Chapter 31: Tragedy Strikes
3rd POV:
Jean woke up in Bells arms. She gave him a chaste kiss and then silently stood up from her bed.
''You should not sneak down, teleport to the HQ. Felicia is sleeping in the man cave. Actually, why don't yo bother with teleportation in the first place?,'' Bell told her, having always been a light sleeper.
''Did she join the harem?,'' Jean asked surprised. That was fast. He did not even inform them of a courting phase.
''No, but her life is kind of shit now and I had pity for her,'' Bell told her.
She raised an eyebrow. He could have pity for someone?
...
Nah, she did not believe that for even a second. He was up to his usual shenanigans again and had something planned.
---
Felicia woke up.
That was an unfamiliar ceiling.
She bolted up and found herself in a clean room, with bean bags, music instruments and a few drawings on the wall.
For a moment she panicked, then the events of last night came back to her.
Bell O'Quinn. Huh?
So that was the face under the mask. To think she was so fucking stupid for so long.
She released a breath and dropped her head in her arms, then she stood back up straight after a while, going with her hand through her hair to pull it out of her eyes.
She looked at the clock and then at herself. It was morning and probably breakfast time.
...
Hm.
He was cute, she thought to herself as she licked her lips and he did seem to be up standing.
---
''Morning, Bell,'' Felicia said as she walked into the living room in only underwear and a T-Shirt.
Melina stopped making her coffee.
''Bell, did you cheat on Gwen?,'' Melina asked disappointed.
''At ease, mother. I wouldn't be doing anything my girlfriend hadn't agreed to before hand. This is Felicia, she is a friend of ours and had some issues at home with her parents. I decided to let her crash with us for the foreseeable future. We do have the space,'' Bell told her as Felicia took a seat and raised a delicate eyebrow at him.
Melina sighed.
''Will that not raise trouble with the police. Even if she had trouble with her parents, one should call the CPS for that as they are still her legal guardians and we are technically kidnapping her,'' Melina cautioned her son.
''I'm 19 Ms. O'Quinn. In terms of CPS I'm no longer under their jurisdiction and I will graduate shortly anyways,'' Felicia told her politely.
''Oh. Well in that case, be welcome dear. You may stay as long as Bell will let you. Just be aware that he has a girlfriend,'' Melina told her firmly.
She had no problem with letting Bell have a say on what happened in their house. Not only was he almost an adult now. Well in less then a year at least. But he was also technically the bread winner of the house. A small part of her was a little ashamed at that fact,as it was supposed to be the parents duty to provide for their child.
But Bell never seemed to want for anything, that she couldn't have provided with her doctors salary in the first place. He only wanted them to have no money trouble and a small part of her admitted that they would have struggled financially in that particular month.
The month her car broke down and had to be repaired, where they had to call in a plumber to fix a broken pipe in their backyard and she had to pay of her mortgage for the month and all the other insurance as well. Thankfully Bell was already paying everything, but if it wouldn't have been for him, her money alone would not have been enough.
There was a lot of back and forth until Melina reluctantly accepted him paying for at least the necessities and otherwise just letting the money sit in the bank. She did not ever expect him to get the impression that he owed it to her to take care of her.
She had him for the sole reason as a product of their love. Her and her husbands. He owed them nothing for bringing him into the world.
All that, is to say that Bell had authority in this house.
''You are aware that it always takes two to tango. For fairness sake, you should give me that warning too,'' Bell told her as his eyes twinkled in amusement.
Melina hit him with a cloth on his head.
''Don't joke about that or ruin your relationship with Gwen. No offense to you Felicia, I'm sure you are a nice girl, but Gwen and Bell are good for each other,'' Melina warned sternly.
Felicia nodded.
''Of course Ma'am,'' Felicia agreed.
''Good, unfortunately the work of a doctor never stops and I need to get ready. Bell, be a dear and do not go too crazy,'' Melina said while taking her coffee upstairs. Usually she would have drunk it while sitting with Bell at the table, but she needed to change out of her sleeping garments and go to work. This interaction took some time.
''The house is not still standing and not burned down,'' Bell called after her as she went up the stairs.
''Yet,'' Melina jokingly called back making Bell chuckle.
Felicia propped her head on her palm and leaned on the table while watching Bell laugh.
Bell stopped and looked back at her, before sighing and returning to eat.
''Try to eat something, my friends will come by later,'' Bell instructed.
