3rd POV:
Flashback:
The students watched the casket go down into the ground. Kurt was holding a small sermon. Out of respect for Zeros wishes they did not remove his mask. He was buried within walking distance of the X-Mansion in the backyard.
Soon enough the casket was covered up with dirt and while some students lingered, others left to mourn somewhere else. Some left because life marches on and they were familiar with loss.
And others had duties who would wait for no one.
''So, you are saying that she is almost a perfect clone of me?,'' Jean asked Hank and Sarah, as the X-Men were waiting for the test results.
''Indeed. I didn't even think it would be possible for someone to clone someone so perfectly right now. Or well almost. Sinister even cloned the X-Gene. Remarkable,'' Hank replied, looking at the results.
''Remarkable? That asshole killed someone of our friend,'' Evans rebuked hotly. No way was he gonna show appreciation to someone like that.
''Calm down. We are all grieving but need to advance with a collected mind. Zero said that Sinister had the ability of molecular manipulation. Maybe that is why?,'' Scott pacified Evans. Hank thought it over for a second but it was Sarah that answered.
''That is entirely plausible. And if he was good at it he would have made himself immortal. Who knows how old he truly was. But either way it would have been more than enough time for someone to get really good at it,'' Sarah reasoned.
''But I know I'm Jean. I have the memories and now you are saying that I'm not? If so then what even is my real name?,'' 'Jean' asked a little hysterical. The others shot her a bit of pitying looks.
''I caught bits and pieces during the fight from Sinister. He designated you as Madelyne Pryor. And with him being a telepath...,'' Wanda explained not needing to explain the rest of the sentence.
''I'm surprised someone like him deigned it significant enough to name her instead of treating her as a completely discardable clone,'' Pietro muttered to himself, only getting caught by Logan and Laura.
''Yes, indeed. It seems Madelyne and I are not so different in regards to false memories. Right Xavier?,'' Jean asked sharply.
The X-Men frowned and then looked between Xavier and Jean back and forth. Xaviers face was getting graver.
''Jean, you have to understand...,'' Xavier began.
''I have to understand nothing. I know why you did it and with the world finding out about the X-Gene the students will need you more than ever, which is the only reason why I'm not currently destroying you. You are certainly a better alternative than Magneto,'' Jean interrupted him.
''Charles what does she mean by that?,'' Ororo asked. Xavier remained silent. A conflicted expression on his face, as if going through a deep debate.
''Jean, you have seen how easily you killed Sinister. That power would have been to great for you when you were younger,'' Xavier eventually tried again after staying silent for a bit.
''Fair enough. And what about making me thinking my parents hated me? Or making me forget about my best friend? Or selling me for dumb every time I came to you for help when the voices were getting too unbearable? I remember everything. Not ONCE have you asked me for my consent in any of the mental manipulations. NOT ONCE. You are a rapist. I have given my reasons why I will not kill you, but I can no longer remain here,'' Jean harshly explained, her shimmering amber eyes narrowing.
For the first time, since ... forever, there were no voices in her head that were not her own.
The X-Men looked horrified at that revelation of what Xavier has done. Logan growled, emphasizing the most with Jeans plight as he was also dealing with his own memory issues, even if, after the talk with Sarah, some memories have been returning too him slowly.
''Jean you can't mean that. Where will you even go?,'' Evans asked insensitively. They already lost a teammate and now they will lose another?
''I don't know. I still have a few days until Christmas break. I will find a school and if Xavier is really sorry for what he has done and has any respect for me, he will green light the paperwork,'' Jean said walking out of the medical bay before anyone could say anything else. Now with that cleared up she can be alone and grieve. Madelyne can be their problem.
She went to her room and laid down on her bed in a fetal position and closed her eyes.
Why?
Why did he have to die? She had the power to protect him and easily kill Sinister and yet she let him die.
Did she have to be a failure in everything for her entire life?
Jean let go of her tears. For the first time in forever she felt comfortable in her own skin and knew what she wanted, only to have it ripped apart from her.
'He isn't dead'
Jean stopped almost immediately. There it was, that voice again. It appeared to her again after giving her a power boost.
''Who are you?,'' Jean asked out loud, standing up and looking through her room. Also what did she mean Zero wasn't dead?
'Come child. I have waited and tried to talk with you in so long. Visit my residence in your landscape'
''And how am I supposed to do that?,'' Jean asked again.
'Are you a telepath or not?'
Jean blushed a little and closed her eyes. She was looking for that familiar feeling she got when she regained her memories. That was the only place she could imagine that voice originating from. She knew it did not belong to her memories.
...
...
''Finally child. It is good to be face to face with you,'' the voice said making Jean immediately open her eyes. For a second she wanted to panic as they were in space, earth and moon visible from afar and a giant flaming bird in front of her.
''I am no mere bird. Don't insult me as such,'' the not bird chastised.
''How can you know what I am thinking? Who are you? And what do you want with me?,'' Jean asked.
''We are in your mindscape. I can always hear what you think, though that cretins blocks hindered me for a while. I could have smashed them, but that would have harmed you child.
I am the Phoenix. And you shall be my vessel,'' the Phoenix declared.
Phoenix? As in her alias given to her by Zero? Was that a coincidence?
''I think not,'' Phoenix said.
''Can you stop doing that? It is uncomfortable,'' Jean requested.
''No. You are my perfect vessel. You can house me for an eternity,'' Phoenix told her firmly. It waited long enough and now it will have what it wants.
''There it is again. You say I am to be your vessel, but could you elaborate on that?,'' Jean asked, floating a bit up in space to be at eye level with the Phoenix.
''I am the Phoenix. A being of life force and psionic energy.
I am life and all that encompasses it.
But I am too powerful to control my own powers. What is life without experiencing it? What value does it have without adding meaning to it, with small gestures or the feelings that spring from them?
You are to be my vessel. What you feel, I will feel, allowing me to bask among the living without incinerating them. Until we almost become one entity. That is how perfect a vessel you are for me. Already I can feel a range of emotions from you,'' Phoenix explained.
Jean starred at the entity for a while. Running its request through her mind. So all she had to do was live and she would keep steering the wheel, while Phoenix will experience the joys of life. Hmmm.
''Don't make it sound as if I am a leech or parasite! As my vessel you shall receive boons and tap into my power,'' Phoenix retorted hotly.
''I already felt some of it, but we can always talk more on that later. We diverged far to much from the original topic. You said Zero lives?,'' Jean asked. They can always talk more about their arrangement later, but for now she wanted to talk about this first.
''Ahhhh. What a range of emotions. It shall take a while until I can recognize them. (*Clears throat*) Indeed chlid. Zeros mind is a void. As my vessel your psionic abilities will get enhanced and you can feel the life force around you. Look for a life force on earth with a void for a mind
Find our mate,'' Phoenix commanded Jean to do, making her frown.
''I know why I want to be together with Zero, but why do you want to?,'' Jean asked.
''What you want, I want. Many times I have observed the weird mating rituals from the living from afar, never understanding what it meant. Never able to participate. I am .... eager. Find our mate,'' Phoenix commanded again. She already knew where he was, but Jean was the one that needed to move.
Jean starred at the Phoenix for a bit, but ultimately shook her head.
Priorities.
She closed her eyes and reached out, draping her telepathic abilities over the entire earth and trying to look for a life force as well. The first thing she noticed was that indeed she needed to look for life forces, because the Zero that was buried still had a void for his mind despite having no life force.
The second thing she noticed was that there were several voids of minds on earth, the closest being in NYC.
She opened her eyes.
Flashback end:
---
Bruh.
That was anticlimatic as fuck.
