Not So Friendly Anymore

The Quinjet hummed softly as it soared through the sky, cutting through clouds like a silent predator. Inside, the Avengers sat in uneasy silence, each person consumed by their thoughts.

On one side of the cabin, Peter sat comfortably with Hulk and Thor flanking him. Hulk sat like a mountain, arms crossed and a quiet confidence radiating from him. Thor, relaxed but regal as ever, rested Mjolnir across his knee, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he cast a glance at Peter. There was no judgment in his gaze, only pride. Both of them admired Peter's evolution, his resolve, and his refusal to be anyone's pawn. Peter Parker had become his own man, and they respected him for it.

On the opposite side of the Quinjet, a much different atmosphere lingered. Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Jennifer Walters, Hank Pym, and Tony Stark sat in stiff silence. Each wore their own version of disapproval, or anger.

Steve sat with his hands clasped, jaw tight, concern written clearly on his face. Natasha, ever composed, leaned back in her seat but her eyes betrayed her unease. She hadn't spoken a word since boarding, her thoughts undoubtedly replaying the Raft and what Peter had become.

Jennifer sat next to Natasha, her brows furrowed and arms folded. This Peter Parker was unlike the man she'd heard about, kind, compassionate, almost naive. To her, this version of him was unrecognizable, and she couldn't hide her unease. 'What happened to you, Parker?' she wondered.

Clint and Tony, on the other hand, practically radiated animosity. Tony's fists were clenched against his knees, the hum of his armor subtly betraying his agitation. The memory of his hacked systems and downed arc reactor replayed over and over in his head, each loop igniting a fresh wave of fury. That Spider-Man, a man Tony had always dismissed as the kid trying to play in the big leagues, could have done that to him burned his pride like acid. Worse still, he hadn't been able to find the virus Peter implanted. It was an insult Stark couldn't let go.

Clint sat beside him, his eyes narrowed as he stared daggers at Peter's back. The archer's jaw tightened every time he replayed Peter's humiliating comments, bringing up Jessica Drew and Bobbi Morse, twisting the knife with insults he couldn't shake. He'd love to see Parker stumble in this mission. 'Maybe then you'll learn some damn humility.'

And then there was Hank Pym, arms crossed and head held high. Out of all of them, he seemed the most unmoved, dismissing Peter entirely. To Hank, Peter Parker was still a child, a reckless brat playing with toys he didn't understand. He didn't even see Peter's rise as threatening; it was insulting. In his mind, Peter had no idea what he was doing, and the moment he failed, Hank would be there to smugly remind him.

Peter, for his part, was unbothered. He sat comfortably, arms resting on his knees, posture relaxed. Unlike the others, his mind was already prepared for the battle ahead. Every possibility accounted for. Every contingency planned.

The silence was broken when Peter's wrist communicator buzzed softly. Without a word, he stood up and walked toward the back of the Quinjet, leaving the others to stew in their thoughts. He answered the call, and a small hologram of Silver Sable flickered to life, her sharp, elegant features softened only slightly by her concern.

"Peter," she said, her voice calm but carrying the weight of someone who cared deeply. "Are you ready?"

Peter gave a faint smirk. "Always."

"Good." Her voice dropped slightly, her worry evident. "Be careful out there. Hydra is never predictable."

From behind her, Susan Storm and Franklin Richards appeared on the screen. Susan gave Peter a reassuring smile. "We'll take care of things here, Peter. Don't worry about New York."

"Yeah," Franklin chimed in with a grin, standing beside his mother. "You just make sure to kick Hydra's teeth in."

"Franklin!" Susan chided gently, though even she couldn't hide her smile.

Peter chuckled softly, his tone warmer now. "I always do. And thanks for watching the city. I don't expect the quiet to last. Goblin might be dead, but someone always tries to fill the power vacuum."

Valeria Richards appeared just behind her brother, her expression more analytical. "Don't do anything reckless, daddy. I'd prefer you come back in one piece."

"I'll be fine," Peter reassured her. Then his attention shifted back to Sable, his tone softer. "I love you. I'll see you soon."

Sable's expression flickered just briefly before she nodded. "Love you, too."

As the hologram flickered off, Peter turned back to his seat only to find Steve Rogers standing there, arms folded and a serious expression etched onto his face.

"Can we talk?" Steve asked, his tone brooking no room for dismissal.

Peter sighed. "I said what needed to be said back at the Raft, Steve. I don't think we need to rehash it."

"We do," Steve said firmly. "Peter, I'm trying to get through to you. What you're doing, it's wrong. You can't just decide who lives and who dies. That's not justice."

Peter stopped, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, really? And tell me, Steve, what exactly did you do during World War II? Did you tell the Nazis to 'be good boys,' or did you kill them like a soldier should?"

Steve's expression hardened. "That was a war, Peter. It's different."

"Is it?" Peter shot back, stepping closer. "You act like this is so black and white, that the war ended when you came out of the ice. But it didn't. The war never stopped, Steve. The villains change, the battlegrounds change, but it's the same fight. And I'm doing what has to be done."

"You're acting like judge, jury, and executioner," Steve countered, his voice firm but imploring. "You're becoming a monster."

Peter's lenses narrowed, his voice dropping dangerously. "Oh, so when I take out murderers, rapists, and pedophiles, I'm the monster? But when you give someone brain damage because you hit them with a frisbee made of the strongest metal on Earth, you're a hero?"

Steve flinched slightly at the pointed jab, but Peter wasn't done.

"No, Steve," Peter continued coldly. "The biggest difference between us is that you think the war ended. You think you can hang up your shield and call it done. But the war never ends. It never will end. And the only way to win, the only way to keep the innocent safe, is to make damn sure there's no one left to fight you."

