Marvel - The Void

3rd POV:

''Gwen, how are you?,'' Bell asked her and she whipped her head around. The field trip was just yesterday and today was a new day. While he did feel creepy, he spent some time watching over her from afar to see the changes to her DNA and provide aid should something go awry.

''Bell! You startled me. I'm good. I'm good. Where is Peter, how are you?,'' she asked him a little nervous. Skittishly looking around. They were in the hallway of the school, waiting for class to start.

''He went to the bathroom. I'm good as usual,'' Bell answered her calmly, even if her act was not convincing. While he never encountered this problem, mostly for having good emotional control, he was convinced that most powers relied on emotions a little.

Her being so nervous would not do her any favors in learning control, so he was trying to calm her down. 

''I see. That is good. Say, do you hear this buzzing in your ears too?,'' Gwen asked him suddenly. Good senses then, Bell determined. There was a fly near them, but unlike her he learned to tune such noises out.

Before he could reply, she moved her hand when the fly got too close and snatched the fly with her fingers. She looked both impressed and horrified and then then let the fly go, watching it fly away. She turned to Bell, terrified he would think her a freak.

She was only met with his usual impassive face.

''Gwen I want you to do a exercise with me. Close your eyes and listen to my voice. Drown everything else out,'' Bell instructed her calmly. After a moments hesitation she closed her eyes.

''You are Gwendolyn Stacy. You are in the school, the students are, like you, readying themselves for their first lesson. There are murmurs and noises. Feet meeting the ground, lockers being closed, high fives being exchanged, balls being thrown around. You are within a familiar ocean of noise, no more different then any other day. You are safe here. Take a deep breath, hold it for a while and then release it slowly. Do it a few times,'' Bell instructed her, his voice soft but clear. Assured and steadfast, grounding her to the earth, instead of letting her worries carry her to the sky.

Gwen released one final deep breath and then opened her eyes, she looked a little less skittish.

''Better?,'' Bell asked her.

''Mostly. Thank you,'' Gwen told him, moving a strand of hair behind her ear in embarrassment for being caught in her lie, about being fine.

''Your welcome. Whatever troubles, just know that I'm ready to help. I'm sure Peter too,'' Bell told her sincerely. She blushed a little, but nodded. Peter joined them shortly after and classes began.

---

It was lunch time.

''By the way, Aunt May finally found a job. She is going to soon start working at F.E.A.S.T. We plan on throwing a Barbeque party and you all and your family are cordially invited,'' Peter explained and stuffed the spoon in his mouth.

''We'll come. Right?,'' Gwen asked looking at Bell.

''Why are you looking at me like that? It has been a while since I refused an invitation to anything. I'll come. When and should we bring some meat or anything else?,'' Bell asked making the two very happy. They never could quiet know if he would refuse a social meeting.

''It's on sunday and we will provide the food. But... between you and me, I would appreciate if you brought some things. It will be financially a little difficult to feed 8 people. It is a party after all,'' Peter told them a little ashamed.

The two understood him. He was the child and May and Ben were his guardians, it was not his job to worry about financial matters quiet yet, but they were not his parents. Peter always felt like a burden to them on that matter so he endeavoured to spend as little money on himself as possible. Or work for the money to buy what he needs.

''Then don't tell Aunt May, tell them that we will bring our own meat and some of the other stuff. Tell them that we insist, this way the matter is out of their hands and they won't blame you,'' Gwen instructed and Bell nodded along fully agreeing with her.

Peter gave them a thankful smile.

''Oh, one more thing. Dr. Connors asked me today, to help him with a project of his. So we won't get to hang around as often since I'm busy,'' Peter told them apologetically.

''How did you manage that?,'' Bell asked, being done with his food and putting the spoon on the plate.

''When we were leaving I saw something on his desk and stayed behind to offer a solution. He was impressed and offered me to be his assistant,'' Peter shortly summarized.

''Ah, the greatest con every employer ever pulled. Unpaid internship,'' Bell joked before he could stop himself, startling the other two, bu they did quickly start chuckling a little.

''Well, it is not quiet an internship. But yeah I guess I am unpaid,'' Peter chuckled.

''Maybe, but this will be a great opportunity. If you impress him, maybe he will offer you a recommendation to Oscorp or a college,'' Gwen reasoned.

''Maybe not Oscorp,'' Peter muttered, though even without Oscorp Connors had a reputation in the scientific department.

''You are buying into the rumors then?,'' Gwen asked surprised.

''Sometimes rumors are true, through that is as rare as winning the lottery,'' Bell cautioned.

''I have to agree with Bell. Even if he no longer works for Oscorp, he could be working for a college or something. Instead he works for the most prestigious High School,'' Peter agreed with Bell quickly, since he already had such suspicions himself.

''It was probably over an experiment and funding. And from there a disagreement sparked and Oscorp tried to hurt his career prospects by exerting their influence,'' Bell further added.

''Well, in that case he is probably trying to finish his experiment here. Just be careful Peter,'' Gwen told him and he nodded.

Gwen suddenly whipped around and held her hand out, the rugby landing in her hand. She moved without even intending. Her heart rate spiked and she lost her cool again.

Flash quickly sprinted over to them.

''Sorry, we are deeply sorry. I didn't manage to grab the thing when Max threw it to me. But hey, good catch,'' Flash sincerely apologized holding out his hand for her to hand the rugby over.

Gwen gave him a nasty look, but put the rugby in his hand, then intending to remove her hand. She could fell the rugby stick to her hand and move with her, but before she could move the hand any further Bell put his hand over hers, pinning both her hand and the rugby back down. All this happened before anyone could notice how weirdly Gwen acted.

She immediately understood what Bell was trying to do. Buy her time to calm herself down. Easier said then done, since her heart rate spike anew for coming into contact with him. Bell did not really like being touched.

