The Univengers: Reign of Doom

Chapter 19: The Two Ceremonies

Doctor Doom stood trial at the New York County Supreme Court. In the end, Von Doom was sentenced to be under supervision at all times while ruling Latveria.

"Sad news this evening," said reporter Chris Stapleton of Toon Lagoon News. "A resident of Toon Lagoon, Woody Woodpecker, was killed in Latveria while infiltrating Castle Doom, the home of Latveria's leader, Victor Von Doom. Doom claims responsibility for Woodpecker's death and will be facing trial this Monday. The Non-Biological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty has returned Woody's body to Toon Lagoon. The memorial service will be held this Saturday." That Saturday was the first day of spring. The funeral was held on one of the beaches of Toon Lagoon. The Univengers paid their respects. The island was tight-knit, so nearly every resident attended the funeral.

A golden statue of Woody was made on Portum Ingressum. The statue depicted him in a "ta-da" pose. A plaque in front of it said, "Woody Woodpecker: when Doom arises, knock on wood."

Later in August, Peter Parker and Mary-Jane Watson married in the courtyard of Queens Borough Hall. As per usual, friends and families were in attendance, except for the Univengers. They couldn't risk people suspecting Peter's ties with them. After Peter and MJ left for their honeymoon, they actually started it with a ceremony on Portum Ingressum. There, MJ got to meet the rest of the Univengers. While in the Living Room, Peter looked at the statue of Woody out the window.

"I'm gonna get some fresh air, MJ," said Peter.

"Alright," she said as she started talking to Letty. Peter walked to the front of the statue. A few minutes later, Harry came up to him. He looked at the statue as well.

"I never thought it'd be him," said Harry.

"He seemed to not have a care in the world," said Peter. "But I think he was the one who cared the most."

"This was my fault," Harry lamented. "I shouldn't have recruited him."

"I understand that you feel responsible," said Peter. "A few years back, my uncle was killed by a mugger. Before that happened, I saw that same mugger run off with some stolen cash. I could've stopped him, but I chose not to out of my arrogance. That wound up being the worst mistake of my life. It taught me that a simple, petty action could have overwhelming consequences and that with great power comes great responsibility. Woody had that power but he didn't have to take that responsibility. You may feel guilty, Harry, that you asked him to join us, but if it weren't for him, God knows how many would've been killed." Harry nodded. He turned to face the sunset-bathed ocean.

"The man who killed my parents is still out there," he said. "I just happened to be a chosen one who was prophesized to defeat him."

"Fate has a weird way of working, huh?", said Peter.

"Yeah," said Harry. "Whether we like it or not, fate gives us a responsibility."

Dedicated to Michael "Skip" and Mikey Skipper