Thunderbolts: The Hunt Begins

[Baron Zemo]

Location: The Folding Castle

Zemo watched the monitors closely,each one showed a map of the united states and had markers indicating people he had to find. He had been everywhere lately, for a man supposedly on the run Captain America had been a busy boy. Fortunately for Zemo none of the Thunderbolts had disobeyed him and had simply watched him, frustratingly though every-time they found him they eventually lost him.

Swordsman had seen him walking when he met up with someone whoever this individual was he was certainly happy to see him. Joystick had watched as he helped those Young Avenger kids take down the Shocker. Smuggler had found him fighting against villains in an abandoned warehouse but again she lost him and the other heroes he was with.

Something about Smugglers report had bothered him and as a result he had only marked the name down as initials and hadn't logged it on the screens in-front of him. Zemo pulled off his mask and leaned back in the chair "It couldn't have been him he's dead, theres no way she could have seen Hawkeye!" he sat in his chair mumbling for some time.

He had been so distracted that he had not seen Songbird walk into the room, sidled up next to him, wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek "Morning lover," she joked "whats new in the big bad world of heroes, oops i meant criminals."

Songbird glanced at the screens in-front of Zemo and then down to the reports "H.E.R?" she asked "who's that?" Zemo closed the file quickly and turned to look at Songbird "Hercules!" answered Zemo thanking his stars he came up with a name "now go wait in the dining area with the others i shall be there soon."

When she had left the room Zemo Collected all the files together and put them in his bin and burned them all. He then copied all the info on screen onto a couple of Cd's, on these he wrote the words 'New Team?' followed by 'H.E.R?' and deposited them both inside his jacket pocket.

The Dining area of the folding castle was a grand thing it appeared as a medieval banquet hall, in the centre of the room was a large dining table, and standing around this was his team of villains turned heroes 'The Thunderbolts'.

"My friends," he uttered respectfully "we have much work to do and very little time to do it it, Stark and his team are running around in circles, they have not a clue where the dear Captain is." Zemo looked down at the table then slammed his fist into it "And neither do we!!" he yelled, this got the attention of everyone in the room.

"Every-time we find him, one of you manages to lose him." Zemo wasn't happy about their current lack of success.

"With all due respect Helmut" Zemo looked up into the face of Atlas "you did tell them to stay hidden finding his location would have put them in direct conflict with America and his team."

"I'm Sorry Erik Your right, I'm just frustrated thats all." Zemo Sat down in his chair. He reached into his pocket and pulled out of of the disc's, fed it into the DVD player on the table, "Melissa would you explain our next move please?"

Songbird got up out of her chair as the projector displayed numerous images onto the wall in-front of them all. "These dots here," she pointed out "represent locations we suspect heroes or villains are hiding out." she moved to the right side of the image "this; is New York, you'll notice how big the dot is, thats because of the sheer number of heroes in that area."

"Um not to be a pain in the arse or anything but when we find them what we going to do with them not as if man prisons can hold these folks, god knows they've tried" the voice belonged to Blizzard.

"Well luckily we have a plan for that Donny," answered songbird "why don't you tell them about it Paul"

Fixer looked at the assembled team and smiled "Well my friends the answer is simple i have created a large tank that operates as an artificial habitat, and whats the best way to get people into this place? PYM particles!!" Fixer looked delighted with the idea. "i have created a weapon that fires concentrated Pym particles at a target each of us will be equipped with one."

The assembled group nodded in agreement this seemed a good idea it worked at the ant-farm. Soon the room was a hive of conversation again.

"OK People listen up!" shouted Songbird "get your gear ready we're going to New York."

One hour Later.....

Atlas looked over toward Songbird and Zemo "OK Melissa who we after first?"Songbird looked down at the sheet and then at Zemo and then back up at Atlas "New team you wouldn't have heard of them."

She looked back at Zemo again 'how could he do this to them?' she could hear Atlas in the background asking who is was again, as she looked back down to the sheet under non registered read one name 'POWER PACK'........

[Baron Zemo]

As the team arrived in-front of the apartment building that some of the members of the team Power-Pack were staying in Zemo had an uneasy feeling.

"Whats the matter Zemo?" asked Songbird "this is the place isn't it?"

Zemo looked around he could have sworn they were being followed, the rest of the team were nervous as well, finding villains and heroes was one thing but these three were only kids.

"This is indeed the place songbird, Atlas do me a favour and spy for me will you?" Zemo wanted this part of the mission over quickly if he knew the public they would hate them for bringing in these kids.

