next_avenger:

To James his birthday was just another day. He got up and immediately went to the gym. After a two hour workout and a hot shower he grabbed breakfast that consisted of two bagels and a cup of the best coffee one could get. James had become somewhat of a coffee snob since living with Mom and Tony, despite what MC claimed he liked for coffee. She didn't know him yet or even try to get to know him so he ignored what she said about him.

He headed for the rec room to play some video games for an hour. He knew he was an addict, he would admit it, but he had grown up a bit and was now limiting himself to two hours a day. An hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. There were more important things than video games and he had learned that lesson.

Mom had sent his gift and it arrived a day before his birthday. It consisted of a vacation for him and Val along with a gift card to his favorite video game store. She called and promised that she, Tony and Nick would visit soon.

He leaned back on the couch and hit start.

third_reich:

It was a normal summer day in New York City. The thermometer was at 80, the sun was out and there was relatively no humidity. It was a perfect summer day.

A bright light appeared in the middle of Central Park and started to grow. It expanded rapidly and grew to the size of a two story house. The tear in space in time was still for a moment and then things began to emerge from it. A giant robot walked through with guns ready. A moment later a second robot emerged, this one looked like a giant flying manta ray. It was followed by another that looked like a giant flying head.

The three robots were followed by a division of soldiers, each armed with automatic rifles and wearing uniforms with swastikas. They marched out of the portal and split in half. One group went east and the rest went west. Following the soldiers came a few other individuals. The Red Skull, Masterman, Warrior Woman, Iron Cross, and U-Man came out of the portal.

"Attack!" the Red Skull shouted. "Destroy the city!"

next_avenger:

James sucked when it came to shopping for birthdays or other special occasions. He never knew what to get unless of course he was getting them video games. He /knew/ video games. He didn't know girlfriends, mothers or sisters. Thankfully mother and sister could help when it came to the girlfriend.

Val's birthday had come around again and James had called on the shopping experts. Mom and Anya. He called them earlier in the week and asked for some advice for presents for Val. His email Inbox got flooded with emails from the both of them with suggestions and ideas.

When he finally settled on something he had Mom make the arrangements. The Stark name had a lot of weight and James would need that for last minute plans.

Thursday night he caught a flight east and arrived in New York. Friday was shopping with Mom. He had enough clothes, but Mom thought otherwise so he went shopping with her and let her buy him more clothes. She also helped him select Valeria's gift.

When Sunday rolled around he showed up with a picnic basket stuffed full and a blanket.

He politely asked Roberta to call up for Val.

nextgen_holiday:

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty, quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul

nextgen_holiday:


I arise from dreams of thee
In the first sweet sleep of night,
When the winds are breathing low,
And the stars are shining bright.
I arise from dreams of thee,
And a spirit in my feet
Hath led me -- who knows how?
To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint
On the dark, the silent stream--
And the Champak's odours
Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
The nightingale's complaint,
It dies upon her heart,
As I must on thine,
O belovèd as thou art!

O lift me from the grass!
I die! I faint! I fail!
Let thy love in kisses rain
On my lips and eyelids pale.
My cheek is cold and white, alas!
My heart beats loud and fast:
O press it to thine own again,
Where it will break at last!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

nextgen_parent:

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual Maria Stark Foundation Charity Auction. I'm Alison Blaire and your host for tonight's festivities. Prepare yourselves for a night of fun to help a worthy cause. In just a few minutes many very handsome men will be brought out one by one for your chance to win a date with one of them.

Before we begin I would like to bring out Her Imperial Highness Anya Stark. Miss Stark helped arranged tonight's event and will give you a little more information on the charity organization tonight's proceeds will help."

Anya walked out on stage and smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Blaire. All of the proceeds from tonight's event will go directly to Doctors Without Borders or Médecins Sans Frontières. This organization was created in 1971 in France to benefit the citizens of the world. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation all across the globe. MSF operates independently of any political, military, or religious agendas.

I'm happy to announce on behalf of the Maria Stark Foundation, that all money collected here tonight will be matched dollar for dollar by the Maria Stark Foundation."

"Thank you Miss Stark and that is a very generous offer by the Maria Stark Foundation. Now it's time to begin. So open those wallets and let's bring out our first man." Anya left the stage and went to take her seat.

