Guess who's back - back

Back again-ain

Guess who's back - back

Back again-ain

...It's me!!!! Alright, this chapter is told in Kazar and Taskmaster's point of view! Enjoy! ;)

_____

His shoulder still hurt. Ugh, stupid, silent, blood-thirsty hunter.

Kazar carefully hefted the S.H.I.E.L.D supplied backpack over his uninjured shoulder, wincing anyway when the bandage opposite to it rubbed or irritated his wound in any way. With a grimace, he willfully resisted the urge to rub his shoulder and instead turned from his bunk to exit the small room he had been given aboard the Tricarrier.

Even within the sanctity of his room, he could feel the energetic bustle of S.H.I.E.L.D beyond the door. After coming back to the Academy from the attack with the hunter in that alleyway, something seemed to have had awoken inside S.H.I.E.L.D. Ever since the accident, involving Spider-Man and his prison break from the Med Bay, the cooperation had seemed to lock down in on itself. No news got out to the public, there were no real sightings of S.H.I.E.L.D agents or its heroes, and any footage that news choppers got from filming the Triskelion was "mysteriously" hacked and deleted within 10 minutes; so as far as anyone in New York could tell, S.H.I.E.L.D was nothing but a lifeless, flying metal husk in the sky.

But now it's been sparked back to life. Someone had been after Kazar, specifically. After a few S.H.I.E.L.D detectives looked over the battle site and patrol trail of Kazar, they discovered that the hunter had been hiding in the shadows for at least an hour, waiting for the teen to run by. How the hunter knew he would be there, no one was quite sure, but Director Fury theorized that someone has been watching S.H.I.E.L.D, and whoever it was wanted Kazar dead.

For a scary moment, Kazar and the rest of his teammates thought Fury would pull the plug on a mission to the Savage Lands. But, surprisingly, he was actually eager for them to go now. "Whoever's out there wanted to kill Kazar, probably because he is one of the only people who can safely navigate the Savage Lands." the Director had said, "That means there's something there they don't want us to find. I think you kids were right about the cure being there, but I also think we need to tread carefully. Whoever attacked Kazar might be willing to try again."

Originally, only 3 people were to go on the mission: Kazar (of course), Taskmaster (because he was also familiar with the Savage Land terrain), and Hulk (to keep dangerous animals - it be dinosaurs or giant mosquitoes - away). But, consequently, since the attempt by this enemy was on Kazar's life, Nick Fury decided to have Captain America tag along too. Not much could get past Cap, leaving Kazar in extremely capable hands. Which was fine, Captain America was a true inspiration, and just really awesome, anyway.

Personally, Kazar was just happy Kraven wasn't coming along.

He met up with Cloak, Dagger, Iron Fist, and Powerman outside in the hall. They looked at each other idly, before wordlessly walking down the corridor together. Halfway down, Powerman stated, to no one in particular, "I guess Nova was wrong about me going on the mission." He said it casual enough, but anyone could catch the layer disappointment there if they listened closely.

Dagger gave him a sidelong glance, and clapped a hand on his shoulder with a small sympathizing nod, "Yeah, I wanted to go too."

"Next time, perhaps." Iron Fist contributed half-heartedly. Cloak didn't say anything, but his face conveyed enough.

Kazar wasn't sure if he should talk or not. He was the one going on the mission, he had nothing to feel disappointed about, except - perhaps - his shoulder. Besides, he didn't really want to rub his involvement in anyone's face.

He already had one person out for his blood, he didn't need anymore.

Well, that and the fact that Kraven wasn't coming put him in a good mood, so he had nothing to really feel sour about anyway.

_______~Line Break~ _________________________

Taskmaster was being escorted to the top of the Tricarrier by 8 guards. They had retrieved him from his cell and given him his confiscated clothes back - well, all aside from his weapons, which he was told would be on the jet, where he would be joining Captain America, Hulk, and Kazar on some silly mission.

Ugh, this almost wasn't worth it.

Not only did he have his hands cuffed behind his back, but he was blindfolded too. Probably Fury's idea; didn't want him to memorize S.H.I.E.L.D's interior design or anything, which was annoying. Not that he needed his sight to tell where his escorts were, anyway. He heard their footsteps, there were three guards on each side of him, and one both behind and in front, their gloves whined quietly as their guns rubbed against the tight, leathery texture.

He'd admit he wasn't used to being held as a prisoner, especially in a place as horrible as S.H.I.E.L.D. His days serving the organization was like a humiliating slap to the face. But at least he understood their customs and tactics enough that he could get outta here the first instance the cuffs snapped off.

It was just a shame he was otherwise...occupied.

____~LINE BREAK~___

The teens didn't say anything else the rest of the way up to the landing strip. There, the rest of the team, the Avengers, and some of the staff were waiting. A couple of them were helping the agents stock the ship with necessary provisions, food, water bottles, and, of course, weapons. Parachutes were checked and made sure to be in mint condition, the jet's systems were thrumming and top-notch, there was even a lifeboat deflated and folded against the wall.