''Flash, Gwen may show you lenience, but I will not. I distinctly remember telling you multiple times to stop playing throw in the cafeteria. Even some of the teachers told you that,'' Bell told him narrowing his eyes.

''Look, I said I'm sorry. I realize I did wrong,'' Flash told him, calmly. He found it understandable that he would get angry. He noticed the people slowly giving them their attention and wanted to get this over done quickly.

''Perhaps. But a drunkard can still realize he did wrong... right before he mows down a family of three. In your case you are lucky the family jumped out of the way,'' Bell made up a metaphor.

''It would not have killed her,'' Flash bit out starting to get agitated.

''On the contrary, blows to the head are always a serious matter. Particularly to the back off it. But my breath is wasted on lecturing you,'' Bell concluded.

''Are you trying to say something, O'Quinn?,'' Flash almost growled narrowing his eyes. He was now truly angry.

Bell stood up, the two of almost similar height and he leaned forward to whisper in his ear. The hand still over Gwens.

''I am aware of your dreams. You wish to make it big in the football major leagues. It would be a shame if you turned out like all those other people, that had their dreams crushed. Sitting on their couch, old, decrepit, bitter and perhaps even alone. Watching as the world around them moves on without them. Their fate to fade into obscurity.

Do not test me how spiteful I can truly be. Remember Flash, the punishment comes after the crime,'' Bell moved his head away from his ear. He did cheat a little in his little intimidation by messing with his hormones to instill some trepidation in Flash. Flash looked a little pale at what Bell implied.

''You will never play throw in the cafeteria again. Are we clear,'' Bell told him in a matter of fact tone.

''Yes,'' Flash bit out.

''Are we clear?''

''Crystal,'' Flash clenched his jaw.

Bell removed his hand from Gwens and then she removed her hand from the rugby, the rugby remaining in Flashs hand, who promptly walked away.

''You should not have threatened him,'' Gwen chastised him, without any heat. She was thankful to him buying her enough time to calm herself down.

''Wait, you heard what he told him? How?,'' Peter asked her.

''I was much closer then you,'' Gwen shrugged her shoulder, playing her feat off.

''Well... At the very least the prick will finally stop endangering people here,'' Peter saw the silver lining.

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Gwen dreaded going home immediately after school. Instead she went to the abandoned train yard. She knew there was no one ever truly there.

Her day started... interesting.

She felt dizzy when going to bed and when she woke up she had, what she would guess, super strength. She destroyed the faucet when she tried to splash some cold water on her face. She had to stop the water flow manually. Then her hand got stuck on her closet when she opened it and it took a while to dislodge it.

She was twitchy and had headaches. The world around her seemed too much and too brightful.

It was only once Bell run her trough that practice that she began calming down and from there on out, the weird things stopped happening to her mostly. Aside from the Flash and rugby incident.

Finally arriving at the train yard she put her bag somewhere and then started brainstorming.

Super strength. Her hand being sticky. Heightened senses and reflexes. And a sense that seemed to warn her of danger, but that data was inconclusive.

She had no idea where she got all that from.

Unless...

Yesterday, she did get bitten by a mosquito in Oscorp. Could it be that she was not bitten by one, but instead by a spider? The radioactive spider? That was the only bug she saw yesterday in that building. Nothing else stuck out to her that could have given her those powers.

In that case she was lucky she was not currently on the ground frothing at the mouth from who knows what kind of diseases.

Or those powers could be her own, a mutation and she was a late bloomer. Though Gwen hasn't heard of anyone being born with powers, except Thor and he was an alien so he didn't count.

Either way she was glad she did not go to a doctor. If it only took a day for the bite to do this to her, then she would have already died, the doctors able to do nothing. If she had survived, the doctors would have known about her powers and from there it would have spiraled out of control.

The boys did get her on their side to distrust corporations. But she did not share Bells complete lack of trust in the government or Peter lack of distrust. She just could not do it. But she was forced to agree that the government was interested in amassing power or acquire powerful people, like Captain America.

That said.

She clearly needed to know more about her powers and practice them a little even if she would never use them for anything. She doubted she could always maintain the calm that Bells practice instilled in her. And if she got more familiar with her powers she would use it better, aka less accidentally, like a muscle. More controlled.

So Super strength.

She knew that one train compartment weighted around 100 tons, but this train compartments were rusty and missing doors, chairs, and a few other pieces so it was probably less than 100 tons.

She felt silly, but better test her limits by going for the most weighs available.

She lifted the train compartment. Easily. Rather then lose her grip she put it back down carefully, so not to make noise. Gwen starred at her hand both in shock and in wonder. After a while she shook her head.

Next thing on the list.

Her... stickiness?

Gwen put her hand on the train compartment and pulled herself up on a flat wall. Then she hung around there for a bit. Eventually she wiggled around a bit, moving sideways with her hands. But that was tedious and eventually she got the idea to use her feet as well. That didn't work at first so she kicked her shoes off. And now she was crawling around the train compartment....like a spider.

She hopped back down and put her shoes back on.

Senses?

She already had more then enough evidence that her senses were heightened. So she did not feel nearly as forced to gather empirical data on that.

Then she tried various ways to shoot webs from her wrist, throwing various signs. Nothing came of it. She narrowed her eyes and bent a little to look at her back.

...

Better not think about that possibility, in fact she will not even try to attempt it.

Gwen sat down on the train compartment. She could make the web herself. She shook her head.

No.

What was the point? She did not want to swing around and save the day. They had proper departments for that. Proper authority figures sanctioned by governments.

She would train to control them and nothing more.

But now that she sat here, she could think about something else. Bell was not weirded out by her acting so weird. In fact he showed understanding and covered for her when she was about to make a fool of herself. Even going so far as to touch someone, to keep her hand in place and reassure her. Though it did more then reassure her, she buried her face in her knees.

Could it be...?

Gwen scoffed. No, impossible. It was just Bells nature to be the first one to help when someone was in trouble. That was one thing she like about him. He even seemed to slowly come out of his shell, though hesitantly, often withdrawing back in. They did not pester, fearing that it would push him away, but they often made it clear that they would be there for him.