Bell kind of expected a longer journey for Jean and the Phoenix to connect. Like, what? She only made first contact a few days ago and now she was best buddies with it after one conversation?
The girls were attentively listening to Jeans short recounting, while she sat in his lap and hugged him sideways. But only after they had brought her up to speed. Bell didn't want to immediately do that. He wanted to first court her and see if his affections can turn to love, but the girls were certain the decision of Jean joining was an absolute given.
They did not seem disappointed or the like. So it was just him? ... Guess he watched to many movies then. It seemed not everything needed to be drawn out in regards to a self discovery journey. Then again it did take months for Jean to get confident enough to remove the blocks on her own, so maybe that was just the pay off of all her hard work?
Still anticlimatic as fuck.
''You know, Sugar, I have no telepathy but it seems that void for mind seems to be a real problem for you. Any enemy telepath can detect you with that. Or friends can recognize you if they actively look for you,'' Rogue told him.
''Yes. Can you do something about it? Project your thoughts outside, maybe?,'' Laura suggested.
Bell shook his head.
''Trust me. I already tried EVERYTHING you can think of and more to rectify that. My mind is completely unable to be anything but a void,'' Bell assure them. And wasn't that a bitch? By now Bell was certain ROB gave him this ability just to screw with him in some way. Not that he was gonna complain. The advantages far exceeded the disadvantages.
''Then this will be a problem for you. If you ever appear in front of the X-Men again they will know,'' Gwen said clenching her jaw a little.
Bell wanted to fan the flames a little, by teasing her a little, for his amusement. Alas, the matter required a more delicate handling. Already, he was getting frustrated with the developing drama between the girls.
Gwen considered Wanda her rival. Meanwhile Wanda was completely accepting of Gwen being first in the hierarchy. The others didn't really care, as he never seemed to explain what that position entailed and considered it just a title. But then Jean came along and while she didn't really like having to share Bell, she bit the bullet as it was made clear to her it was either gonna be this way or not at all. So she joined and declared herself his first in the hierarchy. In other words Gwens actual rival was Jean.
If it was someone else having to deal with this bullshit Bell would laugh himself silly. But since he was the one having to deal with the drama and the headache, it was no longer funny.
He picked Jean up and put her on a chair. She seemed disappointed, but upon noticing the look on his face she relented.
''Then it is a good thing, I won't pull another stunt with others by befriending them as I did with Zero. His only purpose was to stop the Dark Phoenix from emerging. Everything else was secondary. I doubt I will make my friends grieve like this again. And if fortune favors me, we will meet again and become friends again,'' Bell explained.
Jean frowned, still thinking he was exaggerating in saying the Phoenix would have rampaged in rage, but she remained silent as it offered no denial, despite talking so often to her. She also needed to process the crash course she received when she joined the harem.
''Sugar, I know you said you will help us with your Joker persona, but could we get something more concrete? The Friends of Humanity has been raising an immense fuss lately. It is only going to get worse. How will you stop them?,'' Rogue asked with worry, making Laura nod.
''No, I will keep the more concrete details a secret,'' Bell said making Gwen smile fondly, since she knew he just wanted to illicit reactions from all of them,'' But rest assured I will help. That said it won't stop them. My help will merely buy you time. So long as it is in the nature of man or politician to hate losing control or facing the uncertain, they will seek to supplant what threatens them.''
''Then how can we stop them permanently? What can we do to make it clear that we only want to coexist peacefully with humans?,'' Rogue asked earnestly.
''Oh it is simple. Conquer earth and rule with imperial malice. Be a kind tyrant that forces everyone to play nice with each other and hold them accountable for their actions. Jean would be a good fit, since she is in the 1% club,'' Bell shrugged casually making the girls except Gwen and Laura look horrified.
''Sugar, that is not what I meant. Can you give me an alternative?,'' Rogue quickly clarified.
Bell sighed.
''Say what you want, but their fears are not completely unfounded. And fear gives way to all manner of things. Instead of seeing the boon that you are as protectors against intergalactic threats, they hate you,'' Bell explained.
''Wait. Where were you when the Chitauri invasion happened? You live quiet close to New York,'' Laura asked suddenly.
''We were too young then and we were not permitted to help even if some of us wanted. As to why the older X-Men did not help, I don't know,'' Jean explained frustrated. She understood that as their guardians they could not let the children irresponsibly join a war zone but still...
''Either way, you asked for an alternative. The help I will give you will only buy you some time. Use that time wisely. Sway most of the public, use the media or go out and save humans or help during catastrophes like the four of us did in Japan or some other places. Convince them you are a net positive and that should help you massively being able to coexist with humans. It will certainly not stop politicians or haters, but it will be a step in the right direction,'' Bell offered Rogue her alternative, making her look contemplative.
''You know, I'm surprised you go out of her way to help her, what with your philosophy and all,'' Wanda pointed out.
''Yes, didn't you say that you have no obligations to anyone?,'' Gwen added making Bell frown.
''OK. Stop. I think you have a false impression about my philosophy. I said innocence is a bubble. So long as you are inside it you have every right to be left in peace. The older you are the easier it is to leave that bubble, to the point even bigotry will see you ousted. And then you must face the consequences of your actions.
But that does not mean I don't think I have obligations. The innocents, mostly the children, deserve better than ... this. Everything. Which is why I want to make my company.
But even IF you leave the bubble that does not mean you should die. That would imply that there is no nuance to my philosophy. I mean look at Xavier. I hate his guts on principle, but I didn't kill him for reasons entirely my own and not the same as Jeans.
But also Rogue is my girlfriend and how could I allow her to suffer such plight? The same with Laura and Jean.
In the same way you must endure my shenanigans, so too must I endure your requests every now and then,'' Bell explained making Gwen roll her eyes at the last sentence. Just admit you don't want to see Rogue cry or be sad. It won't kill him to admit that, Gwen thought.
But there was also another reason why he did things this way. Amusement. Then again, it still sounded shallow as fuck, so he still wouldn't admit this to the girls anytime soon.
''I still think you wold make for a good politician. Are you sure you don't want to be one?,'' Gwen opened up the subject again.
''You know what? I can definitely see it, Gwen. Especially with him being a telepath,'' Wanda agreed rubbing her chin a little contemplatively.
''Yes. Especially since you already are the shadow ruler already. What with your help, you won't tell us about, for the mutants. You are shaping society from the back, even if it is mutants that need to make media appearances,'' Laura pointed out.
''Is it a 'Absolute power corrupts absolutely' thing?,'' Jean asked for the sake of saying something making Bell and Gwen snort. Bell shook his head.
''No, I don't fear my own power. Absolute power removes all inhibitions and I know full who I am. It is not that,'' Bell said not offering them anything more.
Truth told. Bell had no problem with ruling in itself. He was good at it. He liked it.
The only problem was that he did not have the patience to deal with everyones bullshit again, as he did in his old world. And since he now had unimaginable power, he no longer needed to play nice with everyone. It was a delicate game he played in his old life. Tax the leeches more in a way that endeared the public to him, but not enough that all leeches sent assassins after him and would become utterly uncooperative. Make examples of the ones that sent assassins after him, by holding a public court and so on and so forth.
His policies didn't change. He knew they worked and did good. 36 years of ruling taught him that, though he was sure whoever took power after him would fuck everything up again. Oh, well, it was no longer his problem.
But now he could go even more crazy with implementing them, with no fear of reprisal.
Who would fucking dare to oppose him? As monarch of the galaxy. As pilot of history. As god emperor of time. He had unimaginable power. He could achieve total domination. Unlimited rice pudding...
Wait, no. Bell quickly dialed his thoughts back, before he started salivating. He summoned a bowl of rice pudding and a spoon on the table and began eating. Despite having eaten only recently he was still hungry. He offered the girls rice pudding as well and summoned them a bowl when they accepted.
