Elsewhere in the city, Wolverine grunted as he dragged the motionless form of Iron Man through the city streets.
His suit was in tatters, yet the Billionaire's armor was unscathed. Save for some scratches in the paint from being dragged across the pavement.
Wolverine didn't even know what happened to Iron Man. One second, the Armored Avenger was staring down the Phoenix Force. Next thing he knows, the lights go out, and he's plummeting to the streets below. Landing in a dumpster to add insult to injury.
The Phoenix then went on a rampage and knocked him off the top of a building. Wolverine found himself separated from the rest of the heroes. His only company was a motionless suit of armor, inside which the pilot may or may not be alive.
Either way, he wasn't about to leave him there. So here he is, dragging him across town, all while a Cosmic Firebird is tearing apart the city and possibly about to end the world.
"Chuck. If you're out there, could really use some advice right now." He asked, looking towards the sky. As if expecting a miracle to happen.
Seems someone up there was listening, as the familiar BAMF was heard, followed by a puff of smoke as Nightcrawler appeared in front of the Clawed Mutant.
"Logan. Thank God that I found you." The Blue Demon exclaimed as he rushed over to his friend's side.
Wolverine chuckled. "Good ta see ya too, Elf."
Nightcrawler then noticed the Armored Avenger on the ground behind. "Mein God. Logan, is he..?"
Wolverine had a grim expression as he looked down at the Billionaire. "I don't know. Suits airtight, can't get a whiff of anything other than metal and grease."
"Might it not be best to cut him out?" Nightcrawler suggested. "After all, if the suit is airtight as you described, would he not suffocate in there."
"Hmm… Good point." Wolverine agreed as he clenched his right fist, and his adamantium claws popped out of his knuckles.
"Course, I ain't exactly surgical with these things. I'll try and pop the faceplate off." He admitted, retracting two of the claws and approaching the Armored Billionaire.
Suddenly, the lights in the suit blinked on, and Iron Man turned his head to the Clawed Mutant.
"You scratch this armor, and I'm billing you for the repairs." Iron Man said in a joking manner.
Wolverine and Nightcrawler breathed a sigh of relief as Iron Man got to his feet.
"Had up worried there, Stark. What happened, run outta juice?"
"If that happened, I'd be in serious trouble." He said, tapping his chest where the Arc Reactor is located. "I lose power, my armor isn't the only thing that stops ticking."
The two X-Men nodded as they understood what he was indicating.
"My systems were just overloaded when I tried to scan the Phoenix Force. The power that thing was giving off was more than the suit could handle. Had to do a complete system reboot to restore control." Iron Man explained as he examined his gauntlets and other parts of the armor.
"Speaking of." He then taps the side of his helmet. "JARVIS, we back online?"
"Indeed, sir." The A.I.'s voice sounded over the armor's speakers. "All systems are back online."
"Talk to me, JARVIS. What are we dealing with?" Iron Man asked.
"Unable to quantify, sir. The entity is psionic in nature. The data that was recovered detected energy frequencies consistent with those displayed by telepaths. Any further data is unavailable due to scan being incomplete due to system failure."
"Great." The Armored Avenger hissed. "I need a complete scan of this thing, JARVIS. Boost power to the Armor's scanners and connect to the Stark mainframe to upload the data."
"Error. Armor systems are not compatible with data surge." The A.I. reported, displaying a series of images of his HUD, showing the information to the Tech Genius.
Mentally cursing, Iron Man wracked his brain for a solution. In these kinds of situations, knowledge is power. He couldn't just fly in there blindly. The Phoenix Force would turn his armor into scrap metal and turn him into a pile of ash if he just flew up there and started blasting.
He needed to find a way to get the information he needed. Glancing up at the sky, the clouds were still swirling from the battle. But for a brief moment, the clouds parted, and Iron Man caught a glimpse of the stars above.
Then it hit him.
"JARVIS, re-route all Stark Industries satellites to the city." He ordered. "Have them scan the Phoenix Force, share the data between them and compile the information to the hard drives in each of our international facilities."
"Re-routing… Acknowledged. Satellites locking on and commencing scans."
A devilish grin spread across the Billionaire's face. "All right. Now we're cooking."
"What are you playin at, Stark?" Wolverine asked curiously.
"Getting some data on that thing. Unlike my Hammer-throwing friend up there. I can't fight something like this without a plan. Once I get the data I need, I can find its weak spot." Iron Man stated with utmost confidence.
"This being is an ancient force of destruction. How can you be sure it even has a weakness?" Nightcrawler asked.
Iron Man scoffed at the question. "This thing ain't a god, League of Legends. It's made of energy. All energy can be disrupted. Just gotta find the frequency."
Nightcrawler narrowed his eyes at the Armored Avenger as he quickly performed the Sign of the Cross with his hands.
"We should reunite with the others." He suggested, looking to Wolverine.
The Clawed Mutant raised his head and started sniffing the air. He snarled as he shook his head, sharply exhaling as he did.
"Too much ash in the air. Can't get a clear scent." He growled.
