Due to his deal with Senator Kelly, each mutant was deported to Genoshia. Even when he found out the Senator was keeping the more powerful ones locked up, those mutants were still only imprisoned, never eliminated.
"No," Magneto admitted. "They are not."
"Exactly." Ben continued. "I'm not gonna argue that Mutants being locked up for no reason isn't unfair. But at least they're all still alive. That's more than a lot of other people can say. What we deal with, there's a lot of people, innocent people, that aren't as lucky."
He looked up at the city and the destruction around him. "The worst part is, knowing we can't save everyone. That there are people we can't see or reach." He turned back to the Mutant. "But we do what we can to save as many lives as we can. No matter who they are."
Magneto's expression softened a bit. The passion in the Young Heroes voice. That hopeful optimism that youth provides as they look for a brighter tomorrow. He remembered seeing that very same face on Charles in his own youth. When they were both young, naive lads, working on ideas to give Mutants a bright future.
How the years have changed them. Now Magneto knows the harsh truths of the world, what the price of freedom is, a harsh lesson that this boy will have to learn one day. How could he possibly understand what it's like when he never has to fear losing all he cares about?
"Plus, you have a family to get back to." Ben suddenly said, ripping Magneto's thoughts from his musings.
A pained expression is on the Young Heroes face as he thinks back to his first encounter with Magneto. The young green-haired girl with the same powers as her father. Her fearful expression when she saw him defeat Magneto right in front of her.
Ben cleared his throat before continuing. "I'm not about to let a family lose their father. Leaving them all alone when I can do something about it."
The tone of his voice, the look in his eye. This is a look Magneto has seen many times in his life.
Turning down an ally, Ben and Wasp led Magneto to an old mattress that had been thrown out the day before. It was a little dirty but in good condition.
"Not exactly five stars, but it's better than the sidewalk," Janet commented as they lay the Magnetic Mutant down on it.
"You should be safe here for now," Ben said before turning to Janet. "You gonna keep an eye on him?"
"That is unnecessary," Magneto stated as he sat himself up. "My strength is returning. And I will not permit anyone to guard me so that I may be imprisoned later."
The pair narrowed their eyes at the Mutant criminal.
"You're still a bad guy. You have to face justice for what you did." Janet argued.
"I will face justice when all those in power who've committed heinous crimes against my Mutant brothers and sisters are put on trial and brought to justice," Magneto responded. His vigour returning, albeit slowly.
"You have saved my life. I will acknowledge that much. But, one act of kindness does not erase a history of injustice and discrimination. So long as Mutants are hunted are threatened. I will be there to fight for their freedom."
In response. Ben walked over to the Master of Magnetism and kneeled so he would be at eye level with him and meet his steely glare with his own ironclad stair.
"And when you threaten innocent lives. Regardless of who they are. I'll be there to stop you." He said as his emerald eyes stared into Magento's grey eyes.
The pair held their gazes, unflinching, before Ben smirked and walked away. Leaving the Mutant Villain to rest and recuperate.
"You sure we should leave him like that?" Wasp asked as they walked down the street.
"Yeah." Came Ben's reply. "We have bigger things to worry about than him."
A rumble from above them drew their attention. Wasp's eyes widened in fear, while Ben's eyes narrowed as they saw the faint glow of the Phoenix Force diving down from the atmosphere.
Ben clenched his fists as he tried to think about his next move.
Only to feel Wasp grip his sleeve as she trembled in fear. "I don't get it. We threw everything at this thing. How is it still going?"
The Alien Teen placed his hand atop hers and gently patted her to reassure her. "It's an Ancient Cosmic Entity, Jan. It probably could've destroyed the Earth from the start if it wanted to."
That didn't ease her mind at all as her grip tightened. "So what? It's been toying with us this whole time?"
"No," Ben stated. "More likely, it's because its current host is incompatible. Really, I think it's the only reason we're all still alive."
"Please. Please tell me you know how to beat this thing?" She pleaded, her body trembling like an earthquake as she shrunk further behind Ben.
Ben wasn't sure how to answer her. He hit that thing with one of his strongest attacks, and it didn't even scratch this thing. He got winded just punching it out of the Earth's orbit, and the Phoenix just came right back for another round.
At this point, it was a battle of stamina. Whoever runs out of steam first. Ben is limited as to how long he can go while the Phoenix Force is energy incarnate. It'll never tire, never stop. Not as long as it has its host.
They still had a chance with their plan. But, until Jean and Emma get here, he must wear the Cuckoos down. How does he outlast a being with limitless power?
Suddenly, an idea formed in his head. It was risky because he hadn't practised with this one for very long. But, at a time like this. It's sink or swim.
Reaching up, he activated the Ultimatrix and scrolled through the aliens until he found what he sought. Slamming the dial down, the Teen Hero transformed into Chromastone.
Wasp looked at the crystal alien and quickly put together what he was planning.
"You're gonna try and absorb it? Can Chromastone even handle that much power?"
"Probably not," Chromastone admitted. "But I'm not aiming to absorb its power."
He then taped the dial again. Four spikes popped out, and a wave of green energy washed over him. His body became broader, turning grey, with flakes of crystals sprinkled across him, resembling kimberlite. His arms grew thicker, resembling Diamondhead's. His crystals turned from magenta into a multicoloured prism that appeared to change constantly depending on the light.
The crystals on his back grew larger and longer and angled towards the sides, resembling a pair of wings. Finally, his head changed as it grew broader, with his stony brow arching more over his eye like a hood. Crystals formed over his mouth and eye, turning it from a circular eye into a triangular slit, making his face resemble that of a knights helmet.
"ULTIMATE CHROMASTONE!" The new Ultimate Form cried out.
Wasp looked at the new alien in awe. His crystals shimmered in the light, his grey stone body looking like armor, thick and strong and the wing astatic. She wasn't much for designing armors, but seeing this made her consider doing a collaboration with Tony on a new set.
"Wow. This one's new." She stated.
"Yeah, been wanting a bit more time to practice with him. But no time like the present." The Ultimate Alien explained.
A concerned expression appeared on her face. "Really, you're gonna use a form that you're not familiar with? Are you sure you don't want to use one that you know how to control?"
"Trust me. This is the best choice." Ultimate Chromastone stated. "Besides, I don't have to win. I just need to hold out for a little longer."
He turned to her and put his large hand on her shoulder. She expected the crystals to feel cold, but they were warm to the touch.
"I need you to go and find the others. They're gonna need you if they ever hope to make it through this."
Wasp looked up at him with a confident smile as she nodded before shrinking down and flying up to his visor.
"Go pluck that Turkeys feathers, Ben. Thanksgiving is coming up, and I'll need something for the oven." She said with a confident smile.
While his face is motionless, she could tell he's smirking under that mask. "You got it!"
With that, Ultimate Chromastone shot into the sky. Flying at incredible speeds, he easily cleared the skyline in seconds and blasted straight towards the Phoenix Force.
The Cosmic Entity glared at the Ultimate Alien and shot towards him. Its beak opened as it cried out before opening its wings and extending its talons to strike the Alien Avenger.
Ultimate Chromastone balled his right fist and cocked it back. His body glowed with rainbow energy as he prepared to strike the Firebird.
Just before they made contact, Ultimate Chromastone vanished in the blink of an eye. Surprising the Phoenix Force as, the Evolved Alien appeared behind it as he shot his fist forward and fired a powerful rainbow beam into the back of the Firebird's head.
The Phoenix cried out in shock from the blast as it turned around to counter, only for Ultimate Chromastone to disappear once more, reappear behind the bird, and blast it again.
