3rd POV:
Gwen, Bell and Melina made their way downstairs in the morning. Normally, it was Melina that cooked. Alas, this time breakfast was already done and ready. Courtesy of Felicia.
''Take a seat guys, breakfast is ready,'' Felicia told them. The three looked at each other and then shrugged.
''It is good,'' Melina complimented as she took the first bite from the sandwich and drank a little coffee with it. Gwen nodded reluctantly and got annoyed as Felicia gave her a victorious smile. She quickly turned her attention to Bell to see, what he had to say.
She got annoyed when he gave a casual shrug and then perked up as she had an idea.
While Gwen and Melina conversed. Bell absentmindedly ate his food, only for his eyes to suddenly snap at Felicia as he felt her foot on his groin. She looked at her plate as she cut up some cucumber all casually. Instead of reacting flustered as she hoped Bell cast a quicky glance at Mother and Gwen and then simply stood up.
''Coffee might suit you all well, but I always preferred tea. You should know that by now,'' Bell told her as he exchanged his cup for the empty one with his mother and put the empty one in the sink. Then he started to boil water for his tea.
Felicia lived with them now for several weeks. This was not the first time she tried something along those lines, but this time was the most brazen.
Felicia cast a glance at his groin hoping to have turned him on, but was disappointed.
''You and your tea, I always wonder where you got that preference,'' Melina joked.
''Who knows. Maybe I got swapped in that baby room in the hospital for someone else. Mistakes like that are not that uncommon. Maybe I never was you son to begin with. Maybe I was an imposter all along. Maybe I was a king in my last life and that royal blood carried over. Food for thought, hm?,'' Bell went on a tangent.
Melina hold up her hands and chuckled.
''I get it. I shouldn't have attacked your tea. Sorry, sorry,'' she said making Gwen smile.
''Anyway, I have a particularly long and difficult operation scheduled at the hospital. I probably won't be coming home tonight OR at the very least deep into the night. Take care of the home, Bell,'' Melina said as she gave Bell the empty plate for him to put in the sink and began making her way afterwards.
Bell saluted her like a soldier.
''Are you insane?,'' Bell asked Felicia, once he felt Mother enter the bathroom.
''What did she do this time?,'' Gwen asked.
''She tried giving me a footjob under the table,'' Bell explained.
Gwen cast an unimpressed look at Felicia.
''Stop sexually harassing him,'' Gwen told her.
''He can tell me that himself. Once he does, I will stop. Until then, be ready for me to steal your boyfriend,'' Felicia told her with a smirk.
Gwen narrowed her eyes in challenge. It was Bells say who joined the harem. Sure, any of them could give their input. And if any of them REALLY had a problem with someone they probably won't join, but Felicia was infuriating and she wanted to show her her place.
She suddenly smirked as she pushed herself from the table a bit and drank her coffee while stretching her legs a little. Her slipper hanging off and creating a small gap in between.
''Any way Peter and Chat should come later on. We shouldn't tarry to long and get ready,'' Gwen said, while Felicia looked annoyed when she saw Bell gave an appreciative look towards her legs. Between the two of them Felicia had the more pronounced assets, yet he barely looked at her.
---
''I need to confess something,'' Peter began once they were all gathered together in Bells man cave. The others, minus Bell who was typing away at the computer, but still paying attention, looked at him.
Peter took a deep calming breath and closed his eyes.
After a short while he opened them again.
''I ... A few weeks ago, I... Remember the news about that cargo at the pier? The news about the malnourished women, too weak to make any noise? The ones that were victims of human trafficking?,'' Peter stammered a little, but received several nods,'' OK. Uhm... I was the one that caught that. And you probably also remember that all the guards there were dead, the perpetrator never found. I... was the one that did that. I killed someone, or well several people.''
Peter finally confessed his head feeling light and a little dizzy, afraid of what their response might be. Especially from his girlfriend.
Felicia raised an eyebrow.
''And? That is it? Have you forgotten that I committed matricide?,'' she reminded him again.
''I too killed someone. It was Bullseye. Though it was part intentional, part accidental and instinctive,'' Gwen confessed as well.
Peter looked at them for a few moments and then looked at Bell and Chat.
''So long as the people were human garbage, I have nothing against it. But the moment you kill an innocent or consider death as punishment for even the smallest offenders, then we will have a problem,'' Chat assured him, grasping her Satanael cross firmly around her neck.
The others now looked at Bell.
''Don't look at me like that. I too killed people. Remember how sometimes victims were saved but inexplicably there were no perpetrators to be found? I buried the evidence somewhere in the ocean,'' Bell told them, typing away calmly.
Peter nodded. He could believe Bell having an extremely easy time with hiding evidence. He could after all use his telekinesis to bend light.
''That is not really what I had in mind when I put on that mask. I never saw myself as taking another life,'' Peter said, though aside from that one incident he did not take another life.
''Oh yeah? You think soldiers who voluntarily go to war, don't have that same mindset as you. What did you think was going to happen?
The truth is, despite being obvious what is going to happen, it never quiet settles in or registers in their mind, until it happens. Oh wow, so THAT is what actually happens in war. I'm taking another life,'' Bell told them, wanting to alleviate some of their guilt.
''Taking another life is not a natural drawn conclusion. But sometimes it is the only way.
You can only stay tolerant of intolerance so long before the proverbial camel backs snaps,'' Chat said in not completely agreeing with Bell, but also not completely disagreeing.
Bells mouth twitched. Ah, yes. He remembered how he shaped the religion a little with his 'There is such a thing as being too accommodating to the point that it becomes complacency again' sentence.
Peter sighed.
''So, what now? How do we go forward? Actually, how do we even decide who deserves to die and who doesn't?,'' Peter asked, having fears that he would treat death as pretty base, if he continues to kill in the absence of a structure of morals.
''Does anyone TRULY deserve to die?,'' Bell asked him in turn. Gwen took a pillow and threw it at the back of his head. He picked it up and threw it backwards without looking. It landed right back where it was previously.
''Fine. Fine. The easiest way to determine if someone should die is to see what lines the criminal crossed. It doesn't matter how justified you are in need of money. There is no reason for you to rape someone or engage in human trafficking or kill hundreds of people. Selling dope will suit their needs just as well to make money,'' Bell shrugged and turned around.
''What about working with the mafia by supplying them with meth or cocaine? Aren't they basically profiting of the ring of human suffering established by the mafia dons?,'' Felicia asked him.
Bell gave a non-committal shrug.