Gwen sighed frustrated. It was time to face the music.

---

One good thing about Gwen being now 16 was that her parents no longer had to do night and day shifts to watch over her. Both were now doing day shifts, starting early in the morning and coming home in the evening. That did wonders for their family dynamics.

''Ah, Gwen. It is good you are here. Go to the bathroom and wash your hands then come help me with the fish,'' Evelyn instructed her when Gwen came home.

Gwen who was about to apologize looked surprised.

''You already replaced the faucet?,'' Gwen asked raising her eyebrows.

Both George and Evelyn looked at each other confused.

''Is that why you stopped the water flow? What made you think you destroyed the faucet?,'' George asked confused.

''I... no warm water was flowing?,'' she asked unsure, her parents mistaking it for confusion. What was happening?

''Ah, then it must have been probably the heater in the basement or something else. Maybe some repairs were going on and we were not informed or we missed it. Now go wash your hands,'' Evelyn dismissed quickly, returning to making the food.

''Next time a lack of warm water is no cause to stop the water flow,'' George called out to her as she made her way to the bathroom.

She starred at the faucet in suspicion and slowly turned it on, watching it, while she was washing her hands.

She knew she destroyed the faucet. What was happening? Either way that was something to be inspected later.

Returning back to the kitchen she began helping her mother and soon enough they all were done and sitting at the table.

''Oh, by the way, The Parkers have invited us for Barbeque on sunday. We should bring our own meat and maybe some bread as well. What do you say?,'' Gwen asked them.

''What are we celebrating?,'' Evelyn asked, then put some fish in her mouth.

''Aunt May was employed at F.E.A.S.T,'' Gwen supplied. George gave a short laughter.

''If you ask me they are just using it as an excuse for us to all meet again. It has been a while since we all gathered,'' Evelyn mused.

''Most likely, tell them we will come,'' George instructed her and Gwen nodded.

''I will, but must you all make us your errand boys all the time. I know you all have each others number,'' Gwen grumbled playfully, stabbing her fish.

''You children must be put to some use. It used to be that you all helped your parents on their farm. It was back breaking work,'' George huffed. Mother and daughter rolled their eyes at his sense of humor. They continued eating.

But Gwen could not get the repaired faucet out of her head.

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He was in his quarters provided to him by S.H.I.E.L.D.

Steve Rogers went through the internet. In all honesty he still could not make enough head and tails to consider himself properly acclimated to the internet and how to use it. He has however been shown how to use it and what to look out for.

When he heard that young man list of a number of things that he knew nothing about, but was clearly criticizing the government and his two friends said nothing, seemingly agreeing with, he began making notes in his notebook.

And now here he was.

On YouTube looking up all the things that the boy was talking about.

At first he typed it in a little unsure, not quiet used to the search engine and all those other applications.

DuPont and his C8. It was everywhere. Causes cancer and birth defects.

Tobacco industry. They indeed swore under oath not to have know the effects only for a whistleblower to prove them liars. Causes cancer.

The health insurance companies and their practices. People die for not receiving health.

And from there it just evolved, something called 'algorithm' was recommending him things of similar nature. Though Steve had no idea how this algorithm worked, he did let himself be carried on by it.

The infrastructure being made of lead. Water going through water pipes. The government dragging their feet in replacing it. Causes cancer.

Micro plastics in the water in the earth. Minimal, but said to increase as the recycling methods leave a lot to be desired. Consequences not known completely, needing to be studied more. It was a recent discovery.

American food not passing food safety standards in many other countries. Their food contained too much sugar. No wonder Steve saw so many fat people on the street. Their meat was regularly found to contain salmonella. SALMONELLA.

The oil industry or the oil mafia as it is called.

The JFK assassination suspected to have been an insider job.

The MLK assassination suspected to have been an insider job.

9/11 suspected to have been an insider job.

What did it say about a country when people so readily believed that it was capable of such atrocities? There was no hard evidence for the last three, but people did not need that. The fact that they believed it at all and so many at that, told Steve enough.

The destabilisation of the middle east.

The Cuba War.

Multiple criminals buying out the government and avoiding their punishment. Walking free despite multiple evidence.

People disappearing for speaking the truth.

Reagan alone was a nuke of material to unpack.

The recent fund cuts in the Department of education.

Failing to invest in infrastructure.

Failing to invest in water flood sirens in Texas for years.

People who made promising discoveries never to be heard from again. No lead up to weather the discoveries can be used and applied.

The 2008 stock market crash, where several people came out richer then before. Multiple accounts of insider trading.

People breaking their back for work and barely able to afford life. Rent, gas prices, food, everything really going up in prices. More work for the same pay, more responsibilities for the same pay, which actually meant less pay for more work. The gap between the rich and rest growing day by day.

Hostile architecture instead of solutions to help the homeless and then shaming them.

Climate change.

No wonder young people did not trust the government.

Steve leaned back in his chair and looked at the clock. He has spent 24 hours. He was surprised that no one came to interrupt him.

This...

This is not what he fought for. This is not what Bucky and James died for. The young man was right, their sacrifice was tarnished, them compromising themselves and their morals meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.

'What was the difference between America, Russia and China?', Steve wondered bitterly. He could only see bullies. He understood that sometimes governments had to do nasty things. He himself was technically a human experiment, which is a practice frowned upon.

But this ... this was too much. This is too much.

He was told not to believe everything he saw on the internet. And perhaps he could find it in himself to dismiss some of the things he has seen. Steve was sure that at least some of what he read was nothing but conspiracy theories. But a lot was proven to be true and factual. And even with all of that, there was too much to be dismissed as impossible or to plead ignorant.

He had to get to the bottom of this.

If anyone knew weather or not what he read was true then it would be S.H.I.E.L.D. But he knew he could not just ask, he would only receive lies.

