//------------------------------// // Chapter 3. // Story: My Little Avengers: The Punisher // by TheBadgerKing //------------------------------// I stood amongst the wreckage of my city, or what was left of it. As far as I could see all that remained were the ruins of the once proud city. Streets of still burning rubble the only remnants of countless homes and businesses, sitting solemnly in the smog and smoke. I stood there unable to move, unable to speak, and unable to look away. This scene made me sick, leaving me to fester in a rage so powerful the flames surrounding me seemed like nothing more than embers in my presence. Over the carnage and sound of crackling flames I heard the crying. This shifted my attention my eyes fixed on a small filly standing over a set of bodies, that I can only assume were her deceased parents. This terrible site broke me; I let forth a guttural scream, at the desolation. It was my job to protect the innocence and I failed. As I screamed the scene before me blurred and distorted, and finally everything was consumed in a Bright light. I rose from my cot a cold sweat drenching my coat. Looking around I took in the familiar sight of my bunker. Taking a deep breath i stood and walked to the mirror that hung above my sink. The stallion that stared back was exactly what I expected, the same long unkempt black mane, the same matted battered gray coat, and the same piercing judgmental gaze that seemed to radiate an impossible amount of rage. It all looked as it should, but I still couldn't help but smash the mirror in a fit of annoyance. "I won't allow this city to burn; I won't let the villainous evils of this city win. Not now not ever, as long as I draw breath there will be punishment for any criminals that prey on the weak. I whispered in a hoarse tone to the now cracked mirror. I would need to buy another one when I had a chance, but for now that would have to wait. Once I calmed myself I turned on the sink and began to quickly clean myself up and ready myself for the long day I had to endure. The train pulled out of the station as I sat and waited, staring out the window at the passing scenery. I’d been sitting there maybe an hour when I felt something tap my side. Turning I came face-to-face with a unicorn filly, the filly smiled at me tilting her head in a curious manner. "Can I help you?" I grumbled raising a brow at this seemingly unfazed child. "Oh sorry, I'm Sweetie Belle, and I was just wondering, are you a superhero? I mean you're dressed up and have that super neat armor." She chirped a smile never leaving her face. I couldn't help but shake my head at the filly’s innocent curiosity. "I might wear armor and protect others but I'm anything but super or for that matter a hero. I corrected in a slightly less gruff tone. To my surprise however the youth started giggling. "That's silly Mister." Now truly confused by her reaction I couldn't help but walk into her little trap. "How so?" I questioned matching her Innocent mischievous gaze with one of my stoic stares. "Well not every hero has to have powers to be super; it's all about saving others and doing what's right. Or at least that's what my sister always says." She finished with another small giggle. I found this talk becoming more and more interesting, at least for a talk with some random child. Before I could respond however the door to the car flew open and a very distraught mare came rushing in. Upon seeing Sweetie Belle she let out a noise halfway between a sigh of relief and a growl of rage. Truth be told I felt bad for the filly whatever she had done to agitate this mare she was clearly in deep trouble. "Sweetie there you are." The older mare growled as she slowly stomped her way to the now anxious child. “What exactly were you thinking wandering off like that?” The mare continued berating the now upset Sweetie Belle for her misconduct. Watching the scene, I assumed that this mare was the sister Sweetie Belle had referred to earlier. Normally I would assume it to be her mother, but their age wasn't far enough apart for that to make sense. Sweetie Belle, still looking rather upset answered her older sister’s question. "I'm sorry Rarity; I was just looking around the train. I was bored, and I met this really nice stallion, who's a superhero just like Blue. She finished pointing a hoof back at me. "Sweetie you shouldn't just talk to strangers like that. For all you know this stallion could've been a foalnapper." Rarity concluded eyeing me suspiciously. I couldn't blame her for trying to protect her little sister. But I wasn't going to just be the fall guy for the child's mistake. "I agree miss, your sister made a mistake but I assure you I'm no foalnapper." I explained calmly shifting my gaze from one sister to the other. "Yeah rarity, and like I said he's a superhero and superheroes don't foalnap fillies." The younger sister added eagerly trying to help diffuse her sisters’ anger. Rarity shaking her head sadly, sighed in defeat. Finally turning to me and giving my outfit another quick look. "I'm sorry sir, my dear sister is a bit quick to assume. She thinks anypony in a strange outfit is a hero, or more than once a villain.” She informed me to my amusement. This earned a rather exasperated groan from the younger unicorn. While the older turned to give her sibling a sharp look I made a split second decision, turning the older sister back to me I shook my head. "There's no reason to apologize, your sister isn't that far off the mark, at least this time. While I'm not exactly super I am currently on my way to meet the Avengers. Against my better judgment I might add." I informed the duo, receiving surprised looks from both. This surprised me as much as it would them, why had I even told this mare any of this information? Why did I even start talking to her sister in the first place? This wasn't like