Marvel 616X

Chapter 10

The war room hummed with energy as Albedo and his team gathered around the central holographic display. Screens surrounding the room flickered with news broadcasts from across the globe, each one covering the fallout from their mission. Doom stood at the head of the table, arms folded across his chest, his expression as impassive as ever. Albedo leaned against the edge of the table, his arms crossed, while the rest of the team watched in tense silence.

"Project SMASH Exposed," one headline read, accompanied by images of the gamma testing site and footage of the horrific experiments. Another report displayed clips of Bruce Banner's experiments, heavily edited by Doom to highlight the most damning evidence. The footage of the transformed Hulk subjects drew public outcry, though it was clear SHIELD was working hard to spin the narrative.

"SHIELD officials have assured the public that Project SMASH was a necessary step in national defense," one anchor said. "Director Richards has emphasized that while the experiments may appear unethical, they were conducted with the utmost care for humanity's safety."

Polaris scoffed, shaking her head as she paced behind the table. "Of course they're twisting it. 'Utmost care for humanity's safety'? Did they even see what we saw?"

"They saw it," Albedo said, his voice sharp but controlled. "They just don't want to admit it. The Maker has too much control over SHIELD and the media. They'll do anything to protect him."

Thor nodded, gripping the hilt of his training mace as he leaned against the wall. "Still, the seeds of doubt have been planted. The public's faith in the Maker is no longer absolute."

A-Bomb folded his arms, a faint grin on his crystalline face. "Yeah, and it feels good knowing we took the first swing. People are talking, and they're not all buying what SHIELD's selling."

Doom stepped forward, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention. "The Maker's image has indeed suffered, though only slightly. While many still defend him, others have begun to question his methods. This is the first crack in his armor, but it is far from enough."

Albedo nodded, his gaze fixed on one of the screens showing a heated debate between analysts. "It's a start, but we need more. Exposing Project SMASH isn't going to be enough to take him down. We need to keep hitting him where it hurts."

Before anyone could respond, the door to the war room slid open, drawing the team's attention. Scarlet Spider, Kaine, stepped inside, his movements steady despite his slightly stiff posture. He wore a modified version of his old costume, the crimson and black design reinforced with additional armor courtesy of Doom.

"Sorry to interrupt," Kaine said, his voice dry as he glanced around the room. "Heard there was a meeting. Figured I'd finally join the party."

A-Bomb's grin widened. "Kaine! About time you got out of that chair. Looking good, man."

Polaris smirked faintly. "Hope you're ready to pull your weight."

Kaine gave a small shrug, his tone nonchalant. "Ready as I'll ever be. So, what's next on the agenda?"

Albedo straightened, his crimson eyes meeting Kaine's. "Glad to have you on your feet, Scarlet Spider. We've got a lot to discuss." The team refocused, the momentum of their rebellion building as they prepared for their next move.

Doom stepped forward, his metallic presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His mask caught the glow of the holographic display, which shifted to reveal profiles of several individuals, their faces and dossiers rotating slowly in the air.

"The reveal of Project SMASH has begun to stir the waters," Doom said, his tone measured. "While the Maker's influence remains vast, there are those who, despite their fear, are beginning to question him. More importantly, there are heroes who had retired—driven to the margins by the Maker's rise—who are considering stepping back into the fight."

Polaris raised an eyebrow, her skepticism clear. "Retired heroes? You're telling me people who walked away are suddenly going to throw themselves into a rebellion?"

Doom turned his masked gaze to her, his tone unyielding. "Desperation often rekindles dormant resolve. These individuals stepped away not out of cowardice but because the Maker ensured they had no other choice. Now, with his image tarnished, the possibility of resistance becomes tangible."

Albedo leaned forward, his crimson eyes narrowing as he studied the profiles. "You've got names. Who are we talking about?"

The holographic display shifted, highlighting the first profile. A stern-looking man with a weathered face appeared, his shield insignia prominent. "Frank Castle," Doom said. "The Punisher. Retired after the Civil War, forced underground by the Maker's laws. A tactician and operative with skills unparalleled in guerrilla warfare."

A-Bomb whistled low. "The Punisher? Isn't he the guy who takes 'no mercy' to a whole new level?"

