Bad Vampires, Bad! (Patreon)

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Hector P.O.V.

My haters would have a field day if they got a glimpse of what I am doing right now.

From all my… Hm, what do you call a group of vampires again? A coven? Or is that only for women? A brood? It looks more like an alien infestation… A clan, probably. Kinda boring, but I guess it is the most correct.

So, among all the new additions to my Vampire Clan, the Progenitor isn't the only one who is rebellious.

I mean, vampires are known for being very conceited, arrogant, and all that… Submitting to a human is not something they do easily. Luckily, I am more than a human, and I can prove that.

Even Carmilla is very quiet, but I can feel her scheming inside that haughty head of hers. Vampires tend to be a little smart, so I thought they would fall in line, even if they were faking it after discovering that they were at a disadvantage.

Especially when I easily turned half of them to my side, so even the disagreeable other half would stay quiet while plotting, unknowingly letting me slowly “tame” them.

The problem is when irrational feelings get in the way of a good relationship being established, and in this case, that feeling is Hate… More accurately, a little misandry for the part of Lady Dommy Mommy Dimitrescu here.

What a useless prejudice to have when she has such huge badonkas. Women, you are obviously created for the male gaze; it is useless to hate my gender. 

Maybe if I were one of those perverts that like to be dominated, you would have a chance to act on your misandry, but unfortunately I only allowed that ironically.

Yeah, Shego and Pamela like to roleplay as the female villain that captured a poor hero to use for sexual relief.

Yes, I let myself be bound.

Yes, it is fucking great.

But it was never real. The little play will only go as far as I allow, and as much as I indulge them; I already know that I am not the submissive type. Part of the fun is turning the tables on them halfway, though.

So… Your character design is wasted on me, Alcina Dimitrescu. 

But we can talk again if you're into sh*tas; we can roleplay… but even then, most of the time I would have to be the dominant sh*ta. I can call you “Mommy” in exchange. I am not selfish.

“I thought we could get along…” I show a fake crying expression as I stomp Dimitrescu's head on the floor, making her grovel at me.

Damn big ass, by the way.

“You… man thing…” She growls.

Thud

But then I just increase the pressure on her whole body, paralyzing her completely.

“There, there… I really don’t want to say it, but it seems some of you are so dumb that I should start writing on the pamphlets.” I shake my head with a laugh, then get serious again. “I own you.”

Bam

More pressure was added on her, and even on the rest of them. My Haki and En immediately filled the whole room, making the weaker ones step back like they were hit by a storm and the strong ones wince.

“If you ask your veterans, you are gonna discover that this is not a card I use lightly. I don’t even use it at all… but if you misbehave…” I threaten, “I mean… why the heck should I even keep you around if you are more trouble than you are worth? Should I just erase your mind and turn you into an obedient puppet? Maybe I will destroy your soul too, just so that trouble doesn’t arise again… I would prefer you all whole, but I will be content with only your bodies. I could even clone you fuckers, or simply toss you to be eaten by my more obedient subordinates and empower them… I do not waste resources.” I give them all a big and friendly smile, which I bet sends chills through their very existences.

I let the uncomfortable silence stretch for a long time. Why should I break it? They should suffer alone with their own thoughts, so they can reach the conclusion that they can do nothing but submit to the circumstances.

The bad apples are villains too, so I will not feel any guilt in doing exactly what I said. 

Ironically, what “breaks the ice” is the Dumb Duo (I am calling them that now) approaching me.

“More meat.” Rim, the Dragon Girl, demands as she approaches me shamelessly

And Briar on the side nods frantically, chin moving up and down really fast.

“...” I pause.

Are they so dumb they can’t read the mood, or are they so sensitive they noticed I didn’t add bloodlust to my pressure? They probably think I am not talking with them, which is a mix of both being pretty smart and oblivious.

“Here.” I pull two thighs of dino-like creatures from the One Piece world from my inventory. They're the size of cars, but Sanji taught me not to let people go hungry, especially cute girls.

Their eyes immediately start shining, and drool pours from their mouths like a waterfall.