"First we have the son of Captain America Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff. James Romanov-Rogers is currently an Avenger and has recently moved to Seattle to lead the West Coast Avengers."

"Let's start the bidding at a hundred dollars."

next_avenger:

The voting was done and the decision had been made. James was heading west to lead the West Coast Avengers. He was taking the rest of the semester off of school and would take summer classes to make up for it. Now came the hard part. Telling Val.

He stopped and the front desk and asked Roberta to tell Valeria that he was here to see her.

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
+

Anonymous entries accepted.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

next_avenger:

James had volunteered to babysit Nick while Tony, Mom and the rest of the family went to the big fancy party. James didn't like fancy parties and had eagerly volunteered to babysit. After Mom and Tony said he could, James of course asked Valeria if she wanted to come over and help him. James was by far not an expert babysitter and could always use an extra pair of hands.

Nick was fussy right after Mom and Tony left, but eventually he settled down. Coos and babbles replaced the crying. James thought he giggled, but Mom had said that was just gas. James thought his baby brother was neat and was having a good time babysitting him.

Nick eventually dozed off and James put him in his bed. He double checked the baby monitor and then joined Val on the couch.

anyastark:

Anya didn't have many traditions in her family, unless you counted being a bastard as one of them. The Avengers however did have a few time honored traditions that must be kept going. Sure saving the world from alien invasions, beating up the world level threats and other heroic things were some of those traditions, but not everything could be about beating up the bad guys. One such non-heroic thing was Rate the Hunk.

Each year the female Avengers got together and rated their fellow male Avengers. The new generation had eagerly picked up and kept this tradition going. However, they had expanded it a bit.

The day after Thanksgiving was a perfect day to avoid shopping crowds, take over the rec room, banish the males and look at pictures of them. Anya had run it last year and she took it upon herself to do it again this year. Invitations went out to fellow female heroes. Avengers, X-Women, Defenders, Champions and Thunderbolts all got invitations to come to New York to Rate the Hunk.

Food, drink and snacks were laid in. Signs were put up on the doors and electronic surveillance was set up to see if males dared to interrupt.

Anya settled in on one of the couches and queued up the stash of photos she had collected in the past year.

quitethecharmer:

It was looking to be a rather busy week for Vincent. Aside from what he had to do, there were certain things he simply felt he should do, and at least one he was looking forward to.

redheadspy:

Natasha was restless. No matter what she did she could not get comfortable. She tried stretching out on the couch, sitting in a chair, laying down on the couch, and walking around the penthouse and not one thing was close to being comfortable. It was a common hazard at this point in a pregnancy.

A part of her was glad that Tony was on the West Coast. He would be hovering and asking her if she were alright every few minutes, which of course would have improved his chances of getting shot. He left her with babysitters who were a little better about it. James and Val and Misha were in the living room watching a movie. Ivan, who had arrived two days ago, was in the recliner with his eyes closed and snoring.

Natasha was in the kitchen pacing a bit. Idly she wondered if SHIELD would let her use the firing range. She needed something relaxing to do and something to keep her mind off the mild contractions she was having. This baby couldn’t be coming yet, but of course it would be since Tony was across the country.

The contractions were still ten minutes apart and weren’t hurting much. Yet. These things took time which is exactly why she wasn’t going to tell the kids just yet. Misha had been a marathon. Twenty two hours in labor. She remembered feeling like she had singlehandedly fought World War three after giving birth to him. Anya had been a little quicker at twenty hours. Natasha would bet money this one would be longer. Call it a gut feeling.

It was time to call her husband. He needed time to get back here. He helped cause this and he was going to be here for this baby’s birth...or else. Natasha grabbed a glass of water and headed for his office to call him.

invisigirl:

Val had been busy since she started school. Though her and James made a point to spend time together during the week, they didn't really have much time to relax and get away from school.

Today wasn't about school. Today was about her spending a little quality time with her boyfriend. She called James, asking him to meet her at the Baxter Building.

nextgen_media:

Staggered and vague reports are coming that Dr. Doom has now followed his unprovoked aggression against neighboring Symkaria with attacks against Atlantis and Wakanda. As both of these nations are insular and isolated, these reports have been difficult to confirm, and no public announcements have been made by any of the governments involved.  There are even rumors that the respective kings of Atlantis and Wakanda are missing in action.

