravity field and make sure it doesn't go out of control." He explained.
"As much as I appreciate the rundown on this form, Geodude." Iron Man chimed in, interrupting the pair. "But, we're not out of the woods yet."
He pointed ahead as they turned to see the light from Ult Gravattack's attack die down. Revealing the Phoenix Force, motionless in the air.
Suddenly, the heroes felt a massive headache slam into their skulls. For Iron Man and Carol, it felt like a jackhammer was pressed against their foreheads. But, for Ultimate Gravattack, he just felt like his sinuses got clogged.
No doubt this was a telepathic attack in play. Fortunately, it was not as severe as Jean's attack. Unfortunately, that means the Phoenix Force doesn't want to beat them by knocking them out. Instead, it wants to beat them in a more personal matter.
Its eyes snapped open, and it glared at Ultimate Gravattack with such intensity that he could practically feel the heat. The Stepford Cuckoos' eyes glowed as well, all locked on him.
"What round is this now? 6 or 7?" She asked rhetorically, raising her hands in a fighting stance.
"Just keep hitting them until I say so." Ult Gravattack reiterated as he readied himself. "We just need to wear it down a little more."
Iron Man charged up his repulsors with a look of concern. "No offence. But this plan of yours. Seems the more we hit this thing, the stronger it gets. At what point does it start to wear down?"
"If I'm being honest. I don't know." The Alien Teen admitted. "But, we just need to buy a little more time. Trust me on this."
"You know I trust you completely," Carol said almost instantly.
The Armored Billionaire wasn't sure if that statement was directed at Ben or himself. Given her history, it makes sense that she would overcompensate at any given opportunity. But he'll let that slide for the time being.
"Sure, Ben. I got your back. Worlds about to end; what could I lose at this point?"
Ultimate Gravattack smiled; the faith they were placing in him felt reassuring. Not because it was his girlfriend and team leader, but because one was a spy who was trained not to trust anyone, and the other was a man who was a control freak with an ego the size of Jupiter.
Earning their faith made the shapeshifter feel more confident that what he was doing was the right call.
The Phoenix Force let out a shrieking battle cry before blasting a wave of cosmic fire at the trio.
"I got it!" Ultimate Gravattack yelled as he raised his hands, and the air around them rippled with gravitational energy.
Suddenly, the cosmic fire swerved away from the group and spun around them, forming a ring of fire. The Evolved Alien manipulated the gravity of the flames to put them in perfect orbit around the trio.
"What goes around, comes around!" He quipped as he punched his left fist forward, and the flames flew right back at the Phoenix, hitting it with its own power.
"Return to sender!"
The Phoenix shrieked again as it glared at the hero before flying straight at him.
Ultimate Gravattack quickly moved to intercept, manipulating the gravitational field as he did so. His trio of mini-moons followed close behind him.
Iron Man and Carol moved to support him, with the former pulling to the right and the latter going left. Moving in a wide arc around the two as they got closer.
Just before they collided, Ult Gravattack's moons moved in front of him. They generated a barrier of gravitational energy, which the Phoenix Force slammed into, generating a shockwave and ripping across the sky.
The Phoenix Force pushed against the barrier with full force, forcing the Evolved Alien back. Gritting his giant teeth, Ultimate Gravattack focused on his power while his moons manipulated gravitational energy to protect him. He knew it wouldn't last long; the Firebird's power was overwhelming. Even going Ultimate only decreased the power distance by a tiny fraction.
It's possible his only saving grace would be the Five Girls' struggle to control the Cosmic Entity.
Regardless, he just needed to keep it at bay a little longer until he could spring his trap.
Carol and Iron Man finally got into position and fired their respective attacks.
Iron Man diverted his full power to his uni-beam and fired a massive energy blast from his chest while Carol poured every ounce of her stored energy into her photon blast and unleashed it into one enormous beam.
Both energy attacks hit the Phoenix Force in the back. Aiming for the Five Girls. The Stepford Cuckoos turned around inside the Phoenix Force to face the attackers.
The Phoenix Force suddenly pulled back from Ultimate Gravattack's barrier, crying and thrashing like someone pulled on an invisible leash.