Enraged, the Phoenix Force blasted fire at the Alien Teen in an attempt to hit him. But Ultimate Chromastone vanished again. Once again, appearing behind it, preparing to strike again. However, the Phoenix Wasn't about to fall for that again as the girls spun around within the chest and blasted a beam of fire at the Evolved Alien.
Focusing his power, Ultimate Chromastone disappeared to avoid the flames.
It appeared as if the Evolved Alien was teleporting all around the Cosmic entity. That wasn't the case. Instead, Ultimate Chromastone is converting his body into light energy and moving to a different area at the speed of light. Moving so fast, he's invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, he can only travel in a straight line at this speed.
Ultimate Chromastone dashed around the Phoenix again to attack. Repeating this hit-and-run tactic to keep the Firebird's attention.
But the Phoenix would not tolerate this disrespect as it flared its wings, and the air became distorted.
Ultimate Chromastone entered his light form again to get behind the Cosmic Entity. However, he found himself unable to move. A strange sensation ran through his body like he was trying to move through a swimming pool filled with tar. Despite being in his light form, he wasn't moving. In fact, he actually felt himself being pulled backwards.
Looking behind him, Ultimate Chromastone could see the distorted air being concentrated into one spot. It only took a second for the Alien Avenger to realise what was happening.
That was a gravity well. That's why his light form wasn't moving; the Phoenix Force manipulated gravity just as he did as Gravattack to trap him in a gravitational field.
This was a far cry from the typical cosmic fire the Phoenix had been throwing around all evening. It seems that the Girls are awakening more of the entity's power.
Ultimate Chromastone could swear he saw a malicious grin on the Phoenix's face. Like the Cosmic being was gloating that it got the Alien Shapeshifter with a move he'd used against it earlier.
With him trapped, the Phoenix Force unleashed a beam of cosmic fire at the seemingly helpless Alien.
However, Ultimate Chromastone reached his left hand out and allowed the beam to hit him. The energy flowed into him as he manipulated the energy's flow from his left hand to his right.
His right hand glowed as rainbow energy flowed out of his palm, swirled around and solidified as it took the shape of a large hammer, resembling a giant Mjolnir.
Focusing on his construct, Ultimate Chromastone swung his arm, and the hammer followed his movement. Striking the Phoenix with tremendous force.
"Hehe." The Evolved Alien chuckled. His energy hammer dissipated into nothing as he released the energy.
Years of evolution pushed Chromastone into the perfect energy conduit. Ultimate Chromastone is capable of channelling any energy directed at him, which he can control and bend to his will. Creating constructs made of energy or simply filtering energy through his body and converting it into a different form that he can radiate from his body in any form he chooses.
However, as a drawback, Ultimate Chromastone can no longer absorb energy. At least not in the same way as his base form. He can temporarily hold some power in his body, but he needs to channel it between the six crystals on his back constantly. Like a circuit board. If Chromastone is a battery, Ultimate Chromastone is a lightbulb.
The Phoenix Force rallied itself as it flew right at Ultimate Chromastone. The Alien Avenger responded in kind and shot towards the Firebird. His fists glowed as he channelled the around him to form a broadsword in his right hand and a kite shield on his left arm. Completing the knightly look of this Ultimate.
The Phoenix cried as it reeled back and shot out its talons. Ultimate Chromastone raised his shield and blocked the attack. He uses his power to channel the Phoenix's power and strengthen his sword as the energy blade glowed brighter, obtaining a flaming aura before he slashed the Cosmic Beast with his weapon.
Channelling the same power as the Phoenix, the blade sliced through the Firebird's cosmic flames. The Phoenix cried out in pain as its left wing was cut off by Ult Chromastone's cosmic-charged sword.
Behind his crystal faceplate, the Alien Avenger smirked. It seems the Phoenix can't defend itself from its own power.
A pulse of psychic energy exploded from the Entity, blowing Ultimate Chromastone away and causing him to drop his constructs. He steadied himself in the air as he witnessed the Phoenix Force reform its lost wing.
It then glared at the Alien Shapeshifter with Primordial Rage. Before, the Cosmic Entity likely considered him a mild annoyance. A buzzing fly that it was trying to swat away while it tried to go on with its day. But now, he's hurt it. This fly turned into a hornet that had just stung the Firebird.
The Ultimate Alien could feel the pressure change as the flames flared, becoming red like blood. Despite the menacing aura the Phoenix Force presented, Ultimate Chromastone held his ground and took a fighting stance.
With a flap of its wings, the Phoenix unleashed multiple fireballs at the Evolved Alien. Ultimate Chromastone reached out and absorbed the first fireball, channelling the energy to generate an enormous energy tennis racket, which he used to swat the remaining flaming spheres back at the Phoenix, using backhand and forehand strikes before sending the last one right into the Phoenix Forces face with an overhead spike.
"Thanks, Julie." The Ultimate Alien whispered as he was reminded of the sparing matches that he used to have with her.
However, his bittersweet memory was interrupted when he noticed the energy field flowing around him.
Too late, he was enveloped in a sphere of psychic energy. A telekinetic bubble surrounded him and started to move in, threatening to crush him.
Ultimate Chromastone pushed against the sphere, using his power in an attempt to channel the energy and disperse it. However, the Phoenix Force kept feeding the sphere, so the energy that Ult Chromastone drew away was quickly replaced in an endless cycle.
His limbs started to compress as the pressure grew. Thinking fast, Ultimate Chromastone concentrated and channelled the energy through his body, but instead of converting it to a different energy, he let the energy flow through him like a conductor and let his flow back into the sphere.
Feeling the energy flow, he sensed for any power fluctuations in the bubble to find the weakest point. Adjusting the flow, he accumulated and manipulated the energy flow to the base of the sphere, thinning the telekinetic layer around his back.
Once he felt the layer was thin enough, one of the crystals on his back glowed and floated out of his back, puncturing the telekinetic shield. The crystal levitated away from the sphere and manoeuvred around the Phoenix Force until it was right behind the Cosmic Firebird.
The moment it reached its destination, the crystal took aim at the Firebird, glowed brightly, and fired a beam of energy into the Phoenix Force.
While it wasn't a powerful beam, it was enough to distract the Phoenix Force long enough for Ultimate Chromastone to bust free of his prison.
He quickly zapped behind the Phoenix, and his crystal reattached to his body. His right hand glowed with energy, and he blasted a beam of energy at the Phoenix Force's neck. The beam then curved and wrapped around the Firebirds throat like a lasso.
Ultimate Chromastone grabbed the energy construct and yanked on it, pulling himself to the Phoenix, landing on its back as energy flowed out from his feet, wrapping around the Phoenix, forming into an energy harness as Ultimate Chromastone turned his lasso into a set of reins.
The Evolved Alien cracked the reins as the Phoenix cried out in outrage.
"Heyaw! Get along there, little doggie. Heyaw!" The Alien Avenger cried out as he cracked the reins once more.
The Cosmic Entity thrashed around as it jolted from side to side like a bucking bronco.
A mighty pull on the energy reins, and the Phoenix Force was pulled off balance. The Cosmic entity moved to correct itself as the Evolved Alien cracked the reins again, and the Phoenix flew forward, diving down to the city. Its course took them straight for a building.
Ultimate Chromastone pulled to the left, and the Phoenix responded. Weaving to the left and avoiding the tower, he continued to guide the Cosmic Firebird through the streets, flying low to the ground before pulling up to gain altitude and repeating the action.
From within the Phoenix Force's chest, the Stepford Cuckoos glared at the Evolved Alien with annoyance as they tried to blast him off with a beam of cosmic flames. However, the energy directed against him, Ult Chromastone took that energy and channelled it into the crystals on his back while diverting the rest into his energy harness and reins, strengthening them and giving him more control as he guided the Phoenix down another series of streets.