"He is brutal," Doom replied, "but effective. His methods will be invaluable if we are to disrupt the Maker's network."

The display shifted again, this time revealing an older woman with a bow in hand. "Kate Bishop. A protégé of Hawkeye, though she has surpassed him in skill. She walked away from hero work after the Maker orchestrated the disbanding of her team. She is currently living off-grid."

"An archer?" Thor mused, tilting his head. "Her skills seem humble for such a conflict."

"Do not underestimate her," Doom said firmly. "Bishop's resourcefulness and precision make her a valuable asset."

The next profile displayed a figure cloaked in shadows, his face obscured by a mask. "Marc Spector," Doom continued. "The Moon Knight. Though fractured in mind, his combat skills and connections to mystical forces could prove crucial."

Polaris frowned. "You're suggesting we work with someone whose mind isn't stable?"

Doom's tone grew sharp. "Spector's instability is a risk, yes, but one outweighed by his potential. He was once an agent of chaos, but his loyalty, when earned, is unwavering."

Albedo crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "So, we're looking at people who've been pushed to the edges. They'll be hard to find, let alone convince."

"Precisely why your team will be tasked with locating them," Doom said. "They have been disconnected from the world, but they are not lost. I have provided leads on their last known whereabouts, but the rest will depend on your resourcefulness."

Kaine leaned against the table, his arms crossed. "So, let me get this straight. We're tracking down a vigilante with a grudge, an off-grid archer, and a moon-worshiping brawler. Sounds like fun."

Polaris smirked faintly. "You sure you're up for it, Scarlet Spider?"

Kaine shrugged. "Guess we'll find out."

Albedo turned to Doom, his voice steady. "What's the priority? Who do we go after first?"

"That will depend on you," Doom replied. "Each of these individuals requires a different approach. Some may respond to logic and strategy, while others will require… persuasion. Consider carefully who you pursue first, as their skills and connections may shape the trajectory of this rebellion."

The team exchanged glances, the weight of the mission settling over them. The room fell into a tense silence as they began considering their next move.

Doom turned to face the team, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "I have provided you with all the necessary information. The next steps are yours to take. I must attend to matters of my own." He gestured toward the holographic display, which remained active, slowly cycling through the profiles of the potential recruits. "Choose wisely, and remember—the Maker's reach is vast, but even he cannot predict every move."

Without waiting for a response, Doom swept out of the war room, his cloak billowing behind him. The heavy doors closed with a metallic hiss, leaving Albedo and his team alone with the task ahead.

Polaris broke the silence first, her tone skeptical. "So, we're just supposed to track down these people and convince them to join a war against the most powerful man on the planet? Sounds easy enough."

A-Bomb leaned against the edge of the table, crossing his arms. "Yeah, and let's not forget we're working with Doom's intel. He's not exactly Mr. Sunshine when it comes to giving us the whole picture."

"Doom's right about one thing," Albedo said, his voice steady but firm. "We need these people. The Maker's forces are too strong for us to take on alone. If we're going to stand a chance, we need to start building alliances."

Thor nodded, his expression solemn. "Aye, but how shall we approach them? Warriors such as these are not easily swayed."

Albedo rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his crimson eyes fixed on the rotating profiles. "We'll need to be smart about this. Each of them has their own story, their own reasons for stepping away. If we're going to convince them, we have to understand what drives them—and what's holding them back."

"What's the plan, then?" Polaris asked, crossing her arms. "Who do we go after first?"

Albedo glanced at her, then at A-Bomb. "Polaris, you stay here. Wanda's still in a coma, and if she wakes up, she's going to need you. A-Bomb…" He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "You're too recognizable. If anyone sees you, it'll draw too much attention to what we're doing."

A-Bomb sighed, his crystalline shoulders slumping slightly. "Guess I'll hold down the fort, then. Just don't get yourselves killed out there."

Polaris raised an eyebrow. "So, who are you taking?"

"Thor and Kaine," Albedo said without hesitation. "Thor's strength and experience will be invaluable, and Kaine has the stealth and resourcefulness we'll need to find these people."

Thor inclined his head in approval. "I shall fight alongside thee with honor."

