MAY 1, 2025: ANTACRTICA
Akihiro, better known as The Wolverine, trudged through the snow with purpose. His sharp senses scanned the frozen landscape, the bitter chill doing little to dull his heightened awareness.
He crouched near a jagged crack in the ice, spotting signs of struggle scratches, broken chunks, and droplets of something frozen to the surface.
Wolverine: (Whispering) What happened here...
The scent in the air was faint, but distinct saltwater, mingled with something... unfamiliar. Akihiro's sharp claws snikted out from his hands as he rose to his feet, his eyes narrowing.
Wolverine: (Growling) Show yourself.
From the misty haze of the icy plains, a figure emerged. A boy, tall and regal in posture, his aquamarine eyes glowing faintly against the white backdrop. His clothing, while sleek, was designed for aquatic environments, adorned with subtle Atlantian details.
Boy: (Smirking) Hello, Akihiro. Or should I say... Daken?
Wolverine: (Snarling) And who're you supposed to be, kid?
The boy chuckled, his tone laced with arrogance.
Boy: My name is Ove, son of Namor.
Akihiro's claws tightened instinctively. He stepped forward, his eyes locked on the boy with suspicion.
Wolverine: (Growling) Namor's kid, huh? You're a long way from home. What's your game?
Ove: (Tilting his head, smug) No game. Just curiosity. My people said someone like you was sniffing around. I had to see the infamous Daken myself. My father's warned me about you.
Wolverine: (Taking another step, claws gleaming) That so? Funny, I don't remember owing your dad a damn thing.
Ove: (Smirking wider) Maybe not... but the ones who drowned here? That's another story.
Akihiro's growl deepened as Ove's words hit a nerve. The tension in the air thickened as the two stood face-to-face, the icy wind swirling around them.
Wolverine: (Clenching his jaw) You got two seconds to tell me what you know, kid, before I make you regret coming here.
Ove: (Leaning forward, unfazed) You're welcome to try... but if I were you, I'd focus less on threats and more on what's lurking beneath the ice.
At that moment, the ground beneath them rumbled ominously, sending cracks splintering through the ice. Akihiro's claws glinted in the dim light as he prepared for whatever was coming next.
Wolverine: (Eyes narrowing) What the hell did you bring with you?
Ove: (Laughing softly) Consider it a family legacy.
The ground gave way with a deafening crack, and from beneath the ice, a massive shadow began to rise. colossal orca burst from the frozen depths. Its black-and-white hide glistened under the pale Antarctic sun as it lunged toward him, its massive maw filled with jagged teeth aimed directly at his chest.
Wolverine's instincts kicked in. He leapt to the side, narrowly dodging the orca's crushing slam, which shattered the ice where he had been standing.
Wolverine: (Snarling) Oh, okay. You little shit. You crossed the line.
The orca twisted its enormous body, water cascading off its fins as it let out an unnatural roar. Wolverine's claws gleamed in the light as he crouched, ready for a fight.
Ove: (Smirking from the sidelines) Impressive, isn't it? My little pet doesn't take kindly to trespassers.
Wolverine shot Ove a glare.
Wolverine: (Growling) Pet, huh? Guess I'll have to teach it some damn manners.
The orca lunged again, this time using its tail to send a shockwave of ice and snow flying toward Akihiro. He charged through the chaos, claws outstretched, and slashed at the beast's side, leaving three deep gashes.
The orca roared in pain, retreating momentarily beneath the ice.
Wolverine: (Snarling) That all you got? I've fought bigger and meaner.
The ice trembled again as the orca prepared for another strike. Ove, standing with his arms crossed, chuckled.
Ove: (Mocking) You really think you can win, Daken? My father always said land-dwellers like you underestimate the ocean.
Wolverine: (Glaring at Ove) Your old man talks too much. How 'bout you shut up and fight me yourself? Or you scared I'll gut you before you even blink?
Ove's smirk faded slightly, but his confidence remained.
Ove: (Coldly) Careful, Akihiro. You're not the only predator here.
As the orca broke through the ice once more, Wolverine braced himself, claws ready.