He paused, voice quiet but cutting like a knife. "And if that means crossing some lines, then so be it. War is war."

Steve stared at him, his expression a mix of disappointment and sadness, but Peter didn't care. Without waiting for a response, Peter brushed past him and sat back down, arms crossed, ready for what came next.

The Quinjet continued its silent journey toward Wakanda. The battle ahead loomed closer, but for Peter Parker, the war had already begun long ago.

---

The Quinjet approached Wakanda's borders, its hum quiet against the distant rumble of chaos below. From the cockpit, Fury's tense voice broke through the silence.

"Look sharp, everyone," he said, gesturing toward the scene outside. "There it is."

Through the Quinjet's windows, the sprawling nation of Wakanda came into view, or what was left of it. The towering golden shield that protected the city still glimmered with energy, but cracks sparked along its surface. Beyond the shield, the lush jungles and technological marvels of Wakanda burned under the Hydra assault.

Hundreds of Hydra soldiers flooded the outskirts, pouring through the breached walls, their numbers overwhelming the Wakandan defenders. Soldiers of the Dora Milaje and local warriors fought back valiantly, but with Wakanda's army still recovering and the nation under reconstruction, it was clear they were losing ground. Smoke billowed from crumbling structures. Fires painted the once-pristine landscape with ugly streaks of red.

"Damn it..." Steve muttered under his breath, gripping the Quinjet seat. Even for him, the sight was hard to watch.

Peter stood at the back of the Quinjet, arms crossed, his expression unreadable behind his mask. He took in the scene with a detached calm, but his clenched fists betrayed his frustration.

"Hydra didn't come to play," Natasha said grimly. "The Wakandans won't last long without help."

Fury turned back to the group, his one eye hard as stone. "They won't have to. Parker, you're up."

At this, Peter's head tilted slightly, and the faintest smirk touched his lips. "You remembered my plan. I'm touched, Fury."

"Just make it work, Parker," Fury shot back. "That shield needs to go down now."

Peter walked toward the console, pulling up a holographic display of the Quinjet's power systems. "Here's the deal: the Quinjet's power core is stable enough for one focused burst. If I reconfigure it to overload in a directed output, it'll disrupt the vibranium shielding long enough for us to get through."

"Hold on a minute," Tony interjected, still fuming but unable to ignore the situation. "You're talking about destabilizing this Quinjet's power core mid-air? That's insane."

Peter turned to him, arms folded, unbothered by Tony's doubt. "Do you have a better idea, Stark? Or are you still pouting about your arc reactor?"

Tony scowled but didn't respond.

"Thought so," Peter said coolly. He looked back at Fury. "It'll work."

Fury nodded sharply. "Do it."

Peter didn't waste time. His symbiote slithered out across his fingers, tapping into the Quinjet's systems with inhuman precision. The screens flickered briefly, and the engine's hum grew louder.

"Everyone strap in," Peter called out, his voice even. "It's about to get bumpy."

The Quinjet jolted suddenly as Peter's modifications kicked in. A surge of energy built within the craft, vibrating through the walls. Outside, the vibranium shield shimmered violently as the Quinjet's output began to overload its defenses.

"Brace yourselves!" Fury shouted.

A massive pulse erupted from the Quinjet, a blinding wave of blue energy slamming into the shield. The vibranium barrier screamed with resistance, sparks of golden light flaring in every direction. For a tense moment, it held.

Then, with a thunderous crack, the shield shattered like glass. Pieces of the golden barrier disintegrated into the air, raining down on the battlefield below.

"GO!" Fury barked.

Peter was already moving. "Thor, Hulk, let's make an entrance."

The Quinjet's rear hatch opened, the roar of wind and battle flooding inside. Thor gripped Mjolnir tightly, grinning like a warrior about to charge into glory. Hulk let out a deep growl, his massive fists ready for destruction.

Peter stood at the edge, the symbiote shifting along his body. He didn't hesitate, he jumped.

The wind tore past him as he fell toward the battlefield, his symbiote already responding to his instincts. Tendrils erupted from his back, stretching into massive black wings. He spread them wide, controlling his descent as gunfire from below began to trace his path.

Hydra soldiers spotted him instantly and opened fire, tracer rounds slicing through the air. Peter's wings beat once, propelling him into sharp, unpredictable movements that the Hydra gunners couldn't keep up with.

"Is that Spider-Man?" one Hydra soldier shouted in panic.

Peter didn't give them time to think. As he descended, a tank rolled into position, its turret locking onto him. He let out a sharp breath and thrust his fist forward.

The symbiote exploded out from his arm, forming a massive black tendril that shot toward the tank like a spear. The tendril smashed through the tank's armored plating with a sickening crunch, impaling it. The Hydra soldiers inside had no time to react before the entire vehicle erupted in sparks and flames.

The tendril retracted as Peter landed gracefully on the ground, the symbiote slithering back into place. Around him, Hydra soldiers hesitated, fear flashing in their eyes.

Peter tilted his head slightly, his voice low and venomous. "Run."

Some did. Others weren't so lucky.

---

The battlefield was chaos.

As Peter tore through Hydra soldiers, the others spread out, each unleashing their own fury.

Thor smashed through a line of Hydra troops, his hammer sending lightning arcing through their ranks. With every swing of Mjolnir, bodies flew, and the ground shook beneath him. His laughter boomed, full of battle joy.

"Is this all Hydra has to offer? Come! Face me!" he roared, hurling Mjolnir into a fleeing tank and turning it into scrap metal.