---
''Bell,'' Peter began a little later as they were all in his man cave.
''Yes, Peter, dear?,'' Bell asked him in turn.
''Why is the Black Cat in your basement?,'' Peter asked calmly.
Bell turned to Felicia and then back to Peter.
''I picked that stray cat of the street,'' Bell replied.
Peter lunged for him trying to strangle him, only to immediately calm himself down and take a deep breath.
''And the real reason?,'' Chat asked, biting her lips to hide her smile.
''So, I went on a night patrol and ...,'' Bell gave a short summary of yesterdays events, minus the fact that he killed people. Gwen knew what he did with the wannabe rapists, even without him spelling it out. But Peter, while not having that many problems with standing aside as the right people die, still was queasy about going around actually killing someone. He just assumed he turned them over to the police.
''Ok, so what do we do with her? Like, do we turn her in to the police? Do we let her go?,'' Peter asked him.
''You want to ruin her life for someone like Victoria? She had every reason to crash out. Besides, she is now on our side,'' Bell told him.
''Got it. So we frame Victorias disappearance as a kidnapping. We need to vigilant about her being in the police department and giving a statement, but afterwards we can house her, at least until Kingpins empire crumbles down. Which probably will be a while. Bell are you sure that there is no evidence of the altercation in that suite,'' Gwen asked.
''Certain. Without a shadow of a doubt,'' Bell affirmed.
''But isn't murder bad? I get that she had a valid reason, but still...,'' Chat asked surprised they all got so quickly on board to sweep the murder under the rug. Not at all the impression she had of the Spider people. Especially Peter.
''If Hitler would stand in front of me, I would shoot him, the nano seconds that I identify him. You telling me, murdering Hitler isn't good? Chat, there are people out there who are vile beyond compare.
Those people are no longer human, they are rabid dogs. And what do you do with rabid dogs?,'' Bell asked her.
''I get that, but are we right to judge them? Shouldn't there be a system of checks and balances. Everyone should get due process,'' Chat replied.
''I literally caught them in the act. That is all the due process that I need. As for who I am to judge them? (*Bell gave a shrug*) Everyone is the hero in their own story. I wouldn't lose any sleep for killing Hitler of all people.
Look Chat, I'm not saying killing isn't wrong. I'm just saying life is FAR too complicated to only live by one philosophy. You need to diversify your horizon,'' Bell told her.
''Yes, we talked about this a few times. You don't see many people do this as it requires one to think and well,'' Peter shrugged as he looked at Felicia contemplatively.
''Thinking and inquiring and coming to your own conclusions is hard. It also brings with it the uncertain. But chin up Chat, the Satanaelists agree with us somewhat. That is only like 1.8 billion people,'' Gwen told her.
''All you can do is hope that you kill for the right reason. OR at least the right people,'' Bell finished.
Chat slumped a little in defeat. She wanted to say that morals could not function like democracy, but it was kind of a weak argument. And she could not really bring herself to argue against their points.
''So, we are all in agreement? We will help Felicia out?,'' Bell asked.
Peter sighed.
''Fine. I just wish you didn't just reveal our identity to someone. That is the seconds time,'' Peter complained.
''Oh, finally. So, can I talk now? Now that you made your decision. And Peter, rest assured I will tell no one about any of your guys identity,'' Felicia assured him. Up till now she had to admit she was a little nervous about them turning her away.
There was also the fact that Bell was terrifying. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that Bell must have some kind of end game. It was never Fisks city, it was Bells. He just let him operate in it.
She was smart enough to now what parts to keep secret and what not. He did not want to mention him killing the rapists? Yes, sir. Nor will she be mentioning his telepathy or the fact he had no limits on his telekinesis.
He was also seriously cute.
''Well, fine then. I guess we know what happened to Walter, so I can cross that of the list. Also, we didn't really get much from the police and there was also nothing suspicious on their servers. They either cleaned their servers or did something else,'' Peter reported what they found.
''I did find something in the 'Bar with no Name'. Fisks henchmen complained about the Satanaelists butting their nose everywhere. It slowed operation down significantly, generating less revenue. They further complained about being tired as they are in a constant state of high alert since they need to be on their A-game not to get spotted by the Satanaelists,'' Gwen explained.
''Couldn't they just kill them?,'' Felicia asked.
