CONFLICT (X-MEN Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D)

Nick Fury & Cyclops: AGENTS/X-MEN Take them down!

Wally zipped around the battlefield like a golden blur, dodging bullets with ease, disarming agents before they could even think of pulling their triggers. The sound of guns clicking empty and the surprised yelps of agents echoed through the chaos as Wally grinned to himself.

Wally: Man, I'm good!

He was about to disable another S.H.I.E.L.D weapon when suddenly something struck his leg mid-sprint. His momentum threw him off balance, and he tumbled to the ground with a loud thud. Looking down, Wally saw a strange, spinning contraption a clacker volley wrapped tightly around his leg, preventing him from moving.

Wally: What the heck? Lato-Lato??

Before he could process what was happening, a sharp, confident voice cut through the chaos.

Mockingbird: Nice moves, speedy. But playtime's over.

Wally looked up to see Mockingbird striding toward him, her twin batons spinning effortlessly in her hands, her posture radiating control and precision. The chaos of the battlefield seemed to fade into the background as she locked eyes with him.

Wally, trying to maintain his composure, leaned back casually on his elbows despite the clacker volley holding him down.

Wally: Oh, hello, sexy. Are you lost?

Mockingbird raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly at his audacity.

Mockingbird: Cute. But I'm not here to chat. You're coming with us.

Wally: Us? You mean S.H.I.E.L.D? Nah, I don't think so.

He attempted to vibrate his way out of the clacker volley, but the device tightened, sending a slight electric jolt through his leg.

Mockingbird: Oh, that's adorable. You think you can outrun SHIELD tech?

Wally winced slightly, realizing this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.

Wally: Okay, okay. You got me. But let's not rush things. How about a coffee first? You, me, no batons?

Mockingbird rolled her eyes and stepped closer, raising one baton threateningly.

Mockingbird: You talk too much.

Wally: Yeah, I get that a lot.

Mockingbird: Then maybe I should do this the hard way.

Before she could swing her baton, Wally smirked and leaned his head slightly to the side.

Wally: Hard way, huh? Kinda into that.

Mockingbird paused, momentarily thrown off by his cheeky response, but quickly regained her focus.

Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D agents, I need backup. He's slippery.

Wally's grin widened as he subtly prepared himself for his next move.

Wally: Slippery, huh? Let me show you just how slippery I can be.

He was about to sprint when an arrow suddenly landed right at his feet. He froze, looking down at the oddly glowing tip.

Wally: What the fu—

Before he could finish, the arrow exploded in a brilliant flash, sending him flying backward. He hit the ground with a groan, smoke rising from the scorched spot where the arrow had landed.

As Wally struggled to sit up, a confident, sarcastic voice called out from above.

Hawkeye: Don't flirt with my wife, mutant.

Wally looked up, blinking away the daze, and saw Hawkeye perched casually on a nearby building, another arrow already nocked and aimed directly at him.

Wally: Oh, great. The Robin Hood wannabe joins the party.

Hawkeye's smirk widened, but his eyes remained locked on Wally.

Hawkeye: You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. But guts won't stop me from putting you down if you make another move.

Mockingbird crossed her arms, looking down at Wally with an amused expression.

Mockingbird: Told you. You talk too much.

Wally shook his head, muttering under his breath as he got to his feet.

Wally: Okay, okay. I get it. You two are the perfect crime-fighting couple. Can't a guy catch a break?

Hawkeye: Not when the guy is causing chaos and flirting with my wife. Now, do us all a favor and stay down.

Wally's eyes darted between Mockingbird and Hawkeye, calculating his options. His body began vibrating again, and he grinned despite the situation.

Wally: Sorry, Legolas, but staying down isn't really my style.

Hawkeye: Let me make this clear: one more word about my wife, and the next arrow won't be a warning.

Wally: Alright, alright, message received.

