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And there came a day unlike any other…

In nearly every incarnation of the Avengers, their roster has been brought together by fate. Once again, fate has organized a group of wanted heroes as they hide from both SHIELD and the Registration Act. Bound together against friend and foe, they may soon be forced to set aside their differences and work together to prepare for an old friend's return .

 

Issue #7 – “The Return: Part Two of Six”

A CROSSOVER EVENT WITH AVENGERS !

Written by D. GOLIGHTLY

Plot by MIKE HINTZE & D. GOLIGHTLY

 

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

“Pretty cool of you to be doing this with me,” the massive Luke Cage said. He walked down Fifth Avenue in broad daylight, looking as if he didn't have a care in the world. No supervillains to smash, no ninjas going after his partner, and no Superhuman Registration Act looming over his head. “I appreciate it, Peter.”

Peter Parker walked beside him, taking a small jump in his stride as his smaller legs tried to keep up with Cage. He waved a hand in the air. “No problem,” he said. “Travel in pairs, right? Besides, it's not like this is a totally selfless act, going to this meeting with you.”

“I know. Still. The others don't really get it. They don't know what it's like.”

Peter nodded. He was dressed in normal street clothes like Luke, but underneath he still wore his tight-fitting Spider-Man costume. “Angelica kind of does,” Peter replied. “But, yeah. I know what you mean.”

They rounded a corner and turned onto Madison Avenue, pushing their way through the pedestrian traffic. It was said that there was some of the best shopping in town near this intersection, meaning that there were hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent people.

As much as they disliked the idea of using innocent bystanders as a shield, Luke Cage and Peter Parker had purposely picked this busy intersection for their meeting.

They stopped at the street corner and waited. Peter rolled back and forth on the balls of his feet as he waited impatiently. Luke looked from left to right, his eyes scanning the crowds of people.

“There,” he said, pointing across the street. “You ready?”

“As I'll ever be,” Peter replied.

So far his spider-sense had been tripped. He watched cautiously as he followed Luke and made his way across the intersection.

“Remember,” he told the original hired hero, “If I get that special tingly feeling, we walk away. No hesitation; no questions.”

“I got it, I got it,” Luke said, although the tone of his voice suggested that he was barely paying attention.

The swiftly worked their way to the other curb where two women huddled together, masked mostly by the swirling activity around them. They looked just as uneasy as Peter, but also mirrored the apparent eagerness of Luke.

“Baby, girl!” Luke said, implying a large amount of emphasis under his muttered tones. He didn't want to raise his voice too high for fear of drawing attention.

The woman to the left, who was tightly holding an infant girl, smiled. A small tear formed under one eye as she threw an arm around Cage and kissed him deeply. “My man,” Jessica Jones said after they broke the kiss. She held up the child. “Hey, princess. Look who it is? Daddy came and found like, just like he said he would.”

As Luke Cage reunited with his wife and daughter, Peter Parker stepped up to the other waiting woman. “Hey, tiger,” he said. “You just hit the jackpot.”

Mary-Jane Watson Parker flashed her husband and smile and wrapped both arms around his neck. “Peter, thank God,” she whispered into his ear. “For a minute I thought you might have been spotted and decided to turn back.”

“Hey, we may be fugitives,” Peter said, “but we're still husbands. It's so good to see you. Hear you. Smell you. Mmm. Touch you.”

“ Hey ,” Mary-Jane said as she playfully slapped his shoulder. “Easy, mister. I'm not into the voyeuristic stuff.”

“Go easy on him, MJ,” Luke said. “He's been cooped up with nothing but bad guys to knock around.”

“How are things going?” Jessica asked. “We haven't seen much on the news about the underground movement.”

“We're fighting the good fight,” Peter said. “We got Cap out.”

“Tony must be pissed,” MJ said.

“Actually, he hasn't knocked down our door yet. He's got his hands full with Sentry. And Doom. And, you know, running the free world.”

Jessica placed another kiss on Luke's cheek. “God, it's so good to see you, baby,” she said.

“Jessica, please!” Peter said as his face went red. “My wife is right here . Seriously!”

A car backfired as it shot through the intersection. The loud noise spooked the baby and made both Luke and Peter instantly tense up. MJ caught her breath as Peter shoved her behind him protectively.

“I hate this,” Mary-Jane said. “I hate having to coordinate five minutes with my husband a week in advance. I hate wondering where the hell he is all the time. I hate thinking that one of those damn Capekillers might have gotten him.” She turned Peter around. “Peter, you have to come home.”

He closed his eyes. The pain he felt was noticeable on his face. “I can't, MJ. I'm sorry. Believe me, nothing would make me happier. But I just can't yet.”

“Well, when can you?”

He shrugged. “When it's over.”

