UNIVERSE BOWL VI: CHAPTER XXIV: THE SINISTER SKIRMISH

The figures stand and face one another at a cross section of two roads within the city’s landscape.

“I have been alive since the twelfth century,” laughs Exodus.  “What chance does a spattering of humans have against my immortality?”

“Paris Bennett, or Bennet Du Paris, or whatever you may be calling yourself these days,” says Hobgoblin from his glider, “we’re more than a spattering of humans.  We are Americans, who are a lot stronger willed than you French, who only seem to be good at bending over to all others of the world.”

While distracted by the words of Hobgoblin, two arms of Doctor Octopus shoot out from their apparatus and smash the mutant in the face.  A dazed Exodus is then hit by three pumpkin bombs.  The projectiles throw him across the road in a field of exploding concrete. Electro attempts to reach the enemy, but Exodus teleports away.  Missing his chance, Electro bolts into the city’s electrical system through a conductor on the street.

The mutant’s healing ability ignites into overdrive and, after gaining his wits again, he focuses on an airborne Hobgoblin and throws the mercenary off his mount with his mind. 

“Takes more than that to keep me away from my pet,” cackles the Hobgoblin as the glider reaches its master.  Hobgoblin jumps on his vehicle and Macendale rises to the air.

While Exodus arrives under a utility pole, Electro arcs from one of the wires and reaches the mutant.  Max Dillon unleashes a full charge of energy into Exodus, which rips both across and through the body of the Frenchman.  Exodus screams in pain and falls to the ground. 

Mysterio appears in front of Exodus from a cloud of smoke.  Exodus cocks his head and Mysterio throws a perfectly timed punch across his face.  Exodus scoffs at the blow and telekinetically pushes the illusionist through the door of a building across the street.  A loud crash and pop is heard.  Quentin Beck does not return to the fight.

“One down,” says Exodus. “Not so sinister with only three. . . I shall now rename you the ‘Toddler Three’.”

Doctor Octopus is enraged at the insult.  He reaches a pack which is lodged at the side of a hydrant.  From the carrier, Doc Ock removes a blaster and fires at Exodus.  The weapon brings Exodus to his knees.

As all villains appear to be consumed with, Doctor Octopus finds it necessary to explain what the weapon is and what is happening to his enemy. 

“When we first arrived in the city searching for the Technodrome’s module, we came upon a laboratory.  Within the lab were components which I used to create this weapon.  You can see that it is now draining your psionic energy,” states Doctor Octopus.  “It will be only a matter of moments before you die.”

Exodus becomes unsteady and lurches to the road below.  The mutant reaches his arm from the ground and begins to twist his hand in various movements.  The weapon in Doc Ock’s hand suddenly begins to disassemble and reassemble.  The newly constructed weapon is ripped from Doc Ock and flies to the hands of Exodus.

A rejuvenated Exodus turns around and fires the weapon at the electrical line directly above him.  Electro falls out of the line.  The villain appears unable to control the current flowing through his body.  While Exodus continues to fire his weapon at Electro, he throws his other arm out and rips a street lamp from the ground.  The pole is projected across the way and impales Dillon.  His twitching body dwindles and eventually dies.    

Ock rips the weapon from Exodus and crushes it in his arms. 

“I don’t need a weapon to best the two of you,” says Exodus.  “I am a weapon!”

Exodus uses his powers to throw Macendale off his glider and into a wall.  The mutant’s mind then takes control of the glider.  The transport races toward its owner and lodges into his chest.  Hobgoblin’s dead body hangs from the glider, which is wedged into a structure’s exterior. 

“I seem to remember this happening before to another goblin. . .” smiles Exodus. 

Exodus faces Doctor Octopus.  The arms of Octopus begin to curl into themselves.

“I. . . can’t. . . control. . . my. . . arms. . .” struggles Octopus.

“You are correct,” says Exodus, in a matter of fact manner.

The villain is crushed by his own appendages. 

“Americans, or not, you are still only mere humans. . .”

Exodus grins and teleports away.