The Avengers (Marvel;Re Relaunch)/Issue 1 (Captain America)

This is the first issue of The Avengers (Marvel;Re Relaunch).

Synopsis for ("Faith of the Deep Part 1, the Coming")
Captain America's team gets a call to Atlantis to investigate missing Kree and Atlanteans are they begin to learn what is truly going on.

Issue
Deep beneath the sea, where ancient ruins silently lie as aquatic creatures roam the depths, Andromeda, King Crab, and a contingent of Atlantean warriors are seen stalking through the former city, swimming and trudging through the sea floor with natural grace and unstoppable pace to what appears to be a glowing light at the center of the submerged settlement. The Atlantean force continues their movement until they reach the outer perimeter of the glowing light. Taking tactical positions, the water-dwellers warily survey the source of the light. Moments afterwards, the lights dim as the sounds of machines whirring are carried across the oceanic waves. Andromeda's words are cut short by the halting of the gears' grinding and the opening of the vessel's entrance. Moments afterwards, a tall and muscular humanoid emerges from the ship, surveying his surroundings. His presence is soon joined by a slimy golem-like figure, an armored female armed with a giant hammer, an ornately dressed man, a hulking axeman far larger than any of the group, and a group of soldiers. The Atlanteans fall silent upon seeing them, alarmed but undaunted by their presence. Andromeda takes a moment to analyze the group, who are seemingly ignorant of their presence.
 * King Crab: "(Translated via clicking noises) Gods, this better not be a sunken human submarine."
 * Andromeda (Andromeda Attumasen): "(Verbally responds) What do you hope it to be, King Crab?"
 * King Crab: "Something that is nothing, Andromeda. I would rather gait through the fields and eat worms than sully myself with these incessant errands."
 * Andromeda: "This may be something that could affect your people, too."
 * King Crab: "Yes. That does not mean that I have to love being here, doing gods-know-what for that half-breed 'king' of yours."
 * Andromeda: "Better for us to pick up the pace, then."
 * King Crab: "Is that... a vessel?"
 * Andromeda: "It resembles neither an Atlantean nor human construct..."
 * Atlantean Warrior #1: "It is not from Atlantis, and therefore it must be dangerous!"
 * Andromeda: "We need to report this to--"

Suddenly, one of the Kree reply to the Atlantean's assumption.
 * Andromeda: "These people... judging from the color of their skin and their garbs, they must be of the Kree."
 * Atlantean Warrior #2: "The Kree? What are they doing here?"
 * Atlantean Warrior #3: "There must be something they want. Otherwise, they wouldn't bring so many imposing figures at once."


 * Dar-Benn: "There is something we want, indeed. But it is not war that we seek."

The Atlantean warriors spring out of cover with their weapons bared, closing in to surround the Kree group to prevent them from executing any hostile actions. The Kree, for once, are unusually unprovoked by this display, for even their own soldiers do not raise their weapons in response to the Atlanteans' gesture. Andromeda emerges from cover with King Crab backing her up, and they carefully approach Dar-Benn. A telepathic conversation soon follows.

Andromeda takes a short look at Dar-Benn and his Kree before instructing an Atlantean soldier to come to her. Seconds afterwards, the Atlantean soldier pulls out an object resembling a plastic bag from his pouch. The object soon expands in a crackle of electricity after the soldier rubs its top, revealing its true nature as a jellyfish of considerable proportions. The jellyfish softly glides through the sea's currents before letting Andromeda pet it.
 * Andromeda: "(Lightly swimming towards the Kree) State your business, Kree. You trespass upon the waters of Atlantis, and we are not so welcoming of invaders."
 * Dar-Benn: "I am Dar-Benn, a former general of the Kree Empire. My compatriots and I have come here to seek refuge from our former hosts."
 * Andromeda: "You seek refuge in Atlantis, Kree?"
 * Dar-Benn: "Believe me, we would rather be elsewhere but on this planet, knowing the history between Earth and the Kree. But alas, circumstances forced us to land here to evade the Supreme Intelligence's grasp. Here is the place he least suspects that we come to."
 * Andromeda: "And what makes you think that we'll give you that refuge?"
 * Dar-Benn: "We come here in peace, My Lady. It may sound absurd considering our reputation, but you may thoroughly examine us to ascertain our motivations."