Nearby, Hulk rampaged through the Hydra forces with raw brutality. A single swing of his fist sent enemies flying like ragdolls. He grabbed two soldiers, smashed them together, and hurled them into an incoming jeep. The vehicle crumpled like paper on impact.

Natasha moved with precision, weaving through gunfire and slicing through soldiers with dual batons crackling with energy. Clint perched on the remains of a damaged building, arrows flying in rapid succession, exploding on impact. Steve fought as he always did, a perfect balance of skill and strength, his shield cutting down anyone who dared come close.

She-Hulk was a juggernaut in her own right. Jennifer hit the ground running, bulldozing her way through Hydra's ranks. She grabbed a soldier by the vest and hurled him into a cluster of his comrades, scattering them like bowling pins. A line of Hydra soldiers opened fire on her, their bullets ricocheting harmlessly off her skin. Snarling, she ripped the turret off a nearby Hydra truck and threw it at them with devastating precision.

"That's for the cheap shots!" she yelled, wiping her hands with a satisfied grin. Another group of Hydra forces tried to surround her, but she slammed her fists into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent them sprawling.

Above them, Ant-Man, still in his full-sized form, took a more calculated approach. Hank Pym moved swiftly, shrinking and growing at a moment's notice. He zipped through the Hydra forces, his size advantage giving him the element of surprise. One moment, he was towering over them, smashing soldiers aside with fists the size of cars. The next, he was shrinking down, darting between boots and striking Hydra soldiers at their pressure points with brutal precision. When a tank's turret turned toward Jennifer, Hank grew to his full giant form, grabbing the cannon and wrenching it aside with one hand.

"Watch where you're pointing that," Hank grumbled before crushing the cannon like a soda can and shoving the entire tank onto its side with a single push.

Overhead, Tony Stark soared through the chaos in his gleaming red and gold armor, unleashing repulsor blasts with pinpoint accuracy. "Stay sharp, people," he quipped, strafing a Hydra position and blowing it to smithereens. A rocket locked onto him, but he executed a sharp roll, dodging the missile as it exploded harmlessly in the air.

"Missiles? Really? Hydra, you're losing your touch!" Tony taunted, firing off micro-missiles of his own that struck an incoming convoy, flipping it in a fiery explosion. As a Hydra gunship began to rise from the far side of the battlefield, Tony spoke into comms. "Uh, Spidey, I think we've got a bigger fish to fry here—"

But Peter was already moving.

A Hydra soldier aimed his rifle, but Peter's tendril shot out faster than the eye could follow, piercing through his chest. The man crumpled, and Peter pulled the tendril back into his body as though nothing had happened. He advanced toward a group of soldiers, his movements feral and predatory. One fired, but Peter swerved effortlessly, forming his arm into a razor-sharp blade. He slashed through them in a single sweeping motion, leaving nothing but silence and blood behind.

It was then that Peter spotted what Stark was warning him about, a Hydra gunship. The vehicle hovered ominously above the battlefield, its cannons beginning to rotate as it took aim at the Wakandan defenders below.

Peter narrowed his eyes beneath the mask. 'Not today.'

He glanced at the wreckage of the tank he had destroyed earlier, its smoldering remains sitting in a pile of twisted metal and broken treads. An idea sparked, and a wicked grin crept onto his face.

"Hey, big guy!" Peter called out, his voice cutting through the noise of the battle.

Hulk, still clutching the body of a Hydra soldier like a ragdoll, paused and turned his enormous head toward Peter.

Peter morphed his right hand into a mass of thick, writhing tentacles. They slithered across the ground, wrapping tightly around the remains of the tank. With a grunt of effort, Peter hoisted the wreckage into the air, his muscles straining as the symbiote enhanced his strength.

"Batter up!" Peter yelled, his voice laced with dark amusement.

Hulk's lips curled into a wide, toothy grin as he understood. He dropped the soldier he was holding and reached for the nearest massive tree, uprooting it with a single hand. The tree creaked and cracked as Hulk swung it through the air, testing its weight like a bat.

Peter's tentacles whipped the tank wreckage toward him, and Hulk's eyes lit up with glee.

"RAAAARGH!" Hulk roared as he swung.

The tree collided with the wreckage with an earth-shattering CRACK, sending the massive hunk of metal soaring through the air like a missile. The sheer force of the swing shattered the tree in Hulk's grip, but the tank wreckage was already streaking toward the Hydra gunship.

Inside the vehicle, the Hydra pilots barely had time to react. "Incom—!"

The wreckage smashed directly into the gunship's cockpit, tearing through metal and glass. A fiery explosion erupted in the sky as the gunship spiraled out of control, plummeting into the battlefield below in a shower of flames and debris.

Peter watched the wreckage fall, his grin hidden beneath his mask. He glanced back at Hulk, who thumped his chest triumphantly.

"Good swing," Peter said casually, the symbiote receding back into his arm.

Hulk rumbled with satisfaction. "Hulk smash home run!"

Tony hovered down beside them, landing in a kneeling position before straightening up. "Did I just see you two play baseball with a tank?"

Peter tilted his head. "You're just mad you didn't think of it first."

"Please. I'd have at least added a scoreboard," Tony quipped, though his tone held some grudging admiration.

Thor landed beside them, Mjolnir still sparking with energy. "Impressive teamwork, brothers!" he boomed, his voice full of approval. "Perhaps you are ready for Asgard's games of war after all."

Peter smirked behind his mask. "I'll pass on the games, but thanks."

Jennifer jogged up, wiping Hydra blood off her hands. "Remind me to team up with you three the next time I need something demolished."