He would indeed rule with imperial malice and be a kind tyrant. But that was neither here nor there.
''Just out of pure curiosity. What would you do if you were to become president or ruler or who knows what else? You said you really don't like manipulating someone who isn't your enemy with telepathy. How would you achieve peace,'' Gwen asked eating a spoon of rice pudding.
''Well. If I were to not hold back at all expect not using telepathy? I would first replace the military, with me around they would become obsolete. Crush any who oppose that decision utterly and absolutely. Remove the publics ability to bear arms with various policies. Facilitate a gender war, not as if THAT needs much prompting.
Isolate individuals and start creating androids almost indistinguishable from humans. Sell them as romantic partners and meanwhile make the economy boom for disposable income. Birthrates go down as less and less people are being born. The androids will take care of elderly people, seeing the biggest reason for offspring replaced.
By now I will start taking over the internet. I would burn and delete everything ever recorded digital or otherwise and select several humans with good genes in them. I will breed them like cattle as the androids keep all the different facilities up and running with more and more people dying of old age. Do it this way so that you don't take work away from humans. People need money after all.
Then I will let the final old humans die of old age as the androids will raise the children into a world where I supposedly always ruled from the dawn of mankind and none the wiser that their parents are androids. When they are old enough the parents will tragically die of old age and humanity will only know the love of me. Who would dare to oppose me, when there is only one philosophy. Then keep them active, so they don't get any fancy ideas, put them to work and keep them occupied in their free time with all kinds of various methods.
Voila peace, with only a few wars fought here and there between the military and me and no other bloodbath. Give it around 320 years and humanity will live peacefully. More or less. An that is just method number 1,'' Bell explained shortly, ignoring their more and more horrified getting faces. He summoned a massive book reaching almost all the way to the ceiling on the ground and pointed towards the top after that last sentence.
Gwen quickly crawled up a little and opened the book to read the first page. It was indeed listed as method number one. She quickly read method number 2.
''Bell, why do you have a book about ruling undisputed, if you don't want to rule?,'' Gwen asked after looking a bit at method number 2.
''Mostly because I had free time on my hands. I have books on other subjects as well. Don't look at me like that. These were just fancy passing thoughts. If you ask me they need a lot of refining, not that it matters anyway seeing as I won't be using them,'' Bell banished the book making Gwen land on her feet.
''Is this normal? Bell is even more crazy then Zero,'' Jean asked.
''Yes,'' they all replied in almost perfect unison.
''I guess, these methods were only implemented in a vacuum. Enhanced people will definitely oppose this,'' Wanda reasoned. Hell she would oppose this, even if it was her boyfriend doing it.
''Indeed. But lets not pretend politicians wouldn't vie to do the same for control. Enhanced people are the checks to their balances. Unless they can control us for their means and ends, they will seek to remove us,'' Laura answered in Bells stead, making him make a 'exactly' gesture.
The girls were contemplating the matter a bit.
''Where do you go to school?,'' Jean asked Bell suddenly.
''Midtown High. Why?,'' Bella answered.
''Oh I just wanted to know,'' Jean replied mysteriously, making Wanda, Rogue and Laura smile a bit. If he didn't want to use telepathy on friends, then all the better for them. Bell wasn't the only one who could play pranks and the like in this relationship.
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''How are you Wanda?,'' Pietro asked his sister a few days later, after Zeros burial.
''I'm fine,'' Wanda replied. She wanted nothing more than to tell her brother the truth, but Bell promised Zero was a one time thing, because of extenuating circumstances with Jean. He was not gonna sadden his friends like that again.
Pietro looked at her for a while, wanting to make sure she was really alright, before finally hugging her fiercely. More so for him, then for her, though he wasn't gonna tell her that. Wanda rubbed his back. They stood there for a while, before parting.
''I still can't believe you of all people agreed to be in a harem with him and Rogue and Laura. Why?,'' Pietro asked. Wanda shrugged.
''He fulfilled all my criteria for a good partner and I guess I didn't want to let him go. Best decision of my life surprisingly,'' Wanda explained.
''How are Laura and Rogue doing?,'' Pietro asked not really having interacted much with others as he was grieving in his own way.
''Laura is Laura. She is stoic, you know her. As for Rogue... Well,'' Wanda let the sentence hang. She didn't want to outright lie to her brother, but lying by omission was fine for her. Bell better appreciate her for putting up with this farce.
Pietro nodded in understanding. She just lost the only person she could ever touch. She probably was crying in some corner in solitude.
---
''I'm not sure about this, Sugar,'' Rogue made her opinion known as the watched the water wave approach. The were in Australia seeing as it was winter in the northern hemisphere. Bell was holding her waist as the were standing on a surf board.
''Come on. Are you seriously afraid of THIS? Trust me,'' Bell told her as the wave was now close enough.
Rogue released a small scream that quickly turned into cries of jubilation as she watched the water curve around them in a tunnel while the were riding the wave. She stretched out her hand and let her fingertips touch the water.
---
''Guess this is not the first time we lost someone, huh? So what now? Will we leave? I guess Zero never got to take care of what brought him here in the first place,'' Pietro asked, kicking a pebble. They were sitting on a bank outside. Zeros grave could be seen from a few hundred meters away.
''I'm sure whatever it was he needed to take care of, he succeeded in. As for what we will do? I guess stay here. Where else would we go?,'' Wanda asked her brother.
''With Xavier here? He is not exactly popular right now among the X-Men. And Jean is set to leave before the winter break is over. I'm surprised she found a school so quickly. Also where is she even residing right now?,'' Pietro asked. Wanda shrugged non committedly at the questions in regards to Jean. Pietro didn't need to know about that as Jean expressed it as her wish to keep things silent.
''Don't worry I have been protecting most of our minds pretty much since we came here. Xavier will do nothing. And yes, I want too stay here. They all grew on me,'' Wanda explained. Pietro nodded reluctantly and they remained in silence for a while.
They could see Iron Man fly in the distance and come down on the ground near Zeros grave, before existing his suit and sitting on his ass.
''What is he doing here?,'' Pietro bit out.
''Visiting his sons grave. Why? You want to confront him?,'' Wanda asked.
''I know we said we would let him go because of his child and trying to be the better humans than him, but still. I don't think I can control myself if I get closer to him,'' Pietro explained. Wanda nodded. Before smirking as an idea struck her.
''I'm going to get closer. See what kind of face he makes as he experiences the same pain we experienced. If you don't want to come, then don't worry I will share my memory with you later,'' Wanda explained vindictively. Pietro smirked evilly at Starks plight. He nodded, already impatient to see his face.
Wanda quickly gathered some flowers from around her and began flying towards the grave.
Tony moved his head a little as he heard her land on the ground.
Wanda suppressed a smirk at his expression. Hollow and defeated. The expression of a man who failed in everything that truly mattered. She was going to give Bell a big kiss for this. This was a far better revenge then her and her brother could have ever come up with.
''Wanda,'' Tonys toneless voice greeted her. She ignored him and put the flowers on the grave. God, was this weird pretending to mourn her boyfriend while he was still alive. But this is what she signed up for.
The two stood in silence as they looked at the grave.
''Was he happy? In his final days before his death. Was he happy?,'' Tony asked her. She looked at him trying to come up with a way to twist the knife.
''He was happier then I've ever seen him. Though with his mask it was always a little had to tell,'' Wanda explained.
''Did he... ever talk about me?,'' Tony asked hopefully. Wanda wanted to celebrate as this gave her the perfect opportunity to twist the knife.