The jellyfish known as the Inquisitor swims towards the center of the Kree, who simply look at the creature in silence. After taking up position, the Inquisitor's tentacles lurch towards the extraterrestrials' heads, interfacing with their minds. The creature's body lights up in flickers of bright light as magic surges through its tentacles. The Atlanteans watch the process with uncertainty in their hearts, carefully monitoring the Kree's unsettling lack of response towards the Inquisitor's probes. Moments later, the interrogation ends, and the Inquisitor unlatches his tentacles from the Kree and slowly swims back to the Atlanteans.
 * Andromeda: "(To the Kree) Be ready to open your minds, then, Kree. (Petting the jellyfish) The Inquisitor will see to it that the truth be revealed. (Lets the jellyfish go) Do not try to resist him, lest the blessing Zhered-Na put upon him incinerate your higher mental functions."
 * Dar-Benn: "(After looking at the other Kree) So be it, then."

A split second later, the Inquisitor's tentacles lurch themselves to the Atlanteans the same way they did with the Kree. Andromeda reacted fast enough to cut the Inquisitor's tentacle with her collapsible trident and was about to throw it at the jellyfish until the Sleeper shoots a tendril at her, restraining her. King Crab, enraged and not yet affected by the Inquisitor's psychoactive tentacle, grabs the Inquisitor by the tentacle and pulls him towards him, allowing King Crab to execute the jellyfish by absolute crushing him. While this action frees up the Atlanteans, King Crab is unfortunate to suddenly be swatted away by the axe of the Kree brute, Mar-Adon, who immediately dashes forward to the flying crustacean and pins him down.
 * Andromeda: "Interesting. I've never seen such a smooth process."
 * Dar-Benn: "Indeed, My Lady. This 'Inquisitor' of yours have seen to it that the truth be revealed."

The Atlantean warriors fail to retaliate as the Kree Eternal known as Ultimus charges through them with such a force that all that is left of the attack force are bloody gristles.
 * Dar-Benn: "(Walks towards the restrained Andromeda before kneeling beside her) Don't struggle. Your pain will end soon enough."
 * Andromeda: "So much for coming in peace!"
 * Dar-Benn: "Oh, we came in peace, indeed. But if we are to attain what we seek, then it is undeniable that we require a little force."
 * Atlantean Warriors: "Death to the Kr--"


 * Andromeda: "No!"
 * Dar-Benn: "Ultimus, what did I tell you about casualties?"
 * Ultimus: "Adon and I spared you two metabeings, Voice. I would not complain if I were you."
 * Dar-Benn: "Hmph. (Turns to Andromeda) I guess you and your friend will do, after all."
 * Andromeda: "(Struggles to free herself from the Sleeper's symbiote restraints) What the hell are you up to?"

A new figure swims into the scene, approaching the group while being accompanied by the rest of the Kree. Andromeda's squirms come to a halt when the figure comes into sight, her eyes widening in both anger and surprise.


 * Andromeda: "You! You dare st--"

The figure stretches out his hand and streams of energy are projected through his fingers, entering Andromeda's facial orifices. King Crab, overwhelmed by utter hatred, briefly overpowers Mar-Adon and frees himself from his captivity to rush at the mysterious being. Unluckily, the unknown person simply outstretches his other hand and does the same thing he is doing with Andromeda to the King Crab. Within a matter of moments, the last two Atlanteans are rendered unconscious for a few seconds, before they awaken with glowing red eyes.


 * ???: "Do you see now, the peace we wish to bring upon this world, Andromeda?"
 * Andromeda: "Yes... yes, I see it. We... will make this world one in you, Master."
 * ???: "(Smirks) Oh, please, do not call me that, Andromeda."

The figure turns his face around, revealing his identity.

It cuts to the streets of New York as Captain America and the other Avengers are facing the super villain Necro who has brought back the dead. He grabs one of the undead and throws it into another. She grabs her shotgun and blasts away another zombie. He blasts energy blasts at the zombies. He grabs his trident and stabs it into a zombie. She fires more shots as Agent Venom uses his symbiote to create multiple arms to fight off the zombies. She fires at a zombie behind Agent Venom. Captain America is face to face with Necro. He uses two chains attached to him to attack Captain America as he dodges the chains and throws his shield at Necro. He jumps on Necro and keeps punching him. He gives Necro one last punch as suddenly all of the undead fall back down into the ground. Demolition Man shouts happily in glory. Everyone groans loudly. The Avengers call the Quinjet and leave as a title card shows saying "Beta Avengers, Issue One." It cuts to the Avengers' current lair, Avengers Mountain as Demolition Man is cooking turkey.
 * ???: "Magus would do just fine, indeed..."
 * Necro: My dead army! Rise and destroy the Avengers.
 * Demolition Man: Zombies? Oooh how fun.
 * Elsa Bloodstone The undead are not fun! Trust me!
 * Adam Warlock: I have to agree with the redhead.
 * Namor: Ah great, of course my teammates are arguing like little girls.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Sod off!
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Show off.
 * Agent Venom: Sorry ma'am.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Don't call me ma'am!
 * Captain America: You can stop this madness Necro.
 * Necro: New York is the centerfold of capitalist corruption! I will destroy New York and then I will destroy all of capitalism! Free everyone from the chains!
 * Captain America: Your plan is flawed. You think people would hail you as a savior when you destroy everything they love?
 * Captain America: We are the Avengers and villains like you will never win.
 * Demolition Man: Woo! This is way better than the Peru Mission!
 * Namor: Big man, for all of our sakes, please don't bring up the Peru mission ever again.
 * Demolition Man: Sorry.


