3rd POV:
''People do still not know what occurred during the day many have coined, 'The Day it Rained Fire'. After a total of 45 minutes of rabid bombardment across the entire earth, with places being hit seemingly at random, the dust settled...''
Click*
''This is the greatest terror attack any country has ever experienced in the history of earth. We know people have died, but we do not know who or why they were targeted, but whatever the reason this judgment call was unsanctioned and illegal...''
Click*
''Many people don't focus on the other terror attack however. One that is not as flashy. There are reports after reports of people having dropped dead from cyanide. One of the most notable figures to have died like this was William Trask who was found dead in his office. Autopsy always report them to have a burst teeth, one that seemingly stored the same cyanide that killed them. If it is suicide or murder can not be said yet. But many question why they had cyanide in their teeth to begin with. Clearly there is something more going on here...''
Click*
''As of yet it is unknown why the terrorist has attacked secluded places far removed from civilization, instead of using it to attack the capital of various countries. Many speculate that it was not a terrorist attack at all, but a desperate move by a whistleblower. One that got their hands on classified information and attempted to stop the government from violating peoples rights. The places that have been hit have been reduced utterly to ashes. But initial investigations showed that there used to be some kind of underground facilty. Could there be something to this speculation?...''
Click*
''Many have pointed the finger at Raezen. As the worlds foremost hacker, many speculated that it was actually him that hacked the Triskelion and used it to initiate the terror attack. The American Government however has assured the world that we are dealing with an even better hacker. Raezen was the one that worked on the Triskelions cyber security in the first place...''
Click*
''Others, however focus on something else during these troubling times. Many other countries have demanded to know why America had such a technology as the Triskelion on their hands. Tensions are high among international relationships and continue to be rising....''
Click*
''President Ellis has decided not to comment any further during the questioning at the UN council. He only promised that whoever did this will be bought to justice...''
Click*
The Avengers (minus Thor and Rogers) all watched the screen gravely not saying anything. Fury and Hill prepared some excerpts from news agencies that were aired to the world and presented it to them.
Tony scoffed making his opinion known, but offering nothing else. He was the one that worked on the cyber security.
The others ignored his bruised ego.
''I'm surprised at some of the speculations news agencies were allowed to air,'' Banner supplied.
''That is because not all clips are from American news agencies. Some are from Great Britain and some from Australia. Too much is happening at once, S.H.I.E.L.D is being pulled in every direction at once and we have fewer personal since a lot of our 'agents' died.They aired to the world before we could do anything to stop them,'' Hill answered, crossing her arms.
''Why is the blame not being laid at Raezens feet? I don't understand that,'' Banner further asked.
''Because the American government put the carriage before the horse. They tried pacifying the public and presenting themselves in control and in power. The idea was that the government will catch him later. But considering that not even Tony can catch him....,'' Hill shrugged.
''I will catch him, alright. It is only a matter of time,'' Tony assured her.
''Then continue chasing him. Besides, it does not fit his MO. Ever since he appeared all he ever seemed to be content with was make his games and animations. He only ever eluded us and did nothing else. IF he is innocent and we wrongly accuse him with him taking exception to that, then we very well might have two hackers to deal with. No, this decision has been carefully though out,'' Fury added. He starred outside the Avengers Tower down on NYC, his hands crossed behind his back.
''Besides that is not the most pertinent matter,'' Barton grabbed their attention.
''Then what is?,'' Tony removed his scowl from his face after Fury dismissed his skills.
''No matter which news agency you turn to, they all agree that it was a hacker terrorist that did this or a group of hacker terrorists. No mention of anywhere about HYDRA or super powered people, which might also be a possibility to consider,'' Barton pointed out. Granted there was still a way of news slipping out, thanks to the politicians who were there with Pierce in his office. But considering that those who knew could clearly see where the wind was blowing and those who didn't didn't barely had any idea that the wind was blowing, they probably feared for their lives more then they feared the repercussions of going against S.H.I.E.L.D.
Barton hated to admit it since he was a government worker, but most politicians were competent at one thing only, if not competent in other things. Playing the game of politics. They would keep their mouth shut.
''Hold up, why did HYDRA come up?,'' Tony asked them. The S.H.I.E.L.D agents shared a look, before Natasha decided to speak intending to explain to them what happened.
But before she could begin her explanation, Thor landed on the small helipad (for Iron Man) thanks to the Bifrost and entered the living room.
''Friends! It is good to see you. Do I have to tell you about what happened. It is a tale of glory and tragedy,'' Thor greeted them. He was a little skittish, clearly putting on a brave face.
Before Fury could stop him and drag their attention back to the matter, Thor began recounting. How the Convergence between the Nine Realms happened, they discovered a race thought long dead came back and Melekith tired to destroy the Nine Realms using the Aether. How his mother died in glorious battle as well as Loki. And how he and Jane Foster decided to distance themselves from each other.
''Thor.... I am so sorry. How are you holding up after all your losses?,'' Banner asked him cautiously.
''I'm doing fine. Quiet good actually. For us death is not the end merely another journey. Mother died in battle, I am certain she made it to Valhalla,'' Thor nodded at him while smiling.
Right.
No one was going to open up the can of worms that was Loki or his relationship (or lack there off) with Foster.
Tony rolled his eyes exasperatedly.
''Well, if you have decided to fill us in on your adventures, then I guess we can too,'' Tony decided to tell Thor about the Triskelion events.
''Now that we are done catching up, Natasha can fill you on why HYDRA came up in the conversation,'' Fury reminded them tersely. They were wasting his time.
Natasha gave them a quick recount of what happened during the Triskelion event. She made sure to emphasize how Fury's speech was stopped before he could reveal HYDRA was S.H.I.E.L.D and how the data from Pierces personal servers was deleted before she could out the truth to the world.
''HYDRA was S.H.I.E.L.D?,'' Banner was surprised.
''Forget that. I am more curious to know whose bright idea it was to absorb HYDRA agents into S.H.I.E.L.D after WW2 in exchange for a pardon. What did you think was going to happen?,'' Tony scoffed. Though it did annoy him that this was news to hims as well. Of course he tried investigating matters himself, but there was nothing. At least nothing that could indicate to anything. Whoever did this was throughout.
''I couldn't have said that better myself,'' a new voice rang out making them all turn around. Steve was standing at the entrance to the living room. JARVIS let him through and with his superior hearing he was listening in for a bit during their conversation. He was initially angry, but he cooled down after catching up with James and Bucky.
''Rogers. You have been sorely missed during the Triskelion events. Are you done throwing a temper tantrum?,'' Fury scowled at him.
''If you can call my disappointment in the government a temper tantrum then suit yourself,'' Rogers smoothly countered.
''What else would I call it? You think the government can keep the peace without getting its hands dirty?,'' Fury spat.