Kaine smirked faintly, his arms crossed. "Guess I'm in. Could use a good stretch after sitting out for so long."

Polaris frowned but nodded. "Just make sure you don't bring the whole world crashing down on us while you're out there."

Albedo stepped closer to the display, his gaze lingering on the profiles. "Alright, let's figure out who we're going after first and how we're going to approach them. We're not just recruiting—we're laying the groundwork for everything that comes next."

The team leaned in, their focus sharpening as they began to map out their next steps

.........

Albedo, Thor, and Kaine moved through the darkened streets of New York City, the air heavy with the faint stench of gasoline and garbage. They had followed Doom's intel to the site of a Kingpin operation—an old warehouse on the edge of the city, its exterior battered and rusted, with faint sounds of activity emanating from inside. The faint glow of streetlights barely pierced the thick shadows surrounding the building.

"This is it," Albedo said quietly, crouching behind a stack of crates just outside the warehouse. His crimson eyes scanned the area, picking up the movement of armed guards patrolling the perimeter. "Frank Castle's supposed to be here. If Doom's intel is right, he's already started dismantling this place."

"And if the Punisher sees us as intruders?" Kaine asked, his voice low as he adjusted his Scarlet Spider mask. "He's not exactly known for his warm welcomes."

"We help him," Albedo replied, his voice firm. "If he's already attacking, we'll give him an assist. Let our actions speak first."

Thor gripped his mace, his expression serious. "Aye, but let us tread carefully. The Punisher's reputation precedes him, and it would be unwise to draw his ire."

"Agreed," Albedo said. "Stay low until I give the signal. Let's see what we're dealing with first."

They crept closer, using the shadows to their advantage. The guards were spread out, their weapons glinting faintly in the dim light. From inside the warehouse, muffled shouts and gunfire erupted, followed by the distinct crack of a sniper rifle.

"That's him," Kaine muttered, his voice tinged with admiration. "The Punisher's already making his move."

Albedo nodded. "We move now. Take out the guards quietly. Thor, stay back until we need the big guns. Let's go."

Kaine leapt forward with practiced precision, landing silently behind one of the guards and incapacitating him with a quick blow to the back of the head. Albedo shifted into XLR8, his speed allowing him to dart between patrols, disarming and knocking them out before they could react. Within moments, the perimeter was clear.

The trio slipped inside the warehouse, where the chaos was in full swing. The Punisher moved like a ghost among the crates and machinery, his black combat gear blending into the shadows. He fired with ruthless precision, each shot taking down another of Kingpin's men. The air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder, and the sound of panicked shouting filled the space.

"Thor, with me," Albedo commanded, shifting into Swampfire as they stepped into the fray. "Kaine, stay high and pick them off where you can."

Thor charged forward, his mace crashing into the ground and sending a shockwave that knocked a group of armed men off their feet. Albedo unleashed a torrent of vines, wrapping them around another group and slamming them into the walls. Kaine perched on an overhead beam, his webbing silencing anyone who tried to call for reinforcements.

The Punisher turned, his rifle aimed directly at Albedo for a split second before recognition flickered in his eyes. He didn't lower the weapon but hesitated long enough for Albedo to speak.

"We're not your enemy," Albedo said, his voice loud enough to cut through the noise but steady. "We're here to help."

Punisher's gaze flicked to Thor, who was dismantling a turret with brute force, then to Kaine, who had just disarmed another thug with a perfectly timed strike. "Don't need help," he said gruffly, his voice like gravel. He fired another shot, taking out a fleeing man without looking.

"Maybe not," Albedo replied, shifting back to his base form. "But we're here anyway."

Punisher didn't respond, but he didn't stop them either. Together, the four of them dismantled the operation in a matter of minutes. By the time the last of Kingpin's men were unconscious or fled, the warehouse was eerily silent save for the faint creak of settling debris.

The Punisher slung his rifle over his shoulder, finally turning to face the group fully. "You've got my attention," he said, his tone flat. "What do you want?"

"To fight," Albedo said simply. "We're building a rebellion against the Maker, and we need someone like you."

Punisher's expression didn't change, but he nodded slowly. "I've been waiting for a fight like that for a long time. You've got my guns. Just don't waste my time."

