Marvel Mayhem - Chapter Nine (w/ Commentary Notes from the Author, Sean Livingston)

Chapter Nine: Guardians

            The Milano. That was the name of spaceship Walter learned as he and the “body snatcher” were alone in the cargo hold, tied back-to-back with each other by an electric bind that sparked in a faint blue hue whenever they squirmed. The scent of Old Spice filled the Muppet’s non-existent nostrils while in close proximity of his fellow stowaway. She even smells like Sean, he thought to himself. It was quite a bizarre few hours, watching Sean transform into a woman one moment and, in the next, finding himself aboard a spaceship (that may or may not have been named after a 1980s teen idol) with a foul-talking raccoon.

(Marvel Note: The Milano is in fact named after 80s teen idol and Peter Quill's childhood crush, Alyssa Milano. It is the ship that abducted Quill when he was a child, owned and operated by the Ravagers, an interstellar group of thieves, smugglers, and pirates. Prior to the events of Marvel Mayhem, the ship was severely damaged in the Battle of Xandar when it was used to ram into Ronan the Accuser's ship. For their heroic deed in saving Xandar, the Nova Corps rebuilt the Milano for Quill and the other Guardians of the Galaxy.)

            It was difficult to sit comfortably on the large steel crate that he and Natalie were placed on; it was especially so with Natalie squirming in her seat so often. “What are you doing?” Walter inquired, his small head bouncing against her back. Thankfully, between the softness of his hair and that of the fabric in the plaid shirt Natalie wore, it was not so much a painful experience as it was an annoying one.

            Although Walter could not see it from the direction he faced, Natalie’s face registered a mixture of amusement and odd satisfaction. She bit her lower lip and squinted her bright green eyes. “Sorry, buddy. Just admiring the new bod. Ya know, having a bigger butt certainly makes it easier to sit on hard surfaces.”

            Walter shook his head in disbelief. “Don’t you realize that we’ve been captured by aliens? They’re probably deciding right now whether or not to eat us!”

(Marvel Note: This is a nod to the Ravagers, who contemplated eating Peter Quill when they first abducted him.)

            Natalie giggled. “Them? Oh, don’t worry. I know these characters. They’re the Guardians of the Galaxy. These people are practically heroes.”

            “Hmph!” Walter jeered. “I doubt that. And I doubt that you know that.”

            “You’re right.” She sighed. “This mind. The part of it that’s this woman I’ve become. Stuff just randomly pops in my head at times. But I promise you that we are safe, buddy.” 

            “WILL YOU STOP CALLING ME THAT?!”

            There was evident panic in his voice. Clearly, he was terrified more of her than the situation they were in.

            “Walter,” she calmly said. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

            “You! It’s you that’s wrong! What’ve you done to Sean? Huh? Where is he?”

            Natalie shook her head, snickering. “I’m still here, buddy. Sean Thomas is still here, sitting right here with you in a red plaid shirt and his wife’s itchy leggings.”

            “You’re talking about yourself. You are not Sean Thomas. You’re just some body-snatcher who took him over – took away his identify by killing him.”

(Pop Culture Note: Walter's insulting nickname to Natalie is a direct reference to Invasion of the Body Snatchers, a 1956 science fiction film that depicts an extraterrestrial invasion involving alien plant spores that have fallen from space and grown into large seed pods, each one capable of reproducing a duplicate replacement copy of each human. The duplicates assimilate the physical characteristics, memories, and personalities of the humans. The plot of Body Snatchers bears strong resemblance to that of Marvel's Secret Invasion, which is adapted into Mayhem.)

            Natalie erupted in hysterical laughter. “Body-snatcher?”

            “Yeah. That’s right. And don’t you laugh!”

            Her laughter intensified, only aggravating the Muppet further. “Oh, I’m sorry, Walter. It’s just…you always have such a cute imagination.” Her hilarity soon subsided, and she once more addressed her companion in a soothing tone: “Seriously, buddy, it’s O.K. Sean is O.K. He’s just stored away. His body and mine are one in the same, just in two separate forms.”

            “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. I only want my best friend back, is that so much to ask?”

            Natalie’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Best friend? I…I thought Gary was your best friend.”

            “Gary is my brother, and the greatest brother a guy could ever have…but Sean has been there for me at times when Gary isn’t able to – that’s why he’s my best friend.”

(Authorial Note: This can be seen in The Muppets as Gary and Walter's brotherly relationship is strained by the goal of helping the Muppets save their theater, which in turn strains Gary's romantic relationship with Mary.)

            Tears quickly filled her eyes. She was immensely touched by this sentiment.

            “Oh, Walter.”

            The tears she shed fell down her caramel-colored cheeks and to her red plaid shirt, unable to wipe them away with her tied hands.

            Walter could hear her sniffling. “Are you crying?”

            “It’s…It’s just the atmosphere of the room.” She fibbed. “They don’t keep this place all that clean, ya know.”

            Footsteps sounded from one of the corridors interconnected with the room. Two of the Guardian members, Peter Quill and Gamora, soon entered. The first thing Quill caught sight of upon his entrance was the weeping Natalie. Guilt instantly weld up inside him. “Aw, jeez. Don’t cry, lady. We’re not gonna kill you – we promise...well, I made all of us promise...made Rocket promise.”

            Gathering herself, Natalie addressed the self-proclaimed “Star-Lord”: “I’m not afraid of you all.” She then added with an enormously content smile, “I just found out that I’m tied to my best friend right now!”

            There was an awkward glance shared between Quill and Gamora, hearing this baffling exclamation from their overly exuberant captive. “O…kay?” Quill acknowledged. “Moving on to the main issue of the hour: who are you and the Sesame Street reject? And how did you two get on the Milano?”

            Walter’s face scrunched in anger. “Sesame Street reject? I am a Muppet!”

(Pop Culture Note: Jim Henson's Muppets first made their television hallmark on Sesame Street in 1969, even though they were first created in the 1950s, beginning with Henson's signature character, Kermit the Frog. During the 1960s, the characters - notably Kermit and Rowlf the Dog - appeared on skits in several late night talk shows and advertising commercials. Kermit was one of the featured Muppets on Sesame Street to star on The Muppet Show, having gained popularity along with Rowlf in the previous decades.)

            “Uh, yeah,” Quill mockingly uttered. “Last time I checked, the Muppets were television characters, as in not real. So, obviously, you’re just some species or whatever that only looks like a Muppet.”

            Walter sighed. “I’m surrounded by actual lunatics today.”

            “Did my father, Thanos, send you?” Gamora inquired.

            Natalie immediately shook her head in reply. “No, I promise we have no affiliation with that Mad Titan.”

            “Did a guy by the name of Yondu send you?” Quill questioned.

