Each breath felt like a lead weight in my lungs. Staying hidden was torture, watching those monsters gloat as they prepared to desecrate Peter and Amy. I wanted to rip them apart, tear Lex limb from limb, but I knew I couldn't afford to act rashly. Not yet. Not with the others on their way.
"The serum is ready, sir," a lab-coated lackey squeaked, handing Lex a syringe filled with a viscous, crimson liquid.
Lex approached Peter, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Time to donate, Parker. Think of it as your contribution to the new world order. A world without heroes... without hope."
That was it. I couldn't wait any longer. I dove from the rafters, a blur of white hair and fury. The warehouse air crackled with energy as I roared, "Get away from him!"
My fist connected with Lex's jaw, sending him sprawling across the room. He crashed into a stack of crates, scattering vials and equipment everywhere. Before Bane could react, I was on him, unleashing a barrage of blows that would have leveled mountains in my past life. He was strong, but nothing compared to what I was used to.
"Anos!" Peter croaked, his voice hoarse. "Get out of here! It's a trap!"
I ignored him, focusing on Bane. "Who sent you?" I snarled, landing a punch that cracked his ribs. "Who told you about me and Peter?"
Bane chuckled, a deep, guttural sound that reverberated through the warehouse. "You think I'll tell you anything? You're too late, Kryptonian. The Mega-Nomu is almost complete."
He slammed his fist into my stomach, sending me stumbling back. The force was considerable, but I barely felt it. My focus was on the other villains. They were moving, forming a circle around me, their eyes glinting with predatory hunger.
"Well, well, well," Joker cackled, twirling a knife between his fingers. "Looks like the big bad hero decided to crash our little party."
"The Kryptonian," Doctor Doom stated, his voice metallic and cold. "An interesting specimen. His powers will be a valuable addition to our… project."
"He's mine!" Carnage shrieked, lunging at me with razor-sharp claws.
The fight exploded into chaos. I dodged Carnage's attack, slamming him into Venom. The two symbiotes grappled, a swirling mass of red and black. I launched myself at Loki, hoping to take out the trickster before he could cast any illusions. But Hela intercepted me, her hand glowing with necrotic energy. I sidestepped her attack, but a searing pain shot through my arm. The energy burned like acid, weakening me.
They were overwhelming me, their individual powers amplified by their combined malice. Even with Superman's powers, I was struggling. This wasn't a fight I could win alone.
Suddenly, a sonic boom shook the warehouse. A red and gold blur slammed into Doctor Doom, sending him flying. Iron Man.
"Sorry I'm late, Anos," Iron Man quipped, firing repulsor rays at Venom and Carnage. "Traffic was a killer."
More explosions followed. The warehouse roof tore open as Thor descended, Mjolnir crackling with lightning. "Fear not, mortals! The Avengers are here to deliver justice!"
The tide was turning. Hulk roared into the fray, smashing through crates and villains alike. Supergirl and Wonder Woman moved with blinding speed, disarming and incapacitating opponents. Flash zipped around the warehouse, creating afterimages and disorienting the villains. Captain America coordinated the defense, his shield deflecting attacks.
Even with the heroes here, the Villains was putting up a vicious fight. Hela summoned undead warriors, overwhelming the Avengers with sheer numbers. Lex, recovered from my initial attack, was barking orders, directing the villains with a chilling efficiency.
I knew we had to stop him. But the Serpent Tattoo still lingered in my mind. I had seen it somewhere.
I charged through the chaos, dodging attacks and weaving through the fray. I finally reached Lex, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against a wall.
"Tell me," I growled, my eyes glowing red. "Who are you working for? Who gave you that tattoo?"
Lex just laughed, a dry, rasping sound. "You'll never know, Kryptonian. It's far too late for you to stop what's coming." He spat in my face.
Then, I saw it. A glint of metal beneath his sleeve. He was reaching for a detonator.
Before I could react, Lex pressed the button. The warehouse floor began to rumble. Sirens blared.
"The Mega-Nomu is ready!" Lex cackled. "And you and your precious friends are about to become its first victims!"
The ground beneath our feet gave way, plunging us into the darkness below. The last thing I saw was Lex Luthor's triumphant grin.