Atlas quickly grew in size and soon enough was able to see into the window of the powers family apartment, 'one,two, three, and the parents,' Atlas counted them to himself 'well at least the parents might see reason behind this act'

Atlas shrunk back to normal size and reported his findings to Zemo. Zemo looked around again 'maybe I'm just being paranoid' he thought to himself, 'maybe it will be this easy after all.'

"Right i want Joystick, Mach-IV, and Blizzard on the roof, just in case these kids try to run, they have two fliers and were not losing them." Zemo liked this part of a mission, giving orders he was good at that."

"Atlas, and the others remain down here. but do me a favour; stay out of sight. Songbird and i will deal with these people and hopefully it can be sorted peacefully!" Zemo smiled under his mask and hopefully one day they could all help me out if i ever need it for saving them from the anti SHR forces.

"OK team, you heard the man, lets move out." Blizzard was a confident one ever since the adjustments to his outfit but Zemo still didn't trust him entirely.

Zemo watched from the ground as the trio took off toward the roof Mach-IV carrying Joystick all the way with her moaning about fliers 'arm-pitting' her.

He looked at his ground force 'enough strength down here to protect us should things go wrong up there.' he thought to himself 'but could always use more.'

He turned on his heel gestured toward Songbird and made his way toward the building.

[Hawkeye]

(this is after The AHR forces have finished there business at the x mansion and hawkeye is alone)

The arrival of the Thunderbolts had caught Hawkeyes attention. He had been walking through new york, after the disaster at the x mansion. Clint became very bemused he had heard the thunderbolts have become some sort of lapdog for Stark and the big wigs of the pro reg. Clint didn't want to really get involved but he wanted to send a message to the Baron and the Thunderbolts. Clint was also curious as to why the thunderbolts were at this apartment complex. He guessed there was a superhero or two in there. Maybe Hawkeye could kill two birds with one stone.....No Clint couldn't take on the entire group of thunderbolts himself. These used to be his friends but not anymore sadly. Clint took out a piece of papaer and scribbled something on it. Clint drew an arrow and attached the paper to it. He aimed it directly in front of the Baron's feet. With a wizzz it was gone and struck into the pavement in front of them. It had two words written on it "I'm BACK"

[Baron Zemo]

The arrow landed with a THUNK at Zemo's feet just as he was about to enter the building. He reached down and picked up, unrolled the paper and read the note "I'm Back!" Zemo looked around but Hawkeye was nowhere to be seen.

'He was right' he thought to himself 'it really was him fighting with Cap, but how we were told he'd died.' This revelation worried Zemo immensely.

"What's that?" asked Songbird looking at the arrow in Zemo's hand "it cant be one of Clint's, he's dead, isn't he?" Songbird looked terrified.

"My dear it would appear that nobody stays dead forever these days" Zemo would find out whether this was the man who once lead the team or an imposter, but the style of the delivery indicated that it was indeed Clint Barton, the marksman Avenger known as Hawkeye was indeed very much alive.

Right now he had other things to attend to but he hoped that Clint was alone or this could become very messy.....

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye would just watch for now. He didn't want to get involved especially since he was alone. "Damn, Zemo what are you up too? I see songbird is as sexy as ever." He said to himself. He hoped things wouldn't turn for the worst he didn't really want to shoot a thunderbolt.

[Baron Zemo]

Zemo discarded the Arrow on the floor as he entered the building, Songbird gave him a glare "Oh come on I'll pick it up when we leave just don't think its a very good thing to have at the moment; 'hi Mr Power oh this don't worry just a teammate comeback from the dead' yeah that wold go down well."

As they climbed the stairs to the apartment songbird stopped Zemo "Look Helmut this whole thing is about unmasking and stuff right? don't you think it would be a better message to send if you yourself took off the mask?" Songbird was right of course, Zemo peeled away his mask "you cant even see the scarring now its amazing" she added

Zemo slowly climbed the stairs 'yes the scar' he thought to himself 'amazing how easily it healed.' when the got to the apartment door Zemo gently knocked the door.

Dr Power opened the door slowly, he looked the two costumed heroes up and down cautiously "Yes? can i help you?"

"Dr Power?" asked Zemo "We are here on behalf of the Superhuman Registration Act, we understand that your children.." he looked at the paper he held in his hand regarding Power-Pack "have or still are utilizing superhuman abilities for the benefit of others under the team name Power-Pack!"

"Um-mm, no not my children.." Dr Power Began. "Dr Power" interrupted Songbird "My name is Songbird, you can call me Melissa, i assure you your children are in no danger all we want is their names and alias' and for them to sign up to the act so that they can be trained properly."

"but..." Dr Power stuttered. "Dr Power by doing this you are ensuring your children's safety, the training would be of an appropriate level, the government may even ask them to stop their activities until they are a bit older, i understand that ......Katie is only eight years old? now what kind of childhood is that i ask you?" Zemo's tone was very persuasive.

"Well i would prefer it if they didn't put themselves in danger like they do, OK come in I'll get the children." Dr Power had come round to the idea quicker than expected.

"Thank you Dr Power, your doing the right thing." assured Songbird.

Meanwhile Outside.....

Atlas looked out from the alley toward the house, 'what was that Zemo dropped on the floor?' he wondered quietly.

"Smuggler, over here...Conrad get over here i need a favour." suddenly Conrad emerged next to him.

"What you want Erik? We're meant to be keeping a look out." Smuggler was a jovial spirit but took survival very seriously.

"Over there by the door something landed by Zemo's foot, he picked it up studied it and discarded it, i want to know what it is now go get it will you?" Atlas wished he could have gone put his costume wasn't exactly made for sneaking around.

"Yeah OK, be back now." and with that Smuggler vanished re-appearing moments later with Hawkeyes arrow, which Atlas snatched from his hand.

'No' he thought to himself 'it cant be his, he died, but then again it is exactly like the ones he used.'

"Conrad listen very carefully i want you to check all the shadows around here OK." Atlas was amazed 'could he really be alive?'

Conrad vanished returning moments later "nothing there bro whats the matter?"

Atlas looked down at the arrow "Nothing much, just the return of an old friend." He looked up toward the building that Zemo had entered 'i hope this doesn't turn nasty' he thought to himself.

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye was watching Atlas and and Smuggler from behind. He was barely 15 feet away. Clint wanted to have some fun with them. With that he picked up a small pebble and chuncked it at Atlas's head. Clint emerged fro the shawdows. "Long time no see."

[Baron Zemo]

Atlas Span around as the pebble hit him "long time no see", Atlas stared at Clint for a second then cuffed his brother around the head "Nobody around huh? the guy's not 15 feet away from us, now get back to work."

Atlas slowly walked toward Hawkeye "Clint?" he paused then Hawkeye grinned "oh my god it is you i was told you were dead, what happened? where have you been?" Atlas was pleased to see his former teammate but suddenly a feeling of dread came over him.

"You here alone Clint? or are we in for a nasty surprise here?" If Clint was alive then it also made sense that he knew about the SHR Act, especially as he'd been spotted fighting alongside Cap. "what you making of this new law? making masks kind of unfashionable if you follow my meaning."

"By the way i think you freaked out Zemo with that arrow very subtle mate, you could have just shot him in the arse of course." Atlas looked toward the building for a second and then turned back. "Well i suppose you want to know whats going on right?"

[Hawkeye]

"I'm back from the dead and thats a long story. Yes I do want to know whats going on here. If you are here to register people against there will I can't let you do that. I don't support this act and you shouldn't either." Clint paused and looked right at Atlas. "I suppose though in the light of what this group used to be becoming criminal again wouldn't be to good for PR."

[Baron Zemo]

"Well i wouldn't say against their will Zemo and Melissa are up there talking to Dr Power i presume were just here in case the kids do a runner." Atlas was fully aware of how this sounded. "Look Clint to be honest who would you rather be doing this job, us or SHIELD, cos last thing i heard they tried damn hard to take Cap down."

Atlas looked around the street and up to the roof, "i trust these people Clint, they aren't the type to hurt kids." at the mention of the word kids Atlas saw Hawkeyes' eyes widen.

"its Power pack Clint we've been asked to register Power Pack now would you really want them to take on a SHIELD squadron?"
Atlas hoped that his words were getting through to Clint the last thing he wanted was to fight a friend this soon after they passed the act

[Hawkeye]

"Damn It Atlas, kids? You how this is going to look if something goes wrong." Clint couldn't believe the thunderbolts would do this." This was not a situation Hawkeye was glad he had come upon. "Listen, you know I can't take on all of you but, think of what you're doing. I mean these are kids, they shouldn't have to grow up being watched and scrutinized by the government."

[Baron Zemo]

"Shouldn't be watched and scrutinized by the government?" Atlas Shouted "Clint they shouldn't even be out there the youngest ones only around eight years old, eight for gods sake she should be playing with dolls, not shooting bolts of plasma out of her chest." Atlas realized he was shouting and calmed down.

"sorry Clint i didn't mean to shout like that" Atlas said calmly 'or draw attention to us either.' "its just we have a job to do Stark wants us to prove we can be trusted, i don't like it any more than you do but i got to do it otherwise my brother over there gets a bad rep before he's started."

