brit_sorcerer:

The annual tradition of Rate the Babe was usually held at the Avengers mansion, but this year it would be held at Excalibur's headquarters in London. Quinn was more than happy to play host and set up refreshments. There was of course plenty of beer and it was accompanied by pub food.

Quinn was already on his fourth beer when the guys started arriving.

nextgen_misc:

Kal flew the ship to the rendezvous point to meet up with the other team. The affects of the time distortion were quite evident on the faces and in the hair of the members of her team. They all had more wrinkles and gray in their hair. Some were a little worse than others.

She brought the ship down on the small planet and they waited for the others.

nextgen_misc:

After the Avengers got the Kree into containment they headed into space to find out what was going on. Kal brought them to Titan and from there to Knowehere. They arrived suddenly out of the blue in the middle of the station. The alarms went off at the sudden appearance of strangers in the station.

nextgen_kree:

A small scouting party of five resurrected Kree came to Earth. They had come for one reason. To kill as many living beings as they could and swell their numbers. They descended upon New York City.

fleetfootmac:

The call from Atlantis came in from Atlantis while Mac was working out at Avengers mansion. And so here he was, standing in front of the screen at a sort of parade-rest, hearing his sovereign cousin's information and instructions, and answering questions in turn,

"Understood, Majesty. I completely agree. This should be in and out, not take a lot of people. I can handle it. And honestly, Sir, I don't mean to sound chauvinistic, but Nim and Korra don't need to ... hear that kind of language, literally and not. I'll contact you when it's done, Majesty."

And with a traditional Atlantean salute, and the call closed, Mac just grabbed his helmet and got ready to head out.

childofatlas:

Derek was someone who liked having a family, even if it were one of the most unusual families out there (although he had heard the Summers family was even crazier, but he didn't know them except through reputation), but even with the weirdness of his family it never seemed to be overwhelming. But it could sometimes be overwhelming for him. So here he was, about to introduce a cousin to another cousin.

Not that technically one cousin was actually an older nephew and the other an adopted demon form limbo who got a soul. But that's just a technicality. So here he was, knocking on Macs door with a good amount of takeout and waiting to hear from Dolemeck as to when he would be arriving.

nextgen_misc:

The trail eventually led the Avengers, Future Foundation and the Defenders to the other dimensional realm that served as the home of the Greek gods. They traveled to a few realms that were home to other gods only to find them destroyed and in ruins. Olympus wasn't in ruins, but it was under attack. Battle raged all around and the skies thundered and were lit up by lightning bolts.

treadlightly:

So, Anya talked him into hosting this year... so Avengers Mansion is all set up for a proper party in the main lounge. Extra couches set around the giant screen, plenty of food - ranging from the chips and soda to the pretzels and beer.

The front doors are left watched, but open, and invitations have been sent out to the guys on all the teams the Avengers are in contact with... so... potentially a lot of people.

nextgen_misc:

The Avengers, future and present set off for Castle Zemo. Miranda and Bobby had tracked the unusual radiation and the energy signature of the stolen time traveling device to that location and it was now time to stop Hadelinde and her crew from destroying the future.

The plan was simple. One mixed team of bricks to cause a distraction and the other to sneak in and get the source of the radiation and the time traveling device.

nextgen_monster:

Hadelinde was a bit shocked when a future kid, hers no less, showed up and told her of the bleak future. In the future she was in prison as was most of the criminal world. The Avengers had brought peace to the world and there wasn't a place in that world for her or her kind. The main driving force was a future Avenger called Solver Svalinsson, now an infant.

That couldn't stand. The future could not play out that way. She would make sure of it. The Avengers would not win, not as long as she was alive. She had to do something now to prevent that future.

The meteor that had fallen in Texas was the key to changing the future. Her son had mentioned the strange properties to her. In his past the Avengers had disposed of it by flinging it into the sun. Hadelinde had changed that by having her Masters of Evil steal it out from under the Avengers.

