Ancient One
I'm not satisfied
>>>
At the S.H.I.E.L.D. monitoring post on the outskirts of Old Bridge City, agents sat tense as the screens displayed four familiar figures swaggering confidently down the street.
"We've got visual," one operator reported. "Subjects match identification markers: Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun… and Lady Sif."
Another agent muttered under his breath, "Why do they look like they're straight out of a fantasy convention?"
The team lead frowned. "Stay sharp. That's no cosplay parade—that's Asgardian royalty's personal guard. Eyes open."
Down below on the street—
"Found you, Thor!" Volstagg bellowed, his booming voice carrying half a block.
But as he charged closer, the sight of handcuffs on Thor's wrists stopped him cold. "By Odin's beard… who locked you up?"
Fandral, ever quick to draw steel, unsheathed his blade in a flash and leveled it at the young girl holding Mjolnir. "Why is Thor's hammer in your hand!?"
Thor immediately stepped forward, hands raised. "Hey, hey—calm down! She's not an enemy! This little girl is a friend."
"Stand down, Fandral," Sif commanded firmly, pressing his sword arm down before the situation worsened. Her dark eyes softened as she regarded the girl. "Don't point your blade at a child."
Meanwhile, Hogun drew his dagger with practiced precision and cut through Thor's cuffs with a single motion. "What's happened here?"
But before Thor could answer—
"Put down your weapons!"
Several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents rushed forward, sidearms raised, caught between protecting civilians and confronting gods. "Identify yourselves!"
The street became a powder keg.
....
From a nearby balcony, Barbara Gordon watched the standoff unfold below. Her sharp eyes narrowed, then she glanced at the man beside her.
"There's a situation down there," she said quickly. "Aren't we going to do something, Jack?"
Jack Kadere, leaning casually against the railing, didn't move an inch. His gaze was locked upward at the clouds, unreadable.
"That's not a situation, Barbara," he murmured. "That's the situation…"
And as if on cue, the sky rippled. A brilliant, swirling vortex cut across the heavens, prismatic light cascading down. The Bifrost opened once more.
Through the rainbow rift descended something massive. Something terrifying.
The Destroyer.
A low pop echoed from Jack as he cracked his neck. "Guess I'll take a walk."
He gently pushed Darcy, who had been fussing over him, aside and straightened his coat. Without another word, he strolled downstairs.
Barbara and Darcy exchanged an uneasy look, both recognizing the shift in the air.
....
On the ground, panic spread fast.
"Mr. Kadere!" Coulson's voice came urgently over the comms. "Can you contact Stark? There's a giant humanoid armor here—tell me it's his design?"
Jack's voice was calm, almost detached. "Coulson, you'd better evacuate your men. Right now."
"Boom!"
An explosion shook the block, rattling the windows of the diner where Jane Foster, Darcy Lewis, Dr. Selvig, Thor, and the locals had been hiding.
Jack tapped the sleek black ring on his wrist. A shimmer of dark tech and nanofibers rippled across his body—until the Black Spider suit encased him fully.
"Destroyer armor," he muttered. "Since it's here… it belongs to me now."
....
Ten minutes later—
"Everyone out! Hurry!"
Jane and Selvig guided civilians toward the back exits while Darcy shouted directions. Thor, powerless yet determined, helped usher families away from the coming battle.
Outside the city limits, the colossal Destroyer marched forward, relentless, its hollow helm scanning for Thor.
The Warriors Three and Sif intercepted, blades and spears flashing.
"Hold the line!" Sif cried.
But Destroyer's furnace-like core glowed.
Bang! Volstagg was blasted through a storefront. Bang! Fandral screamed as he was hurled against a stone wall. Bang! Hogun fell heavily, skidding across the cracked pavement.
The Asgardian trio, mighty as they were, had been swept aside in mere moments.
Sif remained alone, standing defiant though her spear trembled slightly in her hands. The fire radiating from Destroyer's chest painted her face in desperate orange light.
On the sidelines, Barbara drew two escrima sticks, instincts taking over. "Those gods aren't lasting much longer—"
But Matilda, clutching Mjolnir tightly, held Barbara back. "What do you think you're doing? That thing will tear you apart."
"I can't just stand here!" Barbara argued.
"You should help evacuate!" Matilda snapped, her eyes locked on Destroyer. "You're stronger at protecting people. Leave this to me."
Barbara's chest tightened—this was just a little girl, but she was right. Matilda had the hammer. And with it, some fraction of Thor's power.
"You're only a child…" Barbara whispered.
But Matilda didn't listen. Gripping Mjolnir's strap, she leapt skyward—
Clang!
The hammer slammed against Destroyer's helm, staggering the armored giant and halting the beam it had been charging at Sif.
With a sound of grinding gears, Destroyer's neck twisted full circle before its body spun to realign. It turned on Matilda with mechanical precision—then launched a crushing punch.
Bang!
Matilda blocked with Mjolnir, but the impact sent her tumbling across the asphalt. She barely rolled to her knees before—
Whoooosh!