...

Well, he already once broke in S.H.I.E.L.D's secure facilities, what is once more?

---

''Any words, on our 'King'?,'' Fury felt disgusted asking such a question, but they had to little to go off on. And while the public has given him several names, it was frankly inconsequential what the public though. The public could call him what they wanted, 'King Arthur' will probably not respond to being addressed as such.

He wanted to kill Stark.

''No, Sir.''

''Any sightings? Any energy spikes? Any mysterious sites of murders where too much was cut, including metal? Any light shows in any part of the world?''

''Nothing. As dead a mouse that one, Sir,'' Maria Hill replied. They both where in the steering room. The place where several people where watching screens and keeping track of the world. Reporting back to him, only for him to give out orders. Normally they would be on the Helicarrier, but it was currently receiving its upgrades and so they were in their Washington H.Q..

''Nothing? I don't like being in the dark about such a figure,'' Fury muttered to himself.

How was this possible? Fury understood that the guy could teleport, but it was literally their job to keep track of everyone. And they were failing.

''Anything else, that bears mention?''

''No, Sir.''

''Return to your duties then and keep me appraised of 'King Arthur','' Fury instructed and Hill saluted, but before she could walk away, someone sprinted towards them urgently.

''Director Fury, Sir. You need to see this,'' the agent handed him a document slightly out of breath. Fury grabbed it and read it.

It was a resignation letter from Steve Rogers.

Fury felt his plans crumble.

''Where did you find this?,'' Fury asked.

''In his room, Sir. It was trashed. Everything was trashed. Do you think he was abducted?,'' the agent asked. Fury dismissed him telling him to await further instructions.

Trashed? What in gods name pissed off the captain so much that he would display such agression?

''Show me a footage of his room. What did he do the lat few days?,'' Fury whispered to Hill and she nodded, setting out to do her duty. Not many where supposed to know they were being spied on in their own personal quarters, even if some probably suspected.

Seeing the footage he instructed Hill to show him a search history of the now destroyed computer.

Looking at all the things Rogers looked at Fury began to see the picture. But that did not explain why he did not destroy the computer then, but later.

Wanting to confirm his suspicions he instructed Hill to see if someone entered the secure facilities.

Well, someone was getting fired, more like arrested. Fury did keep Rogers on hand for several reasons. One was that he was an icon. Icons had power and an image. One that could sway the public opinion. But he did not envision that it would work on his agents as well. Fury watched as he just said a few words to the guards and they just let him through. Last time he silently broke in, which Fury had to admit was impressive. If Rogers had access to some of the more shady files, with him being already agitated from looking up all those things on the internet, it was no wonder he snapped.

Fury wanted to rip his hair from his perfectly bald head.

Another reason was that Fury trusted very few people. Rogers, Hill, Romanoff and Barton. A while ago he has noticed something that he has been following up on for a while. Following up on something that suggested the discovery would be sinister in nature. Fury did not yet know, what he would discover, but he knew he wanted people he trusted around him to deal with the fallout.

''Hill, direct some of the resources to find out where Rogers is. Find him and then inform me,'' Fury instructed and Maria nodded, already getting down to work.

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Well, no time like the present. Bell could not dally around to much. The time limit was approaching and he needed to find the rest of the HYDRA bases.

But before he experiments Bell decided to make another physical clone puppet. Yes he had his clone puppet in the digital world, but he always preferred being throughout.

With that done, Bell closed his eyes and focused on his intent.

A world with no life whatsoever would do nicely as a first test subject. Surely there would be such a world if there were infinite universes.

Rather anti-climatically Bell found himself in a new space with a silent pop. He could immediately tell that he was in a new universe as the air felt different, not wrong, just different.

Bell could not really describe it, lacking the vocabulary. He just knew at once that it was a different universe.

Rather then speculate how his magic achieved that and how interdimensional travel works scientifically he focused on his priorities.

Luckily for him he popped outside earths stratosphere. The solar system did not really look that much different. He could see the neighbouring planets several million kilometers away, almost a small dot. The radiation doing nothing to him, he was easily able to float in the vacuum of space.

Bell closed his eyes again and focused on his intent. If the earth was devoid of life, then he could drape it in his magic at his leisure.

Several seconds later, Bell made the discovery that his magic did not consider plants to be living organisms or bacteria either. Bell disagreed so he went to another universe. This time the interdimensional travel was even easier then the first time. He included the stipulation that the universe had neither plants or bacteria.

Once more Bell could tell that he was in another universe. The air different from his home or the previous dimension.

Also, it was pitch black. No light anywhere to see, not even dots in the distance. It WAS a dead universe, just like he wanted to see. 

That said a small shiver did go through his body. For a moment he contemplated making a sun for light, but he dismissed the idea. He thought about his void aspect and his lack of progress. Perhaps, this was his 'home' in a way. Maybe it could help him somehow in making progress. Sure, he already spread out his magic as far as he could, which was ridiculously far, but all the same he still felt a small trepidation from the dark, despite knowing there was nothing there.

In that case, it was time to create a black hole. Bell hoped for several things during this experiment. One dismiss a black hole without it exploding. He did not want to kick start the universe again every time he had to use a black hole, assuming Peter and Gwen were correct. It might also not always work to transport an enemy to a dead universe, he could just teleport back. Two, contain the explosion of a black hole. Three face tank the explosion of a black hole.

Bell held out his hand. Without his intent a sun formed, which quickly collapsed back into itself and then Bell held in his hand what Bell knew to be a massive black hole. It was also the most blatant display of what he already knew about his magic. That it instinctively used the laws of the universe to achieve what he desired.

Bell could feel the gravitational forces just beyond the event horizon. If he were to walk forward he would be pulled in, unless he managed to get himself out.

Bell could not have a sun on his hands every time he wanted to use a black hole. Even a brief second of the temperature of the sun he summoned would turn half of earth into ground zero and boil the other one. Not that the black hole wasn't also emitting some heat or that he couldn't mitigate the temperature of both to safety levels. But that was not the point.

