Chapter 33: Viridian..?
Twitter:
@NYWatcher:
"Viridian just YEETED a whole nuke through a portal and saved New York. I don't know if I should be grateful or terrified. #Viridian #HeroOrMenace"
@ScienceNerd:
"Not to be THAT person, but does anyone else wonder where that portal led? Are we the heroes of Earth or the villains of someone else's galaxy? #Viridian"
@AliensAren'tReal:
"Viridian ended the alien invasion in one move. All I'm saying is, they better not come back with friends. #SavedForNow"
@ComicFan23:
"This is why Viridian is THE GOAT. Who else casually throws nukes like dodgeballs? #ViridianFTW"
Instagram:
@NYCityVibes
📸 [Image of the sky lighting up from the explosion beyond the portal]
"When you live in NYC, even Mondays have world-ending drama. Thanks, Viridian, for keeping us alive to pay next month's rent. 💥🙏 #NYCStrong #Viridian"
@ArtByLana
🎨 [Digital painting of Viridian standing over a glowing portal with the explosion visible inside]
"Viridian: Hero or walking disaster? Either way, they're my next muse. 💚🌀 #DigitalArt #Viridian"
Reddit:
r/NYCAlienAttack
"Did anyone else see the nuke move in SLOW MOTION when Viridian threw it? That wasn't just strength, it was precision. Are we sure they're human?"
u/ConspiracyCarl:
"Calling it now: Viridian is secretly working WITH the aliens. The nuke wasn't to save us; it was to close the portal so they could plan Round 2 in private."
TikTok:
@ItsJustNYThings
🎥 [Dramatic footage of the nuke disappearing into the portal with a caption: "Me trying to return bad vibes back where they came from."]
🎵 "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor plays in the background.
@HeroChronicles
🎥 [Compilation of reactions to the explosion with captions like "Viridian MVP" and "NYC in shambles but alive."]
🎵 "We Are The Champions" by Queen.
Facebook:
NYC Community Group
"Grateful to Viridian for saving our city, but also... WHAT IF THAT NUKE HADN'T GONE THROUGH THE PORTAL?! Can someone explain the risk management here?!"
MommaBearNYC:
"All I know is, my kids are safe tonight because of Viridian. Say what you want, but they're a hero to me."
VIRIDIAN STOPS ALIEN INVASION, NEW YORK BEGINS RECOVERY
By Rachel Anders, NY Sentinel
NEW YORK CITY — In a stunning act of heroism that bordered on the unimaginable, the enigmatic figure known as Viridian has once again reshaped the city's fate. The alien invasion that began at dawn yesterday left the skies over Manhattan darkened by colossal warships and waves of extraterrestrial drones. But by sunset, the invasion was no more, thanks to a move that some call reckless genius and others an outright miracle.
Witnesses report that Viridian, cloaked in their signature emerald aura, intercepted a nuclear missile fired by military forces and, in a breathtaking display of power, hurled it through an alien portal hovering above the Hudson River. Moments later, the portal erupted in a blinding explosion, destroying the alien fleet in one fell swoop.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Kendra Walsh, a Midtown resident who filmed the moment on her phone. "One second, we thought the nuke was going to destroy us, and the next, it was gone—just… gone. Viridian saved us."
AFTERMATH AND QUESTIONS
While the immediate threat has passed, the city is now grappling with the aftermath. The explosion caused rippling shockwaves that damaged nearby buildings, shattered windows, and left several areas without power. The alien drones that were grounded after the portal's destruction litter the streets, creating hazards for cleanup crews.
Mayor Gerald Parks addressed the public in a press conference this morning:
"We owe our survival to Viridian, but the road to recovery will be long. Every city department is mobilized to ensure that life returns to normal as soon as possible."
Repair efforts are underway, with utility crews working around the clock to restore power and clear debris. The National Guard has been deployed to secure alien technology left behind, which scientists say could provide unparalleled advances—or risks—if mishandled.
HERO OR MENACE?
Viridian's actions have sparked heated debate. Experts are questioning the long-term consequences of their decision to redirect the nuke through the portal. Dr. Elena Rivera, a physicist at Columbia University, expressed concern:
"We don't know where that portal led. Did the explosion wipe out another civilization? Or will this provoke retaliation from more advanced alien species?"
Local historian and activist Malcolm Cho added his voice to the criticism:
"This wasn't heroism; this was recklessness. New York has suffered enough without someone playing god with nuclear weapons. What if it had gone wrong? We'd be mourning millions instead of debating their motives."