''Once he no longer wanted to kill you thanks to your child, he never mentioned you again. Previously he only expressed his hatred for you and made sure we knew that. I'm surprised he managed to force himself to visit his sister without ripping your throat. Guess he didn't want a daughter to grow up without her parents,'' Wanda absentmindedly informed as if moving her mouth without thought, thinking about something else while starring at the grave.
Tony winced a little and recoiled. He drew in a deep breath and released it subtly. He nodded.
''Did he have any wishes?,'' he asked her. Wanda scoffed.
''Is that all you amount to? Thinking that money will solve all your problems or that if you spend enough of it thing will suddenly turn out alright. Go home Stark. Your daughter needs you and we did not let you go to fuck things up again,'' Wanda calmly told him and then walked away.
Tony did not even turn his head as he continued to stare at his sons grave for the next few hours.
---
Bell was cooking in the kitchen in his new HQ. He already quickly expanded the space behind the hidden door in his man cave. They had all manner of rooms for various purposes.
He was making another chicken soup, even if they only ate one just a few days ago. It was very tasty and the girls liked it so might as well. He took a spoon to taste if he needed to add any final spices or make any final adjustments.
The girls were talking at the table in the living room. In the end he gave them all an enchanted arm band that would teleport them back and forth. This way they could all come and go at their own leisure without any tediousness. The only one missing was Wanda.
Jean was setting up her room somewhere in the HQ. In the end she decided to crash with him, though where she was going to school she still wouldn't tell him. But with her going through so much trouble not to inform him, it was most likely Midtown High. Oh, he was still gonna act surprised. No reason to rain on her happiness. Though she should have instead said that she was gonna go to any other school to misdirect him.
Wanda came suddenly into the kitchen and he noticed her.
''Ah Wanda. You wanted to cook with me? Sorry but I'm almost done. Just take a seat and I will bring the food,'' Bell waved her off absentmindedly. She grabbed his shoulder and kissed him deeply for a while until she parted and gave him a satisfied smirk. Bell hummed appreciatively.
''Not that I am complaining, but what is the occasion?,'' Bell asked turning of the heat as the food will only need to be heated just a little while longer.
''What? I can't kiss my boyfriend when I feel like it?,'' Wanda asked giving him a hug.
''Fine then. Keep your secrets,'' Bell chuckled hugging her back.
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''So did you enjoy your night?,'' Bell asked Jean as they walked back home from the restaurant. Rather simple, by Bells standards but they can always visit more esoteric places and do more exotic activities later.
''I did. Thank you and thank you for you for letting me sleep at your place as well,'' Jean said hugging Bells arm while they were walking.
''Sure. No problem. Still I'm surprised you didn't kill Xavier. I mean, yeah, you explained your reasons, but the Phoenix is probably none to thrilled about that slight,'' Bell argued.
''Ugh. Don't tell me. I have to hear her suggestions every time I enter my mindscape. She gets ... creative with her punishments. Guess she had time to gather experience and the like,'' Jean groaned.
''How does that work anyway? I thought you would be one entity, what with you being a perfect vessel for it,'' Bell inquired.
''She, actually. Get that right. And we are one entity in a manner of speaking, but when I enter the mindscape I can tell where she ends and I begin. I can't really do that right now,'' Jean tried explaining. Bell frowned not really being able to imagine it. He guessed it was one of those things you had to experience it to understand it.
''Which reminds me. She is not too thrilled, you didn't contact her immediately when you met me. Especially since you met me with the whole purpose of removing the blocks,'' Jean teased good naturedly. Though it would be more accurate to say she was diplomatic as the Phoenix was furious once it learned it was made a fool off. She swore revenge, but Jean doubted anything would come of it.
Bell shrugged non apologetically.
''Blame yourself. It was you who took that much time to get you head straight,'' Bell told her. Jean gave him an unimpressed look. Was he seriously trying to shamelessly gaslight her?
''Don't look at me like that. I dare you to try and defend the Phoenix. Tell me she wouldn't have influenced you with her rage, during that time where you were a people pleaser,'' Bell doubled down. Jean rolled her eyes, but conceded his point as the Phoenix never bothered denying that accusation.
''Soooo. You have a harem. That is ... unusual,'' Jean said conversationally.
''It happened,'' Bell grinned making Jean hum,'' Do remember you decided to join.''
''Yes, because you strong armed me.'' Jean defended herself.
''Strong armed would imply that I blackmailed you or the like. I did no such thing,'' Bell replied.
''Yeah, you are right. Sorry it is just... The Phoenix watched many couples from afar and she kind of came to expect that one should only have one partner. Or a mate as she constantly says. Well, anyways at least I'm the first in your hierarchy,'' Jean released a breath.
''No, you aren't. Gwen is first in the hierarchy,'' Bell firmly shot that notion down.
''Why? Can I be the first in your the hierarchy?,'' Jean asked none too pleased.
''No, Gwen will always be the first in the hierarchy. In the grand scheme of things 10 years make no difference, but she still knew me 10 years longer than all of you. Even in a million years she will still have known me for 10 years longer than all of you. No offense, but she will occupy a place in my heart that no one else will be able to fill. It is also a sign of familiarity. In the event something happens to me, she will take my place and lead you, as unlikely as that is to occur. Never say never after all,'' Bell explained. Jean scowled with unsatisfaction.
''Fine. I just want you to know that I'm not happy with that,'' Jean made her feelings known. Bell nodded. Fair enough, but he knew that this was not gonna be the end of this.
Oh, screw this. Now she was unhappy. Well, Bell always was good at improvising.
He picked her up bridal style making her yelp. Before she could even ask what he was doing he teleported them away, after entering an alley. No one noticing that they left.
...
Bell set Jean down as she carefully put her feet down with trepidation. He gave her time to put her foot down as she slowly left his embrace.
''Bell, are we on the freaking SUN?!,'' Jean asked a little hysterical as she whipped around when she noticed she wasn't sinking or getting affected by the heat.
''Of course. For what is more life giving then this celestial body. A source of heat from which all life sprouts. Assuming you're the right distance. Perfectly at home for someone like you,'' Bell threw his arms out. Jean gaped for a few seconds.
''Are you insane? Just because I host the Phoenix does not mean I'm immune to fire or heat or radiation,'' Jean bit out.
''Calm down. I'm protecting you, naturally. But even so, you can achieve this all on your own. It is in your nature to be to be immune to these things if you want,'' Bell explained.
She really was, the Phoenix affirmed making Jean calm down.
She blushed prettily as music suddenly started playing. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms trying to pretend she was still angry, but the smile was doing her no favors. Bell held out his hand offering it to her. She threw away her pretense and took his hand.
''Don't worry. I will teach you this later or she can if you want, but for now I would like to remind the Lady we are still on a date,'' Bell assured her.
The waltzed both knowing the steps for it and the music being appropriate. When he spun her sun flames twirled with her in a pretty show, Bell pulled he back in making her giggle at his antics.
''Did you seriously just manipulate the flames for something like this? How irresponsible mister,'' Jean teased.
''Hey, if you have the powers then why not make the moment more magical and memorable. Mundane is so old school,'' Bell defended himself.
''Says the guy who just waltzed me. Sounds pretty old school to me,'' Jean said draping her arms around Bells neck while leaning into him.
''Are you complaining, fair Lady?,'' Bell inquired. Jean looked pondering for a while, while she was humming.
''No,'' Jean finally said and kissed Bell. He returned the kiss in kind only to withdrew a little as she bit his lip hard enough to make it bleed. He starred at her as she licked the blood from her lips.
''I just want you to know I'm still angry with you for making me think you died. Now stop looking at me like that and come back here. I know you can instantly heal you injury,'' Jean said not bothering to wait and began kissing him again.
