cap_ironman | Question and a Ficlet

I'm starting work on a fic that will bring Cap back, and have a few questions about magic in the Marvel universe. I know a bit about the Scarlet Witch and her magic, very little else. Who are the key magic users, and are there any set 'rules' about magic use in the MU? Like, can people learn magic, or do you have to be born with the ability?

Also, there's a tiny ficlet under the cut, in which Thor visits Cap's ghost again after the end of Secret Invasion. So, um, spoilers.

He looked much the same as the last time. He was still shrouded in shadow, with what little of him that was visible glowing with a ghostly light. His cloak had changed, though. It was no longer the gray-blue of dusk, but instead a purple do deep it was almost black. Silver glinted at the hem of the hood.

The ethereal man spoke. "You heard my summons. I'm glad you came."

Thor bowed his head. "I would not ignore a call from you, old friend."

"I have a favor to ask of you."

With his hammer resting against the ground, Thor knelt before the spirit of his brother in arms. "What do you require of me? I will do all in my power to answer thy request."

Through the pervasive shadows, Thor could see Captain America smile sadly. "It won't be easy."

"I will not shy from any quest you set before me, old friend."

"I won't ask you to forgive Tony," Cap began, pausing as Thor stiffened. "because it's not my place to judge whether or not what he's done to you is forgivable. But there are things I can see now, from where I am, that I couldn't see when I was alive."

Cap tipped his head towards the light, revealing one solemn blue eye. "People don't stagnate. They don't stand at crossroads no matter how caught or confused they feel. They are always moving along pathways, towards something worse or something better. I understand if you hate what Tony has become. But he's going to become worse. If you stand by silently, you will be allowing him to go to his destruction."

"Tony Stark is responsible for what atrocities he has committed," Thor replied, staring hard at the ground before him. "He is responsible for the man he has become."

"Yes. But who will be responsible for what comes next?"

Thor looked up, the words causing a strange mix of fear and hope in his heart. It was his duty to protect the people of Earth, and perhaps that was exactly what Captain America was asking him to do. "I cannot forgive Tony Stark," he said. "What action would you have me take?"

"I just need you to go to him." The sad smile was back, glowing softly in the night. "Touch him without causing him pain. Put a hand on his shoulder without anger or agenda. It's what I should have done. It's what I no longer have the option of doing. And if you feel you can't do that... just let him know I don't hate him."

Thor nodded, his throat feeling tight. "You spoke the truth. It will not be easy, but I will do as you ask."

"Thank you, old friend. It's time I left."

Thor knew it was unwise to ask questions of the dead, but as Cap began to fade he suddenly said, "what has become of thy cloak?"

Surprise flashed across Cap's face, then he looked down and his expression cleared. "Oh, that. I let Jan do some adjustments. Apparently this sets off my eyes better."

A sob of relief escaped Thor. "The wondrous Wasp is with you! Your words bring me such pleasure!"

"I'm glad to be of service." He was still fading, but his smile seemed warmer than before. "I know our team can no longer fight together, but we still need to do our best. I'll look after the Avengers on this side of the veil, if you look after the ones still living."

Thor bowed his head as Cap vanished. "In your name, I will not fail the Avengers."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh! I hadn't thought of that. Dr. Doom as Sorcerer Supreme would suck more than average. (Even though I understand Strange lost the job due to using black magic--which never mattered before--and Dr. Doom just loves the stuff. But why start making sense now?)

Yeah, I can't figure out that World War Hulk thing, myself. I hope the blog helps, though.

Hey, speaking of Strange. Just for my own edification: I spotted him over in one of the SI tie-ins, hunting down fragments of the Cosmic Cube and trying to keep time from unraveling (again). I only flipped through it, but it sounds like Skrulls got their hands on the shards of the thing, and started mucking about in time to make their invasion happen? Also this baffles me slightly, as Wiki informs me that Strange hasn't been seen in a while. Got any idea?

Which SI tie in was this? I dunno what's up with Stephen Strange, yo. I do hope that he finds the cosmic cube and comes back some time down the road, after he's squared that whole Zorn demon nonsense away. I tell myself that if he used black magic for the good of the earth the Vishnu might give him a pass after a period of repentance.

but it sounds like Skrulls got their hands on the shards of the thing, and started mucking about in time to make their invasion happen?

That would make sense, especially since the SI invasion had this creepy religious fanaticism from the Skrulls, when they spoke of their Holy Book, and prophecy. They made it seem as if inheriting the earth was some sort of Holy Mission, especially since they have no more worlds to colonize. So yeah, that might be a story that the creators will get back on.

I hear stirrings about the Infinity Gautlet coming back as well (cue me going, Again? because I suffered through the first event in the 80s, I think).

Hey, were you still serious about reading my Tony Stark centric fic? The thing is, I have it in google documents, because it's easier for people to correct stuff in real time and it avoids the issue of who has microsoft word/office or i mac platforms.

In addition, I'm also not doing the fic in order, because I'm writing as the canon becomes available to me. Would you want to read it in stages, or should I just link you when the entire thing is done?

Cheers.

The Infinity Gauntlet is a menace, and I hope it stays away. I've heard that rumor too, which started thanks to the Illuminati fetching the gems (Tony has the Reality Gem, hah!). Amusing as that is, however, I still hope it's only a rumor. :P *sigh* But what's the point of having heroes hunt down Infinity Gems if you're not planning on breaking them out?

Oh, crap. I hope that's not what Osborn is after.

I am still serious about reading your fic, yes! I'm willing to read in stages. Since it's GoogleDocs (great idea!), go ahead and use my bluesrat at gmail.com address.

It just hit me... wasn't that the thing that gave Sam his powers? Also, wasn't Winter Soldier involved with the Cosmic cube? Oh dear, this could get nasty.

Yeah, the Red Skull has historically been tied up with the Cosmic Cube, so of course it gets around through the Captain America continuity. It's one of those reality-shifting artifacts, so it can do whatever the writers feel like letting it do. Which means it could get even worse!

They should pit the Cosmic Cube against the Infinity Gauntlet...wait. That's not funny. That's been suggested in comics before.

Yeah, there seems to be a lot of recycling of plots lately. I will hope for the best, steel myself for the worst.

Did you ever get my email, btw?

Cheers

I did! And I just sent a stupidly long reply, which is why it took me so long.

I never say "Yes!" when paragraphs will do. You can tell me to shut up any time you like, and I will not take offense.

Question and a Ficlet

Re: Thank you!

Dunno, myself

Re: Dunno, myself

Whoa, cosmic cube

Re: Whoa, cosmic cube

Lordy

Re: Lordy