“Any chance your tingly feeling says anything about the diner next door?” Luke asked. “Because my baby needs a change, and I need a burger.”

The three adults and one baby all looked at Peter with hope in their eyes. He sighed, looked around the immediate area, and said, “We can't be long. But we're clear right now. C'mon.” He slung his arm around his wife and smiled broadly. “I'm buying the first round.”

THE CRASH PAD

The technology used to construct the hidden base once developed to be a new operations center for the New Warriors was astounding. The cloaking field embedded in the infrastructure masked their presence completely from Tony Stark's efforts to find them. Even noise from inside the building was totally dampened and holographic generators made sure that any ambient light wouldn't be able to slip out.

As difficult as it was to find, Moon Knight had done it. He had recently broken in to ask the rogue Avengers for help in an altercation that involved Dr. Strange just as much as it involved himself.

“So, you're saying that Dwayne forgot about the bugs in the system,” Firestar said. Her hands were on her hips and she had traded out her yellow and red costume for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

“No,” Moon Knight replied. “Not kinks in the security net. Actual bugs.”

“Shouldn't all of us be here for this?” asked Firestar.

“Peter and Luke had an important meeting to go to. Falcon took the others to the roof to try and work on new safe routes through the city for us.” Captain America turned his attention back to Moon Knight. “I don't follow. You mean like ants?”

“Precisely.” Moon Knight moved to the air vent and gestured at the grating. “Inside of there are dozens of insects,” he said. “The building is not vacuum sealed. If something as small as a bug can get in, then so can anyone else.”

“Including you,” Firestar said. “But you aren't the size of a bug.”

“Obviously,” Moon Knight replied. “I entered your base by something they showed me. But that's not the point. My secrets are my own. Suffice it to say that so long as your headquarters isn't sealed off from the world, Stark will eventually find you.”

The three of them were gathered in the nerve center of the Crash Pad, called the War Room. From here they could oversee the entire complex, including the rooftop and sublevel bunker. The screens behind the trio scrolled through various bits of data as they tried to establish better ways of protecting their new home.

“Who on Earth is going to fit where only a bug can crawl?”

“Hank Pym,” Captain America said.

One of the screens began to fizzle with static. After a few flashes of white, the screen was covered in the electrical snow. It caught their attention immediately. While they weren't fully accustomed to the monitoring systems yet, they knew enough to know that any interruption in the video feed was probably not good.

Captain America swung the chair at the console out and plopped himself down. “That's the roof monitor,” he said. He pressed a button on the console and raised his voice, saying, “Falcon? You up there, buddy?”

Static.

Firestar leaned over Cap's shoulder. “That can't be good,” she said.

KRA-KOOM!

The entire foundation of the Crash Pad shook. The construction of the late vigilante known as Night Thrasher was well fortified and could withstand a magnitude eight earthquake without so much as vibrating.

“Wow,” Firestar said. “What the hell was that?”

“Whatever it was,” Captain America said as he stood up from the console and unslung his shield from his shoulder, “it means trouble for us. That was one hell of a blast.”

“But centralized,” Moon Knight pointed out as he followed Cap and Firestar to the lift access that would take them to the roof.

“What do you mean?” Firestar inquired.

“It was a strong blow, but contained.”

“How do you know?”

“Because we're still standing. Whoever did it, did it to get our attention.”

The trio slipped into the elevator, with Captain America at the front. He secured the special straps on his shield around his wrist and forearm, which would allow him to release and catch the shield as needed. “They've got my attention,” he said.

“There, there, and there,” Spider-Woman said.

She pointed out three avenues heading away from the Crash Pad. The red-winged Falcon stood beside her with the master of mystic arts, Dr. Strange, hovering slightly behind them. His cloak billowed behind him, cast back by the winds that were commonplace at this height in New York City.

“Those are secure ways for evacuation?” Falcon asked.

“Actually,” she replied, “those are routes we should only take if we want to draw Capekillers out.”

Falcon blinked. “How could you possibly know that?”

“My powers enable me to sense certain levels of radiation. There's a low-level, broad spectrum scanner watching those intersections.”

“I concur,” Dr. Strange said. “There is a web of energy thrown over the city. It's presence is, shall I say, uncomfortable.”

“Why the hell is Tony emitting radiation in concentrated areas?” Falcon asked rhetorically as he stepped closer to the edge of the roof.

The same technology that hid the Crash Pad from the rest of the world also shrouded and bent the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Anyone walking or driving nearby would only see a holographic representation of the building, meaning that the three renegade heroes on the rooftop were completely hidden from view.

“He's probably looking for us,” Spider-Woman replied. “I know I would be.”

“I think Tony has bigger problems right now than locating us.”