A strange sensation suddenly entered his mind. Ultimate Gravattack suddenly felt a flurry of emotions, confusion, panic, distress and above all, fear. Emotions that he's been feeling all night in one shape or form.
From the moment he returned to the X-Mansion, till now. He's been in a near-constant state of stress and dread. Afraid of every choice he made, given the stakes.
But why would he be feeling all these emotions now? He finally got his groove back and was at his most confident. There's no reason he should be feeling these emotions, let alone all of them at once.
His confusion was interrupted when the Phoenix Force thrashed once again as it reeled back, almost knocking it off balance.
Ultimate Gravattack then noticed the Stepford Cuckoos in the Phoenix's chest. The girls were facing away from him, towards Iron Man and Carol, who continued to attack the Cosmic Entity. This was the first time he'd seen the host facing a different direction to the Entity.
The Phoenix wanted to continue fighting against him, while the girls wanted to deal with the pair attacking them from behind. They were out of sync.
The girls then pushed forward, causing the Phoenix to cry out again.
Another wave of emotions flooded the Evolved alien's mind. This time, he could feel more frustration and fear at the forefront of his mind. The more the Phoenix Force protested, the more the emotions grew.
That's when it hit him. These weren't his emotions he was feeling. It was the Phoenix's. Somehow, the entity was broadcasting its emotions into his mind.
His eyes widened when he realised what was happening. The psychic bond he made between the telepaths seemed to extend to the Phoenix as well.
This provided him with the edge he needed, as he now knew that with their attention divided, he could spring his trap.
Lifting his arms, Ultimate Gravattack swung them over his head in a wide arc.
A roaring noise could be heard as Iron Man and Carol looked up, and their eyes widened from shock as they stopped their attack. The Phoenix Force looked ahead, and a surprised expression appeared on its flaming face. Finally, the Cuckoos turned when they sensed something from Phoenix. They also heard the roaring sound, and their collective expressions were gobsmacked.
Before them was a massive wave of water. Thousands of gallons of seawater rose from the sea into the sky and surged towards the Cosmic Entity.
The Cuckoos tried to command the Phoenix to move, but it was too late. The Airborne tidal wave enveloped the Cosmic Firebird. Washing over and wrapping around it.
Ultimate Gravattack focused as he controlled the gravitational field around the water. He formed a massive sphere of water with the Phoenix Force trapped inside.
The water bubbled as it boiled against the Firebird's flaming body. But Ultimate Gravattack kept forcing the gravitational field concentrated at the centre of the sphere, directly on the Phoenix. Increasing the pressure and compacting the water to the point where it almost looked solid.
The Evolved Alien forced his hands together as he increased the crushing pressure. If he could just push the girls to their limits, it'll put them further out of sync with the Phoenix and weaken that connection. So when Jean arrives, separating them from the Phoenix Force will be easier. He just needed to push a little harder.
Suddenly, a deadly red glow emitted from the core of his water sphere. Brighter and brighter it grew until the light shimmering from the centre resembled a giant eyeball. And it looked right at Ultimate Gravattack.
Pain shot through Ultimate Gravattack's head as the sphere burst, and the water vaporised instantly. For a brief moment, the sphere of water he had formed turned into a miniature sun that pulled the Evolved Alien into its gravitational field.
The mini sun eventually collapsed as the talon of the Phoenix Force emerged and grabbed Ult Gravattack in its claws. The cosmic flames scorched his crust skin as he screamed in pain.
Seeing the Alien Teen in trouble. Carol immediately blasted towards him and grabbed onto the flaming talon. Using her powers, she tried to absorb the energy from the Phoenix and use the power to increase her strength to pry him free.
The Cosmic entity looked down at the Teens with ferocious eyes as it prepared to blast them both.
Iron Man witnessed the events, and his breath hitched. From the fight, it's clear his current suit was not strong enough to put up a serious fight against this thing. But he couldn't call for another suit as there was not enough time for the suit to arrive to save them, and the comms system was experiencing too much interference to make that call.
All he had was the suit and equipment on hand.
The Phoenix riled back to deliver the deadly blow as Carol and Ben struggled in its grip.
The Armored Avenger clenched his armored fists as he looked at the Cosmic Entity with steeled resolve.
