Chapter 28: 28
[Guys, let me know if my build-up is boring you, this is still some way away from the main story and unless you guys are bored I will keep going, if you are bored, after the few chapters already written I will just timeskip and summaries as it does not impact the story.]
Peggy's eyebrow arches with interest as she asks, "You're saying that you have the power to awaken the X gene and give someone specific abilities?"
I nod, "Yes, but it has to be tailored to fit the recipient. When an X gene is activated, it responds to the body's needs. For example, Nat's powers were given to her because they are compatible with her, giving her the abilities of a mountainous brute would not work well."
Peggy looks at Nat with curiosity, "And what was the price for this gift?"
Nat smirks slightly, "We made a verbal agreement that I would be his unwavering ally in all aspects, and once I received the powers, I couldn't think of him as anything less than that. As far as I can tell, nothing else about me has changed."
Steve nods in agreement, "She still seems like our old Nat, but it's still early."
Peggy takes a moment to think before turning to me, "So it's like making a deal with the Devil?"
I shake my head, "No, if I had only linked her to my Omega dimension, then maybe. But she is also closely connected to my Alpha."
Peggy looks confused, "Your Alpha? What does that mean?"
I grin mischievously as I explain, "My Alpha is where all good or beneficial powers come from. Omega represents evil or harmful energies. Every power has a source."
Peggy furrows her brow in thought before asking tentatively, "Are you some kind of God?"
I chuckle and shake my head, "Not yet. I am just a very powerful mutant."
Peggy nods in understanding before confirming, "So you are still human?"
With a slight smirk on my face, I reply, "Yes, just a very unique one."
As the room fell into an uneasy silence, I cleared my throat and spoke up, bringing the attention back to why we were all gathered here. "I've already compiled a list of known Hydra members within your organization. I suggest you focus on taking down the lower level operatives and new recruits by giving them more dangerous assignments. We need to keep their numbers low while we work on rooting out all of Hydra's infiltrators in other agencies, as well as the military and government. I have someone very trustworthy looking into it already, right Lilly?"
My earpiece emitted a faint glow as a hologram materialized in front of me, projecting Lilly's smiling face onto the room. She greeted everyone with a slight bow. "Hello all, it's a pleasure to finally be introduced." Her gaze shifted towards me and I shrugged apologetically.
"Amazing technology," Peggy exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Are you a hacker then, Lilly?"
There was a brief moment of awkward silence before I stifled a chuckle.
"Well, you could say that's part of my job. I am a fully sentient A.I., Peggy."
Steve seemed eager to speak up, but Peggy beat him to it. "That's incredible! I had no idea... I mean, anyone like you existed."
"I wouldn't exist if it weren't for Joel," Lilly replied with a warm smile in my direction. "For all his faults, he has a soft heart."
"Relax Cap," I interjected, trying to move past the uncomfortable exchange. "She's nothing like Ultron. She grew up surrounded by heroes before being discovered by a human and saw the dark side we have. Trust me, if she didn't try to destroy everyone after that experience, she never will."
"But what Joel conveniently left out is that he also granted me power," Lilly added with a playful grin directed at me. "We have an enforced verbal contract. It's something I suggested to him, although he's never questioned my actions."
"Can we please move on?" I cut in, eager to steer the conversation back to the matter at hand.
Lilly giggled and nodded. "I am currently monitoring almost every system, including many closed ones due to the power Joel granted me. I have many names, but there are even more that will only be brought to our attention when something important happens."
[Author's note: According to Marvel, their timeline is always shifting. However, it can be anchored to a specific event - in this case, the Fantastic Four gaining their powers. The date of their transformation will always be 13 years before the current year, with all other major Marvel events falling into place accordingly. While I have the events in chronological order for my purposes, please understand that they may not align with your recollection if you are familiar with the comic versions.]
My voice breaks through the tense silence, a low rumble that carries over the hushed group. "Soon," I begin, my words measured and deliberate, "a group of Mutants known as the Murlocks will be attacked by a Mutant mercenary group, the Marauders, who are working for an anti-mutant corporation called Essex. This company claims to be against Mutants, but in reality, they seek to control all Mutant powers for their own gain. The rest of us are merely expendable test subjects to them."
I pause, taking a deep breath before continuing. "This event will be used by other forces to push for the 'Mutant Registration Act', which would require all Mutants to be registered and monitored by the government. While this act can now be easily squashed, it may not be entirely negative, it is crucial that the right organization oversees it. Ideally, with a highly respected Mutant leader at the helm." My eyes flicker towards Peggy, a sly grin tugging at my lips.
