Chapter 34: Chapter 34
My expectations for visiting Tony Stark, the billionaire, genius, playboy, and philanthropist, were colored by vivid depictions of lavish parties often reported by journalists and familiar to me as a devoted fan of comic books. However, the reality of this evening shattered not only my perceptions but also the expectations of my friends.
When we arrived at Stark's mansion, the scene that unfolded was surprisingly quiet. Instead of the anticipated multitude of cars and throngs of guests, the roadside bushes stood empty and silent, as if only the echoes of past grand events awaited us.
"I thought people would have gathered here by now," Johnny remarked, his voice tinged with surprise and slight disappointment.
Surveying the surroundings and scanning the interior of the house, I sensed the presence of only three people inside—most likely Tony, Pepper, and Rhodey. My intuition suggested that the discussions ahead would be neither light nor festive.
"Looks like the topics we'll be discussing don't fit a cheerful atmosphere," I suggested, leading the group along the path to the main entrance.
---= Tony Stark =---
Tony Stark, owner of Stark Industries and newly minted superhero Iron Man, awaited our meeting with keen interest. The air in his mansion buzzed with the tension of the upcoming evening.
"The Fantastic Four have arrived," announced Stark's trusty assistant. Stark smirked and stood up.
"Time to greet our guests."
---= Reed Richards =---
"Hello, Mr. Stark," I greeted when Tony Stark himself opened the door for us.
Iron Man smirked and said, "Good evening, Reed. No need to stand on ceremony—we're not in college anymore."
Indeed, I had once studied in the same department as Tony Stark.
"Long time no see, Tony," I said.
Stark replied with a cheeky grin and a theatrical bow, "Come into my humble abode."
---= Some Time Later =---
On the terrace of Tony Stark's expansive mansion, where every object reflected the grandeur and complexity of his life, we discussed a wide range of topics, from my recent lunar flight to his captivity in Afghanistan. It was an evening filled with serious themes and deep contemplation.
"Your reactor runs on palladium?" I asked during a lull in the conversation when the others were distracted, leaving us alone. The question sounded almost accusatory. Tony paused, his gaze fixed on the sea shimmering in the twilight beyond the terrace's massive windows.
Stark looked at me, his lips curling into a smile tinged with gravity. "I knew you'd figure it out immediately."
"You do realize that element is extremely toxic to the human body?" My concern was more than professional caution; it was genuine worry for someone capable of doing a lot of good in this world.
"Yes, I'm well aware," he replied with a seriousness that added weight to his words. "But there's no alternative."
His words made me glance at his lab, visible through the partially open door, where indicators blinked and the energy of his numerous inventions pulsed. In my mind, the outlines of a possible solution began to form, glimmering among the shadows of the night.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," I said, sensing a spark of hope in Stark's eyes. My words caught his attention, and his eyes lit up with interest.
"And what are you suggesting?" His tone was filled with curiosity, and I felt that I had found the key to his eternal enigma.
"A new element that could solve your problem," I continued, confidence ringing in my words.
---= Some Time Later =---
"Jarvis, run the simulation," Stark said, looking at the blueprints handed to him by Reed Richards.
As soon as the AI completed the simulation, all doubts vanished. The element Richards provided indeed worked.
"Damn," Stark whispered with a crooked grin. "I owe Richards now."
Though he spoke nonchalantly, there was an undertone of gratitude in his words.
---= Nick Fury =---
In the dimly lit conference room, where every shadow seemed to hold tense anticipation, the meeting reached its climax. The light from the negotiation table cast sharp contours on the faces of the participants, especially highlighting the stern features of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nicholas Joseph Fury.
"What are you implying?" Fury's voice cut through the air, breaking the grim silence of the room, reflecting the depth of his outrage.
The White House representative, whose calm demeanor sharply contrasted with the heated atmosphere, responded with unwavering confidence, "Exactly what you needed to hear."