It was too flashy for him. He preferred a more subtle approach. There was another method. If he took earth and compressed it to smaller than a marble he would also have a black hole on his hands. Density played a role here.

He held out his hand again. He could feel how in a small spot mass gathered, more and more mass, but the diameter remained the same. The density increased until finally Bell held another black hole in his hands. This time the size of his head. Much more manageable and thus satisfactory.

Well, time to achieve his other priorities.

After several tries, Bell managed to artificially shrink the black hole until it popped out of existence. While it was a success, the sheer radiation it released would have melted him in a nano second if he did not already possess the ability to neutralize radiation. He needed to be mindful of that, so people around him did not die, if he ever does use a black hole.

Or perhaps he can put it in a pocket dimension after being done and dispose of it afterwards. He did like to be throughout after all.

Next containing the explosion...

Bell sped up the black holes natural shrinking, until its integrity collapsed and finally ...

Bell was almost blinded by the light and the force while he did manage to contain it, made his arm tremble and some blood trickle out of his nose. It seems that his control and familiarity with his magic was barely enough to achieve that.

That said, while the energy settled, he could still tell that the moment he would let go of the telekinetic barriers it would resume its momentum. Which was both fascinating and illogical. Perhaps that was the singularity exploding and behaving in such a way, but Bell had no desire to research it now.

In that case, there was no need to make another black hole. After a moment of resting and recuperating his strength, Bell let go of the barriers and he was clad in white as the energy began moving again. He did not worry too much. If he can contain the explosion, he can face tank the explosion.

Also, now there was dust. Dust everywhere. Stellar dust.

...

...

It seems that one black hole dying was enough to kick start the universe again. Bell was sure that one black hole exploding was enough for that, so long as it was big enough.

In a few hundred billion years, life may very well form somewhere in this universe, or it may be like the universe he visited where only plants and bacteria formed.

Now there was only one more thing. To apply his screening on the entire earth while hiding his energy from living beings. Bell still doubted energy could be hidden. And if push comes to shove he will just briefly screen the earth and run away from that spot immediately before anyone could catch him. He did have photographic memory so it should be a workaround to his problem.

Bell went to a different universe. 

Here goes nothing.

Nothing. Bell immediately brought back his energy and then left that version of earth and went to a different universe, before he could attract attention. He did feel every living being however.

Again. Nothing.

Again. Nothing.

Again. Nothing.

Bell stopped after the fourth time and simply teleported back to his home. He did not like that. It was too much risk and after a while he would just be tempting his chances. It seems he would be applying the workaround.

That said he was more then happy with his progress and glad that he studied up on black holes.

Now, he just needed to hunt down the rest of HYDRA.

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Peter and Connors worked on their project for the past few days. They made remarkable progress. Connors sang Peter many praises, citing his help to have been invaluable. That made Peter bashful.

''Peter, stop avoiding the praise. You justly deserve it. Without you, I would have been probably stuck forever at solving the K-Rate Algorithm. Have you considered becoming a scientist yourself?,'' Curt asked slowly putting some instruments in the closet. Peter putting his own instruments in a different closet.

''I have actually. I ... don't quiet know yet what exactly I want to do, but first I will study STEM and then see from there,'' Peter replied.

''Well, whatever you chose to do, the community that will have you can count themselves lucky. Forgive me if that seems invasive, but I have to ask. Do you know what Ms. Stacy and Mr. O'Quinn plan on doing after school,'' Connors took the opportunity to ask.

''Well, Gwen want to become a geneticist. As for Bell, he actually is not sure,'' Peter evaded the subject of Bell a little. It was shameful to him that Bell never told them what he plans on doing in the future. Perhaps he will continue his music channel, he did have artistic talents, but that was not the point. He was not sure. it could play out either way.

''Well, whatever it is, I can tell that the next generation of scientists will accomplish great things,'' Connor shared his opinion. Peter was already done and offered to help him, but Connors declined.

''So what is the next step?,'' Peter asked a little eager.

''For now, we wait until the centrifuge finishes its work. That will take a while. And then we will apply the serum to the mouse. If we did everything right, then the mouse should regrow its arm,'' Connors informed him a little giddy. Peter understood, not being insensitive and neither sparring a glance at Connors left stump.

''And then? Will you present the findings to Oscorp?,'' Peter asked him and Connors momentarily stopped, then resumed his sorting.

''I assume you heard the rumors? (*Peter nodded*) They are more or less true. Osborn and I, he was personally invested in seeing the experiment succeed. Why I never found out. I showed promise, but suddenly he withdrew his support. And no it was not because I was stuck at the K-Rate Algorithm. I never found out what it was. Either way we got in an argument and next thing I know is that I'm ... exiled. I guess. I was not fired. They told me that I will be called back eventually. But Peter, I could not wait.

This... This could save millions of lives. (*Connors starred at his stump for a bit*) Including my own. So I used my own funds to continue my experiments. The rumors that I was blocked from other corporations and labs is wrong. I was actually working a bit for another corporation, but then I quit. I could not balance my duties with my own interests,'' Connors explained. Oh, he knew how unusual the situation was. But when have corporations ever done the normal and expected thing?

''But you could manage a teachers duties with your interest?,'' Peter asked a little skeptic. Teaching was a demanding job.

''But I could manage a teachers duties with my own interests,'' Connors affirmed. Finally he was done with his own instruments.

''Peter, next weekend I plan on bringing the results to Oscorp. To present our findings. I want you to be there. What do you say?,'' Connors put his hand on Peters shoulder in comfort.

''I ...actually need to think about this a little bit. Can you take my answer on monday or tuesday?,'' Peter asked slowly. Connors looked disappointed, but quickly nodded.

''Of course. I do not want to pressure you. I just wanted the world to know that it was you who practically solved the Algorithm,'' Connors told him.