"Let me." Iron Man said as he activated his scanners. "Ok, I got a lock on them. Also got a reading of the damage to the city… Huh." He said in confusion as he saw the readings.
"What?" Wolverine asked, slightly annoyed as this was starting to feel repetitive.
"The damage. It's mainly contained in the financial district. With how fast and powerful this thing is. I would've thought it would've set the whole city on fire by this point."
It was confusing. With how powerful and swift the Phoenix acted when it arrived in the city. Decimating the Sentinels and knocking Magneto on his wrinkly butt with ease. With how it handled the rest of them, Iron Man half expected the entire city to be on fire. What could possibly be keeping the Phoenix Force so focused on this section of the city?
"It's gotta be after us." Wolverine theorised as if reading the Billionaire's thoughts.
Iron Man looked at the Clawed Mutant, tilting his head to the side to convey his confusion.
Wolverine elaborated. "Those girls probably work for the chumps who kidnapped Jean. They were after the Phoenix Force and looks like they got it. So now, they're probably under orders to finish us off. Get rid of anyone that could stand in their way."
"A good strategy." Iron Man admitted. Albeit begrudgingly. "Though, since we know that this all ends with global apocalypse. I'm guessing those girls won't be able to control that thing for much longer."
"We need to regroup with the others," Nightcrawler suggested. "Then we can come up with a plan and hold out until Scott, Jean, Laura, and Ben can return."
"If they ain't dead, already." Wolverine grimly replied.
A three-fingered hand rested on the Gruff Mutant's shoulder, and he turned his head towards the Blue Teleporter.
"Have faith, my friend. The Lord is with us, and he will not abandon us." His yellow eyes were calm as he reassured his friend.
Wolverine gave Nightcrawler a small smile as he grunted with a nod.
Iron Man rolled his eyes from behind his faceplate. He never understood how people can get wrapped up in religion. All his life, he never needed to pray for things that he wanted. He did it all on his own with his own two hands.
But, this wasn't the time for that kind of talk. He needed to focus and ensure that this threat was taken care of.
"Let's go." He said as he walked over to Wolverine and grabbed him by the back of his shirt. "Better clench up, Badger Boy."
Activating his thrusters, Iron Man and his passenger took to the sky, with Nightcrawler teleporting behind them as they headed to the closest signal.
Elsewhere, Hawkeye skidded across the sidewalk, sliding underneath an overturned car as he aimed his bow and fired at a water tower on top of a nearby building on fire.
The arrow detonated, rupturing the water tank and sending gallons of water into the building, dousing the flames as it did so.
He'd arrived at his designated city section and quickly went to work forming a barricade to prevent the fire from spreading. Within the first three minutes, he'd quickly exhausted his supply of freeze arrows and foam arrows. Leading the Archer to devise some creative ways to fight the fires.
A stray fireball suddenly flew over the street and struck a garbage truck behind him, setting it ablaze.
Hawkeye groaned as he drew another arrow from his quiver and aimed it at the overpass above the flaming vehicle. He let loose the arrow, which exploded, dropping debris onto the garbage truck, burying it and smothering the flames.
A tiny breeze washed over him, causing Hawkeye to scrunch his face as he coughed in disgust.
"Ugh. That takes care of the flames, but not the smell." He remarked, waving his hand away in a vain attempt to get rid of the smell of burnt garbage.
Another crack of thunder sounded overhead as he looked up and saw the flashes of lightning and fire. His grip tightened on his bow again. Thor was up there, along with that Weather Mutant and a…. A kid. Acting as the last line of defence between this city and its people from that Living Death.
A kid, no older than Ben, is up there fighting that thing, and he's down here literally putting out fires.
The sound of crashing sounded behind him as he instinctively drew his bow and took aim.
Just as he saw Carol Danvers emerge from an ally, her suit burned as she limped out, her right arm clutching her side. She was breathing heavily.
Hawkeye quickly dropped his arm and placed the arrow back into the quiver. He then flicked the switch on the hand grip with his thumb, and the bow compacted down for him to store on his back.
The Archer ran over to the Young Agent, keeping his guard up as he did.
"Hey, kid. You ok?" He asked.
Upon seeing the Avenger, Carol quickly tried to pass off her injuries as nothing. She was forcing herself to stand straight and act tough. "What this. Just a little singed. I'm fine."
The Archer simply looked at the girl with an incredulous look.
"Really? Cause you look like me after a night in a bar in Hell's Kitchen." He stated, looking her over. Noticing how she was using her flying power to take weight off her leg.
"Oh yeah. Totally fine. Just need to catch my breath, and I'll be ready to make that overgrown chicken see stars." Carol said, feigning confidence, and she punched her fist into her hand. Which caused her to winch in pain as she immediately doubled over, clutching her side again.
"Ok. That's it. You're taking a breathing, little girl." Hawkeye said, rushing to her side to help steady her.
The Young SHIELD Agent tried to brush him off, but the pain was too much. She gave up and allowed him to guide her to the side of a building, where she sat down and leaned against the wall to support herself.