''Funny. A rookie also asked that. They did that at first, but the problem was that, that would only attract more attention. A senior called them a mafia defending their turf, that has no operation on their land,'' Gwen explained.
''Wait! That bloodbath that was reported a few months ago, the one in ...Hells Kitchen. Was that what you are talking about? Or that quadruple homicide just a few weeks past that?,'' Felicia asked them.
''Most likely. So, in summary, Felicia and I would have found even more people in that human trafficking font, if not for the Satanaelists,'' Bell concluded.
How amusing, introduce death and this machos suddenly are on their toes. See what a diligent society can accomplish? A pity that it is only half of the city that was diligent.
For Bell that peak cinema.
''Keep in mind however that it was only a font. We don't know how many are actually circulating around in the human trafficking business. Or how big it is for that matter,'' Bell replied.
''So what now? We have something I guess, but we don't really have evidence to imprison Fisk,'' Peter asked.
Felicia perked up. What? They were not seriously dumb enough to think killing Fisk would end all of this? She cast a quick glance at Bell. No, never mind. Damn he is good. For a second she forgot that he and the person that murdered these rapists were one and the same person. But she would ask him afterward just to be sure.
''Isn't it obvious? We keep investigating. Let us pick our next targets,'' Bell said handing them all a paper, minus Felicia.
...
After they all picked a target his friends departed and only Gwen staid back.
''Did you kill these rapists?,'' Gwen asked suddenly. Felicia whipped her head around.
Bell hummed affirmatively.
Gwen hummed in turn and then looked at Felicia. She straightened up a little.
''Please tell me I will get to enjoy a cat fight. That would be awesome,'' Bell told them.
''She has a crush on you,'' Gwen accused. Bell gave a shrug. He has no idea how this keeps happening.
''Indeed. Rest assured I will steal your boyfriend from you,'' Felicia told her as she suddenly found a boost of confidence. She walked a little towards Gwen and looked her in the eye.
Bell whistled at the sudden development.
''Actually, hmhmhm,'' Bell could no longer make distinguishable words as Gwen shot a web over his mouth. She stepped forward, with a sudden competitive streak and the girls breasts touched.
''Bring it on hoe,'' Gwen challenged her.
Felicia looked down at her bigger assets and then at Gwens smaller ones, before giving a victorious smirk. That will be easy.
Bell raised an eyebrow. That was certainly new. He was surprised at Gwens behavior.
Not at all how she behaved with Wanda, Jean or Kitty.
He shrugged. Fine then, he won't rain on her fun.
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Nexus was swinging through the city as he suddenly failed to shoot another web. Looking quickly at his wrist he saw that his web shooter was shot off. A few seconds later a gun shot could be heard.
Ok.
That was absolutely fucking impressive. Hitting such a small target from, hmm, 2,1 kilometers with a sniper while it was moving was genuinely impressive.
Credit were credit was due.
He already knew what was to occur. His assassins were finally coming after him. And they even came up with quiet a good plan to take him down.
He tried to shoot a web with his other hand only to have that shot of as well.
The moment he crashed on the ground, he tried to stand up only to have a truck slam into him. After sliding some meters, Nexus lifted part of the truck up, only to have another truck slam into him from the back.
Smart. The were banking on him not having the spider sense his friends had.
Even smarter. Taskmaster and Elektra would be the heavy hitters. Mysterio and Kraven would be the deceivers, with 'illusions' and poison and Bullseye was waiting to shoot that Chitauri weapon.
Both trucks activated a mechanism in front of their bumper and one grabbed his arms with a rope and the other his legs. Before both speeding back. Elektra was using her minor telekinetic abilities to enhance the performance of the armored trucks even further.
Which is why he found himself stretched out in the air. But where would be the fun in that in making it so easy for Bullseye to hit him. He twisted very strongly, as shot missing him, bringing both trucks immediately back and making them collide again, this time exploding and engulfing him in a shower of flames.
Taskamster and Elektra would have most likely been dead, even with her enhancing them telekinetically both slightly bodily, if they hadn't jumped out of the trucks. They looked and waited for him to come out. Ready to spring the next part of their plan.
Telekinesis is a pathway to many abilities many consider to be unnatural.
Nexus stepped out of the flames only to receive an arrow with an ampule to the face with botulinum toxin that exploded as a gas around him. Elektra quickly used her telekinesis to turn the gas into a globe around him forcing him to breath it in.
Nexus took a piece of metal and threw it at Kraven on the rooftop only to reveal that he was a illusion as the metal went through him.