To avoid having my arms beaten off, I throw the meat sticks in the air, making them catch them like dogs.

“Why can’t you be obedient like them, Alcina?” I look down at the woman I am still stomping on.

“...” At least she is smart enough to know she can’t win an argument against someone who has their foot on her head.

As the gentleman that I am, I remove my foot from her head and crouch down to eye level. Yes, eye level… She only needs to push herself up with her arms so that she is at eye level with me, squatting.

Humming a cheery tone, I bring her wide-brimmed hat to my hand with a “pull small objects” quirk and dust it off with another minor power.

“There, there… pretty again.” I smile as I put the hat on her head after fixing her hair, then pat it down to settle more tightly.

This way I can’t see her glaring yellow eyes, so I pull her chin up with my fingers so that we can have some intimate eye contact.

“Lady Dimitrescu…” I address her with faux respect. “I sincerely hope that no resentment grows between us when it is your own actions that created this outcome.”

She was the one openly hostile to me in front of everyone; if I didn’t do this much, no one would respect me.

“So, before you unreasonably create a huge grudge, have a little moment of introspection… humble yourself… no one will think less of you here. Everyone is in the same boat, after all.” This advice comes genuinely from my heart.

The worst cases where you can’t fix a relationship are when the other party created an imaginary problem with you and never let it go.

Like someone getting offended that you set boundaries, you are not wrong for setting boundaries, but they get offended by it for some reason… and then what do you do? Apologize even when you are right? No. Let them ignorantly think they're right on their own end, and that is it.

Everyone can relate because everyone has someone who hates them over something they can’t control, maybe a misunderstanding, maybe a single individual impression that got stuck with them, and the person can’t let go… it happens. You can only move on and accept that you can’t change how the person sees you.

In our case… if Dimitrescu here holds a grudge to the point that her Relationship Loyalty doesn’t grow... well… It would be a great discovery about the Relationship Loyalty Mechanic!

But she will have to go…

Maybe she can feel my thoughts, because her inhuman eyes tremble while we stare at each other. I didn’t hide my cold indifference to her fate… It is in her own hands now.

I can give her rope; she can either tie herself to me or around her neck and jump from a chair. It is in her hands. I can, at least, give my summons this much power over their own destiny.

“Are we understood?” I have to ask. Verbal confirmation is a great way to solidify things. “Hm?” I press, letting a little of annoyance slip.

“Yes…” She finally relents, almost sighing.

“Good!” I immediately smile, like I am training a dog.

Then, faster than she can notice, I stand up and pull her with me, healing her in a way that makes her body feel good and gives her a refreshing feeling.

It is really like training a dog. Positive reinforcement when they do what I want. I will even go as far as to play a little trick…

“Follow me,” I order Dimitrescu before I start walking to the line of my other subordinates, hands clasped behind my back.

You see, now that she is playing obedient, I will give her a smidgen of status by having her by my side instead of joining the plebs in line.

It is such a small thing, but people like to maintain a little power once they acquire it. It is obvious that there will be a hierarchy in this big group, and Dimitrescu just got a little ahead, just a half step, just because she left an impression that is not as bad as the Progenitor… but it is something.

From there, if she is smart, she could secure a place at the top, just below me in my Vampire Clan.

Of course, they don’t know about Selene, my beloved, or that Seras and Serana are, in truth, the ones at the forefront without even trying.

I am biased… yes, sue me.

Oh, all their names start with “Se”. Is it a vampire thing?

But as I step in front of the first one, Carmilla, I see her eyes flick to Dimitrescu behind me, gears turning in her head.

Oh gosh, greedy people are so easy to manipulate~ You always know what they want.

“Are we gonna have a problem too, Carmilla?” I ask in a calm tone.

“Clearly not, sire. I heard you loud and clear.” The vampire of Castlevania smiles sweetly, then bows gracefully to me. “Your power greatly amazes me, and I couldn’t help but be overcome with the desire to follow you.” She raises her head at the end to give me a smile. It would look sweet if not for those fangs and blood-red lips.