            “Nope.” Natalie confirmed. “No affiliation there either.”

            “Do you even know the guys these people are talking about?” Walter queried her.

            She turned her head sideways to address him: “Of course. One’s a big light purple dude, and the other’s a dark blue dude. Both with bad attitudes.”

            When she faced forward again, Natalie suddenly found herself staring down the blade of a sword wielded by Gamora – the razor sharp tip just an inch from the bridge of her nose.

            “Recognize this weapon?” The green-skinned warrior asked.

            From Natalie’s visual perception of the blade in close proximity of her face, its tip looked as if it had been split into two. “No…can’t say that I do,” she said in response of Gamora’s inquiry.

            “It is known as Godslayer.” Gamora established. “It was given to me by Thanos. If you do not recognize it, then you are no assassin of his.”

(Marvel Note: In comic book continuity, Godslayer lives up to its name with its unique properties of slaying even vastly powerful beings.)

            She drew back her sword while Quill retrieved a small remote device from his pocket to shut off the electric bind holding Natalie and Walter together. Once they were free, the two jumped off the steel crate and stretched out the kinks in their bodies from the multiple hours of sitting.

            While she performed a few yoga stretches, Natalie was unknowingly being observed by Quill, who noted the way in which she dressed. The red plaid shirt that looked too big for her and tight grey leggings that hugged her buttocks and legs – they were too down-to-earth to be part of any planet Quill and his team had been to.

            “So…you’re from Earth?” He passed it off as a question in the guise of an observation, avoiding the possibility of being wrong.

            Finishing her stretches, Natalie stood upright and faced the two Guardians. “Yep. Me and my little friend here.”

            Quill confusingly glanced at Walter. “But he’s…?”

            “A Muppet.” Natalie finished. “Yeah, I know. It’s confusing.”

            “I do not understand.” Gamora said, gesturing to Walter. “This creature made of cloth is somehow alive?”

            Walter’s body stiffened in frustration. “For the last time, I am a Muppet!” He stared intensely at Gamora and added, “What’re you supposed to be? The Green Giant’s sister?”

(Pop Culture Note: The "Green Giant," also known as "Jolly Green Giant," is the mascot for brands of frozen and canned vegetables owned by General Mills.)

            Angered by the tone of his address, Gamora aimed her sword to Walter’s head. “Do not offend me, creature! I am not one you wish to upset so easily!”

            “Whoa, whoa! Time out!” Quill quickly stepped in between them, preventing any assassination from taking place. “Let’s just focus back on the topic at hand, shall we?” He brought his attention back to Natalie. “You’re from an apparently twisted Earth, I get that. But what I don’t get is how you got aboard our ship without one of your own.”

            Natalie shrugged. “Our arrival is rather complicated to go into detail. Honestly, I’d rather we focus on where it is we’re headed: Asgard.”

            “Asgard, eh?”

            The voice of Rocket Raccoon directed everyone’s attention to the corridor adjacent from the one Quill and Gamora entered earlier. He carried a pot containing what appeared to be an animate twig with a tiny face and arms.

(Marvel Note: Considering Groot is still in twig form, brought on from his sacrifice for the team during the Battle of Xandar, these events roughly put the story within a short window of time from Guardians of the Galaxy's climax.)

            “I’ve had some encounters with a few characters who’ve come far from there.” The strange raccoon attested.

(Authorial Note: I've left it up to readers to determine the Asgardians Rocket refers to in this scene. Of course, keen fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe know that two particular Asgardians - Volstagg and Sif - have journeyed out of Asgard to deliver the Aether to the Collector. Who's not to say that Rocket encountered them on their way?)

            “Then you know how to get there?” The hopeful Natalie queried.

            “Well, yeah, but it’s damn near impossible. It’s not exactly a hop and a skip away from where we are now. You’re talking about a journey that could take days...maybe months.”

            Natalie smirked. “It could only take me seconds.” Her smirk then faded into a scowl. “That is, if I weren’t so new to my Guardian power.”

            “Guardian power?” Quill noted with suspicion. “I thought we trademarked the ‘Guardian’ name after being inspired by a power-crazed, murderous Kree militarist.”

            With a heavy sigh, Natalie returned to the steel crate, planting herself back on it. “Earth doesn’t stand a chance unless I reach Asgard. It’s gonna fall right into the hands of the Skrulls.”

            The ears of Rocket and Quill perked in horror upon hearing the name “Skrull” escape Natalie’s peach-blossomed lips.

            “No, no.” Quill uttered. “You did not just say ‘Skrull,’ did you?”

            “What are Skrulls?” Gamora asked.

            “Only the worst pain-in-the-ass species in the universe.” Rocket remarked.

            “Tell me about it.” Quill acknowledged. “There’s this one time when a renegade Skrull once infiltrated the Ravagers and nearly tore us apart from the inside, planting doubt in our minds and causing us to turn on each other in a heartbeat.”

            Gamora frowned. “I don’t believe I have ever come across one.”

            “You have.” Rocket said. “Ya probably just didn’t realize it.”

            “The Skrulls have this ‘gift’ that allows them to blend with any civilization they find – look exactly like anyone in it.” Quill directed his troubled gaze to Natalie. “If you say that the entire Skrull Empire has infiltrated Earth, then it is seriously screwed.”

            “That’s the reason why I have to reach Earth – to prevent multiple disasters that I’ve foreseen to come from the secret invasion.” Natalie stated.

(Narrative Note: This is the only time that the title of the comic book story arc Marvel Mayhem borrows concepts from is directly mentioned in the story.)

            “If the danger is on Earth, what is your purpose for reaching Asgard?” Gamora quizzed.

            “I’m gonna need all of the Avengers, including the prince of Asgard himself, to stop the Skrulls’ invasion.” Natalie answered.

            Rocket’s face wrinkled in bafflement. “Who the hell are the Avengers?”

------------------

            “And you called me about this situation? Why? Why not contact one of your friends from S.H.I.E.L.D.? Like Nick Fury?”

            “Tried Fury. He’s not answering – probably already trying to work on a cover-up to this. The whole thing smells fishy to me. A rift between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the poster boy of this country? They worship Cap. He’s like one of the founding members of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

            “Actually, he isn’t.”

            “You’re a history buff all the sudden?”

            “I’ve been to the Captain America exhibit at the Smithsonian – pretty cool stuff, man. You oughta visit sometime.”

(Marvel Note: The Captain America Smithsonian exhibit, as seen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, is comprised of several panels and areas about his life before the project that brought his Super Soldier transformation, his returning ceremony by President Matthew Ellis, his actions during World War II, sections dedicated to the Howling Commandos, and a memorial for Bucky Barnes. It also held replicas of his motorcycle and uniform in a series of mannequins that also held replicas of uniforms worn by the Howling Commandos.)