me, taking a quick inhale i tried to gather myself for the possible hell hole I had just opened. I refocused on the two before me. The younger now wore a huge grin, the older seemed a bit surprised to say the least. After a moment of awkward silence the older sibling blinked before giving me a now much more interested look. "You were called up by the Avengers?" She asked. I huffed, turning back to the window. ”I may have had a small scrap, with a certain postercolt and all this and all of the sudden they want me to abandon everything, to come meet them at their self-imposed ego of a base." I mumbled my annoyance clear in each word I spoke. To my further surprise Rarity did a proverbial one-eighty. She grew rather hostile barely able to hold in her rage. "How dare you, first you tell me you fought one of them, but to make it worse you then go on to insult them. They are all great heroes they deserve your respect. I can understand you being annoyed at being called up all of the sudden, but that gives you no right to show such blatant disrespect towards a group that does nothing but good for the whole of Equestria." She lectured Her Anger only growing that she let forth her tirade. While she panted in anger I happened to notice the train drawing rather close to the Canterlot train station. Rising from my seat I quickly made my way to the nearest door. I figured the faster I got off the train the faster I could stop dealing with this ornery mare. As I took refuge near one of the exits I was joined by my original companion noting the filly’s’ presence with a short nod I continue waiting for the train to pull into the Royal city. "So did you really fight Carmel?" The energetic filly asked as we waited. "Yeah I did, though fighting a super soldier unprepared was really stupid on my part." I clarified turning to face my overactive audience. "I would imagine so." Rarity added walking up and joining both Sweetie Belle and I. "I would like to apologize for my harsh words, that was not very ladylike and I'm sorry for that. I mean, I don't even know your name, hero or no. Yet I still verbally assaulted you simply for you voicing your own opinion. And for that once again I'd like to apologize." She offered giving a small nod of sincerity for emphasis. Normally I'd just walk away again but there are very few places you can hide on a train, so against my better judgment I decided it’d be best to just bury the hatchet and forgive the mare. "My name is Fortify Castle, as for your apology it's unnecessary, I've been dealt a lot worse for a lot less." I consulted her, as the train finally pulled into station. As the train came to a complete stop and the doors swung wide, I exited and began the trudge to the famous Avengers mansion. As I walked I took note that the two mares continued behind me. At first I assumed it chance, however as I progressed they did as well mere paces behind me. Growing annoyed by this pseudo-stalking I turned to face my followers. "Is there any particular reason you happen to be following me?" i growled as they drew up next to me. "I assure you, we aren't following you. We are actually on our way to Avengers mansion as well." Rarity answered as she continued walking forward forcing me to do so in-kind. "Finding it rather unbelievable that they were called up for the same reason as me, I assumed it was merely for the tour or something of similar significance. “Why are you tourists? Or do you just want to watch the inevitable fallout of my Summons?" I asked sarcastically, as our trio waded through the ever busy streets of Canterlot. I looked at the crowds that seem so at ease, so sure that they're protected, safe, and always will be. I almost pitied them, for no matter how many heroes they surround themselves with nopony is ever truly safe. I wonder though what would happen if all of their protection disappeared, who could they turn to? Who would they expect to protect them? Or would they all just fall to anarchy wither away and die? I felt a tapping at my side, Turning I noticed both sisters giving me quizzical looks. I merely shook my head in response. "Are you okay Mr. Fort you seem lost or something?" The concerned little filly asked staring up at me. It surprised me how perceptive such a young filly could be. It surprised me even more that she could look me in the eye and not flinch in fear. "I'm fine." I stated flatly. "Well to repeat our answer to your prior question. We happen to know some of the occupants of said mansion." Rarity explained a grin expanding on her face as she spoke. I was intrigued now but my next question was answered by my other companion before I could so much as raise eyebrow. "Yeah, my sister is engaged to Blueblood, and we are friends with Pinkie Pie. My sister is also friends with many other heroes because she's the Element of Generosity." The little filly chirped giddily. All I could do is blink at this new information. "Well it seems there's more to you than meets the eye miss Rarity. This also explains your rant you went on earlier. You really don’t like others bashing the Iron prince huh?" I concluded giving the mare a short nod of respect. "I could say the same about you. You seem so brutish and cold, but from the way Sweetie has taken to you I would say there has to be a heart somewhere under that armor of yours. As for my personal life, well that is hardly your concern now is it?”" The mare shot back playfully. “Fair enough.” I huffed turning back to the task at hoof. After that the trip grew rather quiet, for several more minutes we walked through the streets until we came to our destination. The Avengers mansion stood tall, and even more ridiculous than I could've hoped. As we approached, the gates swung wide and three very iconic figures stood waiting. I took one final breath before following the two sisters who had continued forward unimpeded. Today had only begun and I was already exhausted. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So you're sure he went to Canterlot. Kingpin questioned flatly, his faithful enforcer sitting before him in sheer terror. "Yes boss, he definitely left the city on the 7 o'clock to Canterlot sir." Hammerhead confirmed squirming under his employers prying gaze. The Kingpin turned his head toward the window at the morning sun. "It seems our favorite vigilante is proving more unpredictable than I anticipated." He continued turning back to his waiting goon. "So, boss what should we do?" Hammerhead mumbled still not meeting his leader’s level stare. "That is easy my friend, we test him. Please send for our newest allies immediately." The large stallion commanded, waving his underling away to do his allotted task. "As you wish boss, though are you sure they can take the Avengers by themselves?" Hammerhead asked pointedly. “They don’t have to win Hammerhead they merely have to stall them so we may assess Mr. Castle. Kingpin revealed. “Now go he stated watching his minion do as he said. Kingpin leaned back behind his desk and let out a short menacing laugh. "It seems Mr. Castle, you will be a more interesting opponent then I could've hoped." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I watched as Rarity hugged her other half, the metal clad stallion returning it happily. They were a perfect match both a pain in my flank, and both completely full of it. I drew up on the other five and waited for their greetings carry end. After the Thunderer and the captain greeted the two sisters, they turned to me. "I take it this is the stallion you were complaining about all breakfast?” Iron pony mused eyeing me as I did the same. "Yes Blue, this is him. Though why he showed up with Rarity is what I find odd." Cap Pondered giving me a questioning look. "Oh yeah, Mr. Fort is cool. He acts really tough and grumpy, but is actually really nice." Sweetie informed the older stallions, before turning to give me a warm smile. "While my sister may have taken to him a bit more than me, Mr. Fortify while being a bit brutish seems to be responsible enough." Rarity aided nodding approvingly in my direction. Shifting my gaze from the two sisters back to the three Watching stallions I shrugged nonchalantly. "We just rode the same train, it was happenstance at best." I offered trying not a big deal over a pointless situation. "I don't think the mere arrival of all those we awaited is something to be judged." Thor stated finally joining the conversation. "Yeah, you're right Thor. I guess I'm just a bit on edge after last night’s scuffle." The Captain agreed. "I guess that makes two of us Captain." I added earning a grin from the other two stallions and a nod of acknowledgment from the trepidant Avenger. "So now that I'm here, what exactly do you want?" I asked giving each Avenger a glance in sequence. "Straight to the point, I like that. Come friend Castle we have much to discuss." The thunderous Alicorn laughed Walking to the door, the others following suit. I begrudgingly followed as well, giving a hefty sigh as I made my way through the threshold. I walked silently behind the group as they conversed happily. I couldn't help but feel completely misplaced, in this seemingly peaceful sanctuary. This building seems so peaceful, so happy, and above all others fake. As we came to what I assumed was a conference room, I took in the rooms contents. A large round table sat in the center large cushions surrounding it in whole, and a large door on the other side of the room. After a brief moment Rarity and Sweetie Belle bid their farewells and exited through the back door i noticed beforehoof. The three Avengers took seats and watched me as I slowly took my own. "Okay, let's begin with the basics." Blueblood instructed clapping his fore hooves together Matter-of-factly. "Let's start with something simple. First your name if you wouldn't mind." I gave him a rather blank look before deciding to play his little game. “My name is Fortify Castle." Nodding Blueblood continued his survey. "What about your other name?" He asked a small grin always playing at his lips. “The Punisher!" I answered flatly. The three avengers exchanged glances before Captain Equestria, asked his own question. "So why did you massacre those thugs back in the Stable? Criminals or not what you did was unnecessarily brutal." I merely shrugged at his ignorance. How can I expect somepony like him to ever understand why i do what I do? Knowing they would expect an answer I decided to give them one that they could at least fathom. "Its simple Captain, I needed information and I did what I needed to in order to get it." The look of surprise then annoyance that spread across his face was priceless; I couldn't help but crack a small smile at his disbelief. "I can see you fail to comprehend what I mean; if you don't keep criminals down then they will always rise back up to do more harm. It's more effective if they can't get back up, you save more lives in the end." I lectured to the clear irritation of my audience. "You're wrong; there is never a reason to do what you did. Everypony has good inside them and they all deserve the chance to show it." The Earth stallion barked back his anger finally overwhelming him, emphasizing his point by slamming his hooves hard into the table "Cap I understand your anger, but arguing semantics will get us nowhere. We are all heroes, thus we should show the proper respect to each other regardless of our own ideals." Thor Mediated trying to calm the situation and get back on track. "I completely agree with you Thunderer, we're here for a reason arguing amongst ourselves serves no point." I confessed still smirking at how easy it was to get under Carmel's skin. "I know, I know; I shouldn't allow him to push me like that." Carmel retorted still