He advanced at them only to stumble on his knee another shot missing him. Nexus grabbed another piece of metal and threw it at Bullseye.
...
Bullseye rolled away from the edge of the rooftop and watched as the metal slammed into his previous spot cracking the roof top of the skyscraper. The metal hitting him would have been probably fine, judging by the amount of damage. He had some adamantium laced over some of his bones, but depending on how things would have turned out he would have fallen down.
And he would not have survived such a high fall. At least not from this height.
It annoyed him at having actually missed a shot, but once the bullet left his control/ sniper minor adjustments could make him miss. And the bullet (previous sniper used to shoot web shooters) and plasma harpoons traveled for a while.
Why was he so far away? Precisely because of this. They did speculate what abilities he could possess that he did not demonstrate.
In another life Bullseye and Nexus would have been friends, as that was something straight out of his playbook.
He chuckled darkly, locking back in and eager to kill the fucker for making him miss.
...
Nexus went for his string to activate brain drive only to immediately have someone from the back grab said arm with a lasso. Kraven by himself would have not been able to pull his hand back from the string, so he quickly attached the end of the lasso to a pulley device that would drag his arm back. It should provide enough force, especially with him now weakened thanks to the botulinum toxin.
Elektra and Tasmaster ran at him as Nexus tried to pull the string with his other hand.
Taskmaster slid through his legs and pulled him down making him slam his head into Elektras knee. Nexus punched her in the face only for his fist to go through her, having moved away immediately and been replaced by an 'illusion'.
Taskmaster sliced him with his sword on his back a small trace amount of blood sticking to the blade as he managed to find a Chitauri sword in that pile that Fisk offered. Evidently it did not do that much damage especially as Taskmaster only had below Captain America strength and Nexus eclipsed him.
Nexus immediately did a split and used his stickiness to grab part of Taskmaster, he pulled him towards him trying to use the sword to cut the rope as it was made out of strong material. Taskmaster saw that coming.
Honestly if Nexus was not 'weakened' right now he would have beaten Taskmaster despite his photographic reflexes. Alas as he was now...
Nexus decided to let go from the ground and jumped to the device and hit it breaking it only for another gas to hit him as it was also a trap. Maitotoxin this time.
Elektra appeared near him and he tried punching her. His hand went through her, but it turned out she was near him somewhere else, she moved from the back and locked his hands in with both her Sais at the wrist.
Taskmaster went for to other wrist and put a device on it. It shot a grappling hook on the ground and pulled him.
Nexus tried sloppily kicking Taskmaster but he always predicted his kicks having long ago analyzed his moveset.
Parry, parry, counter slash. Duck, slash at his heel, not much damage but some.
With Nexus being weakened by the toxins Taskmaster had an easier time dealing with him.
Slowly and surely they dragged him from behind the now destroyed armored truck back into Bullseye vision.
And finally...
A plasma harpoon managed to pierce Nexus through the area between his lungs and intestines and pinning him to the ground on his knees.
Another one followed this time through his lung and another through his throat.
Nexus seemed motionless for a few seconds. The two heavy hitters not willing to let yet go.
''Again, Bullseye,'' Elektra ordered in the ear piece as she had a somewhat similar ability to Daredevil and could still feel his heart beating.
Several more harpoons entered Nexus' body, until Elektra finally let go, feeling no longer a heart beat.
...
Bullseye cackled. Another one for the toll, baby. There was a reason he did not immediately shoot him in the heart or head.
So long, sucker.
He watched the corpse through his vision, only to immediately have his smirk wiped of his face as he saw Nexus' arm move quickly for his string when the two heavy hitters were not looking at Nexus for just a second.
He immediately shot him in the heart. Again and again and he went for the head as well.
He shot until all the ammunition was gone.
...
''Why did you shoot him?,'' Elektra asked as the two looked at Nexus mutilated corpse filled with harpoons.
''He moved for a second,'' replied Bullseye through the earpiece.
Did he? Elektra frowned having not picked that movement up. And especially no heartbeat. Was it a delayed reaction jerk, thanks to the toxins.
''See? I did tell you that poisons works on him, if he ingests them,'' Kraven told them as he and Mysterio came from their hiding spot.
''So he is dead. That was ... easy,'' Mysterio remarked as he watched Nexus. He looked around. The area was abandoned, only very few people deciding to stick around and film with their phones.