It had taken time and the lives of some test subjects, but in the end they had been able to harness the mutating radiation from the rock and get the results they desired. Each of the Masters of Evil's abilities were boosted to higher levels in addition to creating some very strong, almost indestructible mutates. It was time to test the mutates' abilities against the Avengers.

If this test went well, then they could produce an army.

Hadelinde had the mutates teleported to the middle of Central Park. She and the Masters of Evil would be nearby to watch.

anyastark:

It was a baseball game Anya couldn't pass up going to. Her beloved Yankees were playing the Mets and she knew people who would be interested in going. She sent out texts earlier in the week to Misha, Andrea, Mac and Buck to see if they wanted to go. It would be good to get out and relax and not think of work or anything else except the baseball game.

They would have the luxury box to themselves and Anya made sure there was a caterer. There would be plenty of food and plenty to drink.

sammyfury:

The Walking Wounded, aka Sam Fury, fumbled with her wallet on the Avengers' doorstep. It was hard to use her left hand for reaching into her right pocket, but her right arm was still in a sling. She had her card, although being on the reserve roster for more than a year might have put her on the deactivated list. She had a hole in her shoulder, a need for some painkillers that she refused to take, a hankering for Jarvis' cookies, and a hope there was room for one more.

The year away had been filled with missions, learning experiences, and a renewal of confidence in her ability to earn the top seat. Her degree was one semester away from completion and the last class required her to attend instead of finishing online. The teams had undergone a lot of changes and there were new players she needed to get acquainted with if only to update her files. And she had to face it, she just plain missed New York City.

What better way to get back into the swing of things than to come off the reserves into active duty?

Or it would be, once she got her card out and the door open.

nextgen_misc:

The small town of Hartley, Texas was not much more than a wide spot in the road that was situated about an hour northwest of Amarillo. The town was small and the surrounding area consisted of mostly ranches and farms and nothing special ever happened in Hartely.

Until a meteorite burned across the west Texas night sky and landed just outside the town on property belonging to one Martin Reynolds. Martin promptly hauled the meteor into town in his pickup. The townspeople all gathered around to see the hunk of space debris that had crashed to Earth.

The strange space rock was put in the center of town and over the next few days it was the center of the talk of the town and the focus of their attention.

strangeson:

"Ok now THIS really beats the dark dimension. Big place" Walking into the mansion the legendary mansion of the Avengers. It looked easy to get lost but hey that's only HALF the fun! He kept shuffling a pack of card in one hand with his bags in another. He was hoping to see more action at some point today. Maybe even make some new friends.

nextgen_baddie:

It wasn't fair! He had spent so much time and money making himself invulnerable, to prepare himself to survive the inevitable nuclear holocaust. He had built an empire, amassing great wealth wealth and power. He had been opposed by the so-called superheroes and the idiots that represented the law. He had attempted vengeance but in the end such efforts had been unproductive. In the end, he had decided to take what was left of his empire, and retire to live out the rest of his life in peace, away from self-righteous fools that dogged him. He had purchased ownership of an unmarked island, and had lived there in decadent luxury. But now...

Now he was dying from a disease adapted to his body. None of his doctors could cure it. His invulnerable body worked against him as his unique immune system prevented any treatments from heading the illness off. He tried to contract underworld doctors into aiding him, but none could do it. Damon Dran was still a wanted man, but..he would need help from the so-called "legitimate" medical community. There was a doctor, Ian Lennox, who had invented a new kind of vaccine. Dran needed him. He gave the order for his people to kidnap the doctor.

He knew this would attract the hated "heroes" so he put in a call to Calvin Hammer, the Mastermind of the Secret Empire. He would need help, the cost seemed negligible at this point.

fleetfootmac:

"Okay. What workout are we going for today?" Mac asked Frances. "Target practice?"

fleetfootmac:

Mac arrived at the Baxter Building with a small Lily-of-the-Valley plant and two tickets to the Knicks-Raptors game. There was plenty of time to fly to Toronto.

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.

nextgen_holiday:

“We’re here outside the Four Seasons Hotel in New York where the who’s who is gathered tonight. Celebrities, royals and superheroes have all turned out for the annual Maria Stark Foundation Winter Charity event benefiting Toys for Tots.

