Marvel Multiverse: Family System

Before anyone could react...

Zzzzzzzzz—

All devices capable of external output emitted a sharp, grating electromagnetic noise. It was unbearable.

At the same time, every electronic device around the world went haywire, sputtering with distorted electronic tones.

"My planet... is far... from Earth..."

"We journeyed across vast distances... delayed by the Phantom Zone... to finally arrive here..."

"Your planet... harbors one of our citizens..."

"He has become your hero... He is... Superman."

"Surrender within 24 hours... Hand over Superman... or else..."

*Zzzzzzzzz—*

The piercing electromagnetic noise rang out again, making Vex wince in annoyance.

"Again?"

Then, an arrogant voice suddenly cut in, "Or else what? Seriously? Eat dirt!"

The message abruptly stopped.

Though they hadn't yet met in person, Vex easily recognized the cocky voice at the end—it was Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man.

As for the earlier voice...

It seemed to be part of the Man of Steel storyline, possibly involving their delayed arrival due to the Phantom Zone, much like Kara's case.

Coulson's phone suddenly crackled to life, transmitting a familiar voice.

"This is Nick Fury."

"Vex, you met Supergirl last night. Can you help us find Superman?"

"The reward is a special artifact, another one of those stones. There's still a grey one left."

Vex hesitated briefly, tempted.

The first two teleportation stones had granted him the ability to stop time. This third one couldn't be too bad either.

But he didn't hesitate for long. He shook his head decisively.

"I'll need to ask her opinion first," Vex replied. "Open a route for me; I'll go over personally."

Even the fastest aircraft couldn't beat his Rabbit Talisman.

As for Steve's situation...

It could wait. An alien invasion took priority.

"Please, do everything you can to convince Superman to meet with us!" Fury urged, his voice heavy. "He's been protecting nearby cities for years; we won't hand him over recklessly!"

Keyword: recklessly.

In other words, if push came to shove, they might still give up their hero.

"I'll pass along the message," Vex responded, "but that third stone is the payment for delivering it."

"No problem!"

The hangar's dome began to open slowly.

After flying out, Vex noticed the dome continuing to expand, with a large number of agents rushing to board the helicarrier.

So they were preparing for battle.

"Things are about to get interesting."

With that quip, Vex activated the Snake Talisman, vanishing from sight and disappearing from satellite view.

He then used the Rabbit Talisman to speed towards Michigan, his destination.

Watching this, Fury's complexion grew dark.

He had hoped that the "payment" Vex demanded could be circumvented by tracking him via satellite and thereby locating Superman's whereabouts directly.

But Vex had this trick up his sleeve too.

It seemed you could never underestimate alien civilizations.

Fury immediately picked up the phone and dialed a number. This time, it rang just once before the call was answered.

Fury spoke without preamble.

"Earth needs the X-Men's help!"

...

Over Michigan's lakes, Vex arrived within minutes.

Still cloaked with the Snake Talisman, he took a deep breath and called out:

"Kara—"

Seconds later, two figures zoomed toward him and stopped just a few meters away—Supergirl Kara and her cousin, Superman Clark.

Kara looked around in confusion.

"That's odd, did I misjudge the location?" she wondered aloud.

She glanced at Clark, only to see him staring at the empty air.

Vex finally deactivated the Snake Talisman and revealed himself.

"Wow! You've been here the whole time?" Kara exclaimed. "Even with my super vision, I didn't notice you at all!"

"Sorry about that," Vex chuckled apologetically. "I came straight from S.H.I.E.L.D., and I didn't want to expose your location, so I used a little trick. You seem to be in trouble, and I'm here to help."

"Thanks for coming," Kara sighed. "But this time, it's General Zod from Krypton... he's very dangerous!"

Vex smiled but didn't respond.

The real question was... who was more dangerous?

Clark's expression suddenly changed.

Just then...