''You are giving me too much credit.''

''No, Peter, I'm giving you exactly the praise you deserve. I see you are too humble. Who could have known that I would strike gold when I decided to settle here. Off with you. Move along into the weekend,'' Connor instructed.

''Are you sure you don't want me to come help you on the weekends?,'' Peter asked. After Connor motioned no Peter said his goodbyes and made his way out.

Connors took a seat and gripped his stump softly.

Soon. Soon he will be able to hold his wife and daughter with both arms and embrace them fully.

They just needed to wait for the mouse to show promise.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gwen starred at the costume she made the past few days. While she did say that she would not fight crime and swing around the city like a vigilante, she felt ...drawn to make it anyway. More like she felt compelled.

Better to have it and not need it, then to not have it and need it, she argued. She felt silly. New York had the Avengers, even if they were right now doing their own thing, no city was safer then New York she felt.

She even made two web shooters.

All of this cost her her allowance.

When she heard a knock on the door, she quickly hid it in her closet carefully and opened the door to her room.

''Princess, are you ready for us to go?,'' George asked her.

''Yes, dad. Let's go.''

---

''I still don't understand why you all had to insist on bringing your own meat,'' May complained finally. They were done with the Barbeque, now sitting at the table and eating. She kept her silence, but eventually she could no longer keep mum about them needing to pay for a party, essentially. It was just not done. The one who invited and threw the party had to pay for everything, she felt, or not throw a party at all.

''We were told to bring our own dishes so we did,'' George reminded her.

''What? But that is not.. what.. PETER!,'' May scolded, finally uncovering the ruse. Peter looked like a deer caught in a trap and even Gwen tried to make herself small. Meanwhile, Bell just continued to eat what food Melina picked for him.

''It was the rational thing to do. You may have found a job, but your paycheck is in one month. Then it would have been a different matter,'' Peter tried defending himself.

''Peter,'' May was about to give him a proper scolding, but Ben came to his rescue.

''Oh, give the boy a break, my dear. You know how he is, worrying when we tell him not too. He is just trying to be responsible,'' Ben tried placating her. She huffed, looking disappointed at Peter for essentially breaking her trust.

''Peter helped Connors with cross species genetics. We may very well have people and veterans regenerating their limbs like a lizard,'' Bell told them suddenly.

Mays demeanor completely changed and Peter gave him an appreciative look. He hasn't actually told them about that yet.

''Peter that is amazing. I knew all your hard work will pay off though not that soon,'' May told him.

''If I remember correctly you wished to study STEM correct? It seems you are already gathering experience then for your future,'' Melina praised.

''Which reminds me. I know Gwen wants to study genetics, but what about you Bell?,'' Evelyn asked. All eyes were on Bell now. He looked a little at them, probably contemplating... something, the other guessed.

''I wish to become a CEO and start my own company,'' Bell revealed for the first time what he wanted to do.

''Really? That is an ambitious task. You are as smart as Peter and Gwen, are you sure it wouldn't be better to become a scientist yourself?,'' George asked suddenly very interested in talking to him.

''Then I am ambitious,'' Bell considered the matter settled.

''Ambitious for what?,'' George asked, something in his tone that made it clear he wanted more then bread crumbs. Bell narrowed his eyes a little.

''Ambitious to change the world.''

''And you can't change the world as a scientist?,'' George asked sharply. Evelyn tried to get his attention, but he ignored her.

''You can,'' Bell told him in a matter of fact. Though he knew it was a little more complicated then that.

''Then why not be a scientist?,'' George asked.

''Then why not be a firefighter? Why not be a doctor? What sort of silly question is that?,'' Bell scoffed.

''Excuse me?''

''What? Did the uniform get to your head? I understand when you are inside of it, the criminals can not see you as soft, but can one not give you some cheek when you are outside of it?,'' Bell teased him. The other who anxiously listened at the sudden shift in atmosphere thanks to the two, smiled a little.

''I'm doing good work. You should not be that disrespectful,'' George replied, his voice less hard. He realized that he may have come on to strong in evaluating Gwens crush.

''You are. I don't deny that nor am I ungrateful. I am aware of the dangers, and I am sure there are many more I don't know about,'' Bell told him, making Georges jaw twitch in appreciation. But he was to prideful to not continue to remain stoic with the boy. Evelyn put a comforting on his Georges hand.

''We pray every day to God that he comes back home to us at the end of the day,'' Evelyn told them. George squeezed her hand.

Your welcome, Bell thought to himself. He did after all, watch over all of them to ensure their safety.

''I agree with Bell. I can imagine some of the dangers, but I am sure there are many more i don't know about. Still you have a great power in you hands. And I always say that with great power there must also come a great responsibility. It warms my heart to have someone like you be the police captain,'' George nodded appreciatively at Bens thanks. The other adults giving him the same compliments.

Peter and Gwen on the other hand just starred at Bell. Seeing them stare at him, he decided to be a little more cheeky today and gave them a wink.

''That is an interesting phrase, Uncle Ben. And while I agree with it, I would like to know what you consider responsibility,'' Bell asked.

''Well. Take Peter for example. He is intelligent. In a way that is also power. If you want to be more blatant then look at Stark. People like that have an obligation to use that power and do what is right. That is responsibility,'' Ben explained simply.

''But then what is right? We used to stone women who cheated to death, whereas men received a slap on the wrist. We used to burn 'Witches' at the stake. We enslaved people on the premise that their race was below us. Hitler... enough said, we all know our history. We did all those things and called them right. I know we are no longer calling it right today, but we did THEN. And that is all that matters. If I lived in 1692 should I not use my knowledge to burn witches at the stake better and hunt them down more efficiently?,'' Bell asked, engaging in a philosophical debate.

''Those things were not right. Even for their time many people admitted they were barbaric, their voice however were not heard,'' Ben explained.