“Does he?” She stepped forward and looked over the side, gazing straight down a dozen floors to the street below. “To him we're probably the biggest threat his precious Registration Act has. Think about it. We just released Captain America, public enemy number one.”

“It begs the question,” Falcon said. “Why was Cap held in Colorado instead of the Negative Zone prison 42?”

“I believe we have more to be concerned about than just that,” Strange added. “While we were in Egypt I felt certain aspects of the loa being utilized for transportation. It was one of the things I was monitoring while in the astral plane.”

“The loa?” Spider-Woman said with a quizzical look on her face. “Sounds familiar.”

“My associate Jericho Drum uses them for his spells,” Strange replied. “The loa aspects were intertwined in locations where Stark's Avengers were recently spotted. I believe he has been recruited into the Initiative.”

“That's, shall I say, uncomfortable,” Falcon said.

Dr. Strange smiled and opened his mouth to reply. He hesitated. Something made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He glanced over his shoulder, wondering if what he felt was more than just a faint memory coming back to the surface.

KRA-KOOM!

An indigo lightning bolt touched down on the center of the rooftop. The foundation of the Crash Pad rumbled, but the strike wasn't meant to shatter concrete.

Smoke covered the heroes, who stood ready for anything to come at them. The photonic wings attached to Falcon's back sliced out, while Spider-Woman charged a sting in both palms. Dr. Strange didn't look as if he had become guarded, but he had already thrown up several shield spells around his person.

The wind pulled the fog away from the center of the roof, sending it spilling out into the evening air. It revealed the last thing they expected to see.

A wiry man in a suit and hat, leaning on a wooden cane.

“Good evening,” he said as he tilted back his head to reveal a sunken in face. “My name is Donald Blake.”

The roof access door slid back and Moon Knight swept out to the side, flanking the new arrival. Even though he had been away from the formal Avengers roster for some time, he still fell into a quiet rhythm with the seasoned veterans. He already had a handful of darts ready to throw.

Firestar ignited her aura and hovered ten feet in the air, both her arms outstretched toward the newcomer. She had just discovered that her mutant power may in fact have more to do with summoning fire than creating it, but she hadn't let that shake her confidence in her flame.

Captain America hefted his shield and fell into a defensive stance, ready to shout orders to his teammates. He took in the scene within seconds, and then relaxed slightly. Upon seeing the man in the suit, the tension he now held in his muscles wasn't derived from readiness, but rather apprehension.

He recognized the blonde, frail man.

“Just the man I was looking for,” Blake said. “Hello, Steve.”

“He's telling the truth,” Strange said.

Back in the War Room, the illegal Avengers were assembled around the man claiming to be Donald Blake. Peter and Luke had returned from their meeting with their spouses, and were once again adorned in their work clothes. Peter in his black and white costume and Luke in jeans and a muscle shirt, with a solid steel belt.

“I sensed the bolt a moment before it struck,” Strange continued. “Norse magic is very distinct. This really is Donald Blake.”

“The guy who used to be Thor?” Spider-Man asked. “Um. Correct me if I'm wrong, and no offense to you, sir.” He nodded at Blake. “But isn't Thor, you know, pushing up daises in Valhalla?”

“I am right here, you know,” Blake said. “And I am certainly not dead. I would know. I'm a doctor.”

“Where have you been?” Captain America asked. “The last I saw you, you were headed back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok.”

“I broke the cycle,” Blake answered. “Or rather, Thor did. The infinite death of the gods is over. However, there was a price. Thor has been lost. But that's why I'm here. I need your help to bring him back.”

“You should have been here,” Cap said. “We needed you.”

“Yes, the Civil War.” Blake removed his hat and sighed. “I watched it all happen. I'm sorry to say that it almost sickens me to see what became of the Avengers. I know this is difficult to understand, but it was Thor that left Earth, not me. Thor has a responsibility to Asgard first and foremost. He always has. If I could have come back—”

“You are Thor,” Captain America spat at him.

“An aspect of him, yes.” He hung his head as if weary from the act of talking. “Steve, please. I need your help.”

“To do what exactly?”

“I need you to take me into the heart of Camp Hammond.”

“The Initiative training grounds?” Firestar blurted out. “He's joking. Someone tell me he's joking.”

“Why there?” Cap asked.

“It's the only place on Earth I can bring back Thor,” Blake said. “I've been charged by the spirit of Odin, Steve. Something terrible is going to happen. Something that can't possibly be averted if Thor isn't there to stop it.”

STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT

Camp Hammond, named after the original Human Torch of WWII, was the training and recruitment center for the Superhuman Registration Act. Each cadet was put through rigorous training, and if passed, would be offered an official hero license. A step up from that would be getting put on the payroll and added to an FSI roster.