Wolverine: (Grinning fiercely) Bring it, fish boy. Let's see if your pet's tougher than me.
Ove stood with an air of arrogance, snapping his fingers with a sharp click.
Ove: (Smirking) Good luck, Daken. You'll need it.
He turned his back and began walking away, his boots crunching softly on the icy surface.
Wolverine: (Snarling) Where d'you think you're going, you damn fish boy?!
Wolverine lunged toward him, but before he could reach Ove, the ice beneath him erupted in chaos. More orcas broke through the frozen surface, their massive bodies launching into the air and slamming down with devastating force. One struck Akihiro head-on, slamming him down against the fractured ice.
The ice groaned under the combined weight of Wolverine and the orca. Cracks spiderwebbed outward as the freezing ocean began to seep through.
Wolverine: (Grimacing, trying to shove the orca off) Grrrr... Get... off me, you overgrown tuna!
A second orca lunged from the water, slamming its tail down with concussive force, pinning Wolverine further into the icy ground. The ice shattered beneath him, plunging Wolverine into the freezing depths of the ocean.
Underwater, Wolverine thrashed, bubbles escaping his mouth as the freezing cold bit into his skin. His claws slashed through the water, keeping the circling orcas at bay, but they were relentless.
Above the surface, Ove stopped walking and glanced back briefly, his smirk growing wider.
Ove: (To himself) My father was right. Land-dwellers never learn.
MAY 5, 2025: BAXTER BUILDING
Richard sat in front of a large, glowing monitor in the Baxter Building's tech lab. His fingers moved rapidly over the keyboard, pulling up various reports and surveillance feeds. Beside him stood N'Kalla, arms crossed, looking concerned but composed.
Richard: (Frowning) Alright, N'Kalla, what do we have on the Antarctica incident? Something about people drowning and Wolverine. They're saying he took out a thousand orcas down there. What the hell happened?
N'Kalla: (Shaking her head) I don't know, Richard. The data we're pulling in is fragmented at best.
The screen displayed blurry satellite images of the icy expanse, littered with broken ice and faint red stains. A video clip looped on one side, showing Wolverine slashing through waves of orcas in a chaotic underwater battle.
Richard: (Squinting at the footage) That's... insane. Even for him. But why were people drowning? It doesn't add up.
N'Kalla: (Leaning over the desk, analyzing the screen) There's something unnatural about this. Orcas don't behave like that. It's almost as if... they were being controlled.
Richard: (Turning to her) Controlled? You mean someone made this happen?
N'Kalla: (Nods) Possibly. But who? And why?
Richard: (Sighs) If someone's out there pulling strings...
He paused, staring at the screen as if willing it to provide answers.
Richard: ...and they've got the power to manipulate nature on that scale, this could be a whole new level of trouble.
N'Kalla: (Quietly) And it cost lives, Richard.
Richard: (Gritting his teeth) Including a lot of innocent people. We need to figure out who's behind this. Fast.
N'Kalla: (Placing a hand on his shoulder) I'll keep digging into the data. But right now, I can't tell you who or what caused this.
Richard leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair.
Richard: (Muttering) First drowning, now Wolverine losing it... What kind of storm are we walking into here?
The piercing sound of the Baxter Building's alarm echoed through the halls, red lights flashing urgently.
Richard: (Turning to N'Kalla) Are we having a breach here?
N'Kalla: (Checking the security feed) Someone's invading the Baxter Building.
Before either of them could process the situation, a scream tore through the air.
Valeria: (From the distance) HELP!
Richard's eyes widened as he shot up from his chair.
Richard: (Shouting) Val!
Without hesitation, he bolted out of the computer room. N'Kalla blinked in surprise, then smirked slightly as she followed him.
N'Kalla: (Under her breath) Wow, since when are you two dating?
Richard burst into the main lobby, skidding to a halt. There, Ove stood, holding Valeria by the arm. She struggled, glaring at him, but his grip was firm.
Richard: (Eyes narrowing) Let her go!
Ove smirked as he turned to face Richard.
Ove: Ah, Richard Ritchson. You've arrived.