Ant-Man appeared, shrinking down from giant form, shaking his head at the carnage. "I think you three are competing to see who can make the biggest mess."

The Avengers stood together, their combined presence sending ripples of fear through the remaining Hydra forces. Those who were still standing began to falter, realizing they were now fighting gods and monsters.

Peter cracked his knuckles, taking a step forward. "Anyone else?"

The remaining Hydra agents, seeing the devastating carnage wrought by the Avengers, began to falter. Their fear was palpable as they dropped their weapons and broke into a desperate retreat, scattering into the dense Wakandan forest like frightened prey.

Peter turned to Hulk, who was already thumping his fists together in anticipation. He nodded toward the fleeing soldiers.

"Go get 'em, big guy," Peter said.

Hulk's face split into a menacing grin. "Hulk hunt!" he bellowed, before charging after the terrified soldiers with earth-shaking steps, crashing into the trees and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

The battlefield fell silent save for the occasional groans of injured Hydra soldiers and the faint cries of those still fleeing. The Wakandan defenders, battered and bloodied, cautiously approached the Avengers, their weapons lowered but still held defensively.

One of the Wakandan soldiers, his armor cracked and streaked with blood, stepped forward. His stance was proud despite his visible injuries. "You arrived just in time. Without your help, we might not have held the line," he said, his voice tinged with both gratitude and exhaustion.

Thor inclined his head respectfully. "It was an honor to fight alongside warriors as valiant as you."

Another soldier, a woman wielding a vibranium spear, nodded in agreement. "You fought like legends. Wakanda will not forget this."

Peter stepped forward, the symbiote shifting slightly around his shoulders before receding into his suit. "We're not done yet. We need to speak to T'Challa. Where is he?"

The first soldier frowned, glancing back toward the battered remnants of Wakanda's shield generators. "The king has been in the heart of the city, helping coordinate defenses. But the Hydra forces have made it difficult to reach him. He's likely in the Great Hall, trying to rally what remains of our forces."

Steve, stepping forward with his shield still in hand, nodded. "We'll need to get there as soon as possible. T'Challa's the key to turning this fight around."

Tony, still hovering slightly in his armor, glanced at the damaged Wakandan defenses. "You think Hydra's just going to leave these shield generators alone now that they're down? We need to reinforce this position before we move out."

Natasha folded her arms, surveying the battlefield. "The Wakandans can hold it. Right now, our priority is getting to T'Challa. If we can regroup with him, we can hit Hydra where it hurts."

The Wakandan soldier nodded firmly. "We'll hold this line, Avengers. You've given us the breathing room we need. Find the king. Save Wakanda."

Peter looked at the others, his expression hard but determined. "Then let's not waste any more time. We've got a king to find."

Steve raised his shield. "Avengers, move out."

As the team began to make their way toward the heart of Wakanda, the sounds of Hulk roaring in the distance echoed through the forest. The cries of the fleeing Hydra soldiers quickly faded, leaving behind only silence and the promise of the battle yet to come.

---

Wakanda, Great Hall

The journey to the Great Hall was swift but tense, the silence among the Avengers marked only by the faint hum of their equipment and the distant sounds of Wakanda's ongoing battle against Hydra. The grand doors of the Great Hall loomed ahead, and as they entered, the sight of T'Challa and Shuri standing over a holographic map greeted them. The siblings were deep in discussion, their voices low and urgent as they coordinated Wakanda's faltering defenses.

T'Challa looked up as the Avengers approached, his expression softening with relief. "You came," he said, stepping forward to greet them. His suit, though scuffed and worn from battle, exuded the same regal air as the man himself. "Your assistance has already been invaluable."

Shuri, standing beside him, offered a curt nod. "We would've been overrun if not for your intervention."

Steve stepped forward, his shield slung across his back. "We'll do what we can to help, Your Majesty. What's the situation?"

T'Challa gestured toward the holographic map, showing key areas of the city marked in red. "Wakanda is still recovering from recent events. Our defenses, while strong, are incomplete. Communications have been our greatest weakness. When I began rebuilding, I prioritized restoring our relay systems, but Hydra struck before we could finish repairs. They have seized control of the main communication relay, cutting us off. Without it, we've been forced to rely on messengers to pass critical orders and information."

Shuri crossed her arms, frustration clear on her face. "And even that's a gamble. Hydra's been intercepting messengers. We're stretched too thin to mount an assault to reclaim the relay."

Natasha leaned over the map, studying it intently. "Without communications, it's impossible to coordinate a proper counterattack. Hydra's picking you apart because they know you're blind."

T'Challa nodded. "Exactly. The longer we're without the relay, the weaker our position becomes."

Peter folded his arms, glancing at the map. "Then we take it back."

The group began discussing strategies, with Tony, Shuri, and Steve debating tactics while Natasha and Clint suggested entry points. The plan slowly took shape, detailing how to reclaim the relay and secure it against future incursions. Once the details were finalized, T'Challa and Shuri thanked them, and the Avengers began to prepare for the mission.

But Peter stayed behind.

As the others left, Peter stepped closer to T'Challa, the symbiote receding from his face to reveal his features. "Your Majesty," Peter said quietly, glancing briefly at Shuri before focusing back on T'Challa, "could we speak privately? Face to face."

T'Challa hesitated for a moment, then reached up and removed his helmet, revealing his calm, yet determined, expression. "What do you wish to discuss, Spider-man?"

Peter took a deep breath, his voice dropping lower. "This mission... it's personal for me." He paused, searching for the right words. "Red Skull, he's responsible for the death of my parents."

