(Becoming the One- Below- All.)

Chapter two:

Smiling, Diana appreciated the elderly gentleman's sentiments. Prior Service men and women may not get treated as badly as they used to after Vietnam, but in a city like New York City it's a bit rarer to find someone who is grateful for the sacrifices that people like Diana have made in service to the country. So, Jack saying that meant a lot.

The odd duo made small talk for a while. Soon it was time for Diana's turn in line. However, before she could go up to her idol she got stopped by Jack.

Wait a bit, been meaning to ask you. What's so important about that Incredible Hulk comic you have? You seem to treasure it. But from what we've been talking about it doesn't seem like you particularly care for the Incredible Hulk that much. Jack asked, looking at the comic held carefully in Diana's hand.

Oh, this? Diana brings the 72nd issue up. Yeah, I don't care about the Incredible Hulk. And his movies are cringe and not worth watching. But this particular comic book is important to me though. Diana said.

Oh? Jack quirks up an eyebrow. And why's that? He asked.

Diana gets an excited look on her face. Because, this is one of the few times we meet the One Below All the Destroyer and you don't hear about him much and the focus is more on Earth and it's protectors. I figured there must be more to him, so I wanted to ask Stan Lee about him while also asking him to sign the page where the Incredible Hulk meets him. I know this incarnation of the character is more an enemy to Jack Kirby, but it still seems appropriate, you know? Said Diana.

Jack frowns a bit. What more to the character do you need? He's omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Kind of hard to really put a finger on that sort of being don't you think? Even worse to try and have a story surrounding him, or her. Replied Jack.

Well, uh, it's just there isn't a character in the Marvel Universe that doesn't have a story and I wish I could experience his. Heck, a being like that inside the Marvel MCU? I wish I could be the One- Below- All. Diana looks back at the line, Ah, sorry, Jack, I need to go, it's my turn! Diana said.

As Diana scampers off giddily, Jack laughs at his young friends antic's. Indeed, it just might be. Jack said to himself.

At this his eyes seem to glow for a split second before being replaced by his normal look. After a few minutes, he walks towards Diana, who's standing in front of Jack's best friend and colleague.

Jack places his gloved hand on Diana's shoulder as she gets her comic book back from Stan Lee, and before he can ask his question, Stan Lee says, this one?

Diana looks at her new customed friend curiosity. Does Jack know Mr. Lee?

Stan Lee looks up surprised. He takes his trademark aviator sunglasses off and points them at Diana. You sure Jack? Asked Stan Lee. Jack nod's and Stan Lee shrugs. Alright, but you have to explain it to her. Stan Lee takes out a pencil from his pocket, a worn out, dirty, chewed up pencil. He then reaches under the table and brings up a blank sheet of paper. As he places it on the table, the whole convention center seems to quiet as if someone is turning the volume dial down on a stereo. Once the paper hits the table, it's eerily silent. Diana starts to panic a bit. Just what is going on? The only thing Diana can hear is hers, Jack's, and Stan Lee's breathing. As the elderly celebrity drops his old pencil down onto the page, a word escapes his lips.

Excelsior.

Diana's consciousness fades to black as her body turns into motes of light until it disappears entirely.

Thanks Stan, as always, Jack Kirby says as he walks away and fades into nothingness.

See you in a few years, Jack. Says Stan Lee, and life returns to the convention hall.