The stars and celebrities are out tonight to help a good cause.

Donald Trump arrived with his wife and is one of many other famous faces to arrive. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Ryan Reynolds, Julia Roberts, Chris Evans, Patrick Stewart, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift are just a few celebrities who have made an appearance here tonight.

Miss Anya Stark, the organizer of this event arrived with Mr. James Rogers and both had arms full of gifts. Other public heroes are out in attendance and supporting a good cause. Members of the Avengers, Defenders, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four and other teams are in attendance.

This party also has royal guests. His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Mikhail Loganovich is in attendance with a lovely lady on each arm. Princess Nimue of Atlantis is here tonight and is being escorted by Mason Jeffries of Alpha Flight. Prince Mackenzie of Atlantis is also in attendance and is escorting Miss Andrea Denker of the Fantastic Four. Vincent Vernard, heir to Latveria, is also in attendance tonight. We even have otherworld royalty in attendance as the children of Thor are here tonight as well.

It is a night to have fun and help a wonderful charity."

nextgen_vampire:

Earlier in the day the owner of the farm, Henry Collins, was working on his farm. He was clearing some land to build a new barn for his cows. His old one wasn't big enough any longer and he had decided to build a new one instead of expanding the old one. Bulldozers and other heavy equipment had been brought in to even out the land he had selected as the site. During the day one of the pieces of heavy equipment unknowingly unearthed something that had been lying in the ground. The wooden stake that had been driven into the cow was knocked out.

When darkness settled over the Collins Farm that evening, the cow that had been unearthed rose from the ground seemingly alive. Bessie, as the cow was known, was free once more and free to hunt down the being that was responsible for her condition. First she needed to feed and make an army to help her in her quest to defeat the Lord of the Vampires.

She ambled toward the old barn and the herd of cows inside.

Three days later the cows that Bessie had killed rose from the dead. Bessie now had the first recruits in her vampire cow army. They went off into the night to recruit more members to their cause.

childofatlas:

Well, Derek was really curious as to how things went on the East Coast, and so far all he had seen was interesting. The pizza here was better than it was back home, but the burgers in Cali have the East Coast beat down (although he had yet to try the burger place everyone keeps raving about, the White Castle place). Still, he was about to see the biggest difference of them all: the headquarters of the Avengers.

On his phone he dials Mac. He didn't have the damn codes to get in, after all.

quitethecharmer:

Vincent supposed he had nothing to lose except maybe a few hours of his time, and it was for a good cause in any event. So, he had bought a number of tickets to an Unlimited Wrestling Federation charity event that Grimm was emceeing, and sent out invitations to his only notable male friends, Halbjorn and MacKenzie. He encouraged them to invite anyone else they liked, and he would most likely accommodate them.

strange_child:

After that whole incident with the Nazis in Central Park Chris decided that it might be wise to stop by the Avengers mansion a few days later as long as things weren't to busy. That whole incident was weird, well at least by most peoples standards still it seemed like a good idea to check in.

Chris teleported to the front gates of the Avengers mansion and rang the buzzer. It seemed rude to just teleport in since he really hadn't been around there in a long while.

notinplainsight:

Kal had been around the Avengers long enough to learn certain things about them, including their birthdays. Today's was Mac's. Kal didn't know what to get him, she was horrible about shopping and gifts, so she went with the tried and true gift, a gift card. This one was for a 100 to Amazon. There was also a promise to show him Titan and the Eternals' community there.

fleetfootmac:

It was going to be one of Mac's favorite occasions: a non-pointless game of basketball.

"Thanks for having me over, man," he told Adrian. "I can never resist a pickup game with a mutant Russian."

swashbuckler:

( Cut for torture ).

Steve woke up screaming, thrashing in his bedsheets.  Panic fled quickly, responses honed from two years living in a warzone taking over as he instantly accessed where he was.  His bedroom at Avengers Mansion.  He remembered now.  He'd decided to crash here rather than head back to the empty apartment.  It just wasn't home when Anya wasn't there.