Even though all the reported victims so far have been isolated or marginalized nations, the U.N. and various governments around the world are reported to be in an uproar trying to decide what action to take.

nextgen_holiday:

The air was warm and the sun was bright making it a perfect day for a cookout to celebrate Labor Day. Classes would start on the 8th (for those going to college they started a week ago) and it was the last chance to kick back and cut loose before hitting the books.

At the Avengers' Mansion in NYC Jarvis and some helpers he managed to rope into helping with the preparations were busy getting the food ready. Tables had been placed out around the pool and the large grill fired up to get nice and hot. Burgers, hot dogs, sausage, ribs, corn on the cob, pasta salad, salad and fruit salad were just some of the food available to eat. Soda, water, fruit juice and other beverages were on ice.

To help get to know each other the Thunderbolts received an invitation to attend.

It was a day of rest and relaxations for those who put their lives on the line for others.

redheadspy:

It was hard to believe Anya and James were turning eighteen. It felt like yesterday that she had just delivered Anya and was holding a small bundle with a tuft of red hair. Kids grew up way too fast.

It wasn't surprising that Anya didn't plan anything and James said he didn't want a fuss. Anya had finals on Monday and Tuesday and needed to study. Natasha never had to worry about Anya and school. Except for of course the times she got expelled. The kids also had significant others they would want to spend time with. Which meant an adjustment had to be made to the celebrations.

Natasha opted for lunch with Tony and all of the kids as their birthday celebrations. This way they all had the evening free to do something with their significant others if they choose to and didn't need to spend it with the old folks.

As for gifts...well the kids could be impossible to shop for, but Natasha went with withe tried and true things. James got new clothes and a new gaming system from her. For Anya Natasha went with a promise for a shopping trip in the near future for new fall clothes.

invisigirl:

Valeria made her way over to the Avengers Mansion. As her and James' last attempt to go out on a date had been so rudely thrown off-course by him getting nabbed by the Empress (again), she'd called him earlier that day to see if he'd be up to doing something. They didn't have a plan, yet, but it was a nice day out. Maybe they'd go to Central Park and have a picnic lunch or something

She walked up to the door of the mansion and rang the doorbell.

ng_independent:

The Empress was NOT happy. So far all of her plans have failed. The plan to grab female champions from Earth failed. The plan to grab guys and turn them into girls to use as her champions failed. The Empress had to come up with another plan. She had thought long and hard on it and eventually came up with something.

"Set A corSE to EARth!" she commanded. She would not be stopped this time. The plan was fail proof.

The Empress selected candidates as the ship made its way toward Earth. By the time they arrived, she had a list. One by one the names on the list were collected and put in the proper chambers.

When they wake up they will see a recording of the Empress addressing them.

"Greetings! Welcome to the service of...ME. Each of you will be expected to do your duty and proCREATE with the feMALE in the ROOM with you."

redheadspy:

There were very few things that they did as a family so it made these family dinners even more important. They were an unorthodox family to say the least, but they were a family and families had dinner on occasion. Natasha tried to do this at least once a month, but things had been so hectic lately and with people spread out all over it was hard to organize family dinners.

Reservations were made at Delmonico Steakhouse in a private room. Family dinners were an /experience/ and better that they were off in private instead of scaring the masses. Not to mention there was less chance of the media snapping pictures and whatnot.

Natasha checked her reflection in the mirror. It was a new black dress to accommodate her growing stomach and her favorite jewelry. There was definitely a very noticeable baby bump now. The baby had become very active in the past two weeks and was taking aim at Tasha's organs. Thankfully he was still small enough to not hurt so much.

When they were ready to go Tony and Tasha headed over to the restaurant. The kids would arrive with their dates on their own. They were shown to the private room and their table.

nextgen_misc:

It was a day like any other day for the island of Manhattan.  The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the cabbies were swearing.  All was as it should be.

As it should be, until something had come up out of the harbor.  Multiple stories tall, covered in scaly green-skin, its every step a practical earthquake.  Bullets could not stop it!  It marched through the city, stepping on all in its wake, smashing and striking out at anything that seemed to annoy it.

Giganto walked the streets of New York!   The police were helpless!  There was only one team with the experience to handle such a beast!

....No.  Not the Avengers.  They're busy this issue.

The World's Greatest Super-Heroes... THE FANTASTIC FOUR!

nextgen_holiday:

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

next_avenger:

James wasn't sure if Valeria had plans with her family or not, so he decided to drop off her birthday gifts a day early. He showed up at the Baxter Building with a bouquet of daisies and two small wrapped boxes.