''Look. I can't hold your hand for everything. The truth is that NO world view or philosophical stance is exempt from criticism. You have to constantly reevaluate your position with the experiences you gathered and see if you still want to be the same person afterwards or change. Personally, I won't be making a distinction, but killing the meth suppliers is another matter as opposed to killing child pornography suppliers or flesh peddlers. Weather you do the same as me, I can't determine that,'' Bell told them diplomatically.
Peter and Gwen looked both down for a bit, before raising their heads and nodding signifying that they have come to a decision.
''So, are we good?,'' Bell asked, receiving a nod from them,'' Good. Come here then. You want to see this.''
They all gathered behind Bells back and looked at the screen. Bell pointed with his mouse at various places.
''See this? This is Fisks account and ledger. This one is the official. This one is the one from his secret servers. What do you see?,'' Bell asked them and waited for them to look a little more.
''Wait. That is a significant amount of money that was added to his account. Where did it come from, what is the occasion?,'' Gwen asked after taking a short look.
''Well, I am glad you asked. While you were having your existential crisis, I was doing work. (*Gwen gave him a soft slap to the back of his head making him smile*) Alright, I'm done fucking with you all. But basically I followed the money trail, something rather easy for me to do (*they all roll their eyes at him*) and look at this. Voila, our wealthy benefactor,'' Bell joked a little around trying to dismiss the heavy air from previously.
''I know this person. The Whore once happened to have a business dinner with him. This is Tom Blomberk. Why did he donate 2 billion to Fisk?,'' Felicia asked him. 'The Whore' was what she called her mother.
''Woah, woah, woah. Calm down there lady, he did not 'donate' anything. Look at the official ledgers, this is a business transaction for manufacturing certain parts for something. Yeah, I did not bother memorizing it either. I'm not playing that much along with their farce,'' Bell theatrically played the affronted believer, but quickly gave up. He has seen this chess move a billion times before previously. It was getting boring real quick for him.
''OK. So Fisk now has 2 billion to splurge. Did you catch something from their conversation? If you caught their conversation somehow at all?'' Chat asked him.
Bell, instead of answering opened up another window and showed them Blomberks account.
''... It wasn't Blomberk alone that donated. It was several politicians and rich people. They all pooled their resources together and somehow it was Blomberk that took up 'business' talks with Fisk and his Industry,'' Felicia said slowly.
''I don't know. 2 billion seems a little low. Whatever they are planning aren't they cheapening out with so little money. For them this is basically what 200$ is for us,'' Peter asked Bell confused as to what they hoped to accomplish.
''Well, we know what Fisk campaign is as a mayor. We know that politicians and CEOs have donated to him and we also know that NYC is a global city that can set a precedent. Sure, what happens here won't suddenly change the entire country, but it can swing the zeitgeist a even a little. For them those 2 billion are more then worth it in the long run,'' Bell said leadingly wanting them to come to the conclusion themselves.
''...This is a testing ground. Of course, politicians have tried their hardest to keep out Satanaelists from the government. Their position and hold on power is precarious, made even more volatile by superpowered people. If they can muzzle even one of them, it is a major win for them. This money is worth very little in the face of THAT,'' Gwen said after a while comprehension dawning on her.
''Exactly. There is also the fact that the mafia extends beyond NYC, their head just happened to be stationed in NYC. I guarantee you that some of these donors made use of Fisks mafia services as well. It would be such a shame if they lose a supply chain to their goods,'' Bell cooed.
''Don't make it weird. So, how do we stop them. Do we have a plan?,'' Chat asked.
''Nope. There is nothing we can do,'' Bell said defeated.
''Ok, now let the other shoe drop,'' Peter said while deadpanning at him.
''Oh, it is simple. We go for the nuclear option. Satanelists claim that they are not complacent and are virtuous. Let us bring that to the test by releasing all Fisks dirty laundry to the world,'' Bell told them simply. To be fair he wanted to use NYC as his own testing grounds.
If the people stood up for justice, then they will get to keep their freedom, as they showed him the capacity for good will. Or they won't pick up the pitchforks and torches and in that case he will become the shadow monarch. The ruler and arbiter of all of earth. Either way, he stopped denying himself his nature. He was a leader, well and true.
There was a reason he did not go full ruthless dictator on everyones ass in his last life. In part because of his own kindness, but mostly because there were a lot of people that fought alongside him for freedom and justice, ultimately culminating in them pushing for him to be leader.
''Can't we just eliminate Fisk and let the matter close up from there?,'' Peter asked not really wanting to bring people in danger.
''We could, but then we might as well become rulers of this country. If people don't pick up the fight, then what the fuck for to they have freedom? Freedom is a right, not a privilege, one earned by shield and sword. It is not a given and must be earned, nurtured and passed down to the next generation.
It is time to see if Satanaelists put their money where their mouth is. It is one thing to have small skirmishes, it is another to fight the government.
Besides, if we send in one super powered person then those idiots can just write of their failure as an enhanced individual finding out about their plans and stopping it. They will try another way, at a different time.
No.
They must SEE society reject them. Everything else comes afterwards,'' Bell told them.
The others digested the argument for a bit.
''Very well. So, how do we proceed? Satanaelists already are negatively dispositioned against Fisk for his campaign. Should we drag him to court or something, or what exactly do you mean with the nuclear option?,'' Chat asked him.
''Do you mean to drag him to court or something? Do you want to give all this evidence to officials?,'' Peter added.
Bell scoffed.
''The court is a joke. All they need to do is to ensure that Fisk lands in a non Satanael judge court and claim that this evidence was illegally obtained and yadda, yadda, yadda. He will receive no sentence at all or at best a light sentence. And meanwhile he will get to rule the mafia from inside the prison. The same court system that all those other assholes use to evade justice.
No.
The people must be stirred in a frenzy. They must be the one to cast justice. This way the others will also see that the world has a new status quo.
In other words, the nuclear option is to release this evidence everywhere. On YouTube, Twitter, on news, sending it to spy agencies, however little THAT will do, claim to the IRS that they did not send taxes properly. Everyone, everywhere must see the news and his degeneracy. Hack the satellites, hack the servers, hack everything if I must,'' Bell told them.
''Can you do that? Will they trace nothing back to you?,'' Felicia asked him.
Bell huffed.
''As I said, I could hack the pentagon with a gameboy so long as I connect it to the internet. I'm more then capable of that. No one will trace me back,'' Bell bragged making Gwen roll her eyes fondly.