''I would be the first to know about compromising ones self. When the three of us entered WW2 we understood quiet quickly that sometimes you have to do things that go against your morals. Sometimes even in ways that make you not sleep well at night. I did not throw a 'temper tantrum' because of that. I threw a 'temper tantrum' for everything else. C8, tobacco industry lying under oath, lead pipes that still are used today. And a thousand things besides. No wonder young people today no longer trust the government or want to go to the army. Unlike us, they are better informed,'' Rogers cast a side eye to the others to see if they were shocked as he was at this revelation.
They looked unphased, greatly disappointing him with their apathy.
Fury frowned. 'Us three'? But there were more then three members to the Howling Commandos.... Of course, he found out about that. But then who was the third?
''I don't remember seeing you read about that person,'' Fury made a comment, disguised as a question.
''I didn't. Not about James. But I did read that you marked Xaviers school as a place of interest for seemingly no reason. Seeing no information in the folder I decided to take a look myself,'' Steve informed him.
Fury cursed himself in his head. Rogers was so close, yet so far in hindsight. How was he to know he would go to Xaviers school by pure happenstance?
''Why is Xaviers School important?,'' Banner inquired.
''Because of the X-Gene,'' Tony supplied and seeing Fury's look hastily added,'' Which I know nothing about. (Fury continued to stare at him.) Oh, come on. I hacked the Pentagon at 13 on a dare. You think I'm not curios to go see and check when a school like Xaviers is so suspicious. By the way, Jolly Green, I will send you Xaviers doctorate on the X-Gene later. Fascinating stuff and I'm sure you will love it.''
Fury closed his eyes, tuning out the Avengers. Hill was right and he was a full for being too hopeful about the Avengers. The Fact that 'Arthur' nearly singlehandedly prevented the Chitauri Invasion prevented the Avengers from forging a friendship in the flames of war. Already he was experiencing a deja vu and Fury knew it was only matter of time before all their egos clashed.
''ENOUGH!!!!,'' Fury yelled at them turning towards them.
All of them turned their attention to him.
''In case you haven't noticed someone played the entire world like a damn fiddle!
Someone who had a vested interest in preventing the world from knowing that HYDRA still existed or that superpowered people could have a hand in this. This is not the Chitauri Invasion where the enemy is clear cut.
Someone probably spent years on this, making moves from the shadows and making a play at something. And neither you or S.H.I.E.L.D for that matter, knows anything about their plans,'' Fury released a sigh after venting at them.
The Avengers looked amongst each other before begrudgingly stopping their bickering.
''Before we continue, there is something I need to ask. Rogers, you said the 'three of us'. I gather that you are talking about you and Howlett, but who is the third?,'' Fury asked him.
Steve considered for a moment to be petty, but that was more Tony's style. Besides he had something else in mind for the Avengers.
''My friend. James Buckanan 'Bucky' Barnes,'' Steve replied.
''Barnes? He died during WW2 in Austria,'' Natasha reminded him.
''That is what I thought too. But no. Imagine my surprise when he one day landed on the meadow of Xaviers School. He used to be brainwashed and worked as HYDRAs Winter Soldier,'' Steve replied causing the three S.H.I.E.L.D agents to tense.
''Who?,'' asked Banner.
''The Winter Soldier. He was an old legend of the USSR. Whenever someone needed disposing of, you sent the Winter Soldier until then you will never catch sight of him. I had the misfortune of once running into him. Shot a cartridge trough my abdomen. Bye Bye bikinis,'' Natasha joked at the end while showing them the scar on her stomach. It was small and barely noticeable, causing several men to deadpan at her.
''Wait, it is pretty clear that someone either cleaned house completely or nearly completely when it comes to HYDRA. And yet Barnes lives? How? Now that I say it out loud, how would one even know who was HYDRA and who wasn't with such pinpoint accuracy,'' Banner pointed out.
'Telepathy', Fury supplied in his own head turning back to watch the city. A secret he kept closely guarded. He only had suspicions of two people who could possess telepathy. Xavier and Jean Grey. To one such as Fury, there was nothing more terrifying then someone with such a power. The past days saw that fear realized.
He needed to take contingencies.
''Whatever the answer is, we already had Bucky checked. There is no lingering mind control in his head. No mind control that HYDRA or anyone else could make use of. He is clean,'' Steve told them convinced of this fact.
''How was he cured of that mind control? Does he remember?,'' Tony asked.
''He says his memories are fractured,'' Steve chose his words very carefully. Fury saw right through him. At least now he had his suspicions confirmed. Either one or both of the people were telepaths.
Fury was so close with his assumptions, yet so far too.
''How convenient for your friend.''
''There is also another matter. Days before the Triskelion events several people, mostly children were rescued from HYDRAs clutches and brought to the school. We asked the children, they told us freely that it was our friend 'Arthur' that rescued them,'' Steve quickly changed the subject.
He was not slick, the agents noticed his behavior, but this was more important information.
''King Arthur? Wait, what do you mean 'freely'?,'' Tony asked Steve, leaning forward on the table.
''Follow up questions were a given. 'Arthur' made no request of the children to hide the identity of his rescuer. He had a companion that they all wrote off since she didn't do much and she joined the very day the Triskelion event happened. He was also hurt. One of the girls accidentally released a burst of energy when he removed her power inhibiting collar. He was hurt pretty badly on his forearm after being flung into a metal pipe,'' Steve informed them.
''You think King Arthur was the one behind all this? If that is the case that seems like a pretty massive mistake on his part,'' Tony remarked rubbing his chin, but still considering the feasibility of such a possibility.
''Mistakes or breadcrumbs?,'' Fury pointed out before turning around and approaching their table.
''You are giving the guy too much credit,'' Tony dismissed.
''Maybe or maybe not. I can't take the chance. Right now we only have suspicions, theories and possibilities. Perhaps 'Arthur' worked alone or he worked with others. The only link we have that loosely connects him to the Triskelion event could just be mere happenstance or he was hired by someone else and it was a one time thing. We don't know,'' Fury denied Starks dismissal.
''What is your call, Sir,'' Natasha asked him.
''One way or another, there is nothing we can do. The only thing we CAN do is dance to the puppeteers tune for now,'' Fury began.
''You?! Dance to someone elses tune? Will wonders never cease?,'' Tony interrupted.
''The alternative is to court disaster. Perhaps that person could even be in the room right now,'' Thor replied instead of Fury. He was fine taking a step back and letting the humans rule themselves.
They all looked a little uneasily around the living room.
Tony rolled his eyes again. Great. Now they were jumping at shadows.