He was going to go with the standard gift of chocolate and a spa trip, but then he remembered he got her a charm bracelet for Christmas. It took him awhile, but he found two charms for it and ones she would appreciate. Or at least he hoped she would appreciate them. He got her an infinity charm and a microscope charm.

He stopped in the lobby and asked Roberta to inform Val he was here.

invisigirl:

Valeria waited in the living room of area of the Fantastic Four's living area of the Baxter Building for James. It was the night of the senior prom for his high school, and she had butterflies in her stomach. Being home-schooled her entire life, Val had never been to a school dance, let alone a prom. She was both excited and nervous.

She was wearing the same dress that she wore for the wedding in Russia. She loved wearing it, and she didn't think that James would really mind that she didn't get a new one. It was only for one night anyway.

Val sat down on the sofa, making sure not to mess up her dress too much. She knew that they'd probably get their pictures taken two dozen times that night.

nextgen_russia:

The people of Russia were in a festive mood and they had reason to be. Their tsar, Tsar Mikhail Petrovich Romanov, was getting married to Duchess Tatyana Sergeyeva. The past few months had been spent planning and getting ready for this day. They were happy to see their tsar get married and would be even happier when the tsar and the tsarina had an heir. The newly restored Imperial family needed stability and the marriage today was the first step in providing that stability.

The wedding ceremony lasted over an hour in the Assumption Cathedral. Immediately after Mikhail and Tatyana were pronounced man and wife, Tatyana was crowned empress. The procession left the cathedral and the newly wed couple and newly crowned empress greeted the people from the Red Porch.

The royal family was given time to change and refresh themselves before heading to the Grand Kremlin Palace for the wedding banquet. Dinner was an elaborate affair and lasted for two hours.

After dinner the royal family and guests made their way to the grand ballroom for the ball. The royal family was introduced and then the tsar and tsarina entered. They danced the first dance together and then the royal family was invited to dance with their partners. The guests would be invited to dance in the next song.

airhead:

Heath got out of a yellow taxi cab in the city he loved. LA was wonderful but New York City was heaven. "Thanks man." he said to the cabby before getting his bag out of the trunk. He was staying at the Plaza while he exsplored Columbia and NYU. Entering the famous hotel he quickly checked in and went up to his room. The flight had been less than fun, he had been sitting next to an older woman who continually told him her grandaughter was in love with him. So he had to play nice while silently counting down the minuits until landing at JFK.

Besides meeting up with the family, and looking at the schools, Heath had homework. When he returned to LA he was going to finish filming the season finale of Edge of a Cliff. He doubted he would read it while in the city, but it was something that had to get done before the end of the week. Deciding that he wanted to do something before his Columbia tour in the morning he decided to try and meet up with anyone.

 Pulling out his blackberry he dialed the number of his favorite cousin. 

next_avenger:

Time was running out and James knew he had to do it. He hadn't given either thing much thought until Mom had mentioned them. James was initially going to just ignore them and hope they go away, but when Mom mentioned them he knew he didn't have a chance of that happening.

He drove over to the Baxter Building and asked Roberta if Valeria was available. He was going to call, but the look he received from his mother quickly changed his mind.

invisigirl:

Valeria lay flat on her stomach on bed.

Franklin was awake. Vincent was home. She should be happier than what she was feeling right now.

Val sighed. Yes, her brother being awake was a good thing, and for that she was happy. But what her 'other brother' did? ....That was going to take some time to heal.

She sat up, and reached over to where her cellphone lay on the nightstand next to her bed. She could really use someone to talk to right now.

She dialed up James.

franklen_four:

He was young again, as if the sands of time had recoiled into the peak of the hourglass.  He sat on the floor with a teddy bear hugged tight against his chest.  The fear made him tremble and pale.  All he saw was the world around him fade slowly, and the void of darkness just got closer and closer.  And in his youth, Franklin could do nothing to stop it.
 

( The Truth )

quitethecharmer:

After sufficiently bracing herself for any potential reactions she can foresee, Vincent heads home, avoiding Valeria, as she still doesn't know what to say to her. As usual, he bypasses the lobby in favor of the rooftop access, heading down to the common area. He winces as he walks past Andrea's room, still next to his own. He wonders how long that will last.