Richard wasted no time, stretching his arm like a whip, aiming to strike Ove. With a swift motion, Ove hurled a gleaming fake spear directly at Richard.
Richard: (Dodging the spear and shouting) Who the hell are you?
Ove: (Grinning) My name is Ove. And I came here to take my rival's love interest!
Richard froze for a moment, his mind racing.
Richard: (Confused) Wait, who?
Ove: (Pointing dramatically) Valeria Meghan Richards, of course!
Valeria: (Furious) WHAT?! I'm not anyone's "love interest," you lunatic!
Richard: (Glaring at Ove) You've got the wrong idea, fish bucket. She's not interested in you.
Ove chuckled darkly, still gripping Valeria.
Ove: That's for her to decide. But first, Richard Ritchson, show me if you're worthy to even be my rival!
Richard clenched his fists, stepping forward as N'Kalla arrived behind him, ready to back him up.
Richard: (Angrily) Let her go, or you'll find out just how "worthy" I am the hard way.
Ove's smirk grew as he slowly released his grip on Valeria, dropping her to the floor. She scrambled back, glaring at Ove.
Ove: (Chuckling darkly) Oh, you're approaching me now? Instead of running away, you're approaching me?
Richard: (Stepping forward, arms tense) You think I'm just going to let you go and attack the Baxter Building? Especially when I'm the one who can insult Little-Girl, not you!
Valeria: (Shouting) When are you gonna stop calling me that?!
Ove: (Waving dismissively) Ignore her. All I want is to crush you with my hands!
Richard's eyes narrowed as he quickly formulated a plan. Without missing a beat, he extended his left arm forward, wrapping it around Ove to entangle him. Simultaneously, he used his right arm to extend toward a random refrigerator nearby, ripping it from its position.
Richard: (Shouting) Then shut up and fight!
With a powerful yank, Richard pulled the refrigerator into Ove, slamming it into him, sending the pair airborne as they collided violently.
Ove: (Snarling) That's it! I will fully crush you now!
Suddenly, Ove raised his hands, and the ground trembled as a massive, colossal creature emerged from the shadows Giganto, a monstrous sea beast. The creature leaped toward Richard, its massive form crashing down like a tidal wave.
Richard: (Dodging nimbly) Not fast enough!
But as Richard sidestepped, Ove dashed forward with terrifying speed, his fist slamming into Richard's midsection and sending him crashing hard into the floor. The impact rattled the building's foundation.
Ove: (Grinning wickedly) Too slow, elastic boy.
Before Ove could do more damage, a powerful punch landed on his back, sending him tumbling forward.
Franklin: (Flying in with a smirk) Who are you supposed to be?
Richard: (Wincing, catching his breath) That fish-fuck over there says he's the son of Namor!
Franklin: (Tilting his head, now floating beside Richard) Oh, is that so? Then let me join in too! Namor almost raped my mother, after all.
Ove's eyes flared with rage, his hands balled into fists.
Ove: (Snarling) Stand aside! This is my fight with that elastic boy!
Franklin: (Smirking, cracking his knuckles) How about no? You messed with the wrong people today.
Ove's eyes burned with fury as he took a step back, his muscles flexing in anger.
Ove: (Shouting) Stand aside! I'm Richard's rival!
Richard: (Snarling) Oh yeah?! Guess what, Fish? I'm already taken as a rival!
Richard grinned with a spark of confidence, his body coiling into a spring-like position. With a swift motion, he used his Coil Strike, wrapping his body around Ove's, binding him in a powerful hold.
Richard: (Taunting) And it's Valeria!
With a snap of his arms, Richard launched a barrage of elastic punches at Ove's head, his strikes landing in rapid succession, directing each blow with precision.
Ove: (Grinning despite the hits) Is that all you've got?
Ove gritted his teeth as he flexed, his body suddenly breaking free from Richard's coil. In a blur of motion, Ove's foot slammed into Richard's face with bone-crushing force, sending him hurtling backward, crashing into the wall.
Franklin: (Shouting in horror) Richard! Why you—
Before Franklin could react, Ove spun around with a swift motion and slapped him with an open palm, sending Franklin flying into the other side of the room, crashing through the wall.