He raised his hands in mock surrender, his vibrating face still faintly active as he struggled to remove the clacker volley from his leg. Despite the situation, Wally couldn't help but mutter under his breath.

Wally: Didn't know S.H.I.E.L.D recruited power couples now. Kinda cute.

Hawkeye growled, pulling the bowstring tighter.

Mockingbird: Clint, let it go. He's not worth the arrow.

Hawkeye grunted, reluctantly lowering his bow.

Hawkeye: Fine. But the kid stays grounded.

Wally: Grounded? Oh, buddy, you have no idea who you're dealing with.

Hawkeye tightened his grip on his bow, his patience wearing thin as Wally smirked at him with infuriating nonchalance.

Hawkeye: You know what? Shut up and come with me inside SHIELD headquarters. Enough of this nonsense.

Wally: Sorry, Hawkguy, but not today, I guess?

Before Hawkeye could respond, a sudden icy gust tore through the air, a spear of ice hurtling directly toward him. Instinctively, he somersaulted out of the way as the ice shard struck the ground, freezing the pavement on impact. He looked up to see Iceman emerging from the chaos, hands glowing with frosty energy.

Hawkeye: Really? Backup already? Typical Summers move.

Mockingbird barely had time to process the attack before a thunderous crash shook the ground. She leapt aside as Colossus's massive fist slammed into the pavement where she had been standing, leaving a crater in its wake. The force sent a ripple through the ground, causing debris to fly.

Mockingbird: Okay, this just got interesting.

Colossus straightened, his steel frame gleaming in the sunlight as he glared at the two S.H.I.E.L.D agents.

Colossus: Step away from Wally West. He is under X-Men protection.

Hawkeye: Oh, great. The big guy's here too. Can't you people just stay out of S.H.I.E.L.D business for once?

Wally took a step back, watching the escalating conflict with a mix of guilt and amusement.

Wally: Uh, guys? I appreciate the backup, but let's not flatten the entire plaza for me, okay?

Iceman shot him a look, forming another ice shard in his hand.

Iceman: Stay out of this, Wally. We've got it covered.

Mockingbird rolled her eyes, adjusting her combat stance as she circled around Colossus.

Mockingbird: You X-Men are really testing our patience.

Colossus: And you S.H.I.E.L.D agents are testing ours.

Hawkeye notched an arrow, its tip glowing faintly with a pulsing red light.

Hawkeye: Alright, Summers' crew, if you want a fight, let's go. But don't say I didn't warn you.

As tensions rose, Wally sighed, rubbing his temples.

Wally: This is why I don't do team-ups.

Iceman smirked confidently as he raised both hands, frost spiraling outward to form a massive wall of ice that towered over Hawkeye.

Iceman: Here, how about a little ice storm for you, Robin Hood?

With a swift motion, he hurled a wave of thick, jagged ice shards at Hawkeye, the air crackling with cold as the projectiles surged forward.

Hawkeye rolled out of the way with practiced agility, narrowly dodging the icy barrage. The shards slammed into the ground behind him, freezing patches of pavement and sending sharp splinters flying. Without breaking stride, he pulled an explosive-tipped arrow from his quiver, nocking it and taking aim.

Hawkeye: Nice try, Frosty, but it's going to take more than that to stop me.

He loosed the arrow, and it streaked through the air, its tip glowing with volatile energy. It struck the ice formation Iceman had conjured, detonating in a fiery explosion that shattered the structure into a spray of icy debris. The force of the blast sent Iceman skidding backward, the impact knocking him off balance.

Iceman: What the?! Seriously, you carry those around?

Hawkeye: Always come prepared. Maybe you should take notes.

Regaining his footing, Iceman glared, a fresh wave of frost forming around his hands.

Iceman: You're going to regret that.

Hawkeye grinned, drawing another arrow.

Hawkeye: Bring it on, snow cone.

Nearby, Wally, still recovering from the chaos, watched the escalating duel with wide eyes.

Wally: Man, I need popcorn for this.