She settles into her room, freshening some of the bandages she'd already been fitted with, due to her combat with Halbjorn.

She knows he doesn't need to call Kristoff. Even as hurt as he must still be, her brother's presence is something she can always exp---

No.

No more assumptions. No more of taking him for granted. Not when she can at least stop to think that much. Vincent abruptly finishes the changes quickly, and heads to the intercom.

"Kristoff... I'm home." She swallows, nervous. "Something has happened."

ng_independent:

They had arrived at Earth and had orbited for awhile before Empress had selected her targets. It had taken some time. She didn't want just ANYONE. They had to be among the best. She WOULD win the gladiatorial games this time. NOTHING would stop her. Not even a small thing like gender.

Empress didn't care if it was cheating. The only thing that mattered was winning and she would win this time.

The teleporters were activated and the selected targets were beamed directly to the lab. There they underwent a little transformation and were given attitude readjustments and then put into a holding cell.

The men would wake up in the holding cell to find a few changes.

next_avenger:

James was going to ask Valeria if she wanted to go out, but he decided that staying in would be better. Staying in with junkfood, bad movies and curling up on the couch was even better. He was going to stay at the condo, but Mom and Tony could use some quiet time together so he headed over to the Avengers Mansion.

Junkfood. Check. Drinks. Check. Bad movies. Check. Classics such as Mansquito, Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus, Alien Apocalypse, Basilisk: The Serpent King, Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep and his personal favorite, Hellhounds

James left a message for Val and then stretched out on the couch. A bowl of popcorn sat on his stomach and a glass of milk sat on the floor next to the couch.

Basilisk: The Serpent King was playing on the large screen tv.

next_avenger:

Living with three women, especially the women in his family, for over a year had taught James quite a few things about women and what they liked. Valentine's Day had come and James had to do something for Valeria. He did wish that Anya was around to ask for her advice, but he'd muddle through somehow.

He didn't have the Stark name to throw around to get into nice places, but he did know someone who could hook him up. A week ago he had wandered into Stark Inc and talked to Pepper. Pepper could make the arrangements James needed and also give him advice. James was not afraid to admit that he was clueless when it came to these types of things.

With Pepper's help, plans had been made and the day had finally arrived.

James put on a suit, bought flowers (daisies, not roses) and showed up at the Baxter Building.

franklen_four:

Blackheart.

Franklin knew exactly who that was, and where to find him.  If there was any description for rage, it would be whatever Franklin was feeling then.  His hands curled into fists so tight his knuckles turned white.  Bubbling, no- boiling rage was inserted into his very being, and he decided that all Hell was going to break loose to express it.  He levitated first, and then flew high into the sky which turned black and red.  In all of his rage, Franklin turned the sky into the entrance to Hell.  The wasteland no living person was ever meant to see was displayed above New York City.

The news stations were quick to see the changes in the sky, and they managed to get video footage of Franklin flying straight through into the dimensional portal.  But that was none of his concern, really.  Franklin's focus was on finding Blackheart, and he did search Hell for just that one being.

nextgen_deviant:

The Eternals had always been a race that sought out the cold. It didn’t come as a surprise that their two cities of Olympia and Polaria were situated in the coldest climates on the planet. Olympia was in Antarctica, well secluded in a very desolate location. Only the most hardy and stubborn of humans would hope to find the city and even then the residents didn’t like interlopers.

The Eternals were a reclusive race, but there were a few who ventured out to mingle among their cousin humans.

Another race, the deviants, were another creation of the Celestial, were the enemies of the Eternals. They wanted to enslave the humans and rule the Earth. The deviants had always been stopped by the Eternals, but the shift of power was now changing.

The Deviants were stronger than they ever had been. They didn’t have the numbers they had had in the past, but now they had powers they never had. Powers that could now help them stand up to the accursed Eternals.

They climbed out of the cold waters and onto the ice shelf and headed for Olympia. An ally waited for them not far from the city.

Today was the day the Eternals would fall and the Deviants would start their rise to power.

ng_independent:

The Empress was most pleased. Very pleased indeed. Things were going according to her plan. The recent fights had been entertaining and she had her champion. Now she could win the games here on her home world. Her champion would win no matter what and she now had more soldiers in her army. She was quite pleased indeed.

She was stretched out on her litter as four of her soldiers carried her to the area. It was the start of the games and by the end her champion would be victorious.