''Whoever that person is, is playing an elaborate game. I have my reasons to withhold the information about the Mutants, those who possess the X-Gene, from the world and clearly our puppeteer has his. I would have outed HYDRA, but our puppeteer has other plans. I do not wish to test his reach or his rage, one merely needs to see how HYDRA fared to understand why. We suspect that there is no more HYDRA thanks to our puppeteers efforts. That kind of competence deserves to be treated with the gravitas it requires.
So yes, Stark, we will dance to his tune too, for now. We are in no position to make any other moves. Perhaps 'Arthur' is the one behind all this, perhaps he worked with a group, perhaps he was merely hired for one job and that was it. The fact is that he is our only lead right now. Find him and question him,'' Fury ordered them.
Stark and Banner huffed. What does he think they have been doing in their free time? They have been trying to locate him, for the simple fact that he 'was part of the Avengers' and they have been making no headway in this endeavor. Fury might as well have told them that the sun rises in the east, so banal was his order.
Rogers grabbed Fury's attention as he made his way to depart and attend to other matters.
''There is one more thing. The Avengers should be a free and independent organisation free from any government oversight,'' Rogers told him.
Fury stopped and slowly turned around observing the other peoples faces. They did not seem to agree with Rogers completely, but neither did they seem to be protesting.
''Oh?''
''I can no longer trust the government. Perhaps when they start fixing the more grave societal issues then they can earn some of my trust back. Instead of just being seen to do something, they should act. I do not want The Avengers to be used as a political tool for some politicians campaign nor do I want us to fail in saving someone because of red tape or bureaucracy. Or to be played like fools, because some spy positioned themselves high enough in the government,'' Steve argued.
Fury wanted to shoot someone. This was the worst thing that could happen to him today. The world might believe otherwise, but they NEEDED The Avengers. And he was convinced that all of them were needed. He could refuse, but Rogers would probably walk away and then the rest would follow.
''Do the others agree with Rogers?,'' Fury asked instead. There was shrugging and a nod. Not much pushback.
''The government will never agree to this,'' Fury quickly continued before someone could interrupt him,''But I understand where you are coming from. Hill will be the liaison between S.H.I.E.L.D and you all. I will pretend to the government that I still have you under control, but from here on out we are allies nothing more. You can make your own choices.''
Fury turned around before anyone could say anything and continued to speak as he was walking away.
''But Rogers? Freedom of choices does not mean freedom of consequences. Whatever you decide from here on out, be aware that S.H.I.E.L.D will not be there to cover up your mistakes or save your hide should the government call for your ass. Be mindful of your actions from here on out.''
...
...
...
''Was 'Arthur' hit during the Chitauri Invasion?,'' Banner asked suddenly, stopping the rest from starring at the empty space Fury previously occupied.
''No. King Arthur deflected every attack with his swords before they touched his body,'' Tony acted a little petulant, but still answered. Why was everyone acting as if the name was shit? King Arthur was a legitimately good name for the sword guy.
''Well, silver linings I suppose. Now, we just need to find a teleporting guy, that might or might not work with someone that has an uncanny ability to know things,'' Bruce released a heavy sigh, making clear what he thought of that task.
''You got that, guys,'' Barton gave them both a thumbs up.
Tony scowled at him, but Bruce was too polite to do that despite also not liking his faux enthusiasm.
''Wait... Steve, didn't you say Arthur had a companion? One that joined the very day the Triskelion event happened,'' Tony suddenly snapped his fingers.
''I did. Why you want to visit the school and ask her? Fair warning, diplomacy is strongly suggested,'' Steve warned him.
Instead of answering Tony and Banner shared a look. Surely their job wouldn't be that easy.
Right?
---
They were taking their time, when they were flying with the Quinjet to Xaviers school. There were a few more things they needed to talk about.
''What do you think of Ghost Spider? Should we expand the Avengers?,'' Banner asked Steve.
''I really want to meet her. The tensile strength of her webs must of the charts and I would like to know if she manufactured it herself,'' Tony replied.
''I have been analyzing the way she fights. There is someone who is training her, maybe she even has a team. Her moves are getting quicker and tighter, more efficient. She makes the moves, but she is still moving with the grace of an inexperienced fighter, but she even then she is gaining that experience,'' Natasha shared her analysis.
''Do we know who she is?,'' Steve asked instead of answering Banners question.
''I have been investigating. She certainly has showed enough clues, but no she is ever so elusive,'' Tony replied and Steve nodded.
''Should we stumble across her, we should offer her an invitation. We can always use more heroes and she does seem to have her heart in the right place,'' Steve finally replied to Banner.
''You know... Why haven't you interfered with The Lizard event if you were here? Unless you weren't here at the time?,'' Natasha asked.
Steve shook his head.
''No, I was here. I wanted to make my way over, but by that time Ghost Spider already was on scene and she seemed to have the situation well in hand,'' Steve replied, but still feeling a little guilty for not making his way over to help her anyways. He could admit that he was a little selfish and did not want S.H.I.E.L.D to find him.
''Here is a more important question. I have been holding my tongue...''
''Something like this is possible?,'' Natasha remarked causing Tony to shoot her an annoyed look. She simply shrugged back making some of the others hold back their smiles at the banter.
''ANYWAY... I have been holding my tongue, because I know some things are meant to be kept secret. But since you already know, why did the mutants not join the battle of New York?,'' Tony sharply asked.
''Maybe they did? We know very little about 'King Arthur'.... We really need a better name for that guy,'' Banner muttered at the end. Before Tony could defend the name and say that it was one that excellently matched the guy, Steve quickly grabbed their attention.
''No actually. I talked with James and not everyone in the world that has a X-Gene goes to that school. It is actually far more complicated, but point is that for know everyone that matters agrees that the world is not quiet ready yet, to see the next step of human evolution or to know the truth of where humanity is headed. The world knows about most of us and we a re technically mutates. They don't know about 'Arthur' but by virtue of association they assume he is also a mutate,'' Steve explained.
''Do they have a way of finding out who has the X-Gene and who doesn't?,'' Banner asked rubbing his hands.
''If they do, they haven't told me about it. But chances are that they don't or they would have found the children themselves. They are looking out for each other,'' Steve told them truthfully.
''What kinds of powers can we expect there?,'' Natasha asked. Neither she, nor Barton who was flying the Quinjet, had the clearance to know these things. It stung a little, even if she understood it. Besides, she now knew she was trusted, both by S.H.I.E.L.D and whoever killed all HYDRA. Her past as a Black Widow no longer shackling her. She only lamented that the other Black Widows died. She tried saving them once, but they moved the base.
''All kinds of powers. People that can shoot fire from their eyes, people that can summon lightning, people that have super regeneration and so on and so forth,'' Steve chose his words carefully again. He wasn't technically lying, just omitting some stuff at someone request. He was not gonna betray that trust.
''We have arrived,'' Barton called from the cockpit before conversation could continue.
...