As he guided the Cosmic Entity, Ultimate Chromastone looked around the area as he searched for an open area. Eventually, he flew over a park with just enough space. He prepared to make another pass when he felt an immense pleasure coming from under his feet.
The Phoenix Force was really not enjoying being taken for a ride. It's energy output was starting to outpace his ability to control the energy flow. Pretty soon, she'll overload his ability. So he'll need to act fast.
Concentrating and harnessing as much power from the Phoenix as he could. Ultimate Chromastone blasted energy from his body that formed into multiple tendrils that wrapped around the Cosmic Bird in an umbrella-like fashion as a circular disc formed underneath it before the Evolved Alien launched himself off the Phoenix Force and got outside his construct before it was completed.
Looking back, Ult Chromastone couldn't help but grin at his creation. A giant energy birdcage, with the Phoenix Force trapped inside.
The Cosmic Entity looked around at its prison before giving the Alien Shapeshifter a deadpanned expression. Even an Ancient Primordial Force of Nature seemed to understand a visual gag when it saw it. And it was not amused.
Fortunately, before the Cosmic Entity could attempt to break free from its confinements. Ultimate Chromastone felt a tingling sensation in his mind. A familiar sensation that could only mean one thing to the Evolved Alien.
In one fluid motion, Ultimate Chromastone grabbed the energy beam connecting him to the giant birdcage, swung the construct over his head, and whipped it towards the park.
The massive construct crashed in the centre, dissipating and leaving the Phoenix Force sprawled out on the ground.
Landing on the edge of the park, Ultimate Chromastone launched all six crystals from his back, which flew towards the Phoenix Force and surrounded it. The Evolved Alien then fired a beam of energy into one of the crystals, which fired a beam into another crystal, which linked to another until all six were connected by the beams.
The crystals generated a giant energy sphere that trapped the Phoenix inside.
The Cosmic Entity screeched as it blasted the energy bubble with cosmic fire. The crystals glowed as they filtered the energy into them, passing the energy from each other, before one of them fired a beam at Ult Chromastone.
Raising his free hand, Ultimate Chromastone caught the energy beam, allowing it to flow through him before he fired it back to complete the circuit. Using the Phoenix's power to strengthen the shield and keep it contained.
The roar of a car engine sounded from behind him as the Ultimate Alien turned his head to see the Mark 10 appear from around the corner. The black and green sports car ripped across the street before executing a perfect skid into a parking spot on the sidewalk.
From the driver's seat emerged X-23, with Cyclops exiting the passenger side and Jean and Emma opening the back doors. The moment the telepaths saw the scene before them, their eyes widened in shock.
"He actually contained the Phoenix Force?" Emma gasped, her jaw almost falling open.
X-23 glanced at the White Queen with affronted expression. "Never doubt, Ben."
She then turned to the Alien Avenger, and her expression turned to worry.
"We have to move fast," Jean said, her powers allowing her to tune into Ultimate Chromastone's pain. He's gone through so much, and she can't let him suffer like that.
"Are you alright, Ben?" Cyclops asked the Teen Hero.
Ultimate Chromastone groaned as he struggled against the Cosmic Entity. "I've had better days." He struggled to shout as he focused on keeping the Phoenix contained.
Seeing her friend in pain, Laura wanted to run to him and help him. But the power running through him, coupled with the distorted air around his body, let the Young Mutant know that his body was giving off an incredible amount of heat.
Touching him in his current state would result in severe burns on her body, even with her healing factor. The pain would be intense, and it would only cause Ultimate Chromastone more stress.
"Hey, Laura," Ult Chromastone said in his strained voice. "How was the drive?"
"Silent and awkward," Laura answered quickly and honestly.
While she's not one for quipping or jokes in a fight like Ben is, she knows how the Alien Teen uses humour to mask his fears and stress. He needs this to distract himself, so she's more than happy to oblige him.
The Alien Teen chuckled. "Yeah, I can imagine. Some tension. You should try those. Icebreakers I. Taught you."
"I did. However, no one responded when I asked if their refrigerator was running."
While she couldn't see his face behind that crystal mask. She knew he was smiling and trying not to laugh.
"That was. For prank calls, Laura."
"I know." She responded with a slight grin.
That time, he couldn't stop himself from chuckling. "Ok. You got me."
"Is this really the time?" Cyclops asked, slightly annoyed. The stress of the evening and what was about to occur weighed heavily on him and reduced his tolerance for humour to zero.
"Oh yeah." Ultimate Chromastone answered as he stood tall, and his body glowed brightly before he increased the intensity of his beams. "My spirits have been lifted. Thanks, Laura."
The Young Mutant nodded in response.
With that, the Crimson Telepath turned to the Blonde, who nodded as they both moved to opposite ends of the park, with Ultimate Chromastone and his energy sphere between them.
Emma looked into the force field through the Cosmic Entity and focused on the Five Girls floating within it. The girls looked like they were in pain. Clutching their heads and curling up into a foetal position. Worry gripped the Ice Queen's heart as she fought the desire to jump into the inferno to reach them.
Reaching to her forehead, Emma focused her Telepathy. Ult Chromastone turned his head to see Emma place her hand on her brow. His control over energy also extended to his eyes as he saw blue psychic energy form around her head. Six arcs of energy flowed over her blond hair like an arc before, combining in the centre of her forehead, and a beam of psychic energy fired from her mind and connected to the Stepford Cuckoos.
Upon contact, the Girls raised their heads, their eyes widened, and they all turned towards Emma. Similar arcs of psionic energy formed around their heads as they collectively started moving towards the White Queen, reaching their hands out to her. Emma mirrored the action and started moving closer to the force field, almost as if she were in a trance.
Meanwhile, Jean mimicked Emma's action, and a flaming pink aura surrounded her head before she fired at the Phoenix Force. In response, the Firebird dug its talons into Ultimate Chromastone's energy field and pushed itself towards Jean.
Despite the Evolved Alien's best efforts, the flaming talons punctured through the forcefield, breaking the barrier. The entire field started to fade before Ult Chromastone could realign his crystals and direct the flow of energy to turn the sphere into a dome.
The pain was unimaginable as the Phoenix's power continued to rise. But he fought through the pain as he opened a hole between Emma and the girls.
So far, the plan is working perfectly. Emma draws the girls to herself using her connection to them. Once she manages to sever their connection to the Phoenix Force, Ultimate Chromastone launches the Cosmic Entity into the atmosphere and destroys it once and for all.
He grunted as the Phoenix continued to push itself towards Jean, like a love-sick pet trying to return to its owner.
It was so desperate to reach the red-haired telepath that Ultimate Chromastone could feel the energy of his shield starting to flow against his instructions. Making it harder for him to contain it. But, he just had to hold on a little longer.
"Ben!" A voice cried out from behind him as he turned his head to see Carol arriving. She was supporting a conscious Iron Man as she floated down with him.
She quickly put him down and rushed over to him. A worried look on her face. Only for Cyclops to get in her way.
"Sorry, miss. But I have to ask you to stay back. We can't have anyone interfere." Cyclops stated.
The Kree hybrid glared at the One-Eyed Mutant. "What is going on here?"
"Carol." The SHIELD Agent turned to see Laura walking towards her. Her eyes narrowed at the Cloned Mutant.
"Ben is at a delicate stage of the plan. He needs to focus." She explained.
"Focus!? He can barely stand!" Carol protested before forcing her way past Cyclops.
"He can't handle all that energy alone." She reached out her hands to the Evolved Alien.
Cyclops quickly went for his visor, only for Laura to stop him.
"You might hit Ben. Or knock her into him." She looked up at the One-Eyed Mutant. "She's worried about someone she cares for. I am sure you can understand that."
