(Becoming the One Above All.)
Chapter two:
Smiling, Travis appreciated the elderly gentleman's sentiments. Prior Service men and women may not get treated as badly as they used to after Vietnam, but in a city like New York it's a bit rarer to find someone who is grateful for the sacrifices that people like Travis have made in service to the country. So, Jack saying that meant a lot.
The odd duo made small talk for a while. Soon it was almost time for Travis's turn in line. However, before he could go up to his idol he got stopped by Jack.
"Wait a bit, been meaning to ask you. What's so important about that Fantastic Four comic you have? You seem to treasure it. But from what we've been talking about it doesn't seem like you particularly care for the Fantastic Four all that much. Jack asked, looking at the comic held carefully in Travis's hand.
"Oh, this? Travis brings the 72nd issue up. "Yeah, I don't care much about the Fantastic Four. Susan Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm are one thing, but Reed Richards... I don't like much, and those movies are cringe and not worth watching. This one is special though.
"Oh? Jack quirk's up an eyebrow. And why's that?
Travis gets an excited look on his face. "Because, this is one of the few times we meet the One Above All. As the Creator you don't hear about him much and the focus is more on Earth and it's protectors. I figured there must be more to him, so I wanted to ask Stan Lee about him while also asking him to sign the page where the Fantastic Four meets him. I know this incarnation of the character is more an homage to Jack Kirby, but it still seems appropriate, you know?
Jack frowns a bit. "What more to the character do you need? He's omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Kind of hard to really put a finger on that sort of being don't you think? Even worse to try and have a story surrounding him, or her.
"Well, uh, it's just there isn't a character in the Marvel Universe that doesn't have a story and I wish I could experience his. Heck, a being like that inside the Marvel Universe? I wish I could be the One Above All". Jon looks back at the line. Ah, sorry, Jack, I need to go, it's my turn! Replied Travis LaRowe.
As Travis scamper's off giddily, Jack laughs at his young friends antitcs. "Indeed, it just might be.
At this his eyes seem to glow for a split second before being replaced by his normal look. After a few seconds, he walks towards Travis, who's standing in front of Jack's best friend and colleague.
Jack places his non gloved hand on Travis's shoulder as he gets his comic book back from Stan Lee, and before he can ask his question Stan Lee says, this one?
Travis looks at his new customed friend curiosity. Does Jack know Mr. Lee?
Stan Lee looks up surprised. He takes his trademark aviator sunglasses off and points them at Jon. *You sure Jack? Jack nods and Stan Lee shrugs. "Alright, but you have to explain it to him. Stan Lee takes out a pencil from his pocket, a worn out, dirty, chewed up pencil. He then reaches under the table and brings up a blank sheet of paper. As he places it on the table, the whole convention center seems to quiet as if someone is turning the volume dial down on a stereo. Once the paper hits the table, it's eerily silent. Jon starts to panic a bit. Just what is going on? The only thing Travis can hear is his, Jack's, and Stan Lee's breathing. As the elderly celebrity drops his old pencil down onto the page, and a word escapes his lips.
"Excelsior!
Travis's consciousness fades to black as his body turns into motes of light until it disappears entirely.
"Thanks Stan, as always, Jack Kirby says as he walks away and fades into nothingness.
"See you in a few years Jack. Says Stan Lee, and life returns to the convention hall.