Everything was going according to plan.

franklen_four:


( We gather here today... )

ng_atlantis:

When last we left our heroes, the hordes of Atlantis were heading straight for Canada, ready to enact great vengeance upon the surface world.  The Fantastic Four had intervened, but were shot down over the open ocean  (fortunately, the could all fly).  But now they face an army of Atlanteans, including their mysterious leader....

Alpha Flight, alerted to the thread to Canada, has set off in its Alpha Flier in order to fight for truth, justice, and the Canadian Way!  Fortunately for all concerned in this aquatic battle royal, Alpha Flight possesses not just one, but two aquatic heroes--the shapeshifter, Alex, and Marrina, daughter of the legendary Sub-Mariner himself!

Who will win?  Will the hordes of Atlantis overtake Canada and then the world?  And what has happened to the Atlantean Royal Family, Namor, Namora, and Namorita?

Find out...

ng_independent:

"I have made my selections!" Empress declared to her assembled "court". "ColLECT thEM!" she ordered.

"Of course your majesty," a guard said with a deep bow.

"I want them dressed and ready to FIGHT as soon as poSSible!" She wanted to find her champion as soon as possible. There were fights to win. Respect to be gained. Blood to be spilled! All of it was for her personal gain. She relished in the power her fighters gave her. "Now GO!"

The guard bowed again and hurried off to obey her Empress' wishes.

An hour later all of the selected girls were teleported up to the ship and the brainwashing process began.

As soon as possible they would be put into the arena and would fight for their Empress' pleasure.

nextgen_misc:

The satellite image began with the United States Naval Destroyer, the USS Washington, in open ocean. For a moment, it seemed as though nothing unusual was going on, but then something broke the surface. It was a massive ship, shaped very much like some kind of gigantic fish. Weapons ports opened on the strange new vessel, blasting away at the destroyer. Other ships, equally marine-like in nature, surfaced and surrounded the destroyer, completing the process of blasting it to pieces.

The video stopped, and the Fantastic Four's SHIELD liason, Agent Doug Deeley, turned to the assembled heroes. "This is the fifth attack on US Naval forces in three months. We got lucky this time. Most of the crew survived. The craft are clearly Atlantean in origin, though we've been unable to determine if they're proper military forces or a rogue element. Attempts to contact any of the Atlantean royal family have failed."

The balding black man breathed heavily. "We therefore have to presume the worst."

He changed the projection on the screen to a naval map showing the Northeastern coast of the United States. "Strategic analysis of the attacks suggests that they're heading towards Manhattan. We've already alerted the Avengers, but as the Fantastic Four have more experience with Atlantis, we were hoping you'd be able to assist."

quitethecharmer:

Vincent had been put up on thirty-six hours of enforced bed-rest after retrieving Cassandra, and losing.. part of himself. The world seemed different. He was cold. He got hungry and tired as mortals of average physicality did. It was terrifying, and humiliating, and sickening for him. His body felt incomplete.

As soon as he'd been able to get out of bed, he'd retreated to his lab. All his work on the other major project he was working on was carefully recorded, preserved, and cordoned off, and then everything else got wiped clean. Hours passed, then days, then weeks. He only stopped his calculations and testing when he needed to eat or sleep. Discarded junk food wrappers and instant food packaging overflowed his wastebasket by now The exception was checking in with Kristoff to be assured that Andrea's repairs were proceeding on schedule.

At this point it was a month later, and more than fifty percent of the laboratory walls were covered with notations. He was attempting to isolate the energy that constituted the Asgardian 'spark', and then reinfuse himself with it. He would have called Asleif for consultation, but he couldn't bear to interact with anyone while he was in this state.

He couldn't stay like this.

Without his power.

Without his identity.

Weak. Vulnerable. Unable to protect anyone.

nextgen_misc:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Anonymous entries accepted.

next_avenger:

James had finally gotten around to making plans to take Valeria out on a real date. He planned on dinner and a movie and had even put on clothes from the "mom closet". Normally he didn't care what he looked like, only that he had clothes on, but he wasn't going to embarrass Valeria.

When it was time, he took a cab over to the Baxter Building.

nextgen_holiday:

The beginning of a New Year, a time for new hopes, new experiences to come. A time to reflect on times past, remembering fond memories happily and trying to put less pleasant thoughts and experiences in the past.