Hawkeye leaned down next to her. "Alright, let's have a look at you."
He reached out to inspect her wounds, only for Carol to flinch and hold up her hand in protest.
"No. No need." She said.
"This isn't the time for the tough girl act, Danvers." Hawkeye sniped at the girl. "You likely got some broken rips and possibly some fractures. Either let me check. Or I'm gonna have to use anastatic."
Carol winched again as she pushed herself up against the wall. "What I mean is. All I need is to absorb some energy, and I'll be fine."
That got the Archer to back off. While he wanted to argue and give her a proper check-up. Carol is a superhuman, so her powers would allow her to heal faster. Though, looking around, there didn't seem to be a lot of options for an energy source.
Shortly after arriving, the Phoenix Force hit the electrical grid and caused most of the city to lose power. So, a quick charge-up from any electrical outlet would be out of the question.
Though he could always bring her a car battery to charge up?
"Alright. How big a charge do you need? I got a couple of Taser arrows. Anything bigger, I might have to start popping some hoods."
"Um, if I could make it to a subway and grab a third rail, that'll give me the jump I need," Carol stated.
"Hate to break it to ya. But any entrance to the subways have all caved in. No way we're getting down there."
"That's fine." The Kree Hybrid said as she started pushing herself up. "Just gotta get to the entrance, and I can move those debris."
Hawkeye quickly moved to try to stop her from getting up. "You can barely lift yourself. Take five, Blondie. Let us handle things."
"Not a chance. No way I'm sitting on the sidelines. Not while I can do something." Carol protested as she fought against Hawkeye's grip.
Hawkeye gritted his teeth in frustration at the Young Woman's stubbornness. He could see the fatigue setting in, but she was trying to fight it. At this rate, she could make her injuries worse than they already are before she even gets a chance to heal herself.
He needed to stop her. He needed something that would derail this one-track mindset. Something like…
"Come on, Danvers, level with me. If you get hurt and I just stand by, you have any idea what Ben's gonna do to me when he finds out?" The Archer protested.
Upon hearing Ben's name, the tension in her body eased, and Carol gasped as if she had woken up from a dream.
She slid back to the ground, and her entire body seemed to deflate as her muscles relaxed.
"Fine." She said in a juvenile fashion.
Hawkeye smirked as he relaxed a little before walking over to an empty trashcan and flipping it over to use as a chair. He sat down near the SHIELD Agent and looked down at her.
"He likes you, ya know?" The Archer stated, casually pulling out an arrow and fiddling with it.
Carol said nothing as she seemed to withdraw into herself, pulling her knees to her chest and hugging them.
Hawkeye continued, "He doesn't talk about you, because for some of us, it's still a hot topic." He was mainly talking about Wasp and Hulk; the rest of the team had either moved past it or weren't really invested in the Young Avengers' love life.
"But, he does show it. The only time I ever see that kid brush his hair is when he's going to meet you."
Carol buried her head into her knees as if hearing about Ben's feelings was causing more pain.
Something that didn't go unnoticed by the World's Greatest Marksman.
"So the question still remains. Do you like him?"
Carol's head shot up so fast that he could practically hear the sound barrier breaking. "Of course I do." She said quickly.
Hawkeye raised an eyebrow. "Are you convincing me or yourself?"
The Blonde Agent's eyes narrowed as she glared at him. "I care about Ben. He's kind and generous, he sees the best in people when most don't, he won't hesitate to put himself in danger to save people… He's so childish, and even with the whole world crumbling, he finds a way to keep smiling, just so everyone else feels better."
She looked down at her feet. "He never gives up. On anyone. Even when he really should. Even if people don't deserve it. Even for a world that's not even his."
Her head sank again as the Archer looked down at her, listening to every word and watching every movement she made.
He'd been a SHIELD Agent for many years. In that time, he's done his fair share of missions. Many of them were undercover, where he had to do things to get close to his target. Things that he wasn't always proud of. But he did them for the sake of his mission.
So he could tell when a spy was putting on an act. Only three people in the whole world have ever been able to pull the rug out from under him, and she was way too green to be anywhere near Nat's level.
What she was feeling was the real deal.
"Yeah. He does." Hawkeye concurred. "He won't turn his back on anyone. It's kinda annoying."
That earned a chuckle from the Young Agent. "He's so cute when he does that little grin when he comes up with something. And whenever things get bad and, he starts grinning. That's when I always know he's gonna save the day in a spectacular way."
Forget just liking the kid. This girl is straight-up smitten. She was like a teenage girl fawning over her first crush.
That's when the Archer remembered. She is a teenage girl. She's no older than Ben, yet
here she is on the front lines fighting something that may as well have come from the Old Testament.
They took a kid and sent her headfirst into Hell.
It boiled his blood. Kids should have their whole lives ahead of them. They should not be forced into a life that would get them killed. Not like him, not like….
Hawkeye shook his head. No, this is no time to be thinking about that. He needed to keep his head in the game.