I think it is cute, but that is me… I am whacked on the red and have a fucked sense of danger.

“Yeah, yeah… flattery will get you somewhere, I admit, but results are what matters.” I say dismissively, “Perform well and I will share my power with you.” I don’t elaborate before stepping to the ones beside her.

This duo came from the same universe and are even part of the same organization… They even went together on Alucard’s belly, haha.

“Tubalcain Alhambra and Rip Van Winkle…” I say slowly, tasting their long names on my mouth.

Rip, the Demonic Rifle woman, is trembling on the spot, a pile of nerves. And the bohemian guy is playing cool, but I can see his fingers trembling as he adjusts his hat.

“As previous members of an evil organization, I hope you two adapt faster than the others… But I am not a Nazi in any way, so I also hope you adapt to that too… very quickly.” Oh no… maybe I can insert them into Hydra discreetly… It is an idea.

“Never thought someone like me would have yet another chance at life, so…” Tubalcain tips his hat.

“S-Sir, yes Sir!” Rip salutes nervously.

“I will find a use for your talents… for all of you,” I say as I move to the next one.

I am glad this Skarlet wasn't hit with the Mallet of Uglification that seems to assault all women in the later Mortal Kombat.

“Your previous loyalties should be discarded if they enter into conflict with my interests… I am not sugarcoating it; this is reality.” I say while staring into Skarlet's eyes.

I know that she is very devoted to Shao Khan, and this can’t stand. “Eventually you are gonna discover that I am vastly superior to whatever previous masters you all have… Maybe I can even be those masters… or put them just by your side, serving me too.”

No words need to be exchanged between them.

Hmm, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to make a little visit to the Mortal Kombat universe. I can bet a lot of money that seeing me rip Shao Khan in half will create an impression and allow me to recruit some people. But it is a pretty high-level universe, right? With those super strong guys…

A universe where there is a guy who kicks balls but also a time goddess… And they all fight. So complicated to powerscale…

I passed in front of Skarlet, now looking at Sophia Keren… Funny how this is like her second time being transported to another world. Isekai characters can’t catch a break.

“It doesn’t matter what your dreams and aspirations are; they are still reachable if you stay by my side… Being beneath me expands your horizons… You just can’t see it now.”

I can see Sophia Keren isn’t too happy, but Shiraori's caution seems to have rubbed off on her enough, so she stays quiet.

The rest is much easier to deal with, so my tone noticeably softens as I pass Vampirella, Serana, Seras, and Stussy.

“I am also pretty reasonable, so you don’t need to worry about me abusing you if you don’t give me a reason to ‘correct your behavior ’. I will treat you well, occasionally ask you to do some jobs and missions, and properly reward you.” I gesture as I specifically talk to this last group. “I believe that with time you all get used to your new circumstances and maybe even bless this day… this day that I brought you here.”

After saying that, I hear a scoff behind me.

Everyone heard it, really, so I calmly turn around to address the person who showed such blatant disrespect while I was talking.

“Any problem, Ms. Keren…” My tone was the same one I used to address Progenitor and Dimitrescu, so the whole mood of the run shifted back to high-level tension. “Or should I call you Shouko Negishi?”

The isekai'd vampire was a little taken aback by being confronted; she probably scoffed reflexively, exposing her real thoughts… But then when I called her by her original name, her face flushed with anger.

What is the problem, girl? Ashamed of your past?

This beautiful, powerful vampire right here was a loser in Japan before her reincarnation; so it's no surprise she fully embraced her new life.

Me, calling her by her former name, should feel like someone bringing back her cringe past.

I watch her grit her teeth in anger before finally breaking. 

“You really think you are some big shot, huh? God’s gift to us all.” She asks with sarcasm, not hiding her contempt.

“Considering that I saved most of you from a horrible fate, that is not entirely incorrect, right?” I tilt my head, acting calm. “Aren’t you stuck on a dying world, Ms. Shouko? Trapped on an artificial cycle of combat between good and evil that just delayed the inevitable end.”

“Ukh!” Yeah, girl… I know everything about you.

“So I saved you from living the rest of your faux immortal life melancholically watching the world around you decay. You can start with a ‘Thank you.’.” I extend my hand to her with a smile.

“Fuck you.” Is her reply

“Hehe~” I don’t look bothered by her bratiness. “So even being saved from a hopeless situation isn't enough to warrant some minimum respect… What about the ones that really died and are saved from nothingness? I mean, if you all are lucky… We all know that the places your souls would go after death would not be so pleasant.” I let my eyes pass over each of them.

Even the most innocent are still monsters. There is no other way to the afterlife if not some hellish plane.

“Huhu~” I chuckle again, seeing their uncomfortable expressions, then I go back to address my Isekai Vampire. “That would be the moment when I would use your face to paint this whole room red… floor, walls, and ceiling.”

“...” Reality is a bitch that slaps hard, and Ms. Keren here just felt the sting of the slap after I reminded her that I can do whatever I want with them. “I can feel her mana starting to circulate around her body.”

“But in your specific case… I have a better idea.” With a mischievous smile, I reach into the empty air.

Space trembles and shifts before a vortex of darkness appears; my hand sinks into it till my elbow before I pull back, carrying something- no… someone.

“Hector? I was defeating a boss! There is no pause! Nai wa~” Shiraori struggles like a cat as I hold her by her white hoodie. “Eh?”

But then, when she noticed I'd brought her in front of so many people, she froze and went quiet.

It is incredible, really; her social anxiety is turned on “aloofness” just by the fact she is pretty.

“Ma-Ma-MASTER?!” Sophia Keren shouts in shock, even dramatically stepping back after seeing Shiraori.

“Oh… you?” Shiraori comments in a calm voice, gentle like the breeze.

If I didn’t know her true personality, I would have been fooled too. Shiraori is cool, but Kumoko-chan is cute too.

“So Hector also brought you here… congratulations.” Shiraori gives her a deadpan thumbs-up.

“Ma-Master! What do you mean congratulations? Are you one of this guy's victims too?” Sophia Keren points at me, panic and confusion on her face and in her voice.

The relationship between those two is a little weird…

Shiraori more or less raised that girl in her second life in a spartan way. She carried the vampire, abusing her game mechanics to make her super strong before she could level up, maximizing the gains.

Sophia Keren hated that, but deep down there is some respect there… And if I am not wrong, Shiraori cursed Sophia to always call her “Master”.

So, a complicated relationship between the two… but one thing is clear… Shiraori has the power over it.

“...” Shiraori doesn’t talk much when there are so many people around, so she doesn’t reply to Sophia.

“She was being problematic… I will put her under you so that you can reeducate her. You did it once; you can do it again.” I say with a big smile.

Sophia pales as Shiraori nods.

“W-Wait… Wait!” 

Shiraori doesn’t wait, immediately moving behind, faster than the eye can see, and dragging the vampire by the neck.

“Nonono! Wait! Not that again! No, it can’t be right? I don’t need reeducation! Please…” Sophia struggles, but I can feel she is not using a fraction of her power.

Damn, the trauma is so big that she can’t muster any strength against Shiraori.

The shouts disappear as Shiraori drags her through an open portal.

Oh, that teleportation with squares appearing in the air is pretty cool; I will practice later. It can be a way to teleport to another persona of mine. And I can always use that mechanic to change the aesthetics a little.

PAH I clap loudly to rest everyone’s attention. “Now I think I said everything I want to say… collectively. Later I will have private talks with each one of you to assign you to your duties, till there you are stuck here, unfortunately… so, work hard reading the pamphlets and studying this world.”

Of course, people who are already familiar with a modern setting will take it in stride, but the ones like Serana and Carmilla will find it a little more difficult… But I can find a place for everyone.

Even to the Dumb Duo: Briar and Rim.

I am in a bit of a hurry because of the Monster issue, but I will let them go at their own pace.

“Hm?” It was at this moment that Progenitor, the guy I left on the last legs, finally regenerated completely.

He stands up trembling, features shocked… yeah, dude, I know. You are used to regenerating immediately, but too bad your blood-like healing factor is a bad matchup to my power systems.

I just need to let my aura and Haki linger on your body so that you will have difficulty reforming yourself.

And that is something I have been practicing because fucking damn! Everyone that I fought lately has a healing factor!!

It will probably be as effective on higher-level people like Varnae, who used his soul to reform his body, but middle-level demons are gonna be shocked when they feel their mortality.

“Y-You… You…” Progenitor points his trembling finger at me, legs shivering.

“Ah, shut up.” I roll my eyes and extend my hand toward him.

A sucking sound echoes, and his blood immediately leaks from his body and flies in my direction. It happens so fast that he doesn’t even react. One moment he was there, trembling but looking healthy, and the next he looked like a mummy.

The blood comes to be on multiple paths that coalesce into a ball floating in my palm.

Well, that is an overpowered insta-kill ability.

The Essence is so funny sometimes… it just needs one day, and suddenly Hemokinesis jumped to being one of my strongest powers.

Combining Cadis and Vladimir's expertise on this is a cheat code.

Which living being can fight this?

“Ah… uh… ah…” Now Progenitor looks like a tree swaying in the storm, his legs barely keeping him upright.

No one here can laugh at his comical situation, though… Everyone just felt their blood freeze… literally.

I didn’t just pull his blood; I also discreetly affected everyone a little, just enough for them to feel a little pull, so that they heart skip a bit and my danger level rises in their eyes.

From their perspectives, it should be pretty scary, right? A vampire being sucked of their blood like this? I just cemented myself as their better, even on what should be their specialty.

I stare for a moment at the ruby ball floating above my fingers… A pretty villainous ability, but even if I can’t replicate what I did with Progenitor on really strong people, messing with their innards is a great skill to create an opening.

Funny enough, the first to recover from their shock is none other than Briar (again), who came to me with shiny puppy eyes, practically drooling. 

“Stop.” I put my hand in front of her while my other hand carried the blood out of her reach.

Screeeh

She slides brusquely as she hits the brakes, stopping just in front of me and sitting on the ground.

“...” Well, it is a surprise she stopped… I thought she was more uncontrollable.

How funny that this girl is the one who understood the pecking order the fastest.

To test, I move the blood around me, from left to right, up and down… and her eyes follow it like an animal locked on a snack.

She looks like a dog.

“Do you want it?” I ask

“Yes! Yes!” She nods frantically

“Oh, aren’t you cute.” I bring my palm to her then, presenting the blood…

Chomp

“...” And she bites it together with my hand and wrist.

“.....”

Is there any thought behind those big eyes? And her mouth is pretty big; my whole hand is inside it…

A comical moment happens when I start shaking her off, her body flailing around, but I keep my composure.

“So… that is all.” I address everyone again, Briar still biting my hand.

“......................”

Erm… A last impression where I am not that uptight of a boss can be a good thing too.

“Heh, I feel that you have some favoritism.” Zombieman comments with a smirk.

“What are you talking about?” I joke, caressing Briar's head even though she is still attached to my arm.

Then I telekinetically yank the dried-up Progenitor.

“Here, take care of this one as you see fit.” I don’t think he will kill the guy, so it is all good.

“That is what I am talking about.” He shakes his head as he not so kindly grabs the vampire that has no strength left, not even to try to bite anyone. “I will take this guy to the infirmary.”

“You are pretty nice… You can beat him up a little if you want.” I suggest. He was only here to check on the villains I summoned, and it seems he confirmed he was worried for nothing.

But he simply chuckled and walked away while dragging the vampire.

“Heh…” After that, I noticed everyone looking at me strangely because this little leech was trying to bite me. 

Sorry, Briar… Thanks to the power to rearrange the molecules of my skin, not even adamantium can pierce it while I activate it. It is not perfect, but you can’t rely on the sharpness of your teeth to hurt me. “What are you all looking at? Go too.”

With a raised eyebrow and a dismissive gesture of my other hand, I forcefully teleport everyone to their own rooms.

Another display of omnipotence will keep them in line.