Franklin: (Groaning, dazed, from the debris) Son of a—
Ove: (Laughing wickedly) You think you can stop me? You're just children playing hero!
Richard, bloodied and hurt but still determined, slowly pushed himself off the floor, his eyes narrowing at Ove.
Richard: (Groaning, standing up) That... that was a mistake, fish-boy.
Richard took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders back. His rival wasn't going to be an easy fight, but he wasn't about to let some self-proclaimed son of Namor think he could waltz into the Baxter Building and just walk away.
Richard: (Grinning, rallying) Time for round two, Ove!
Valeria's face twisted in confusion and anger as she glared at Ove.
Valeria: (Shouting) What do you want from us!?
Ove's smirk spread even wider, his eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction.
Ove: (Calmly) I want you. Marry me, Valeria. I'm the reason for the drowning deaths and why I sent the orcas to attack The Wolverine.
Richard: (Eyes widening, fists clenching) So... it was you all along!
Richard lunged forward, his elastic limbs ready to strike, but before he could move, he suddenly buckled to his knees, pain surging through him.
Ove: (Taunting) Witness me, Richard. Watch as I kiss the girl you like.
Richard: (Eyes narrowing) What?!
Before Richard could react, Ove pressed his lips firmly against Valeria's in a mockingly passionate kiss. As Ove pulled away, he looked down smugly at Richard, relishing the moment. But then, Valeria swiftly moved beside Richard, her hands on his shoulders, helping him up.
Valeria: (Whispering, reassuring) You okay?
Richard: (Still kneeling, stunned) Yeah... wait what the f?!
Valeria: (Shushing him) That wasn't me. That was N'Kalla. She pretended to be me, Richard.
Richard: (Sighing in relief) Thank God...
Before Ove could savor his apparent victory, Valeria stepped aside, and in a blur of motion, her form shifted transforming into N'Kalla and kicking Ove in the chest with a powerful blow. He was sent crashing to the ground.
N'Kalla: (Coldly) I bet you have brain damage from Richard's punches, Franklin's astral hits, and now my kick. Why don't you just retreat and never come back again?
Ove's face contorts with rage.
Ove: (Screaming) You! You! You four! I will curse you! I swear, I'll be back! With vengeance!
Richard: (Laughing and raising an eyebrow) You? And what army?
Before Ove could answer, Franklin, his expression hard and focused, stepped forward and, without warning, sent an astral kick straight to Ove's head. The force of the blow sent Ove crashing through the glass windows of the Baxter Building, sending him flying out into the open sky.
Franklin: (Calmly) That should do it.
As the dust settled, Richard stood up, brushing himself off, and looked around at the team Valeria, N'Kalla, and Franklin his eyes filled with gratitude and relief.
Richard: (Sighing) Thanks, guys... I thought I was going to lose my mind for a second.
Franklin: (Sighing) This guy just doesn't know when to quit.
As Richard and Valeria stood together, the weight of Ove's threat still looming over them. Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the air.
Ove, standing atop a distant building, raised his arms high, summoning an enormous water dragon. The creature roared with fury, its massive form lashing through the air as it surged forward toward Valeria.
Richard: (Shouting, eyes wide with fear) VAL!
In a split second, Richard acted without hesitation. He pushed Valeria aside, throwing himself in front of her as the water dragon collided with him. The force of the attack was immense, the torrents of water crashing into his back with devastating power.
The impact of the water hit Richard with an overwhelming force, pushing him backward. His body slammed against the ground with a sickening thud, and he gasped for breath.
Valeria: (Crying out, rushing to his side) Richard!
She held his face gently in her hands, her fingers trembling as she touched his damp skin. His eyes were glazed, and he seemed to be slipping away.
Valeria: (Voice breaking) Richard... no, no, please! Stay with me...
Richard's breathing was shallow, his body battered by the attack. His voice was barely a whisper as he struggled to stay conscious.
Richard: (Weakly) Val... I'm... fine...
Valeria: (Tears streaming down her face) You're not fine! Please, Richard!