"JARVIS. You got the readings I need?"
"Data collection is at 87 percent capacity. Data analysis is at 55 percent." The A.I. replied.
"That'll have to do." Iron Man stated as he got into position. "Calibrate uni-beam to match the psionic energy frequency of the Phoenix. Then, divert all power from the arc reactor to the uni-beam. Including emergency backup and life support."
"Sir, diverting power from life support will…" JARVIS started to protect before Iron Man interrupted him.
"I know, JARVIS! Just do it! We only have one shot at this. So better make it count!" Iron Man barked at the program. His mind was already made up, he weighed the risks.
He can't contribute much in the long run of this fight. But, he can do this much for them at least.
His arc reactor glowed bright as he charged up his final attack.
The moment his HUD signalled that he was fully charged. He unleashed the full might of his uni-beam. A giant blue energy beam erupted from his chest piece and shot towards the Phoenix.
The beam impacted against the Comic Entity. The Phoenix cried out along with the girls, clutching their heads in pain. The beam's energy seemed to disrupt their concentration, causing the Phoenix Force's physical form to become distorted, almost seeming to fall apart from the frequency of the beam.
The semi-fluid form caused Gravattack to slip from its grip as Carol caught him and helped him get stable. The Evolved Alien's moons quickly used their gravikinesis to pull the heat energy away from his body, cooling him down and reducing the pain of the burns.
He groaned as his eyes fluttered open as he manipulated gravity to fly on his own.
Carol flew up to his eye level and placed her hand on his stony face in a comforting gesture. Making him look at her and smile as he raised his stony hand to caress her, with his hand practically able to hold her whole body in his hand.
Iron Man groaned in pain as his suit's energy depleted and his beam died down. The lights in his armor went cold, the suit went limp, and Iron Man plummeted from the sky.
Inside the suit, Tony could see the lights flash past the slits of his helmet as he struggled to breathe as he fell.
Ultimate Gravattack and Carol saw the Armored Avenger fall, and their eyes widened in shock.
Acting fast, Ult Gravattack raised his hand, used his power to catch the billionaire, and floated him gently down to a nearby rooftop.
The pair quickly flew down to join him as Carol kneeled and inspected him.
After a brief moment, Carol looked up at him worriedly.
"I-I can't feel any energy in his armor." She told him, and Ult Gravattack froze. An icy hand gripped his heart as his breath hitched in his throat.
No energy. Not even in his arc reactor. The very thing powering his heart. Without that, Tony wouldn't survive.
Reaching down, Carol tried to find a switch or lever that would open the Armored Heroes helmet. But she couldn't find it, so she resorted to pulling it off with her strength. Tearing the metal, taking care not to crumple it in a way that wouldn't hurt the man underneath.
Once removed, the pair looked down at Tony Stark's unconscious face. Unmoving and he didn't appear to be breathing.
Ultimate Gravattack immediately moved to tape the Ultimatrix dial to transform. Only for Carol to stop him.
"Ben, wait." She said quickly, raising her hands. "He still has a pulse. It's weak, but he's still alive."
"He won't be for long without his arc reactor. I need to recharge it." The Evolved Alien countered.
"You need to keep the Phoenix occupied. You're the only one left who's strong enough." She leaned next to Tony, and her hand started to glow with energy. "I'll look after, Stark."
The Alien Teen looked unsure, but Carol's look of reassurance, in addition to the cry of the Phoenix Force, made Ultimate Gravattack know she was right. He needed to keep his eye on the prize. If he hesitates now, then that means everyone will die.
"Ok." He said weakly.
"Hey," Carol spoke as she stood up and walked over to the planet alien, placing her hands on his large face and planting a kiss on his cheek.
Ultimate Gravattack looked down at her while she looked up at him with a loving smile.
"Now, go save the world, Alien X." She then winked at him playfully.
The Evolved Alien grinned as he clenched his fists and turned to face the Cosmic Entity just as it reformed into its original form and glared at the heroes.
Ultimate Gravattack charged at the Living Inferno, focusing his gravitational power into his right fist, increasing the gravity field more and more, increasing the mass as his little moons moved around his limb. Containing the gravitational energy as the Evolved Alien kept increasing the power to the point his arm was shaking from the strain.