Cyclops looked down at the raven-haired girl, and his hand clenched. He couldn't believe he was about to attack a teenage girl. All because he wanted to protect Jean, he failed to see that he wasn't the only one whose loved one was in danger.
He made a mental note to apologise and make amends to her and Ben once this ordeal was over.
Over by Ultimate Chromastone, Carol ran up behind him and reached out her hands. "Don't worry, Ben! I'll ease the pressure off you."
"Carol, wait!" Ult Chromastone yelled, but it was too late.
Her hands pressed against his Kimberlite back as she tried to absorb some of the energy he was syphoning. Only for her to jump back in pain with a yelp. Her body glowed brightly as he looked down at her hands in shock.
She was only in contact with him for a brief second and immediately charged up to her limit. Carol looked up at Ultimate Chromastone in shock. He was handling all that power by himself, and the Phoenix Force was pouring more energy into him.
"Ben." She whispered, her fear barely being contained.
"Are you ok?" He asked, turning his head to check on her.
Her heart ached from his words. He was channelling more power than all the Earth's Nuclear reactors combined through his body, experiencing more pain than any human should be able to handle, yet he was more concerned about her safety than his own.
"I-I'm fine, Ben." She informed him.
Ult Chromastone wanted to let out a sigh of relief, but the strain prevented him from relaxing.
The sound of a car's engine drew Carol's attention, along with Cyclops and X-23. They turned in time to see a pickup truck round the corner with Captain America behind the wheel. Hawkeye was in the passenger seat, and the remaining Avengers and X-Men were sitting in the trucks tray.
"Jean!" Wolverine cried out as he jumped out of the truck and started running towards her.
"Logan, No! You can't get close!" Cyclops yelled.
"Outta my way, Summers!" The Clawed Mutant barked as he continued to rush towards the Crimson Telepath.
Only for Cyclops to get in his path.
While they argued behind him, Ultimate Chromastone continued to focus on his task. The Two Telepaths before him continued to use their powers to pull their respective targets towards each other.
The connection between the Phoenix Force and the Cuckoos was stretched thin as the Girls were so close to Emma. Emma's hand reached out to the nearest girl, their hands so close to each other. A layer of cosmic flames stood between them, but Emma was more than willing to brave the flames to reach them. Just one more step, and she would have the girls in her arms.
Suddenly, just before she could make contact. The Phoenix Force's eyes lit up like high beams as it cried out and unleashed a massive psychic wave that blew everything away: concrete, debris, metal fences, cars and superheroes.
A psychic explosion that tore up the entire park and sent everyone flying. Ultimate Chromastone was blown back with such force that he rocketed into Laura, sending both flying into the sky towards the nearest building.
Acting fast, Ultimate Chromastone pivoted in the air and wrapped X-23 in his arms as they crashed into the building, blasting through the walls, colliding with the ceiling before blasting through to the roof, finally losing their momentum as they tumbled across the rooftop before finally coming to a stop.
Fatigue started to settle into the Evolved Alien. The strain of channelling all that energy was so intense that when he finally stopped, the sheer exhaustion hit him so hard that his mind felt hazy.
"Ben! Ben! Wake Up!" Laura's voice cut through the haze as Ultimate Chromastone's eye glowed as he saw Laura on top of him. Her hands were placed on either side of his head.
"Ugh." The Evolved Alien groaned as he raised his head to look at her. "I'm starting to make a habit of this." He said humorously before getting into a sitting position.
Looking down, he saw he was still in alien form, which he was grateful for since it meant he could still fight.
"I swear the moment this is over, I'm sleeping for a week."
"That would be a coma. Something I would not recommend." Laura responded in a blunt tone.
Ult Chromastone brushed past that comment as he got to his feet. X-23 helped steady him, though he didn't need it but appreciated the gesture.
An explosion, followed by the Phoenix's cry, drew the pair's attention as the Alien Avenger and Cloned Mutant rushed to the edge of the building.
From that vantage point, Ultimate Chromastone could see the park's remains. Or, more accurately, the former park, as the entire area was now a giant crater.
The Phoenix Force was in the sky once more. Where everyone else is, he couldn't tell. But what he could make out was the flow of energy accumulating in one area.
That's when he saw Jean Grey flying above the city streets. Her arms were outstretched on both sides of her body, like she was presenting herself to the Cosmic Firebird. Her red dress flowed in the wind as she elegantly glided across the air.
It didn't take the Alien Teen long to figure out what she was doing. After the initial plan failed, Jean intended to sacrifice herself to the Phoenix Force. Give herself up to destroy the Phoenix herself.
Upon seeing her, the Phoenix Force let out a cry. The Stepford Cuckoos inside it screamed in pain as the Firebird charged straight at her.
As noble as her actions were, Ultimate Chromastone couldn't just stand by and let this happen. He promised to protect her, and that's precisely what he'll do.
But before he could make a move, a crimson beam fired from the streets below, hitting the Phoenix dead on and unleashing a shockwave that knocked Jean and the Phoenix out of the sky. The latter caught itself and carved out a long trench through the city before ascending to the sky, while the former landed on the ground in a heap.
Ultimate Chromastone tracked the source of the beam and saw Cyclops running towards Jean. The Crimson-Eyed Mutant stood before her, his hand to his visor as he prepared to attack the Phoenix Force again.
Seems the Alien Avenger wasn't the only one who wasn't a fan of Jean's self-sacrifice plan.
However, it seems Cyclops's planned to sacrifice himself to stop it. A dude who can fire concussive energy from his eyes willing to face an Ancient Primordial Force all to protect the woman he loves.
Any critiques the Alien Shapeshifter had against his character were laid to rest cause this man has earned his respect from here on out.
Still, he wasn't about to let him throw his life away either.
But what could he do?
The Phoenix Force is wilder than ever, and its power has only strengthened. He hit it with some of his strongest attacks, and they barely did anything.
Was it time for a last-ditch effort? Did he have the time to pull that off? Does saving the world mean risking the lives of the Avengers and X-Men? Will any of this save the future or doom it?
What should he do?
Time was running out. The Phoenix dove straight at Cyclops, his crimson beams no longer slowing it down.
From the side of the street, he could see Emma running towards him.
"Ben." Laura's hand touched his crystal arm as he looked at her. Her eyes were soft as she gave him a reassuring smile. "You know what to do. I trust you with my life."
Upon hearing those simple words, everything became clear to the Ultimate Alien.
Placing his hand atop hers, Ultimate Chromastone nodded to her. "Thanks, Laura."
She nodded back and then moved away from him.
Ultimate Chromastone braced himself on the ledge, lowered his head, and sighed as if mentally preparing himself.
"Sorry about this, Laura." He said to her, earning a confused look. "I just wish I had more time."
Her eyes widened as she reached out to him, wanting to ask what he meant by that. Only for his body to glow. And in a flash of light, the Ultimate Alien was gone.
Down below, the Living Inferno shot straight towards Cyclops, his crimson beam firing at full force, but it had no effect as the Phoenix tore through it.
Cyclops refused to back down. That thing was after Jean, and the only way he'd let it take her is over his cold, dead body.
Suddenly, something hard slammed into him and knocked him aside. The One-eyed mutant looked up to see Emma standing between him and the Phoenix.
The blonde telepath gave Cyclops a warm, loving smile before turning to the Phoenix, arms raised on either side.
This was her final act. She knew this was the only way. The Phoenix needs a host to survive. Its bond with the girls is already weak, and its target is Jean. By taking the Phoenix in herself, she can shift to her diamond form and contain it for a brief time before its power shatters her.
After everything she's done to Scott, Jean and the other X-Men, sacrificing herself was the only noble thing she could do to redeem herself.