Albedo extended his hand, and Punisher shook it briefly before stepping back. "We won't. Welcome to the team."

.........

The night in Cairo was oppressive, the thick air carrying the scent of the desert and distant spice markets. Albedo, Thor, Kaine, and now the Punisher moved quietly through the shadowed streets of the old city. The trail had led them here, to a derelict temple on the outskirts. The area was abandoned, the only sounds coming from the wind stirring the sands.

"This is the place," Albedo whispered, glancing at the crumbling stone structure ahead. The moon hung high above them, casting an eerie glow over the scene. "If Doom's intel is right, Marc Spector—Moon Knight—is inside."

Thor eyed the temple with suspicion, his grip tightening on his mace. "A temple dedicated to a forgotten god. 'Tis fitting for one so enigmatic."

Kaine crouched, his scarlet suit blending into the shadows. "Are we sure he's going to be friendly? Last I heard, Moon Knight wasn't exactly the social type."

"He's not," Punisher said gruffly, checking his pistol. "But if he's here, he's not hiding. He wants something—probably from us."

Albedo motioned for the group to stay quiet as they approached the entrance, the worn stone archway etched with ancient hieroglyphs. The air grew colder as they stepped inside, the dim light of their flashlights barely piercing the darkness.

"Stay sharp," Albedo said, his voice low. "If this goes south, we don't want to fight him in his own territory."

As they moved deeper into the temple, the faint sound of chanting reached their ears. It echoed through the halls, a haunting melody that seemed to pull at something deep within them. The group exchanged uneasy glances but pressed forward.

They entered a large chamber, the ceiling high and open to the night sky. In the center stood a man clad in white, his cloak and hood shimmering faintly under the moonlight. Moon Knight. He stood before a cracked stone altar, his hands raised as he chanted in a language none of them recognized.

"Marc Spector?" Albedo called out, stepping forward cautiously.

The chanting stopped, and Moon Knight turned slowly, his glowing eyes locking onto the group. His voice was calm but carried an edge of otherworldly authority. "You've come a long way to find me. Why?"

"We're building a rebellion," Albedo said, standing firm despite the oppressive aura radiating from the man. "Against the Maker. We need your help."

Moon Knight tilted his head slightly, as if listening to something none of them could hear. His glowing eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer. "You seek to challenge the Maker? Bold, but boldness often leads to death."

"We're not afraid of him," Kaine said, his voice steady. "We've already taken the first step. Now we're here to recruit you."

Moon Knight's gaze shifted to Thor, then to Punisher, before returning to Albedo. "Khonshu speaks to me," he said cryptically. "He tells me your cause is righteous… and that I am to aid you."

Punisher raised an eyebrow. "That easy, huh?"

Moon Knight ignored him, his focus entirely on Albedo. "I will join your rebellion, but know this—I answer to Khonshu alone. If his will and your mission align, I will fight beside you. If not, I will not hesitate to walk away."

Albedo nodded. "Fair enough. As long as we're on the same side for now, that's all I need."

Moon Knight stepped forward, his movements fluid and almost unnerving. "Then let us waste no time. The Maker's shadow stretches far. We must ensure it does not fall here."

The team exchanged glances, the weight of their growing rebellion settling further on their shoulders. With Moon Knight now in their ranks, the stakes had risen, but so too had their strength. Together, they turned and left the temple, the night stretching endlessly before them as they prepared for the next step in their fight.

.........

The journey to recruit Kate Bishop took the team to a quiet coastal town, far removed from the chaos of the Maker's cities. The air was crisp, and the streets were lined with quaint houses and small shops, the kind of place where people still left their doors unlocked. Doom's intel had placed Kate in an old archery range on the outskirts of town, a secluded spot surrounded by dense forest.

As they approached, Moon Knight's steps slowed, his glowing eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. "Something isn't right," he said, his voice low and taut.

"What do you mean?" Albedo asked, turning back to him.

Moon Knight paused, his hand brushing the edge of his hood. "Khonshu warns me. There's danger here—this place feels too quiet, too perfect."

Punisher adjusted his rifle, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings. "If it's a trap, we'll handle it."