The Avengers waited patiently after having ringed the door. It was James that opened the door. Steve and James quickly shook hands and Steve introduced them all to each other.
''Logan. You and Bucky can call me James, but I am now used to Logan,'' Logan gruffly told them and let them in. After walking a few moments in silence, Logan guided them to the kitchen where Bucky was sitting. He jumped up, snapping to attention at their sight.
''I remember you. I'm really sorry about shooting you that day,'' Bucky apologized to Natasha.
''...It is fine. You were mind controlled after all,'' Natasha told him diplomatically. The were all giving Steves words the benefit of the doubt right now.
''That doesn't make me feel better,'' Bucky muttered, moving to sit far away from them in a corner. Avoiding their presence for any more time.
''I doubt this is simply a social call. Not if you brought all the Avengers. So spit it out,'' Logan got to the point after taking out a beer.
''We were hoping to talk to Laura and to question her about the guy she stayed with,'' Steve asked him.
''Can't. She is in one of her sessions. But we talked and maybe I can answer your questions,'' Logan informed them.
''Session? What do you mean?,'' Tony asked first.
''She is like Bucky over there. An unwilling subject working under HYDRA. She is my clone. They used her smell to instill in her some kind of kill switch. She attacks everyone once she gets a whiff of the trigger scent. Her sessions are to remove her trigger scent,'' Logan grumbled. He was actually not sure what to make of the recent revelations that he technically had a daughter. He quickly took another gulp from his beer and got annoyed when it had no effect on him.
''Did Barnes also go through these sessions?,'' Natasha asked.
''Didn't need to. We checked, but he arrived already healed on our meadow,'' Logan replied.
The Avengers looked amongst themselves.
King Arthur was clearly working with a team, IF there was any connection at all between the two. Why else would Laura not be healed, but Bucky on the other hand was.
''What is the name of the guy she stayed with? Was he using swords as his primary way of attacking?,'' Banner quickly asked wanting to put the mystery at an end.
''Guy called himself Nexus. She and Sarah, another women that stayed with them, said that he was quiet likeable, but intense,'' Logan shared with them some stuff. He was not gonna mention to them the complicated mess that was between the three of them or the fact that Sarah worked for HYDRA. Thankfully Steve was not there for that particular conversation. At least Logan now knew more of his past thank to Sarah as well as Steve. But Sarah could tell him much more.
''Nexus?,'' Tony whispered perplexed at such a name.
''Can she tell us what they did while they were under his care? Why for that matter were they under his care, but all the other children were not?,'' Steve asked him.
''I can't answer the second question, need to ask the guy himself. But they did go around rescuing a few victims working under HYDRA as well as killing some HYDRA heads,'' Logan informed them. Natasha perked up at that, getting her hopes up before she ruthlessly crushed it giving way to cold rationality.
He was definitely working with someone then.
''Has Laura a way to contact Nexus?,'' Steve finally asked, knowing that they won't get out much more from Logan or Laura.
''No,'' Logan lied.
''I see. Well, we still got a lot of information about Nexus, thank you. Sorry to have bothered you, but we are currently investigating him. We will talk later if you want?,'' Steve stood up from the chair.
''You are welcome here any time, bub. Good luck with your guy,'' Logan shook Steves hand and Bucky merely waved from his spot. He was still feeling guilty about all he had done and Steve understood that he needed some space right now.
...
''How do you think they are doing these sessions that affect the mind?,'' Banner asked back in their Quinjet.
''That is not important for now. Why 'Nexus'? That is such a peculiar name for someone with his abilities. It has to mean more then that, hiding something,'' Tony determined, starting to get hyperfixated on that detail.
Before anyone could say anything else Tony continued.
''By the way, I had JARVIS check every phone in that building and had a look through Lauras contacts. There is no one suspicious,'' Tony revealed.
''Tony!,'' Steve sounded disappointed. Tony merely shrugged, returning back to his thinking and speculating on Nexus' name. Steve may trust his friend, but he wanted that extra assurance.
''I mean... we know now more then we did before, but in terms of finding him, we are still stuck at the beginning,'' Banner lamented.
He should have known it would be anything but easy chasing down Nexus.
At least they no longer had to call him 'King Arthur' now.
---
''Sir, we have some new information about our sword guy. His name is Nexus. And we also have confirmation that he was working in a team and was involved in killing HYDRA heads and rescuing their victims. There is also another matter,'' Hill handed him two folders when they were alone.
One contained the information the Avengers have found on Nexus. And wasn't that a relief that he no longer had to call him by the name Stark has given him.
The other contained information on the four politicians that were present during his confrontation with Pierce. All of them dead. Seemingly dying to 'natural' causes.
One died from a car accident in his limousine. He did not wear his belt and while he was drinking the accident happened where a tree feel down thanks to the wind. The politician flew forward impaling himself on his champagne glass in his throat.
Another slipped in his own pool, hitting his head on the ladder and drowned while unconscious.
The third was killed when she popped a champagne bottle. The cork flying straight up into the chandelier and loosening a part of the glass. The people were scared for a bit, but then continued to mingle when nothing happened. A part of the glass fell down impaling her after a while. No one else was harmed.
The final one was killed rather simply. He was drunk and jumped from his small yacht without letting down the ladder. He drowned his body being found a few miles away from the yacht by sheer happenstance. He had wounds on his hands matching his attempts and scratches he left behind on the yacht as he tried to make his way back up.
By all rights, the four of them died in tragic accidents and from completely natural causes. But Nick considered this too much of a coincidence, for him to write of their deaths as accidents.
They were assassinated.
''Did they attempt to reveal that information to the public,'' Fury asked her.
''No. We already investigated all the people they talked to. There are however missing some personal items from them. Nothing expensive. Pages from a note pad, USBs, anything that they could have written something down,'' Hill informed him.
Something that they were not supposed to do. They were supposed to keep the information completely for themselves.
Fury, for the first time in a long time, felt a cold shiver go down his spine.
So that is how far 'their' reach was.
Fury also wasn't blind to the manner of their deaths. They all died in places where they were showing of their wealth. The height of their power.
A warning. To him? No matter where he goes 'they' would reach him, so best watch his steps?
''How many from S.H.I.E.L.D know that it was infested by HYDRA?,'' Fury asked her.
''Aside from us, Romanoff, Barton, The Avengers and the victims in Xaviers school? No one. S.H.I.E.L.D also thinks that we suffered from a terror attack for daring to have something as the Triskelion on our hands. Though I am sure they find it suspicious why the dead had a tooth with cyanide in their mouth. So far no one asked questions,'' Hill informed him.
Fury looked at the folder in his hand. It felt far heavier then it was.