T'Challa's gaze sharpened with sympathy, but his tone remained steady. "I am sorry for your loss, but what does this have to do with our current battle?"

Peter's jaw tightened, and he continued. "Klaw. He's here, working with Hydra. He's my only lead to finding Red Skull. And since he's also the one who killed your father... I thought maybe we could work together on this."

T'Challa's expression darkened at the mention of Klaw, and he folded his arms. "Go on."

Peter stepped closer, his tone firm. "If you let me help hunt him down, I'll assist you in 'convincing' him to talk, by any means necessary. I don't care what it takes, I just need him alive long enough to give up whatever information he has on Red Skull. After that, he's all yours."

T'Challa considered this for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as he weighed Peter's offer. "And the Hydra commanders? If they also hold critical information, will you extend this offer to them?"

Peter hesitated briefly, then nodded. "Fine. Them too. As long as I get what I need."

T'Challa extended his hand, his expression resolute. "Then we have a deal."

Peter clasped his hand firmly, the two locking eyes. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them, two men united by loss and vengeance, willing to cross lines others wouldn't to protect their people and settle their debts.

"Let's bring them down," T'Challa said, his voice low but filled with determination.

"Together," Peter agreed.

---

Forests of Wakanda

The dense Wakandan forest was alive with the sounds of nature, but the Avengers moved with practiced precision, their steps careful as they made their way toward the communications relay. The group was spread out, each keeping an eye on their surroundings, while maintaining light conversation to ease the tension of the mission.

Peter walked alongside Thor and Hulk, the three of them forming an unlikely trio. Thor carried Mjolnir casually over his shoulder, while Hulk grumbled as he occasionally swatted away low-hanging branches in his path.

"You know, Thor," Peter said, his tone light, "for someone who calls himself the God of Thunder, you're really bad at sneaking around. You're like a walking spotlight with that hammer glowing all the time."

Thor chuckled, his booming laughter resonating through the trees. "A god does not sneak, young Parker. We stride boldly into battle!"

"Yeah, and then get half of us shot at," Peter quipped, dodging a low branch. He glanced at Hulk. "What about you, big guy? You ever try sneaking?"

Hulk gave a low grunt, glaring down at Peter. "Hulk doesn't sneak. Hulk smashes."

Peter smirked. "Oh, I never would've guessed. It's not like you announce yourself every time with a roar that shakes the planet."

Thor slapped Peter on the back, nearly knocking him off balance. "The boy has wit! Perhaps Asgard's bard could learn a thing or two from him."

"Yeah, well, if you bring me to Asgard, I'll consider writing your theme song," Peter shot back, regaining his footing.

Ahead of them, Natasha and She-Hulk walked side by side, their conversation quieter but no less engaging.

"Okay, so," Natasha said, keeping her tone casual as she stepped over a fallen log, "what's with the attitude you've had toward Peter? You've been weird around him since day one."

She-Hulk sighed, brushing a branch out of her way. "Yeah, well, that's because... I kind of have a crush on him."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, stopping in her tracks for a moment before continuing. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," She-Hulk muttered, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's stupid, I know. I just... I wanted him to notice me, and I guess I thought being a little antagonistic would get his attention."

Natasha smirked. "Yeah, because nothing says 'date me' like insults and eye-rolls."

"Thanks for the advice, Nat," She-Hulk said sarcastically, shaking her head. "I didn't exactly plan it out, okay?"

Unbeknownst to them, Peter had been close enough to overhear the entire conversation, his enhanced senses picking up every word. His mask hid his amused grin, but his shoulders shook slightly with barely restrained laughter. 'She has a crush? Oh, this is gold.'

Thor glanced at Peter, noticing his odd movements. "What is it, Parker? Why do you shake like a leaf in the wind?"

"Nothing, nothing," Peter said quickly, stifling a snort. "Just, uh... thinking about Hulk sneaking around. It's hilarious."

Hulk grumbled but didn't press further, and Peter forced himself to focus as they moved deeper into the forest.

The group encountered Hydra patrols along the way, but the skirmishes were quick and efficient. Natasha and Clint moved like shadows, taking out soldiers silently with knives and arrows. She-Hulk smashed through smaller groups, her strength and agility making short work of them. Thor and Hulk took turns decimating larger squads, while Peter moved like a blur, his symbiote tendrils silently pulling enemies into the shadows before they could sound the alarm.

By the time they reached a clearing near the edge of the Hydra-occupied facility, the group regrouped, barely breaking a sweat.

Peter stretched his arms, his symbiote forming subtle ridges along his shoulders. "Well, that was fun. Who's ready for round two?"

Natasha gave him a sidelong glance. "You sure you're not just trying to impress anyone, Parker?"

Peter coughed, pretending to adjust his mask. "Me? Nah, I'm just here for the job."

Behind them, She-Hulk groaned, glaring at Natasha. "Seriously?"

Natasha just smirked, and Peter chuckled softly, focusing on the mission ahead. For all the banter, they were getting closer to their objective, and the real fight was about to begin.

The Avengers emerged from the dense forest to find the Hydra communications relay, a sprawling base fortified with high-tech weaponry, heavy artillery, and armored tanks stationed at key points. Guards patrolled in tight formation, while massive turrets scanned the perimeter, ready to unleash destruction on any intruders.

Standing beside Peter, Shuri adjusted her gauntlets, which glowed faintly with kinetic energy. "This is the best Hydra can do?" she quipped, a confident smirk playing across her lips. "They're in for a rude awakening."