Thor nodded, his mace resting against his shoulder. "Aye, let them come. We shall meet them with thunder and fury."

"Stay alert," Albedo said, his tone sharp. "If this is a trap, we're not sticking around to get caught in it."

They reached the archery range, a rustic clearing with targets scattered around and a small cabin at the edge. A figure stood in the center, her bow drawn as she loosed an arrow that struck the bullseye with precision. Kate Bishop.

Albedo stepped forward cautiously. "Kate Bishop?"

She turned, lowering her bow slightly as her sharp eyes studied the group. "That's me. And you are?"

"We're building a resistance," Albedo said, keeping his voice steady. "Against the Maker. We need your help."

Kate tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "You're either really brave or really stupid to come here looking for me."

"We're serious," Kaine said, stepping forward. "You've got skills we need, and we're taking on someone who needs to be stopped."

Kate's lips curved into a faint smile, but her eyes remained wary. "Interesting pitch, but I'm going to have to pass. You're not the first people to come here with an offer like that, and—"

The ground trembled suddenly, cutting her off. The faint sound of metal grinding against metal filled the air, growing louder by the second. Moon Knight's head snapped toward the treeline, his glowing eyes narrowing. "It's a trap."

Before anyone could react, the trees parted, and Magneto emerged, flanked by a group of mutants. His presence was overwhelming, his cape billowing as the metallic elements of the forest bent to his will.

"So predictable," Magneto said, his voice calm but mocking. "You think you can build a rebellion under my watch?"

Albedo's heart sank as he realized they'd walked into a perfectly orchestrated ambush. "Team, fall back!" he shouted, raising his hand and activating the rune.

The portal shimmered to life, and Albedo quickly turned to his team. "Get out of here! Now!"

"No chance we're leaving you!" Kaine said, stepping forward, but Albedo shot him a glare.

"You'll only slow me down. Go! That's an order!"

Thor hesitated, his grip tightening on his mace. "We will return for thee, Albedo. Do not fall."

One by one, the team reluctantly stepped through the portal. As it closed behind them, Albedo turned to face Magneto and his forces, his mind racing as he prepared for what was to come.

As the portal closed behind his team, Albedo stood alone, his gaze locked onto Magneto and the mutants surrounding him. The forest seemed to hum with tension as Magneto stepped forward, the air around him vibrating faintly with magnetic energy.

"You made a grave mistake coming here," Magneto said, his voice calm but heavy with menace. "Did you really think your little rebellion would go unnoticed?"

Albedo clenched his fists, his crimson eyes narrowing. "You can't stop what's coming, Magneto. The Maker's days are numbered."

Magneto smirked faintly, his cape billowing as he gestured to his team. "We'll see."

The battle erupted in an instant. Magneto lifted his arms, the metallic debris hidden beneath the forest floor rising into the air like a swarm of knives. Albedo barely had time to react, shifting into XLR8 and darting between the flying shards with blinding speed.

Magik stepped forward, her glowing sword carving through the air as she muttered an incantation. A faint shimmer surrounded the area, and Albedo's rune flickered ominously.

"Magik," Magneto said smoothly, "ensure he doesn't escape."

"It's already done," she replied, her tone cold and efficient.

Albedo's heart sank as he attempted to activate the rune, only to feel the magic short-circuit it. "Great," he muttered under his breath, dodging another barrage of metal shards. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way."

He transformed into Four Arms, his massive frame absorbing the impact of a metallic projectile before hurling a tree trunk at Magneto. The master of magnetism deflected it effortlessly, his hand raised as the trunk splintered into harmless pieces.

"Pitiful," Magneto remarked, his eyes gleaming. "You rely on brute force, yet you lack the power to follow through."

Albedo ignored the taunt, his mind racing as he switched to Swampfire. Vines shot out from his hands, entangling Colossus, who had charged forward. The metal-skinned mutant ripped through the vines with ease, closing the distance and slamming a fist into Albedo's side. The force sent him crashing into a nearby boulder.

Gasping for air, Albedo staggered to his feet, shifting into Diamondhead to deflect a fiery blast from Pyro. The flames licked at his crystalline body, but he managed to hold his ground, retaliating with a flurry of crystalline shards that forced Pyro to retreat.

