Ben 10: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Chapter 22 (Early Preview) (Patreon)

Chapter 22: Eyes of Wonder

AIM Compound - Lower Floor

The large head grinned. "I have been told of your financial struggles, Simon. We alleviate them for a price."

Simon steeled himself. "Yeah. Eric mentioned that. What kind of price?"

"You will participate in our experiment in exchange for a hefty sum. We can remake you, Simon Williams, into something powerful," Modoc declared.

Simon glanced between his brother and Modoc, his eyes filled with fear and disbelief. "That is more than I was expecting. Also, you said something. Are you saying that I won't be human anymore?

Modoc's lips curled into a thin smile. "Human? Why would you want to be human when you can be more?"

"For one, I'd like to have my career options open. Becoming a monstrosity like the Hulk or the Thing would be very limiting."

"Modoc," Eric interrupted, drawing the creature's attention.

"Yes, humanity is relative," Modoc continued, undeterred. "You will retain everything that makes you Simon Williams." Modoc rolled his eyes. "I can assure you that you won't become a brute. We aim for precise control of superhuman powers, not a blunt hammer."

"Superpowers." Simon nodded. "Okay. I can work with that." So long as he didn't commit crimes, he could still be a celebrity, right? Maybe have his superhero brand, like Iron Man. "So, what kind of powers are we working with?"

"I am pleased to hear your cooperation. We will use zeta beams to imbue your living matter with ionic energy. You will become a wonder of science. The power at your disposal will be incalculable."

"So, I'll be able to shoot lasers from my hands or something?"

Modoc paused. "Yes, you will." 'And so much more,' he thought.

Simon shrugged. "I guess I'm in."

"A good choice," Modoc said, motioning to the drones. "Prep him."

The scientists took Simon, cleaned him, put him in a containment suit, and placed him in a box before MODOC turned the beam on. The mechanical drones swarmed around Simon, their precise, automated movements preparing him for the radical procedure.

As they worked, Modoc turned to Eric, his tone deceptively casual. "You do understand that no one has actually survived this process, correct?"

Eric's response was a sardonic huff accompanied by a smile. "That's life."

With a dismissive wave, Eric turned his attention to a group of AIM scientists laboring over a strange blue cube. "Strucker wants an update on the weapon he's paying you to create."

Modoc glided between Eric and the enigmatic cube, his expression stern. "HYDRA may be eager to take over the world, but they need the science of the Advanced Idea Mechanics to do it. When there is an update, I'll inform Baron Strucker personally."

Eric shrugged, his interest waning. "Let me know if my brother survives," he said as he left the ominous chamber behind.

Outside, Eric slipped into the backseat of his sleek, waiting limo. As the vehicle pulled from the facility, an AIM ship, billowing smoke from recent damage, descended toward the base.

AIM Compound - Upper Floor

The roof to the AIM base rumbled open, revealing a smoking AIM ship descending into the hidden lair. The acrid smell of burnt electronics filled the air as the ship touched down, its landing gear struggling under the weight of the damage it had sustained.

"What happened?!" an AIM scientist demanded, rushing to the figures who emerged from the jet, their faces smudged with soot and their uniforms torn.

"We were in the middle of the Maggia sale when two Avengers burst in!" one of the agents panted, his eyes wide with lingering fear. "Thor and Wasp chased us, but we managed to shake them..."

The first scientist's eyes widened in panic. "The Avengers were chasing you, and you came here?! What were you thinking?"

A small voice chirped from his shoulder. "Yeah, you guys. What were you thinking?"

The scientist froze, his eyes slowly turning to see Wasp, in her diminutive form, perched casually on his shoulder. "Hi," she greeted with a sweet smile before blasting him with a bio-electric sting that sent him sprawling to the ground, unconscious.

The two AIM agents turned to run, but they didn't get far. Wasp flitted off the downed scientist's shoulder, growing to full size as she landed before the fleeing men. Her hands crackled with bio-electric energy, and with swift, precise movements, she released twin stings that struck one in the back. The agent convulsed as the energy coursed through his body, then collapsed to the ground, knocked out cold.

The last of the three ran without looking, crashing into the chest of a Norse god and knocking himself out.

"Looks like the welcoming committee is a bit understaffed," Wasp quipped, brushing her hands off.

Thor smiled at her. "Well done, Wasp."

Astrodactyl landed next to the ship. "You were right about your infiltration skills."

Wasp smirked. "I know."

"We gotta move before more of AIM's lackeys arrive."

Wasp nodded. "Let's try to keep it quiet for now."

The Alien hero kept at a steady hover. "We don't want to rattle the nest too much and make them scatter to escape."

Thor chuckled. "And I shall be there to shepherd the flock."

With that, the three Avengers moved deeper into the base.

#

Two aim scientists place Simon Williams in a metal sarcophagus-like chamber. Slowly, the chamber cover began to lower over him.

Above, a spherical device lowered itself from the ceiling within a yard of the chamber. Its surface was adorned with glowing circuits, pulsating as it aligned directly above Simon.

An AIM scientist reached for a lever. With a final glance at the readouts on his monitor, he pulled the lever down, activating the procedure with an ominous click.