Meanwhile, environmentalist groups have also voiced their outrage. A statement from the Earth Integrity Foundation read:
"The detonation of a nuclear device—regardless of location—has incalculable environmental and ethical consequences. Viridian's actions may have saved New York, but at what cost to the larger cosmos?"
Among the more vocal critics was business magnate and philanthropist Arthur Graham, who called for tighter regulation of superpowered individuals:
"Viridian might be celebrated today, but what about tomorrow? Who holds them accountable? Who decides when their power is too much?"
On the streets of New York, opinions are sharply divided.
"Viridian saved my family. That's all that matters to me," said Harlem resident Jason Michaels.
Others, like local activist Tanya Lee, remain skeptical. "They played with forces they don't understand. One mistake, and this city could have been vaporized. That's not a hero—that's a gamble."
MOVING FORWARD
Cleanup efforts are expected to take weeks, if not months. FEMA has set up relief centers for displaced residents, while donations are pouring in from around the country to aid recovery.
Meanwhile, the city waits for answers. Viridian has not made a public statement or appearance since the incident, leaving their motivations—and their next move—a mystery.
But for now, New Yorkers are simply grateful to be alive.
"In a city where every day feels like the end of the world," said firefighter Marcus Doyle, "it's nice to know someone's out there watching our backs, even if they scare the hell out of us doing it."
In the room where William was recovering, doctors were marveling from a distance and making speculations about the sudden tail growth of the patient. This irked Tony and Thor, who were the only two still waiting for the young man to wake up. "Don't these healers have anything to do if they are done?" Thor walked over and shut the door with an audible slam, then proceeded to lean against the wall with a disgruntled expression.
He was getting bombarded by requests from Asgard to return with Loki and the Cosmic Cube by Heimdall who was getting more exasperated by the day as Father Odin's patience is running thin.
"BEEP!"
Tony glanced over at William for a moment, remembering how this young man had not only given him a special material that he was currently using for his Iron Man suits, but felt the need to repay the kid. He began thinking of way, "Maybe I'll make him a suit of his own. I should be able to do a lot more since he can already fly on his own, and I'm sure can integrate it with that other suit of his." He looked over at William's suit, which detached and neatly folded itself next to him after he was placed on the bed and couldn't help but gulp. "I'll wait for him to wake up before that!" Tony said with a sigh before pulling up an invisible screen on which began to design the suit for William.
"BEEP"
Tony left abruptly leaving Thor as the only one in the room with the young man, after a long elevator ride, he arrived at his labs where he proceeded to continue his designs in earnest.
Tony Stark paced around his lab, hands on his hips as he surveyed the remnants of the Katchin ingot lying before him. The metal had been a gift from Viridian—a silent, almost cryptic offering. He had barely given Tony any explanation. Just a simple, "You'll know what to do with it." Where it came from didn't matter, though. What mattered was the metal itself. Stronger than anything Tony had encountered, a material so dense that it practically hummed with untapped potential.
Tony glanced at the monitor showing Viridian's vitals, the Saiyan still unconscious in the medical bay. It had been days since he'd last seen Viridian in action—his body healing from the last battle they had fought side by side. Tony knew Viridian could take care of himself. After all, the Saiyan didn't need the kind of enhancements Tony himself relied on. No. This suit was going to be something else.
Tony had already used most of the Katchin to craft his own armor—a sleek, almost perfect suit capable of withstanding unimaginable forces. But Viridian didn't need any of that. He didn't need help with strength, speed, or flight—Viridian had those in spades. What he needed was a suit that could complement his natural abilities. Something that could protect him and enhance what he already had without getting in his way. A suit that would help him survive the toughest of situations, amplify his energy control, and provide the ultimate defense in battle.
Tony Stark stood before his workbench, eyes fixed on the remnants of the Katchin ingot. The metal was a marvel—indestructible, stronger than anything Tony had ever worked with, and practically radiating potential. But Tony knew it wasn't enough. Viridian needed more than just strength. This suit had to complement his natural abilities, protect him from the universe's most dangerous threats, and allow him to do what he did best: fight.
Viridian didn't need power; he already had that. He didn't need a suit that would assist in flight or energy blasts. No, this suit had to be defensive masterpiece—something that would survive space travel, amplify his energy control and give him the tools to handle the most extreme environments.
But as Tony worked through the design, one thing became clear: Viridian would need something else—a companion AI, something capable of assisting him in the vastness of space and the chaos of battle. Someone who could provide tactical advice, analyze unknown enemies, and make sure that when Viridian went into combat, he was prepared for anything.