Bell rolled his eyes and then closed them kissing her back. Fine, then. The girls were right and Jean did join the harem. Not that he was gonna tell them that.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''Do we have the autopsy?,'' Fury asked Carter as she came in into the room.
''Yes. He is a complete normal human. Absolutely nothing. No X-Gene. No extra organs. No weird energy readings. 100% DNA match up with that of humans. By all accounts Ren Amamyia is the most unremarkable enhanced we ever saw,'' Sharon replied to Maria and Fury. If he even was Ren Amamyia seeing as the only Ren Amamyia they found was a Japanese 9 year old. No other person matched his description.
''What about that Phone of his?,'' Maria asked.
''Nothing. We managed to open it, but absolutely nothing. It is a normal phone,'' Carter replied.
''And the perpetrator? Any clues?,'' Maria asked again. Sharon released a deep breath and then shook her head.
Furys jaw twitched.
''So we have nothing. We are as blind as that lawyer in Hells kitchen,'' Fury growled displeased.
''He has remarkable echo locati ... and I'm shutting up now,'' Maria said after seeing Fury cast her a look.
''Any reports on the Phantom Thieves. Have they increased the number of victims they 'stole their heart' from? Any signs of retaliation or a preparation of it?,'' Fury demanded. Carter pursed her lips.
''Nothing. If he was their leader they haven't made their displeasure known in any ways. If anything all signs of activity has ceased in the passing week. Up till now, they only seemed to increase their victim count by twice a week,'' Sharon explained. Fury scoffed in displeasure.
Everything has gone tits up in this operation.
''I doubt our superiors will like to hear any of this. They will expect results,'' Maria sighed in frustration.
''That is the most vexing thing. They haven't asked about the Phantom Thieves at all. Ever since they learned we had one of theirs on our hands they asked me for information almost non stop and then they suddenly stopped the moment their leader died,'' Fury explained.
''You think it was one of theirs that did Amamyia in?,'' Maria asked.
''I doubt it. The Phantom Thieves are their natural enemies. They would not wast the only link in an entire year, just for quick results. Say what you want about these idiots, but when it comes to consolidating power they are remarkable good at it. No it was definitely someone else, but who? I thought we fixed all security breaches after Project Insight,'' Fury reasoned frustratingly.
''Sir maybe this was all planned by the Phantom Thieves? No offense to our capabilities, but they have been remarkably elusive and then we just happen to catch their leader of all people? From the moment I began talking to Amamyia it seemed as if he was in total control. I thought him a fool for a while, but the more I go over our conversation the more I have the impression that this was precisely where he wanted to be. As if he planned his death,'' Carter explained.
''So he planned his own death? Why? To achieve what? He didn't seem to have achieved anything,'' Fury argued.
''We brought him to our base and he has powers we can't detect. Maybe he has more powers he didn't advertise? And we do have his phone here as well,'' Carter reasoned making Fury and Maria halt.
That... was not entirely implausible what she was implying. Before they could continue to argue someone ran into their room without knocking.
''Director, sir, I'm sorry, but you NEED to come to the observatory room. Anomalous effects are occurring all over the world. We need you to command us,'' the agent quickly informed, before bolting away. With the door now open they could hear a hub of increased activity. The three shared a look before following after him.
...
''What are we dealing with?,'' Fury asked an agent.
''Sir, all mention of the Phantom Thieves ceased to exist from the internet. All of our digital records are gone as well. We only retained physical copies of their mention,'' an agent quickly informed.
''Sir, people seem to pretend the Phantom Thieves never existed. We already had some of our agents leave and ask people in the streets,'' another agent quickly informed.
''We also recorded weird readings in Greece. The protest, in regards to government corruption, have stopped abruptly after this energy has been recorded. Same with the farmers protesting in France. All protesters went home and neither the media nor the politicians ever mentioned them again,'' yet another agent informed.
''And all wars and conflict in the middle east has stopped,'' one agent revealed.
''What?!,'' Fury immediately latched on to that.
''I don't know, sir. The war and conflict suddenly stopped and they have been all pretending that the war never existed. The rebels and oppressors just ... work together now in some kind of demented harmony, pretending everything is fine,'' the previous agent further added.
''Sir, what should we do?,'' Maria asked suppressing her panic. What could possibly affect the entire earth like this and warp peoples minds in such a way.
''Sir, Amamyias phone is ringing,'' Sharon burst back into the room, holding up a ringing phone. She had a hunch and she chose to follow it. Fury starred at her before holding out his hand, taking the call and putting it on speaker while holding it to his microphone.
''Who am I speaking to?,'' Fury asked.
''Queen, the second in command,'' a voice replied.
''Are you the ones doing this thing that affects the whole world?,'' Fury asked.
''No. What do you think we were trying to do all this time? We have been doing your job, even now this phone is protecting you from the distortions of the enemy. Alas we were too late,'' Queen replied.
''Enemy? Distortions? I need you to elaborate,'' Fury asked gesturing to someone to start tracing the call.
''We don't have time for your pathetic attempts to buy time while you trace this call. If you really stand for what you believe in you will call all news agencies and record what will happen in NYC to the entire world. We need to change peoples cognition if we want to defeat the enemy. For now there are still a few people aside from you not affected by the distortions. Hurry,'' the phone went suddenly dead. Fury looked at the guy who was responsible for tracing the call. He merely shook his head.
''What now director Fury?,'' Maria asked. He starred at the phone for a long while and then sighed.
''Call the news agencies. All of them, tell them it is a matter of national security and that we will be blasting their video and audio feed to the entire world. And someone call the Avengers. They will be tasked with protecting the cameramen and providing support to the Phantom Thieves. Move out,'' Fury commanded making the agents move.
''Are you sure about this, Sir?,'' Maria whispered. As his right hand man, she was allowed certain liberties like questioning him so long as she didn't do this openly.
''No. But I have never seen a situation go south so quickly and so ... unhindered. No one even registered something was wrong. At least the Phantom Thieves seem to know what is going on,'' Fury said looking at the phone in his hand.
---
''Captain, it is an honor,'' a cameraman said shacking Rogers hand.
''At ease civilian. I would not like you to be put in danger, but apparently you are needed here, so please focus and serve mankind well,'' Steve tried to calm one of the cameraman down. They were all currently on the Avengers Tower Quinjet pad. Tony knowing a war zone was coming once again to NYC sent Pepper and Morgan away to one of their safe houses outside of NYC.
''So Captain? What is your call?,'' Iron Man asked. Bad enough that he had to send Pepper and Morgan away from his sight, but know there were cameramen inside his tower. Granted the were outside and there were only three, but still.
''Did our friend mention anything besides, sending the video to the entire world?,'' Steve asked not mentioning Furys name with strangers here.
''No,'' Iron Man replied. He looked inside his helmet at the call to Fury who was silent after relaying the orders.
''So what now?,'' asked Natasha adjusting her web shooters.
''I guess we wait for a sign of the Phantom Thieves or this enemy,'' replied Clint adjusting his bow.
''Do you think it is a trap?,'' asked Bruce, rubbing his wrist. He knew it was most likely going to be a code green.
''If it is then the Phantom Thieves have played us all masterfully and I'll tip my hat to them,'' Iron Man joked trying to steel his nerves.
''Enough. Focus on the mission. I may not like it, but sometimes you have to fight a battle with little to no information. Get the cameras rolling,'' Steve pacified. The people stood around for a good few minutes anticipation building up. Noting seemed to happen.
''Are we absolutely sur...,'' Bruce asked again only for the skies to immediately open up and shine brightly.
''Is that.... supposed to be a holy grail?,'' asked Bruce observing the massive object in the distance.