The others looked a little amongst each other, trying to see if anyone would disagree with the course of action.
''It is not as if we will completely leave the people on their own. I will ensure that no shots will be fired from the mafias side,'' Bell assured them. He only wanted to see their capacity for good will, not send them to their deaths. That would make him too much like the leeches from his old life.
With the final worry gone from their mind they all agreed to the course of action.
Bell cracked his fingers and turned around getting to work by typing away.
He would have dragged it out more if he hadn't hadn't gotten from Fisk what he wanted, but Gwen and Peter have killed. The hardest kill was always the first.
He would know.
With them having their first kill under their belt and thus the capacity to kill without hesitation, if the situation required, there was really no reason to drag it out. Fisk could go. If anything this development could not come at a better time.
Then again even without seeing partly into the future he knew it was a matter of time of something like this happening. He knew every trick in the book after all, when it came to politics.
How fortuitous for him to screw over two types of people he despised.
He could not wait until he had access to proper clairvoyance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While personally he did not really like Mob Psycho, it did give Steve an idea of what a telekinetic can do.
In simple words.
They now had a major boost to their teams performance. And Rogue could fly and take on the Hulk or Abomination to be more precise, in a fight. Basically similar to an Asgardian.
Steve watched from the observation deck as Jean and Rogue performed various tests to see where their strength lied. Tony was near him as well as the other Avengers.
''Where do you think Jean gets her energy from? Rogue absorbs it from almost everything, but Jean is a little more complicated,'' Bruce asked them.
''Well, energy has to come from somewhere. Maybe she too can absorb energy from everywhere? Should we ask actually?,'' Clint asked them.
''Perhaps later. My biggest worry is how to split the team. She is so strong that it would be too much to go in all together. But at the same time this IS a team and it doesn't rest easy not to send someone with her in a situation,'' Steve looked conflicted.
Tony rolled his eyes.
''The word you are looking for is overkill. She is overkill in most situations. Send her with Robin Hood or the wall crawler. Besides, it is not like communication doesn't exist. When a situation looks like it needs all of you then just go together,'' Tony told them while moving his fingers in the hologram to give them another set of tests.
''Wasn't it you that said that we will defeat a threat together or lose together,'' Natasha teased. Steve sighed.
''You're never going to let me live any of this down, do you?,'' Steve asked her exasperated. She still hasn't stopped teasing him about 'Language' or his belief that saving someone automatically made you a hero or a good person.
''Well, I do need some form of entertainment,'' Natasha smirked.
''Anyway, I looked up their personal lives. And something interesting did come up. Look at this photo,'' Tony said, making Steve give him an appreciative look, even if his friend would never admit what he did here.
A photo of a birthday boy came up. Several people where in it, including Jean and Rogue.
''Is that Wanda Maximoff?,'' Steve asked surprised. It has been a while since he saw the Maximoff twins.
''Yup. This is a photo uploaded by Melina O'Quinn on Facebook. She is the mother of this clearly in a celebratory mood birthday boy, Bell O'Quinn. This is Laura Kinney, Katherine Pryde and as you already noticed Wanda Maximoff. As well as Rogue and Jean. Remarkable isn't it?,'' Tony asked them.
''Why?,'' Bruce asked him.
''5 super powered individuals friends with three normal people. How did that come to be?,'' Tony asked them again.
''Stop making a big mystery out of it. Jean transferred schools in her last semester of school and they just happen to become friends,'' Clint told him. It was interesting and something to make note off, but not anything suspicious. If anything they should probably talk about Jean and Rogue using a form of disguise.
Now that he thinks about it, it was good that they fought Abomination in the middle of nowhere. Unlike the rest of them that either had no personal life, or kept their personal life close to their heart and away from public like him and Tony, they could put their friends lives in danger if they use no disguise.
''Shouldn't we look into Jeans and Rogues life instead of civilians lives?,'' Steve asked Tony.
''What is there to look at? Both of their lives were tragic. Jean has watched her friend die in front of her when young and awakened her power. Her parents sent her to Xaviers school. Rogue had a normal life until she kissed her then boyfriend when she was 13 and awakened her powers almost killing him. While he did recover he never contacted her again. Aside from that there is nothing really noteworthy about them, surprisingly, since they have power. You'd think that makes them interesting. Also, I can't hack into Xaviers servers without tipping them off to find out more. Whoever they have on caber security is good enough that they would at least detect me, even if they can't stop me.
So, forgive me if I focus on that, capsicle,'' Tony shrugged his shoulders shamelessly.
Steve sighed disappointed.
''Don't harass civilians, Tony. Besides if they all went to the same school, it makes sense that they all would become friends. Jean probably introduced them all to each other,'' Steve reasoned.
Natasha did not buy it completely. Sure, thanks to the Law of Solidarity and the Fellowship of Satanael, super powered people and normal people could live along side each other. Many times she saw someone flying while carrying groceries in NYC. She didn't see many other open displays like this, but she was sure there were many like this.
But they still lived in completely different worlds. Worlds with different priorities and struggles. There was a reason, most people went to Genosha if they had powers.
In other words, the three of them would not be friends with so many without something to keep them together.
''Look, why don't we leave the matter about their friendship for another time. Have we sufficiently examined them? Are they all good in the mental department to work alongside us?,'' Clint asked them.
''Well, I got nothing against it. They are my retirement plan. Their rooms are all set up already,'' Tony told them. The other smiled a little, even if they would miss fighting alongside him. Still, they were friends and understood that with Morgan he had now different priorities.
Besides, it was not like Tony was just going to drop the matter. He did not tell them, but his curiosity was now peaked. How did a normal person, or several in fact, become and maintain a friendship with so many enhanced people? He will look a little into it. Especially since Bell did not exist aside from his YouTube channel, Rusty, where he released music every now and then. He had no digital footprint aside from that and the few bits of pieces on his mothers page. The other two also didn't really have a digital footprint.
Steve told them to come to the observation deck.
''Alright, we have evaluated you and decided to let you join us. There are some rules however.
First, obviously, we do not harm civilians or innocents. I don't think I need to explain this more than that.
Second, we are a team. Both in and off the field. You do not need to always keeps us up to tabs about your personal life so long as you are readily contactable should we move into action. On the field however, we do not go off, without telling the rest of the team.
Third, we are an independent hero group, but we still need to obey the laws. Both international and domestic. That said, laws are not infallible, if you REALLY think you need to break them, then do so. Tony has a really good team of lawyers. Just try to do that as a last resort.