He stared down at his right hand, covered with its synthetic coating of flesh.  He flexed the fingers, cybernetic relays transmitting feedback and other data straight to his brain.  Most of the time... he could almost forget it wasn't real.  He could smile, put back on the role of the smart-alex, forget that he had been a soldier instead of a super-hero, forget what he had done and what had been done to him.

Most of the time.  What a lie that was.

He stared at the clock.  2:43 in the AM. 

Faux-flesh covered fingers sought and found his cellphone.  Odds were Anya would be up in the lab anyway. 

He dialed his wife.

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

eyesofjudgement:

He arrives at the front gate with the clothes on his back, a couple of suitcases (he thinks that's what they're called) and, most important, his sunglasses upon his face. He hopes these other Avengers will not keep him waiting.

Ahura stands tall, straight and proud, awaiting someone to acknowledge his arrival. His parents seem to believe that these Avengers are worthy allies and that he can learn from them.

He waits to be impressed.

"Now, which one of these people is the one I'm supposed to speak to about staying here? Chauncey, you called him?" Ahura asks.

little_mermaid:

Each round was getting harder and though she was loathe to admit it, it was becoming increasingly clear to Kassia that she did not know as much about Atlantis as she should.  It chewed at her, the idea that perhaps there was merit to the voices that were steadily whispering about how a pink royal was worthless and not truly an Atlantean with Atlantean interests at heart.  Except they used the term "bastard dirtwalker" in reference to her.  They still hadn't taken kindly to the idea of her.

She had to shake the thoughts from her head, though.  Namor and his army was going to attack again and she had volunteered to make this raid herself.  Anything to find where the opponent was camped and, perhaps, shut down some of his forces.  They'd managed to shut down the left flank of Namor's forces two days earlier with this technique, though Mac had artfully used a double-agent to execute that operation.  This, this was all Kassia.  She could do this.  She could shut Namor down, win War Games, and prove herself.  Gripping the spear that was her weapon, she took a deep breath and left the safety of the corner she was hiding behind, heading for her target as silently as possible.

nextgen_adult:

After Jennifer Kale had confirmed that Vincent's experiment was not the cause of the unusual situation, they'd moved on to the Sorcerer Supreme. After a cursory examination of Vincent and the magical imprint left upon him, Strange seemed oddly amused by the turn of events, considering it's rather benign tone overall.

"This cannot be allowed to stand indefinitely, however. I should be able to perform a spell of soul-mending, which should rectify the problem. We'll need the true cause of this, however..." He steps away from his fellow mages, and Kristoff, and conjures a portal.

"Quinn. Come here now. I have some questions for you." When an individual could raise as much trouble as that one could, it behooved Strange to keep a feeler out as to his location.

fleetfootmac:

Trying not to worry too much about everything going on, Mac came by the FF's headquarters with a nice little potted sundew plant.

quitethecharmer:

Vincent returned to the Baxter Building, having spent the morning at, to even his own surprise, the Latverian Embassy. It was nothing. He'd received notification, after he'd RSVP'd to the royal wedding, that he would be fitted for a formal suit to wear while in attendance. The scared child got shoved back in the box and Vincent had indeed shown up at the appointed time.

There had, however, been a complication.

Which is why he will return to the Baxter Building in a rather foul mood, and needing to speak with Kristoff.

fleetfootmac:

He'd headed to work as soon as he got up in the morning, barely stopped for lunch, and worked some more. Valentine's Day at a plant shop was kinda busy; go figure. Then there was the charity thing and a beautiful evening with Andrea. Mac had had an exhausting but excellent day.

And then he got home, and knocked on Kassi's door to check on her.

awesome_andrea:

The Andreas had discussed it and decided that it was only logical (that had been the android) and right (that had been the human) that they make Mac aware of the situation currently going on.  So the human Andrea had called him up and asked him to come over, saying that she had news.

The two could be found waiting in the lounge of the FF's living quarters.