The send-off group didn't plan on staying long in the Savage Lands, but they didn't want to be caught unprepared for anything either, be it a dinosaur attack, an unplanned crash, or even a maniacal hunter out for you or your brothers blood - did Kazar mention how happy he was that Kraven wasn't going? The hunter said he'd prefer to stay and continue observing the Infected, which was perfectly fine with the teen. Besides, if there was anyone who had a better chance of navigating the Savage Lands than Kazar, it would be Kraven, and they didn't need that guy to run off and try to kill them as they slept, or sacrifice some magical t-rex for super strength, or something like that.

But, despite how happy Kazar was about Kraven staying - if anyone caught on to his good attitude toward that - he still felt particularly sour that it was Taskmaster who was accompanying them. It WAS Taskmaster, after all, who brought Kraven to the Savage Lands for him and his brother in the first place. Thankfully though, as skilled as Taskmaster was, didn't know as much about the Savage Lands and its terrain like Kazar or Kraven to be a serious threat if he decided to go it alone for a while. Buuut he still knew enough to survive for s short time, should anything happen. Not to mention he was, admittedly, a good fighter and would come in handy against any troubles.

But still...

Hmmm....speaking of a certain combat-chameleon, where was he? The guy wasn't with the awaiting send-off group or being kept under watch in a small corner of the deck where he could easily be pushed off without anyone notice... The man's absence made a small part of Kazar flicker with hope. Maybe Taskmaster wasn't coming after all!

But did he dare believe his luck could be that good? If Spider-Man taught him one thing, it's "to never trust in your luck. If you believe you're in the green, then the universe will fall on you like the Juggernaut and crush you with disappointment and pain and a whole, whole lot of paranoia." Spider-Man's words, not his.

Kazar morphed his walk into a jog, setting his sights on Hulk and Captain America, who were talking to Nick Fury off to the side. Before he could get far, someone caught his elbow. When looking back, he noticed that the rest of the team had assembled behind him, with Powerman in front, Kazar's elbow in hand. "Hey," Powerman said, "We just wanted to wish ya good luck." he gave Kazar a kind smile. "Good luck."

Behind him, Agent Venom whooped, "Go kick some butt!"

"And bring that megamiph-a-thingy back with you while you're at it." Iron Spider piped out, sounding somewhat like some father reminding his kid to do his chores.

"And keep an eye out for any crazy people who want to kill you," Dagger added, she sounds more like a worried mother who fretted over the children. Kazar chuckled lightly, despite the achy reminder of his injury, and nodded. "I swear I will not let you down," he promised them.

Nova crossed his arms with a smirk, "Of course you won't," he said with an eye roll, "You were trained at S.H.I.E.L.D Academy weren't you?"

Kazar chuckled again, "Yes. I suppose I was." It was funny. He had just met these kids, he couldn't even tell you their alter-ego names, yet, he felt his heart swell with the looks of encouragement and confidence they shot his way. They all, every single one of them, were disappointed that they weren't going on the mission, yet they'd still rally behind him and give him their support. Nothing could replace Zabu, never in a million years, but he still felt a sense of belonging here with them. They were all different, yet still kind of the same. He felt, however small it was, that maybe they all really were kind of like a family.

Kazar gave them one last grateful look, before walking toward the send-off group. Hulk, Cap, and Fury finished whatever they were discussing just as he approached them.

__~LINE BREAK~ ____

Up ahead, Taskmaster heard a group of people approaching in the corridor, among the footsteps there was an all-too-familiar metallic clank, clank, clank, clank hidden among the normal thud of shoes on metal floors. Despite having been given his mask back, he repressed a cold smile.

He and his escorts rounded a bend, just as the other group of people did too, resulting in a "sudden" collision that sent him falling back into one of the guards, both of whom ended up as a pile on the floor. There was a soft crinkling and swooshing sound as papers were sent careening in all directions. The hall was filled with loud scuffling and many rushed apologies as both the agents and the S.H.I.E.L.D scientists rushed to their feet, picking up papers, in which was, no doubt, the most unprofessional way that Taskmaster had ever heard.

"You idiotic, bumbling bafoons!" a cold, hollow, and slightly metallic voice cursed. There was only one person Taskmaster knew who could use the words like "bumbling" and "bafoon"

"Well, it's so good to see you again, Dr. Octavius." Taskmaster sneered as he kicked the agent who had landed on top of him away.

There was a sharp clank in his direction. "Taskmaster," Doctor Octopus spat. "Glad to see S.H.I.E.L.D has paid no expense with your treatment."

Taskmaster shrugged, "Better than working in a lab like a slave. Tell me, when will you be returning to employment for Osborn? Seeing how you're so keen on being kept as some petty lap dog."