Otherwise, I look forward to working alongside you,'' Steve held out his hand to shake both of theirs, though in Rogues case they were careful not to touch each other, even if she had gloves on. In the end, he did not decide to split Jean from the team and have her work alone with someone else. It just did not sit right with him, as it was not in his nature.
Jeans mouth twitched. They were all good people, even if Tony was a prick by being so invasive. Bell, may not look into peoples minds if they did not register as enemies or threats, but she was more laid back on that matter. So long as she did not manipulate someone like Xavier did to her then she did not mind.
That said Bell had to be told about this development.
And a disguise would not really help them. Even if their thoughtfulness was appreciated. There already was a video going around of her killing Sinister. It would not be hard to connect the dots. And also her and Rogue were on public record in the charter for having attended Xaviers school.
Besides, they would not pose much of a danger to their friends as they all had powers. And George and Melina were protected by Bell.
''Sir, I think you should be made aware of this. Urgently,'' Jarvis suddenly said shortly, before several holograms appeared around them with information.
The others looked at the screens and starred, digesting the information.
''Jarvis, how bad is it?,'' Tony asked him.
''It is everywhere, sir. I never saw such an unprecedented attack. The information is on every site, Twitter, Facebook, it is in the news, it is on wikipedia, it is on Reddit, it is on the Satanael Homepage, it is in the Pentagon and it was sent to every spy agency in the world,'' Jarvis explained.
''Did you attempt to trace it back? Do we know who sent out the leak?,'' Tony asked him immediately getting to work, attempting to find the source of this cyber attack.
''I already tried, Sir. Alas, I theorize that AFoxyScriptwriter is involved. There is nothing,'' Jarvis explained. Tony scowled but continued to work away.
''Is this ... the mafias network?,'' Bruce asked them, while looking at some of the holograms.
''What do we do?,'' Rogue asked them.
''For now, nothing. We need to look at some of the information and digest it, before setting for a course of action. But we need to do that quickly, as that will only end one way,'' Steve told them.
''Why would someone do that? This will cause chaos,'' Clint asked.
''You think it is a play by HYDRA?,'' Natasha asked.
''Could be. But that is not really their style. They hide in the shadows, believing humanity can not be trusted with their own freedom. It is pretty clear what will happen with the Satanaelists existing,'' Steve countered.
''Unless, this chaos functions as a curtain for something greater,'' Natasha countered back.
''You think AFoxyScriptwriter is part of HYDRA?,'' Clint suddenly asked, considering this possibility for the first time.
''No. Whatever my problems with him or her, if they wanted to cause damage there was a better way then dominating the entertainment industry and releasing pieces that address all kinds of topics, even controversial ones and encourage freedom. If they wanted, they could have already cracked the codes to nuclear war heads and used them or cause a digital black out,'' Tony denied.
''Guys... I think you need to see this,'' Bruce told them, having continued to read more of the information until stumbling upon a name. He directed the hologram towards them.
''Is that... The candidate for NYC mayorship, Wilson Fisk? He is the head of the mafia?,'' Rogue asked.
''It suddenly makes his campaign much more sinister. If he knows a vigilantes identity he can use their loved ones to control them. The Satanaelists position has been basically confirmed with this,'' Jean told them.
''You think some of the topics played in the news about vigilantes beating up cops or killing innocents, was some of his work?,'' Clint asked Natasha, who nodded after a brief moment.
''Tsk, nothing. It is as if it was the work of a ghost. Capsicle, your play, how do we deal with this?,'' Tony asked him, while waiting for him to gather his thoughts, he instructed Jarvis to escort Penny and Morgan outside of NYC.
Steve looked a little conflicted. With how many ways this situation could play out, it was difficult to consider any course the correct one.
''We need to arrest Fisk. Weather all this information is true or not can be determined later, but the Satanaelist will want justice now and if they get the impression that Fisk will try to compromise the court they will eat him. And if Fisk resists, there will be a battle between the mafia and the civilians. It will be a bloodbath. We will contain and minimize civilian casualties, that will be our priority,'' Steve told them making them all nod.
Steve himself was a little disillusioned with the government, not wanting to trust it much, especially after the whole Triskelion event, but that did not mean he didn't recognize its uses. He did not want innocents to needlessly die and governments did manage to bring a level of stability to the people.
He knew there was a chance of Fisk weaseling his way out, by manipulating the system, but he found protecting innocent lives more important.
''While you all go do that, Jarvis and I will keep you up to date on whatever happens on the ground,'' Tony told them.
---
''Stand back. I said stand back, damn it,'' a security guard told them pushing the protester back with his riot shield. The security guards were all actually mafia disguised as security guards. While they had weapons on them, they were firmly instructed by Kingpin not to use them unless the situation completely escalates. So far, that did not happen.
''Out of our way, dog. Fisk must be brought to justice.''
''The man you are protecting is the head of the mafia!''
''FIIIISK!!! FACE JUSTICE OR FACE OUR JUDGEMENT!!!''
''YOU SHAN'T ESCAPE FOR SINNING, FISK.''
''HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU TRAMPLE IN YOUR QUEST FOR GREED?!?''
...
Fisk deactivated his security camera from outside and scowled. How did everything go so quickly so wrong?
''Call in the chopper and someone bring in Vanessa and Richards along,'' Fisk instructed a few of his henchmen.
''And if they resist, sir?,'' one dared to ask.
''Bring them anyway,'' Fisk said, breathing through his nose once.
They nodded and went to perform their task.
Things were developing incredible quickly. Far too quickly. Almost a hour after after the information leak, people started gathering in front of his building. More and more were joining them. Every operation was now busted and open to the public. Even if they will change that, the faces of his men are now also known.
Kraven and Taskmaster have left his services too. Not surprising. It was one thing t assassinate someone, it was another thing to fight hundreds to thousands of people in an effort to protect your client. One bullet was enough to make the contract void.
The last thing he wanted was for bullets to start flying around, which is why he instructed his men not to shoot unless absolutely necessary.
And things were going so well too, some control and decency could have been established in this city. But now they all chose this baser violence. If only they knew how much he sacrificed for them.
He stood up and fixed his button.
There was probably no place on earth he could hide. His life of opulence was now over. He and his family probably needed to live in the shadows, which would significantly reduce their power and the effectiveness of his operations. And the competition would also smell blood like sharks and seek to seize this opportunity. That needed to be taken care of too.
The money he received from like minded people would now be wasted too. He didn't get to use any of it for his campaign or to establish a system that registers vigilantes.