            “Not a fan of museums, unless they feature something of me. Hey, crazy question, but weren’t we discussing about S.H.I.E.L.D. possibly turning on my fellow Avenger?”

(Marvel Note: In 2013, following the release of Iron Man 3, Disneyland opened the "Iron Man Tech Exhibit" in Tomorrowland's Innoventions, which features Iron Man's Hall of Armor, as seen in the films, with Mark XLII from IM3 front and center. An exhibit much like the Smithsonian in Winter Soldier also opened for Captain America at the release of the film last year, along with one of Asgard for Thor, both serving as character meet-and-greets.)

            “Right. I don’t know what else to tell ya, Tony. The officials here at the Pentagon are going nuts. Some of them are going as far as labeling Cap a traitor to the country. The World Security Council is investigating the situation, but it’s not looking too good for Cap.”

            “Just do whatever you can to get to the bottom of things, Rhodey, even if you have to get by the red tape.”

            He could hear Rhodey sighing heavily on the other end of the phone. “O.K., Tony. But I suggest you do the same. He is your friend after all.”

            “Thanks for reminding me.”

            After the nine-minute conversation had come to an end, Tony telepathically switched off the phone function of his telepresence headset – a device originally designed to mentally link him to his “Mark XLII” armor but had been retrofitted for communication purposes, shortly after the armor’s destruction. With the device still donned on his head, he was soon approached by Bruce.

            “Any good news?”

            Tony shook his head. “Not even the government knows what the hell’s going on.”

            “We should find Mindy,” suggested Jacqueline, from her spot in the entertainment section of the tower’s suite. “She’s working with S.H.I.E.L.D. and had probably seen all this happening before it did. If anyone can know what’s going on here, it’s her. It’ll take some time to get a center on her location in this realm though.”

            “Don’t bother.” Stark denied. “Nobody at S.H.I.E.L.D. can be trusted right now.”

            Sheryl, standing beside Jacqueline in the bathrobe she pilfered from Tony’s bathroom, detected the certainty in his voice. “That sounds like more of a declaration than an educated guess.”

            Stark paused for a long time and then decidedly came clean: “Look, I haven’t even told Rhodey this because of his connections to the government – they’re just as much a part of what’s really happening.” 

            “And what is really happening?” Jacqueline questioned.

            “The decades-old terrorist group Hydra has been operating and growing inside of S.H.I.E.L.D. since its very beginning.”

            Bruce, Sheryl, and Jacqueline each felt like a massive tidal wave had crashed through them.

            “Hydra?” Bruce muttered in shock. “A-Are you sure?”

            “You remember when we were on the Helicarrier and I hacked into S.H.I.E.L.D.’s database, discovering the weapons they were making from the Tesseract? I uncovered some even nastier secrets inside the agency – stuff that Fury probably had known but didn’t tell us because of his lack of trust. Hydra has been using S.H.I.E.L.D.’s resources for the purpose of carrying out their lifelong plans for world domination.”

(Authorial Note: Stark's discovery through system-hacking S.H.I.E.L.D.'s database is based on a fan theory of Hydra - working within the organization - carrying out Red Skull's initial plan from Captain America: The First Avenger in creating weapons from the Tesseract, as part of "Phase 2." It makes valid sense that Stark would dig deeper and deduce how the seed of Hydra was planted and grew within S.H.I.E.L.D. from Operation Paperclip.)

            Bruce’s eyes enlarged with realization. “The weaponization plan? It did seem like more of a Hydra plot than a S.H.I.E.L.D. one.”

            “And Hydra did once use the Tesseract for such a purpose.” Tony then added with a smug look, “Damn. Rhodey should be here to see me kick ass at this history stuff.”

            “Man, I feel so…betrayed.” Sheryl disconsolately said. “I mean, we fought alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. in our battle against Doctor Facilier and his forces, but we were fighting alongside Hydra the whole time? It doesn’t make any sense.”

            “It does when you consider the fact that they were just protecting a world they wanted to soon dominate.” Jacqueline scoffed.

            Sheryl’s body turned rigid, anxiety masked deeply on her face. “Oh, no! The Livingstons! Any of them could be Hydra! Jacqueline, Sean could be Hydra!” The latter prospect sickened her. “He’s a part of us...a representation from this world of who we once were! And he could be…oh, god!”

            “Sheryl, chill.” Jacqueline urged. “Sean is definitely not Hydra. Like you said, he’s a part of us, meaning there’s no way he could turn evil.” She shrugged and doubtfully added, “Ciciley and Elendriel, on the other hand…I’m not so sure about them.”

            “And that reservation is exactly why we should work in finding not just Mindy but Sean also.” Sheryl proposed. “The thought of either of those poor souls with S.H.I.E.L.D. scares the crap out of me.”

            Jacqueline shook her head. “The very idea of both of us using our abilities simultaneously…Sheryl, we could end up attracting Yve Ette’s attention from whatever parts unknown she may be hiding. She is connected to our power, remember?”

            “For all we know, she may already be here, hunting for our butts as we speak.” Sheryl anticipated. “She may even have a hand in this S.H.I.E.L.D./Hydra situation.”

            Jacqueline could not argue on that last possibility. It sounded solid enough to convince her into complying. “Alright. Fine. Let’s find ourselves.”

------------------

            Genevieve awoke with a gasp. There was no recollection as to how she ended up unconscious in the first place; it was as if a part of her memory of the event that led to it had been removed from her mind. And just as blank as her memory was, so was the room that she found herself in. It was pitch-black with the one available light source shining right above and blinding her. She made an attempt to move, only to discover right away that there were shackles on her wrists and ankles. Her hands and arms were strung above her head and her legs were pinned, chained to something in the darkness that she could not see.

            It then became evident to her, when she squirmed in her awkward position, that she had been completely stripped of her clothes and left naked. The cold metal surface of the steel table her nude body had been sprawled across was chill to the touch whenever she wriggled to get free. She even tried to use her power to escape from the binds that contained her. Unfortunately, it was the binds themselves that resisted her attempts.

            “HEY!” She yelled into the darkness. “I know you’re there somewhere, getting your twisted pleasure in watching me like this! Show yourself!”

            Sure enough, there was an observer. The lone figure stepped out from the darkness and into the light, allowing Genevieve to finally see her abductor.

            “Yve Ette!”

            It was as if her nightmares had become reality, looking up towards the corrupted reincarnation of her past looming over her, hands on her hips and a sinister smile showing from her face.