“And you…” I look down at Briar, who finally looks up at me. “You are lucky I found murder machines cute.” She purrs as I caress her hair.

……………………………………………

Third Person P.O.V.

Hector's job as Eidolon is both very time-consuming and, at the same time, not.

If he really went around doing everything at his power, involving himself with every issue, he would have no rest even if he cloned himself. Thankfully, he never fell into this trap of suicidal empathy and traced a clear line on the ground.

He has priorities; he fights super villains, disasters, and death risks, and he always takes small breaks. Thanks to his Ghostly Biofission, there is always an Eidolon around, so it looks like he never rests, but that is a little far from the truth.

Of course, with the great number of videos of him doing small things and interacting with people, it is obvious that he is more than a response caller who saves people’s lives.

He does constant patrols, and it doesn’t take much for him to stop and help someone in need. With all his powers, it takes little time and effort to help someone with their car or simply play with some kids.

At those moments, he makes another one of himself to handle serious business.

So, thanks to his time-management skills, hero life isn't so bad for him. Of course, anyone who took a peek to understand what he does would call him a maniac, but he is not the average person.

That is why he doesn’t mind or feel guilty taking time off, even knowing that someone around the world needs him. He already does a lot, and more than anyone.

“That is horrible.” Right now, he is having a fun conversation with the friendly neighborhood hero, Spider-Man. He just shook his head and chuckled after listening to Spider-Man talk about getting a Spider-Car or Spider-Bike.

“What? Why? I think I can make it work.” Crouched on the edge of the skyscraper, Spider-Man argues.

“Pfft, lister… I understand the desire to have cool vehicles even when you don’t need them. Believe me, I have them.” Eidolon says

“You do?”

“Yes, but they are more like fancy LEGO pieces than something I would use.” He doesn't explain that he can create “street-level” personas so he can enjoy his cool rides. “But I don’t think you have the free time and resources to afford this luxury, right?”

“Ouch.” Spider-Man looks hurt

“Haha, you know that I am not throwing shade at you... even though it is true.” Eidolon jokes, “But really, you should think of something more practical for now… do you want my suggestion?”

“Shoot.”

“A lair. I think you need a base.” Eidolon suggests after a dramatic pause

“So I can’t have a car, but you want me to have a house? Are you a banker trying to get me to sign a loan I can’t afford?”

“Hey, you can't be a super-villain before you call me that.”

After a little laugh between them, Spider-Man speaks. “You know what? I think you have a point…” He looks pensive even with a mask on.

“You don’t need anything fancy, but anything would be better than you leaving by the window of your bedroom.” Eidolon suggests, “The best option would be a tall isolated place, where you can use your talents and be mostly inaccessible to anyone. Maybe some abandoned tall building…”

“There are some risks to that.”

“The legal ones, or the fact that anyone can maybe invade? You can barricade it in a way only you can enter.” Eidolon speaks, “The best thing you could do is own the place legally, but…”

“I am a broke boy, I know.” Spider-Man sighs exaggeratedly.

“You are young. Eventually you will have your home, and you will be able to make your attic your Spider-Lair.”

“Sure, sure. A spider needs to be in a lair, huh… I feel some racist undertones in your speech.” The blue and red hero jokes.

“There are spiders everywhere… do you want to live in a cave? In the sand?”

“Ugh, don’t talk about sand; last week Sandman almost buried me alive. I can’t even step on a beach without my PTSD kicking in.”

As they do small talk, a stealth helicopter appears above them; they look up to see someone jump from it and land on the roof of the building with them.

None react, because both can detect danger and also recognize the person.

“If you are here for the Spider, I am not letting you have him… He has a girlfriend and a lot ot live for.” Eidolon stands between Spider-Man and the recently arrived person.

“HA-HA! I never heard a Black Widow/Spider-Man joke before.” Natasha shakes her head mockingly at the black-clad hero. 