Tch.
He made his way to the chopper.
...
Nexus starred down from a building as the people gathered around Fisks building. His lights were turned off in order to not attract attention.
This...
This was the most beautiful thing he ever saw in his life.
What greater beauty could there be, then seeing seeing THIS?
Humanity fighting for justice and liberty.
''Calm down there dear,'' Ghost Spider told him who was standing along side him. Spider-Man was also watching along side them, as things developed. Felicia was not with them as she really couldn't do much in this situation.
''Do you think bullets will start flying soon?,'' Spider-Man asked him.
''Depends on Fisk. If he gives the impression he wants to ignore justice then yes, bullets will start flying. Haven't you heard them screaming? 'Face justice or face our judgement'.,'' Nexus told them.
In the distance they could hear a third chopper. The first one being a news chopper and the second a police chopper.
''Well, I suppose we have our answer. Bullets will definitely start flying. I'm going down there to assist the civilians. Nexus, are you sure you can stop the mafia from shooting the civilians with your telekinesis?,'' Spider-Man asked him and swung away upon receiving a nod.
''Let me guess. You want to make a dramatic entrance?,'' Ghost Spider asked him fondly.
''Fisks days are numbered. The Avengers are also on their way now. The situation is under control. This is only going to end up in one way for him, might as well have some fun. You go ahead, sweet cheeks,'' Nexus told her making her give him a peek on his mask before swinging away too.
...
''FISK IS TRYING TO ESCAPE WITH A HELICOPTER,'' someone warned them all. They all began pushing with renewed vigor, this time much harder then previously. One of the guard made the mistake to use his riot shield to bash into into someones nose breaking it.
From thereon out all hell broke loose as the victim of that screamed to the others that things resorted to violence.
Ah, there was the good old mob mentality. The last time he saw that was when he was put on a sham trial and tried to be made an example off. People threatened to revolt if they would not let him become their ruler.
Good times.
With the people now starting to punch and even throw molotov cocktails against the building, the guards took hold of their rifles and tried to shoot the people.
Click. Click. Click.
The guard looked at his rifle shocked and then at the protesters who looked at him back. He gulped as they lunged for him and started tearing him to shreds.
At the same time Spider-Man and Ghost Spider swung over them and webbed some of the rifles away from them . The rifles just so happened to land in some of the protesters hands who shortly made good use of it or gave them to someone else if they did not know how to shoot.
...
''Sir, they have broken into the premises and are making their way upwards,'' one of his men told him after listening into his earpiece.
''Activate the turrets,'' Fisk told him while picking up the pace, some of his men pushing Vanessa and Richards along.
''We already did, Sir. The Spider people are disabling them before they can fire and our all our rifles are malfunctioning,'' his underling explained causing him to scowl.
Fucking vigilantes.
The chopper landed on the helipad as they entered the roof.
They were approaching it, after it landed, until someone crashed into the blades from above, destroying the helicopters ability to fly. The rotor blades flew away after shattering and would have harmed someone if they did not suddenly stop in the air.
The black person who landed on the chopper stood up from his crouch and his lights activated, revealing the familiar lights of Nexus masks already in his brain drive as the cables were shining as well.
''Missed me?,'' Nexus asked him, starring him down from his place as the news chopper shone lights at him as it was a little dark outside. Fisk scowled at having his lingering doubts confirmed.
''Give it up Kingpin. There is nowhere to run,'' Spider-Man called out as he swung on the tip of an antenna after having destroyed all the dangers to the civilians.
''Or resist. I do have the desire to beat you all,'' Ghost Spider said landing on a different antenna.
Before Fisk could say anything there could be heard voices from the stair case as the protesters approached having taken care of the other guards. And at the same time the Quinjet arrived just in time for the final showdown as the Avengers jumped out surrounding him as well.
After some insistence from Steve, Jean made herself into a flaming person so her face was unrecognizable and Rogue took one of Black Widows spare masks to hide her face, They would come up with a proper disguise later so that Steve would give them peace.
Fisk looked around as Vanessa held Richards calmly and his men looked unsure what to do.
''How? How did you release so much information so quickly and so far?,'' Fisk asked him composed, already trying to come up with a plan to turn this all in his favor. Alas, they won't be fighting as that could potentially put Vanessa and Richards in danger.
''Look at you, a mafia spanning almost the entire country. How could you possibly keep track of all your faceless victims. All those 'weak pathetic rats' scurrying around, what could they possibly do to you and yours. Well, look around you, your empire is crumbling Kingpin. I don't know what you did to Cipher, but he sends his regards,'' Nexus told him. But not just for the sake of answering him.
With the Avengers here and the news chopper recording everything as well, it was good for him to send them all on a goose chase and divert everything away from AFoxyScriptwriter. Ciphers persona was short lived, but it did its purpose.
The police chopper landed on the roof and they slowly approached them until they put Fisk in cuffs, he allowed them without resisting casting a look at Vanessa and Richards hiding his worry.
His guards where cuffed as well and they were all loaded into the chopper. The people watched them all fly away until they finally celebrated. They began leaving the building slowly and reluctantly as Captain America told them they would take it from here.
They left leaving behind a trail of dead bodies of anyone who stood in their path to Fisk.
Nexus hopped down from the chopper and dropped the blades on the roof before deactivating his brain drive and rolling his neck.
''You don't seem that surprised to see me alive and kicking,'' Nexus remarked as Steve approached him and shook his hand. Spider-Man and Ghost Spider landing near him.
''Yes, we already speculated you faked your death. Only confirmed by Phoenix here who also has telekinetic abilities. Why did you fake your death and who is Cipher?,'' Steve asked him.
''For peace. Five assassins failing? What do you think would have happened? I had no interest in escalating the situation and having Fisk call for more mercenaries. So I gave them what they wanted. As for Cipher, no clue, who he is. Word on the street is that he is an information broker that seeks you out and not the other way around and seeks unconventional payment. I never actually met the guy,'' Nexus told them, the news chopper recording everything obnoxiously.
''Smart,'' Rogue complimented. Nexus made a concentrated effort not to laugh at her, with her silly impromptu mask on.
''Where is Iron Man?,'' Spider-Man asked suddenly.
''Oh, he retired. Thought no worry, we can still protect innocents just as well, if not better,'' Steve assured them.
''Hm. Just make sure not to come a third time late to the party. You almost missed all the good stuff again,'' Nexus teased them. Then again things happened so incredible quickly after the information leak. It literally took almost three and a half hours for all of this to come to pass. And one hour of it was the people digesting the info.
