Day 35
The party has experienced a schism. It has been brewing for some time. Apparently, there is a limit to the number of insults you can make about Wolverine’s intelligence (or lack thereof) before he tries to murder you and Doom found it. Of course, the constant barrage of Tim Horton’s jokes certainly didn’t help. Wolverine’s blind rage was terrifying. But more terrifying was the ease with which Doom dispatched him. When he came to, he flipped us all a single adamantium claw and walked away; muttering about needing a beer.
Day 38
We added two new members to our squad today. Archangel’s ex-girlfriend, Psylocke; and Namor the erstwhile king of Atlantis. Because what our tired, battle-worn, super-powered powder keg of a party really was missing was relationship drama and another alpha male. Psylocke said she tracked us down through Archangel’s psychic residue. I think he posted love letters when I specifically told him not to. And I have no idea how Namor found us. Truth is neither does he, but he likes to be cryptic and pretend that he knows more than I do, so I just let it go. Because that won’t get old fast. My squad of champions is growing more powerful but also far more erratic. I feel certain this will all blow up in my face, and soon.
Day 39
I swore I would never come back here. These caverns were nearly the death of me the last time we ventured down here. But none of my companions from that last harrowing adventure are here with me now and when Namor and Doom heard about the treasures that we could find they insisted on mounting an expedition. Sometimes I wonder who is really in charge of this group and if I made a mistake inviting a pair of tyrants into my midst. We haven’t ventured too far into the cavern yet. Still, I do not plan on sleeping until we have left these monster-infested caves.
Day 41
Two days. Two entire days spent fighting for our lives. As I knew they would, the Mole-men came for us in force. We held off the initial surge well enough. Namor’s trident kept them from getting too close, while Doom’s energies filled the cavern with fire. The mindless monsters provide impervious to Psylocke’s psionic attacks, rendering her almost as useless in the fight as I was.
We tried to retreat but we were cut off. The beasts drove us deeper and deeper into the caves. We fell into a cycle, retreating and resting before being harried and pushed farther back. Knowing that our energy was running short Namor took drastic action tapping into an underground river and flooding the caves. The rush of water carried us clear, almost drowning us in the process. Wet and exhausted we made camp. Namor is counting our treasure. It is quite a haul. I just wish I hadn’t almost died to get it.
Day 42
I can broker no more delay. The time to act is now. If The Collector says I must defeat this Thanos character, then that is what I must do. My champions are eager for battle. Namor, in particular, seems keen to show his worth. A rivalry has developed between him and Doom. The dictators vying to prove their superiority to the other. For now, it works to my advantage as it forces them to contribute more and more in order to avoid looking weak. I hope this holds true because tomorrow we face Thanos.
Day 44
It was a battle of kings. Namor struck first and struck often, unleashing a torrent of blows against his foe. But Thanos was resilient and Namor’s opening flurry amounted to little more than an inconvenience for the Mad Titan. Thanos countered with his meaty fists and Namor was nearly crushed underneath their sheer mass. The Atlantean looked to be in bad shape, but defiantly he screamed “Imperious Rex” and let his rage guide his actions. Thanos was no match for the Sub-Mariner’s fury and fell defeated. Again though, the taste of victory was brief and soon turned to ash in my mouth. The Collector appeared and condescendingly affirmed that I had Proven my worth, and now I was worthy to face my true foe, The Maestro. I tire of these games. One day, I will make The Collector pay for his deceptions.