 * Demolition Man: It's almost done pals!
 * Flash Thompson: That looks pretty good.
 * Demolition Man: A Murphy Family recipe!

He chuckles as Adam Warlock and Elsa Bloodstone are playing Darkstalkers against each other.


 * Adam Warlock: Hmmph. These mortal games are surprisingly fun.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Too bad you suck at the game.
 * Adam Warlock: I don't suck!
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Then play like it.

They keep playing competitively as Namor is meditating when suddenly his Avengers Wave watch beeps. He answers and sees Namora's face.


 * Namor: Namora? What's going on.
 * Namora: Atlantis needs your help, King Namor. This is the only way I know to get your attention. But I think your Avengers friends should help.
 * Namor: I wouldn't say they are my friends.
 * Namora: Just come.

Namor sighs as with Captain America, he is reading a book as suddenly Ronan the Accuser teleports into the mountain as everyone stops what they are doing.


 * Captain America: Ronan? What are you doing here?
 * Ronan: Captain America, I need you and your Avengers help.
 * Flash Thompson: Wait, didn't you try to use a giant robot to destroy Earth?
 * Ronan: Yes, I used to clash with these Avengers, but I did some introspection. But I am not here to talk about if I am a good guy or a bad guy.
 * Captain America: What's wrong?
 * Ronan: A group of Kree investigated a mysterious ship that crashed on Hala's moon. They never contacted us again and one of our scientists were able to track them to somewhere on Earth.
 * Namor: Atlantis?
 * Ronan: Yes.
 * Namor: Heh, I figured. My cousin, Namora, told me something sinister is going on in Atlantis. Looks our paths are colliding, Accuser.
 * Ronan: Are you in?
 * Captain America: We won't let any innocents die, Kree or Atlantian, Ronan. We are in.
 * Ronan: Good. I'm coming with.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: No disrespect, but I think we can handle it ourselves.
 * Ronan: I know you can, but one of these missing Kree is my own niece, Tanalth. It's personal.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Oh.

The conversation ends as it cuts to the Avengers swimming down to Atlantis, Cap, Demolition Man, Elsa Bloodstone and Ronan in high tech swimming gear while Adam Warlock, Namor and Agent Venom aren't in them for different reasons.


 * Demolition Man: So, what are we searching for?
 * Namor: The gates of Atlantis. These missing Kree must've entered Atlantis.
 * Ronan: Agreed.

They swim and soon arrive to Atlantis as Namora rushes to Namor.

Agent Venom uses his tendrils to swing himself over the gates. He looks around and sees the Kree, King Crab, Andromeda and numerous other Atlanteans on their knees chanting. They are repeating the words, "Magus, truth, desolation". Realizing the words just said he drops down to the front of the gates.
 * Namora: Namor! You and your team has arrived!
 * Namor: I have a vague idea of the problem. The Kree, yes?
 * Namora: Yes, but there is something worse about it. Andromeda and King Crab are with them.
 * Namor: But they are loyal to Atlantis.
 * Ronan: And Tanalth and the others were loyal to the Kree. We are dealing with something that can override wills.
 * Adam Warlock: (thinking) Could it be? No, it can't. He is dead.
 * Captain America: Do you know where these Kree and Atlanteans are now?
 * Namora: ...they took over Atlantis. I was able to escape.
 * Demolition Man: Can we just take them all on?
 * Namor: So, you are suggesting that we run into battle against hundreds of Atlanteans without knowing what is controlling them and how to neutralize them?
 * Demolition Man: Yes, exactly. You get it.
 * Namor: That's suicide, D-Man.
 * Demolition Man: Oh, I am out of ideas.
 * Agent Venom: If everyone is controlled, maybe we just need to collect one of them and then we can have Adam Warlock peer into their mind so see what is corrupting them?
 * Namor: That's.... not actually a bad idea. It might work.
 * Adam Warlock: It will work.
 * Demolition Man: Can I add something?
 * Captain America: What is it, Murphy?
 * Demolition Man: Okay two things. One, I remember my Turkey is burnt.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: We have more serious things going on now.
 * Demolition Man: And the second, which of us will get that brainwashed cult guy?
 * Agent Venom: I've been trained by the military in stealth among many things. I can handle this.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Plus, the fact you got an alien on your back.
 * Agent Venom: Okay, that too.