''We studied the prey and focused on its weaknesses and came up with a plan to take it down,'' Kraven told the master of illusions. Perhaps he hadn't needed to look down on the wizard. It seems his illusions were as worthy as any trap and he underestimated them.
''Let us take the bounty, before police arrives,'' Taskmaster moved to cut Nexus head of with his sword. it has demonstrated that it could harm him, even if minor, he should be able to cut off his head.
He approached and stopped as he saw his mask turn from neon orange to blue.
''Warning. No life signals detected. initiating self destruct mode in three, two, one,'' a robotic voice came from his helmet.
Taskmaster immediately sprinted for cover, the other seeking their own cover.
Several windows shattered from the massive explosion as some kind of hot liquid was quickly eating away at Nexus. Whatever it was it was even eating through the harpoons and asphalt. Soon nothing would remain of him.
Aside from the property damage no one else was harmed.
Police sirens could be heard in the distance.
''Shit, let's go we need to move,'' said Elektra, making them all move and run away.
A head was not strictly necessary as there were more than enough cameras that recorded the fight anyway. And while they did not fear the police, the longer they stayed here, they risked other heroes arriving.
The fight was short and intense, planned out carefully and vigorously run through various scenarios with multiple fail safes.
And the end result a dead hero as requested.
---
Chat, Bell, Gwen, Peter and Felicia starred at the news sometimes later as the people reported Nexus for dead.
''And?,'' Bell asked them.
See?
He did keep his promise of not faking his death to his friends again seriously.
''Hm. Exactly as discussed,'' Peter grinned.
''We shouldn't celebrate to early. There are still 50 million bounties on your heads,'' Felicia reminded them. During their briefing Bell revealed that he spent some more time hacking and got access to Fisks personal computer. He reported and played the audio for extra measure to bring them up to speed about what was discussed in his office.
''Yes, but don't forgot why he faked his death in the first place,'' Chat reminded her.
''Divide and conquer. It stings, but we are the lessee threat compared to him,'' Gwen said and nodded her head at Bell.
''Be on your toes. They worked together because the reward was pretty much the same. Fisk just incentivized them to work together. For you on the other hands, they will go after alone. Still, don't underestimate them despite being alone. They, out of all, were hired by Fisk for a reason,'' Bell cautioned making them all nod.
''And now that you have faked your death? What now?,'' Chat asked.
''It should give me more freedom theoretically, but Fisk is paranoid. I will need to listen in and see what his move is now and then go from there. And if his moves restricts mine too much, I will go to Murdock and give him information. We still have him and Jennifer as an option. And maybe you guys can find that Daredevil guy too. He seemed to be after Fisk too,'' Bell told them making them nod their heads.
''I still can't believe telekinesis lets one do THAT,'' Peter eventually said.
''It can, deal with it. That said, you saw how out of it I was when I came home. I take immense effort,'' Bell said, making Peter nod. He was bleeding from his nose.
When Bell was in that fire and out of view briefly he activated his brain drive and used his telekinesis too form the energy and simulate material of different kinds, reflecting back sunlight in different colors. Bell apparently even simulated all his organs inside for extra measure.
Honestly?
Peter was starting to see, why people on the internet considered telekinesis to be the most powerful ability, despite there not actually being all that much actual footage of telekinetic being put in practice.
Peter doubted there could be something more powerful then that. Or more versatile.
''Anyway, Felicia needs to give the police report of her mother not coming back as she should have and file a missing person case. Toddles,'' Bell told them as he stood up, Felicia after him. Before exiting she put on her wig, hiding her white hair.
As they walked Felicia grabbed his arm and pushed the side of her boob into his arm. He tried disentangling himself from her, but she wouldn't let go.
In the end he gave up and shrugged. Felicia was a little annoyed at him not reacting, but settled not to push for more.
They already discussed it privately and he would watch over her, ensuring with his telepathy that no one would approach her that had nefarious purposes while she was filing the case.
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''Well done. As promised. 100 million for each one of you. You may go outside and the person will give you your money. As for Ghost Spider and Spider-Man I leave them to your discretion,'' Kingpin dismissed them, after looking at a video on his computer.
They left his office and he turned around on his chair to observe the city.
Hm.
He frowned.
This was the result of long practice. His people reported to him, how man scenarios they ran through.
Still...
He turned around and picked up the phone. One of his henchman asked.