Peter examined the layout of the base, his enhanced senses scanning for vulnerabilities. His mask shifted slightly as the symbiote formed additional lenses, enhancing his vision. "Yeah, well, let's give them a power nap first." He pulled a handful of small, round EMP devices from his belt beneath his symbiote and grinned beneath his mask. "These babies should short-circuit their toys. Keep them busy while we take out the rest."

Shuri nodded, her smirk widening. "Let's make it quick. I have some systems to reclaim."

Peter launched the EMP devices with a flick of his wrist. They sailed through the air silently, sticking to tanks, turrets, and generators scattered across the base. The devices emitted a faint hum before detonating in bursts of electromagnetic energy.

The results were immediate. Turrets froze mid-rotation, tanks sputtered and powered down, and the entire base was plunged into confusion. Hydra soldiers scrambled as their weapons malfunctioned, shouting orders and desperately trying to regain control.

"Showtime," Peter said, his voice cold as the symbiote rippled across his body, ready for battle.

The Avengers charged in unison.

Peter, now fully cloaked in the symbiote, led the charge, but Steve was right behind him. With a determined cry, Captain America sprinted toward the nearest barricade. A group of Hydra soldiers aimed their rifles at him, but Steve hurled his shield with precision, the vibranium disc ricocheting between them and disarming each one in a single throw.

As the shield returned to his grasp, Steve vaulted over the barricade and engaged the soldiers in close combat. He moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, each strike of his shield incapacitating an enemy. One soldier lunged at him with a knife, but Steve caught the blade with his shield's edge, twisted it free, and used the momentum to knock the man unconscious.

"Come on!" Steve shouted, rallying the Wakandan soldiers who had flanked him. "Push forward!"

Meanwhile, Shuri stayed at the rear, her gauntlets crackling with energy as she prepared to access the relay's systems. She-Hulk stuck close to her, smashing through any Hydra soldiers who dared to approach.

"Keep them off me for just a few minutes!" Shuri shouted, her fingers flying over the holographic controls.

"No problem," She-Hulk said, slamming her fist into the ground and creating a shockwave that sent a group of soldiers flying.

Thor and Hulk joined the fray with their usual brand of chaos. Thor's hammer rained lightning down on the battlefield, frying circuits and scattering enemies, while Hulk uprooted a disabled turret and used it as a battering ram to plow through enemy ranks.

Peter was relentless, his symbiote morphing into blades, claws, and tendrils as he carved a path through the Hydra forces. But even amid the carnage, he noticed Steve taking control of the battlefield.

Captain America rallied a group of Wakandan soldiers who had hesitated in the chaos.

"Form up!" Steve commanded. "Focus your fire on the eastern flank, give Shuri the time she needs!"

The soldiers obeyed without question, their confidence bolstered by Steve's leadership. They laid down suppressing fire, allowing the Avengers to push further into the base.

When a Hydra tank sputtered back to life, its cannon rotating toward Shuri's position, Steve was already moving. He charged forward, using his shield to deflect the initial blast. The explosion sent him skidding backward, but he held his ground. With a roar, he sprinted toward the tank, leaped onto its turret, and wedged his shield into the cannon's barrel.

"Not today," Steve muttered, jumping clear just as the shield caused the cannon to backfire, destroying the tank in a fiery explosion.

The team descended upon the Hydra forces like a storm, each member adding to the chaos in their own way, but Peter's brutal efficiency stood out like a force of nature.

He moved like a shadow, the symbiote enhancing every attack and making him faster, stronger, and deadlier. A tendril shot out from his arm, impaling a soldier who was frantically attempting to radio for backup. Peter yanked the device from the man's dying grasp and crushed it underfoot without a second glance. Another tendril lashed out like a whip, coiling around a fleeing grunt's leg and dragging him back into Peter's waiting fist.

One soldier, trembling with fear, raised his hands in surrender, dropping his weapon to the ground. For a moment, it seemed like Peter might pause. But instead, the symbiote morphed into a jagged blade around his arm, gleaming ominously in the dim light. Without hesitation, Peter drove it into the man's chest, the soldier's shocked gasp barely audible over the noise of the battlefield.

"Next," Peter muttered coldly, stepping over the lifeless body without breaking stride. His mask betrayed no emotion, only the determination of someone who had long since abandoned any mercy for his enemies.

Thor noticed Peter's savagery as he slammed Mjolnir into a tank, splitting it apart with a deafening crack of thunder. Rather than being uneasy, the God of Thunder grinned, appreciating the sheer intensity of his friend's ferocity.

"Spider-Man! Remind me never to arm-wrestle you again!" Thor called out, his booming laugh carrying over the battlefield. "Your strength rivals the legends of Asgard!"

Peter didn't respond immediately, focused on sending another tendril crashing through a Hydra jeep, flipping it into the air before it exploded. Finally, he quipped, "Stick to your hammer tricks, Goldilocks. I've got this covered."

Hulk, ripping the turret off another tank, joined in with a loud, "Hulk like Spider-Man's style! Smash more together?"

"Always, big guy," Peter replied, his tone sharp but tinged with camaraderie.

Captain America, in the midst of rallying Wakandan soldiers to secure the eastern flank, caught a glimpse of Peter's relentless tactics. Steve hurled his shield into a Hydra gunner, knocking him out cold, and turned to watch Peter impale another soldier with a vicious tendril.

"Looking a little intense there, Parker," Steve called out, his voice calm but carrying a note of caution.

Peter didn't even glance back, his voice steady. "Just making sure they don't get back up."

Steve nodded subtly but remained silent, focusing on the Hydra forces. He leapt onto a tank, wedging his shield into the barrel before it could fire. The resulting explosion took the tank out of commission, and Steve landed with practiced grace, retrieving his shield in the process.