''Or were not minded or suppressed. Please continue,'' Bell briefly interrupted. He did however not agree with that point. But debates only functioned when one was allowed to make his entire point.

''I agree. Morality is above all else. It is a virtue that must be uphold in spite of your own personal beliefs,'' Ben made his point.

''But who is making up those morals?,'' Gwen asked.

''Clearly not society. We just talked about the witch burnings. And neither the bible, whatever it may preach, for we just had an example of women being stoned to death,'' Peter added.

''I have to agree with the kids. I agree with that sentence, but I want to know, like them, where we deride those morals from. If neither society or gods can make them up. They have to somehow descend from the sky into our hearts,'' Melina argued.

Ben looked conflicted and May decided to come to his rescue. Bell was not surprised. Bens reasoning for what is morally right was too idealistic.

''It is an interesting topic. Why don't we all try to find an answer together?,'' May offered and the rest nodded.

''I will start first. It should be the law that decides one morals,'' George offered.

''The law will not stop me from murdering someone. It is you and even then it is only to punish. I'm not murdering someone, because I was raised to be good,'' Peter made a point he once made again.

''Besides, laws change all the time. Morals take a while to shift,'' Evelyn agreed with Peter. George gave a small scowl feeling betrayed by Evelyn. She should be on his side.

''Morals are only as good as the society prospers,'' Melina said grabbing their attention,'' I have a system that allows me to be relatively safe, have food in my belly and my child and warmth under my ceiling. Most people don't want more then that. Exhibit Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Now if I wouldn't have food, especially for my little bell, then I would probably steal or rob someone. Sorry George. but just look at the poorer countries.''

The others looked at Bell, May and Gwen. It was Gwen who first spoke.

''I think... it is morally right when people don't harm each other. In any way. It even allows for some wiggle room. To take Aunt Melinas example, I could steal from a rich person some bread and it would be fine Robbing however is forbidden,'' Gwen offered her point.

'' I believe in the golden rule. What you don't want done onto yourself you should not do onto others. Or if you want to be more sophisticated: empathy,'' May made a small joke at the end.

''I'm surprised no one said might makes right?,'' Bell was surprised.

''Is that what you believe then?,'' George asked.

''Absolutely not. But it is an argument that several people made over humanities history. I however subscribe to it's lesser known cousin. The saying: Might dictates the course of history. But that is not what you asked me. Give me a moment,'' Bell requested.

This conversation was actually helping him a lot, unknown to them. If both ROB and Stan have a different understanding of morals then humans, then by what metric could he make up for his sins, if not in hell? He did want to hear what their opinion was on his moral compass.

''I consider what is morally right anything that serves long term advancement,'' Bell summarized his philosophy in one sentence.

''Advancement? What form of advancement?,'' Peter asked.

''Long term advancement. Long term is important. As for what form of advancement, it doesn't matter. Empathetical, logical, materialistic, philosophical, spiritual. So long as the maximum effect by any action can be achieved one should strive and endeavour to make that choice. Let us say that I'm logical and have the choice between, killing a lot of people and saving them. I should strive to save them, so long as it does not guarantee killing me, since that would add resources to my plans, whatever those plans may be. Etc. etc,'' Bell gave his explanation.

He knew that unlike Ben who was too idealistic, his could fall short for being to inclusive. He was trying to fit too much in one way of thinking. In a way that was its own form of idealism. But he was constantly working on it or revising it. He removed a lot from his philosophy over the years. While he hasn't learnt anything he hasn't already considered, he was curious for their opinion on it.

''Your philosophy practically justifies murder,'' George pointed out frowning.

''You wouldn't shoot Hitler?,'' Bell asked.

''I would arrest him and put him on trial,'' George replied.

''On trial under a government where he ruled as a dictator and had everyone in his pocket?,'' Bell asked.

''On trial after the war,'' George replied.

''How do you think we won that war? By giving our enemies flowers and roses? We killed enough until they surrendered, well it was a little more complicated, but that is beside the point,'' Bell shrugged at the end.

When George did not say anything for a while, Bell considered his point well proven. He was however disappointed when the others did not criticize his philosophy as much as he hoped. They did not seem to completely agree with it, but neither were they completely disagreeing.

Pity. Faith never tested was brittle after all.

''I guess in the end no one can agree with anyone. The problems with having different memories and different egos. The ancient definition of egos,'' Gwen added at the end.

They all ate for a while silently digesting the material they heard ion the last few minutes.

''You know I never asked, but what is you opinion on the Avengers?,'' Ben asked George suddenly.

''They are government sanctioned,'' George replied.

''In other words, he does not like them, but he is forced to tolerate them,'' Gwen revealed to them, a little vindictive. George exasperatedly looked to the sky. Why were both of his most important people in his life not on his side?

''Fine. She is right. I do not like them for their power. It will give people ideas. That they can don a mask and go out to be a vigilante. Don't tell other people, but that sword guy is not part of the Avengers, regardless of what the media says. They only say that to reduce the risk of vigilantes sprouting across the world,'' George warned them.

''What is so bad with vigilantes?,'' Bell asked, for Gwens sake. He could afford the scrutiny, she not.

''They operate outside the law,'' George replied briefly. As if that was all that mattered.

''And yet that sword guy, ensured that no one died that day. If someone has the power to stop a goddamned alien invasion, he should not do it because he is not government sanctioned?,'' Bell asked a slight mocking tone in his voice. The tense atmosphere from before returned.

''That is not what I said. If he wants to help he should go through the proper channels,'' George replied.

''Government channels? In the middle of an alien invasion? Because of course the government is known to operate quickly. Not like everyone has to constantly pester them when their documents will be ready. The guy hasn't been seen since. For all we know it was a one time thing for him,'' Bell shrugged.

''He still should have gone through the channels or reported in afterwards,'' George argued.

''Because the government is obviously doing such a splendid job of not being filled with corruption that it will manage to keep that guys identity a secret. And they definitely won't reveal his identity for bribes or use that information in any nefarious way themselves,'' Bell mocked.