A blazing orange beam cut the street in half, scorching toward her.
"Child!" Sif hurled her spear, desperate to divert the shot. But Destroyer's beam vaporized it instantly.
Matilda gritted her teeth, raising Mjolnir. Sparks danced—then erupted into a stream of blue lightning.
"Haah!"
Thunder cracked as lightning clashed with Destroyer's furnace-beam. For a moment, the two forces locked—then slowly, inexorably, Destroyer's power pushed her back.
The truth was clear: though Matilda could lift the hammer, she lacked Thor's mantle. No armor appeared, no surge of divine strength. She was still just a girl wielding a god's weapon.
"Urghh—!"
The orange light consumed the lightning and hurled her across the street. Mjolnir clattered away.
"Matilda!" Barbara sprinted to her side, kneeling. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm… fine," the girl said weakly, rubbing her head. Her fingers trembled, but her spirit burned. "Just dizzy… Sorry, Sister Barbara. I tried my best."
Barbara hugged her tightly. "You did more than enough. You were brave."
And yet, as she looked up at the towering Destroyer looming over them, she knew this battle wasn't over.
....
"Everyone has been evacuated."
Thor looked around at the now-empty street, relief softening his battle-weary face. "Thanks to that girl for holding off the Destroyer. Maybe Mjolnir really did choose her correctly..."
But his relief didn't last.
A sudden grunting broke the silence. A sturdy Duroc pig came barreling down the road, squealing and charging in panic right in front of the towering Destroyer.
The absurd sight left Thor speechless. "Oink! Oink!" the pig squealed, clearly startled by the armored juggernaut.
Thor muttered under his breath. "Brother Pig, you're truly fearless..."
From his distant vantage, Loki—controlling the Destroyer from Asgard—saw the animal's reckless provocation. Smirking coldly, he directed the Destroyer's faceplate to open.
The orange-white glow of a deadly blast began to charge.
"No! Move, buddy!" Thor shouted desperately, knowing the poor creature would be reduced to ashes.
In that moment of panic, something deep inside Thor surged awake. He broke into a sprint, his heart and spirit burning with determination.
And at that very instant—
Buzz... buzz... buzz...
Mjolnir vibrated violently where it lay.
Thwack!
The hammer flew back into Thor's outstretched hand. With one effortless swing, he smashed the Destroyer's head aside.
Boom!
Lightning split the heavens, cascading down onto Thor. His mortal guise was consumed by divine radiance, replaced by gleaming Asgardian armor.
When the light faded, Thor stood tall as the God of Thunder once more.
"MJOLNIR!" Thor cried joyfully, holding the hammer aloft. The elation of being whole again nearly brought tears to his eyes.
But he hadn't forgotten the pig. Before he could act, however, a black-clad figure dropped from the sky, landing squarely between Thor and the Destroyer.
The crowd gasped.
Jane whispered, "That person... I've seen him before..."
Dr. Selvig squinted. "It's Black Spider."
Darc, nodded in recognition. "Yes—he's been on the news. A vigilante hero. What's he doing here in New Mexico?"
Barbara frowned, thinking to herself. "He appeared again... Black Spider's movements always seem connected to Jack Kadere."
Her suspicions remained vague. She could never quite link the two identities, as if something intangible was blocking her thoughts. And indeed, it was—Jack's suit carried a built-in dimensional information shield, keeping his heroic alter ego safely concealed from casual deduction.
With that protection, Jack Kadere could freely act as Black Spider when needed—untethered from his civilian obligations.
The Destroyer, unfazed, unleashed a blinding heat ray at the mysterious newcomer.
Jack didn't flinch. His mask's lenses lit up with a searing glow—an enhancement granted by the mystical Pig Talisman in his possession.
"Oink, oink..."
The Duroc pig trotted back toward Jack, as if instinctively drawn to him.
Jack looked down at the animal, an idea sparking in his mind. His eyes dimmed as he redirected the talisman's power. "Let's do this together, little guy."
Placing his palm gently on the pig's head, Jack funneled the talisman's energy through the creature.
The Destroyer's beam clashed violently with a new surge of energy—channeled through the pig's glowing eyes.
The shockwave rattled the earth.
And when the light finally cleared, the mighty Destroyer lay motionless on the ground.
....
Far away in Asgard, Loki stared in disbelief. "I was defeated... by a pig?!" His face twisted in outrage. "Are you kidding me?"
....
"Impressive! You're incredibly strong," Thor exclaimed, stepping closer to Jack. "Who are you? Thank you for your aid. You've earned Asgard's recognition this day. Perhaps we can be allies!"
But Jack didn't answer. His black trench coat fluttered as he turned his back on Thor.
Teleportation light flickered around him, and in an instant, he vanished—reappearing before the fallen Destroyer. With another blink of energy, both he and the weaponized armor were gone, transported to a barren island deep within the Arctic.
There, the Destroyer twitched, still struggling to rise. Its durability was far greater than its cinematic counterpart.
