Chapter 2: First fight!

Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Captain America tightened their grips on their weapons, exchanging uneasy glances.

Iron Man, intrigued but still cautious, kept his weapons trained on Mark. The Hulk, though fierce, seemed momentarily curious by the transformation.

Mark, now shrouded in the dark smoke, felt a newfound sense of power and confidence. The smoke pulsed with energy, making him feel both more capable and menacing.

As the Avengers remained on edge. The atmosphere grew tense as they awaited the next move from the now-transformed figure, unsure of whether this new appearance signaled a threat or an ally.

Trying to clarify his intentions amid the tense atmosphere, Mark spoke up, his gaze hidden behind glowing orbs.

"Ahem, I come in peace? "

Tony Stark chuckled, breaking the silence. "You come in a Halloween costume."

The group unconsciously relaxed their grips on their weapons, and Mark managed an awkward smile, feeling the tension lighten.

"Oh god, please don't smile. Now you're giving us nightmares," Tony said, causing the others to laugh, except for the Hulk, who simply grunted in response.

Mark awkwardly shifted his stance and looked up, seeing thousands of Chitauri minions pouring through the portal and even more leviathans flying out.

"Uhm, guys. Heads up," Mark warned.

The Avengers looked up in shock. Tony Stark swiftly addressed the situation. "Call it, Cap."

Captain America took command of the situation, outlining a clear plan to contain the incoming enemies.

He directed Hawkeye to take position on the roof to monitor anpqd report on the movements of the invading forces, while Iron Man was tasked with securing the perimeter, ensuring that any threat that moved beyond a three-block radius was dealt with decisively.

Hawkeye, ready for action, asked Iron Man for a lift, who responded with a quip and promptly transported him to the rooftop. Meanwhile, Captain America turned to Thor, instructing him to use his lightning powers to control the portal and slow down the influx of enemies.

Thor flew off towards the portal to execute his part of the plan.

Captain America then focused on Black Widow, preparing to stay on the ground to handle the immediate threats alongside her.

He concluded his orders with a powerful directive to the Hulk, who responded with an enthusiastic grin and leaped into action.

The Hulk soared into the nearest building, scaling its walls with ease and using his immense strength to crush and snap Chitauri soldiers with forceful blows.

Captain America glanced at Mark.

 "If you can fight, you can stay here and help. If not, head inside and find somewhere safe," he said, pointing to a nearby area he deemed secure enough and still within his line of sight.

Despite Mark's suspicious appearance, Captain America's tone was trustworthy and firm, showing he was willing to give Mark the benefit of the doubt.

Mark nodded eagerly, appreciating Captain America's clear direction. The place was 'exciting' because of the intensity of the moment, he was also honest about his limitations and decided to seek safety as instructed.

As Mark ran towards the designated safe spot, the battle raged around him. Chitauri soldiers suddenly leaped from above, their energy rifles blazing. Mark's heart raced as he dashed, but before he could react, energy blasts struck him.

Captain America and Black Widow, noticing the new threat, sprang into action. Captain America hurled his shield with precision, knocking several Chitauri down. Black Widow followed, her gun firing with expert accuracy, taking down the enemies threatening Mark.

Mark braced for pain, but instead felt nothing. His smoke-like suit absorbed the energy from the blasts, leaving him unharmed. Ecstatic and relieved, he marveled at the suit's protective capability.

Black Widow, who had been observing Mark and assessing his demeanor, smiled sweetly.

"I could use some help." Her years training had assured her that Mark was harmless in personality.

Captain America nodded and sprinted towards another cluster of Chitauri.

Energized by Black Widow's presence, Mark sprang into action, using his suit to absorb and shoot back at the Chitauri. He fought alongside her, quickly integrating into the battle.

Black Widow directed him with brief instructions: "Cover me." Mark nods. Mark's suit absorbed energy released it while Black Widow's sharp shooting held the line.

The Chitauri, finding their energy rifles ineffective, roared in frustration and decided to close in for melee combat. As Black Widow ran out of ammo, Mark's energy absorption also became useless. Both of them muttered, "Shit."

The enemy split into two groups: one set focused on Black Widow, while the other targeted Mark, seeing him as the greater threat. The group attacking Black Widow used their staff-like weapons and rifles as clubs, while the others swarmed Mark, beating him wildly with their weapons.

Every hit caused his suit to generate bursts of lightning, though it didn't inflict significant damage on the attackers. Mark tried to shield himself with his arms, but his smoke-like suit grew thinner.

'What's with these lightning effects?' he thought. "Am I just making myself sparkle for dramatic effect while taking this beating?"

Though the Chitauri's weapons appeared to corrode bit by bit, Mark's suit reacted as if feeling him in distress. It burst outwards, sending the attackers tumbling.

The tentacle-like smoke connected Mark to the Chitauri, engulfing them. The fading color of the smoke deepened, darkening as it consumed the organic parts of the Chitauri minions.

Mark breathed a sigh of relief as the tentacle-like smoke from his suit engulfed and darkened, consuming the Chitauri minions and leaving only corroded inorganic materials behind.

Although he felt a twinge of unease from the feedback his suit gave him and the intense way it absorbed the Chitauri, he quickly noticed a surge of strength. Despite the discomfort, he quickly regained his composure.

Turning to check on Black Widow, he saw her get hit in the head, sending her to the ground. She expertly rolled to minimize the fall, barely missing a beat.

Mark commanded his suit to lock the remaining Chitauri in place with binding smoke and consciously let it absorbed them.

Black Widow, catching her breath on the ground, noticed Mark's actions but didn't dwell on them. She looked up at Mark as he walked over and offered his hand. Warily, her eyes staring at his smoke covered hand she asked, "Is it safe?"

Mark thought to himself, 'As long as I want it to be.' Out loud, he reassured her, "Of course." He uncovered the smoke from his hand to make her feel more at ease.

Black Widow took his hand and thanked him, meeting his gaze. Mark then uncovered his face and smiled. "I'm Mark. I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot of each other, so what's yours?"

Black Widow chuckled good-naturedly, noting his newfound confidence. "I'm Natasha." She paused, her gaze shifting to another group of Chitauri soldiers approaching.

 "And we still have work to do." She pouted slightly, her lips forming a teasing, seductive curve as she pointed her gaze toward the incoming hostile company.

Mark's attention was drawn to her lips, and he thought, 'That was definitely intentional.'

He covered his face with dark purple smoke and rushed into the fray.

Natasha watched him go with a knowing, amused smile before turning her attention to the discarded weapons, picking one up as she prepared to join the fight.