Suddenly, something big impacted the ground before them. Unlike before, Hawkeye didn't react as he was familiar with that particular impact. The Archer casually got to his feet as Hulk emerged from the crater he just created.
"Glad you're back," Hawkeye genuinely said to the Gamma Giant. "Thor's holding the line. Better get up there and back him up."
Hulk grunted with a grin as he cracked his knuckles. "Sure. Can't let Blondie have all the fun."
The skin on Hawkeye's palms was practically punctured by his fingernails from how hard he was clenching his fists.
Fun? This was *fun* for him? The city is on fire, millions of people were put in danger, and many are either injured or dead. On top of all that, they don't even know if Ben is still alive since no one's heard a thing from him since his message.
And this Musclebound Walking Gamma Bomb is hopping around with a big grin on his big dumb face.
"That's all you care about." Hawkeye snarled through his teeth. Catching the Hulk off guard and causing Carol to raise her head.
Hulk looked down at the Archer, who raised his head to allow the Gamma Giant to see the anger.
"This is just one big game to you? People are dying, you Giant Idiot!" Hawkeye shouted at the Hulk.
The Gamma Brute cocked his eyebrow. "What'd you say, Bowman?"
"You heard me Jade Jaws. The whole world is about to be turned into a bonfire, and all you seem to care about is if you get to hit the big bird!" Hawkeye then proceeded to gesture to the injured Teen behind him. "People are in danger, and you're complaining that others are risking their lives to stop that thing."
Hulk growled as he leaned over the Archer. "You think you could do any better, Tough Guy?"
"OF COURSE I CAN'T!" Hawkeye screamed, echoing through the streets.
For the first time, Hawkeye made the Hulk real back. Shock was present on his face. He'd known the Archer to be full of bravado, always talking smack to him and being cocky no matter what villain they faced.
For him to admit that he can't do something. That certainly caught him off guard.
The Archer wasn't done as he glared at him. "But I'm here doing my part. Any part, just to buy a little more time. Yet here you are, taking it easy and whining like a big baby."
Hulk's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he leaned in close. "Hulk. Is not. A baby."
His breath blew past the Purple Archer's head with each sharp exhale. The Air around him started to get heavy to the point that Carol found herself unconsciously holding her breath.
But Hawkeye did not budge. He just held his gaze and reached for his pocket.
"Do you even care if any of us die?" He asked without a second of hesitation.
A flash of green illuminated the Hulk's eyes. His breathing turned more animalistic. "What did you say? Of course, I care!"
"Doesn't seem that way!" Hawkeye shouted back. "If you were, you would've punched out that Roasted Chicken the moment it turned up. You say you are the strongest one there is, yet that thing knocked you aside like you were nothing!"
The pavement cracked as Hulk stepped closer. Hawkeye could see his reflection in the Giant's Green eyes. The dim glow grew brighter.
"Hulk IS the strongest there is." The force of his words hit like a gale of wind that almost knocked the Archer off his feet.
Then Hawkeye held up his hand, revealing his ID card, with a holographic image being displayed.
Hulk took one look at that image and froze in place. His eyes were wider than dinner plates.
For in that single image was Betty Ross, unconscious and blood streaming down her face.
This was an image taken from the day the Hulk was born. Before he formed his personality, he was just a mindless rage monster who attacked everything and everyone in his path.
Seeing her like that. There were no words to describe how the Hulk felt at that moment. His body trembled as dark shadows fell over his eyes.
"You see this, Banner? This is what's gonna happen to Betty if you don't cut this bull!" Hawkeye yelled, calling to the scientist within. "That monster is going to kill her! Her and everyone else! All because you won't take this seriously! You're the strongest one there is? Then prove it!"
A second or so passed between them. Then Hulk's breathing became heavier. Heat started to radiate off his body as his fists clenched. The veins across Hulk's arms began to glow green and pulsated in his knuckles.
Hulk raised his head, a primal growl escaped from his teeth as he glared at Hawkeye, his eyes glowing green, like a pair of headlights.
Raising his head to the sky, The Savage Hulk unleashed a roar that shook the heavens. Pure, unbridled rage coursed through every fibre of his being.
Carol looked on with wide eyes, while Hawkeye looked sorrowful.
The Raging Beast turned his attention to the battle in the sky as he crouched down, his leg muscles pulsing with power as he launched himself into the sky with the speed of a cruise missile. Launching himself towards the Phoenix Force like a wild animal.
Hawkeye looked down at the crater Hulk left behind as he put away his card and sighed.
"Hawkeye…." Carol gasped with disbelief as she forced herself to her feet. "That was…"
She didn't know what to say. Hawkeye used such an underhanded method to manipulate the Hulk to lose control. Intentionally turning his own teammate into a weapon to be aimed and fired.
The Hawkeye bowed his head as he clenched his fist. Trembling as he punched the nearby wall.
"We needed a Monster to fight a Monster." The Archer said, in a way that tried to justify his actions.
"But, he's your teammate? Your friend." She pointed out.