Just as the Phoenix Force was in range, Ultimate Gravattack let out a mighty battle cry and sent his fist forward, delivering a powerful right hook to the Phoenix Force's face.
Striking the Cosmic Bird with the entire gravitational mass of the Sun.
Once more, the heavens shook as godly power rocked the city of New York and the Cosmic Entity was sent flying from the force of the impact.
In the midst of its ascension, the Phoenix Force blindly fired multiple cosmic fireballs that rained down on the city like meteors.
Ultimate Gravattack tried to use his powers to redirect them. However, he felt a wave of fatigue wash over him. He poured so much energy into those attacks that his body felt like lead.
Pushing past it, he waved his arms and deflected several of the meteors, sending them flying out of the city limits into the ocean.
But one meteor was heading straight for a city intersection. A pile of rubble was in the centre of it, and atop that rubble pile was Janet Van Dyne.
She was crouched over the rubble pile and seemed to be shifting through it. The meteor was heading straight for her, and she didn't seem to notice it.
Without a hint of hesitation, Ultimate Gravattack launched himself directly into the path of the meteor. His mini-moons had to carry him most of the way. He used his body to shield Wasp from the attack, and the fireball hit him dead on.
Pain seared across his body as he was knocked out of the sky and sent crashing just beyond the rubble pile.
The Ultimate Alien groaned as his consciousness slipped. A flash of green light turned him back into Gravattack; another flash turned him back into Ben.
He wasn't sure just how much time passed. But he could hear a faint voice calling out to him.
"Ben! Ben! Come on, wake up!" The voice called out, louder and louder.
This was soon followed by sudden motion as he shook back and forth rapidly.
His eye snapped open, and his vision cleared up to see Wasp looking down on him. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she shook him awake.
"Ben. Are you ok?" She asked, concern all over her face.
Ben shook his head as he looked up at her. Her face was full of concern, and tears were forming in her eyes.
The Young Hero smiled as he reached up and cupped her cheek in his hand. "I'm fine, Jan. Never better."
Relief washed over her face as Wasp let out a sigh. She hugged Ben tightly before placing him on the ground and standing up.
So much had happened, and the teen's head was so dizzy that he didn't even notice his feet were off the ground until he felt the solid ground under his soles.
Ben looked up at Janet as she towered over him… Wait, what?
Now that Ben's head was clearing up, the Teen couldn't help but notice that Janet was standing a few feet taller than him. Last he checked, Janet stood around 5 foot 4 inches, while he was 5 foot 7 inches.
Now she was currently standing at a good 12 feet tall, making him look up at her.
"You look different, Jan," Ben commented, giving her a once over. "Did you get taller?"
Wasp giggled as she suddenly shrunk down to her usual height. "Well, you did say I should use my growing power more often. The practice has really paid off."
Ever since Ultron, when Janet revealed that she could grow just like Hank. Ben encouraged her to practice using that power. At first, she was hesitant, but with Ben's support, she started to put in the effort and started to get used to this power. However, she can't reach the same heights as Giant-Man without getting tired. She's managed to increase her height to over 10 feet in just a couple of training sessions.
Ben smiled as he couldn't help but feel proud of the Size Changing Heroine. However, his praise will have to wait as his expression turns serious.
"What were you doing here, Jan? That fireball almost mudged you." Ben chastised as he then checked her to make sure she was ok. Fortunately, he saw no injuries on her, which was a relief.
"I'm sorry, Ben." She replied, taking a step back. "But I was a bit distracted."
She turned back to the rubble pile, and Ben followed her gaze as he realised what had her so focused.
Partially buried under the rubble is the battered form of Magneto.
The Mutant Villain's body was partially obstructed by debris, with his head, left arm and part of his chest visible. Mainly thanks to Wasp, who used her increased size and strength to move the debris.
His helmet was gone, and his costume was torn. His grey hair was partially stained red due to a cut on his head that trickled down his face.
Magneto lay unconscious in the debris, helpless and alone.
"I found him here. He's still alive, and he needs help." Janet explained as she looked back at the Teen.
Ben looked at the Master of Magnetism before looking down at Janet. After everything this man has done, the lives he's put in danger, even attempting to kill her multiple times this evening. Yet, she still didn't hesitate to help him.