Meanwhile, Hulk gleefully tore through Hydra's ranks, using the tank's turret as a makeshift club. "Hulk smash puny soldiers!" he bellowed, sending bodies flying in every direction.

She-Hulk remained near Shuri, defending the Wakandan princess as she hacked into the communications relay. When a group of soldiers attempted to flank them, She-Hulk slammed her fists into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent the attackers sprawling.

As the dust settled outside the communications relay, She-Hulk stood protectively near Shuri, scanning the perimeter for any remaining Hydra forces. Most of the soldiers had either been incapacitated or fled into the nearby forest, but the faint sound of movement from within the facility told the team there was more trouble waiting inside.

"Looks like they're holed up," Steve said, stepping forward and examining the entrance.

"We don't give them the chance to regroup," Peter said, his tone sharp and focused. Without waiting for approval, he pushed open the large steel doors and stepped inside, the symbiote shifting and rippling across his body.

Inside, the Hydra agents barely had time to react. Peter lunged forward with inhuman speed, his hands morphing into jagged claws. With one swipe, he tore through a soldier's weapon, leaving the man defenseless before a tendril lashed out and slammed him against the wall. Another Hydra grunt tried to sound an alarm, but Peter's arm morphed into a hammer, smashing the console and the soldier in a single motion.

The symbiote flowed and shifted constantly as Peter fought, forming bladed tendrils to impale soldiers, then retracting to deliver bone-crushing punches. The screams of the Hydra agents echoed through the hall, their terror mounting as they faced an opponent who showed no hesitation.

Hawkeye followed behind, firing arrows into the chaos. "You know, Parker," Clint said loudly, not bothering to hide the irritation in his voice, "for someone who used to lecture the rest of us about restraint, you sure have turned into a one-man horror movie."

Peter didn't miss a beat, stabbing a soldier in the leg with a spear-like tendril and slamming him into a pile of crates. He glanced back at Clint, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thanks for the commentary, Bullseye. Maybe if you had better aim, I wouldn't have to clean up your mess."

Clint bristled, his face turning red as he fired another arrow. "Oh, real mature, kid! You think you're so—"

"Clint," Natasha cut in, her voice sharp. "Shut up and focus."

Clint opened his mouth to argue, but Natasha's glare silenced him. Grumbling, he turned back to the fight, muttering under his breath.

Meanwhile, She-Hulk had entered the relay room alongside Natasha, taking in the brutal scene Peter was leaving in his wake. She watched him tear through a group of soldiers with cold efficiency, her jaw tightening.

"Do you ever stop to think about what you're doing, Parker?" She-Hulk said loudly, stepping over a fallen Hydra agent. "Or is killing just second nature to you now?"

Peter didn't even pause. His clawed hand smashed through a soldier's chest, and he shoved the body aside as though it were nothing. Without looking at She-Hulk, he said flatly, "What I do isn't your concern."

She-Hulk narrowed her eyes, her fists clenching. "It's everyone's concern when you act like a monster. You're not the only one who's lost people, you know."

Peter still didn't turn to face her. He walked deeper into the relay, his voice calm and dismissive. "If you're done, there's still work to do. Try to keep up."

The cold indifference in his tone left She-Hulk speechless, her anger simmering as she watched him disappear further into the corridor. Natasha placed a hand on her arm, shaking her head slightly.

"Don't waste your breath," Natasha said quietly. "He's not going to listen right now."

She-Hulk frowned but said nothing, her frustration evident. Natasha motioned for her to follow as the team pressed further into the relay, determined to clear out Hydra's forces and secure the facility.

The team pushed deeper into the communications relay, Hydra soldiers throwing everything they had at them in a desperate attempt to hold their ground. The sounds of gunfire, explosions, and shouts echoed through the dimly lit halls as the Avengers tore through the resistance with relentless determination.

Thor and Hulk led the charge, smashing through barricades and scattering soldiers like leaves in the wind. Steve followed close behind, his shield deflecting bullets as he fought with his signature blend of precision and strength. Natasha and Clint moved like shadows, taking down enemies with stealth and efficiency, while She-Hulk stayed close to Shuri, ensuring the princess's safety as they advanced.

Peter, however, was a force of nature. Every step he took was marked by chaos. His symbiote morphed and shifted constantly, forming blades, claws, and tendrils that cut through Hydra's forces like a scythe through wheat. A soldier raised his rifle, only for Peter's tendril to shoot out and yank the weapon from his hands. Before the man could react, Peter's clawed hand slashed across his chest, sending him sprawling.

The closer they got to the command center, the more intense the resistance became. Hydra's main force was stationed here, and they were well-armed and determined to hold their position. But determination wasn't enough to stop the Avengers.

As the team breached the final set of doors, the command center came into view. Rows of consoles and equipment lined the room, and at its center stood the Hydra commander, a tall, scarred man barking orders to his troops. He was flanked by heavily armed guards, all aiming their weapons at the intruders.

"Hold the line!" the commander shouted. "They cannot—"

His words were cut off as Peter burst into the room, a blur of black and red. The symbiote lashed out, grabbing two guards and slamming them into the walls with bone-crushing force. He moved like a predator, brutal and efficient, cutting through the guards one by one.

The commander's face twisted in fear as Peter advanced toward him, stepping over the bodies of his men. The remaining Hydra soldiers tried to stop him, but they were no match. Peter's hand morphed into a massive hammer, smashing through their defenses, and his tendrils whipped through the air, knocking weapons from their hands.

When the last guard fell, Peter stood before the commander, his symbiote dripping with blood. The commander raised his hands in surrender, his voice trembling.