Mockingbird deftly flipped backward, narrowly avoiding Colossus's massive fist as it slammed into the ground, leaving a deep crater. She landed gracefully, twirling her batons and smirking.

Mockingbird: You're strong, tin man, I'll give you that. But strength alone won't cut it here.

Colossus rose to his full height, his metallic form gleaming under the sun, and growled in response.

Colossus: Mock all you want. You will tire before I do.

Mockingbird tapped her comms device as she circled him, dodging another powerful swing.

Mockingbird: Quake, I've got a heavy hitter here. Mind lending me a hand?

A moment later, a ripple surged through the ground as Quake, dressed in her tactical S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform, emerged from the fray. She clapped her gauntleted hands together, unleashing a shockwave that destabilized the area around Colossus.

Quake: You called for the earthquake specialist?

Colossus stumbled slightly but quickly steadied himself, bracing against the tremors.

Colossus: You think shaking the earth will stop me? I am unmovable!

Quake charged forward with surprising speed, her fists glowing with vibrational energy.

Quake: Let's test that theory.

With a powerful uppercut, she struck Colossus square in the jaw. The vibrational force rippled through his metal frame, causing him to stagger and nearly fall to one knee.

Colossus: Impressive... but you'll need more than that.

Mockingbird stood off to the side, smirking as she twirled her batons.

Mockingbird: I'd say you're in for a tough fight, Colossus. Hope you brought your A-game.

Quake cracked her knuckles, readying for another strike.

Quake: Let's see how much you can take.

Quake barely managed to sidestep as Colossus's massive fist soared past her, but she wasn't quick enough to completely avoid his next attack. The giant metal man's fist collided with her midsection, sending her skidding across the cracked earth, her boots scraping the ground as she tried to keep her balance.

Colossus: Strong lady.

Quake gritted her teeth, quickly recovering and standing firm.

Quake: Thanks, I try to stay in shape.

But Colossus wasn't done. He cracked his knuckles and smirked, a gleam in his eyes.

Colossus: Now it's time to fight dirty!

With a roar, Colossus lunged forward, his body hurtling toward Quake with terrifying speed. Before she could react, Colossus's metal fist slammed into her chest, sending a shockwave through the ground as Quake hit the dirt with a brutal thud, leaving a crater beneath her.

Meanwhile, Mockingbird was trying to keep her focus on Wally, who was still evading and racing through the battlefield. Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed a clacker volley from her utility belt and aimed it at Wally's legs, ready to disable him once again.

But just as she was about to throw it, a voice rang out behind her, sending a chill down her spine.

Wolverine: Where do you think you're going, bub?

Mockingbird whipped around just in time to see Wolverine, his claws extended, standing mere feet away from her.

Mockingbird: Great. Just what I needed.

Wolverine smirked, his posture relaxed but with an undeniable readiness for action.

Wolverine: Thought you could sneak up on the kid, huh? Not on my watch.

Mockingbird darted to the side, trying to reposition herself and toss the clacker volley, but Wolverine was faster. He charged forward, claws flashing through the air as he blocked her every move. Mockingbird spun and blocked a swipe with her batons, but the sheer strength of Wolverine's attack sent her stumbling back.

Mockingbird: Not bad for a grumpy old man.

Wolverine: You should see me after my morning coffee, sweetheart.

Meanwhile, Quake slowly climbed out of the crater Colossus's punch had created, shaking her head to clear the stars from her vision. She glanced up, her face hardened with determination.

Quake: Is that the best you've got?

Colossus cracked his neck, ready for more.

Colossus: I haven't even started yet, little one.

Cyclops, his visor glowing with restrained power, stood facing Nick Fury. Fury's stance was casual, but there was a focused intensity in his eyes. The battlefield around them raged on with mutants and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents clashing, but this one-on-one was about to get personal.

Cyclops: You really want to do this, Fury?

Nick Fury: I'm not the one who's gonna make this hard on himself, Summers.