            “It’s so good seeing you again, Genevieve.” She spoke in the Northern English accent that accompanied the reincarnated form she inhabited. “After the near-destruction of the Disneyverse, I would have never believed our paths to cross again. And thank you oh-so-much for the new body. It’s so big and strong. I’ve grown quite fond of it.” Admiring her form, she sensually rubbed her hands up and down against her leather-clad body, gripping her breasts and buttocks.

(Authorial Note: Yve Ette fondling her own body in this scene was another cause for concern in how much Marvel Mayhem's T-rating was being pushed by FanFiction.net's standards. Thankfully, it's not quite so serious, since not much detailed imagery is placed in the sensual act.)

            The self-pleasuring gestures made Genevieve feel ill. The only way she could have gotten through it was to focus on something more relevant to the situation: “What’re you doing in this realm? Why’ve you taken allegiance with the Skrulls?” She noted the feigned surprise in the face of her adversary. “Yeah, we both know who they are, thanks to all the knowledge Mindy got from her time here.”

            “Fascinating creatures they are. Their capability to camouflage their alien appearance at will and become anyone they want. Sound familiar?”

            “The Skrulls want to tear the universe apart and piece it back together in their own image. And you’ve given them access to the one place that is easy pickings for them.”

            “And you don’t think I know that? It’s why I set them off the leash. I’m undoing all the hard work you’ve put into this world and the next – all while working my way back to the Disneyverse to put my master plan in play.”

            “Your ‘master plan’? What would that be?”

            Yve Ette chuckled. “Oh, Genevieve. You should know better than that. Being in the Disneyverse as long as you have, haven’t you learned about asking the bad guys their plans?”

(Narrative Note: The master plan of Yve Ette is the invasion on Fantasia that occurs in World of Disney 3, leading into the war for the very heart of the Disneyverse itself. Yve Ette is fully aware of Fantasia's destruction being the aftermath of the war and sees it as opportunity for her to control the Disneyverse with the Galactic Empire, as well as with the Skrull Empire.)

            “Well, I figure since you’re going to kill me anyway, I might as well die with the information.”

            “Honey, you weren’t brought aboard the Skrulls’ command ship to be executed. There is something they want out of you.”

            On cue with Yve Ette’s emphasis on context, a massive, mechanical black “hand” with razor-sharp claws slithered from the darkness. Its “body” was a long, thick scaly cable strongly resembling a snake. It hovered over Genevieve, who gazed upon the mechanical horror with penetrating fear.

            “I’ve bragged all about you and your Guardian abilities to the Skrulls.” Yve Ette divulged. “They want to harness such cosmic power for one of their own, transforming it into the first of their species: a Super Skrull.”

            The mechanical hand opened its palm to reveal a bright red glowing light embedded into it, bathing Genevieve’s naked, terrified form in its hue.

            Yve Ette watched on with wicked delight. “I should warn you, sweetie. What’s about to happen next is really going to hurt.”

            Moving faster than the blink of an eye, the hand shot at Genevieve. Its claws dug deep into her bare flesh, bringing out the most painful scream her body had ever exhibited.

(UP NEXT: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Asgard!)

Marvel Mayhem - Chapter Eight (w/ Commentary Notes from the Author, Sean Livingston)

Chapter Eight: Embrace Change

(Marvel Note: The subtitle for this chapter is based on a quote from the "Secret Invasion" crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books. The story involves a subversive, long-term invasion of Earth by the shape-shifting aliens known as the Skrulls, who play a major role in this story and the two others in the Marvel Universe trilogy, encouraging the people of Earth to "embrace change.")

            The new body already proved challenging for Natalie the moment she attempted to try on a variety of clothes, some stage costumes from the attic itself and others straight from Christina’s closet. Either there was a shirt too small or tight to go over her protruding breasts or pants that refused to go over her “huge butt cheeks,” as she called them. A pair of blue jeans Victoria had stolen out of Christina’s room proved to be the most challenging of all the articles of clothing scattered about the attic. Natalie hopped all around, tirelessly pulling up on the jeans and making several thudding sounds in the process. She finally gave up; the jeans were just too snug for her new form.

            Thankfully, after several hours, she found two articles of clothes that satisfied her body perfectly: a long-sleeved, red plaid shirt that belonged to Sean and a pair of stretchy gray leggings that Christina owned. Once she glanced at her suitable look in the standing mirror, she deeply approved of it, particularly how the plaid shirt looked as soon as she rolled the sleeves up to her elbows. The leggings were to her liking as well, cutting off evenly at her calves, until she lifted the back of her shirt to note how her obviously-sized buttocks fitted in them. It managed to look even more obvious, practically through the tight fabric, but she did not let it trouble her. The stretchy leggings fitted her and the oversized plaid shirt covered her butt up anyways.

(Character Note: Natalie wears these clothes from Marvel Mayhem on through World of Disney 3 before getting a wardrobe change in The Disney Access. The clothes are a mixture of choices based on my own preferences and Natalie's. The red plaid shirt is based from one I used to own a long time ago in reality. The tight gray leggings are a signature article of clothing in the case of Natalie, having modeled in them on occasion.)

            All that was left were the white tennis shoes that she and Victoria found among all the stage costumes stored up there. She did not rightly know who they once belonged to, but she felt like Cinderella the moment she slipped them on and realized how well they fit on her feet. Victoria had watched her try on the different clothes for the past hours, all while fretting over the information Natalie had given earlier.

            “What else do you know about this danger Genevieve’s in? I mean, does any of it have to do with Yve Ette? She’s the reason she journeyed to this other realm.”

            Shortly after tying her tennis shoes, Natalie gazed up at Victoria, her bright green eyes still managing to stand out in the darkly lit room. “My brain – well, the half of it that is mine – is still processing the specific details. The word ‘Skrull’ keeps replaying into my thoughts though. I keep seeing this messed-up face… some type of green, pointy-eared creature.”

            “Oh, god.” Victoria whispered in disgust at the description. “Well, I’d presume that creature must be the Skrull itself.”

            “Not totally sure of that. All I do know is that I need to reach Asgard and find Thor.” She suddenly gave her head a slight shake and scrunched her face in disillusion. “Man! That sounds a helluva lot weirder when I say it out loud.”

(Authorial Note: The notable absence of Thor in The Marvelous World: World of Disney 2 was a minor issue that I had in writing the story, as I didn't really have any place to include him at the time. With the alien influence of the Skrulls and Thor's knowledge of the intergalactic beings to come from the Nine Realms, Marvel Mayhem felt like the best story to introduce the God of Thunder.)

            She took a few steps away from Victoria and stood rigidly in a more shadowed section of the attic, her arms outstretched and head slightly titled back. Noting Natalie’s actions, Victoria curiously asked, “What’re you doing?”

            “About to teleport myself out of this world and into the next. I just hope I get it right on the first try in this new body.”