"I know." Hawkeye hissed as if the reminder caused him pain. "… I just hope he can forgive me for this. If we're all still here."
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Force cried out up into the skies as it unleashed a barrage of fireballs from its wings. Raining them down like meteors.
From their position in the air, Thor and Storm summoned their powers. Their eyes glowed white, and the pair blasted lighting from Mjolnir and the clouds, respectively.
Despite their power and precision, a few stray fireballs managed to get past them. Threatening the city below.
Fortunately, Iceman was able to slide under them and snipe the remaining meteors with his ice beams.
The battles had been intense, but so far, the trio had managed to put up one heck of a defence against the Cosmic Firebird.
Iceman couldn't help but be in awe. He's always admired Storm, both for her insane beauty and her incredible power. But seeing her fighting side by side with the actual God of Thunder. It finally made sense why she was often called a Goddess.
The two Weather Manipulators called forth a massive tornado that engulfed the Phoenix in an enormous barrier of wind. A wave of Storm hands and hailstones the size of cars fell from the sky and funnelled straight into the tornado, swirling together and pelting the Firebird with freezing winds and ice projectiles.
Seeing Storm effortlessly control the ice made him wonder what they needed him for. So far, it just seemed like he was there to support them while they did all the heavy lifting.
Suddenly, a bright glow illuminated the heart of the tornado, and the Phoenix Force burst from the tornado, burning the winds and ice and turning them into vapour. The explosion's shockwave almost knocked the pair out of the sky, but they managed to catch themselves.
The Phoenix Force looked to the sky at the swirling clouds. Its eyes narrowed as it raised its wings to the heavens. Its aura glowed bright, and its flames flickered in the light. With a mighty flap, the clouds parted, splitting in half like the heavens were cut with a knife.
Dispersing the clouds, revealing the clear night sky.
Thor and Storm looked up at the sky with wide eyes, shocked. In contrast, Iceman looked like he was about to make yellow snow.
Cloud coverage gave the pair an advantage, as they could summon several weather phenomena to combat the Phoenix. Without it, their options became very limited.
"It seems the Phoenix did not like the clouds," Storm commented, looking to the sky. "It aims to deprive us of their power."
"Indeed, fair Storm." Thor agreed. "The Beast would like to face us on a clear night. Who are we to deny it the battle it seeks?"
The Thunder grinned as he raised Mjolnir. The mighty hammer glowed as lighting crackled around it.
Storm shared that sentiment as she focused her power, commanding the ions around her hands and generating lighting around them.
"This foolish creature failed to understand. The power does not come from the clouds." She stated.
"It comes from us!" Thor finished as Thor hurled Mjolnir at the Phoenix, and Storm blasted her lighting at the Mighty Mallet, the power combining with the weapon, charging it up further as it struck the Phoenix Force in the chest, knocking it back until it was out of the city limits, flying over the ocean.
Thor held out his hand and called Mjolnir back to his hand.
The pair then descended to the skyline where Iceman was staring gobsmacked.
"Prepare Thyself, Young Warrior," Thor said to the Ice Mutant. "For the final strike is upon us."
"Huh… What?" Iceman said, shaking his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"He means we need you to help defeat this Entity, Bobby," Storm explained, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Huh?" Iceman repeated, stunned by the statement. "No, no way. You two are doing fine up there. I mean, really, Storm, you can freeze stuff just as easily as I can. You don't really need me."
"Yes, I do, Bobby," Storm stated. "I may control the weather and can call upon the blizzards to freeze the lands. But no one can control Ice as you can."
"She speaks the truth, Young one," Thor said as he landed next to the Young Mutant.
"Thy mastery of the winter would make even the Mighty Frost Giants shiver." Thor complimented.
He could see the doubt in the Young Mutant. Fear and doubt have no place in a war. Those who are the first to doubt themselves are the first to fall on the battlefield.
The Prince of Asgard was no stranger to losing allies in battle. But by Odin, he will not allow another ally to fall.
Iceman seemed to gain some sense of confidence, receiving such praise from the Asgardian.
"Ok. What do you need me to do?" Iceman asked, his vigour renewed.
Thor and Storm grinned as they explained the plan.
Once they finished, Iceman still looked nervous but agreed to go along with them.
"Just follow my lead, Bobby. Wait for my signal." Storm instructed as she and Thor took to the sky.
Thor raised his hammer and started to twirl it above his head. The Mighty Weapon glowed with godly power as lightning crackled around it. Growing brighter and more potent with each spin.
At the same time, Storm raised her arms and focused on the winds, calling all the currents to her as the air twirled around her. Faster and faster, creating a tunnel of wind that became so fast that it almost looked solid.
The Phoenix Force was approaching the city at breakneck speeds.
Seeing the approaching inferno, Storm controlled her vortex and aimed it at the Phoenix. Iceman looked through the wind tunnel at the Firebird like the barrel of a gun.
"Iceman, now!" Storm commanded. Her voice strained as she focused on controlling the winds. "Hold nothing back!"