Steve sighed not knowing what else to say, but nodded anyway.
---
Frank Castle threw his ramen cup away after being done eating. And then he wiped his mouth with his wrist, before taking out a phone to look at the list.
Though he did not get around to getting his hands on Fisk, he still could take care of the rest of his henchmen. And should fortune favor him, then Fisk will pull his bullshit and he will rig the court in his favor to escape justice.
This time no red asshole will stop him, from putting a bullet in that assholes brain.
---
Matt immediately get to work alongside Nelson and Karen to build a strong case against Fisk. By now Jennifer was already out of the hospital, but she was still not declared fit enough to do any kind of work and instructed to do nothing but rest, especially with her cousin coming to check in on her every now and then.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''What of my wife and child?,'' Fisk asked his lawyer while sitting in the room in prison garbs a few days later.
''They were not arrested. But they are still under police suspicion so they are being watched,'' his lawyer explained.
Fisk nodded composed even if he wanted nothing more than rage against everything.
''What of the empire? Are the others moving to take my position? What of our agents? How does our case look in the court room?,'' Fisk asked his lawyer.
''Surprisingly no. The other dons are not making moves to take your position, so the empire is stable. ...Relatively speaking. We are however quickly losing a lot of agents and spies. Particularly in police departments. As for our chances... it looks like an uphill battle, but there is the possibility of you winning the case. I'm not sure however how much that would mean. In the eyes of the Satanaelists you are guilty,'' his lawyer told him.
''Their drabble does not concern me. Good, then make the necessary moves to win this case,'' Fisk instructed before leaving the room, going back to his solitary prison cell. The guard closed the door behind him and Fisk took a seat on his bed, before lying on it.
His heart skipped a beat as Nexus laid with his back to the ceiling starring down at him. Before Fisk could do anything he seized up and was forced to take a seat on telekinetic chairs. Nexus took a seat opposite him after he dropped down on the ground.
''If you were a man you would fight me fairly, coward,'' Fisk immediately told him after he felt control return to his lips, though not the rest of his body.
Nexus burst out in a soft chuckle and then he removed his helm completely revealing his face to Fisk.
Fisk stilled.
Oh.
He had to play this carefully and choose the diplomatic route at first.
''I always thought some conversations could only be held face to face. But I have to admit, I did not foresee our conversation starting with you making me chuckle. Very rich for you to take such a position, but sure, here, have your movement back,'' Bell smiled and gave him his control back. Fisk rubbed his wrists, but did not immediately attack him.
He merely starred at him.
''Hm? You are not attacking me? I suppose in a way your control and desire for opulence, even in prison, played against you just now. I mean really, you should be under lock and key and observed 24/7, but here we are,'' Bell told him, when he noticed Fisk staying silent for a while.
''Did you come here just to gloat? Or do you want to get down to business?,'' Fisk told him.
Oh, Fisk was right in more ways then one. He knew about his ability to kill, but not about his telepathy. He did want to see Fisk squirm.
God, how Bell hated his kind.
''You know, I have to ask. What was your grand plan? I'm not talking about your anti-vigilante campaign, that was rather obvious. I'm talking about your mafia operations. What was your endgame?,'' Bell asked him.
''Do you really think this will last? Satanaelist and other people fight to make the world a better place and suddenly everything is fine in the world? The people are a disease, constantly reverting back to their baser instincts and descending into savagery and barbarism. I brought order to this city. The reason people get to walk these streets safely and not constantly dying to mafia wars and gang wars is because I introduced orders and a hierarchy. You have no idea what I sacrificed for this city. Instead of judging me, how about a little thank you for letting the people of NYC sleep in peace under the very blanket I provided for them. If I did not establish my empire then people would resort to disorganized crime and then it would be total chaos,'' Fisk explained.
Oh, wow. Bell was impressed. He saw his face and how young he looked and immediately sought to use his youth against him. Adults know better and all that trite.
''... So the solution to ...less crime is ... more crime. You must be some sort of genius like Einstein. Clearly you are playing some sort of 5D chess and we mere mortals know nothing.
Have you perhaps considered pushing for government programs that discourage criminal acts. Like, I don't know. Health care, so that people would not go bankrupt from hospital bills, because of the ambulance, let alone a broken bone,'' Bell asked him amused.
Fisk moved his head to look at the walls, looking as if he was dealing with a simpleton and looking of into the distance to gather strength.
''It is not that simple. Just because there are systems like this put in place does not mean people suddenly stop engaging in criminality. As I said they will constantly revert back to being animals. They need some one to hold their leash,'' Fisk countered.
Bell nodded in mocking understanding.
For him that was a load of steaming turd. Before he died, he started creating and implementing social programs to aid people in their time of need. He wanted to create them immediately, the moment he was elected Supreme Imperator but something else always took priority. It always made his blood boil that his people could not enjoy the social programs that he get to enjoy before the war. But as always the oligarchs had to ruin everything for the poor and middle class.
The point was that even if not getting around to fully implementing it, the programs saw a noticeable decrease in crime rates, alongside the increased police force, as people no longer had a reason to worry about money. If his successor was smart then he would have continued his work.
But that was the problem with every new leader. It was a coin toss. You never knew where it landed.
'' 'They greatest crimes issue from a desire for excess and not from necessity. One does not become a tyrant to escape the cold'. Aristotle said that. Tough I am paraphrasing it a little.
You can sit here and weave all of your superfluous bullshit. I don't care. For me you are just a performing clown. And now... I got bored of you,'' Bell said as Fisk tried to lunge for him. Instead he locked up and could only mumblingly scream in rage.
''Oh, come now. You have the wrong impression here, Fisk. I am not here to kill you. You are not that important in my life for me to bother. I did however make a promise. Remember the old Black Cat? I heard crossing a black cat supposedly gave you bad luck,'' Bell mocked as he stopped bending the light around Felicia.
Fisk desperately tried to move even a muscle as Felicia approached him and flashed her claws on her glove.
''Don't worry Fisk. I'm not that much of a monster to separate a man from his wife. She too had her claws in the mafia dealings. Your son is another matter, he will be sent into a foster home. Pray that he lands into a decent one,'' Bell mocked as Felicia slowly slid her index across his neck.
She watched with joy as she avenged her father. It was perhaps not the most satisfying form of revenge as he was not at his prime, but she was still going to take it.