            “Just follow your instincts and focus on where it is you want to be…that’s what Yen Sid once told me.”

(Narrative Note: This instruction was given, albeit in different context, in the twenty-first tale out of Tales of the Disneyverse, when Victoria was advised by Yen Sid to use her magic to search for the other reincarnations of Sean Thomas.)

            Natalie glanced back at her and gave an indebted smile. “Thanks.”

            Following the instruction, Natalie closed her eyes and focused. Within mere seconds, her body began to glow in a mix of gold and rainbow colors with sparkles that swirled around it. During the occurrence of this event, Walter – who had been lying in his unconscious state on the attic floor – awoke at the moment a bright flash of light filled his vision. In the next instant, he found himself sitting in the steel corridor of what appeared to him to be a spaceship.

            “Huh? Wha—?”

            “Oh, no!”

            His eyes diverted to a familiar character that stood across from him in the corridor, looking directly at him in shock.

            “Walter, how did you get here?” She asked him.

            Scared out of his wits being in a strange place with a stranger, Walter replied, “I…I only just woke up! I have no idea where I am or even how I got here!”

            A hand went to Natalie’s mouth upon realizing her error. “Oh, crap. I must’ve teleported you with me by accident. I’m still new to this whole thing. Walter, I’m so sorry, buddy.” The way she addressed him by that informal term was so similar to Sean that he believed for a second his friend was right there in front of him. “I promise that I’ll get you back home immediately.”

(Character Note: Natalie's unbalanced usage of her power is due to the chemical imbalance from the fusion between her and Sean. At this point in their amalgamation, their subconscious minds and emotions are conflicting with each other, lacking the proper connection that keeps them and the power they share in sync.)

            “NO!” Walter cried, finally remembering what this strange woman had done. “S-Stay away from me!”

            The Muppet’s demeanor quickly shifted to terror, concerning Natalie even more for his well-being. “Walter, it’s alright. It’s me…Sean. I’m still him – or, at least, a part of him. But I’m still your friend.”

            In attempting to get closer to him, she unintentionally coerced him into a nervous breakdown, making him scream. It certainly was not the wisest thing to do on the alien territory. Natalie shushed her small companion, fearing whoever might have been near to hear and realize their intrusion. Unfortunately, from the rush of footsteps coming their way, and she knew the damage had been already done.

            In the blink of an eye, the two intruders were surrounded by four strange beings: a bipedal raccoon holding an enormous gun, a green-skinned woman wielding a sword, a green-skinned man with red marks all over his body and armed with dual knives, and a human man wearing a high-tech facemask and bizarre-looking guns. Each of the beings had their weapons aimed at Walter and Natalie, who both instinctively held up their hands in surrender.

(Marvel Note: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy was well into its successful theatrical release at the time this chapter was written. By then, I had already gained enough familiarity with the characters to mimic their characteristics and dialogue for Marvel Mayhem.)

            And, as if the situation could not have been any stranger, the raccoon spoke aggressively to the two: “You’ve got five seconds to tell us what the hell you’re doing on our ship, or else we tear the shit outta you!”

------------------

            Never in her life had Chrissy eaten candy and drank sodas with brand names like the ones Ciciley treated her to from the vending machine outside her hospital room. She was certain the doctor would not have approved of her intake of sweets during her recovery, but she did not care. The sugar rush between her and her daughter was high, evident from the energized manner in Ciciley’s recollection of her life prior to Chrissy’s reawakening. She had spoken so rapidly that Chrissy could barely keep up yet managed due to her own rush of energy.

            Ciciley eventually reached the “Project Geo” ordeal from two years ago that led to her rejuvenation. Chrissy listened intently to this part as she took in details that fascinated her to no end, such as Ciciley’s first encounter with Gigi – the powerful sorceress that emerged and was connected to the massive geodesic sphere S.H.I.E.L.D. uncovered in the Mojave in the 1980s. She cringed over how violent that meeting was, especially the fact that Ciciley gashed her hand, the result of which caused Gigi’s blood to seep in her system.

(Authorial Note: I wrestled a bit with the narrative in this scene, worried that I put too much effort into summarizing the entire storyline to The Marvelous World: World of Disney 2 and, as such, distracting readers from the present narrative of Marvel Mayhem. In writing the installments of World of Disney, I sometimes take into consideration how much of the previous story was read before jumping into this one, working around the details that give away spoilers.)

            “After that, a metamorphosis occurred and I was rejuvenated into the youthful woman you’re seeing now,” she concluded.

            “Wow,” said the spellbound Chrissy. “You have certainly lived one exciting life. A sorceress from another world? A-And that Sphere device? Oh, I would love to see such a marvelous mechanical wonder! Where is it now? Does S.H.I.E.L.D. still have it stored away?”

            “Uh…no. Sheryl sent it somewhere neither S.H.I.E.L.D. nor anyone else would ever be able to reach it.”

(Narrative Note: In the epilogue of The Marvelous World, the Sphere was shown to have ended up in a realm based on Star Wars, discovered by Darth Vader and his Imperial forces, establishing the plot of World of Disney 3.)

            Chrissy frowned. “Oh, dear.”

            “But I promise you’ll see plenty of others once you’re out of the hospital.”

            “Oh, that would be swell.” Her excitement fleetingly shifted to concern. “Um, that young agent I’d spoken to earlier…is there any chance I could speak with him again? I really need to apologize for calling him…well…colored.”

            It took a short moment for Ciciley to realize who her mother was referring to; once she did, she could not help but laugh hysterically. “Oh, my god! You’re probably not gonna believe this…but that ‘colored agent’ is your grandson: Sean.”

            Chrissy’s eyes widened in a mix of shock and embarrassment on this. She shamefully covered her face with her hands. “Now I really hope that I get the chance to properly introduce myself to him – poor thing.”

            Ciciley’s laughter managed to subside enough to ease her mother’s worry. Wiping away tears brought on from her amusement, she placed a comforting hand on Chrissy’s shoulder and said, “You will. But, to keep your ass from getting kicked, I’d advise you to refrain from calling any other Black person you pass by on the streets ‘colored.’”

            Chrissy moved her hands from her face, looking to her daughter and acknowledging her advice with a smile. “I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

            It was then the mother/daughter time was disrupted by a vibrating noise and music from Ciciley’s smartphone, which sat on the over-bed table near them. “Free your mind and the rest will follow! Be color blind, don’t be so shallow!”

(Authorial Note: The idea for the ringtone to play En Vogue's "Free Your Mind" came to me one morning on my way to the high school where I interned. I heard the song play on my Sirius XM radio and realized how suitable it was not only as Ciciley's ringtone but to develop a sense of irony in this conversation she and her mother are having on race relations.)