 * Agent Venom: I got some good news and some possibly bad news.
 * Captain America: Spill the good news first.
 * Agent Venom: I don't need to steal a cultist. They are chanting the leader.
 * Namor: Who is the leader?
 * Agent Venom: Something called Magus.

Adam Warlock's eyes widen.


 * Adam Warlock: It can't be. I-I killed him.

Suddenly Namora begins to laugh as her voice begins to get distorted as the cultists begin to swarm the Avengers and Ronin.


 * "Namora": You think you can kill a god?
 * Namor: Namora?! What have they done to you?!
 * "Namora": Don't worry king of Atlantis, her body is fine. I just needed to lure you Avengers here.
 * Captain America: So this is all a trap.
 * The Magus/"Namora": Exactly. This world is 70% water. It surrounds all of the land.
 * Namor: So you are planning an invasion. But why us? And why not Ronan and the rest of the Kree?
 * The Magus/"Namora": For the first question, simple, your powers would make my invasion way easier.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: We'd never join you, you facist cunt!

The Magus walks towards Elsa and places his/her hands on her face as Elsa's eyes begin to glow.


 * The Magus/"Namora": That is what Tanalth said when Ronan's crew found me.
 * Agent Venom: Did you say Ronan's?!
 * Ronan: I can explain.
 * The Magus/"Namora": Oh you didn't tell them huh? Tell them how you are a failure and caused your entire squad and your niece to see the light? Oh lord, you're so pathetic.
 * Captain America: Why didn't you enslave Ronan then and there?
 * The Magus/"Namora": I don't want Adam to be too one sided to stop my invasion. So I gave him this accuser as a pity prize. Not like his toy hammer can do anything to a god. Now Elsa, show your other Avengers the light.
 * Elsa Bloodstone: Yes glorious Magus.

She grabs Demolition Man as his eyes start to glow as well as Namor tries to punch Namora as Namora/Magus grins as the aspect of Magus begins to consume Namor, as Namor's eyes begin to glow black instead of Namora's. The enslaved Demolition Man grabs Captain America as it cuts to his mind palace, fully blank as the image of Magus stands before Captain America.


 * The Magus: Submit. Submit.
 * Captain America: (unphased) No. I don't think I will.
 * The Magus: You don't have a choice. I am better than you.
 * Captain America: Everyone has a choice. And I choose to not side with you.
 * The Magus: You must think you're so strong. I will succeed. It is written in the stars!
 * Captain America: Have you heard of Alexander the Great?
 * The Magus: What?
 * Captain America: He ruled over the Greek Nation of Macedonia, and he wanted to conquer the world. He failed. The Roman Empire? Failed. Napoleon? Failed. The Axis Powers? They failed as well. Tyrants always fail Magus. And I promise you, you will fail.
 * The Magus: Fine then, keep having your false hope. Play with your toy shield. None of you can stop me.

The Magus disappears as Captain America wakes up. He sees that all the cultists that surrounded him, including the enthralled Elsa, Demolition Man, Namor and Agent Venom are gone as only Ronan and Adam Warlock are left.


 * Adam Warlock: Captain?! You're normal?
 * Captain America: I wouldn't fall that easily.
 * Ronan: I am sorry friends, for not telling you what I saw.
 * Captain America: It's understandable. You felt guilty for the loss of your comrades, your niece. I would've done the same.
 * Adam Warlock: I have a question Captain. How are we going to fight off hordes of brainwashed by the Cult?
 * Captain America: We form a new Avengers. Designed specifically to face this threat. And I have the perfect first member.

It cuts to Latveria as Doctor Doom is sitting on his throne, reading The Republic by Plato, as suddenly Captain America comes in.


 * Doctor Doom: Well, well, Captain America, what brings you here?
 * Captain America: Doctor Doom, I need your help.

The issue ends.