Her only regret would be that she wouldn't be there for the girls.
The Phoenix Force bore down on her, and she prepared to face her ultimate fate.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed before her, followed by a flash of green light as a shadow cast over the White Queen, who's eyes widened as Chromastone stood before her.
Before she could react, the Phoenix Force collided with the crystal alien, and he proceeded to absorb the Cosmic Entity into his body.
A shockwave blew past Emma as she fought against the gale-force winds. The flames flowed into the alien, and the girls cried out in pain as the power left their bodies.
Silence followed as the thud of five bodies fell to the ground.
Emma looked to see the Cuckoos lying unconscious on the street before her. Her eyes then drifted to the Alien Avenger, who let out a loud groan in pain as his body glowed with rainbow energy, and he wrapped his arms around himself and doubled over.
"Oh, man. Immediately regretting that!" Chromastone groaned in pain as he stumbled on his feet.
"Ben." Emma gasped. "W-What have you done?"
The Alien Teen chuckled as he raised his head to her and forced a smile. "Don't act so surprised. I'm a hero. I save. Gah! The damsel in destress."
Cracks started to form on his body as his rainbow energy started to turn into a flaming aura.
Tears formed in her eyes as Emma was still reeling from the shock. "Why, Ben? Why would you do this? I don't deserve this, not after what I've done. Why?"
Chromastone smiled at her, fighting off the pain long enough to make it genuine as she looked up into his eye.
"It's like. I said before. Doesn't matter what you did. It's what you do after." He struggled to get the words out as the power grew inside him. More cracks formed across his body as cosmic flames started spilling out of him.
"BEN!" He heard Carol's voice and turned to see her running towards him. Her energy was depleted, and her eyes were wide in shock.
A similar scream followed hers as Wasp ran from the other side, with the remaining Avengers and X-Men present.
Even Hulk was back on his feet. His healing factor was working overtime. He wasn't back to normal, but he at least had skin and was green again. Though he still looked weak as he limped along with the others, Thor was supporting him.
Chromastone wasn't sure when Thor returned to the scene, but he was glad he was up and about.
A surge of pain caused the Alien Hero to drop to his knees as Carol and Wasp rushed to him.
"Ben, Ben, can you hear me? What's happening, Ben? What's wrong with you?" Wasp asked, her worry ringing through his ears. He could see tears in her eyes as no doubt he looked awful to her.
Carol looked no better as she was frantic. "What have you done, Ben? Please tell me you didn't do what I think you did?"
"What? What did you do? What?" Wasp looked between the two teens in a panic before grabbing Carol's shoulder and shaking her. "What is he doing? Did you put him up to this? What's happening to him?"
"Janet." Chromastone weakly called to her, causing her to stop. "Not. Her. Fault. This is. The only way."
Wasps and Carol's eyes widened as a piece of his body broke off and more cracks covered him.
"Ben, no," Carol whispered.
He could see their worry; it was painful to see, more so than the destructive power coursing through him. He needed to ease their concern.
"I'm. Sorry." He struggled. "I wish. I had. More time. Too… Argh!"
His body flashed as cosmic flames surrounded his body.
"Ben!" The two women screamed as they could feel immense pressure coming from him. The ground cracked as light shone through the cracks on his body.
Chromastone groaned as he got to his feet and stood tall. Raised his head to everyone present. All eyes on him as the Teen gave them a cocky smirk.
"I'm sorry." He said to them.
"Ben, No!" Carol screamed as she reached out to him. But it was too late.
Chromastone blasted toward the sky. Like a rocket, a trail of rainbow energy flowed behind him as he climbed higher and higher, shooting past the clouds. His body cracked and fell apart as cosmic flames burst from him, turning his rainbow trail into a red and yellow flaming one.
The Ultimatrix dial flashed and beeped, and a flaming aura surrounded the symbol, but the Alien Hero didn't notice. His focus was just to keep going.
When he finally reached the upper atmosphere, Chromastone raised his arms into a T-pose and let out a massive scream. Energy erupted from his body as he shattered into a massive explosion of cosmic energy that lit up the sky.
Those who witnessed the explosion saw the massive fireball take the form of the Phoenix, letting out one final cry before it faded into nothing.
The threat has been eliminated. The Phoenix Force is gone.
Down below, there was silence. There were no cheers of victory, sighs of relief, or even a soft thud of someone sitting down.
The Avengers and X-Men, who were present and still conscious, looked to the sky in shock and horror.
Ben Tennyson, their friend, ally and teammate, just made the ultimate sacrifice to save not only them but the whole world.
No one dared move, they all stood motionless, baited breaths as if waiting for the Young Hero to fly back down with his usual cocky grin and make a funny quip that'll lighten the mood.
But, they saw nothing. Just the empty silence of the night air.
Suddenly, they heard the pitter-patter of something hitting the ground. It almost sounded like rain, but there were no clouds anymore. The explosion cleared them. Upon closer hearing, the impacts were hard, like someone throwing pebbles in the street.
A tink on Iron Man's armor drew the Billionaires attention as something hit his armor. Holding out his palm, Iron Man caught one of the falling items in his hand. He opened up his palm to see what he caught. A small purple crystal. The same as Chromastones.
His breath hitched in his throat as his hand started to shake.
Captain America watched the Armored Hero as he put together what he saw.
A loud clang drew everyone's attention as something big, heavy, and metallic bounced across the street before rolling to a stop in the middle of the road.
Walking towards it, Carol investigated what fell, and an audible gasp escaped her lips. The Kree Hybrid then started sobbing as she dropped to her knees.
The gathered heroes all rushed to her side, looking over her shoulder to see what she was looking at. A collection of gasps followed when they finally saw what she was looking at.
The Ultimatrix dial.
"No." Wasp gasped as she started sobbing. Bawling her eyes out as she tried to cover her face with her hands.
Captain America placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as she turned to cry into the Super Soldier.
He bowed his head in sorrow as he closed his eyes.
Iron Man clenched his hand with the crystal shard still in it as he turned his head away, gritting his teeth as he couldn't bear to look at the scene.
Hawkeye clenched his jaw as his arms shook. Both in sadness and rage. He was a kid. A kid! Not even 20 years old. So much more to live and out of all of them, it had to be his life?
"Damn it!" Hawkeye hissed through his teeth. "You did good, kid. You did good."
Hulk and Thor looked down in shock. They both clenched their fists and trembled. Hulk slid from Thor's grip and dropped to the ground. The gamma giant slammed his fist into the pavement, cracking it as he breathed heavily.
Thor looked to the heavens; his heart hoped that the soul of this young warrior would find his way to the halls of his ancestors. A true warrior to the end.
Rogue let her own tears fall as Storm comforted her, tears falling from her eyes too as she stroked the Young Mutant's hair.
Iceman sniffed as a single tear fell down his face. He wiped it off as he tried to hide it, but he couldn't hold that visage as he broke down.
Emma held one arm with her hand as she wept next to Jean and Cyclops, the former crying into the latter's chest as he held her in his arms. That Young Man gave everything for them. And they never got to thank him.
Wolverine bowed his head and removed his cowl. A solemn look on his face. He could hear Nightcrawler's faint whispers as he prayed for the Young Hero.
A thud drew his attention as he turned to see Laura, who had just arrived on the scene.
The Young Girl had dropped to her knees, arms limp by her sides as she stared straight at the Ultimatrix dial. Her eyes are wide and unblinking; she didn't move nor have any other reaction.
Logan walked over to her. She knew how close she was to the Alien Shapeshifter. He was her first friend. While he wasn't good at the whole parenting thing, he felt he should at least try to comfort her.
Reaching down, he placed his hand on her shoulder.