            “What on earth is that?” Chrissy jumped in surprise from the strange noise that erupted from the equally peculiar device. It marveled her nonetheless.

            “It’s just my phone.”

            The realization bewildered the out-of-time redhead. “That’s a telephone?! What’re those sounds it’s making?”

            “Music.”

            “That’s music?!”

            “En Vogue. Way ahead of your time. But I’ll explain later.”

            Ciciley picked her phone up from the table and saw on the screen that the caller was unidentifiable. Curious, she touched the green “Answer” button and placed the phone to her right ear.

            “Who is this?” She asked the person on the other line.

            “Moms, it’s me. Don’t say my name.” Ciciley was just about to before his abrupt instruction. “I’m calling from another phone, because mine was stolen by our trusted friends. Turns out we can’t trust them anymore.”

            The secrecy in his voice was evident – something was clearly wrong. “Are you okay, babe? Is there something I can do to help?”

            “Just hang tight. I’m sending someone to get you and Grandmamma to us.”

            “To you? How…?”

            From the corner of her eye, Ciciley caught a quick flash of light and felt a slight breeze that had come over the room. She heard Chrissy gasp, drawing attention to her and, in the process, the subject of her surprise. Standing there in the room with them was a young blonde with sparkling blue eyes, dressed just like Black Widow.

(Narrative Note: Throughout the series, there's always a cue given to a character - particularly the Guardian - when they have magically teleported into an area from the "flash of light" that is caught from the perspective of a nearby observer.)

            She waved at the both of them, smiling. “Hi. Name’s Genevieve. Not enough time to explain. Just brace yourselves.” Without caution, she took Ciciley and Chrissy by the hands and closed her eyes. There was another quick flash of light, and the women found themselves in an entirely new atmosphere within a fraction of a millisecond.

            The sudden trip between spaces took a slight toll on Ciciley, making her dazed for a few seconds. Once her focus returned, she took in her new surroundings and recognized it instantaneously as the cluttered den of Elendriel’s New York apartment. The realization filled her with shock and mystification.

            “Did we just…?”

            “Travel over 200 miles in less than a second?” Genevieve finished. “Yeah, sorry about that. But, circumstances being what they are, I didn’t have time for subtlety.”

(Factual Note: Estimated on Google Maps, the drive distance from Washington, D.C. to New York City is approximately 226 miles at a travel time of three hours and fifty-nine minutes.)

            Chrissy’s body had stiffened from the abrupt extraterrestrial experience. “I-Is this another example of advanced twenty-first century technology?”

            “It sure as hell ain’t any I’ve ever used!” Ciciley remarked, clearly still traumatized. She suddenly spotted Sean standing in the room with Elendriel, who had been nursing a sleeping Karter in a pink shirt and white polka-dotted pajama bottoms, and Mindy. “Would someone please explain what’s going on?”

            Sean was the first to step forward, gesturing to Genevieve. “Moms, meet Genevieve – or, as we used to know her, Sheryl.”

            Ciciley’s eyes darted to the blonde responsible for the Star Trek moment. Eyeing her up and down, she was baffled to the reasoning behind the change in appearance. “Sheryl? How…?”

            “It’s another one of my special traits,” said Genevieve. “When I die, I reincarnate into a different body – sometimes with a different personality.”

            “Like Doctor Who?” Ciciley uttered.

            Elendriel snickered. “That’s what I said.”

(Pop Culture Note: In Doctor Who, the title character possesses the gift of regeneration, in which he physically and mentally changes into a new person. This is a plot device introduced in the early days of the British sci-fi program's fifty-plus years on television, enabling the lead role to be portrayed by different actors, shifting the dynamic of the show and allowing it to continue for the foreseeable future. I've incorporated a similar plot device for World of Disney, only it occurs more frequently than on Who.)

            “And it gets better.” Sean added, smiling and gesturing to Mindy. “She’s one, too. The whole time.”

            Ciciley’s eyes shifted from Genevieve to Mindy, feeling as if she were looking at the same person all at once. “Really?”

            Mindy innocently shrugged. “Sorry. Couldn’t draw too much attention to myself, especially not now of all times.”

            Chrissy gasped again – this time in enjoyment – as she glanced back and forth between Genevieve and Mindy. “So the both of you are the same magical hero that saved many in this world? This is delightful! My daughter told me earlier about the experience she had with your other self. Could I perhaps get to know more about either of you? Maybe even study your physiology, if I can.”

            Neither Mindy nor Genevieve knew exactly how to respond to such a request.

            Thankfully, Ciciley intervened. “Mama, maybe you could hold off from the science-orgasm long enough to find out why we were kidnapped by an otherworldly sorceress?”

            There was prolonged silence in the room until Sean finally revealed the truth: “S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised…by Hydra.”

            The news had stunned Ciciley and Chrissy simultaneously. “What?”

            “Wh…When? For how long?” It was just two of millions of questions that Ciciley could manage to spit out in her stupor.

            “Years ago,” Mindy said, “during the insurrection of S.H.I.E.L.D. itself, when the United States started ‘Operation Paperclip’ after World War II.”

            Chrissy felt a chill down her spine. “I…I was part of that operation.” All eyes swiftly turned to her. “I worked with some of the scientists recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D., including Arnim Zola, though I never saw him again shortly after 1948.”

(Marvel Note: In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Arnim Zola used Operation Paperclip to rebuild Hydra inside of S.H.I.E.L.D. and continue his experimentation on Bucky Barnes that turned him into the Winter Soldier.)

            “It was Zola himself who snowballed the events that transpired into compromising S.H.I.E.L.D.” Mindy divulged. “He provided cover for sleeper agents all over the organization.”

            “That could mean anyone in the agency is Hydra,” said Elendriel, whose eyes darted among everyone suspiciously, “including the people standing right here in my apartment.”

            “Now hold on one second, young lady.” Ciciley sternly said. “First off, don’t forget whose money got you this damn apartment. And second, no one in this room is an agent of Hydra.”

            “How can you be so sure of that?” Sean inquired.

            Ciciley glared at him, the fire clear in her eyes. “Because we’re all family, and family don’t turn on each other.”

(Authorial Note: Originally, I did intend one member of the Livingston family to be a Hydra sleeper agent, bouncing between Elendriel and Sean as one of the possible suspects. By the end of the story, with events transpiring to grow the family closer, I decided against it - although Elendriel's character history does involve her biological father betraying S.H.I.E.L.D. as an undercover spy, working for an as-of-yet undetermined faction.)

            Elendriel was not so reassured. “Oh, really? Well, what about her?” She nodded in Chrissy’s direction, once more drawing all the attention on her. “She just turns up all of the sudden in that cyro-chamber, and we still don’t know why she was on ice in the first place.”