"You're telling me to release a terrorist who planned to kill millions?!" Fury exclaimed, not hiding his indignation. His single eye sparkled with anger, but his mind was already feverishly analyzing the situation, trying to uncover the motives behind such a demand.
"Not a terrorist. The King of Atlantis, who was misunderstood," the representative continued, as if trying to find justice in his words.
At that moment, the puzzle pieces fell into place in Fury's mind. The situation surrounding Namor McKenzie's release began to clarify, revealing the contours of a larger political game.
"What did you get for this?" Fury's voice dripped with disdain, his tone laden with accusations.
The politician, catching the challenge in Fury's tone, simply smiled the obligatory smile of a diplomat and replied, "Quite a lot, but specifically, oil."
---= Reed Richards =---
After our meeting with Tony Stark, my life returned to the lively rhythm of scientific research and personal commitments. Each day brought new challenges and discoveries, and I found myself immersed in numerous projects demanding my attention and expertise.
One of the key focuses of my work became WebLink—a large-scale project aimed at radically transforming access to information technology globally. I spent long hours poring over complex schematics and algorithms, striving to create a network that would provide reliable and secure internet access to every corner of the planet.
At the same time, I was occupied with a project to unlock the remaining genes of omega-level mutants. This research required deep knowledge in genetics and bioengineering. Each breakthrough opened up not only technical possibilities but also ethical dilemmas that needed to be handled with care and intelligence.
My investigations into portals to other dimensions had to be temporarily shelved. Although this aspect of my work seemed incredibly enticing and promised unimaginable discoveries, I realized that I had to focus on current priorities to bring them to fruition.
Despite being absorbed in my projects, I tried not to neglect my personal life. Friends and my girlfriend needed attention and time, which I endeavored to give them. Evenings spent with loved ones helped me relax and gather strength for new achievements. These moments were filled with warm conversations, laughter, and support, making my life complete and vibrant.
Thus, each of my days was a blend of scientific exploration and personal happiness, reflecting the endless interplay between professional ambitions and human relationships.
The world around me was changing more and more with each passing day. It was as if someone had opened Pandora's Box. All over the world, new people with superpowers were emerging.
BZZT
"A message from Professor Xavier," said Chronos.
—\\—
"Play the message," I said, finishing the final adjustment.
Chronos began reading Charles Xavier's message a moment later:
"Hello, Dr. Richards. We need your help..."
As soon as Chronos read the part about needing help, I started listening more intently. Charles mentioned in his letter that one of his students had disappeared into a strange portal that Hank McCoy and Kurt Wagner couldn't access. Thus, I was one of the few specialists in interdimensional matters who could help.
"Chronos, prepare the team," I said after watching the video Charles had sent.
The incident involved Colossus's younger sister, which meant it likely involved Limbo.
---= A Few Minutes Later =---
"Stretch, I assume you already have an idea of what happened," Ben said.
"Yes, but I need to confirm my suspicions," I replied, speeding up the vehicle.
"What are your suspicions?" Sue asked.
"From what I've seen, it's not the Negative Zone," I began. "But it's just as problematic. If my intuition and knowledge are correct, she's in Limbo."
"Limbo?" Johnny asked, looking at me with interest.
"Yes, but I'll know for sure only once we're there," I said, ending the discussion for now.
By this time, we had arrived.
Xavier's School seemed less lively than during our first visit. The disappearance of a student had evidently put the entire administration on edge.
"It's quite cozy here," Johnny remarked.
We were met by the teaching staff, including Xavier, McCoy, and Ororo.
---= Some Time Later =---
In the shadowy meeting hall of Xavier's School, where every chair had witnessed numerous crises, the teachers—mutants with unique abilities—sat tensely, their eyes filled with worry and hope. Illyana's disappearance was more than just another task; it was personal for each of them.
"...Then Illyana vanished," Hank concluded, his voice reflecting the worry and exhaustion from long hours of sleepless research.
"Have you analyzed the teleportation energy trace?" My question was direct and urgent, as every minute counted.