The Young Mutant quickly obeyed as he aimed his hands into the wind tunnel and blasted a massive ice beam from his hands. He poured as much power as he could, pushing so much that his arms started to shake. He also focused on keeping the frost inside the wind tunnel. Adding his power to support Storm, commanding the cold air along with her as they worked together to form the structure.
The ice and the wind mixed and swirled together, forming shards of ice like millions of pieces of ice crystals. Both X-Men strained their bodies, pouring every ounce of power they had into the wind tunnel, holding its shape and keeping everything steady.
The Young Mutant wanted to throw up. He was straining himself so hard. The sheer amount of power he exerted was more than he'd ever done before. Unleashing and containing this much power, he feared he'd flash-freeze the entire city if he let go. He wanted to stop; his body was begging him to stop.
But he couldn't; he had to keep going. Not for his sake, but for Storms, for Logan, Hank, Scott, Jean… For Kitty.
He needed to push past the pain. Even if it breaks him.
Behind them, Thor floated down, Mjolnir still spinning above him, building its charge as the Prince of Thunder stared down the wind tunnel at the Phoenix Force flying right at them.
The two mutants continued to strain themselves, sweat poured from Storm's brow, while jagged ice spikes started sprouting from Iceman's arms.
Just when they felt like they were about to pass out from the strain, the Phoenix Force lined up perfectly with the wind tunnel, and Thor stopped spinning Mjolnir and aimed it down the barrel.
"FOR MIDGARD!"
He then fired a massive blast of lightning from his hammer right into the wind tunnel. The mystical lighting travelled down the wind tunnel, the ice shards conducting the electrical charge and being funnelled down the condensed air particles.
A massive beam of condensed, concentrated lighting fired from the wind tunnel like a cannon.
The beam tore through the sky like a spear of light. The spear shot straight and true, striking the Phoenix dead centre. A massive explosion erupted from the impact, creating a blinding light that turned night into day. The shockwave carried across the city, knocking the heroes out of the sky and even causing the Helicarrier to experience an extreme case of turbulence.
Thor managed to catch himself in the air and quickly flew back to the rooftop, where Storm and Iceman were.
The Thunderer looked to the sky as he saw a bright glowing white star hovering above the city.
He narrowed his eyes as the glow dimmed, the white light turning into an orange/red colouration until it became a small flaming ball of fire, like a match flickering in the wind.
His battle senses sharpened as he gripped Mjolnir tightly. Thor saw the five girls floating within the flaming orb, their eyes closed as they floated motionlessly in the air.
Suddenly, their eyes opened simultaneously. Each pair glowed white as they all raised their arms. Flames burst from the orb and instantly reformed into the Phoenix Force. The entity cried out as it was reborn. Seemingly stronger than before. It glared down at the Asgardian with pure malice in its eyes.
Thor prepared for battle as the Phoenix unleashed a tidal wave of flames from its body. The Prince of Thunder was ready to fight it, only to realise that Storm and Iceman weren't with him.
The pair of X-Men were utterly spent. Barely holding their bodies up, with the Teen Mutant on his hands and knees, panting like a dog and his body back to it normal form. While the Weather Witch was leaning against the wall, desperately trying to hold her head up.
Neither one had any fight left in them. They had spent all their power on that last attack. Leaving them at the mercy of the Phoenix's flames.
Thor gritted his teeth and held his hammer aloft. Be it one enemy or a thousand, so long as he still had breath, he would defend these mortals with his last.
However, before he could make a move against the flames, Iceman rushed in front of the Asgardian. His ice form reformed as he aimed his hands in front of him.
Seeing that wall of fire heading towards him. Iceman's groggy mind abandoned all reason and went into a fight or flight response. His body moved on its own as he let go of any restraint or control he had left and acted.
The Young Mutant let out a massive scream as he unleashed an enormous ice beam from his hands. A pure white beam of cold energy shot forth and collided with the Phoenix's flames.
Fire and Ice exploded on contact, generating powerful winds that threatened to blow the Asgardian and the Weather Witch away from the roof. Thor managed to protect her as Iceman continued his assault.
Frost built up across the rooftop and even across the cityscape. The buildings in close proximity to the ice beam have a layer of frost over them as Iceman's power pushes back against the Phoenix Force.
Iceman gritted his teeth as he fought with everything he had. This thing hurt Kitty and his team; it's the most powerful thing he's ever seen in his life. He was so scared to face this monster. But Storm placed her faith in him, and so did Thor. If they believed in him, he would not let them down.
A last mighty yell and Iceman gave one last push with his power, dropping the temperature so swiftly that Thor felt his body shiver from the cold. The Young Mutant's power intensified as his beam pushed back the Phoenix Force's flames.
Thor smiled with pride. The spirit of mortals never fails to impress him. The might of this Youths power rivals that of the Casket of Ancient Winters.
However, a sudden pulse of energy washed over him and warmth brushed his shin. Looking to the clash of elements, Thor witnessed the light of the flames grow brighter.