''Keep an eye out. If for some reason one of our operations goes dark or exposed, then I wan't it to be connected to someone. Someone to point the finger at. If it turns out a ghost disturbed our operations I want to be immediately notified,'' Kingpin ordered.
''Of course, sir,'' his henchman said, before Kingpin hung up on him.
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''Is it going to be a reoccuring event? You faking your death that is?,'' Jean asked him as they danced on her graduation ball. They were inside the Midtown High sport hall. The music was celebratory. Lights of different colors flying around.
''In my defense. Joker is not dead. Only MIA and he never had any friends to begin with. Zero was killed at a time I did not plan to. Blame Wanda. And Reaver is walking to every place in Africa looking for recountings,'' Bell explained with a shrug.
Jean awed and gave a understanding look, clearly sarcastic in nature.
Bell wore a small glamour, so that people perceive him differently. He could hardly go as Bell with Jean to her graduation ball. That said only other people saw him as someone else. To Jean he was still Bell.
He also cast a sort of notice-me-not charm so people would be inclined not to pay that much attention to them.
''Is that your solution to everything? Blame Wanda?,'' Jean joked.
''Well, she is a witch. And historically witches were blamed for everything, soooo...,'' Bell let the sentence hang, causing Jean to chuckle. She put her arms around his neck, while they continued to dance.
''Besides I kept my promise. I discussed faking my death during the debriefing. See? I do keep my word to you girls,'' Bell boasted. Jean rolled her amber eyes. Yes, yes. He has been driving all of them up the walls, with all his gloating.
They get it already, damn it.
As if he wouldn't have NOT given his word in the first place if he planned to fake his death again. In Jeans opinion that was not that much of a boast, but fine.
''Gwen told me about Felicia. Will she join the harem?,'' Jean asked, changing the subject. Bell gave a shrug.
''I can't rightly answer that question. Most of you I did not plan on joining the harem, no offense Jean,'' Bell told her. She hummed in understanding. She was a little pushy in trying to make her way into Bells life. Sure now she knew that both of them were satisfied and loved each other, but he probably would not given her another look if she hadn't pushed him to the courting phase.
''So in other words, you will see were the wind takes you,'' Jean summarized. Bell nodded.
''By the way, what is your endgoal? What will you do once you kill Fisk?,'' Jean asked curiously. Bell looked at her for a bit as they danced.
''Promise not to tell Gwen? (*After some thinking Jean nodded*) She and Peter REALLY need that ability to kill, like the rest of you all. I'm trying to push them to their breaking point. I don't want them dying on me, because they lost a battle by hesitating,'' Bell explained to her.
Jean nodded in understanding and silently approved of his goal. Sure, both of them could bring someone back from the dead, but it was the matter of principle.
''And with you removed from the picture, they are forced more and more to confront the worst of humanity. You didn't just fake your death, for the sake of amusement or dividing the assassins. Devious,'' Jean gave an approving hum at the end. Bell smiled at her.
''Still, I wonder what I should do afterwards. i have promised Felicia Kingpins head and she will get it eventually, but his empire on the other hand...,'' Bell clicked his tongue.
''You plan on becoming the new Kingpin?,'' Jean asked curiously.
''Hm. I'm not sure. The problem is the system. It is too harsh to people that genuinely need a second chance. People that, with no other options available, will resort to crime. And I am sure all the other kind also appreciate not having to engage in turf wars every other day and that they get to focus on making money.
There is a reason why Kingpin is not only feared, but also respected. He has given them a life they would have otherwise not gotten to enjoy,'' Bell explained to her.
''You suddenly sympathize with Fisk?,'' Jean asked surprised.
''Hell no. Once i have what I want from him, he will be disposed of. I'm merely remarking on what the people want, that they would resort to crime and why they would resort to crime. Kill those, like the ones who tried to rape Felicia. Keep the ones alive that sell dope to feed their sick children. Change the system, reduce crime...,'' Bell trailed off.
''It sound to me like you plan on becoming a ruler. I thought you didn't want that?,'' Jean wanted to know. Did he change his mind after all? Up till now, he made the impression that he only wanted to use his company to make some things better.
Bell remained silent for a while.
''Don't pay that any mind. I was just channeling my inner megalomaniac,'' Bell waved that off.
Jean rubbed his neck with her thumb, deciding not to push the issue. She drew him closer and made the dance more intimate.