''It seems so. Going by my observations this holy grail seems to be 4/5th the size of this tower,'' Jarvis informed out loud making Clint whistle.
''So what? Is that our enemy? It is not doing anything,'' Bruce observed. The cameramen quickly focused the camera on the holy grail.
''That is because it is regenerating,'' a voice informed after a small thud. The Avengers and the cameramen quickly turned around spotting 5 people and one cat all dressed in stylish black garb with masks on.
Bell was not gonna sugar coat it. He cast a compulsion over the entire earth affecting almost everyone. He did not like as he went against his philosophy but as someone said. The things we do for love.
He also went ahead and decided to clone himself multiple times and shapeshift into all these people as he was in need of several characters for this farce. Rogue better fucking appreciate the sacrifices he made for her.
''Who are you? Are you the Phantom Thieves?,'' Steve asked noticing their extremely beaten and roughed up state. They were bleeding from several places.
''I'm Queen. This is Panther, Skull, Mona, Fox and Oracle. And yes we are the Phantom Thieves,'' Queen took the lead and pointed respectively at the appropriate individual.
''You said it is regenerating?,'' Steve asked.
''Yeah, we just super kicked its butt, but the damn thing just keeps getting regenerated by humanities wishes for salvation. Why though? We cut of those blood-pumping supply line thingies. Oracle?,'' Skull scratched his head tiredly.
''I dunno... I'm not getting any readings from it. It is just floating there,'' Oracle replied.
''Wait. If our enemy has manifested in the material world, then shouldn't we be able to summon our personas as well?,'' Fox asked.
''That should be the case, but it seems the barrier is still somewhat strong enough to prevent that. I certainly can't summon my persona,'' Mona argued,'' Which may explain why the Holy Grail is not doing anything.''
''I'm sorry but did that cat just talk?,'' Iron Man asked.
''I'm not a cat. I am the manifestation of mankinds hopes,'' Mona hotly corrected.
''In the form of a cat,'' Iron Man doubled down, making Mona look mutinous.
''If it is not doing anything then shouldn't we attack it?,'' Bruce asked trying to put a stop to a possible confrontation.
''For that matter, we would appreciate it if you could explain what is going on,'' Natasha added.
The Phantom Thieves looked a little amongst themselves and then Queen stepped forward.
''The original testaments were never meant to teach about sin for the sake of morals. Humans alone may not amount to much, but together they have their own power. Cognition,'' Queen began only to get interrupted by Steve.
''Many people would not like hearing you say that. They take religion very seriously and would disagree with that,'' Steve replied respectfully. Hell, he disagreed with that.
''Then it is a good thing their words mean nothing to me. Each one of us has been around since the Tower of Babel. We are all almost 3000 years old, so forgive if I say something outrageous, not that your opinion matters in this anyway,'' Queen informed making them all drop their jaw. Bell forced himself to keep a calm face, especially with Natasha here. He was gonna bullshit like he never bullshitted before.
And it was going to be glorious. This will have far reaching consequences among religious groups.
''Anyway where was I. Right. Cognition. The cognition of one human amounts to nothing, but the cognition of all of humanity gives shapes to things. Creatures of the mythological kind. Not every creature is cognitive though just as not every creature of the mythological kind is material. And when mankind engages in sin bad stuff happens.
The barriers between the cognitive and the material world become weak and cognitive and material creatures can no longer be distinguished from each other. And once that happens cognitive beings can affect mankind in turn,'' Queen further explained.
''So what sin did mankind commit? Because we sin all the time,'' Clint asked.
''Indolence. Complacency. Laziness. Sloth, Take your pick, it is all the same,'' Mona replied.
''Imagine it like a ship sailing on calm waters vs a ship sailing though the storm. The ship being the cognitive creatures and the water representing sin and virtues. Ironically it is virtues that causes the storm and stops the ship from sailing,'' Fox supplied with a metaphor.
''Shit, it is moving! Get ready,'' Oracle said suddenly making them all turn back to the Holy Grail. A ball of flame exploded at each Phantom Thieves members back that turned into their respective persona. Panther quickly cast a healing spell on them
''Not every cognition is necessarily evil,'' Mona quickly explained at their looks.
They watched as the Holy Grail seemed to open up and transform into a humanoid metal chuck with golden metallic wings and a spinning halo made of leaves.
''By my calculations it seems to be more than three size of the tower we are standing on,'' Jarvis informed through the speaker.
''Are we supposed to defeat this?,'' Steve asked incredulously. The modern world should just give him a break already. No one answered as they all focused on the enemy. If the cameramen would have looked down the would have captured how people just went about their day as if nothing was going on.
''I am the administrator born of the collective human unconsciousness. The God of Control, Yaldabaoth.'' the enemy introduced himself imperiously. Its voice resonating over the city,''The administrator must guide mankind toward proper development. And now that the foolishness of man has been proven, it is the administrators duty to purge them.''
''Is he seriously talking about wiping out humanity?,'' Clint asked hiding his emotions. Jesus Christ he was just a man with a bow and arrow and this was some kind of mega sized building in the form of a god apparently. None of this made any sense any more.
''First time? You should have seen Nyx. Pray she never comes back. Last time she spawned the Black Plague,'' Mona drawled.
''The foolish masses merely spread indolent thoughts and force the progress of society backward. If left to humanity the world would slowly meet its demise. Rehabilitation is impossible now.''
''That doesn't mean humans are evil though,'' Queen countered.
''Indeed. There are many upstanding citizens. However, they merely take the sole path before them. The act of making decisions is accompanied by nothing but pain. Even if a cliff of ruin lay ahead, these lemmings would march forward without a second thought...,'' Yaldabaoth declared.
''If this is all for the sake of humanity wouldn't being beaten by them satisfy you?,'' Panther asked.
''I am the entity which governs the world, Its future depends wholly on my leadership Those who dare defy this natural order shall be met with punishment raining down from the heavens,'' Yaldabaoth replied, before sending out a huge gust of wind that reached them all the way from the distance. The cameramen were petrified, but continued to film. If informing the masses was a way to combat this thing then they would not run away.
''I mean did we expect anything less. That things is just living in his own world not reacting at all to our arguments,'' Skull dropped his head.
''Have you forgotten Nyx or Nyarlathotep? Were you really expecting anything else? Let us just get this over with. How long until Joker comes?,'' Mona replied.
''What? Joker was killed, we still have his corpse,'' Fury informed, but Iron Man chose not to inform them of this. They had bigger priorities then treating Furys every whim as if he were a princess.
''Knowing him. He is just biding his time to ambush our enemy. I mean it made it clear that it thinks he is dead,'' Panther whispered.
''Well then. Your Majesty, we will follow your call,'' Fox replied.
''Rebels who dare defy my rule. You shall perish,'' Yaldabaoth ordered before shooting down a energy beam on their spot. Thanks to Skull casting a barrier the beam hit the the wall of the pad instead making the platform fall down.
''Goddamn it Skull, not again!,'' Mona moaned in disappointment as he clung to Panthers arm desperately. Before the platform could fall even more though the stopped as a red hue enveloped it. Wanda and Storm landed on the platform as Rogue was flying above them. In the end they decided not to disguise themselves.
Not something Bell completely agreed with, but more chaos more gooder.
''I don't know who you are pretty ladies but get us over the water closer to it,'' Mona requested,'' our attacks need to hit it.''
Wanda and Rogue rolled their eyes knowing full well Mona was Bell in disguise, but Wanda did as requested as she, Storm and Rogue provided protections from Yaldabaoths attacks.
Wanda and Rogue decided to come regardless of what anyone else would say and in the end Storm decided to come as well with the other X-Men that were deemed to be of help coming too.