Before she could say anything more, Franklin and N, Kalla rushed out from the Baxter Building, his face set in grim determination. His eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Ove, but he found nothing.
Franklin: (Shouting) Ove?! Where the hell is he?!
N'Kalla: (Tense, scanning the horizon) He's gone... but we need to help Richard first.
Franklin: (Furiously) That damn fish coward...
Back to Valeria held Richard's face in her hands, her gaze desperate as she tried to focus on him.
Valeria: (Whispering) Richard, please...
The shock was evident in her eyes as she noticed his eyescompletely white, void of any life or recognition. She could feel his pulse weakening under her fingers, and the panic clawed at her throat.
Valeria: (Tears threatening, voice low and filled with rage) I won't let this slide... Ove... once we meet again, I'll make sure you pay for this. I swear it.
Valeria looks down at Richard's pale face, the worry on her face deepening as she feels the coldness seeping into his body. She looks at his eyes completely white, the usual spark of life missing.
Valeria: (Whispering) When we meet again, Ove... I swear on everything... I will kill you.
Her voice is filled with fury, a vow made in the silence of the moment. As Franklin and N'Kalla come closer, sensing the danger has passed, Valeria holds Richard closer, pressing his head gently against her chest, her voice soft but fierce.
Valeria: (Barely a whisper, to herself) No one... no one hurts him and gets away with it.
Franklin steps forward, his jaw clenched in anger as he watches Valeria care for Richard, his tone darkening.
Franklin: (Quietly) We'll make sure he regrets this.
N'Kalla: (Looking at Richard's state) For now, we need to get him back inside and make sure he recovers.
As Valeria gently lifts Richard into her arms, her eyes burn with determination, the weight of the situation heavy on her heart. She wasn't just protecting Richard she was vowing to herself that this wouldn't be the end. Ove would pay, and she would make sure of it.
Valeria: Ove, you're not getting away. Not this time.
-3 DAYS LATER-
A slow beeping sound filled the sterile white hospital room. The rhythmic pulse of the heart monitor was steady, but faint. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a golden glow over the bed. The world outside moved on, but inside, time had seemed to stand still.
Richard's fingers twitched. A sharp inhale filled his lungs as his eyelids fluttered open, his vision blurry at first. His body felt heavy, like he had been underwater for days. As he slowly regained awareness, he turned his head slightly, trying to get his bearings.
Richard: (Groggily) Where... am I...?
His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. His eyes finally focused, and that's when he noticed her—Valeria, curled up beside him on the hospital bed. She was still in the same clothes from the last time he saw her, her blonde hair slightly messy. Her arms were draped gently over his chest, as if she had fallen asleep watching over him.
For a moment, Richard just stared at her, his mind still catching up. He felt warmth spread through his chest, a different kind of feeling from the pain he had been enduring. Slowly, carefully, he reached out and touched her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin.
Richard: (Softly, almost to himself) You really stayed here, huh...?
His voice was filled with something unspoken. Gratitude? Affection? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that Valeria had been here, waiting for him to wake up.
But then memories flashed in his mind like lightning.
"Ove."
"The attack."
"The water dragon."
The last thing he remembered was the searing pain in his back, the weight of the water dragon crushing him as he shielded Valeria. His body tensed, and his breathing became heavier. His fingers curled into a tight fist, gripping his own chest as his jaw clenched.
Richard: (Whispering, darkly) No matter the cost... I will destroy... Ove.
His voice carried a dangerous edge, one that hadn't been there before. His eyes darkened, his body filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Ove had humiliated him, hurt him, and nearly taken everything from him.
Richard Ritchson wasn't going to let it happen again.
-MEANWHILE-
Deep beneath the Earth's surface, in the vast underground kingdom of Subterranea, the air was thick with humidity, the scent of damp stone filling the cavernous tunnels. Stalactites hung dangerously from the ceiling, and the dim glow of bioluminescent fungi cast eerie shadows across the subterranean landscape.