Step 1: The Core Framework—Katchin
The Katchin was the backbone of the suit. Tony had used every scrap of this extraordinary metal to craft the outer layer, forming a shell that would shield Viridian from the most ferocious attacks. The core frame of the suit was forged from Katchin, ensuring maximum durability against both kinetic and energy impacts.
With Katchin as the foundation, the armor would be virtually impervious to energy blasts, extreme physical damage, and even the vacuum of space. Nothing in the universe could penetrate it—not without suffering a severe toll on whatever attempted to breach its defenses.
Step 2: Reinforcement—Adamantium and Vibranium
While Katchin was already formidable, Tony he could enhance the armor even further. Adamantium, the hardest metal on Earth, would reinforce the suit's joints, pressure points, and other critical areas. This would ensure that the suit wouldn't bend under the heaviest impacts, providing extra support in the places most likely to take damageNext, Vibranium would offer energy manipulation and absorption properties. Tony integrated doses of metal into the suit energy channels, allowing it to absorb kinetic energy both enemy attacks and the surrounding environment. Vibranium's unique properties meant that energy blasts wouldn't overwhelm the. Instead, the energy would be absorbed and channeled into Viridian's or used to reinforce his attacks.
The combination of these materials provided the suit with both strength and adaptability, ensuring it could withstand anything and everything.
Step 3: Flexibility and Mobility—Titanium-Gold Alloy
Viridian didn't need to be weighed down by heavy armor. He needed speed and flexibility. That's why Tony used his Titanium-Gold alloy, a lightweight yet incredibly strong material, in key areas like the joints and under the armor's flexible plates.
The alloy allowed for full mobility while still providing the necessary protection against strikes and impacts. The suit would respond as an extension of Viridian's body, giving him the freedom to move, fight, and fly with all of the strength and agility he was known for.
Step 4: Energy Amplification and Storage
Viridian's natural ability to manipulate his energy was unmatched, but even he could benefit from a boost in precision and control. Tony's suit would allow for energy amplification, enhancing Viridian's already impressive ki powers.
Tony designed energy conduits throughout the suit to channel and amplify Viridian's ki. These conduits would enable him to focus his energy for precise, concentrated blasts and deliver devastating counterattacks when needed. The suit would also store external energy, such as radiation or enemy energy blasts, allowing Viridian to use that stored power at will.
By redirecting this energy into healing systems or enhanced combat power, Viridian could keep himself in top condition, regardless of the intensity of the battle.
Step 5: Space Traversal—Adapted for Cosmic Conditions
Viridian wasn't just going to fight on Earth—he would be battling enemies across the cosmos. For this reason, the suit needed to be space-adaptive.
The suit was reinforced with space-grade technology, designed to withstand extreme environments. It had a self-contained life-support system, allowing Viridian to survive in the vacuum of space, as well as protection against cosmic radiation, extreme temperatures, and the crushing pressures of deep space.
Tony also installed propulsionusters, powered by Viridian's own energy, him to traverse space with ease. This wasn't traditional propulsion—it was a seamless system that merged with Viridian's own flight abilities, letting him fly space as easily as he could on Earth.
Step 6: AI Integration—"Cerebos"
No warrior is ever truly alone in the heat of battle, and while Viridian didn't need any more power, he did need a reliable, intelligent assistant. Tony knew that even someone as capable as Viridian could benefit from a specialized AI that could process vast amounts of data and to threats across the universe.
integrated a custom AI into the suit's systems—an AI designed specifically for Viridian's needs. "Cerebos," as Tony had named it, was unlike any other AI he'd created. It wasn't just a simple assistant—it was a combat companion designed to complement Viridian's abilities.
Cerebos would analyze battle data, offer real-time tactical advice, and even predict enemy movements using advanced algorithms. The AI would have the capacity to learn from each engagement, adapting and fine-tuning its analysis of future threats It would track the movements of enemies, provide Viridian with updates on his environment, and even help navigate through space, ensuring he was never caught off guard.
In combat, Cerebos could take full control of the suit's internal systems, adjusting the armor's properties to maximize Viridian's offensive and defensive capabilities. The AI would also serve as a communications hub, facilitating easy contact with allies, gathering intel, and even hacking enemy systems if necessary.
Cerebos would be a silent, reliable partner—never in the way, but always ready to provide Viridian with exactly what he needed to succeed.
Tony sat back, surveying the design. The suit was complete—a true marvel of engineering. Viridian would be unstoppable in battle, and with Cerebos guiding him, he would have everything he needed to conquer the universe's greatest threats.
As he finalized the design, Tony muttered to himself, "Well, Viridian, you're going to be more than ready for whatever comes next."
And with that, the Cerebos-enhanced suit was ready to go. Viridian would wake up soon. When he did, the universe wouldn't know what hit it.