In her opinion Bell would be a fine ruler, but he needed to want it. She would leave the matter to him and he would hopefully ask her for help, when he needs to.
---
As for the other girls that were also graduating?
He was also wearing glamour, only them being able to see the real Bell. The girls decided to split up and dance separately away from each other. Though, Bell explained to them that he would not spend too much time in the X-Mansion as there were some telepaths around and his void mind was still an issue. He was risking a lot by being here.
There were mutants going around creating fire sparks or lights and all around it was a merry mood.
Rogue and him danced sensually to the music. She bought a dress that would leave most of her arms exposed as she wanted to make as much contact with Bell as possible. He guided both her arms above her head as her back was to him. His head was near hers and he kissed her neck as their fingers intertwined above her head.
''Not too rough, Sugar. You are going to ruin my hair,'' Rogue said, making Bell chuckle. he turned her around.
''Yes we can't have that. By the way, you look transcendent,'' Bell complimented her.
''Is that what you said to all the others as well,'' Rogue asked amused, but clearly having liked the compliment as she blushed.
''It keeps working,'' Bell joked, making Rogue throw her head back as she laughed at his audacity. She leaned against him and a chaste kiss.
---
Kittys and his was a far more active dance. He supposed in a way it reflected her personality as she was full of life.
''Come on, move those hips,'' Kitty requested as she gave him a bump with her waist.
''I am moving them,'' Bell shook his head exasperatedly.
''Well, move them more,'' Kitty told him simply.
''Jesus, Kitty. Do you want me to breakdance?,'' Bell asked her a little annoyed.
''i don't know. Can you?,'' Kitty put her finger on her lower lip and looked up inquisitively.
''How about a dance that is active and we get to enjoy together. Waltz can be active,'' Bell compromised.
''The music is not really fit for Waltz,'' Kitty said, before suddenly having a different song playing in her ears. She looked around, the people still dancing to the previous song and cast Bell a sly look.
''You said something about the music not fitting?,'' Bell offered her his hand.
---
No one had Gwen beat on adorableness, but Laura was so adorable right now.
She clearly never received instruction how to dance and thus did not know how to dance.
She probably wanted to surprise him, by picking it up herself or by either having it taught to her by Sarah.
Alas her movement were robotic, tense. Understandable. Martial arts and dancing were quiet different and one did not necessarily translate to the other.
She was visible growing frustrated. He put his hand on her shoulder and she looked at him, before stopping and looking down disappointed.
''There is no shame in not knowing how to dance. I will teach it to you one day. Let us instead just wing back and forth for today. It is a special day for you, you shouldn't get agitated,'' Bell embraced her.
''Right,'' Laura took a breath to clam her self.
---
''And? Did you girls have fun?,'' Wanda asked as she saw the girls teleport into the living room of their HQ. She was sitting on the couch watching some shows.
''Yup, night,'' Kitty skipped along. Laura nodded and followed after her.
''It was fun. But I'm mentally fatigued, so I'm clocking in,'' Rogue told them. She may be able to absorb energy and thus she technically never tires, but mentally was a different matter.
Jean took a seat on the couch.
''We danced and we talked a little. Oh, by the way, he still blames you for Zeros death,'' Jean told Wanda. She merely rolled her eyes.
''I swear, one day I'm going to slap him if he keeps up that attitude,'' Wanda told Jean,'' Anything you want to share with me about what you talked?''
''Well, I don't know. I promised not to tell Gwen. Will you tell Gwen?,'' Jean asked. Wanda rose an eyebrow looking at her, before turning back to her show.
''Sure, i promise not to share anything with Gwen. now share the detes sister,'' Wanda demanded. Jean grinned at the reference.
''Bell wants to push Gwen to kill. That is the primary reason he faked his death as Nexus. Oh! He also still wants us to know that he kept his word,'' Jean told her.
''He is like a broken record,'' Wanda said.
''Be honest, it is endearing,'' Jean retorted.
''I never said otherwise. Still, getting Gwen to kill would be good. No offense to Bell or her, but if she wants to be first in the harem, then she needs to show herself to be a more equal partner. ...Well, at least in function if not in power,'' Wanda said her opinion.
''I mean she already made her peace with him killing people. She just needs to be able to do it herself. I'm sure Bell knows what he is doing,'' Jean tired to rise to their defense.
''I also never said otherwise. It's not like he actually treats us that much differently anyway. And it would be nice to have Gwen be more safe,'' Wanda said.