            The accusation of her granddaughter surprised and even offended Chrissy. “You think I’m Hydra? Young lady, I am as shocked as the rest of you about this. How dare you accuse me – your own grandmother – of having any ties to that organization of monsters! I have helped the Strategic Scientific Reserve fight the likes of people like Adolf Hitler and Johann Schmidt during World War II and made good friends like Chester Phillips, Howard Stark, and Peggy Carter.” She then solemnly added, “Friends who are all long gone by now.”

            Ciciley saw tears fall from Chrissy’s eyes upon her reflection on her life of the past; it was enough to make her believe her credibility on being a true-and-through S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. “Like I said…she’s family.” Her comment surprised Sean, who recalled how angry Ciciley was over Chrissy at the hospital before confronting her.

            Accepting her mother’s judgment of her grandmother, Elendriel questioned, “So what’re we gonna do now? I mean, all of us are S.H.I.E.L.D. – well, except for you, Genevieve. You only posed as one…and that one being Natasha Romanoff.”

            “And I’m not too proud about it either.” Genevieve said while tugging on the seat of her catsuit. “I don’t know how she could wear this thing without it climbin’ up her butt crack.”

(Pop Culture Note: The tightness of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow catsuit is often the subject of sex appeal, particularly in how much it accentuates her figure, which includes her buttocks. The same can be said for her comic book counterpart.)

            Ignoring her complaint, Mindy proceeded to say, “We’ll have to report back soon or else risk being found out.”

            “We have to go to someone we know that we can trust, like Captain America or Tony Stark.” Sean suggested.

            Elendriel scoffed at his latter recommendation. “How in the hell can a stuck-up asshole like Stark help us in our time of need?”

            “You have any better ideas?” Sean angrily queried, inciting a shouting match between the two half-siblings.

            The shouting woke up Karter, who was closest to the loud, furious, and defensive voice of Elendriel. It was too much for his small, delicate hearing to handle and he cried almost as loudly as Elendriel shouted.

            Seeing Karter crying in Elendriel’s arms (without her realizing it) angered Ciciley. “ENOUGH!” Her voice carried over those of her two bickering children, prompting them to stop and hear the baby’s cries. Elendriel, feeling guilty from her negligence, did her best to calm him.

            Her attention directed to Karter for the first time since she arrived, Chrissy asked with a smile, “Who’s the lil’ fella?”

            “We found him in the same place we found you – in the secret underground lair of a madman.” Sean stated.

            Hearing this, Chrissy’s heart sank. “Oh, the poor thing.” She walked right up to Elendriel and held her arms out. “May I?”

            “Sure.” Elendriel permitted.

            Chrissy took the crying baby, gently bouncing him. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Don’t cry.”

            Karter’s crying had ceased once Chrissy took care of him. It amazed Ciciley how much of a natural Chrissy was in motherhood, considering how short of time she had in being a mother to her.

(Narrative Note: This scene reflects the behavior we witnessed earlier in Ciciley over Karter. Once again, the son - or, in this case, daughter - is caught by surprise in the motherly affection of a parent who has neglected their parental role in the past, showing it towards a new child who has apparently become a replacement.)

            “You can take him into my bedroom, if you like.” Elendriel offered.

            “Thank you, honey.” Chrissy seemed more grateful for Elendriel’s acceptance of her more than her gratitude towards the baby. Although there were no apologies for her earlier accusation, it only mattered that her granddaughter began to accept her as a member of the family.

            Shortly after Chrissy occupied the bedroom, closing the door behind her, Ciciley went right behind both Sean and Elendriel and delivered hard pinches to each of their buttocks. The half-siblings gave a collective “Ow!” in reaction to the pinches.

(Character Note: Ciciley's "cheek-twisting" is her own disciplinary version of "spanking" her children when they are unruly.)

            “You two seriously need to get your shit together!” Ciciley scolded. “We’ve only got each other right now and can’t afford to go off the handle. You got that?”

            “Yes, ma’am.” The half-siblings sheepishly confirmed.

            There came a knock on the door, startling everyone.

            “You expecting company?” Genevieve asked Elendriel, who guardedly shook her head.

            Sean was the only one brave and cautious enough to answer the door, opening it to reveal S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents Jasper Sitwell and Felix Blake. The bodies of Ciciley, Elendriel, Genevieve, and Mindy stiffened from the sudden arrival of these agents.

(Marvel Note: Jasper Sitwell and Felix Blake are two Level 7 S.H.I.E.L.D. agents that were introduced exclusively to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sitwell made his first appearance in 2011's Thor as one of the agents working under Phil Coulson in New Mexico, while Blake made his in the Marvel One-Shot, "Item 47," which Sitwell had a major role in.)

            “Agent Livingston.” Sitwell addressed in his usual stoic nature. “May we enter?”

            Sean swallowed hard. “Sure. Come right in.” There was a hint of reluctance in his invitation, but neither Sitwell nor Blake seemed to have noticed as they entered. It was not like he had any other choice; he needed to avoid any suspicion to him and the others.

            “Who’s she?” Sitwell inquired, pointing to Genevieve.

            “She’s my niece.” Ciciley hurriedly responded, standing beside Genevieve and “lovingly” holding her right arm. “She’s come to visit for the weekend.”

            Directing attention away from Genevieve, Sean asked, “So what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, gentlemen?”

            “We want to inform you on the status of Captain America.” Sitwell said. “Pierce has categorized him as a wanted fugitive for withholding information about the death of Nick Fury. He’s ordered to have him brought down by any means necessary.”

(Marvel Note: Alexander Pierce was first introduced in The Winter Soldier as the Secretary of Defense for the United States Government, working alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. and the World Security Council. He was ultimately revealed to be Hydra's top undercover agent, working to create a world so chaotic that its people would give up control of their lives. To that end, he created Project Insight, which would have granted Hydra total control over the world. In the film, he is played by acting legend Robert Redford. In the comics, he is a much younger S.H.I.E.L.D. field agent and leader of one of the three teams of Caterpillars. For the film, this persona is amalgamated with that of Alexander Lukin, the handler of the Winter Soldier in comic book continuity.)

            “Captain America? Seriously?” Elendriel remarked. “The dude’s a hero to our country.”

            Sitwell directed a disapproved look to her. “Doesn’t matter what he’s done in the past. It’s what he’s done now that matters.”

            “You know you guys could’ve just informed me about this over the phone or through the comm.” Sean mentioned.

            “Apparently, communications have been blocked between you and S.H.I.E.L.D.” Sitwell noted. “Why is that, Agent Livingston?”

            “I needed the privacy.” Sean fibbed. “Just discovered that my grandmother had been in cryogenic status for over sixty years, after all.”