As Tony was designing a storm in his lab in the medical room suddenly the machines connected to William began to blare in alarm.
"BEEP!" "BEEP!" "BEEP!"
Doctors began to scramble as they entered the room and examined William
"BEEP!" "BEEP!" "BEEP!"
William's eyes shot open, and he sat up abruptly, stunning the doctors and causing Thor, who was sitting nearby to bear a stupid grin. After allowing the frantic doctors to complete their examinations and confirm he was good to go, they paused for an extra-long time as they gazed at his tail, which caught William's attention. "Hey, what are you all looki..." he paused as he noticed the sleek black tail swishing back and forth behind him. His face went pale for a second, his mouth agape, "Now I really feel like a Saiyan," William thought.
The sinewy and lean tail swished back and forth as it glinted a distinct green before William focused and after a second of trying managed to wrap the tail around his waist like a belt.
A boisterous laugh caught William's attention and soon the clap of Thor's large hand against William's shoulder was heard, "Welcome back young warrior HAHAHA!" Thor announced as Mjolnir floated alongside him, Thor brought William over to a corner away from prying eyes and began to sigh, "It's been about three days, I've stayed here in order to formally invite you to visit Asgard."
Thor began go over his reasons, but William could tell he just wanted to introduce a promising new warrior to his father and his friends, it wasn't long before the thunder god was eagerly awaiting William's response.
William was about to enter when Steve Rogers entered abruptly and began to examine William himself, after a few seconds of examinations using his superhuman senses Steve relented and finally began to speak, "We found both your father, Ben Parker a few Blocks away from your destroyed home, it appears that Spiderman was working overtime to save civilians from falling debris!"
This news had caused William to smile uncontrollably as he was beyond happy that his family was still alive and kicking, "How is their living situation, the house was clearly destroyed." William asked with eyes that shone with hope.
Steve nodded and began to pull out a tablet and after a few swipes he showed William a picture of a large house that bordered on mansion status that was currently being built in an area not far from queens where William could clearly see other smaller houses being built in the distance through the feed along with hundreds of people moving back and forth as they worked clearly the community at work for the community!
Steve continues, "We have people who were displaced by the alien invasion set up in several large hotels courtesy of Tony Stark. Your dad and brother are personal guests of Tony Stark at his tower, where I'm sure their every need is being met to the point that they are sick of it!"
William sighed with relief, no longer burdened by concerns for his family's living situation. A tension he hadn't realized he was carrying lifted from his shoulders. If it weren't for all the distractions, he might have already inquired about. After a few seconds of collecting himself, William felt he was being rude to Thor, so he turned back the patiently waiting Thunder god.
"Give me till the end of the day to go with you, I have things to do before we leave!" he said to Thor who proceeded to talk telepathically to Heimdall and after a moment went by Thor finally agreed as what's a few more hours
William left the medical room and after asking for directions to the nearest exit he flew into the night with his glowing green ki flames now flaring as he flew to the hotel where his family stayed the sight of the glowing hero almost immediately causing the media to turn to a frenzy
Jonah Jameson's Outburst:
"I'm telling you, this is exactly what New York doesn't need! A flying, god-like man who—who—appears from nowhere and starts throwing around power like it's nothing!"
"This guy is trouble, folks! And don't let anyone tell you otherwise! He's not some superhero, he's a threat. Mark my words, the moment he comes down, we'll be dealing with a catastrophe. How long until this 'Viridian' decides to rip the city apart just for fun? This is not what we need after the mess that Spider-Man caused. No one's safe with these kinds of powers floating around!"
Jameson's rants were the usual, inflaming the already tense atmosphere, feeding into the fear and uncertainty of New Yorkers. For many, this was just another chapter in the city's long history of strange, often dangerous, heroes and villains.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Response:
Meanwhile, back at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Director Nick Fury was keeping a careful eye on Viridian's flight. He knew that any unknown force, especially one of this magnitude, had the potential to disrupt not just New York but the entire globe. Fury had dealt with unpredictable powers before, but Viridian's raw strength, combined with his Saiyan heritage, made him an enigma.
"We need to keep tabs on him," Fury muttered, speaking into his comms. "He might be one of us, but that doesn't mean we can trust him just yet. Get me a team on the ground, and let's see what he's up to."
The Public's Reaction:
Back on the streets, crowds were beginning to gather, their phones raised high as they tried to capture footage of Viridian, who was now flying freely above the city. Some were starstruck, certain that the Saiyan was a hero—a symbol of hope, someone who could protect the city from the threats they couldn't even imagine. But others were afraid. The memories of dangerous, uncontrollable superpowered beings were still fresh, and many feared what Viridian could do if he chose to turn on them.