''From here on out, this knowledge is to be treated with the highest clearance that we have. Not even the president may know. No one can know, that doesn't already know. Return to the Avengers and inform them of that. And make it clear that it is now more important then ever that they establish contact to Nexus, diplomatically. We need to find out who he worked with,'' Fury commanded her and she nodded before leaving to see to her duties.
Fury returned back to starring at the folder after she left him. He was suddenly very glad he listened to his instincts and told the World Security Council nothing about HYDRA.
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Stan put down a cup of tea in front of Bell.
He was half tempted to open up the conversation by asking him questions so that he may gain clarity. He was omnipotent and omnipresent so he was naturally aware of what was going on in the world.
Except when it came to Bell. He could see his actions, but not his thoughts. Was it a blunder on his part? Did he make mistakes? Was he already moving on to the next plan? What was his next plan?
Stan had seen it all a thousand, no, a million times before. He had suspicions of what Bell could be doing, but Stan had to admit, the mere fact that he did not know for certain made him giddy. One of the very few ways he was (technically) experiencing something new. He missed that feeling ever since he was young.
So in the end he did not ask. No, he would wait patiently to see how things would unfold.
Bell starred at the cup of tea. He had eyes that could see and a nose that worked better then most.
He clicked his tongue.
''You are vexing,'' Bell simply said and then released a sigh in exasperation.
Stan gave him an unapologetic shrug.
''If you wish for privacy then best get to using your other power,'' Stan murmured, beginning to clean glasses in the sink.
''Trust me I have been trying,'' Bell sighed a little frustrated, picking up the cup and spinning it around a little to make the fluid spin too. He was careful not to spill something.
Stan believed him. Whatever his benefactor did, did not sorely rely on control. But even he did not know what the trigger for his other powers were.
''Mhm. Besides, it is not like anything in life is truly certain. Are people really 'private'? By virtue alone that most creatures are societal beings, they can not live in privacy. Not truly,'' Stan wanted to banter a little, as well as engage in a debate.
''True. But so long as people have the illusion of privacy and get to keep their most important secrets safe, they don't care all that much,'' Bell shrugged his shoulders, putting down the cup.
''You know you are not supposed to agree with me,'' Stan joked, Bell shrugged again causing Stan to sigh exasperated.
''Let us talk about something else then. Are you a religious person?,'' Stan asked curiously.
''I was baptized in both lives as a catholic,'' Bell informed.
''That is not a yes or no,'' Stan smiled.
''No, it is not. I am a somewhat religious person. As if I'll let an action in my infancy where I was an unwilling participant dictate the rest of my life,'' Bell scoffed.
''Meaning?,'' Stand was done cleaning the glasses and began drying them with a cloth. Once more he was using his powers to be granted privacy by the humans around them in his pizzeria.
''Meaning that I believe in something. A higher being. One that gave life to anything and everything. And that I am thankful to to this being for granting me and us existence. And that is it,'' Bell elaborated.
''That's it? What about commandments and all this other fancy stuff humans involve in religion. There has to be more then that,'' Stand wanted more information from him.
''No. Nothing of the sort. There is a meme going around that perfectly describes my reasons. Man invents camera, god is very angry, wonders and miracles cease to exist. While I have faith in that higher being, I do not believe in religion itself. As far as I am concerned religion started when the first conman met the first fool.
Too many times religious scriptures had to be translated and things were lost, too many times there were wars of the smallest differences, too many times people used religion to justify the most atrocious acts, Too many things with too many consequences. It was never my cup of tea.
No. Creation is harder then destruction. We owed it to this higher being to appreciate his genius by being better. At anything and everything, and if not succeeding then at least dying while being able to say that one has tried. Our failings and our successes could only ever be laid at our own feet. It was not fate or duty's call that brought us were we are. No, where were are is sorely by our own volition,'' Bell passionately shared. He felt quiet strongly about this.
''And now? Or are you still holding to the same faith as you used to before seeing all this,'' Stan assumed that what he told him was before coming here.
''Now, I still hold to the belief that there is a higher being and that our failings and successes lie at our own feet only. But everything else? Unlike my last world, this one has gods. I suppose here things are more complicated,'' Bell admitted.
Stand slowly nodded letting the news slowly sink in, only for Bell to suddenly chuckle mirthfully.
''Funny. I say that our failings are solely our own fault and I believe that. But when my time came I still looked to hell and to this higher being to be punished. Funny, isn't it?,'' Bell continued to chuckle for a little more, before stopping and sighing.
No, Stan could not really see how that was funny, even if he understood what Bell was trying to tell him.
''Is that why you deny yourself so? To try and punish yourself? Because you benefactor failed to do so?,'' Stan asked him.
There was a long pause as Bell failed to answer Stan, or more like refused to answer. Finally he took a deep breath to gather his nerves.
''Nothing prompted me to do what I did. No god, not fate, nothing except myself and my own will. The blame lies solely with me. So, when I was not being punished by this higher being, then it also fell naturally to me, to make amends,'' Bell told Stan.
''We are all slaves to something. I'm sure you look at your past and argue that it was your choice, but if you tell me I am sure I will see a person who had no choice at all. You did tell me you were drafted. The alternative was death,'' Stan argued.
''Do you know of the Trolley Dilemma? Of course you do. The reason why it is a dilemma is because no matter what you do, you are making a choice. You walk away? You don't pull the lever. You stay, but don't do anything? You don't pull the lever. You pull the lever? You killed a person. You don't pull the lever? You sat in inaction and let five people die.
No one is truly a slave and no one is truly free. As is often the case the answer lies in the middle. The choice between going to war and being executed, is not a choice for most people at all. But it is still a choice. I could have just as well refused the draft and be executed or packed my things and attempt to run away. I WAS making a choice. And like all choices ever made, the one that made them is, solely, responsible for them and their consequences,'' Bell explained.
So far Stan found him reasonable. Bell was acknowledging that sometimes one was presented with only bad choices. And his argument was that no matter the circumstances the choice one made is their own.
While he personally wouldn't subscribe to such a philosophy, he understood Bells reasoning and view.
Totally reasonable so far.
''Hm. Very well. What choice then did you make that makes you feel so guilty? For what do you feel responsible for?,'' Stan asked him.
''...,'' Bell locked up, refusing to speak.
'Hm, perhaps I pushed a little to hard', Stan remarked to himself. He had to remember he was dealing with him with a firm hand, but also gentleness at times. Too much confrontation is not good at once.
It was clear something happened during the war that made him feel guilty. As was often the case during war, Stan would know having seen people wage millions of wars. Bell did not seem to feel guilty about killing the 'right' people. His enemies, like HYDRA or others. But before he could move on for today, he needed to know one more thing from Bell. A better clarity of his reasoning.
''Never mind then. I wish to know something else. Why did you let Alexei go? Unlike you, he was not presented with only bad choices. On the contrary he was quiet eager to join HYDRAs cause, up till a certain point. Why, do such a thing?,'' Stan asked Bell.