"Like your any better your worthless worm!" Octavius growled Taskmaster heard him surge forward in fury. A flurry of agents rushed forward and intercepted, pushing the man back and shouting threats to use lethal force if he didn't comply, guns whined to life in emphasis. The mercenary chuckled, he could imagine all-too-well what the scene looked like. Octavius always was a bit of a hothead.

As he got to his knees, the sounds of agents pushing Octavius away still loud in his ears, Taskmaster felt someone push something into his hands. It was small and thin, crisp but fragile; a scrap of paper he estimated to be barely the length of his palm. The messenger moved away just as quick as they had been there, and smoothly joined back in with the rest of the collisional group.

Quick, but smoothly, Taskmaster slid the paper into his boot, then got to his feet. By then, the chaos had been settled and the guards resumed their positions around him. Both agents and scientists split ways and continued their own trek through the halls, (Octavius muttered profanities at Taskmaster as they passed each other).

All as if nothing happened.

___~LINE BREAK~___________

"Ready to go," Kazar reported to Fury and Cap, vaguely wondering if he should salute or not. Did the situation call for one, or...

Before he could decide, Fury nodded and said, "Good. Jet's prepped and the team is ready. I need this to be in and out Kazar, no detours or long routes, we're on the clock."

"I'm aware, Sir. It didn't take Wolverine and I too long last time if all goes well we can be back here by the day after tomorrow." Kazar assured. "At the latest, we'll be three days."

Captain America shouldered his shield, "Well then, it's probably a good idea to get right on it." he glanced around once, "Where's Taskmaster?"

Ugh, so maybe he WAS coming.

Nick Fury did a quick sweep of the area, into his comm he said, "Agent Grant, where is Taskmaster?"

"We're on our way Sir." a voice replied back.

"I don't care that you're 'on your way', I want to know why you're not here NOW."

"Sorry Sir, we, uh, had a little collision with some scientists. But it's all good now."

"I want you up here within 2 minutes, agent, or I'm throwing you off this ship myself," threatened Fury, then he shut the comm off. Kazar wasn't sure if Director Fury would actually do that, but judging by the group of agents hurrying onto the Tricarrier deck a minute later, he figured the Directors threat might've been more honest than he thought. Centered within the group of agents stood a blind-folded Taskmaster.

Kazar swallowed down the bile in his throat.

But he supposed he still preferred Taskmaster over Kraven, you know if he had to choose one of em.

The agent in front of the group saluted to the Director, "Forgive our tardiness, Director Fury." he promptly turned and unfolded the cloth around Taskmaster's mask eyes. "We ran into some scientists and-"

"This isn't some school agent, I don't want to hear your apologies or excuses. What I DO want is for Taskmaster to be secured within the ship and ready for take off." Nick growled,

The agent nodded, "Yes Sir."

"Wait," Taskmaster interrupted grittily, "Aren't you going to take these off," he nodded his head toward his cuffed hands. "I'm not some dog, Fury."

Nick raised an eyebrow like he didn't completely agree on that point. "You'll be uncuffed soon enough," he said, "Now get in the jet. Keep in mind that you agreed to go on this little field trip, thus you agreed to abide by the rules."

Taskmaster glowered under the mask, staring at Nick for a long minute, before turning sharply away toward the jet without a word. A bit of something unpleasant wormed its way into Kazar's stomach. Just the thought of going anywhere with that guy made him want to hurl.

But, he sighed, there's was nothing I can do about it now.

Oh well.

Still better than Kraven.

___~LINE BREAK~_________

Taskmaster stormed over to the jet, barely able to keep his composure. His teeth ground together beneath the mask, and his eyes glared holes in the jet in front of him. Never had he desired to kill Fury and his agents more than he did right now.

To be honest, it wasn't really even the cuffs that bugged him, it's not like he couldn't defend himself with them on. No, he was infuriated with Fury, and Coulson, and the rest of the back-stabbing agents aboard the Tricarrier. He remembered the days of loyalty and teamwork he had with them. Ugh, they were like poisonous memories that made him feel more disgusted the longer he stayed.

He itched to grab his guns and shoot their brains out - no, rather he'd take his knives and kill them slowly. Now that he would enjoy.

Frankly, the only thing he could think of that could calm him down, was the thought of Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, and the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D getting what was coming to them. And it was coming soon. He just needed to be patient.

So, he sat quietly and allowed the agents to secure him to the bench on the jet, locking his ankles to the floor so he couldn't make a run for it. He was obedient as they replaced his cuffs with an advanced-looking silver band that was linked together by a hard-light chain, once turned on. He didn't attack their vulnerable backs with their owns weapons as they turned away.

All in due time...

He remained still in his seat, staring at the wall, his hands clasped and laying supported on his knees.

But, after a minute, he glanced through his peripheral vision for any unwelcome eyes. There was an agent watching him outside. Feigning ignorance, Taskmaster pretended to stretch his back, before leaning forward and staring down at the ground between his feet.

He could still feel the slip of paper in his boot.

All in due time...

Annnnd - done!

I'm just gonna leave you with that. >B)