The android was not worried, of course.  Because she had no capacity to feel worried.  But the human was very worried.  She was feeling very small and vulnerable and alone.

fleetfootmac:

Mac made his way to the Avengers' place with a back of pork rinds under his arm. He knockedo n Steve's door.

fleetfootmac:

"So, I hope you're okay with a history flick? I know there's a lot more normal stuff out, but this one's about Edward VIII's brother, and I've got a ...Thing about Edward the VIII." Pause. "Not a Thing as in a man-crush, the guy was a freaking moron, but ... it's complicated, I guess." Sheepish Mac is sheepish.

fleetfootmac:

He'd found one -- an all-ages karaoke bar. A night out for him, Andrea, Kassi, and Ben. No mention of the trouble at home for now.

"A root beer, please -- Abita, if you've got it -- and the lady will have a Cherry Coke."

swashbuckler:

Plans had been made, maps studied, the situation read as best it could be.  There was no more time for talk.  The Mothership would be leaving by the next day.  If the aliens who had stolen this world were not defeated now, it wasn't likely they ever would be. 

But these aliens had never faced people with the kinds of powers that the Avengers possessed.  The paltry number of defenders the planet Earth had had when they had arrived had died easily.  And this world possessed no Inhumans, no Eternals, no Deviants.  No one would or could fight back on the scale needed.

But the time of domination was over.

ng_atlantis:

Messengers arrive with official transport for Kassia, Marrina, and MacKenzie, all duly informing them that the time has come to speak with Prince Namor regarding the whole unfortunate string of events that recently took place.

swashbuckler:

There was a crackling of light and the Avengers appeared in the middle of the rebellion base, some kind of underground bunker.  Guards pointed their weapons, while others moved to protect some of the more civilliany looking people gathered.  There were quite a few people with cybernetic parts, like Steve, and even a few people who looked to be part animal.   All races, genders, and creeds were represented.  In this time, in this place, there was no room for hatred between man, only hatred of their invaders.

Steve raised a hand.  "It's okay, guys.  Stand down.  I said I'd get help and I meant it.  Codeword: Fisherman."

The guards seemed to accept this, and one with what looked to be maybe a couple of rank badges approached them.  "Never doubted you for a second, sir," he said, tossing off a sharp salute.  "We've got movement figures.  The generals would like to talk to you."

Steve nodded.  "Tell them we'll be there."

He looked back over his friends.  "Everybody make it?"

swashbuckler:

Steve Barton was back, though not necessarily to stay.   He'd sat through a very quick doctor's examination which had revealed that he was in generally good health, though perhaps not having been eating as regularly as he should have.  His right arm was entirely gone, as was his right shoulder and a portion of his pectoral muscle and back.  It had all been replaced by cybernetics that seemed slightly ahead of current technology. 

Loosely over his back, he carried a shield that looked like it once belonged to Captain America.  It had.

They'd commandeered a conference room for a quick war council.

"Okay," Steve said, pacing with the need to keep moving.  He looked older by a year or two, maybe more if you counted the stress and shell-shocked look in his eyes.  "When I disappeared, I ended up in a different dimension.  There, the Earth had been conquered by aliens some time in the 50's. Most of the population had been wiped out.  But some survived as slaves or experiments.  But there was a resistance.  I hooked up with them, started teaching them how to really fight back.  Even, kinda put together a rag-tag Avengers.

We were barely holding our ground.  But now, the mothership, with the aliens leaders, is on Earth.  And we have a plan to take them down.  But we needed muscle.  We pieced together just enough technology, with the help of one of those Avengers, to send me back here."

He swallowed.  "This is that Earth's last chance.  I need you to help me."

nextgen_holiday:

“We’re here outside the Four Seasons Hotel in New York where the who’s who is gathered tonight. Celebrities, royals and superheroes have all turned out for the annual Maria Stark Foundation Winter Charity event benefiting Toys for Tots.

It’s truly an all-star gala here tonight.