''Hmm. I release upon you the deadly sin of lust. You have no means of escape humans. The insanity of mankind shall bring forth the demise,'' Yaldabaoth declared before summoning another arm with a gun when they were close enough and shooting Panther.
''Shit! Someone restrain her!!!,'' Skull quickly ordered as Panther began panting and blushing. Before she could do anything she became stiff as a board and fell on her back. Madelyne and Scott arrived at the scene, floating thanks to her telekinetic abilities.
''I will focus on her and support. You all do your thing,'' Madelyne told them. So what if she was a clone. She found that out early enough and with Sinister no longer over her shoulder she would become her won person.
''Johanna, Atomic Flare,'' Queen shouted dodging an attack. Her persona cast a spell only for it to do barely anything. Iron Man and Hawkeye tried their own projectiles but they also did nothing. Wanda tried some telekinteic slashes by taking in the air and forming it into blades, but they did nothing and Neither Storms or Scotts attacks did anything either. Rogue was absorbing whatever energy attack she could by puttin her body between it and them.
''Why is this thing so strong!? Nyx and Nyarlathotep weren't as tough?,'' Skull asked in frustration after casting a massive lightning spell.
''Because more humans live now then ever before, which means more people supply him with power,'' Queen replied.
''I release upon you the deadly sin of vanity. You have no mea... Hmm?,'' Yaldabaoth got distracted as a massive star seemed to form at the top of a skyscraper.
''Gae Bolg,'' Could be heard from far in the distance, before the star exploded.
''Urhgh,'' Yaldabaoth groaned as a red spear slammed into his chest. Massive amounts of red energy was getting released as the spear seemed to travel forward despite encountering resistance, as if seeking to spear something. Alas the spear gave in and fell down.
''What just happened?,'' Clint asked.
''Hey, Hawkeye you said you never miss? Let me introduce you to Gae Bolg. The spear that rewrites causality. The spear was thrown therefore the heart must have been thrust. The heart was thrust therefore the spear must have been thrown,'' Skull was hyping up his leader.
Something inexplicably happened as the falling spear disappeared only for another red streak to go through Yaldabaoths chest without encountering resistance this time around. Blue energy spewed from Yaldabaoths chest that quickly closed up.
''Typical humans. Your arrogance knows no limits,'' Yaldabaoth scoffed. Before he could shoot a laser beam back Storm and Wanda flew water up from the ground and directed his hand upwards making him shoot the laser beam into the sky.
Cu Chulainn threw Joker from the skyscraper towards them all and when it seemed that he wouldn't make it Arsene came in clutch and flew him the rest of the way.
''Missed me?,'' Joker said greeting them as he landed on the flying platform and adjusted his gloves.
''Took your sweet time. How does the cognition of the masses seem? Can HE be summoned?,'' Queen asked.
''No. I'm surprised you got that dude to listen to you,'' Joker shook his head.
''Impressed?,'' Queen teased.
''It is in the nature of children to be difficult. It is always so surprising when they obey the adults,'' Joker shrugged, though he was smirking as well.
''Uhhh can somebody explain to me, why Joker can use multiple of these things? Actually why haven't I turned yet?,'' Bruce asked staying close to Natasha. The two were hardly contributing anything since they were mostly melee fighters.
''That is because he is a trickster and our leader. And you don't turn, because I am the product of the hopes of humanity. My presence is calming,'' Mona explained as if this stuff was self explanatory.
''Enough. You dreg of human hope. I release upon you the deadly sin of gluttony. You have no means of escape humans. The selfishness of mankind shall bring forth ruin,'' Yaldabaoth bit out. Only for his attack to be blocked by Madelyne.
''Joker! Bring out beauty personified,'' Fox stroke a pose. The others looked at him weirdly.
''You there, scarlet witch. Protect Maria. She is the most powerful healer in existence,'' Joker told Wanda before summoning Maria to the back of their lines. Panther suddenly returned to her senses and requested to be released, which she was after seeing Maria cast something.
And so it was that the group fought Yaldabaoth. Blocking and counterattack whenever possible. Eventually they all surrounded Maria as Yaldabaoth focused his attacks on her since it kept constantly healing them and removing his debuffs.
''I shall release upon you the deadly sin of wrath. You have no means of escape humans. The passion of mankind shall bring forth ruin...''
''I release upon you the deadly sin of greed. You have no means of escape humans. The fixation of mankind shall bring forth ruin...''
''I release upon you the deadly sin of envy. You have no means of escape humans. The resentment of mankind shall bring forth ruin...''
''The abyss of the unconsciousness yearns for ultimate ruin. You have no means of escape humans. Punishment shall strike you all. As you pass through the gates of destruction...''
''Oh, come on! We have been fighting this guy for almost two hours, does he never run out of energy?,'' Iron Man asked as Joker performed an attack with Yoshitsune.
''What the...? He is building up an insane amount of energy. Focus on blocking it!,'' Oracle quickly warned.
A massive red energy beam rained down on them from the heavens pressing the platform down almost into the water as Wanda, Madelyne, Skull, Joker and Rogue focused on the defense trying to protect everyone. Suddenly Scott shot an optic beam upwards providing a small form of push back.
Some time fighting later the extra arms were down.
''So this is the power that resist ruin. My control shall not bow down to ruin. My control is the ultimate truth of this world,'' Yaldabaoth declared.
A black hole formed in front of him before exploding easily smashing past the defensive barriers and flinging them all down on the water level. Maria quickly healed any injuries. Joker had to give it to the cameramen. They were dedicated as fuck to their job. At least they were not getting out empty handed, this would definitely make their career.
Anyways back to acting.
They all groaned as they were lying on the ground.
''Look around you. None of this lemmings are coming to your rescue. Instead they chose to indulge in indolence, once more proving that they would lead the world to ruin. Since you been forsaken by the world there is nowhere that you can belong,'' Yaldabaoth said and then slammed down a thunderbolt on their position electrifying them all.
''Not even one sliver of unpredictability can be permitted under my control. Don't you hear the voices of the masses? The mock you for revolting against a god. Humans are naught but clumps of desire. Logic dictates that a world filled with them will decline. The sin of rebelling against a god is severe. As punishment you shall taste pain everlasting,'' Yaldabaoth declared as his enemies spasmed at his feet.
Mona picked himself up slowly.
''Not letting that happen!,'' he declared in a pained voice.
''The attendant created from the dregs of human hope, hm? It is impossible for a petty existence like you to overrule my precedent.''
''Human hope is a desire too. You better not underestimate it. These people will yield to no one. Even if only one of us remains, we will get back up and fight to the very end. And we will definitely ... definitely... Prove you wrong! Humans can do better than what you accuse them!,'' Mona yelled earnestly and full of passion. The cameramen were making sure to film the cats little speech.
---
''...Prove you wrong! Humans can do better than what you accuse them!''
The short speech resonated across the world. The truth was that Bell only used the smallest most infinitesimal compulsion on all humans to sway them into indolence. Any one with significant enough mental strength would be able to resist, but that still left around 83% of all of mankind under his spell. But that was no excuse, he definitely compromised his beliefs a little even if the compulsion lasted for a few days and harmed no one.
That said he was mighty curious to see just how many would be moved to snapping out of it by the hopes of humanities speech, so he did not lift the compulsion he cast.
Surprisingly it was far more then he expected. Around 68% chose to wake up. Still far less then he wished but more than he expected.
''Running away from things won't help. It is time to stop burying our heads in the sand!''
''They inspired me too''
''Snap out of it people. That is no friend of ours. Our friends lie at his feet and they need our help''
''Go away pretender. I have read the scriptures.''