Fury's hands were steady at his sides, but he was ready for whatever came his way. Cyclops, sensing Fury's readiness, gritted his teeth and made the first move. With a sudden flash of red, he aimed his powerful optic blasts at Fury, the force of the blast intended to knock him off his feet.

But Fury was faster than Cyclops anticipated. With lightning-quick reflexes, he ducked under the beam and closed the distance between them. Cyclops was about to recalibrate his visor when Fury's fist connected with his chin with a sharp, brutal punch.

Cyclops: Urgh!

The force of the punch sent Cyclops staggering back, his head spinning for a moment. Fury wasn't done. As Cyclops tried to regain his footing, Fury seized the moment, grabbing him by the shoulders and using his momentum to shove him into a nearby crate. The sound of metal bending under Cyclops' weight echoed through the area.

Nick Fury: You might have all that firepower behind that visor, but you're gonna have to do better than that, kid.

Cyclops growled, struggling to push himself up. He adjusted his stance, his legs bracing as he prepared for another shot. Fury, knowing Cyclops would try again, sidestepped just as the optic blast surged past him.

Nick Fury: Come on, you can do better than that.

Fury moved quickly, getting inside Cyclops' range again, and with a swift jab to Cyclops' side, he knocked the wind out of him.

Cyclops: Damn it…

Fury smiled, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Nick Fury: You X-Men are a tough bunch, but it doesn't matter how many powers you have… sometimes you just gotta fight dirty.

Cyclops was reeling from the brutal exchange with Nick Fury. Fury had the upper hand, and Cyclops was struggling to catch his breath. His visor, still glowing faintly, hummed with the power within him. Fury stepped forward, intent on finishing the fight, but Cyclops had something else in mind.

Nick Fury: Not bad, Summers. You're still standing. But it won't be for long.

Fury's confidence radiated as he moved in for another strike, ready to put Cyclops down once and for all. But Cyclops had been biding his time, watching his opponent's movements, waiting for the right moment.

In a flash, Cyclops shifted his weight and landed a quick, unexpected blow to Fury's midsection. The punch, perfectly timed, hit Fury below the belt.

Nick Fury: Gah!

Fury's face contorted in surprise and pain as he staggered back, his breath short and ragged. The moment of weakness was just enough for Cyclops to stand tall again, a grin creeping onto his face.

Cyclops: Yeah, heal those, Fury?

-Back to Wally-

Wally stood on the sidelines, his eyes scanning the chaotic battlefield as he saw Colossus struggling to regain his footing after a devastating stomp by Quake. The giant mutant was barely holding his ground as the shockwaves from Quake's punch reverberated through the air. Wally couldn't help but mutter to himself, still unsure of how things were playing out.

Wally: He's doing great...

His voice trailed off as his attention was suddenly drawn to the sky above. The sound of thunder cracked through the air, far louder than anything he had heard before. It was so intense it almost shook the ground beneath his feet.

Wally's eyes widened as he saw Storm descend from the darkened skies, her body surrounded by crackling electricity and fierce winds. She was in her full glory, a storm of destruction that bent the very weather to her will.

Storm was a force of nature. She raised her hand, summoning a massive bolt of lightning that arced downward, crashing into several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, sending them flying. The air crackled with electricity as she turned to face more agents, her eyes glowing with power. She swirled the winds around her, sending gusts strong enough to lift and throw soldiers across the field.

Wally: Okay, this is definitely not good...

The sight of Storm effortlessly destroying S.H.I.E.L.D. agents with a casual flick of her wrist made Wally pause. He'd known she was powerful, but witnessing it firsthand, he could feel the sheer destructive potential she wielded.

Wally quickly snapped back to the action, hearing the shouts of agents scrambling to avoid her storm. He knew the X-Men were not here to play nice with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Wally: Guess the party's really just getting started...