William landed at the hotel where Peter and His dad Ben were staying and proceeded to take to stairs from the top to the penthouse floor where Tony had set up Williams family along with an armed guard named Happy which William approved of as Happy is a good guy if not a little grumpy, William entered the hotel and was immediately assaulted by a hug from Peter followed shortly by a worry stricken Ben Parker
"We saw you on the news, don't you ever do anything like that again you bastard!" Peter was holding back a sob and clutching the clothes of his brother.
"Now, Now Peter you aren't really one to talk about being on the news!" Uncle ben stated with a soft chuckle which startled Peter.
"You know about that?" Peter practically whispered.
"Who do you think does your laundry, I've seen your little spider suit hahaha!" Ben chuckles
Peters face turns beet red.
a couple hours pass as the three catch up and eat some room service and before long William had to leave as he had promises to keep.
Unbeknownst to Viridian, the media had been tipped off to his location. The moment he stepped outside the hotel, the waiting reporters were ready, cameras flashing and microphones thrust forward as if they were animals closing in on their prey. A group of them, including the infamous Jonah Jameson, had gathered in front of the hotel, all eager for a glimpse of the man who had been making headlines for days.
As Viridian emerged through the hotel doors, the flashbulbs went off like a strobe light, each snap of the camera further intensifying the pressure. The reporters immediately swarmed, shouting questions, trying to get a rise out of him, hoping for something sensational to take back to their stations.
Reporter 1 (from a major local news outlet):
"Viridian! You've been seen working with S.H.I.E.L.D.! What's your connection to them? Are you a hero—or a threat to New York?"
Reporter 2 (with a sensationalist edge):
"You're a powerful being from another world, and the city has been on edge since your arrival. What are your true intentions? Can we trust you?"
Jonah Jameson (from a nearby microphone):
"There he is! The so-called 'hero' of New York! But is he really here to protect us, or will he just end up causing more destruction? What are you really hiding, Viridian?"
For a brief moment, it seemed as if William was about to speak, perhaps to shut them down with a well-placed remark. But the silence stretched on, his expression calm but unreadable. The tension in the air was palpable, and for a heartbeat, the reporters thought they might get their scoop.
Instead, without a word, William's eyes glinted with determination. In an instant, he lifted off the ground, his body surrounded by an aura of energy that shimmered in the dim light of the city. With a burst of power, he shot into the sky, the speed and force of his ascent creating a gust of wind that swept through the gathered crowd.
The reporters stood frozen for a moment, mouths agape, as they watched Viridian disappear into the night sky. Then, chaos erupted. Cameras clicked wildly, trying to capture the moment he took off, but by the time they snapped their photos, he was long gone.
Jonah Jameson, standing off to the side with his microphone still in hand, was the first to react with fury.
Jonah Jameson (shouting at the sky):
"Typical! Coward! He won't even answer a single question. Just flies off like a damn—!"
Reporter 1 (shouting over Jameson):
"Did you see that? He just left without a word! Who does he think he is?!"
Reporter 2 (annoyed):
"This is unbelievable! We were close to getting him to speak!"
Jonah Jameson (turning to the cameras, fuming):
"There you have it, folks! Ourmysterious hero,' Viridian, showing his true colors. He's not here to help, he's here to escape the truth. If he was truly here for, why does he avoid the questions? Why doesn't he tell us why he's here? Because he doesn't care about us—he only cares about himself."
The reporters, who had been hopeful for a scoop, now turned their frustration into anger. Some were already typing furiously on their phones, trying to get a story out about the disappearance of the so-called. Others muttered insults under their breath, cursing Viridian for what they saw as a missed opportunity. Their questions had gone unanswered, and their target had vanished into thin air. The atmosphere grew, with each reporter feeling a mix of betrayal and disappointment.
William, not caring for the media frenzy he was causing, arrived back at the S.H.I.L.D headquarters and noticed Thor patiently waiting on the circular landing pad, Mjolnir in one hand, Loki in the other, while the Tesseract was placed in a container at his feet. As William landed, Thor telepathically signaled Heimdall to open the Bif. Soon, circular storm clouds formed over the base, and Thor spoke, "Are you ready, William, also known as the Saiyan warrior Viridian, for Asgard?"
William grabbed the box with the Tesseract inside and nodded at Thor, who, with a theatrical flair that seemed unnecessary, raised his hammer and called for Heimdall to open the Bifrost. With a sudden flash of rainbow light, both men were gone, leaving only a scorched Asgardian rune in place of the people who were previously there.