"Uh..."
Tony was momentarily stunned by Heisenberg's explanation.
After a moment, he shook his head helplessly.
"No one wants to hurt you, and besides..."
"And they couldn't hurt me even if they tried, right?"
Heisenberg shot back, patting Tony on the shoulder.
"Just because they can't hurt me doesn't mean they can disrespect me.
I want them to never even entertain the thought of crossing me.
See? My demands are simple. Isn't basic decency toward others supposed to be a fundamental quality in everyone?
But the world doesn't work that way..."
His gaze toward the window gradually deepened.
"With Marvel's death, you question my morals.
With the deaths of one hundred seventy four human traffickers in Los Angeles, you condemn me for bypassing the legal system.
But almost everyone misses the point.
What is morality?
Obeying the law is the most basic form of morality!
Look at those laws. They tell us not to deceive, not to steal, not to assault, not to kill, not to rob, and so on!
Yet even these most fundamental morals have to be enforced by federal law just to keep citizens in line.
And even with that enforcement, criminals keep popping up like weeds!"
Heisenberg let out a cold laugh, his fingers idly tracing patterns on Tony's car window.
"Tony, there are too many people in this world without a shred of morality. And the law, especially American law, is nothing but a toy to them.
It has no deterrent effect whatsoever!
So they need a heavier set of shackles to keep them bound within the most basic moral boundaries!
Now look at me, Tony. I'm a... very capable individual.
In my own world, I've seized considerable power, and I'll keep expanding my rule until my authority is enough to shape the future I desire!
I have power, I have ability, and therefore I bear responsibility.
It's only natural that I become their shackles!
What the law cannot accomplish, I will accomplish!
Those the law cannot control, I will control!
Those the law cannot protect, I will protect!
And what the law cannot bring to fruition, I will make happen!
Take yesterday for example. One hundred eighty two people died by my hand.
One hundred seventy four members of human trafficking rings, six thieves and robbers, and two goddamn male producers who forced their casting couch 'rules' on other men!!!"
Clap, clap, clap...
Heisenberg's left hand gently tapped the Audi's gear shift.
"Isn't the most basic rule of any 'casting couch' supposed to be mutual consent?"
"Well..." Tony hesitated, but before he could fully process, Heisenberg continued.
"There are far too many rule breakers in this world, far too many who ignore morality and law!
Therefore, I must contain, control, and even erase them!
Until I achieve that goal, I must ensure my own safety. That is why Marvel died.
And in the process of achieving that goal, I will remain true to my original intent. No bastard who pisses me off will walk out of my sight alive.
And in the future I will create, there will be no such thing as 'a crime not worthy of death'!"
He patted Tony on the shoulder one last time.
"I am this brutal, this dictatorial, so I welcome anyone like Marvel to come and challenge me.
But let me be clear upfront: when they do, they'll end up seated on the moon, serving as building blocks for Earth's security!"
With that, Heisenberg wiped the glass he'd been tracing with his right hand, then pushed open the car door and left.
Just before closing the door, he offered one final piece of advice without looking back.
"You want to send me back to my world as quickly as possible, so get to work. I'll leave quietly the day the Quantum Tunnel is ready.
As for the next few days before I leave, if I find some... entertainment, you'll clean up after me.
In exchange, I grant you permission to seek my aid in my universe should you ever face an insurmountable threat in the future!
For instance, if a true cosmic powerhouse takes offense at the art installation I've placed on the moon!
Then come find me in my world, and I'll sculpt him into whatever form of 'art' he desires!"
WHOOSH!!!
Heisenberg rocketed into the sky and vanished without a trace.
After he left, Tony stared blankly at the car window he had been tracing.
Etched into the glass was a distinct, inverted triangular 'S' symbol.
But the edges of that symbol were lined with countless tear shaped droplets.
Were they tears? Perhaps blood.
...
Two hours later, Tony returned to the temporary camp on the southwestern rim of the New York crater, his mind heavy with exhaustion.
Walking into the tent, he found only Banner inside.
"Did you meet with him?" Banner asked without looking up.
"I did. And it's left my thoughts a bit scrambled."
Tony replied weakly, collapsing limply into a nearby chair.
Sensing something off in Tony's tone, Banner finally glanced over, concern creeping onto his face at the sight of Tony's pale complexion.
"What happened? Did he threaten you?"
"No, no. If it were just threats, that would be wonderful!"
Tony shook his head vigorously, as if trying to dislodge something burning within his chest.
Once he stopped shaking his head, he immediately asked the concerned Banner.
"What's everyone busy with?"
"Umm, Cap is searching for any possible survivors within an eighty kilometer radius."
"And Natasha?"
"Arguing with the Council. Apparently, the disappearance of New York City needs something or someone to take the blame. Go figure."
"She's got her work cut out for her. What about the Guardians of the Galaxy? Are they all watching over Thor?"
"Who knows? Quill and Gamora are in New Asgard. Rocket and Groot are taking care of Thor."