It is a time of renewal, a time of rebirth. And for much of the world, it is a time of celebration. This is no less true for the super hero set as anyone else. If anything, they just have that much bigger of things to look forward to.

old_saint_nick:

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday, it's true, but it also has become increasingly secular. It is an opportunity for love, charity, and goodwill, even in New York City, arguably the most skeptical city in the country.

There is some debate within mystical circles if there is indeed such a creature as the embodiment of Christmas Giving known as Santa Claus. But whether or not there is such a being, the spirit of giving itself is very real, be it incarnated in a fat man in a red suit or not.

Throughout this small blue planet of Earth, people have brought trees into their homes, decorated them with lights and ornaments, and placed them in locations of honor. Stockings have been placed on the chimneys. And gifts have been placed under the tree.

Some are looking forward more to the receiving than the giving. But for many, it is the act of giving which warms them, which fills them with the holiday spirit.

Each person, in their own way, becomes a part of this spirit of giving. Each person, in their own way, becomes Santa Claus.

The Baxter Building is too large to have lights hung from it like most residences, but some festive lighting has been arranged. A light, slowly alternating between red then green, shine up the sides of the building. And on the top floor, where the Fantastic Four reside...

nextgen_holiday:

The grand ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel on 57 East 57th street was festively decorated for the holidays. A series of lit candles on every table gave off warm light and the dulcet tones of a jazz ensemble filled the room.

People, the upper elite of New York society, Hollywood celebrities, musicians, politicians and New York’s own superheroes moved around the room. People sat at tables and talked, while some moved gracefully around the large dance floor.

Tables loaded with unwrapped and unopened toys lined one wall and at one end stood a very large decorated Christmas tree. Wrapped presents sat under the tree, but they were just empty boxes wrapped for decoration. Mistletoe hung from the ceiling near the tree and people stopped to kiss.

The air was light and the mood happy and festive.

anyastark:

It had been a very busy week, but things were finally ready for Steve’s party. Misha and Charlie had taken him out so they could decorate the mansion and get all the tables for food set up. Once the tables were set up, there were enough hands to get all the trays of food out on the tables in very little time.

Anya wouldn’t have asked Jarvis to cook so much, so it had been catered. Jarvis had insisted on making the cake though.

Hor'dourves consisted of cocktail shrimp, chicken satay, beef satay, peking dumplings, pigs in a blanket among a few. Pizzas, a wide selection of various Chinese food selections, chips, pretzels, Doritos, popcorn, cola, diet cola, root beer, Sprite, punch (unspiked), and cider (not hard) were also available for consumption. There was even a chocolate fountain with pieces of fruit available for dipping.

Brightly colored balloons and streamers filled the rec room along with a large banner saying ‘Happy Birthday Steve’. It was hanging over the tables. One table was set aside for gifts and many brightly colored packages filled the table.

Now all they had to do was wait for the birthday boy to arrive.

invisigirl:

Val sat at her desk at in her office/lab at the Baxter Building, working on an essay for one of her college applications. She was a little late getting them in, so early action wasn't definitely out of the picture, but that was only invented to make applicants sweat out the process a little bit longer.

She didn't know where she wanted to go yet. She was going to be too young to live in a dorm, as she wouldn't be turning eighteen until well into her freshman year, so she wanted something close. But something with a good science department. Something that would give her a challenge. A program that would keep her on her toes.

Essays were the easiest part. If the school had a prompt, you wrote an essay based on that prompt. If not, then you just wrote the same essay for each school and just replaced the name of the college.

Hearing a knock on her door, Val perked her head up.

"Come in."

invisigirl:

She'd already picked out the dress to the charity ball. Now came the most important thing-getting a date. Yeah, her parents said that she didn't need one, but her first big social event? No one wants to be caught dead with their parents. You might as well be a hermit.

Luckily for Val, she already knew exactly who she wanted to go with.

Picking her cellphone up off her desk, she dialed the number of said possible date. Drumming her fingers on the desk as she listened to it ringing on the other line.

Hopefully, the closet incident was all just a humorous memory....

next_avenger:

James said he would visit and he wasn't one to break his word. He walked into the lobby of the Baxter Building and went to the reception desk.

"Hello. I'm here to see Miss Valeria Richards," he said. "Could you please let her know James Romanov-Rogers is here to see her?" He smiled nervously. "Thank you."