''Are you implying something?,'' George was offended. he trusted his men with his life. There was no way any of them were corrupted.

''That you are pretending I don't know what I speak of and act offended makes for a weak case. Let us not pretend that corrupt cops don't exist. Corruption does not merely imply accepting bribes, it implies complacency and incompetence as well,'' Bell explained to him.

''Those are just a few bad apples,'' George dismissed.

''You are no great philosopher, author or farmer to rake that sentence and butcher it. The proper saying is 'A few bad apples spoil the bunch'. And we do constantly hear how police officers fail to punish other police officers,'' Bell told him.

George clenched his jaw as he was about to explode in anger. What did the brat know about the dangers outside his little comfort zone to lecture him on anything?

''You are surprisingly steadfast in defending that guy,'' George instead went a different route.

Bell simply released an exasperated sigh with a disappointed expression.

''Yup. You are right. I am that sword guy, so go on, provoke me and I just may very well skewer you on the spot,'' Bell mockingly challenged him. Both men looked into each others eyes for a while.

The others watching the drama unfold, neither wanting to add to it or draw attention to themselves. This has never happened before previously.

It was George that first looked away.

''Implication is not a personal attack. It is an alternative to being told the harsh truth. I was using it for the sake of your sensibilities, because believe it or not I care for everyone here at the table, even I fail to show it more often then not. I know you are the only up standing police officer in that rotten department. The kind everyone should aspire to be.

You strike me as someone who prefers to be blunt, instead of dancing around the topic. So I will be blunt.

I do not trust the government and they failed to earn my trust. I do not trust most police officers and let us no play ignorant as to why. You damn well know why even if you pretend and argue otherwise. And I certainly do not trust vigilantes, but I, unlike you, am not so extreme that I will not give them the benefit of the doubt and a chance to prove themselves.

Because guess what? The world is changing. Perhaps we will not experience alien invasions everyday, but the Avengers will not be the last with powers. More will come. Pandoras box is open. And I guarantee you just like with the alien invasion your guns will mean jack shit. Your precious laws will mean jack shit to them. Extraordinary people require extraordinary people to combat and guess what, no everyone will love to dance to someones tune. You need to learn to strike compromises.

But you can't have that can you? You'll rather die a stubborn death then admit you are out of your league and seek help,'' Bell stopped his rant suddenly and looked so very tired.

Without watching the others or saying anything, he rose from his chair and left, ignoring the others calling out to him.

---

When they arrived home Gwen immediately went to her room and locked herself in.

''Evelyn,'' George weakly said her name. She said nothing and merely handed him the blanket and pillow.

''I understand that she is our daughter and we both have different ways of watching out for her. I understand that you interrogated him to see if she would have a stable future with him, should the two ever get together. I'm cross with you on that about how you went at it, but no angry. 

No, I am angry with you for another matter. I do not know what happened between the two of you today and frankly I don't want to know. But Bell has put your behavior in a perspective I can't ignore. You really would rather die and leave us then make a compromise, clearly your ego is more valuable then us''

''Evelyn, I have a duty. It is not an ego thing. I must be above reproach. You heard Bell, people should aspire to be like me, That is what I'm going for. I can not ignore the laws when it is convenient,'' George tried explaining himself.

''In a perfect world I would be more understanding of your sentiment. But we do not leave in a perfect or else your or my occupation would not exist. So no, George I will not show understanding to your sentiments. Today you will sleep on the couch. Tomorrow you can sleep with me again. Your job is too dangerous and I do not want you to die at all, but certainly not when we are estranged. But I just can't see your face today and need some space. Good night,'' Evelyn promptly closed the door in his face. And George knew, even if he couldn't see her or hear her, that she was crying. She always worried for his safety.

Reluctantly he made his way over to the couch and lied in it.

How could everything go so wrong today?

---

Bell snuck out of the house, when he felt Melina fall asleep. He needed some air and a walk.

Bell clinically analyzed what happened today and came to the conclusion that he was losing his edge. His behavior was getting erratic, everything was push and pull with him. 

It was no wonder and something that he already noticed.

Everything he thought he knew and believed in, in his first life was undone at the seams with a single meeting and conversation. Everything that kept him going and stable throughout his first life, gone.

Bell knew that he wanted to make peoples lives better. Not just to atone, but because he came to like what he was doing for others.

But was that atonement?

He denied himself everything that he ever liked from before the war, only slipping up a few times.

But was that atonement?

Was misery atonement? Was Hell even atonement anymore if it does not exist?

Today he made no more progress in finding a way to resolve his guilt than on any other day. Their conversation about what was morally right, gaining him no new insight.

Bell sat on a bench and leaned his head back, starring at the sky.

He wanted so much to live. Surely, there was a reason why he was chosen for entertainment. He would have liked a definitive answer. That would have made things so much easier. Instead he was told that he was judged and found worthy.

That should have been the end of it, his heart argued. In spite of all his faults he was granted a second chance. How was that not absolvement or atonement?

But then his brain pulled him back and found argument after argument after argument.

So many arguments.

His heart argued that he deserved help like any others. Some of the words he said to others, were reflections of himself. It tried crying out and to make it clear that its host needed comfort.

His brain pulled him back. He did not deserve help. He deserved nothing. Not after what he had done. He had to suffer in silence until he was absolved.

Then his heart pulled him back and forced him to care for his friends.

Then his brain pulled him back and reminded him of all the people he lost. That he must strive for absolute excellence or distance himself from them if he does not wish to see them hurt.

Bell released a sigh.

It...

It was maddening.

And it made him tired.

(A.N. 10399 words. That is almost two chapters. The horizon looks good, I might release another chapter this week. Don't hold your breath.

One more thing. Tell me what you think about me disclosing the mount of words at the end of each chapter, please. I saw some other authors do that, but I'm not sure how desired it is.)