The chamber filled with a low, throbbing hum as the zeta beams powered up. Simon's breath quickened, his eyes darting around the confined space. Suddenly, brilliant beams of purple light burst from the spherical device, enveloping him in a dazzling display of energy. The ionic energy surged through his body, every cell igniting excruciatingly.

"ARGH!" Simon's scream pierced the air, raw and primal. The pain was unlike anything he had ever experienced, a searing agony that seemed to tear at his very essence. He writhed within the chamber, muscles spasming uncontrollably as the ionic energy coursed through him, reshaping his living matter on a molecular level.

Outside, the scientists watched with clinical detachment, monitoring the data as Simon's transformation progressed. The purple light within the chamber intensified, casting eerie shadows across their faces. Simon's screams continued.

Seconds felt like hours as the procedure dragged on, the relentless energy waves assaulting Simon's senses. His vision blurred, his world dissolving into a haze of light.

Meanwhile

Thor, Astrodactyl, and Wasp stood before the reinforced wall of the AIM testing lab. With a roar, Thor swung Mjolnir, now crackling with electrified energy, and shattered the wall, sending debris flying. They entered the room in a cloud of dust and sparks.

Inside, they found a vast lab filled with strange devices and the eerie hum of machinery. In the center, Simon Williams was strapped to a table, writhing under the effect of a purple Ionic Zeta Beam. Standing nearby was MODOC, flanked by three AIM scientists, their expressions a mix of fear and determination.

Wasp pointed directly at MODOC. "Okay, stop. What is that?"

Thor blinked, trying to make sense of the grotesque figure before them. "'Tis some kind of... of... That is a very big head."

Astrodactyl tilted his head, studying MODOC's disproportionate form. "Its limbs are like toothpicks compared to his head."

"I am MODOC! I am the ultimate human-machine interface! I am designed only for conquest!" the creature proclaimed, his voice filled with mechanical malice. "Mental Organism Designed Only for Conquest!"

"Whatever you say, freakshow," Wasp retorted, crossing her arms under her chest.

MODOC's face twisted in rage. "BE SILENT!"

Thor laughed, shaking his head. "It looks like a Frost Giant's head on an infant's body."

Astrodactyl chuckled. "It's like someone used a shriveled-up Mr. Potatohead."

MODOC snarled, raising a glowing appendage. "RAH!" A beam of energy shot from his headpiece, striking Thor in the chest and sending him hurtling out of the hole they had just made.

"THOR!" Wasp and Astrodactyl shouted as the Asgardian flew backward. They dodged another beam aimed at them, darting with agility and speed through the lab.

Thor's arm emerged from the wreckage, and Mjolnir charged with lightning. With a fierce battle cry, he sent a shockwave that knocked the three approaching AIM scientists away, their bodies tumbling through the air like ragdolls.

Wasp and Astrodactyl executed evasive maneuvers, peppering MODOC with energy blasts. Their attacks were swift, a coordinated dance around the enraged creature. In the chaos, MODOC's beam crossed streams with the one radiating over Simon, causing a massive buildup of Ionic Energy. The purple beam fizzled out before a surge of energy flooded Simon's chamber below.

Astrodactyl glanced at the chamber, his eyes widening. "Uh, what were you guys working on?"

"Whatever it is, I think you broke it," Wasp said, her voice tinged with concern.

As the smoke cleared, the testing chamber lay in ruins. In the center stood Simon, his body now composed entirely of purple energy, his eyes glowing red, and his hair gone.

"He survived!" MODOC exclaimed in surprise. "The mental bolt must have changed the algorithm."

Thor got back on his feet, shaking off the debris. "Another villain?"

Wasp shrugged. "Probably. You want to hit him, or do you want me to?"

Astrodactyl raised a hand. "How about we wait for him to make the first move?"

Simon wavered, his hands on his knees as he struggled to regain his bearings. "What... What happened? Where am I? Who am I?"

MODOC's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Incredible! I have created a being of pure ionic energy! I am science. I am genius!"

His gloating was cut short as Mjolnir smashed into his face, sending him sprawling backward.

Wasp and Astrodactyl slowly floated down to the man composed of purple energy, their movements cautious as they approached him. Simon grabbed at his head, his expression pained and confused as he looked at them. "Who- Who are you?"

Astrodactyl held up his hands in a calming gesture. "Woah. Take it easy, man."

Wasp nodded, her voice gentle. "Let's all just stay calm. What's your name?"

Simon struggled to concentrate, his chest rising and falling as if he needed to breathe despite his new form. "I... My name? My name is..." Suddenly, a green mystical haze enveloped his eyes, and his tone went flat. "I am but a tool for a greater purpose." His arms shot up, and with a surge of power, he fired a massive beam at his would-be rescuers.

Astrodactyl and Wasp narrowly dodged the attack, their eyes widening in shock. They turned around to see the beam had vaporized several layers of steel and concrete, creating a gaping hole that opened up to the surface above.

Astrodactyl looked back at Wasp, his expression serious. "Yeah, I think it's time we called for backup."