"As expected of Odin's enchanted war-machine," Jack muttered, his left hand in his coat pocket. Slowly, he raised his right index finger. "But this is where your rampage ends."
A surge of freezing energy burst outward. The Destroyer became encased in ice, even the light in its core sealed mid-glow.
"Now," Jack whispered, pulling the Rat Talisman from his belt. He pressed its power into the frozen construct. "Time to welcome your new master."
The ice shattered. The Destroyer stood again—only to sink to one knee before Jack.
The armor of Odin was his to command.
....
Back in New Mexico, Thor turned to Selvig and the others. "He just... left? Is that man one of Midgard's defenders?"
Selvig hesitated. "Uh... I suppose so."
"Oink, oink~"
The pig nudged at Thor's leg, demanding acknowledgment.
Thor chuckled, scooping it up in his arms. "A brave companion! Truly amazing. Come, I'll take you back to Asgard itself! Father and Mother shall bless you."
Then he looked to Matilda, who was leaning on Barbara for support. "And you, brave girl—thank you for standing firm when all seemed lost."
Still dizzy, Matilda's eyes drifted toward Mjolnir with a childlike yearning. "Meow-Meow..."
Thor smiled softly. "I cannot give you this hammer—it is bound to me. But I can ask Eitri, the Dwarf King, to forge a weapon suited for you. Sword, spear, axe—whatever you wish. I'll bring it next time I return to Midgard."
Matilda nodded absently, though her heart still clung to the hammer.
....
Lower East Side, New York.
Beep, beep, beep—
Veronica, who had just returned from her long trip, cheerfully honked the horn as she pulled into the driveway of her modest home. The dark gray, heavily modified car slid smoothly into the garage.
In the passenger seat, Matilda sat quietly, staring down at her small palm, lost in thought.
"We're almost home," Jack Kadere said casually, noticing her expression. With a small smirk, he added, "Still thinking about your hammer?"
Before she could answer, Jack reached into his coat and placed a dark silver sphere into her hand. "Here—something to keep you busy."
The orb hovered into the air, spinning gently, shimmering with faint arcs of energy.
"This is…" Matilda's eyes widened, her voice filled with awe. She touched the sphere lightly, almost reverently, and whispered, "…Is it Mjolnir?"
"Mjolnir?" Jack chuckled, holding her hand steady as the sphere floated. "Well, if you'd rather, you can call it Meow Meow."
"Pfft~!"
Matilda burst into laughter at his teasing. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms, pressing affectionate kisses against his cheeks and jawline. "Thank you, brother… I love you so much!"
Jack felt his face and neck damp with her playful affection. He could only smile wryly, rubbing her soft, short hair. "I love you too, Matilda. But if we keep this up, we'll be spending the night in the garage. Let's head inside."
"Mm…" she murmured softly, leaning against him.
....
"Brother—!"
The moment Jack stepped inside, Jessica came running, launching herself at him with the same enthusiasm Matilda had shown only moments ago.
She landed a quick kiss on his lips, then instantly recoiled. "Mwah—ugh, ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!"
Jack couldn't help but laugh at her scrunched-up expression. "Haha, guess I'll go wash my face first."
As he crossed the living room, a soft, fluffy white tail curled lazily around his leg.
Felicia Hardy smirked, her catlike grace impossible to ignore. "Master~ you're back just in time. Our graduation ceremony is only days away."
"I'll be there." Jack reached out, brushing his fingers against her delicate cheek. His voice dropped into a teasing tone. "Little cat, I'll dote on you later."
Her eyes gleamed knowingly, but she let him pass.
....
Bathroom.
Rustle, rustle, rustle—
Jack leaned over the sink, both hands pressed against the porcelain. The water running from the faucet twisted unnaturally, flowing upward instead of down, rinsing over his face as if guided by unseen energy.
After a long breath, he straightened, brushing his hair back with damp fingers.
"A year has passed just like that," he muttered, staring at his unchanged reflection. "Gwen and the others… graduating already, stepping into adulthood. Time really flies."
His voice dropped, more solemn now. "Don't you agree… Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Time is always unpredictable."
Jack's eyes flicked to the mirror.
Behind him stood a familiar figure, the Eye of Agamotto glowing faintly against her chest. The Ancient One.
But tonight she wasn't clad in her usual golden robes. Instead, she wore a pale sorcerer's attire, simple yet elegant. A folding fan half-concealed her face, though the curve of her smile remained visible—calm, mysterious, and timeless.
Jack turned to face her fully. "Always hiding behind that fan… makes you look like some shy little girl."
The Ancient One lowered the fan slowly, revealing a face refined, serene, and startlingly youthful—no older than her thirties.
"Hmm. What do you need from me this time, Jack Kadere?" she asked gently, her tone as composed as ever.
Jack tilted his head, eyes narrowing playfully. "Can't you see the future? Don't you already know?"
"Playing with time," she replied, shaking her head ever so slightly, "ultimately leads to being played by time."
Jack sighed, resisting the urge to laugh at the paradox. Yeah, easy for her to say—when she looks like that.