"Scott and Hank Pym?"
"The original Ant Man is being stubborn. We have to understand. He's from your father's generation. He's been through a lot. It's only natural he'd look down on us."
"Heh..."
After Banner's explanation, Iron Man let out a humorless chuckle.
"I'm suddenly starting to understand Heisenberg!" he declared.
Banner was startled. "Shouldn't we avoid saying that na..."
"It doesn't matter anymore!"
Iron Man cut Banner off, sighing heavily with a grave expression.
"Recall everyone. I need to show you all a conversation. One that... really hit home for me!"
He tapped his watch.
"I have to admit, Heisenberg's philosophy has, to some extent, convinced me. Especially after Earth was attacked by Thanos twice, and our strongest asset, Captain Marvel, kept blowing us off to go help the rest of the universe."
Tony slammed his fist against the armrest of his seat.
"We need unity. Real unity. And that kind of unity can't just be held together by our morals and sense of responsibility.
I think it's time we restarted the Superhuman Registration Act."
...
Five hours later, at the Avengers' temporary camp, the team was assembled like never before!
Even the pale and ample... ahem, Wanda.
Even she had arrived, looking grim as she took a seat in the temporary conference room.
Aside from the teleporter... almost everyone was present.
And it was then that Iron Man played the video of his conversation with Heisenberg that morning.
As Heisenberg's words struck home in their hearts...
Some were filled with righteous indignation, like Captain America.
But others' eyes flickered with thoughtful light, like Black Widow.
And Iron Man, the one who had called this meeting, sat there in deep contemplation.
He didn't know if he was doing the right thing, but he believed that if he succeeded, what he was doing would be profoundly meaningful.
However, before the discussion could even begin, Wanda, who had been looking miserable, suddenly realized something.
She shot up from her seat and blurted out involuntarily.
"How could I be so stupid! The Mind Stone is in his possession, isn't it?!
With that stone, I could resurrect Vision!"
BOOM!!!
Desperate and impatient, Wanda blasted through the tent and soared into the sky, disappearing in an instant.
This sudden turn of events threw the Avengers, who had been prepared for a lengthy discussion, into a panic.
Even Iron Man forgot about his grand plan.
"Dammit! Did no one tell Wanda about what happened to Carol?!"
"Quick, stop her!"
"Go after her! For God's sake, the Earth can't handle any more turmoil!"
"With what? That's Wanda! Someone find Strange!"
The carefully planned meeting was ruined in a heartbeat, and Iron Man's thoughts spiraled deeper and deeper into his own considerations.
...
Meanwhile, Los Angeles.
Heisenberg was in a movie theater with a C list model he had just met.
Of course, the fact that the actress on screen was far less interesting than the woman beside him meant Heisenberg's attention was mostly on the model.
Soon enough, the C list model, her eyes glistening, stood up and tugged Heisenberg toward the restroom.
Heisenberg smiled and took her hand, ignoring the grumbling of nearby audience members as they made their way to the women's restroom.
Just as they reached the sinks, the model pressed her lips eagerly against his.
Heisenberg casually lifted her onto the counter, leaning her back against the massive mirror.
Before they could go any further, he...
BOOM!!!
The wall beside them exploded inward in a shower of debris, and surge after surge of crimson energy flooded the restroom!
As the energy coalesced, Wanda materialized right next to Heisenberg.
Seeing Wanda's face, twisted with fury (or desperation), the model froze in terror.
"AHHHH! I wasn't trying to seduce your man! I swear I wasn't!!!"
Tears nearly burst from the poor model's upper eyes, while her lower ones had already started to flow.
Seeing this, Heisenberg sighed and gently pushed her aside, stepping away from the suddenly fragrant area.
He then turned to the pleading Wanda, utterly exasperated.
"What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I..."
Wanda suppressed her urgency and lowered her head nervously.
"I came to ask you for..."
"Okay, I get it. It's about that damned Mind Stone again, isn't it?!"
Heisenberg grabbed Wanda's hand in frustration, and the two of them shot through the ceiling, leaving downtown Los Angeles behind.
Moments later, they landed atop the giant but ruined Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills.
Heisenberg pulled Wanda down to sit on the letter 'H'.
Reaching into his pocket, he casually pulled out the massive Mind Scepter.
As Wanda gazed at the gleaming gem atop the scepter, tears immediately streamed down her face.
Heisenberg didn't interrupt her. He simply let her sit there and cry in silence.
Only when her sobs gradually subsided did he let out a deep sigh.
"You don't need to explain your request."
He said to Wanda regretfully.
"Because there's no way I'm giving this to you!"
BOOM!!!
Wanda's crimson energy erupted violently in her grief, but before she could fully unleash it, Heisenberg pressed the tip of the Mind Scepter firmly against her chest.
Moments later, the Mind Stone began to glow softly, and Wanda gradually grew calm again.
/-\
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