Wasp nodded, her eyes fixed on Simon, who stood rigid, the green haze still glowing in his eyes. "Agreed. We need to contain him before he causes any more damage."

Stark Tower

Tony Stark was fastening the final piece of his Iron Man suit. The armor clicked into place. He turned to face Hank Pym, a mix of exasperation in his eyes. "What else am I supposed to do, Hank? Tell me."

Hank Pym stood across from him, his stance rigid with frustration. "Try being an actual team player. Stop being so ego-centric."

Tony's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Have you not seen the Avengers Mansion facility I provided us?" His tone was defensive, bordering on accusatory.

Hank's jaw tightened. "That's being a sponsor, Tony. We save the world together or not at all."

Before Tony could respond, both their Avengers Cards began to vibrate and emit a soft, insistent beeping. Tony glanced at his card, then at Hank, his expression closing off. "We're done with this conversation."

As Tony turned away, Hank shook his head, a resolute look in his eyes. "This isn't over, Tony." The words hung in the air as the two heroes prepared to face the latest crisis, their unresolved conflict simmering beneath the surface.

Canada

The small plane buzzed low over the vast expanse of the Canadian wilderness, its shadow skimming across the snow-covered treetops. Clad in his rugged leather gear, Wolverine peered out of the small window, his keen eyes scanning the landscape below. The pilot's voice crackled through the headset.

"Sir, I think we got something," the pilot called out, pointing to a swath of forest where trees lay splintered and toppled.

Wolverine leaned closer to the window, eyes narrowing as he saw the signs of heavy destruction. Entire trees were ripped from the ground, and a dark scar marred the pristine white of the snow.

"Do you want us to try for a landing?" the pilot asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Don't bother," Wolverine replied, his voice a low growl.

He stood up, sliding his mask over his face, and moved to the plane's rear. The pilot opened the door, cold wind whipping through the cabin. Without hesitation, Wolverine leaped out, the wind roaring in his ears as he plummeted towards the earth.

Adjusting his body mid-air, Wolverine aimed for the side of a snowy mountain. He hit the slope with a thud, the impact jarring but manageable. Claws extended, he dug into the snow and rock, using the momentum to slide down the mountainside. Snow sprayed around him as he deftly navigated the descent, finally coming to a halt near the base.

Rising to his feet, Wolverine sniffed the air, catching a familiar scent mixed with something foul and unnatural. He followed it to an impact crater, where the snow had been blasted away to reveal the dark earth beneath. Kneeling, he inhaled deeply, the scent of the Wendigo unmistakable.

He took off into the trees without wasting another moment, moving with a predator's grace and speed. Branches snapped underfoot, and the cold air stung his face, but he pressed on, following the scent trail through the dense forest.

Reaching the edge of a cliff, he paused, scanning the expanse below. A frozen lake spread out beneath him, bordered by more forest. Far below, he could see a waterfall cascading down, its roar faint but distinct.

Descending the cliffside with practiced ease, Wolverine reached the waterfall's base. He knelt by the stream, cupping his hands to drink the icy water. As he drank, a grey wolf emerged from the trees, approaching the stream cautiously. The wolf eyed Wolverine but sensed no threat, joining him for a drink before slipping back into the forest's shadows.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the trees. Wolverine's head snapped up, ears pricking at the sound. Rising to his feet, he followed the noise, weaving through the trees with relentless determination.

He found the tracks in the snow, massive footprints leading deeper into the wilderness. Wolverine crouched, examining the prints closely. The Wendigo was close.

#

As Wolverine began closing in on the Wendigo, he picked up another scent ahead. It was... oddly familiar. Frowning, he stayed low, minimizing the crunch of the snow beneath his feet as he crept toward the possible threat.

Drawing closer past a thick brush, he spotted a broad man leaning against a tree. Strands of blonde hair stuck out from his hood, and he was scanning the forest intently. It would seem this man was also after the Wendigo. If the General was anything to go by, it might have been the civilian from town trying to be a hero.

Moving silently, Wolverine sneaked up behind the man. However, he didn't expect the stranger to whirl around with lightning speed, grapple him, and slam him into the snow. The man was stronger than Wolverine anticipated.

With a snarl, Wolverine forced himself out of the grapple and pinned the man to the tree, extending a claw to keep him in place.

"What the hell was that for? Who are you?!" Wolverine growled.

The blonde man's eyes widened at the sight of Wolverine's face. "James?" He didn't expect to meet a familiar face after all these years. Had he been frozen as well?

Wolverine narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening. "Who the fuck is James?"

The man hesitated, shock etched across his features. "It's me, Steve. Steve Rogers."

Wolverine's scowl deepened as he tried to piece together the fragments of his past. The name stirred something, but it was like grasping at smoke. "Steve...?" He studied the man's face, recognition dawning slowly but obscured by the fog of lost memories.

"Yeah, it's me," Steve confirmed, his voice softer now, though the tension between them remained. "After all we've been through, don't tell me you forgot your Captain."

Wolverine didn't answer but kept his claws up.

Steve faltered. "James, what the hell happened to you?"