''Has anyone ever told you, that you are sadistic?,'' Felicia asked Bell once he confirmed that Fisk was dead. He was putting his mask back on.
''Maybe,'' he casually said.
Hm.
All of this was slowly starting to get boring as these people could not really offer him a challenge.
And in a way, his presence was stunting his friends growth. Besides, he achieved his biggest goal for now. Getting the both of them to kill. Maybe he should join the Avengers as well? He needed to think about this a little more.
At least he had a little more fun as Reaver. Perhaps there was some truth to it when men say that they will never understand women.
Bell sighed.
''It makes a girl all hot and bothered,'' Black Cat joked.
''Down kitten. I hope there is some form of horny jail,'' Nexus joked as he bent the light around them and the two of them left the cell, not leaving a single trace behind.
He still needed to do one more thing.
---
''We will start taking steps to release my husband,'' Vanessa calmly said only to get interrupted by Hammerhead.
''Why should we take orders from you? Fisk has accomplished nothing. Just look at the people revolting against the mafia. People have forgotten the meaning of respect, we should instead return to the old ways,'' Hammerhead said, making Vanessa clench her jaw.
The others did not really seem to agree with him, but they still looked for her response ready to judge her. It was cute how Fisk tried to shield her from his shady dealings, but as much as she loved him, she could not be the innocent wife that he imagined. She took up the practice of selling duplicates of art to slowly start building her own form of control.
Before she could do anything a voice could be heard chuckling and then slow clapping was heard as Nexus slowly made his way into the room.
''Your entire operations went tits up and the first thing you all do is seek to immediately reestablish control. It is as sad as it is amusing watching your delusions. As for you metal head. Your understanding of respect borders on subservience. You can be the first to go,'' Nexus said. Seconds later Hammerheads head imploded and he fell dead from his chair. Nexus took his previous spot.
''As for the rest of you. I would love watching you squirm too, but I don't really got the time or more like I don't want to make room for the time. Do greet Fisk for me from hell,'' Nexus said.
The rest of the dons heads imploded as well.
Nexus wiped the table a little, then he decided to teleport all the evidence down to the last blood cell into the sun. There were no cameras here anyway and he came in without alerting their guards stationed outside.
Now with no one to take control, the mafia was truly a headless snake. There was some truth to what Fisk said, that disorganized crime is worse, but they will be easy pickings for the people or the police.
The only regret he has was that he did not get to see the rest of the oligarchs squirm. But Bell consoled himself by reminding himself that their fate would come another day.
For now, they will get to be left alone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The intro to HBO's Last Week Tonight with Max Polliver starts playing.
''Good evening.
Tonight, we actually want to start with our main story.
Wilson Fisk and his Anti-Vigilante Campaign.
Basically, there is a LOT that happened in the last week. To the point it feels as if an entire month passed.
But no I assure you, it was a week. Trust me. We triple checked the dates.
So tonight we want to talk about how Wilson Fisk was revealed to be the head of the entire mafia operation in the country. We want to talk about the world wide cyber security breach and Cipher. What role the Fellowship of Satanael played here. And how this prick delivered one of the coolest entrances ever.
(*A short clip of Nexus landing on the chopper gets played*)
Come on. Admit it it was a sick ass entrance. Especially, because J. Jonah. Jameson. as usual when it concerns the spider club, started losing his mind. Particularly when in a podcast of his, his viewers kept sending him this edited footage of Nexus' landing'
(*a clip, of JJJ getting red in the face with anger and then exploding on his viewers, going on a rant that Nexus corrupted the minds of people by giving them dangerous ideas, gets played*)
If you don't know who that is. That is the same guy who just last week sang praises of Fisk being a savior for recognizing the danger vigilantes played, only to then very suddenly change his tune when Fisk was revealed to be the mafia head.
(*A clip of JJJ gets played putting in contrast what he said some time ago vs. recently, claiming to have always known there was something fishy about Fisk*)
I'm sure you did, buddy, I'm sure you did.
So let us start with the cyber security breach. Called so by pretty much anyone under the sun. Basically what happened was, that for a brief moment, no person on earth could access anything besides the information displayed about the mafia and Fisk. For a whopping 12 hours, all over the globe people were forced to stare at a plethora of information regarding the mafia and who was all in it.
And you yourself are probably suspecting AFoxyScriptwriter right now. Rightfully so, as many people still remember how Tony Stark was led on a goose chase, only for the trail to go cold on a person in Thailand. That is why many consider AFoxyScriptwriter to be the king of the digital world. A title previously reserved for Stark.
Except that did not seem to be the case as it was supposedly a person named Cipher as revealed by Nexus, that did that whole cyber security breach.
Now, who is Cipher?
No one knows. As quickly as he appeared he disappeared back into obscurity. The FBI and the CIA both released a statement that they knew Cipher was a victim in some form, because of Fisks operations. Though they do not know to what extent and in what manner. They also know that for a brief time he was physically present in NYC handing out information to people in return for unconventional payment.
And that is it. It is still to early to tell, if this was a one time thing. If Cipher has any kind of nefarious plans. Or if Cipher has now stopped working altogether, now that he accomplished his revenge.
Some even claim that Cipher and AFoxyScriptwriter are one and the same person.
While it does sound reasonable, investigators are not really willing to bank too much on that theory, because as seen with Stark and AFoxyScriptwriter, one can always come and dethrone the previous title holder.
So instead let us talk about the information released by Cipher and what it caused.
But first, let us talk about the Fellowship of Satanael very briefly. We already talked at length for an entire episode about them. And I encourage you to watch, if you haven't watched it already, either now or later after this video.
The Fellowship of Satanael, or shortly called The FoS, is a religion that is a little over a year old. It sprung up and formed when cognitive Yaldabaoth was forcing complacency onto humanity and then the Velvet Room attendants and the archangel Satanael came to our rescue.
Since then people all over the globe converted to their religion and they have been trying to live virtuously like no one else. Sure, in the beginning there was a sort of mania involved to their actions as they were afraid to lose Satanaels love and protection. There were a lot of killings during that time until one day people started calming down thanks to this post on the discussion thread on the FoS homepage.
(*A post of a person claiming to have overheard someone saying that there was such a thing as being so accommodating to they point of complacency is shown*)
It was this one post that stopped the mania and made people be more critically thinking. Some of their practices ans stances on matters were dialed back, though in no way did they forget their roots.
Basically speaking, you had the chance to face justice. But the moment you abuse the justice system, the kids glove come off.