New York’s own princess, Anya Stark, was seen being escorted by what appears to be her new flame, actor Austin Cain. Her brother and currently second in line to the Russian throne, Mikhail Romanov, was seen entering the party with Lyta Worthington, heiress to Worthington Industries. Tony and Natasha Stark, parents of a new baby, are making their first public appearance since the birth of their son.

Mackenzie Rider, a prince of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, is escorting Ms. Andrea Denker of the Fantastic Four tonight. Kristoff Vernard, leader of the Fantastic Four, was seen in attendance with his wife Cassandra and their son Scotty. Vincent Amorason, heir to Latveria, arrived alongside his brother and was seen escorting a member of the Defenders, Asleif Thorsdottir. The rest of the Fantastic Four are here too with their dates, though Miss Valeria Richards is not in attendance. Franklin Richards is in attendance and is escorting one Miss Gill.

Los Angeles’ own superhero team, the Defenders are in attendance as well. Arriving with her team is Grace Danvers, daughter of Hollywood hunk Simon Williams and she is being escorted by teammate, Eiltin. The two Asgardian princesses and daughters of Thor, Asleif and Aridis, are also attending the festivities with their team.
Akilah Munore, the crown princess of Wakanda, is here tonight with her steady flame, Daniel Sherwood a member of the Young Avengers. The other Young Avengers are in attendance tonight with their dates, alongside the adult Avengers.

Donald Trump arrived with his wife and is one of many other famous faces to arrive. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Hugh Jackman, Jack Nicholson, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift are just a few celebrities who have made an appearance here tonight.

It’s truly a party of the who’s who and it’s all for a great cause.”

got_the_touch:

Mason was wearing two parkas as he and Marrina waited at the set coordinates on the Nova Scotia shoreline. An official envoy from Atlantis was supposed to pick them up here. He was holding her hand, and what of his face could be seen between his scarf and his hat looked worried. He nodded to her.

"Just in case I get killed..." He squeezed her hand. "I love you. And you were worth it."

fleetfootmac:

He'd finished his shift. He'd picked up Kassi, and she was busy. So was that Ben of hers. No way was he going to call Vincent about this; definitely the kind of guy you wanted to space these things out with, or it could be back to getting snubbed without a chance at a rematch.

He took out a phone number he'd gotten from the Avengers.

"Hey, this is Mac Rider. May I speak to Misha?"

quitethecharmer:

Well, the annual rating event had revealed a bit more than Vincent had been expecting, but he was still resolved to get through his list. Even concerning MacKenzie. Especially concerning MacKenzie, given the nature of the item.

He picked up the phone and dialed.

next_avenger:

With Charlie gone and as a male member of the Avengers, in addition to being the leader, it was up to James to uphold a few traditions that didn't have to deal with battling bad guys. Though he had to admit that he would rather be fighting bad guys than doing this. It just wasn't his thing.

He wasn't as industrious as Anya, but James had managed to collect the necessary photos. It hadn't been easy and a part of him felt like he was cheating on Val.

Invitations were sent to the Avengers, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, Champions, Excalibur the X-Men and the Defenders guys.

With the help of Jarvis food and drink was laid in. James made sure they had a wide variety of pizza, chips, pretzels and drinks.

He loaded the photos in and took care of the security systems. The girls were not allowed to watch. Now all that was left was people showing up.

fleetfootmac:

Mac showed up, wearing clean and decent but not fancy clothes, to pick up Andrea for their second date. It was hard not to smile at Roberta the receptionist like some kind of idiot.

fleetfootmac:

MacKenzie Rider was still in a cheerful daze from the date last night.
Right after breakfast on Wednesday, he called Andrea.

fleetfootmac:

Kassi had helped Mac decide on a nice shirt, button deep blue, with nice dark jeans.

He showed up a few minutes early at the Baxter Building with their tickets and a small pot of Butterfly Ginger. He told the lady at the desk he was here to pick up Andrea.

nextgen_misc:

You are cordially invited to attend the 27th annual Maria Stark Foundation's Winter Charity event.

Four Seasons Hotel
57 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022

Saturday December 18th
Seven O'clock pm - Midnight

Formal dress required.

Please bring a donation for Toys for Tots.