“It's still funny.” Eidolon shrugs

“Ahem Ms. Widow.” Spider-Man gets a little stiff after the arrival of the Avenger

“Don’t worry, dude. I will protect your chastity.” Eidolon pats his shoulder

“I came here for you, really,” Natasha comments

“My chastity?” Eidolon recoils 

“As if you still have it.” Natasha looks at him up and down. “Man-slut.”

“Hey!” Eidolon looks offended, but there is no heat behind his voice. “Whatever… By the way, that stealth chopper is pretty bad… The propulsors are too noisy. I mean, to a normal person in a big city, it will just fade into the background… But someone with enhanced senses can hear you all coming from blocks away. There is a distinct Ommmm~ on the propulsors. Tell your engineers to improve the discharge system or get better materials to disperse the sound. I would recommend vibranium. It is a pretty good metal for stealth.”

“Do you think vibranium grows in trees?” Natasha looks at him like he is an idiot. “And are you just showing off to me… That bird is the best S.H.I.E.L.D. can make.”

“Aren’t you all in contact with the greatest minds of the world? Stark, Reed, Pym… just ask for their help.”

“It would be easy to find vibranium on the streets.” Natasha scoffs. “They are busy with their own projects, and between us… they are arrogant pricks.” She gives him a smile

“That is not only between us; everyone knows that,” Eidolon replies, making her laugh. “And about our Spider here, I bet he is more friendly than those aloof geniuses.”

Both Spider-Man and Natasha look a little taken aback by his words

“Him?” 

“Me?”

“Please, don’t act like you already don’t know Peter here is part of the big brain group. Relax, Peter, I already told you they know.” Eidolon turns to him to address his surprise

“Ah yes.” Peter more or less relaxes. “I still don’t know how to feel about it.”

“So, Black Widow, our boy here can be young, but isn’t that a good thing? It would be better to cultivate a good relationship with him as he grows, right? Are you gonna wait for him to fly high solo and not need you?” Eidolon speaks

“...”

“You can hire him for consultation in some projects, pay him with it in a hidden account… No pressure from any side; don’t try to recruit him, just to see how things progress.”

“...” Black Widow stares at him for a minute. To her, it is obvious what he is doing. They know about Peter’s financial situation, and that would benefit him greatly, but it would also benefit S.H.I.E.L.D. in the long run. “I'll speak with Fury.” She finally speaks

“Do that.” Eidolon smiles. “Tell him that sometimes a soft approach is better than suddenly appearing at the person’s home all mysterious.”

“You wouldn’t understand; that is Fury’s thing.” The corners of her lips curve upwards.

“Yeah, yeah… Tell him that if one day, by any chance, he discovers my identity, don’t try to wait by my home with his back turned in a dark room… Seriously, for his own good. My house has defenses.” Eidolon warns with humor.

“I don’t think that will stop him. He has a hate-boner in wanting to discover your identity and do this.”

“Ew… Well, everyone with their fetishes.”

“I thought that I talked weird things with my villains.” Spider-Man suddenly speaks

“I didn’t even ask your opinion…” Eidolon turns to him. “What do you think of it?”

“Well… I… I mean, it sounds like a lot ot take in now. A lot of responsibility and what if…” Spider-Man speaks a little nervously.

“I see, you all can arrange this later if you want. Oh, there is a robbery with alien weapons on Sixth Street. Go get them, Spider.” Eidolon suddenly points out, giving him an escape route so that he doesn’t need to answer now.

“Really? I am going now! Bye.” Thwip Peter doesn’t waste the opportunity, jumping from the rooftop

The remaining heroes wave at him as Spider-Man web-slings away.

“Don’t try to get some unfair advantage over him…” Eidolon suddenly speaks more seriously

“Geez, relax~” Black Widow raises her hands in surrender. “We understood you are very protective of the guy when you started deleting his files from our database.”

“Be happy my morals still prevent me from deleting his identity from your minds…” The hero continues in a dangerous tone. “But it's enough that a few people like you and Fury know how he is, and not just any low-level agent.”

“Low-level agents can’t access this information.”

Eidolon almost rolls his eyes at her statement. “What do you want, Natalia?” He asks while using her true name. Just a little reminder that he is always privy to their secrets.