Without warning, Cosmic Flames surged forth, overpowering the Cold Mutant's power and a wave of fire blasted towards them.
Iceman's eyes widened as his body froze. His strength abandoned him as his vision became blurry.
Swift as the wind, Thor grabbed Iceman's shoulder and shoved him behind his body and towards Storm.
Thrusting his hammer forth, Thor spun Mjolnir like a turbine, making a shield that blocked the flames and protected him and the two mutants.
However, the force of the flames caused him to slide back as he struggled against the cosmic tide.
Soon, it proved too much as the building beneath him gave away, and Thor, Storm and Iceman were all blown back and knocked off the building.
Thor quickly reacted and caught himself in the air, but Storm and Iceman were too weak to do anything but fall to the streets below.
Suddenly, Wolverine and Iron Man appeared out from the shadows; the former grabbed Storm with one arm as he used his other one to stab his claws into the building and use them to slow their descent, while Iron Man caught Iceman and flew down along with the clawed Mutant.
Thor flew back up to the rooftop with the X-Men safe to face the Phoenix himself.
He met the Living Inferno's eye level, his eye glowing with lightning as he stared down the Phoenix Force.
Before either deity could make a move, a vicious, primal roar erupted from behind the Asgardian as both he and the Phoenix turned to see the Green Goliath, Hulk, leaping towards them. His eyes glowing green, along with his veins, pulsing with gamma energy, with the highest concentration being focused on his fists.
The Savage Hulk blasted past Thor so fast, he was like a green blur to the Prince of Thunder as he cocked back his right fist and delivered a haymaker right into the Phoenix Force's chest.
A bright flash and Thor was thrown across the sky as a green shockwave exploded from the impact.
From the impact, the Phoenix Force was sent flying into a skyscraper, crashing into it and leaving a massive crater in it.
The Phoenix looked stunned as the Firebird shook its head as if to clear it, only for Hulk to roar once more, leap onto the Phoenix, and strike it again, forcing the Cosmic Being through the building and causing the whole structure to collapse on them.
Thor recovered from the shockwave. A surprised look on his face. The power that radiated from the Hulk. It was beyond anything he'd seen the Gamma Brute display before. The pure rage that radiated off him. He had not felt something this primal since he faced the Fenris Wolf. A fight that still haunts him to this day.
But, against a threat like this. Having this kind of rage fighting on his side is far more preferable.
Summoning his power, Thor charged up Mjolnir and lifted the hammer above his head. With a mighty battle cry, he launched himself at the Phoenix Force and brought his weapon down upon the creature's flaming head.
The boom from the impact made the entire island shake as the Phoenix's head slammed into the ground.
For a moment, the entity appeared stunned. Only for it to rise again, standing on its flaming talons. Before it could raise its wings, Hulk leapt onto the Firebird, somehow gripping its flaming body with his bare hands and tackling it back into the ground. The Five Girls inside the Cosmic Inferno winched in pain as they each clutched their heads. The flaming form of the Phoenix Force flickered as the girl's concentration wavered.
The Gamma Giant wasted no time as he jumped onto the Phoenix's back and started pounding against it like a savage ape, each impact producing a flash of green energy as Gamma pulsed from Hulk's body.
Thor joined the brawl as he threw Mjolnir into the Firebird's side, knocking it off balance before recalling the hammer and charging it with lighting before following up with another downward strike against its body.
The Phoenix Force cried out in rage as it started thrashing around like a bucking bronco as Hulk and Thor continued to strike with gamma-infused fists and lightning-infused hammer. Beating the Phoenix down into the ground harder and harder.
Thor then launched into the air and twirled Mjolnir above his head, gathering lighting and drawing the clouds around his head as he prepared to blast it with the full force the Son of Odin could provide.
Only for him to notice something out of the corner of his eyes. Thor could make out the diminutive form of his teammates and the X-Men from his position above the city, moving away from the area as the street and buildings collapsed around them.
Faint screams reached the Asgardian's ears as Thor turned towards the other end of the city, where the mortals were being evacuated. Hundreds of innocent lives were scared and fleeing for their lives.
A roar from below him drew his attention as Thor witnessed Hulk ram his fist into the Phoenix Force, generating a shockwave that rippled across the city. Buildings swayed, streets caved in, and people stumbled and tripped as the ground beneath their feet shook from the battle.
In his quest to defeat this threat, his lust for battle overtook him. He charged into conflict like he did in his youth, completely disregarding the mortals he'd sworn to protect.
A battle of gods with the mortals caught in the crossfire.
Nay. Thor will not allow the innocent to suffer due to his own carelessness.
Halting his attack, Thor dived down to the city streets, flying close to the ground until he was straight under the Phoenix and Hulk. Concentrating his power, Thor's eyes glowed with lighting and with a mighty yell, he thrust his hammer skyward and launched himself directly into the Phoenix, causing all three of them to be launched skywards.
The Prince of Thunder pushed with all his might as the cosmic flames burnt his hands as he forced the Cosmic Firebird into the upper atmosphere.