At the center of it all, Mole Man, ruler of Subterranea, sat atop his stone throne. His small, hunched figure barely seemed threatening, but his sharp mind and the legions of monstrous creatures under his command told another story. His glowing goggles reflected the flickering torches as he tapped his staff against the ground impatiently.
Mole Man: (Grumbling) Hmph... A surface dweller in my domain. You must be desperate, fish-boy.
Across from him stood Ove, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His regal demeanor did not waver, even in the presence of the legendary ruler of the underworld.
Ove: (Smirking) Desperation? No. Preparation.
Mole Man let out a dry, rasping chuckle.
Mole Man: (Mocking) Oh, how amusing. Another arrogant fool who thinks they can waltz into my kingdom and make demands. Tell me, what does the so-called 'Son of Namor' want from me?
Ove stepped forward, his presence commanding despite Mole Man's dismissive tone.
Ove: (Firmly) I want your monsters. The Moloids. The Giganto Beasts. Every creature you have under your control. I need them for war.
Mole Man raised an eyebrow, intrigued but unimpressed.
Mole Man: (Scoffing) War? Against who? The surface? Your little feud with the elastic brat and his friends? Do not waste my time with childish grudges.
Ove's fingers twitched at the mention of Richard. His smirk twitched into a scowl.
Ove: (Low, menacing) This is bigger than just him. The Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Avengers... they have stood in the way of what my father desired for far too long. I will succeed where he failed. And for that, I need an army.
Mole Man leaned forward, his fingers tapping his chin thoughtfully.
Mole Man: (Humming) Hmmm... tempting. But why should I help you? What do I gain from this?
Ove grinned, taking another step closer.
Ove: (Confidently) Power. Land. Control.
He gestured around them, to the caverns that stretched far and wide.
Ove: (Persuasive) You've ruled these tunnels for decades, but you've never gone higher. Never claimed what's rightfully yours above the surface. But with my power and your creatures... together, we can break them. We can drown the world in chaos.
Mole Man went silent for a moment, his grip on his staff tightening. The thought of reclaiming land above had always been in the back of his mind. His Moloids were strong, but alone, they were never enough. But with Ove? The idea of revenge against the surface world was tempting.
Mole Man: (Smirking) Hmph... you're quite the silver-tongued little fish.
He leaned back in his throne, chuckling darkly.
Mole Man: Very well. You have my interest. But make no mistake, boy... if you fail, my monsters will feast on your bones.
Ove grinned, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
Ove: (Coldly) Then let's make sure I don't fail.
Mole Man: (Smirking) Before I lend you my monsters, I have a condition.
Ove's eyes narrowed. His patience was already wearing thin.
Ove: (Snapping) What is it?!
Mole Man leaned forward, the lenses of his goggles reflecting the dim glow of the torches.
Mole Man: (Grinning) I want to fight them first. The so-called 'All-New Fantastic Four.' Give me one month, and I will challenge them myself.
Ove's nostrils flared. His jaw clenched as his sharp nails dug into his palms.
Ove: (Shouting) No! They are mine! My property to fight!
The walls of the cavern rumbled slightly at his outburst, as some of the lurking subterranean creatures stirred. But Mole Man merely smirked, unfazed by Ove's fury.
Mole Man: (Mocking) Oh? And here I thought you wanted war. If that's the case, you should learn to compromise.
He tapped his staff on the ground, and the shadows around them seemed to grow darker as the creatures of Subterranea shifted in anticipation.
Mole Man: (Coldly) Accept my condition, and I will give you an unstoppable army. Reject it... and you leave empty-handed.
Ove's fingers twitched. He could feel his blood boiling. The thought of letting anyone else get in his way especially someone as pathetic as Mole Man was infuriating. But... he wasn't a fool. He needed these monsters. He needed an army. He needed to win.
With a sharp inhale, he forced himself to calm down. His lips curled into a half-smirk, masking the seething rage inside.
Ove: (Low growl) Fine. One month. Then they're mine.
Mole Man chuckled, clearly enjoying his small victory.
Mole Man: (Grinning) Now that's the spirit.
The pact was sealed. And soon, the 2nd Generation of Fantastic Four would face the horrors of Subterranea.