"P-please... I'll talk! Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you!" he stammered, voice trembling with terror.

Peter's gaze was unrelenting, and his voice was as cold as the steel around them. "You'll talk, but first, I'll make sure you remember who you answer to."

Peter reached down, gripping the man by his collar and yanking him to his knees with little effort. Without a word, he placed his open palm flat against the commander's face.

At first, the man froze, confused, but then a searing heat began to radiate from Peter's hand. It started slow, like a burning ember pressed against skin, and then it intensified rapidly.

The commander's confusion turned to pure agony as he let out a blood-curdling scream. His body convulsed violently, trying to wrench free, but Peter's grip was iron. The hand remained pressed firmly against his face, the heat growing hotter and hotter.

"Stop! Stop! Please!" the man screamed, his cries echoing through the room. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as smoke began to rise from where Peter's hand was pressed.

The other Hydra soldiers, restrained by the team, recoiled in horror at the sight. Even She-Hulk, who had been scowling at Peter throughout the mission, looked away, her expression a mix of shock and discomfort.

The commander's screams reached a fever pitch before cutting off abruptly. His body went limp as he passed out from the unbearable pain. Peter released his grip, letting the man collapse to the floor in a heap.

The room fell silent except for the faint crackling sound of burned flesh.

Peter looked down at the unconscious man, his breathing steady, and flexed his hand, the heat dissipating instantly. The commander's face was grotesquely marred by a charred handprint, the skin blackened and blistered where Peter's palm had been.

"That mark isn't going anywhere," Peter said coldly, turning to Shuri. "He's yours now. Make sure T'Challa gets what he needs."

Shuri crouched beside the fallen man, scanning his vitals with her kimoyo beads. "He's alive," she confirmed, glancing up at Peter. "But this... this is not subtle."

Peter met her gaze without flinching. "It wasn't meant to be."

Thor stepped forward, his hammer resting on his shoulder. "A harsh punishment, Spider-Man, but perhaps a fitting one for Hydra scum."

She-Hulk crossed her arms, her disapproval evident. "Did you really have to go that far? He was already surrendering."

Peter didn't even glance at her. "You think Hydra cares about surrender? They'd rather die than give up anything useful. Now he'll talk because he knows what happens if he doesn't."

She-Hulk opened her mouth to retort, but Natasha placed a hand on her arm, shaking her head. "Let it go," Natasha said softly.

Hawkeye, standing nearby, muttered under his breath, "Remind me not to get on his bad side."

Peter turned to the rest of the team, his voice calm but commanding. "We're not done here. Let's make sure there's no one else left to resist."

Without waiting for a response, he began moving deeper into the relay station, his focus already shifting to the next objective. Behind him, the rest of the team exchanged uneasy glances but followed, the charred handprint on the commander's face a grim reminder of just how far Peter was willing to go.

The team moved through the relay station with grim determination, clearing out the remaining Hydra forces. Thor and Hulk tore through the stragglers, their combined strength leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Natasha and Clint worked with precision, taking down soldiers with expert efficiency.

Peter, as always, was the storm. Without hesitation or remorse, he dismantled Hydra's defenses, morphing his body into weapons of destruction when needed. His claws slashed through soldiers like paper, and his fists left craters in steel walls. The last of the Hydra grunts, seeing the futility of resistance, tried to retreat, but Peter was faster.

One by one, they fell, their weapons useless against the relentless assault. By the time the room was cleared, the floor was littered with unconscious or incapacitated soldiers, and not a single Hydra operative remained standing.

Shuri stepped forward, her kimoyo beads glowing as she accessed the relay's control systems. "Give me a few moments," she said, her tone focused as she worked.

She-Hulk and Natasha stood nearby, keeping an eye on the few remaining Hydra operatives they had restrained. "Let's hope this gets us back in the game," Natasha said, glancing at Shuri.

Thor leaned on Mjolnir, surveying the damage. "The battle was fierce, but victory is ours. Wakanda's strength will shine brighter with its voice restored."

Peter, his mask retracted to reveal his face, didn't respond. He stood off to the side, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the unconscious Hydra commander with the burned handprint on his face.

After a few tense moments, Shuri smiled. "Got it! Communications are back online."

The holographic interface above the relay shimmered to life, displaying a detailed map of Wakanda. Signals began pouring in, and Shuri quickly started sorting through them.

"This is incredible," Shuri said. "I'm routing the feed back to the Great Hall now. T'Challa will be able to coordinate our forces effectively again."

Thor clapped a hand on Peter's shoulder. "Well done, Spider-Man. Your methods are unorthodox, but they have brought us closer to victory."

Peter shrugged off the compliment, his voice flat. "It's not about victory. It's about finishing this."

Hulk rumbled his agreement, standing near a shattered wall. "Hydra won't know what hit them."

As Shuri continued fine-tuning the system, the team gathered around her. Natasha glanced at Peter. "This doesn't stop here, you know. They'll come back, stronger, more desperate."

Peter nodded. "Then we'll be ready."

Shuri finished her adjustments and stood, wiping her hands. "We've done what we came here to do. Wakanda's voice is restored."

The team began to make their way out of the relay station, stepping over debris and unconscious bodies. Outside, the Wakandan soldiers were already mobilizing, having received new orders from T'Challa via the restored communications network.

As they regrouped, Shuri turned to Peter. "Your methods are... intense, but they've brought results. Wakanda owes you a debt."

Peter shook his head. "I'm not here for debts. Just point me at the next target."

With the relay secured and communications restored, the group prepared to return to the Great Hall, knowing that the real fight against Hydra was just beginning.

Thanks for reading everyone

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