He could feel the Phoenix resisting him as the flames struggled against, just before the Hulk punched it in the chest, aiming right for the Stepford Cuckoos, forcing the girls to focus on blocking him, drawing the Phoenix Force's attention as Thor forced them above the clouds.
Eventually, the Phoenix cried as a psychic pulse blew both Thor and Hulk away. Sending Thor tumbling towards the earth while Hulk sailed further across the sky.
The Firebird turned to face the God of Thunder as he caught himself in the air and floated before the Cosmic Entity. He spared a glimpse of the Gamma Giant as gravity took its hold over him. But, he was not concerned. The Hulk is more than capable of surviving the fall. It is the Phoenix Force that requires his attention. At this altitude, he no longer needed to fear putting anyone in harm's way.
Though, against this foe. He secretly wished for Hulk to be by his side. While he doesn't like to admit it, the Green Goliath's strength could match or even surpass his own. His power added to his own would give him more confidence in this battle.
But this won't be possible as Hulk is unable to fly. So this battle above the clouds will be between himself and the Ph….
Suddenly, a green shockwave burst from behind the Phoenix as the Hulk came flying at the Firebird like a missile. A roar from the Emerald Brute drew the Phoenix's attention just as Hulk's fist collided with its head. Knocking it off balance for a moment.
The Savage Hulk attempted to continue his assault, but his footing was not ideal as he slid off and started falling back to the earth.
Just before Thor could move to aid him, the Hulk swiftly pivoted in the air and clapped his hands together. The force of the impact generated another green shockwave, propelling the Hulk back towards the Phoenix at incredible speeds.
Thor watched in awe as the Hulk struck the Phoenix Force again. The Green Giant used his thunderclap as a means to propel himself through the air. Not only that, but he was able to do so with such precision. He hit his target after being in freefall, changed his angle to line up, and then propelled himself while his target was not in his line of sight.
The Asgardian was shocked by the Brute's display of intelligence and control. He only knows Hulk to be a brawler who relies on his strength. Now, he was using such power in such a manner that would rival Ben's versatility.
But questions will have to wait. For now, Hulk managed to utilise his brute strength to stay in the fight. That was all Thor needed as he raised his hammer and summoned his lighting.
Thunder boomed over the city. Green flashes of light evaporated the clouds, followed by flashes of lightning that struck against the red comet dancing across the sky. Iron Man and Wolverine carried Storm and Iceman through the streets.
"I'm not picking up anyone on my scanners." Iron Man told the clawed Mutant.
"I'm tellin' ya, Bub. He's here." Wolverine stated as they rounded a corner.
Just then, a beam of fire tore across the top of a nearby skyscraper, and a chunk of debris fell towards them.
Just before either could react, a metal round shield shot through the air and shattered the rubble before bouncing off a wall and returning to Captain America's outstretched hand.
The Super Soldier quickly moved to join the new arrivals.
Iron Man couldn't help but smile under his faceplate. Seeing the Super Soldier alive and kicking was reassuring in such times.
"Are they ok?" Cap asked, immediately checking the unconscious X-Men. Showing his priorities to check the wounded first.
"Just knocked out," Wolverine stated. "Looks like Frosty took the worst of it."
He looked over at the Young Mutant, whose body was a little singed on his chest and arms.
"Kid must've jumped right in front of her to take the brunt of the blast." Wolverine theorised based on the evidence.
He didn't know whether to be angry or proud of the Young Mutant for his actions.
But that would have to wait as all they can do now is try to keep them alive.
"We've established a perimeter." Cap started to explain. "Holding back the flames until help can arrive."
Wolverine grunted. "If it arrives."
"Stow that talk, Soldier." Captain America barked at the Clawed Mutant.
"You don't give me orders, Boy Scout."
A puff of smoke burst between the pair as Nightcrawler emerged with Rogue alongside him.
"Apologies for the sudden arrival. But Rogue has done all she can in her current state." The Blue Mutant explained as a winded Rogue panted beside him.
"That little power boost ah borrowed from Ben, kinda up an vanished on me," Rogue admitted. "Sorry bout that, Cap. Ah did what ah could ta keep the fires from spreadin."
Cap walked over to her and gave her a pat on the shoulder and a reassuring smile. "You've done well, soldier."
Even though she had only met the man a few hours ago, somehow, being praised by him made her chest swell with pride. Her fatigue seemed to have melted away as she stood tall and gave the Super Soldier a salute.
"Any time, Sugah." She said in a playful tone.
Cap nodded in approval. Glad the Young Woman still had some pep in her step.
The Super Soldier then turned to the Armored Avenger. "Iron Man, do you have any ideas?"
"Working on it." Iron Man responded as he checked his visor. "No gonna lie, Cap. It doesn't look good."
"It never does, Soldier." The Super Soldier patted his teammate on the metal shoulder. "But we've faced worse odds before."
Iron Man chuckled at the War Heroes optimism. "Not like this, Cap. I think the giant bird made of fire has everything beat."
"Yeah, I'm with Stark on that one!"