The two women looked at the TV for a bit until Jean patted Wandas thigh.
''Well, I'm going to bed too. Today was mentally draining, even if it was fun,'' Jean said before departing.
Wanda starred after her.
Her jaw twitched.
Fine.
She was a little jealous that she did not get to experience the same stuff as the girls. Her dancing with Bell at their graduation ball that is. Even Gen will get to enjoy that next year.
Wanda huffed and closed the TV. She had more stuff to read tomorrow in the Sanctum Sanctorum anyway. Best to have energy for that.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bell sat on a chair and kept an eye out while Felicia waited to have her name called out and accept her diploma for graduating high school. She was wearing a wig.
So far no one attempted to do anything or even approached the school for that matter. The police report was a resounding success. No one suspected anything. Or if they did had no evidence to support it.
Felicia was still gonna crash in his basement as her suite was broken in.
A man sat beside him and Bell suppressed a smirk at his audacity.
Bold. Bold indeed.
Maybe stupid as well.
''Who are you waiting for? Are you someones brother?,'' the stranger asked.
Definitely stupid as well.
''I thought you were a cat burglar, not a magician performing parlor tricks?,'' Bell answered instead throwing the man for a momentary loop.
It made sense he would approach him. The wig would not disguise Felicias face. And he did arrive with her at this place.
''Hmm. You would be surprised how often the two coincide. So? Does she know?,'' the man asked.
''Could you be more specific? She learned a lot of things about her life recently,'' Bell asked instead.
The man was momentarily silent.
''Everything,'' he finally said.
''Well, her mother told her she had her father drowned when he was being transferred to a prison,'' Bell began.
''Nasty business that,'' the man shared his opinion.
''Aye, then she learned who her father truly was. A real modern Robin Hood. Stealing from the rich, giving to the poor. Playing both sides... until both caught up to him,'' Bell continued, making the man hiss.
''I was hoping she wouldn't ever find out about that. She always was a daddy's girl. My legacy would have led her to ruin had she tried to live up to it. I wanted her to be free. This way she would not be endangered by getting attached to it,'' the man said. Bell nodded.
Felicia looked in their direction and she smiled a little despite being nervous in this open space. Bell gave her a small nod and a two finger salute as the man looked down, pretending to look at his phone. She smiled more confidently.
''The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Too much happened at once, even before I shared your Robin Hood style life with her. She was spiraling. Her mother attempted to sell her to a human trafficking ring. I did it to make her focus on the positive,'' Bell told the man quietly.
''... Her mother a disappointment. Her father a disappointment. Probably better that both left her life anyway,'' the man murmured.
''She doesn't know you live. Would you like to change that? If she was a daddy's girl she will recognize you,'' Bell offered the man.
''... How does the saying go? If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you. Good. if not, you two were never meant to be,'' the man said defeated.
''The saying is correct, but you are using it in the wrong context. And she needs to know you are alive anyway for that to work. Also eww, that is your daughter,'' Bell told him, before both men chuckled.
''No, in all seriousness. We both were fucking disappointments. She will be better off not knowing. Hopefully... What is you name son?,'' the man asked. Bell starred at him from his periphery running the choices in his mind.
''Bell,'' he eventually settled for. Make him work for the intel gathering.
''Bell, treat her well. Hopefully you will turn out to be less of a disappointment we two were,'' the man said.
The watched as Felicia was called up and she flashed them a smile. Bell gave her two thumbs up.
''Are you sure, about your choice?,'' Bell asked again. He was gonna respect his choice. Action and consequences, but he just wanted to see if the man was really sure, as he did not register as an enemy.
''Certain. At least unlike me she knows when you fake your death. Live well, Bell, it was nice meeting you,'' the man said holding out his hand.
You clever little bastard. There is the 'cat' in the cat burglar. Knowledge dropped casually as a reminder of insurance, all coyly and smug.
Bell liked his style.
''Live well, Walter, may you find comfort in your choices,'' Bell told him back while shacking his hand.
Bell already knew about everything. Walter living. Walter constantly spying on Felicia from afar to make sure she was safe. When he revealed his face to her in that suite. He will not say anything, so long as his daughter was safe.
Both men stood up.
One walked away through the crowds, content knowing his daughter had landed somewhere safe.
The other walked towards a female, prepared to lie boldly to her face and take a secret to his grave.