“You dumped a lot of your work on us and disappeared.” She accuses, hands on her wide hips. 

“...” Eidolon turns to her with a look that says, ‘Really?’ 

“Cleaning that mess is taking too long, and the legal issues will make it even slower. Don’t you want to help us end things faster?”

“You guys got this.” The truth is, those issues wouldn't speed things up much, even with his help. Eidolon has no influence beyond his heroic status.

He will let humans judge the humans he caught and exposed, acting only if the system fails to punish them properly. This isn't just him washing his hands of this disgusting issue; it's also giving them a chance to prove themselves and grow.

“Ah c’mon, man. Do you know how much work is piling up? You captured some very big names, and we have to deal with problems from all sides.” Natasha whines playfully

“And you  have no idea what I have dealt with.” He replies with an emotionless voice, “Next time I will let S.H.I.E.L.D. deal with the extradimensional demons then.”

“...”

“It is your jurisdiction now. I am a superhero; I punch villains and save people from unreasonable situations caused by meta-powers, aliens, robots… do you really want the precedent of me having a hand in the justice system?”

“Ugh, I guess you are right… but S.H.I.E.L.D. is not used to ‘operating on the light’.” Natasha sighs

“And you want a representative for that… The best I can do is do some more interviews to make it clear to everyone that you are acting in the best interests of the world… then you can get a little more forceful and heavy-handed.”

“That can work.” She concedes

“Tell Fury to stop trying to pull me with those tactics.” 

“You started.”

“Don’t tell me you are not enjoying finally dealing with those that previously were untouchable.  But seriously, keep those guys in jail… I will not be very happy if I discover they escaped in any way.”

“That is why I'm offering you the chance of being a more active participant.”

That makes Eidolon sigh. “Natasha… you know why I set Spider-Man up with that robbery instead of simply solving it in 3 seconds?”

“To send him away?”

“Beyond that…” He rolls his eyes. “I can’t be the one doing everything. Sometimes I need tos te pback and let the heroes, the government, the people in general grow through those challenges…”

“...”

“Unless it's some immediate danger, I will try to wait and see if people other than me can deal with it… There is no more danger to anyone after I dismantled their operations, and you only need to keep those criminals in jail. That is something any respectable society would find no trouble doing… and if you all can’t do it… it will be pretty disheartening to me.”

“...” Black Widow does her best to see if that is a threat.

But Eidolon seems to be done with the talk and slowly starts to float away. “Spider-Man has a saying: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’.  Sorry, but I can’t accept all responsibility without any authority. If the world really needs me to even do something as simple as keeping disgusting criminals in jail because of the corrupt system, even with so much evidence… maybe my whole approach to being a hero is wrong.”

“Okay, that is scary…” Natasha tries to laugh it off, but can’t hide her nervousness.

“...” Eidolon looks down on her a little more, face serious. “You all have been playing this game for so long that you are overcomplicating things… Just deliver Justice. S.H.I.E.L.D. has me, Captain America, Stark, Thor, and the whole world on its side against evil. Don’t compromise.” With that, he disappears, leaving Natasha alone on the rooftop.

She lets out a big sigh, then shrugs.

“Whatever… let it be chaos then.” She says out loud, “I am starting to miss fighting an extradimensional invasion… When is the next one?”

………………………………………………..

Helena

“Ahn~ Hmm ♥  Just there… Yessh!” Helena tries to suppress her moans, but that is a battle she can’t win. “Ho-How did I let you talk me into this? Hmm♥ “

Hector chuckles, hands roaming her body. “It is just a massage.” He says as he continues to spread the massage oil on his subordinate's naked body. “Everyone got it, you saw it… and they are all relaxing now.”

“No funny business, sir.” She warns, trying her best to keep her voice steady.

“Scout’s honor.” He declares proudly

“You are never a Sco-oooout~ Hmmm!”

“Oh yeah, I forgot.” A smirk appears on his unapologetic face. “So, how is life?” He asks innocently.

But Helena can’t answer because she is biting her lip.

.....................................................................