-Hourse Later-

The battlefield was littered with the defeated S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and X-Men. Nick Fury lay on the ground, bruised and panting heavily, clearly worn out from his earlier confrontation with Cyclops. He glared up at the mutants who had bested him. The air was thick with tension, and the sounds of battle echoed across the field as Cyclops, Colossus, Wolverine, and Iceman stood victorious, but weary.

Cyclops, standing tall and confident, looked down at the struggling Fury and cracked a grin.

Cyclops: Looks like we won the war, Fury?

Fury gritted his teeth, still trying to pull himself together as he pushed up on one arm. He had underestimated the power of the X-Men today. It was clear that this wasn't a fight he was going to win.

But before Fury could respond, a sudden voice broke the tension. Wally, who had been watching from the sidelines, suddenly spoke up with a pointed finger toward the sky.

Wally: I don't think so...

The X-Men turned their attention skyward as the unmistakable sound of repulsor engines filled the air. Iron Man soared down through the clouds, landing with a massive impact in the center of the battlefield. Behind him, a group of Avengers followed suit Captain America, Wasp, Giant-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver. Their arrival signaled a new chapter in the battle, one that would surely tip the scales back in favor of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers.

Iron Man stepped forward, his armor gleaming as he raised his hand in greeting, clearly ready for round two.

Iron Man: Alright, I think we've had enough of this nonsense. Time for a little cleanup.

Wally's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the new threat.

Wally: Well, this just got a lot more complicated.

As the Avengers made their way toward the battlefield, Scarlet Witch's eyes locked onto Wally's. For a moment, time seemed to slow. Her face flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly turned her gaze away, blinking rapidly. Wally, confused by the sudden change in her demeanor, tilted his head in puzzlement.

Wally: Why does her face look red...?

Quicksilver, ever watchful, noticed the subtle interaction between Wally and his sister. His expression shifted to one of suspicion, his sharp eyes narrowing as he watched Scarlet Witch blush. He took a few quick steps toward her.

Quicksilver: You okay, little sis?

Scarlet Witch, still flustered, blinked and glanced up at her brother.

Scarlet Witch: I think I'm in love with that man...

Quicksilver's face darkened immediately. His jaw clenched as his eyes shot a furious glare at Wally, who had no idea what he had just caused. Quicksilver's words dripped with a venomous edge.

Quicksilver: Not if I have anything to say about it...

Wally, still processing the whole situation, glanced back at the Quicksilver's intense glare and then to Scarlet Witch. He was starting to feel more than a little awkward, his focus now divided between the incoming Avengers and the developing tension.

Wally: What the heck... Is she serious?

But before he could dwell too much on it, Iron Man's voice boomed across the field, his tone authoritative and calm despite the chaos around them.

Iron Man: Alright, enough of this. We're taking control of this situation. Stand down, all of you.

Captain America stepped forward, his shield in hand and his posture ready for anything.

Captain America: You heard Tony. You've caused enough damage. It's time to end this.

Cyclops stepped forward, standing defiantly against Iron Man. His voice was unwavering, a mix of defiance and resolve.

Cyclops: What if we don't?

Iron Man's visor lit up slightly, and his tone was calm but firm, carrying the weight of the Avengers' authority.

Iron Man: Then you're making a mistake. You're outnumbered, Summers. Think again. Either you surrender that mutant to S.H.I.E.L.D., or you face the consequences.

The X-Men exchanged glances, their resolve solidifying in the face of the Avengers' threat. Before Cyclops could respond, Wally, standing at the center of it all, was about to step forward. However, his attention was abruptly pulled elsewhere by a familiar voice shouting from the distance.

Pearl: Uncle Wally!

Wally turned sharply, his eyes widening in shock as he saw Pearl running toward him, her small figure weaving through the chaos. Panic instantly gripped him as he shouted back at her.

Wally: Pearl, no! Don't come here! Stay back!

One of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents aimed his weapon, his voice cold and commanding.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent: Kid, stop right there!