Anyone who ever says that Janet isn't a real hero and is only in it for the thrills will have Rath personally introduce them to the ground.
Without saying a word, Ben gave Janet a quick one-armed hug as the pair walked over together and started moving more debris out of the way. Freeing more of Magneto's body.
After a minute of shifting, the Master of Magnetism started to stir as his eyes blinked open.
The moment he saw the pair, Magneto scowled at them in disgust. "Take your hands off me, you filthy humans." He hissed at them with pure venom.
Ben rolled his eyes as he and Janet ignored his insult and continued to work.
"I said, get away from me! The Superior race does not require help from a lower species." The Mutant Villain continued to spit at the pair.
"That's good. Keep talking," Ben responded as he removed a piece of rubble and freed Magneto's right arm. "Least we know you're conscious and coherent."
Magneto tried to raise his arms to use his powers to attack the Avengers. But, his body wouldn't respond. He was so weak and helpless. His strength had completely abandoned him.
As more of his body is freed, Wasp shrunk down and fluttered over to him. Her hand glowed with yellow energy as Magneto flinched, preparing for an attack. The Insect Heroine flew close to his eyes and waved her hand to each one.
"Both eyes are responding. Great, doesn't look like you have a concussion." She commented as she flew over his body. Inspecting him closely before flying away and returning to her standard size.
"Looks like he broke a few ribs. But his arms and legs are fine, and his head only has a minor cut." She stated to the Emerald Avenger.
"Great. We'll need to move him somewhere safe." He then walked over to Magneto's right, while Janet moved to his left as they both moved to grab him.
"Stay back. I need no pity from you." Magneto snapped at them as he tried to move away. But the sudden motion caused severe pain to shoot up his body. The Size Changer was not wrong about the broken ribs.
The Teen Hero sighed. "Look, dude, you can't stay out here. You're a sitting duck. We're trying to help you. You don't have to like it; you can insult us the whole way. But we're not just gonna leave you out here. So let us help you."
Magneto looked into the Alien Shapeshifter's eyes, searching for any sign of hostility or hatred. Expecting the same look that every human has given him since his power manifested.
But, to his surprise and confusion, he couldn't see it. All he could see was determination and sympathy in the Teen Hero's eyes. Like he really did intend to help him. Even though they are enemies. Even though he's human.
Ben and Wasp managed to hoist the Magnetic Mutant out of the rubble. Supporting him under each arm as they dragged him away to a safer area.
All while Magneto looked at them with confusion.
"Why?" He asked with stunned curiosity. "I am your enemy. I have attempted to kill you and conquer humanity. Why would you help me?"
The two looked at each other before the Teen smirked and looked up at Magneto. "Look, Dude. You may be a jerk. But that doesn't mean we're just gonna leave you to die."
"We're heroes. It's what we do." Wasp added with a little pep in her tone.
Magneto scoffed in response. "Heroes. Where were the heroes when mutants were hunted in the streets? Where were the heroes when Mutants were pulled from their homes? Where were the heroes when Mutants were imprisoned for simply existing?"
He glared at the pair as they started to feel pressure emanating from him. Pieces of metal started to rattle nearby.
A solemn look appeared on their face. It was hard to argue when he did have a point. The MRD has done some horrible things to Mutants. There's no denying that, and where were the Avengers?
"I'll tell you where we were," Ben responded, as Magneto and Janet looked at him, awaiting his answer. "We were out there saving lives."
This stunned Magneto for a moment before outrage replaced it. "How can you claim that when Mutants are suffering?"
"Are those Mutants dead?" Ben asked bluntly.
"What?" Magneto asked, taken aback by the sudden question.
"The Mutants that were imprisoned. Are they dead? Are they being killed?" Ben questioned, his tone becoming more aggressive.
Magneto wanted to confirm the Teens question. After all, Mutants have been killed at the hands of humans in the past, and he had no doubt that humans would exterminate them if given the opportunity.
But, as he pondered the question. Each mutant prison that he has attacked and liberated his fellow mutants from. The Mutants that have been taken and locked up. While treated unjustly, none of them have been murdered while in the custody of the MRD.