She did not react to him. Didn't flinch at the touch or acknowledge his presence. Her eyes did not move from the dial. Almost like she was catatonic.
It was her fault. She told Ben to trust himself. To do what he thought was best. He made his choice, and now he's gone. Because of what she said…
Because of her…
No one spoke. No one knew what to say. The only sounds that could be heard from the group were the sobs of those grief-stricken for the one who gave his life for a World that wasn't his.
Captain America patted Wasp's back. He knew she needed to grieve. They all did, but their job wasn't over. The city was in ruins, and people still needed their help.
At least for now, they can move the Ultimatrix dial too…
The Super Soldier suddenly noticed a green glow in front of him.
Raising his head, Cap's eyes widened as his body stiffened.
Feeling that tension, Wasp looked up at him confused, before she also noticed the light and turned her head.
One by one, the heroes noticed the green light and turned towards it as another wave of gasps sounded from them.
For ahead of them, the Ultimatrix symbol is glowing. A green light illuminated the dial as it grew brighter and brighter.
Suddenly, the dial floated off the ground. Levitating in front of them and started to spin around, like it was attached to a piece of string in the wind.
It spun faster and faster when suddenly shards of crystal and stones started flying past the heroes and gathered behind the dial, forming together as they flew across the city to rejoin the others.
Iron Man felt a tug in his arm as he looked down to see the shard he still gripped in his hand was struggling to free itself to be with its brethren.
The Armored Hero released his grip, and the shard flew from his hand and rejoined the others as they all gathered together in a large mass.
When the final piece flew into place, a blinding flash of light erupted from the dial, forcing everyone to look away.
The heroes looked back to the scene as the light died down, and their eyes widened.
Standing before them, fully formed and looking exhausted, was Diamondhead.
"Ow." The Alien Avenger groaned before falling to his rump. A flash of green light erupted from his body, turning him back into Ben Tennyson.
The Young Hero panted heavily as he leaned back, his hands catching him from falling on his back.
Everyone looked at the Young Hero with wide eyes and mouths open.
"You would not believe the headache I've got right now," Ben said as he groggily lifted his head to everyone, who still looked down at him with stunned silence.
"B-Ben?" he heard a whisper before being tackled in a bone-crushing hug.
"Oh, Ben! You're ok! You're alive!" Janet cried as she hugged Ben's head tightly.
"If you keep this up, I'll be neither of those things," Ben mumbled within her embrace.
After a few more seconds, Janet eventually let him go as Ben gasped for air. He looked at her as she smiled at him with tears of relief flowing from her eyes. She held his head in her hands for a moment before she started checking his body for any signs.
"Are you hurt anywhere? Anything broken?" She asked him, checking everywhere on his body.
"We might need to check for a possible skull fracture," Ben quipped, which was immediately met with a glare from Janet.
Before he could make another comment, another figure tackled him from his right. It was so silent and swift that nobody could see it coming until it pounced on Ben. Most of the heroes prepared to go into attack mode until they saw who it was.
X-23, having snapped out of her catatonic state the moment Ben's scent entered her nose, lunged at the Young Hero and gripped him like a Koala.
Ben could feel her body trembling as her tears soaked into his shirt.
A sympathetic look appeared on the Teen Heroes face as he stroked her back to help her calm down.
"Hey, hey. I'm ok, Laura. I'm ok." He whispered to her.
She continued to grip him, but her breathing started to slow down as she nuzzled him. "I thought I'd lost you."
The pain in her voice broke his heart. The moment he made his decision and acted on it, that was the easy part about being in a fight and making the hard choices to win. But what he failed to account for was the consequences that followed such a choice.
He was willing to sacrifice his life in order to ensure that everyone would survive. But he failed to consider how his sacrifice would affect those who care about him.
"I'm sorry, Laura," Ben said in a comforting tone. Hugging her tightly.
When they separated, Laura looked up at him with a small smile. "Ok. But please don't scare me like that again."
Ben chuckled as Laura said those words in the exact same tone and order he used earlier this very evening.
"I promise."
As the Yong Hero finally got to his feet, slightly wobbly due to his sleepy state, he was met with one more pair of tearful eyes.
Carol's sparkling blue eyes met Ben's emerald green, and their pair stood in silence, looking at each other without a single word.
The Blonde Teen walked over to him, her hair falling over her eyes, casting a shadow as she stood before him. Tears continued to fall down her cheeks as she stopped.
Her fists were clenched as she trembled. Ben was about to speak, but she got there first.
"Why do you have to be so reckless?" she asked in a quiet tone. Her voice cracked and was barely audible. Ben was right in front of her and could barely hear what she said.
"I don't…" He started to reply, but she cut him off again.
"You put yourself on the line without a second thought, putting on that smile and jumping right into danger like you're indestructible." Her fist raised, and she lightly tapped it on his chest.
"Idiot. Don't you know how that makes me… How that makes us feel?" Her voice grew louder. "You may be fine with throwing yourself into danger. But we don't like seeing you get hurt. Or worse…"
She raised her head, allowing Ben to see her face. Her eyes were red as pain radiated off her expression. "Why? Why do you have to be so… So… Heroic?"
Ben bowed his head; he understood where she was coming from. Had the roles been reversed, he did not doubt that Carol would've made the same choice he did. But, like him, she saw how such a choice would impact the ones who care about you.
"Carol…" Ben started to say as he placed his hands on her shoulder and looked her in the eye.
But, just as he was about to say something, Carol lunged forward, and her lips connected with his in a passionate kiss. Her left arm wrapped around his chest while her right hand gripped the back of his head.
He felt his body falling back as she floated into the air.
Ben's shock quickly melted as he embraced her back, kissing her with the same passion. The world melted away as the couple held each other. All the built-up emotions just flooded out. The pain, the worry, the relief, the joy. All these emotions were exchanged between them without speaking a single word.
Eventually, Carol lowered herself to the ground, and they separated. The pair gazed into each other's eyes with warm smiles before Carol nuzzled her head into Ben's chest. He rested his head atop hers and stroked her back.
"We're still not done with this, you know," Carol whispered playfully.
"I know." Ben chuckled. "I still owe you a date."
"Ahem!"
The pair turned to see the gathered heroes watching them. All with smiles on their faces as the pair turned bright red.
Seems they had forgotten that they weren't alone.
Before he knew it, Ben was hoisted to his feet and was met with pats on the back, hugs and head tussles from all the gathered Avengers and X-Men. A chorus of cheers and praise filled his ears as everyone crowded around the Young Hero.
After such an intense fight for their lives, the heroes all allowed themselves a moment of catharsis.
When things calmed down, Ben managed to wiggle free of the group hug. Only for Laura to grab onto him once more. But Ben didn't mind. If anything, it was reassuring to know that everything he fought for was still with him. He did exactly what he set out to do.
"Ben," Cyclops said, grabbing the Teen's attention.
The Young Hero turned to see the One-Eyed Mutant, standing alongside Jean, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Iceman and Nightcrawler.
"I can't thank you enough for what you've done for us," Cyclops said sincerely. "You put your life on the line and risked everything. I don't know how we could ever thank you."
Ben grinned as he walked over to him and held out his hand. "Hey, it's what heroes do. You don't have to thank me. I just did what anyone would do."
Cyclopes smiled as he shook Ben's hand.
Jean then hugged Ben and gave him a kiss on the cheek in her gratitude. The Teen Hero blushed as he touched his cheek.
"You saved us all, Ben. I can't believe it. After everything, the Phoenix Force is finally gone." She smiled and let out a sigh like a huge weight had been lifted.
"Well. I can't take all the credit." Ben admitted as he turned to a certain Blonde Telepath who was standing off to the side.
The X-Men followed his gaze, and their expressions darkened. The sting of her betrayal had not been forgotten.