But Pearl didn't stop. She kept running, her eyes only on her uncle.

Everything happened in an instant. The sound of a grenade launcher firing rang out, and Wally's heart stopped as he saw the small, smoking projectile hurtling toward Pearl. Time seemed to slow as he screamed, his voice filled with anguish.

Wally: NO!

With a burst of speed, Wally sprinted toward her, the world around him blurring. But just as he was about to reach her, a sudden force slammed into him, pinning him to the ground. Wally struggled, looking up to see Quicksilver holding him down, his face twisted with fury.

Quicksilver: You're not going anywhere, mutant!

Wally's vibrating face began to falter as his emotions overtook him. His eyes darted to Pearl, who was lying motionless a few feet away, smoke and debris settling around her small frame.

Wally: Pearl...

His voice cracked, raw with despair and guilt. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he struggled against Quicksilver's grip, his body trembling.

Wally: Let me go! She's just a kid! Let me go!

Quicksilver tightened his grip, his voice cold.

Quicksilver: You brought this on yourself. Now stay down.

As the dust began to clear, everyone turned their eyes to Pearl. Storm rushed forward, her face stricken with concern, while Cyclops and the other X-Men looked on in horror. Even some of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents hesitated, their resolve shaken by what had just transpired.

Nick Fury, still recovering from his injuries, barked an order.

Nick Fury: Medic! Get a medic to the kid!

But for Wally, the world had gone silent. All he could see was Pearl, and all he could feel was the weight of his failure to protect her. His heart raced, and his powers surged within him, threatening to explode.

Wally: You'll pay for this... Every single one of you will pay for this!

His body began to vibrate uncontrollably, his red eyes glowing brighter than ever, as he prepared to unleash everything he had.

Quicksilver's grip on Wally tightened, but Wally's anger surged, overpowering his restraint. With a burst of speed and strength, Wally slipped free, spinning around and grabbing Quicksilver by the face. His red-glowing eyes burned with fury as he stared directly into Pietro's shocked expression.

Wally: Now it's getting personal.

Quicksilver struggled, his speed momentarily useless as Wally's grip held firm, vibrating with power. The tension between them was electric, their clashing energies drawing the attention of everyone on the battlefield.

Before Wally could unleash his pent-up rage, a commanding voice cut through the chaos.

Nick Fury: West! Stand down!

Wally froze, his grip loosening slightly as he turned his head to see Fury stepping forward, his presence authoritative despite the bruises and chaos around him. Fury's eye narrowed as he addressed Wally directly.

Nick Fury: If you come with us now, I'll take responsibility for all of this. The kid, the damage everything.

Wally's body trembled, torn between his anger and his desperation. His gaze shifted to Pearl, still unconscious on the ground, with Storm tending to her and shielding her from further harm. Fury's words lingered, the weight of his offer cutting through Wally's haze of rage.

Cyclops stepped forward, his voice firm.

Cyclops: Don't listen to him, Wally. You don't have to trust S.H.I.E.L.D. We can protect you.

Wally looked back at Fury, then at Cyclops, and finally at Pearl. His heart pounded as he weighed his options, every second feeling like an eternity. Fury took another step closer, his tone softer but still resolute.

Nick Fury: This doesn't have to escalate any further, West. Come with us, and we'll handle this the right way.

Wally released Quicksilver, who stumbled back, glaring but staying silent. Wally's fists clenched as he made his decision.

Wally: Fine... But if anything happens to Pearl, Fury, I swear-

Nick Fury raised a hand, cutting him off.

Nick Fury: She'll be fine. You have my word.

The battlefield seemed to hold its breath as Wally stepped forward, surrendering himself to S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Cyclops and the X-Men tensed, clearly unhappy with the outcome, but they didn't intervene. As Wally was taken into custody, he glanced back at Pearl one last time, determination flickering in his eyes.

Wally: This isn't over.

Next Issue: MOTHER TRUTH.