Perhaps a state of mind encapsulated by this clip from the peoples revolt against Fisk a few days ago.
(*A clip of someone screaming Face Justice or Face our Judgement gets played*)
If you ever wondered how the witch trials looked like, this is it. This and no one can convince me otherwise.
The FoS members read the information, digested it and shortly afterwards they found themselves at the base of Fisks building. And from here on out things happened incredible quickly.
I will try my best to give you a short summary.
(*Polliver clears his throat*)
They stormed they building. The spider club and the Avengers encircled Fisk and some of his men. A lot of Fisks guards died at the hands of Satanaelists, none of them died, probably protected by telekinesis courtesy of Nexus. Fisk gets arrested. The end.
If you received a whiplash, because of how quickly everything happened, trust me, we did too.
But frankly it should not come at any surprise. The FoS has the benefit of their god or deity appearing on screen. As several experts claimed, this gets people motivated and moving quickly. I mean, I live in New York. I still remember when the streets were incredible dirty a few years ago. They are cleaner now then they have ever been. And people are actually nicer here now. They are NICER to each other.
I mean Jesus Christ, what did you think was going to happen if they have you in their cross hair, you absolute mango.
Even now, the FoS all over the country are reported to have shot or killed a mafia member. Sometimes the story ends well, like it did in NYC. Sometimes it ends in tragedy and they lose their life. For them it is not enough that the police hunts them, they must be hunted now.
However things did not end there.
Just yesterday, Fisk and the rest of the dons, as well as his wife who also turned out to be part of the mafia, were all declared dead. Fisk having been murdered in prison found with a slit throat and his wife and the dons having disappeared completely and utterly.
With this development being so recent, we don't have a lot of info, but we do know that some form of involvement from the FoS is considered. As well as the possibility that someone with super powers did the deed.
Now who exactly it is, is impossible to tell. Even when it came to narrowing down the suspect pool, investigators hit a major road block.
And while all this is interesting, perhaps it is most interesting to talk about the second part of our episode tonight.
Anti-Vigilantism.
The FoS from the very beginning was against that idea. Citing that vigilantes were virtuous and putting their lives voluntarily at risk. The best they were owed was to have their backs and secure their anonymity so that it could not be used against them and/or compromise them. A sentiment opposed by a LOT of politicians.
With what recently happened Satanaelists had their position confirmed and have increased efforts to fight against this campaign. Osborn, Fisks mayoral opponent, has famously said that vigilantes were not the Avengers and needed to be treated differently. They should keep their anonymity, but at least go to the police to perform a test to ensure they were mentally well.
Now, weather he actually believes that or not, or simply said that to gather support and votes, we don't know. But the FoS did give him some lukewarm support even if they still think that even his compromise is too much. For them judging a vigilante by his actions should be enough. For Osborn this is a huge boon however, as Fisk did not enjoy any kind of support from them.
Remember, a little more than half the country is part of the FoS.
Since then the push for an anti vigilante campaign has increased with more and more politicians pretending to never have held an anti-vigilante stance in the first place.
A practice with some lukewarm success if you remember what sort of trend was started by the FoS recently.
Holding politicians somewhat accountable.
I know that this clip is a little long, but you have to see it. I promise it is absolute cinema as the people of today would say.
(*''Oh for sure, I do think that vigilantes serve our country well. They serve our country tremendously. They really render terrific service to the people. They do. I always said, Mikey, look at these vigilantes Mikey. You can trust them.''
''Fascinating claim. However the past two weeks you went on record to say that vigilantes were worse then the people coming in from Mexico who were bringing in guns and cocaine into our country. Do you think people should be worried that you change your stance so quickly?''
''I did not say that.''
''You did.''
''No I did not.''
''It is literally on your official twitter account for governor of California, Mr.Mumpf''
''That is inaccurate. I have no recollection of saying that.''
''It is literally on your twitter account. I can take it out and show it to you, if you want to''
''Look, you are not being very nice right now, ok. You are quiet a rude, rude man and you should consider a career change''
''Oh, OH! I'm sorry. If you wanted me to be nice you should have gone to school. At least there you would have received a participation reward. If you wanted nice that is. However, any one that puts himself on the stage publically is open to criticism.
The people elected you as governor and gave you power in the belief that you would lead them well. They have a right to know if they should be worried if you change your political stance constantly. A valiant effort to distract me from the original question by the way. But the people demand an answer''
''Alright, this interview is over. You will hear from my lawyers''*)
(*Polliver hold one hand to his mouth laughing and clapping the table with his other.*)
I told you. Absolute cinema.
It is perfect. It really is. From this reporter trying several times to get a straight answer from Mumpf and failing. To saying literally having evidence about his political stance, Mikey. To some random person being designated as Mikey in this conversation.
Now who is Mikey you ask?
I tell you who he is.
He is Mikey of course. Mikey is Mikey.
You can always trust in good old Milkey to be a good conversation partner, Mikey.
But it is true. Politicians have faces backlash for their stance on this matter...''
---
''...on this matter...''
A remote landed in the TV shattering the screen.
''How could everything go to shit so incredible quickly?'' one oligarch asked the other.
''We have to face it. We are not getting anything done with the FoS existing. This seems to be the new status quo and we need to work with it,'' another scowled.
''Can we really not declare them insurrectionists?,'' yet another asked.
''If you can actually get that democrat sitting in the oval office to do that. Besides more then half the country are part of the FoS and not all of them are democrats. There are a lot of republicans as well,'' one said in sounding more reasonable.
''So we wasted 2 billions for nothing?,'' one asked them.
''We did not waste 2 billions. We invested them. As he said, this is the new status quo. We can always invest in programs to make our own super powered people. Once we have our own enhanced people, we can more freely push for some of our other plans to come to fruition. But as things stand, we will face too much opposition,'' another argued.
''...''
''...''
''Fine,'' came one reply.
---
Bell was putting popcorn in his mouth. God, they really were adorable. Plotting in their little hiding hole.
Yeah, sorry.
They were not the Illuminati.
He was.
They people have shown him that they could stand up for justice and good in the world.
Sure, it was only a fraction of humanity and not all of them, but he wanted to see their capacity anyway. Not force all of mankind to choose.
Such a day was still far away.
It also gave him a more precise idea of what he should focus his company on.
The people have spoken.
He will be the shadow monarch ruling them from the shadows.
Bell sighed a little exasperated at himself.
So much for treating this life as a pure vacation.
Then again, no man could deny themselves their nature, he supposed.