''Take him down''
''Take. Him. Down.''
''TAKE. HIM. DOWN.''
''TAKE. HIM. DOWN.''
''TAKE. HIM. DOWN.''
''TAKE. HIM. DOWN.''
---
''You hear that? This are the voices of the humans you made fun of! No one want you to rule over them! Guys, if you decided to take the world from him then don't compromise your ideals to the very end!,'' Mona yelled out making Yaldabaoth scoff.
''Joker, has the veil been lifted enough?,'' Queen asked as they all picked themselves up. Joker nodded.
With a burst of blue flames he summoned Arsene, grasped his chains and snapped them releasing him from his limiters. Arsene burst in flames as he exploded shortly afterwards.
Yaldabaoth hummed with mockery.
''So you have failed to harness the power. No matter how many prayers of these foolish masses come together... Hm?,'' Yaldabaoth stopped and looked up as the sky immediately darkened and thundered.
''Is this Thor?,'' Steve asked, but no one answered him.
Massive black feathers fell from the sky as a figure equal the size of Yaldabaoth descended down from the sky. It was stylishly garbed had six black feathered wings and wore a golden domino bull mask from which two red eyes could be seen.
''Fools, This is why man is doomed,'' Yaldabaoth concluded as he summoned another black hole and exploded it quickly hoping to kill his enemies before they could protect themselves. Alas it did absolutely nothing despite no one being able to react quickly enough. If anything all their wounds disappeared as they were healed.
''Joker we entrust the peoples hopes to you,'' Mona said making Joker nod and turn towards the massive six winged figure.
''My lord Satanael,'' Joker greeted respectfully.
''Joker. It has been a while since we last fought side by side. Shall we then?,'' Satanael asked making Joker nod.
''Yes. Let us pillage him my Lord,'' Joker affirmed respectfully. He turned around and in the same motion pulled out a desert eagle from the depths of his trench coat. Satanael copied his movement summoning an even bigger gun. They both positioned themselves sideways facing Yaldabaoth. The cameramen made sure to capture everything.
''Begone.''
''Begone.''
''Preposterous. You dare rob the peoples wishes...?''
They both pulled the trigger at the same time and few seconds later a metallic screech was heard as metal scrapped against metal and a massive hole was left behind in Yaldabaoths face. And with that Joker removed the compulsion from the rest of humanity.
The sky brightened as Yaldabaoth turned into golden shimmers of light. Humanity watched as a god died today.
''Urgh finally. Just another delulu god added to our list. Woohoo gang, let us go, us!,'' Skull unceremoniously began celebrating. Panther and Queen quickly slapped him over the head.
''Have some damn respect. You are in the presence of Lord Satanael,'' Queen chastised.
''Hold up. As in Satan? You are telling us Satan saved our asses,'' Iron Man suddenly burst out after reading the information Jarvis sent him.
''Ah, humanity. You never cease to amaze with what you have done with my scriptures,'' Satanael chuckled.
''Your scriptures? I thought this were the scriptures of God?,'' Steve asked.
''Heavens no. My father is a lazy bum. Apparently he deserves it for working hard in creating the universe.
I was the one forced to kill the original Yaldabaoth, be glad for that by the way, cause cognitive Yaldabaoth had nothing on the original. I was the one that gave you your freedom back.
And then when I found out about human cognitive power I sent emissaries to spread the word against sin and what you have you done with the scriptures? Turned me into the devil? Nailed Jesus on a cross? Bastardised my words. I mean seriously? Stoning a cheating wife to death? Just set her aside. Engaging in crusades to spread religion when all religion are from the same source? The devil is my brother Lucifer and he does not tempt people he punishes evil doers. So at least you got one thing ... half right.
I mean dear heavens. You might as well throw all the religious books away with how many times you edited them and 'interpreted' them anew. Quick info. You always interpret them wrong, so don't even bother with them, especially with the original ones getting lost,'' Satanael went on a small monologue making several humans wince.
Meanwhile Joker kept a completely straight face as he bullshitted like he never bullshitted before. Unearthing the foundations of several religions was CERTAIN not to cause chaos.
No, sir. Not at all.
''Then what were you originally trying to say?,'' Steve asked eagerly. Oh you fool. So religious and yet so quick to fall to the devi... archangels temptations.
''Be virtuous. Like, do you really need, what, 5000 pages to figure out you shouldn't be a dick? Stop trying to make the world uniform. Your cultural and genetical diversity is your greatest strength against cognitive creatures. And yet time and time again you gave into sin and slaughtered each other over the most infinitesimal differences. Oh no! That person is black. Oh no! This person is different from me. Oh no! Making this choice is too difficult, so what is the point.
Urgh.
I'm not gonna lie. A part of me contemplated not coming at all to your rescue. I love humans, but you can be so frustrating sometimes. Everything cognitive Yaldabaoth said wasn't completely unfounded. The only reason he got to cross over from the cognitive world into the material world was because of human indolence. Look, I get it. The uncertain is terrifying and it is easier to bury your head in the sand and chose the easier options. Or remove humans different from you. But, guess what? Doing so will see you chose the bigger evil.
That is the beauty about freedom. You are not exempt from the consequences of your choices any more than you are exempt from making a decision in the first place. And rest assured you will make a choice and you will bear the consequences. Whatever they might be. You are just incredible lucky that I hold you dear and bust you out from certain death,'' Satanael answered Steves question.
''Are we supposed to believe this?,'' Fury asked through the microphone, but Tony wasn't dumb enough to verbalize Furys question out loud. He may not believe in gods, but apparently they are very much reals and they did not strike him as the asgardians did. Long lived and highly technologically advanced with tough bodies.
''What was that? The black man shall speak up,'' Satanael sharply questioned making Iron Man raise his hands.
''Are we supposed to believe this nonsense. Why have we never heard of your activities over the course of history? This is the first time any cognitive threats have been encountered,'' Fury asked again, balls of bronze. Satanael chuckled darkly.
''That a child would presume to question me is already amusing enough. But that it presumes to lecture me in the working and machinations of the world is insulting. I should smite you, but rejoice for I am in good spirits.
Humanity has once more, in so long since I granted them their freedom back, reminded me of why I love you. You rose above you own faults today and proved Yaldabaoth wrong, well done.
But perhaps you do speak truly. Come Velvet Room attendants. This time we shall not strike down this event from the records of history and we shall not wipe their memories. Perhaps if they see for themselves that they can do better, they will do better. Do not disappoint me again humans,'' Satanael unceremoniously burst into blue flames with the Phantom Thieves as well. And just like that they were gone.
''...''
''Anyone want shawarma again?,'' Tony asked.
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''Yo, what is up?,'' Bell asked while eating his cereal and watching a show with Wanda hugging him a few days later in their HQ. Jean sat one his other side scrolling through her phone not having anything better to do in this very moment. Gwen burst into the living room looking almost frantic.
''You absolute maniac. You went above and beyond with that Satanael persona,'' Gwen hotly thrust her phone in his face making him take it and look at it.
He doubted it would be anything too crazy. He already checked. The cognitive world did not exist here, so it was funny and pointless for the government or politician to sink money in it. And most of the marvel gods had nothing to do with any of the traditional gods from various religions. Demons on the other hand did have some general crossovers.
Bell looked at the screen absentmindedly chewing the cereal. He almost choked at what he was reading.
'Join the Fellowship of Satanael and live by his holy words. Be better, be virtuous and be free. Make the change you want to be and help us make the world a better place. The path you thread will be hard, but know you are not alone and it will be worth it in the end'
1,4 billion followers and rising.
Bells lips twitched.
This was enough to make a grown man cry with joy.
This was going to make things so entertaining.