17

'.....'= Thoughts 

"....."= Conversations 

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The Abomination roared in pain and fury as John's attacks shook the ground, causing the creature to stumble and lose balance. Tony took advantage of this moment to fly in and deliver a powerful punch to the Abomination's jaw, successfully stunning the beast for a moment.

Seeing the opportunity, the Hulk seized the Abomination by his massive arms, grunting with exertion as he tried to wrestle the creature into submission. Together, John, Tony, and the Hulk fought a relentless battle, their combined strength and powers slowly wearing down the Abomination.

Although the Abomination put up a fierce fight, its strength and endurance were no match for the determined trio. With each blow, the creature weakened and stumbled, eventually falling to the ground, visibly weakened.

John, with his Haki and Devil Fruit powers, delivered a final devastating blow straight on his face, causing the ground to shake violently. The Abomination let out a final scream of agony, before finally succumbing and falling lifeless to the ground.

John, Tony, and the Hulk stood triumphantly over the fallen Abomination, their chests heaving with exertion. The battle had been fierce, but they had emerged victorious.

Taking a moment to catch their breath, John observed the defeated creature. Its massive form lay sprawled on the ground, its scars and wounds evidence of the brutal fight it had endured. The Abomination's monstrous appearance, once filled with rage and aggression, now seemed strangely pitiful and vulnerable.

Tony, still hovering in the air, let out a relieved chuckle. "Well, that was quite the workout, huh?"

The Hulk grunted in agreement, his muscles still bulging with residual adrenaline. He looked down at the fallen Abomination and growled, "Hulk smash!"

John placed a hand on the Hulk's massive shoulder, restraining him. "Easy, big guy. He's down already."

The Hulk huffed, but reluctantly complied. John turned his attention back to the fallen creature, contemplating what to do next.

'Hmm, he seems to be quite toned down. In the Avengers: Age of Ultron, he just punched Thor for standing next to him. Maybe he's grateful that I saved his girlfriend,' John wondered about Hulk's attitude. 'Anyways, I am glad that we killed Abomination. I didn't want too keep any trouble for me in the future.'

Though the Abomination would definitely not be John's match in the future, he didn't like leaving any loose ends.

"Let the army sort it out. It's their fault anyways," Tony said as he landed near John, while Hulk walked towards his girlfriend.

"Their fault?" John pretended to be confused.

Tony started explaining him about the experiments doen by the army and also about the origin of Hulk.

John nodded in agreement after hearing Tony's explanation, "Yeah, you're right. This mess is definitely on them. Let's leave it to the authorities to clean up."

The two men watched as the military rushed in, securing the area and assessing the damage. It was clear that they had severely underestimated the threat that the Abomination posed.

"Hopefully they'll learn their lesson," Tony muttered, shaking his head. "They should have listened to me when I warned them about manipulating gamma radiation. Lot of people died because of their fiasco. And if not for you, I don't whether we would have been able to survive."

John looked at Tony who seemed to be deeply pondering about something.

"I would always have your back Tony. You just need to focus on upgrading your suits first."

Tony gave a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, you're right. And hey, I gotta say, working with you, and the Hulk, it's been quite the experience. We make a pretty good team."

John chuckled. "That I agree with."

They stood in silence for a moment, taking in the aftermath of the battle. The Hulk had now calmed down and was gently holding his girlfriend's hand, reassuring her with his presence.

"I think it's time we head back," Tony said, breaking the silence. "We can let the authorities handle things from here."

John nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him.

MEANWHILE, AT THE SAME TIME, SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA.....

Six people sat facing each other, mumbling incomprehensible words loudly. Although they appeared to be in a modern mansion, the room they occupied had an ancient aura.

The walls were adorned with faded tapestries that depicted scenes of myth and legend.

The six individuals, each garbed in intricate, vibrant robes, continued their murmured incantations. They sat at the edge of a circular pattern, with a golden coffin placed at the center. Resting atop the coffin was a golden crown, exhibiting numerous cracks that threatened its integrity. Adorning the crown were seven brilliantly colored serpents, giving off an ominous presence.

As their incantations continued, the air in the room grew heavy, charged with an otherworldly energy. A faint glow emanated from the crown and coffin at the centre of the circle, and whispers seemed to echo through the ancient walls.

Soon, the crown slowly levitated above the coffin, and the lid of the coffin also started to open.

As the lid of the coffin opened, a shimmering mist seeped out, casting an ethereal glow across the room. The six individuals, now with their eyes wide with anticipation, continued their incantations with renewed vigor. The whispers grew louder, almost reverberating through the chamber.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist. Tall and regal, it floated above the coffin with an air of power and foreboding. The figure had long, flowing hair the color of midnight, and its eyes glowed with a piercing, golden light. It wore an elegant robe, adorned with symbols of ancient power.

The six individuals, now trembling with a mixture of fear and awe, ceased their incantations and bowed their heads before the figure. The room fell silent, the whispers fading into a hushed stillness.

Slowly, the figure extended its hand towards the levitating crown. As its fingertips brushed against the cracks, a surge of energy pulsed through the room. The cracks on the crown began to mend, and the serpents seemed to come to life, slithering and hissing in a hypnotic dance.

With a voice that resonated with an otherworldly echo, the figure spoke, its words both commanding and soothing. "Awaken, serpents of ancient power, guardians of the realm beyond. Rise and unveil the secrets that lay dormant within."

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