The compound was mostly flat, open ground. Buildings of the campus were scattered, and with the large spaces between them, it would be impossible to move openly without being seen but the hundreds of people on the base.

A squadron of Capekillers, armored tactical soldiers and military personnel, flew by overhead. They served as the primary security force while being trained, and their routines were regulated by the watch commanders.

Huddled a hundred yards outside the compound, Captain America looked over the base carefully. Oddly, it reminded him of his own days in the service. “According to Strange,” Cap whispered, “there's something blocking his magic. He can't just teleport us into the compound.”

“Probably Bro Voodoo,” Cage replied. He squatted beside Cap in the bushes. He flexed his fingers, eager to bust some of the Capekillers' helmets open. “Stark ain't stupid. He knew what he was doing when he recruited Jericho.”

“I'm not seeing anything to change the plan so far.” He looked over his shoulder. “You sure you know where to go?”

Blake nodded his head. “I can sense it. Like Strange said, Norse magic has a certain scent to it.”

A soft warble arose in the distance. It grew steadily until they saw its source rise over the horizon: a white helicopter shaped distinctly like a crescent.

“Remember,” Captain America said to Cage. “Do not stop for anything. Anything. Got it?”

“This ain't my first rodeo, Cap.”

“Falcon, you stay behind Luke. He'll clear a path for you to fly in Blake. I'll cover your rear. Do not deviate from the set path.”

Captain America, Falcon, Luke Cage, and Donald Blake all carefully watched the oncoming helicopter as it gained speed and shot over their heads. The squadron of Capekillers that had been passing a moment ago abruptly rerouted and moved to intercept.

The helicopter, however, had been specially designed to avoid detection. It wasn't until the Capekillers had visual confirmation that they even knew an aircraft was in the vicinity.

It blew through them like a fireball. The recruits on the base began to scatter as they realized what the helicopter was doing.

The central building was decimated by the impact of the helicopter. Its pilot, seemingly uncaring about his own personal safety, had angled the aircraft to slam directly into the center of the compound. Clouds of dust and debris covered the area.

From within the wreckage, a pink sphere emerged. Without hesitation or waiting for the dust to settle, the bubble shot out of the demolished aircraft and what was left of the building, heading for the far side of the compound toward the bunker that held what was referred to as a Jump Gate.

It was one of the few access points to the Negative Zone prison, and the apparent target of the intruders.

Inside the bubble Firestar, Spider-Man, Moon Knight, Dr. Strange, and Spider-Woman were ready for the worst that Camp Hammond could throw at them. They anticipated being overrun by Capekillers and recruits alike, but for now that was their job.

“Move, people!” Captain America shouted.

Cage began to run full steam ahead, launching out of the brush and heading straight for the security wall. Falcon clutched Blake's forearms and shot off the ground like an eagle, while Captain America drew up the rear flank, his shield at the ready.

Luke pounded through the wall, blasting bits of mortar everywhere. The newly made hole served its purpose as a doorway and allowed the others to follow.

A pair of Capekillers caught sight of them on the ground and raised their rifles. Captain America flung his shield and knocked both of their weapons down while Cage simply bowled over them.

“Keep moving!” the Captain shouted.

A recruit saw the commotion. He had been heading for the helicopter crash site, but upon seeing the invaders, changed course. His hair turned from black, to brown, to blazing red as his eyes began to glow. He nearly doubled in size while he trotted toward them on a direct intercept for Cage.

“Muscles, huh?” He lowered his center of gravity and poured on the speed, putting everything he had into his legs. “You might look like an immovable object, but I'm one hell of an unstoppable force, kid.”

The pair collided, sending a shockwave rippling in the air. The recruit was sent flying back and Cage had been knocked off his feet. While the Initiative candidate slammed into the side of a building, Cage had only been sprawled out on the ground.

The soaring Falcon saw it unfold and dipped down. Captain America saw him and shouted, “Do not stop for anything!”

Falcon nodded and whisked Blake off toward their destination. Captain America ran over to Cage and helped him back on his feet. “You see that?” Cage said. “I still got it. Christmas, that hurt, though.”

“C'mon,” Cap replied. “We have to—”

Searing pain ripped through the Star-Spangled Titan's body. A flash of light washed over his back as he collapsed into Cage's arms. It was as if all his nerve endings had seized all at once, forcing his muscles to spasm.

Unfortunately, he had felt that pain before. It's what happened when he was struck with a repulsar blast.

The hum of boot jets reached Cage's ears as he propped Captain America up. He looked to the sky to see two figures approaching them.

“Hello, Luke,” Iron Man said. “Long time, no see.”

To Iron Man's left was one of the single most powerful men on the planet, and possibly, in the cosmos. The man called Nova floated with his arms crossed over his chest, and a look of fury in his eye.

Next: The Return continues in AVENGERS #10!

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