''Trust me, I know. I have seen it in his memories after all. I don't believe in second chances. Second chances imply that one can start over. What is done can not be undone, instead I believe in making up for ones mistakes or actions. Shostakov feels genuine guilt for his actions (*Stan nods here*), as does Sarah, the Black Widows and even Laura. I understand the drive to survive, I understand the choices they made, but all the same they are responsible for them and the consequences. They can and will hopefully use their gifts to make the world a better place. I consider their efforts enough to give them an opportunity and hopefully they succeed and that will be that,'' Bell explained, deeming his explanation sufficient enough.
Stan blinked, starring at Bell for quiet a while.
But.... if they feel guilt (as Bell clearly does for his actions) and that makes them eligible to have a chance to make up for their mistake (as Bell was granted one by his benefactor) and their success in making up for their mistakes make them ... worthy again (Stand did not know what Bell meant with 'that will be that').
Then why was Bell so hard on himself? Whatever he did, he was a ruler and used his influence to make the lives of his people better from what he gathered (thought they still needed to talk about that). Even now, Bell specifically went out of his way kill HYDRA while also saving their victims. Even going so far as to deal with all bases in cities by himself. In fact he went so far to ensure HYDRA was dead DEAD that he enveloped the entire earth in his energy. While no one managed to trace the energy to him, several powerful people now know that there is a powerful entity in the shadows making his moves.
A contender to watch out for.
How was he not 'worthy'? How did he not already atone for his actions, whatever they may have been in the war, after all that he had done? Why was Bell so hard on himself, but so lenient with oth...?
...
...
...
Oh.
Oh!
Stan wanted to giggle like a little school girl, but he managed to control himself. He, HE, has been fooled by Bells mask. Not for long, but even the fact that he was for a while, was a testament.
Regardless of how collected he was acting, regardless of the fact that he seemed to be in full control of his faculties, even when dealing with 'leeches' (as Bell likes to call them) and making well thought out decisions, regardless of the fact that he was displaying his guilt and admitting to it, if not to Gwen then at least to him and thus being truthful in a way about his past.
Bell was, in spite of all of that, truly, completely and utterly insane.
What other conclusion could Stan draw to, after Bells explanation? It seemed Bell had a way of looking at things and he also seemed to be consistent about his action from what Stan had seen. And yet, when it came to himself specifically, Bell was extremely harsh on himself.
He was looking at himself with a different lens then the one he was looking with at the world around him. He was holding himself to a far higher standard and thus his failings were all the greater to him.
Rules for thee, but not for me. Except it was the inverse. Rules for me, but not for thee.
Bell essentially wanted to have his cake and eat it too.
He wanted both the guilt and the punishment in order to move on, but he also wanted the guilt and the punishment to feel worthless for his actions.
He wanted companionship and solitude.
He wanted to be the hero and the monster and yet he was acting like neither, not fully.
He wanted and wanted not.
The dichotomy of Bell.
He was insane.
Stan gave a slow nod after a few seconds of reconsidering his strategy once he came to his conclusion. In that case, a firm yet sometimes gentle hand would not work. So yes, Stand needed something else.
Bell had the impression that Stan though about what he said and finally digested the information.
''Drink the cup, Bell,'' Stan commanded suddenly startling him. Bell hadn't touched his cup to drink from it since he came here.
Bell grimaced, but eventually took a small sip from the cup. A warmth spread through his chest . It was cold by now. He always preferred it lukewarm, the way his first mother made it. He did not heat it up with his powers.
''Tell me of this tea. Last time we made so much progress, this time you seem particularly hesitant to strike another thing off your bucket list. Why?,'' Stand demanded.
Bell rolled his shoulder, but replied anyway.
''That is because it is not on my bucket list. ... My first mother made my tea just this way. I haven't drank it since the war. Anyway, should we move on to another thing on my bucket list?,'' Bell tried changing the subject.
No, Stan now understood that completing his bucket list had no actual effect. At first Stan tried to show him that it was okay to live, that the while he would carry the guilt he could move on. Live with it and in time see himself have done enough good things that he could feel less guilty about himself, until finally he would feel no more guilt at all.
Perhaps rather simplistic in its approach, but many creatures overcame their guilt by just marching on, he learnt. Force them to move forward, have them be in a positive environment that was aware of their past and accepts them anyways and most creatures heal. Get better.
Nothing of the sort would be happening here. Bell was a warrior, he would march forward just for the sake of marching forward. It did not matter what one said to him in reassurance. His cognition would only allow him to see and hear what he wanted to see and hear.
Bell could have a million things on his bucket list and Stan could force him to completer all of them and yet it would not matter. If anything it will make Bell feel more guilty. Perhaps he was already feeling so, for 'indulging'. No, if Bell was going to complete his bucket list it had to come from himself.
There was only one way to slap someone like Bell back to his senses.
''Your bucket list no longer interests me. Tell me, as one ruler to another, how did you rule your kingdom?,'' Stand asked instead.
''...You weren't too far off with your guess. I ruled, indeed, with tyrannical kindness. Though it wasn't really a kingdom, more like a vast empire. I didn't rule all of earth if that is what you are wondering,'' Bell replied.
''For how long?''
''35 years give or take. Though I did spend 2 extra years mostly consolidating my power and taking care of administrative stuff. If you count those too, then I ruled for 37 years''
''Have you ruled well? What do you think?''
Bell released a deep breath.
''I was trying to make up for my deeds by giving people better lives. It was leeches that started the war in the first place. The public was left alone but not ignorant. A silent war raged in the shadows and we had public trials and executions whenever a leech lost the battle. But aside from my efforts to exterminate all leeches, my efforts were spent in bettering my citizens lives. In the end I would like to think I have succeeded,'' Bell told Stan.
''Hm. Do you ever wonder what happened after you left?,'' Stan asked him curiously.
''I don't need to wonder. My successor, Killian, I trusted to continue my government until he dies. But afterwards? My empire will go the way all empires go. People settle, they get accustomed. And others learn to play the game anew. This time by different rules, all for the sake of greed. To have it all. In the end empires are as likely to fall from within as from without,'' Bell released a small frustrated sigh. Alas, he understood that there was nothing he could do. No matter, for he was focused on here now.
A short silence reigned over them.
''You know what? Never mind, I don't want to know more about how you ruled,'' Stan said suddenly.
''No?''
''No. Let us be honest. We both know you will dip your toes in the political world here too. I could ask, but I'd rather be patient,'' Stan told revealed to him.
''I mean.... This time I have superpowers. Things won't quiet be the same, especially since i know I will eventually encounter super powered political opponents. You sure you don't want to know?,'' Bell asked him cautiously not quiet understanding what game Stan was playing.