Peggy catches on quickly, her expression turning serious. "If I recall correctly," she says slowly, "the Super Serum will start to age Steve soon after 2010. And I assume you want me to handle this situation for the long haul, even if it means operating in secret?"
I let out a small chuckle. "You catch on fast, Agent Carter. That is correct. However, I must make it clear that you cannot complete a contract to gain powers for him, it goes against our rules of equivalent exchange with the recipient." I can see the wheels turning in Peggy's mind as she considers her options.
"And one more thing to consider," I add gravely, "someone else from your past will emerge from the ice soon. You will need to handle that situation as well." A knowing look passes between Peggy and Steve; they both know exactly who I am referring to.
"Now," I continue, my tone shifting to a more somber note, "I have an idea that may work for both of you. In other realities, Peggy, you are the one who receives the Super Serum. So it seems you both share a similar disposition towards taking on responsibility and using your powers for good. If you agree with me, Steve will need to let go of his shield and take on a new identity." My mind races with possibilities as I lay out my plan for their consideration.
Peggy nods in understanding, a determined look settling over her features. She remains silent, knowing that this decision ultimately lies with Steve and she will not sway him one way or another.
Cap sighs then nods, "Very well, but that's only if the contract is the same as Nat's."
"Alright, listen up. We need to get you both to a safe place ASAP. And I mean it when I say anything metal needs to stay behind." I survey the room, making sure there are no stray coins or jewelry lying around that might be pulled with us.
They nod in understanding and follow me to the bedroom. After a few minutes, they return with their belongings, including Cap's iconic shield which sits next to Nat on the sofa. "We'll make sure that stays safe on the island. Speaking of which, would you mind if we added this location to your home? Once you have your mutant abilities, you'll be able to touch it and it will open a portal straight to our island," I explain as I produce another one of my trusty portal plants and hand it to Peggy, who rushes outside to plant it in the backyard.
But in my mind, I am really wanting to move on to the next person. Based on my energy-reading abilities, I'm pretty confident that I can absorb magic. However, I'm not sure how exactly that works. Can I just learn spells by osmosis? Well, there's only one way to find out.
With a flick of my hand, I open a portal and we step through onto the island. To my surprise, Nat and Cap take the sudden teleportation in stride, though Peggy lets out an audible gasp at the magnificent landscape before us. I lead them away from my home towards a decent living space that has been prepared for them, far enough from other inhabitants but still close enough for easy communication.
"I'll be right back," I announce before vanishing into thin air. In true dramatic fashion, I reappear in what can only be described as a horror movie laboratory. But despite its abandoned appearance, there is a large pot bubbling away with what looks like molten metal inside. Without hesitation, I grab the pot and use my powers to keep it from cooling. Yeah, that is going to kick up a sh*t storm, hehe
"Now, this is my plan for both of you," I declare, addressing Peggy and Cap as I bring them over to the pot. I request the island to produce some anti-metal material, carefully positioning it away from the metal I brought with me, then another batch which happens to be Vibranium, something the island can only produce in smaller quantities due to its rarity. With intense concentration, I control the anti-metal, using my rank 4 abilities to prevent it from harming the precious Vibranium.
It takes a lot of effort, but eventually, I am able to merge the two materials together into two separate blobs with some leftover material. "Steve, come closer," I beckon. "We agreed on the same contract as Nat, right?" Steve nods in confirmation as he approaches. "Good."
With a burst of bright light, I use my powers to envelop Steve in a transformation process similar to what Nat went through earlier. He smiles and nods at me once it's done.
"These are yours now," I exclaim, gesturing towards the two metal blobs. "You should have a good understanding of their capabilities by now. These are the best I can provide for you given your preference for defense." Next, I turn to Peggy and shoot her a mischievous grin.
"Your changes will be similar, except that I will activate your liquid metal gene and fuse these metals with your body instead. One is ideal for defense while the other enhances melee attacks. With practice, they will also greatly improve your physical strength and speed. You can even replace your muscles and bones with these metals if you so choose, and shape-shift into anyone within reason. And per your request, I've also given you both a high regeneration rate that will keep you young for a very long time."
With a graceful nod, the materials in front of her dissipate into thin air. A subtle shift in the lighting casts a shadow over her figure, adding an air of mystery and power to her presence.
I decided to leave them there to continue practicing and for Steve to hone his skills in balancing the anti-metal. It was crucial that they were prepared, otherwise we could run into serious trouble. Once they were finished, they could return and focus on preparing for the infamous event known as the Mutant Massacre, a dark chapter in mutant history that still sends chills down my spine.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone