Johnny Storm's P.O.V.
The Watcher has teleported me to just inside Galactus' ship. I am following the map in my head he has given me, but this spaceship is GIGANTIC. I know I am on a time crunch so I am moving at the highest speed I can travel and still figure out what directions and land marks that will lead me in the direction I need to go. I am rushing along when I hear Uatu's voice in my head.
"I have tried and failed. I offered him another planet without sentient life that would fit his needs and a favor. I have even offered him information about his most hated enemy, and yet he still declined. Our hopes will lay with you Johnny Storm. Fly at your fastest speed and I shall guide you. You will no longer need to find land marks just follow my instructions."
"You got it Uatu. Finding landmarks was slowing me down considerably." Time to kick it into full speed. As I push my speed to it's limits. I have never flown this fast. I wonder if the Watcher knows how fast I am traveling at.
"Yes I do, young Johnny. Your current speed is 22,000 miles per hour. By your Earth's standards that puts you traveling at speed over Mach 20. It is a very fast speed for your species, and yet I do not know if it is fast enough but will shall see. Now adjust your angle upwards by 20°, that's it perfect maintain this direction till I tell you otherwise.
"I copy that. I will maintain this direction until further notice." I replay giddy inside that I am flying at speeds no other Earthling has traveled at to my knowledge.
Ben Grimm and Susan Storm's P.O.V.
They are waiting for Uatu's signal to start destroying Galactus' machine. While they wait Susan has decided to ask Ben a serious question.
"Ben I need to ask you a question a very serious question." Sue says.
"Go ahead Suzy Q. You know I will always tell it to you straight." Ben replies.
"Hypothetically speaking, let's say you had a choice between marrying two different women that love you. One of those women is ready to marry right away and yet if you marry her you will have a lifetime of hardship and suffering which can lead to you dieing in agony or a lifetime of mental torment. The other woman you have to wait for. She also loves you but for secret reasons she must wait before she marries you. If you wait for her you will barely ever suffer and you will eventually become immortal. Who would you pick?" Sue asks Ben while looking him in the eyes.
Suzy is being really serious. Is she talking about her and stretch versus her and the Surfer? Did the Watcher tell her something? "Let me get this straight Sue. I get a choice between 2 women one I can immediately be with but will lead to a lifetime of suffering and possible death the other I have to wait and I will not suffer and can become immortal. Do I have this right?"
"Yes you have it right." Sue replies with a nod.
"That's a no brainer. Nothing good ever comes to those who cannot wait. Waiting shows I truly love the female. Yeah I could rush in, but how's that song go, only fools rush in. Well I ain't no fool so I would choose the one I would have to wait for. There is suffering for me to be with her. It is that time I must wait, but after the suffering of waiting it is only bliss. So definitely I would pick the one that requires waiting before marriage." Ben says with finality.
"What if the one you have to wait for is someone you just met?" Sue states.
She has to be talking about the Silver Surfer. He is going to fix me up after this is all over. Reed may be like a brother to me, but I am suffering and it is all his fault. He wouldn't listen about waiting to test his radiation shield that failed. He hasn't cured me of my mutation. He has failed me on numerous occasions. Where as the Silver Surfer is offering to fix me right up. He is even going to try and keep it that I will keep my super strength and I will still have my rapid healing and some increased durability. Not as good as I have now but still better than a regular human being. She just met the Silver Surfer and he has mentioned he is nearly immortal and cannot die through aging. So let me throw him a bone and I will keep it a secret. "Suzy I would still take the one I just met, but have to wait for. I may not know why I have to wait but the few years of waiting would be the years of suffering. I can still see her and feel her love I just have to wait to marry her. As long as we are together the few years of suffering before we marry are better than a lifetime of suffering for a quick relationship." Ben tells her after some time to think.
Ben really thought long and hard about his answer. His explanations of his opinion are also very precise. The logic is also easy to follow and understand. So what if I have to wait till Marcus is old enough to marry. It isn't like I can't spend time with him and enjoy other aspects of life while I wait for him to get old enough to marry. Plus there is the added bonus of no matter how old I get I will only age 6 more years. As far as sex goes. He doesn't have to be 18 for us to have sex. Boys can start having sex at a much younger age than girls. I read in a health digest that once a male hits puberty he can impregnate a woman. Some males can even hit puberty before 9 years old. That means at the earliest we could have sex in less than 7 years. Marcus is almost 3 years old now. Mentally he is way older due to his power of foresight. I vaguely recall that I read somewhere that puberty can be delayed or triggered early based upon the environment and mentality of the person. In Marcus' case I bet he will have an early puberty. He may even have it quicker than the age of 9. So it definitely will not be a long wait.
"Thank you Ben. Your answers to my question have helped me gain enlightenment about a difficult choice I must make. I can't wait for the Silver Surfer to help cure you. I have a good friend from college who I think would be perfect for you. Once you are cured. You and her could have babies. I would have introduced you sooner but she wants kids, and currently you can't have them, but soon that will be fixed so there is a good chance for you and her." I tell Ben with a smile.
WOW! Susan is even willing to help me find a wife after the Surfer fixes my body. I definitely gave the right advice. Sorry Reed, but your failures to take care of us and help me are going to bite you in the buttocks. You are a smart dude but sometimes you have to stop looking at the forest and focus on the trees.
"Ben, Sue negotiations have failed. I offered Galactus my help, another planet without sentient life, and valuable information. He refused them all. He said this universe follows the rule of the survival of the fittest. Claiming that if Earth truly had potential someone would stand up and confront him. He even disregarded me saying I asked there to be no conflict until I had a chance to negotiate. Yet he still refused to back down." Uatu's voice rings in the air around us. We look at each other and can see the fire in each other's eyes. Susan picks up a satellite phone, "Mister president primary negotiations have failed we will be showing some force to deter the alien invaders. Tell all countries to prepare their high altitude nukes for bombardment if our second round of negotiations fail." She tells the president on the United States so he can relay the message to the United Nations.
Ben looks on as Susan tells the president of the USA what has happened. I cannot believe this Galactus is such a dick. Well after today maybe he will learn that even an ant can take on an elephant if there are enough of them. I take a deep breath then I shout, "IT'S CLOBBERING TIME!"
I jump directly at one of the pipes for Galactus' machine and I tear right through it.
"Sue give me a platform to the next one these things are going down." I shout as I mimic my rival in strength, the Hulk. I launch myself with a powerful jump and land on an invisible platform. I take off again and destroy another pipe. This shouldn't be too hard I hope.
Marcus' P.O.V.
The battle has started. I pull out the special comm device Sue gave me.
"Sue can you hear me?" I call out to Susan Storm.
"Yes, I can hear you Marcus." Her voice come through to me. She sounds happy to hear from me.
"I have some information for you about your powers from the future." I tell her.
"Go ahead and tell me Marcus. I trust you completely." Sue replies.
"Your powers work off of your imagination. As long as you can imagine it your powers can take that form. Example, if you imagine a large razor sharp sword made of cosmic force that's what you will get. You have to focus until you get use to it, but once you do as they say, the sky's the limit. Be careful and don't push yourself too hard." I tell her with pride an a touch of concern.
"Thank you Marcus. I shall put your advice to good use." Sue replies.
"Also, warn Ben to be careful. I was reminded of a past vision that Galactus has some Guardians at some pipes. They are robots but they have pretty heavy firepower. You will need to cover him so he can quickly destroy them. Oh and Sue, I love you so be extra careful. I used my power to share an ability I have with you. For the next 23 hours you are basically immortal. I couldn't share it with Ben because I can only share my powers with beings I give my bodily fluids to through an intimate act. When I kissed you earlier I shared my healing factor with you. It will last for 24 hours. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on your point of view I can renew my sharing but it has to be through intimate contact. You can heal up almost any amount of damage even death itself given time. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop the pain so please be careful. I am doing all I can to support you as I currently am. You have my heart and I expect you to return with it." I tell her.
Susan's P.O.V.
I can't believe it. Marcus not only used his powers to protect me. He is even telling me to warn Ben about the future. He said he loves me also. I am getting all giddy inside. He loves me so much he shared his ability with me. He said it can't block the pain but I can heal up almost any damage including death. Just how much does he love and trust me. I can see he is giving me his all. He loves and trusts me completely. There is no doubt or hesitation. He isn't pushing me away even if I choose Reed I believe he would be there for me, trying to protect me. It is a feeling that I just can't describe. He is only 2 years old but he is doing everything in his power to protect me. It further strengthens my resolve to choose to be with him if we survive this.
"Ben be careful this is to easy. There are probably hidden guards waiting for us so they can ambush us." I look towards Ben just in the nick of time I see a large hand go to attack Ben from his blind spot. I take Marcus' advice and I picture it a massive axe of force cutting down upon that arm. I focus hard and can feel the energy drain from my mind as if my forcefields were hit by a big blow. Then I can feel the axe come into existence. It chops down on the arm cutting clean through.
"Ben!" I shout, "They are robots!" That's when I feel it. It must be one if the powers Marcus gave me. I can feel my stamina recovering at an extreme speed, and once again I am reminded of his love, trust, and honesty. Again no lying to me. He truthfully warned me about the robots. He warned me to watch out for Ben. He was also right about my powers being able to make constructs at the cost of energy. I have no more doubts. I believe in his vision of the future. If he was right one time. I could chalk it up to coincidence, but it hasn't been just one time.
He was right about the Silver Surfer being able to cure Ben. He was right about the negotiations failing. He was right about the robot guardians and my powers. He has been right on multiple occasions. That isn't coincidence he actually can see the future. In that case his warnings to me are also probably true. He didn't say I wouldn't be happy with Reed. He said I would be happily married for a time. I would also be a happy mother if I and the baby survived the pregnancy.
He also knew names he shouldn't know. Like Victor Von Doom and the name me an Reed discussed in private for our first male child Franklin Richards. He told me all the good that he foresaw. He also warned me of all the bad. He warned me of the suffering I would have to go through. He warned me of all the possible futures he foresaw. He warned me about what will become of my baby boy and about another name he should have no clue about Aunt Agatha. The woman who convinced me of what college to go to where I met Reed.
Then there was his honesty about my future with him. He could have lied to me, but he didn't. He told me that he would have a harem. He told me about a future daughter with him. He also said that Franklin could still possibly be born either from our loins or from Reed's and another woman. With me out of the picture there will not be an Aunt Agatha to take Franklin away from his mother and father.
I am fighting on auto pilot as I consider all these things running through my head. Yet as I fight here physically the war in my heart is already over. It was a war between my love for Reed and my budding love for Marcus.
After careful consideration it eventually became one-sided. My love for Reed is strong, but there are to many inconsistencies. First, Reed failed in protecting all of us from the cosmic radiation. Second, he has been unable to find a cure for what happened to us. Third, Marcus has been right about to many things. Fourth, Reed cares for me but he cares more about mankind.
On the other hand, Marcus has been upfront with me. He has been right about to many things he should have no way of knowing. However, even with all his knowledge he has never put me aside. He cares more about me than he does humanity. He has even shared his most sacred secret with only me. Nobody else knows he can foresee the future. He hasn't told his mom nor his aunt. I can see how close they are as a family. Even with as close as they are he still trusted me, a stranger, with his most precious secret. He has trusted me since our first meeting. He has sought out both protection and comfort with me. He is in my heart like a burning sun. I have made up my mind. Once this all is over, me and Reed are over as a couple. I will stay with Marcus. I will wait for him to be with me sexually. Until then I will be at his side enjoying myself as much as possible. We can have fun doing other things besides sex. It will be an adventure.
Galactus' P.O.V.
The Watcher has left. Right after he left the commotion has started. My machine is being destroyed at a rapid pace on the surface of the world. I can even sense someone is using power similar to a High Celestial. It appears the Watcher was being truthful. This planet does have potential and it's own defenders. For the first time in millennium I have questioned my decision. I could have left earlier as I could still leave now. The hunger isn't that great. With the Watcher's help finding another planet close by I know I could have left this planet. Why didn't I? I dispatch my robot guardians to defend the machine. As I float here contemplating the words of the Watcher. I sense one of my Guardians being destroyed, then another one and another one. They are being destroyed faster and faster all the while the destruction of my world converter has not stopped it has barely been slowed down. At this rate I will be consumed by the hunger long before my machine is built.
I call for my Herald. Though I disciplined him by smacking him into this planet that shouldn't be enough to cause him any damage. I wait for his response. There isn't any response. Did something happen to my Herald. They did something to the Herald of Galactus the world eater. Apparently these beings are far stronger than I gave them credit. No matter now I shall step in.
"It seems the Watcher spoke true. I will have to take care of these defenders myself." I mumble aloud. I then begin to move.
Susan's P.O.V.
Thanks to Marcus' warning we are destroying both the guardians of Galactus and his machine.
"Sue answer me." It is Marcus.
"Go ahead my dear." I affectionately call him.
"Galactus is coming. He uses beams of energy from his eyes. These beams are so powerful Ben will be hurt after the first blast. Only you can block them. Only you have the power. Believe in yourself. I know you can do this. Soon Reed and the Silver Surfer will show up. Do not be scared of Galactus. Your powers are stronger the more you believe. Trust me my love. As long as you believe and give it your all you can stop him. Tell Ben that you will stop Galactus. He must continue to destroy the machine. And for the record my love you will be my first wife. No one will ever be able to take your place. I love you with all my heart, body, mind, and soul." Marcus expresses his love to me with another warning.
"Ben, Galactus is coming, I will stop him. You must continue to destroy the machine and be careful of the guardians." I shout to Ben. He gives me a thumbs up and I remember Marcus' other warning Ben will be seriously injured if he is hit by one of Galactus' eye beams. I quickly put a forcefield over Ben. It has just come into being at full strength when there is a flash of light.
"I have come mortal beings prepare for I am Galactus and I am inevitable."
"Yeah Yeah Yeah, blah blah blah. You're such a big shot now you have to play with us weak mortal beings. Oh whatever shall we do." Ben starts taunting Galactus. "Oh I know. I said it earlier and I'll say it again. IT'S CLOBBERING TIME!"
I watch on my focus at full strength a dome over Ben and a dome over me in case of a sneak attack.
"YOU DARE MAKE FUN OF I, GALACTUS! THEN DIE!" Galactus shouts in rage. From his eyes I see 2 large beams shoot towards Ben. I focus hard on Ben's forcefield, and it is a good thing too. I feel a massive impact hit my forcefield. It has to be the strongest hit I have ever blocked. I can feel my stamina drain as I focus on blocking those beams. That's when I noticed it. Yes. my stamina is being drained fast, but it is also recovering just as fast as it gets drained. This stand still goes on for about 5 seconds then the eye beams stop.
I know Ben has survived and I know just like Marcus said the truths once again. Galactus came. Galactus attacked with eye beams. I can stop his beams I just have to believe in myself. I have another bonus, Marcus gave me his power to recover and near immortality. This means as long as I have the willingness to fight. I cannot lose.
I can see the surprise on Galactus' face. Ben is still standing destroying his machine. Maybe I can bluff him. I remember Marcus said my powers are on the same wavelength as a High Celestial. Let me try it. I have nothing to lose.
"Hear me Galactus. You have come to the planet of my birth to feed. Yet this is the birthplace to be of a High Celestial. I am to be his mother. I have been gifted the powers similar to those of a High Celestial to defend myself and this planet. I suggest you leave as the Watcher requested from you." I shout hoping to bluff.
Galactus' P.O.V.
I have arrived when one of the insignificant mortals dares to make fun of me. I release my cosmic beams directly at him. After a portion of time has passed I notice he is not only still alive but he is still destroying my machine. This has to stop. I will use even more power. As I get ready to attack again I hear a voice.
"Hear me Galactus. You have come to the planet of my birth to feed. Yet this is the birthplace to be of a High Celestial. I am to be his mother. I have been gifted the powers similar to those of a High Celestial to defend myself and this planet. I suggest you leave as the Watcher requested from you." The voice is from a female.
"STOP!" I shout a command. All my Guardians stop attack and back away. But stay between the mortal who made fun on me and my machine. "Come forth future mother of a High Celestial so we may talk." I say.
I see a small female walk out towards me. She begins to suspend herself in mid air till she gets to my height. She shows no fear of me and looks at me directly. " I have come World Devourer." She replies.
"I offer you and your mate survival aboard my ship. I will take you from here to another planet. As long as you allow me to devour this world." I stated.
The female pauses for a moment she looks to be thinking over my offer.
"I will have to decline. This world is my birth world. It is also the birth world of my chosen mate. It is a Celestial prophecy that my child shall be the most powerful being ever. He will be above many and below only one. Even you World Devourer shall stand beneath him and become his Herald. My son shall be the last survivor of this universe when it comes to an end and shall take your place when the universe is reborn. Tell me World Devourer, should I bow down to the will of my son's herald?" She states.