Hank, the furry scientist with deep scientific understanding, nodded and handed me the data. It was incomplete and blurry, like ink spilled on water. I saw it immediately, just as an experienced researcher spots a flaw in their notes.
"We need to check again," I stated, reviewing the information more carefully. "No teleportation or phasing attempts were made in her room?"
"Only Kurt was jumping in and out," Hank replied quietly, reflecting disappointment and failure.
"That's unfortunate... It appears his teleportation energy is similar to the portal's energy that took Illyana," I said. "But I can say more only after studying her room. Meanwhile, you should prepare for unpleasant encounters."
Ororo, the white-haired goddess who controlled the weather, approached me. Her movements were light and graceful, each step reflecting her regal dignity.
"Let me take you there," she offered, her voice as soft as the wind before a storm, yet filled with power.
At the door to Illyana's room, Ororo paused and turned to me: "Do you think you can find the way to where they took Illyana?"
Her question was full of concern, understandable given her role as a teacher and mentor to the young mutants.
"You can count on it, Miss Monroe," I answered confidently, preparing my scanning device.
Ororo looked into my eyes, searching for confirmation. When she saw the assurance in my gaze, she smiled and said, "Just call me Ororo, Dr. Richards."
With that, she opened the door, and we entered a room that felt more like a sanctuary of a dreamy girl than a place of mystical occurrence. The room was filled with soft toys and drawings, creating an atmosphere of serenity and warmth.
"It's cozy here," I said, adjusting my scanning device.
As soon as I activated the scanner, a clearer picture of the situation began to form. My device was more advanced and powerful than what Hank had used, allowing me to gather much more detailed data on the portal's energy trace.
Identifying Kurt's energy signature turned out to be easier than expected compared to the data Hank provided.
"I found the dimension we need," I said, looking at the emerging picture before my eyes.
When I opened access to the Negative Zone, I quickly decided to create a dimensional map, and now another point had appeared on that map.
Hearing this, Ororo sighed, trying to hold back her emotions, but it was evident she was struggling.
"Thank you, Dr. Richards," said the white-haired goddess.
I put away the unnecessary devices and said, "Save the thanks for after we rescue the girl. And please, call me Reed."
Monroe nodded and said, "The X-Men are almost ready."
---= A Few Minutes Later =---
In Charles's office, everyone capable of joining the mission to retrieve the girl had gathered.
"What did you find out?" Charles asked.
"This is a dimension that exists almost separately from the overall picture of the Universe," I began, displaying a prototype of the Multiverse Map. "And it resembles Hell."
"Hell?" Charles and Kurt exclaimed in surprise.
"Hell and Heaven are quite real," I declared, shocking them further. "I'd explain more, but we have a different task at hand."
Not giving them time to process the existence of such dimensions, I showed them the difference between our dimensions.
"This is the main problem before us: the flow of time," I said. "To overcome this, we'll need to work on navigating the fabric of space-time."
Hank McCoy, no fool, quickly grasped what needed to be done.
"You're very fortunate that I already have a rough plan," I said.
---= Some Time Later =---
Ororo and I returned to the X-Men's hangar, where the strike team was assembling to retrieve the girl.
In addition to the Fantastic Four, tasked with charting the course and exploring this dimension, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Colossus, Wolverine, and Iceman were ready to join.
Initially, Kurt wanted to come along, but I insisted he stay behind. My theory was that his body would be subject to changes imposed by that dimension, given that Kurt carried Azazel's genes.
"We're ready," Cyclops said upon seeing me.
I looked at Hank. He nodded and gave a thumbs up, indicating that the return trip would be monitored closely.
"Let's not waste any time," I said, heading toward the modified Fantasticar.
Once everyone was seated and Hank confirmed our readiness, we began the transition between dimensions.
BAM
Before our eyes appeared a kaleidoscope of colors, which ended a moment later, and we found ourselves in Limbo.
The dimension resembled what people call Hell. An endless horde of monsters.
"This is going to be a challenge," Johnny said with a grin.
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