Atlas leaned against the wall "and we are well aware of how it would look we've been doing this a while remember." Atlas smiled at Hawkeye, tapping his fist against the wall bits of dust fell on his head "besides," he said not thinking "if they try do run off we've got Pym particles we can use on them until we can get them to safety."

[Hawkeye]

"Pym particles! What are you gunna do to those kids of they want to run off?" Clint didn't like the sound of this. He had used pym particales before. Why what would that do to these kids. "I admit that no 8 year olds need to be doing this but its not right to force the to register."

[Baron Zemo]

Atlas looked at Hawkeye for once he didn't know what to say, he himself knew the dangers of using Pym particles which is why he had left his gun behind and taken Conrad's away from him.

"Look I'm sure that this wont be an issue anyway, Zemo and Melissa have got things in hand I'm sure of it." Atlas looked up at the window of the Power's family apartment.

Three minutes ago in the Power's family appartment.......

"Now kids in know this seems unfair..... yes i know Captain America has said no......Yes i did say he was a good role model....." Dr Power was having trouble convincing Powerpack.

"Well he certainly has a way with those kids." laughed Zemo smirking at Songbird. "Well to be fair they have got powers and he hasn't, he should just consider himself lucky that one of the kids is in Los Angeles." Songbird had made herself comfortable on the sofa.

"Yeah i know he... what?? they're not all here, why didn't you tell me?" Zemo sat down next to her "great Stark's going to love this one."

"Hey don't look at me i thought you knew, the oldest one shes with some team out there." Songbird wasn't taking the blame for this.

"Alex you come down here this second.....no young man your not going anywhere, Jack put your sister down....i don't care what you think your all going to sign this thing, I'm fed up of one of you coming home hurt all the time.....katie......katie, power down now katie, katie that almost hit me....." Dr Power was quickly losing control of his kids.

"Um i think we'd better go in there!" observed Songbird. "Your right lets go!" Zemo leaped out of his chair and made his way across the room, opened the door and was amazed by the sight before him.

Dr power was being held upside-down in a gravity field there was a large scorch mark on the wall behind him and the room was filled with a light covering of cloud that seemed to be taunting him. Through the cloud he could make out a window being opened and two figure climbing out.

Zemo dashed toward the window just as the second figure made it through; he grabbed the booted foot and to his surprise found himself floating upward surrounded by cloud. Suddenly a face appeared "LEAVE US ALONE!" Zemo was shocked but not as shocked as when a bolt of electricity hit him full in the face causing him to lose his grip and fall 'Oh shit' he thought as he saw the drop.

Several stories down.........

"Look I'm sure that this wont be an issue anyway, Zemo and Melissa have got things in hand I'm sure of it." quipped Atlas.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

"Holy shit!" exclaimed Atlas as he ran across the street growing in size as he moved, "don't worry boss Ive got you."Atlas caught Zemo ten foot off the ground, looked upward and saw the kids disappear into the distance. "Blizzard, Mach-IV, why aren't you giving chase?.....Blizzard Mach-IV come in." there was no answer from them, behind them he could hear the sound of someone trying to stifle a laugh.

Zemo looked over to Hawkeye "What have you done Clint, you have any idea the trouble or danger those kids could be in?"

"I don't think it was him Zemo," replied Songbird as she landed on the ground next to him "hello Clint nice to see you again your looking very......mobile for a dead man."

"what you mean it wasn't him?" asked Zemo "it had to be, hes probably been spying on us the whole time." Zemo was furious, in the background Atlas had grown in size and had brought the trio from the roof down to ground level.

"Defiantly wasn't Clint Zemo, these look like electricity burns and Joystick looks like shes been tossed around like a rag-doll." Atlas lay the three injured Thunderbolts on the ground.

"Wake up!" Zemo slapped Blizzard. "Ouch, where the hell, how did i get down here." asked a confused Blizzard.

"Never mind that" probed Zemo "what happened up there?"

"Oh Shit," Blizzard rubbed his head, "those kids, thats what happened me and Mach-IV were taken out with Electricity bolts from the girl and Joystick well the cloud kid picked her up and threw her around after she managed to get near the little girl."

"This is ridiculous," moaned Zemo "we should have been able to handle three kids, by the way mind tell me what your doing here?" he asked looking over at Hawkeye....

[Hawkeye]

"ahahhahahaha, you guys crack me up. I was in the neighborhood." Clint was very releaved those kids got away. "I was just catching up with Atlas here when you fell out the window. Truth be told, those kids don't look like they needed my help to get away......ahahahaha" Hawkeye almost felt bad for laughing at the thunderbolts a team he used to lead, but given the situation he couldn't help it.