''Perhaps your methods will be different, but the end goal won't. Right? (*Bell nods*) See? What difference does it make then? I have well learned to be patient at times as an immortal. I trust you will learn that too,'' Stan waved off Bells curiosity.
Bell slowly nods and then checks the time.
''Very well. Suit yourself. I on the other hand have something to do now,'' Bell said his goodbyes.
He wasn't slick. Stan knew that this time, he made him far more uncomfortable then previously.
''I expect you next Friday again,'' Stan called out to him, before he could touch the handle to the door. An ultimatum. It was not phrased as a question and it was not a question.
Bell turned slightly, nodded and then left.
Stan starred at the place where he previously was.
He began wiping the plates this time.
There was only ever going to be one way, how Stan was going to get trough to Bell. Stan knew that Bell killed innocents during the war even if Bell did not yet admit to it. Not directly at least. He has seen it happen a million times before. And yet there was some detail that Bell must be really torn about.
Bell needed to admit to it. Only then can he start start finally healing.
No, Stan knew exactly what he needed to do next time.
And he would.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bells eyes twitched as he starred at the spider serum. This was the 23rd time he made it. He was in his pocket dimension. By now there was no point to go to the sewers, not anymore at least.
With nothing else currently grabbing his attention, he decided that he might as well get started on the serum and started analyzing the dead spider that was kept in stasis till now.
He used his molecular manipulation to make human bodies. They were nearly perfect, except he never allowed brain activity to occur and thus consciousness. Clone puppets would not work for this experiment. He needed blank slates. He also made sure to diversify the subjects so that he would have better results during his experiments.
He accounted for everything.
The K-Rate-Algorithm.
Restructuring the amygdala synapses for docility.
Sicknesses that affect the body, which meant further tweaking of the serum.
And so on and so forth.
Nothing he tried, worked. Oh, the serum had some effect. But not in the same as Gwens powers manifested. Some bodies had strength, some had that stickiness others could shoot webs from their wrists. Bell could not decide if that was an improvement or not. Sure, with Gwens way, there could be ammunition shortage. But it allowed her versatility for her webs. While these natural webs were strong, there were only going to be one type of them. They were not multipurpose either.
He was missing something. There was no other explanation.
But what?
As a matter of fact, how was Gwen so lucky to get the venom from the spider in just the right quantity that it needed no further intervention? The ratio of the serum/venom was perfect for her to get her powers.
Maybe ... he needed to hatch spiders, alter their body and then administer the serum with a bite instead of a syringe?
It was silly, but with so many roadblocks, Bell had to admit, he was getting annoyed at his lack of progress.
Hmmm. He could revive the spider and have it bite Peter?
No.
He was willingly letting himself be the victim of a sunken cost fallacy. He was going to crack this damned mystery even if it is the last thing that he will do.
Now, he was being dramatic, but the point stands.
Sooooo, what WAS he missing? He had to admit, that he didn't pay that much attention to the spider while it was living, not in the sense that he scanned it for everything.
Several thoughts quickly entered Bells mind and left.
No. No. Not that either, he was sure of that. Impossible. Improbable.
Unless...
He always wondered how her spider sense worked. She told him about it. Bell was more of the impression that it was some form or precognition or clairvoyance fine tuned to combat, with the way it worked.
A spider had no such sense after all. But he dismissed it as nothing but another tool that would help her in combat. One that she should use, but never be controlled by it.
Maybe there was far more to it then he initially believed?
Hmm. This required further investigation.
DingDong x3.
It required further investigation later.
For now, Bell teleported back to his room, the moment his magic alerted him that someone was ringing at his door.
He quickly made his way downstairs opening after checking who it was with his magic.
''Tadaa!,'' Gwen held a basket in front of his face the moment he opened the door.
Bell closed the door in her face.
She quickly called out his name and knocked on the door this time.
Bell opened the door again.
''Sorry, i thought you were a girl scout trying to sell me something,'' Bell told her with a completely straight face.
Gwen just looked at him, before she she made her way inside and shot a web in his face the moment he closed the door behind her.
''How mature,'' Bell commented as he ripped the web from his face.
''You are mature,'' Gwen mocked,'' Anyways. You and I, we are going on a date.''
Bell tensed a little.
''Look, I said that I will wait until you will kiss me earnestly one day without any strings attached and I meant that. But we can still go on dates without any physical stuff. Well... i think hand holding is fine,'' Gwen added at the end.
''Hand holding? How lewd,'' Bell commented more relaxed.
Gwen narrowed her eyes at him.
''You seem to be in a particularly good mood. You told two jokes in the span of 3 minutes. Is it this mysterious stranger? I'm glad he is actually helping you!,'' Gwen chirped happily.
No, actually. Talking to Stan was good, but that was not what put him in such a good mood. Stan was also acting weird during the end of their conversation. Perhaps Bell let slip too much? It was that tea, for sure. Ever since he drank it, even if it was only a sip he has been in a good mood since yesterday. So strong was his happiness at those nostalgic memories that he completely ignored his guilt at drinking it.
Bell let Gwen believe that. it seemed to make her happy.
''Then we definitely need to have that date to celebrate. Don't worry I have prepared everything. Come,'' Gwen ordered him.
Bell both eagerly and reluctantly followed.
---
Gwen dragged him to Central Park so that the two of them can have a picnic.
''Did you make all this food? Or did you mother help you?,'' Bell asked her as he spread the blanket on the ground.
''I made all of this myself. I can cook, you know?,'' Gwen made an angry pout for doubting her culinary skills.
''Well, better prepare my cell phone then, to call for an ambulance. Today might be the day I die,'' Gwen made to protest, but Bell continued after a short pause,''From how heavenly you food will taste.''
Gwen snorted and gave him an eye roll.
''Smooth,'' she said that, but she was still smiling at having received a compliment. She sat down on the blanket putting down the basket and preparing the food. Bell wanted to help her, but she softly but firmly slapped his hands away.
''You know, I haven't said anything for a while, but are you stalking me with your powers? Where you the one that repaired the faucet that I broke,'' Gwen finally asked after being done.
''I'm not 'stalking' you. But I did feel your body starting to change after the spider bite so I watched over you that night up until school started. I have to admit seeing you that day was pretty funny,'' Bell chuckled at the memory.
''Oh, thank god. Totally creepy from you, but I appreciate you saving my hide. I'm guessing you started feeling the change in my body thanks to your powers. (*Bell opened his mouth*). No! Don't tell me. I said I am willing to wait. The only reason I asked about this is because I wanted to have that certainty that I'm not going coockoo and imagining stuff,'' Gwen moved a strand of hair behind her ear. Sure she had a clue and with it she could form ideas, but she would rather wait till Bell trust her with the truth himself.
''Sorry, for being difficult,'' Bell sighed looking away from her.