"Can't believe you're still hanging around, Frost." Wolverine spat at her.
"Shouldn't you be off, ruining someone else's life?" Iceman added coldly.
Emma bowed her head in shame as she gripped one of her arms. She was about to turn and leave before Ben walked forward.
"Hey, if it wasn't for her. Jean and the rest of us wouldn't be here." He stated in a berating tone.
Emma's eyes widened at the Young Shapeshifter as he stood up for her. She shouldn't be surprised at this point; he's been defending her all evening. Even though she did not deserve it. He refused to abandon her.
"Ben. She betrayed us and kidnapped Jean." Wolverine stated.
"And then she came up with the plan to stop the Phoenix Force and save us." Ben shot back. "Also, if I didn't jump in to absorb the Phoenix before it killed Cyclops, she would have."
Confusion and surprise spread across everyone's faces as they looked at the White Queen.
"It's true." Cyclops spoke up, stepping forward.
"Scott," Emma whispered, her eyes lighting up as the Crimson-Eyed Mutant walked over to Ben's side.
"Emma may have done questionable things. But she was willing to sacrifice her life to stop the Phoenix Force. Ben may have been the one to make the sacrifice. But it did not change Emma's intentions."
The Clawed Mutant remained unconvinced as he crossed his arms. "So what? We just gonna forgive and forget? Act like nothing happened?"
"No," Jean responded as she joined Cyclops and Ben. "Emma has to earn back the trust she's lost. But, we should at least give her a chance to earn it. We are X-Men, as the Professor always says. Just because someone stumbles and loses their way…"
"… Doesn't mean they're lost forever…" Wolverine finished. He then grumbled and turned his head away. Silently cursing Chuck for always being right.
"Fine." He finally said as he glared at the White Queen and pointed a finger at her. "But we're keepin an eye on ya. One slip up and…"
He held up his fist, and his claws popped out, making his threat as clear as her diamond form.
Emma gulped as she nodded. "Understood."
She could hardly keep the emotions from breaking out. She thought it was over, that she burnt any bridge that would've led her back to the X-Men. But, here she is, given a second chance. A chance to do things right this time.
And it's all thanks to him.
Emma looked to the Emerald Avenger, who smiled at her with a morale-boosting grin and smiled in return.
"Oh, and what are we? Chopped liver?" Hawkeye complained before receiving a swift elbow to the ribs from Wasp.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I…" Cyclops stuttered, being caught off guard.
Wolverine smirked as he stepped forward. "We owe all of ya." He elaborated. "Ya came and helped us, even though ya didn't have ta."
"Of course we did." Captain America spoke up. "It's our duty to protect the world and its people."
"Even mutants?" Asked Rogue with a raised eyebrow.
Some of the Avengers looked a little awkward, but Cap remained unyielding. "Yes. When it comes to protecting the innocent, what we are has little relevance. It is who we are that makes all the difference. Here today, it did matter what group we belonged to, Human, Mutant, Avenger or X-Man. We all fought for the safety of this city and its people. That makes us all one thing. Heroes."
Wolverine grinned as he approached the Super Soldier. The Clawed Mutant held out his hand, and Captain America shook it with a smile.
"Even after all this time, you're still makin those long speeches, Rogers."
Cap blinked in surprise. Did that mean he remembered? Was he right to assume?
"We'll talk more over drinks. First rounds on me." Wolverine stated as he patted the Super Soldier on the shoulder.
Iron Man let out a long sigh. "Oh man, I could go for a drink. Clean-up is gonna be a nightmare. Not to mention the P.R."
"Hang on," Hawkeye spoke up, gathering everyone's attention. "We're not done here. Still gotta take care of these loose ends."
The Archer pointed over his shoulder to the unconscious forms of the Stepford Cuckoos.
Emma gasped at the sight of the girls as Ben narrowed his eyes.
Those five had gone through a lot tonight. Taking the Phoenix Force from Jean and using it to attack the city. He knew Emma had trained the girls, but they were still loyal to the Hellfire Club. Who knows what they'll do when they wake up?
The others seemed to be in agreement.
"We better call SHIELD." Iron Man suggested. "Better have Hill lock them up quickly. Before they get a chance to cause more trouble."
"NO!" Emma suddenly shouted as she ran forward and stood between the heroes and the girls. "You can't! They're as much victims in this as Jean is."
Emma's sudden outburst took everyone aback. She'd only just been given a second chance, and she went and did this?
Needless to say, Wolverine was quick to capitalise on his ultimatum. He stomped towards her as his claws extended.
"What'd I just say, Frost!"
"Hang on, Wolvie!" Ben said quickly, running up to the Gruff Mutant. "Let's not jump to conclusions and let her explain."
The Young Hero sighed. The White Queen was not making it easy to defend her. Seems she can't go five minutes without flipping the script on him.
"Emma. I know you care about them. But they were working for Shaw." He stated. "We can't trust them 'cause they're clearly still loyal to him."
"No, Ben. They're just confused and misguided." Emma explained as she moved over to the girls. "It's my fault that Shaw got his talons into them in the first place. I'm to blame, not them. Please."
The Young Hero raised an eyebrow at Emma's determination to protect the girls. Sure, they were teens like him, but they almost ended the world. They needed to answer for that.
"Emma, come on. You don't have to go this far for them."
"Yes, I do, Benjamin." Emma shot back.
"Why?" He asked, confused.
"Because they're my daughters!" Emma shouted.
Silence hung in the air as everyone's jaws dropped from the latest bomb to drop.
Looking down at the girls. Now that they were no longer covered in hoods or engulfed in flames. Ben could see that not only were they identical, but they were the spitting image of a young Emma Frost.
"D-Daughters?" Ben repeated.
Emma nodded. "Yes. They're mine. They are my responsibility. Please. Please don't take them from me." She pleaded, her voice cracking as she stood in front of the five, ready to protect them.
The shock on everyone's faces was as clear as day, especially for the women in the group.
"Five girls?" Wasp said flabbergasted. "You had five kids, and you still look like that?"
She looked at the Blonde Telepath, specifically her figure. She still wore her usual white attire, which promptly showed off her flat, well-toned stomach. No matter how she looked at her, her figure was flawless.
"Dang girl, what's your workout routine?" Rogue asked.
Even Carol found herself subconsciously touching her stomach.
This momentarily broke the tension enough for Ben to gather his thoughts. The Five Girls, being Emma's children, changes things. From the law's point of view, it shouldn't. They did the crime; they should do the time.
However, Ben wasn't a cop; he was a hero. Something he always made clear, even when he was with the Plumbers in his old universe. These girls need help and should be with their mother.
He turned to Wolverine with a sympathetic look. "I mean. If you're going to give her a second chance?"
Wolverine glared at the Teen, who chuckled sheepishly before letting out a long sigh and retracting his claws.
"I'm too tired to argue about this anymore. Do whatever ya want." He then turned around and walked away.
Emma covered her mouth as tears formed in her eyes before she wrapped Ben in a hug. "Thank you, Ben."
"Yeah. No problem." Ben responded, his cheeks flushed from the White Beauties affection.
Hawkeye chuckled as he leaned on his arm on Iron Man's shoulder. "Should we say something about all the hotties Ben currently has wrapped around his fingers at this point?"
"Let him have this tonight." Tony chuckled as he looked on. "Kid almost died tonight. He deserves this much, at least."
Clint smirked. Hard to argue with that. "He better not get a big head after this. I'd hate to have to punch the kid."
The group laughed as Ben managed to free himself from Emma's grip before walking over to his team. Wasp promptly hugged him again, and Captain America patted him on the back.
"You did well, Son." Cap praised the Young Hero.