giving me a rather powerful death glare. "Good, now that were all agree to be civil I would like to get back to the point if that's alright with everypony." The armored prince bid, getting no arguments he gave satisfied nod and continued. "Now then, Mr. Castle you have shown you wish to protect the lives of the innocent and defenseless; Right now however you're a bit too volatile and a bit too aggressive in this task. I mean I get that you're not a mutant and therefore have to resort to more creative tactics, but uncontrolled rage and slaughter is no way for hero to behave. The reason we called you here is because we think you have the potential to be a great hero, but we feel you need a push in the right direction. So to get straight to the point we wish to offer you a spot as an Avenger, specifically the Manehatten division." Iron pony Recited with a large smile. I couldn't believe this guy did he actually expect me to believe him? They didn't want me on a team they wanted to keep an eye on me. They were treating me like I was some misbehaving child. It’s almost enough for me to attack them right here and now; that however would only serve to fan the flames between me and them. So begrudgingly I decided to play along with their little game, after all having access to the Avenger’s information and resources might prove fruitful in my endeavor to stop the Kingpin. After Kingpin was dealt with, I would face the consequences of using the Avengers even if it means facing them myself. Coming out of my thoughts I noticed all three giving me curious looks. Meeting Bluebloods eyes I made my next move. "So if I joined this team of yours, who exactly what I be working with and where?" I wondered aloud. I noticed as soon as i asked my question all three seem to relax immeasurably. "So you'll join then?" Carmel asked skeptically shifting in his seat. "That depends on who would I be working with. If I work with a team, I want to know what I'm working with." I restated shrugging calmly. "That seems rather reasonable I believe, wouldn't you agree my friends?" Thor questioned turning to look at his two teammates. "I suppose if a roll call is all it takes to gain another ally I can comply." The armored genius laughed in agreement. Turning back to me Blueblood started on the team. "First off, we have the base. The Manehatten HQ is known as the Sanctum Sanctorum. The magical fortress of knowledge is owned by none other than the sorcerer supreme herself, Twilight Sparkle." Blueblood informed me as he pulled out a small package of dossiers. "As for the team, first we have the leader Twilight Sparkle, for her extensive magical prowess, her incredible leadership, and her extensive knowledge of all things. Second would be a certain mare you are already rather familiar with I believe; this of course being the blind heroine herself, Daredevil. Following her, there's the one and only Ironhoof. Then we have Powerpony, and finally there's the young but no less amazing Spidercolt." He listed handing me a dossier matching each hero he listed in order. "Feel free to go through the dossiers for more information." He added pushing the last folder over to me. Looking over each file my opinion over the team was indifferent up to this point. Though at least having Daredevil on the team meant I had At least one member who understood what I stood for. Though the team leader, Ms. Twilight Sparkle may prove an issue. As an ex-Royal guard I knew of her of course, I’d even seen her once or twice. She was a quiet Filly, head always buried in a book, but after she became an Element of Harmony she grew up quite a bit. She was still excessively enamored by her devotion to the princess however. Because of this I highly doubt she'll give me much wiggle room with abiding to the laws and rules she would doubtlessly set. This is only a slight setback however, for I've dealt with a lot worse with a lot less. Plus I always like a good challenge. Leaving my thoughts for the moment I gave a short sigh of conclusion. "I can at least give them a chance." I surrendered nodding toward the smiling heroes. I doubt they'd be smiling if they knew my true intent. With any luck they never would. "Excellent friend Castle, I'm glad today we become allies rather than enemies." The Groups Alicorn Announced a humble smile playing at his features. Then lifting one of his massive hooves, he reached across the table toward me. Begrudgingly I took his hoof into a firm shake. "I agree, I'd rather not have to prove just how mortal even heroes are." I deadpanned rolling my eyes at the displeased looks I got In return. "What, can't you guys take a joke?" I offered trying to lighten the mood. This only served for them to shift their looks of displeasure to looks of annoyance. A light cough interrupted the awkward silence that befell our group. Shifting our gazes toward the door we noticed Rarity standing politely and waiting for our attention. "Not to sound rude, but I wouldn't quit your day job if I were you Mr. Castle." Rarity commented on my dark humor. "What's up Rares?" Carmel asked chuckling at her prior comments. "I assure you Carmel; I merely wished to check in on your little meeting. I was sure by now you'd all be at each other's throats." She explained giggling at the looks she received in part. "Come now dear, did you really think we couldn't handle this like gentlecolts?" Blueblood bantered back, winking at his better half. However before rarity could answer she was interrupted by a loud explosion as the far wall shattered into pieces. "Avengers, come out and play!” A new voice taunted from behind the smoke of the newly shattered wall. I watched calmly as the three other heroes leapt into action. "Avengers assemble!" Iron pony shouted as his helmet shifted into place. When I woke up today, I was in for one of those days; I hate it when my instincts are right.