''Don't be. Here, I made this sandwich for you. Try it,'' Gwen handed him some food. Bell took it and bit into it. Gwen was waiting eagerly for his appraisal.
''It's yummy, but... there is too much sauce,'' Bell decided to be honest, knowing she would appreciate it more. Gwen sighed.
''Yeaaaah, I know. When I made it I was thinking that I didn't want the sandwich to be dry, so I put more sauce in it. But then I realized I put too much sauce and it was already to late,'' Gwen huffed in annoyance.
''I'm guessing you didn't want the sandwich to be stale either so you made them right before our date,'' Bell concluded.
''Yup.''
''I appreciate your efforts. I told you, I find them yummy anyway, so don't worry,'' Bell tried stopping her from being concerned. Gwen gave an appreciative hum and grabbed her own piece of sandwich.
''By the way, thank you for training me. I already put the things you taught me to good use and apprehended some jerks harassing people with their guns,'' Gwen chose not to ask where he learned how to fight. Of course, she wanted to know, but she did not want to push him away.
''No worries, just try to stay as safe as possible out there,'' Bell instructed her causing her to nod her head.
''Oh! And that is not the only thing I did. I helped an old lady cross the street. Helped another person load their couch in the truck. Got a balloon back down from the tree after a child lost it and stopped him from crying. Talked someone out from their suicide attempt and jumping off a bridge. I stopped a bank heist. And... I'm sorry, you probably don't want me to talk your ear off,'' Gwen was suddenly very self conscious and played with her hair.
''No. I like hearing you tell me about your day. What I got from it is that you like being the big bad law breaking vigilante,'' Bell chuckled mirthfully. Gwen released a sigh.
''You are never going to let me live that down, will you?,'' Gwen huffed.
''Where would be the fun in that. I need something to tease you with. (*Gwen rolls her eyes, but smiles anyways*) Still, you must like it. When things are so tame. Granted there were a few muggings and heists here and there, but I'm guessing you like the other part of your job more,'' Bell made idle conversation. Gwen nodded.
''Yes, exactly. I like it when things are quiet. I helps that it also means my father is not in mortal peril. But... I don't know. With that terror attack just coming out of nowhere, I realized that a situation could change at the drop of a hat. I only hope I'm up to the task to beat the challenge,'' Gwen shared her worries.
''...Yes. I know what you mean. Unfortunately you can't be everywhere at once. Sometimes the world will take you by surprise,'' Bell agreed with her, the two meeting on common ground.
Gwen nodded absentmindedly. For a moment no one said anything their mind drifting to different hings. Suddenly, Gwen gently pushed Bell on his back and she put her head on his shoulder while resting her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
''Tell me of your day too,'' Gwen requested.
Bell could do that. The past few days, aside from talking to Stan, he hasn't done anything terribly interesting.
''Well my week was rather boring, aside from my therapy session. It went a little like this...''
---
The two found each other in front of Gwens apartment door. They talked with each other about trivial stuff till it was getting dark. The talked some more on their way to her home. Surprisingly nothing happened that drew Gwen away from her date today. Bell did not have to interfere.
Gwen let go of his hand and turned to him.
''I had fun. We should do this again sometime,'' Gwen declared.
''Hand holding? Best not let your father catch us then in that act of depravity. He already hates me enough as it is,'' Bell whispered.
Gwen sighed with fond exasperation.
''You and your hand holding today. And he does not hate you, trust me. He is just a worrywart,'' Gwen assured him.
Bell failed to see how those things were not one and the same.
''Next time, I will prepare the date. I had fun too,'' Bell offered before he could stop himself. Gwen quickly nodded, happy that he made enough progress that he felt comfortable to make that offer in the first place.
Gwen quickly got on her tip toes and gave Bell a smooch on the cheek. A kiss, she wanted him to initiate when he felt comfortable, but a kiss on the cheek was different. He could not begrudge her that.
Gwen gave him a cheerful wave, before going into her apartment, satisfied to have left Bell stunned.
Once the door was closed she released a deep sigh to calm her nerves and the butterflies in her belly.
Man,was she glad to have listened to her mothers suggestion of a picnic date. When she initially suggested it to her, Gwen was a little skeptic. It sounded like the date was too simple. But her mother assured her that while it was simple in design, talking and having a few snacks worked wonders.
And she was right. She had a great time. Gwen began making her way to the living room. She and her mother could gossip about a few womanly things now, to her fathers consternation.
Bell, who was left in the hallway (and had super hearing), heard the sigh and was wrecked. The war between his two halves returning with a vengeance.
He turned around and made his way back to his home.
---
Once home, he immediately went to his room and cast silencing magic on his walls, for his mother was home. Thankfully she was asleep, because tomorrow she would start early. He will open the doors soon in case had another nightmare, but right now he needed a few minutes to vent.
He grabbed the chair and hurled it at the wall, smashing it in a thousand pieces as well as destroying part of the wall. He then threw his table too, it shared the same fate as the chair.
After a few minutes of hims just standing there, he released a sigh and slowly sat down on his bed. Then he waved his hand, the destroyed furniture and all other damage being undone.
Bell crossed his hands and rested his forehead on them.
Of course, Gwen was pretending. She probably had a terrible time on their date. He was moderately optimistic and engaged in the date. He did not hate it, but there was still some hesitancy here and there. She probably picked up on that and that soured her mood. She probably felt awkward, but kept going out of some misplace feelings.
She probably was starting to reconsider her stance on their relationship. How could she not? He was giving the impression that he was not invested.
Bell moved to drag his hands across his face and he collapsed on his bed starring at the ceiling.
...
...
Gwen called him a coward once and he denied it in his head.
He was starting to feel like one.
This push and pull between his heart and his brain, this indecisiveness, was grating.
This could no longer go on.
He had to make a choice, before he snaps.
His heart or his brain.
Next time, he will confess to Stan. He tried, in his first life, to atone a little for his sins and hoped that hell would finish the rest. Ever since ROB threw a wench at his plans he no longer knew what to do.
Hell would not have him. ROB would not tell him why he was worthy. Bell could not make a choice and he will never tell anyone else about his first life no matter what.
Stan was a god, not a proper one like ROB, but a god all the same. He judged the world differently from other living beings.
But he would do. Yes, he would do.
Stan will make the choice for him.
He will confess. He will spill his greatest shame and his darkest secret.
Bell will watch him carefully and depending what face he makes, what he thinks of his deeds, he will chose his heart or his brain.
He will never get rid of his guilt. But he will either live in spite of it or break off all contact and go full on misery. This way he could spare the people he loved their own misery. They were better of without him anyway if he chooses his brain.
One or the other, it mattered not. At least the decision was finally made.
(A.N.: 11796 words. Hope you enjoyed. Cheers.)