"Thanks, Steve." Ben smiled back. Feeling his chest swell from all the praise.
"Well, team," Iron Man said. "We had one heck of a night, and tomorrow is going to be even busier. How about we all head to the mansion and get some shut-eye before helping the rebuild?"
He then turned to the X-Men, who were helping Emma pick up the Cuckoos. "You guys are invited too."
The X-Men seemed stunned by the invitation. Tony Stark, one of the most famous people in the world, just invited a bunch of mutants into his home. The controversy he could incur from the media if they caught him would likely cause serious issues for his company.
Yet, he did not even hesitate to open his home to the X-Men.
"You sure about that, Stark?" Wolverine asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You guys helped save the world. And according to Ben, the whole future, too. Public opinion can kiss my gold plated…"
"Tony." Wasp berated the billionaire.
"Right. Sorry." Tony composed himself. "Point is. Can't have you guys drag yourselves all the way back upstate when we have a mansion full of comfy beds for all of you."
The Mutants looked at each other and mumbled what they should do before turning back to the Avengers with grateful smiles.
"We would be honoured," Cyclops said warmly.
Iron Man nodded as he turned to the lone SHIELD Agent among them.
"Invite also extends to you." He informed Carol.
The Young Blonde blinked. "Huh?"
"Come on. Take a load off. You jumpstarted my heart, after all. Least I can do."
Carol wasn't sure what to say. She was so used to the animosity from the Avengers that she was completely taken aback by receiving an actual invite into their mansion. Usually, she snuck in to see Ben without anyone knowing.
"I know Ben would certainly like it if you stayed over," Hawkeye added, nudging Ben. Causing the Teens to blush once more.
"You'll be staying in separate rooms," Wasp interjected in a deadly tone. "On opposite ends of the mansion."
This earned a chuckle from Hawkeye, Hulk, and Thor, who playfully jostled the Emerald Avenger while he continued to get more embarrassed by the group.
Eventually, Ben was able to shake off the trio before stepping back. "Sounds great. But, there's still something I have to do."
Everyone turned to the Young Hero, slightly confused.
"What do you mean, Ben?" Storm asked.
"Aye, the threat has been vanquished. What more need be done?" Thor added.
Ben chuckled as he looked back over the destroyed city around them.
"The Phoenix Force and the Sentinels are all gone. But so are the homes of so many people." Ben pointed out.
The other heroes turned their attention to the devastation around them, each with sorrowful expressions. There was so much destruction. Homes, memories, and livelihoods. All gone in a matter of minutes.
They couldn't even begin to imagine where to start with rebuilding or relocating all the people. Even Tony would have trouble organising relief efforts to help.
Ben continued. "I can't just go and sleep in my bed, knowing that so many people won't be able to." He reached up and activated the Ultimatrix. "So I can at least do one more thing for them."
"Ben, wait." Laura stepped forward, stopping his hand. "You're already exhausted. You shouldn't push yourself."
"She's right," Carol added. "At least wait until tomorrow."
The Alien Avenger grinned at the two girls before shifting to a cheeky smirk. "Hate to break it to ya. But it's already tomorrow."
He pointed behind them, causing them and the rest to turn and see the first light of dawn, peaking over the horizon. The start of a brand new day.
After just a hellish night. Seeing the warm rays of the sun felt so comforting to everyone.
"So I can't waste any time," Ben quipped before going back to his watch. He cycled through his aliens, a small smile of relief appearing on his lips as he saw Chromastone's hologram still in the playlist.
Slamming down the dial, a flash of green light and Ben transformed. "CLOCKWORK!"
The Time Alien reached up and turned the key atop his head clockwise three times. The gears in his chest clicked as his chest glowed.
Standing tall, the Alien Avenger fired a green beam of chronal energy from his chest. The time ray bathed the city in its light as Clockwork used his power to reverse time around the area.
All around them, debris flew off the ground and reformed buildings, roads and bridges. Tunnels reformed, vehicles flew back to their original spots, and fires extinguished themselves across the entire city.
The Avengers and X-Men looked around in awe at the power the young hero was showing.
"Well, this makes clean-up way easier," Iceman commented. "Nice work, Ben."
Suddenly, the sound of a bell from a clocktower rang from Clockwork's body. The time ray flickered out as Clockwork dropped to his knees, panting.
A flash of red light, and he turned back into Ben. He was still breathing heavily as the heroes quickly ran over to him.
"Ben. Are you ok?" Carol asked in a worried tone.
Ben panted heavily. "I… I managed to reverse time to… Before the Phoenix showed up…. Still a lot of damage…"
"But not nearly as much now, thanks to you," Tony said, looking around.
"Ya did good, kid." Wolverine complimented.
Ben grinned before collapsing; Carol managed to catch him before he hit the ground.
Turning him over, Ben was out cold. His cheeks flushed, and he was running a fever. Once again, he pushed himself too far, but none of the heroes could bring themselves to scold him for it.
They just decided to let him sleep; he'd earned this rest.
Hulk scooped Ben up in his massive arm as the heroes, Avengers and X-Men alike, started walking into the sunrise toward the Avengers Mansion.
The warm glow shone on the city as a new dawn lit their path.
A new beginning for all of them. In more ways than one.
And that's a wrap!
Thank you all for joining me on this journey, and I'll keep you posted on what comes next.
Now I'm sure many of you have questions, but I'll address the obvious one right here and extend my apologies for those who wanted to see Alien X this chapter.
Sorry for not using Alien X to fight the Phoenix Force. I'm sure many of you are disappointed. Even though I tried really hard to make the fight as epic as possible without him.
The reason that I didn't have Alien X show up is for a few reasons. 1. Alien X is not the kind of alien Ben can just dial in and use. He needs to convince Bellicus and Serena to help. Which takes time and that's something he really didn't have especially when any second he wastes means someone could die. So he couldn't waste time, debating with a pair of stubborn floating heads.
2. Given the nature of this universe, it's unlikely either of them would choose to interfere with a cosmic entity just going about its business. Not like they ever are in a rush to help anyway, they didn't seem bothered by the Incursions blowing up the Earth in their debut.
And 3. I just didn't feel like it was time for Alien X to show up. Alien X is not like Bens other aliens. He's a form that needs the proper time and buildup to make an impact. Just busting him out for a cosmic Dragon Ball style throwdown is not the kind of thing Alien X should be reduced to.
I hope you all can understand and accept my choice here. I promise that when Alien X does show up, he'll make a big impact for the story going forward.
Despite the lack of Alien X, I hope you enjoyed the substitutes I put into this chapter. Ultimate Gravattack and Chromastone! I really enjoyed writing their fights, especially Ultimate Chromastone. I loved coming up with his designs. I designed his head to resemble Genji from Overwatch. Thought that faceplate would look cool on him.
The battle with Phoenix Force, Thor, Hulk and the others was also a blast to write. Hulk's fight moves were inspired by a YouTuber by the name of "Zimaut Animation" who has created multiple animated fight videos that are incredible. Definitely check it out if you can.
And the fights with the X-Men. I am so glad that I could write these characters with the love and respect they deserve. I couldn't give everyone a moment to shine. But they will have their moments. Trust me. And this couldn't have come at a better time. What with X-Men 97 out, my passion for the Marvelous Mutants has returned in full force.
It's been quite a hard road to get this far. And we still have one more arc to go. The climax of Avengers EMH season 1. I'll try to get these chapters out as quickly as possible.
I'll be juggling a few things in my life too. I'm applying for a promotion at my job and I have several personal events with family in the upcoming months that'll keep me busy. So, I hope you all can still be patient with me.
As always, feel free to PM me with any questions you have, and I'll do my best to answer them.
Until next time, CaptainRex75 out!