            Blake nodded in tolerance of this excuse. “Speaking of which, S.H.I.E.L.D. has decided to take an extensive examination of Chrissy Livingston.” He focused on Ciciley and added, “We only need your permission, since you have personal ties to the subject – your mother.”

            Ciciley did not approve of the way in which Blake referred Chrissy as a “subject.” She only wanted to get the two agents out of the picture. “Of course. You know where to find her – in her cozy little hospital room in D.C.” She then added in a rather contemptuous voice, “Is that all, gentlemen?”

            There was a long moment of tense silence and Sitwell at last said, “That is all.”

            The two agents started to make their way out of the apartment. However, curiosity got the best of Sean as he gazed upon Blake and made a strange discovery. “How are you feeling, Blake?”

            His question caught Blake (and everyone else) off guard, but Blake nonetheless casually responded, “I’m feelin’ fine.”

            Sean nodded. “That’s good – outstanding even – considering that your condition was critical after the Deathlok incident.”

(Marvel Note: The incident Agent Livingston is referring to happened in the Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One episode titled "End of the Beginning," in which Blake was attacked by Mike Peterson - codenamed "Deathlok" after being transformed into a cybernetic operative by Hydra sleeper agent John Garrett, under the "Clairvoyant" pseudonym. In the attack, Blake's chest was caved in by Deathlok, leading to his critical condition. These events occurred on the cusp of the Hydra uprising, hence why Blake's "recovery" is such a notable surprise in this scene.)

            Blake and Sitwell stared long and hard at Sean. It was an approach that Sean knew he took too much of a risk with, having brought suspicion back on himself and the others. Sweat began to seep from the pores in his forehead while he engaged in a two-on-one staring contest with the agents.

            After what felt like forever, Blake smiled and said, “What can I say – it’s a miracle.” Sean said no more on the matter; instead, he merely smiled back and opened the front door for Sitwell and Blake to exit through.

            However, just when Sitwell’s left foot was about to step outside the threshold of the apartment…

            Waaaaah!

            The heads of Sitwell and Blake turned instinctively and concurrently in reaction to the sound of Karter crying. Their eyes were on the bedroom door, which opened at the exact moment Chrissy stepped out.

            “You wouldn’t happen to have any fresh diapers lying around, would you?”

            Her appearance alarmed Sitwell and Blake, who both went for their guns.

            Noting their reactions, Sean prevented Sitwell from going for his own by karate-chopping his throat, thus damaging his trachea. He ensued in throwing him to the floor and yanking his gun from him. Blake’s drawn gun had been unexpectedly tossed away from his hand, thanks to some telepathy from Genevieve, and he suffered from one fierce roundhouse kick by Elendriel before being subdued to the floor by Ciciley. She locked him in an intense submission hold, wrapping her legs tightly around his neck and pinning his right arm against his back.

            Holding Sitwell at gunpoint and not taking his eyes off of him, Sean instructed Chrissy, “Keep yourself and Karter in the bedroom! Lock the door and don’t come out until you’re told to!” The fearful Chrissy acknowledged Sean’s command, leaving him to deal with the situation that had befallen his sister’s apartment as he engaged in interrogation with Sitwell. “Why, man? How long have you been with Hydra? How long have they had you and Blake working as sleepers?”

            “You’re not far from the truth, Agent Livingston.” Sitwell spoke hoarsely while recovering from the blow to his windpipe. “Sitwell is an agent of Hydra…but the real Sitwell is back at the Triskelion, trying to find Captain America – just like the real Agent Blake is still in critical condition.”

            His words drew perplexity among Sean, his mother, his sister, and the two sorceresses with them. “I don’t understand. If you’re not Sitwell and he’s not Blake, who or what the hell are you guys?”

            “There is an even greater invasion – one that will befall the entire world rather than just one organization. If you think what Hydra has done to S.H.I.E.L.D. is extravagant, wait until you see what we have planned. Once our plans are put in place, there won’t be any need for S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore.”

(Authorial Note: The "Secret Invasion" plot made sense for the story after I had seen how much the world of Marvel's cinematic universe changed from the events of The Winter Soldier. With anyone on Earth possibly being affiliated with Hydra, what a better way to stir up even more paranoia than to mix disguised Skrull agents, some of which could be working for Hydra themselves!)

            It dawned on Sean that this version of Sitwell was not with Hydra or S.H.I.E.L.D., prompting him to again ask, “What are you?”

            “WE ARE THE SKRULL EMPIRE!” “Blake” defiantly exclaimed, strengthening himself to his feet, with Ciciley still clinging to his body, and ramming the both of them into a nearby bookshelf that shattered on impact. The injured and barely conscious Ciciley was released from “Blake” as he recovered.

            Meanwhile, “Sitwell” took advantage of the distraction by retrieving a small green metal ball from his left coat pocket, hurling it at Genevieve. Sensing the object coming her way, Genevieve swiftly caught it with her left hand. She soon found herself unable to let it go, keeping her hand balled up into a fist and containing the item. There was a massive jolt sent into her clenched hand, causing her to scream in pain and fall to the floor. Her body trembled and then vanished in a mist of green energy, alarming those who bore witness to it – including Mindy, who was powerless to prevent it from happening.

            “Blake” charged for Sean, but he opened fire on him before he could get near. He then turned the gun back on “Sitwell” and demanded, “Tell me what you did to Genevieve! Where did she go?”

            “She’s with the rest of my people now…including one of her own.”

            Sean cocked the gun, seeming ready to shoot the doppelganger dead just as he had done to its companion. Fortunately, he resisted the temptation once he noted to himself the importance of keeping “Sitwell” alive. “Mindy, tie him up. We’re going to get answers out of whomever or whatever this thing is.”

            Mindy followed with his command, despite being perturbed over the sudden disappearance of Genevieve, her future incarnation. Several thoughts ran through her mind as to how these events that were set in motion – set in stone – would affect her future as Guardian.

            “Sean!” Elendriel cried. “You need to take a look at this!”

            He caught her crouched beside the dead body of Blake’s doppelganger and joined with her. The state he had seen the body in made his eyes enlarge with astonishment. The face, as well as the hands, had morphed into the scaly green skin of some type of reptilian-humanoid creature. Its chin had several vertical folds in the skin below the mouth, and its ears were pointed. Only the hair and certain remaining facial structures bore any resemblance to the actual Felix Blake; other than that, the creature was entirely alien in its biology.

(Marvel Note: In death, the Skrull's true biology reverts back, no longer maintaining the proper living blood cells that kept its human disguise active.)

            “What the hell are we dealing with now?” Elendriel questioned.

            “If I were to guess…an invasion more secretive – and intergalactic – than Hydra’s.” Sean answered.

(UP NEXT: Guardians, Guardians Everywhere!)