"Stay focused," Albedo muttered to himself, shifting into Echo Echo and creating duplicates to divide their attention. His clones spread out, their amplified sonic waves disorienting some of the mutants. For a moment, it seemed like he had regained the upper hand.

But teamwork was on Magneto's side. Magik teleported directly behind one of the Echo Echo clones, her sword slicing through it and dissipating its energy. Storm summoned a gale-force wind, scattering the remaining clones and sending Albedo tumbling through the air. He shifted into Chromastone mid-fall, absorbing the lightning that followed and redirecting it back at Storm. She dodged, her eyes narrowing as she prepared another strike.

Albedo hit the ground hard, his body aching from the relentless assault. The mutants were too coordinated, their attacks too precise. Each time he tried to counter, another attack came from a different angle, wearing him down bit by bit.

"You're out of your depth," Magneto said, his voice calm as he floated closer, his hand raised to manipulate the metal fragments around them. "Surrender, and I may allow you to live."

"Not happening," Albedo growled, shifting into XLR8 once more. He bolted into the forest, using the thick trees as cover to evade the mutants' pursuit. His breath came in ragged gasps, his body protesting every movement as he pushed himself to the limit.

Behind him, he could hear the mutants closing in, their teamwork making it impossible to shake them completely. His mind raced as he searched for a way out, but the shimmering barrier created by Magik loomed on the edges of his vision, a constant reminder that escape wasn't an option—yet.

Albedo darted through the forest, pushing his XLR8 form to its limits. The wind whipped past him, and the world blurred around him as he tried to create distance between himself and the X-Men. But no matter how fast he moved, they were relentless.

Storm unleashed a bolt of lightning, the crackling energy splitting a tree trunk just ahead of Albedo and forcing him to skid to a halt. Before he could recover, Colossus emerged from the shadows, his metal fists swinging in a brutal arc. Albedo managed to dodge the first strike, but the second connected with his chest, sending him crashing into the dirt.

He shifted into Swampfire, vines shooting out to ensnare Colossus's legs. "Not giving up that easily," Albedo muttered through gritted teeth, but his efforts were short-lived. Magik appeared beside him in a flash of light, her glowing sword slicing through the vines as if they were paper.

"You're only delaying the inevitable," Magik said coldly, raising her weapon.

Albedo shifted again, this time into Four Arms, catching the next swing of her sword with his massive hands. He twisted, tossing her aside, but Pyro stepped in, flames bursting from his hands and forcing Albedo to stumble back, his body engulfed in heat.

From above, Storm called forth another gale, the winds battering Albedo and leaving him vulnerable. He fell to his knees, his breathing labored, as Magneto floated into view, his cape billowing behind him.

"Enough," Magneto said, his voice sharp and commanding. "You've proven you're resourceful, but this fight is over."

Albedo gritted his teeth, trying to push himself back up, but Colossus stepped forward, his metal hand gripping Albedo's shoulder and slamming him back into the ground.

"Where are my daughters?" Magneto demanded, his glowing eyes narrowing as he approached. "I know you were there when they were taken. Tell me what happened to Wanda and Lorna."

Albedo glared up at him, his vision blurring. "They're safe… and they're not coming back to you."

Magneto's expression darkened, and the metal fragments around him began to tremble and spin. "That was not your decision to make," he said, his voice cold and furious. "You will tell me everything, one way or another."

Albedo tried to move, but his strength was gone. The combined efforts of the X-Men had left him battered, his transformations sapped of energy. His vision dimmed as footsteps approached from behind Magneto, their steady rhythm sending a chill through him.

"Well done, Magneto," a voice said, smooth and calculated. Albedo's heart sank as he recognized it. The Maker stepped into view, his presence dominating the clearing. His sharp gaze fell on Albedo, his expression unreadable but dangerous.

"So," the Maker said, his voice carrying a faint edge of amusement. "This is the nuisance Doom has been sending against me. I must admit, I expected more."

Albedo's vision blurred further, his body refusing to respond. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. The last thing he saw was the Maker crouching beside him, his faint smile sharp and unnerving.

"Don't worry," the Maker said softly. "We're going to have a long conversation."

Darkness overtook Albedo, and the world faded away.