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Tokyo-2, The Aftermath of the Angel Wars…
The battlefield was quiet for the time being. The sky, once a multicolored mess of spiraling madness in preparation for the end of the world was finally returning to its normal grey shades as the rain began to fall in earnest. A low rumble of thunder echoed across the landscape but even that could not stop the sounds of cheering from the JSSDF and the other warriors who stopped a madman in his quest.
Panning around the battlefield one can see a large box truck, several devices that were blown out and destroyed, all evidence that this was once the rallying point for X-Factor, a league of Nephilim Superheroes, during this final confrontation.
The members of X-Factor had already moved on towards the center of the city to regroup. As the view pans back, none of the members of X-Factor seemed to notice something important was missing from the camp…
… the body of Doctor Doom…
Archdruid Sephiroth Presents
A Superwomen of Evangelion Series
Based on "Tempest Aterna"
The X-Factor Chronicles
X-Factor Episode 0: The Aftermath, a New Beginning
12 Hours Later
X-Factor headquarters was a mess due to the excessive amount of partying that took place last night. Despite the fact that this was a coalition of superheroes, they were still children, and they indulged. While someone did have the presence of mind to put the dip and the rest of the perishables away, it was obvious that this was the extent of their willingness to clean the place up.
In one corner of the main command room stood a massive pile of empty cans of beer and one unconscious superwoman lightly snoring in her drunken sleep. In the lab nearby, one of the supermen along with one of the superwomen shared a bed, as an older woman in a lab coat nearby was busy looking over data as if the base wasn't a total disaster area and there wasn't anyone at all sleeping nearby.
In other rooms there were more pairs that were sharing space with each other, away from the mess they had created the previous night. In a room by herself, a girl lay wrapped in many bandages and braces to keep her body from twisting itself the wrong way. She was awake, and her blue eyes took in the room in detail for the ten-millionth time.
"This sucks," she whispered, feeling a twinge of pain erupt though her spine.
Her name was Rogue… real name Asuka Langley Sohryu. Once an enemy of X-Factor, now a full member in her own right. She was created by Exodus as a useful pawn and a partner to share his bed, but in the end, she realized the extent to which she was being used. He pushed too far, and she turned against him.
But revenge would not be hers exclusively. Ultimately defeated by Exodus, but that didn't matter; she played her part, and she knew as much. If it wasn't for her attempt to kill him, Third Impact would have happened anyway, and no one would have survived except Exodus himself. She bought Storm the time she needed to finish the job... yet still, she wished she had punched him though his chest and destroyed his core herself.
Ritusko Akagi, X-Factor's now official doctor, said it would take a few months to fully heal as her regeneration was stunted compared to the other superheroes here. It was the downside of being nearly indestructible, when Rogue did get hurt, the injuries lasted a lot longer.
Sighing, the red head ignored the pain in her chest and back and simply laid there, gently pushing the white bang over her face away. A few moments later, the last person she expected entered the room.
"Archangel," she whispered as the visitor approached.
Her real name was Rei Ayanami, a creation of the late Gendo Ikari. She was meant as a tool to initiate the impact in order to resurrect his wife, but as Gendo's ambitions changed, so did her role in all of this. She became the template for an army, and a baseline for more powerful creations that came to be known as the Doom Guard. Gendo himself, had held the reins of power in Tokyo-3 for a long time, and when he became the Supervillian Doctor Doom, his power only grew.
Rei had merged with the 16th Messenger, Armasael, and became the heroine Archangel. Her body was now techno-organic in nature, with 2 sets of razor edge wings capable of launching organic steel blades like hypersonic darts. Her personality changed little, she was as serious as ever but little by little she began to escape her shell.
"Rogue," Rei replied. "I know not much time has passed, but how are you feeling?"
"Like crap," she answered truthfully. "At the same time though, I have this feeling of relief… it's finally over right? No more angels… no more Exodus… no more Doom?"
"Yes," she agreed. "It has ended at last. But at the same time it has only just begun."
Asuka shifted a bit at that. "What do you mean?"
"Adam's energy was released into the world again. The first time it was during the Second Impact, which allowed children born after that time to become potential EVA pilots. His energy has been released again. It is likely that others in the world will change."
"Into things like us?" she offered.
"Likely," she replied.
"So it isn't really over for us."
Rei sat at her bedside, swinging all four sets of wings to the side away so they weren't blocking her. "It will never truly be over for us," she replied. "As the angels were once vital in the time before the First Impact, we have now become a vital part of this world. We'll need to keep the balance of power now, and prevent those who have become power mad from destroying or subjugating the world again."
"You think the others will be on board for that?" Asuka asked.
"Undoubtedly," Rei replied without hesitation. "Each member of X-Factor believes in what we do. I believe even Colossus and yourself, though relative newcomers would be honored to take such a place."
"Well for my part, I'm in it for the glory of combat." Asuka twinged a bit but kept her pain reflex under control. "I am a warrior at heart, and I doubt that will ever change."
"I don't imagine it will," Rei agreed. "I know we weren't the best of friends before all of this happened, but I would like to take you up on that offer you made almost a year ago."
"What offer?" Asuka asked questioningly.
"At the school, you met me on the steps and said we should become friends. At the time, I responded that I would if ordered… but now I understand the meaning of friendship and desire to pursue this course with you because I wish to, rather than because I was commanded to do so."
Asuka smiled slightly at that. "And so you take one more step in becoming human."
Rei smiled a gentle smile. She took her words as a compliment.
Latveria, 3 Days Later
The body of Doctor Doom was laid out on a table in a dark room. Most of the burnt clothing and armor were removed and the hole in his chest was still visible for all to see. Circling around the table was a girl who resembled Rei in many ways but she was a little taller and her hair was a bit longer. She wore a black plugsuit with steel grey armor over her shoulders, shins and knees, wrists elbows and spine. In the center of her chest was a circular disk covered by a clear crystal plate that glowed with a strong light. Cabling ran from this disk to a pair of emitters on each arm under the wrist, as well as other devices she wore.
She approached the table and removed the chest plate, disconnecting the glowing device's leads to her wrists before depressurizing her suit. Pulling on releases on her chest, she removed most of the cloth over her chest exposing her flesh. Her hand then reached into her own chest, phasing past the flesh to reach her core. Whimpering in obvious pain she forcibly divided her own core into two equal parts pulling one part of herself out. She felt sick for a moment, but was able to keep her lunch down.
She took a moment to recover before taking that half of her core and placing it in the hole in Doom's chest. Instantly the arteries and veins melded to it and the flesh started to grow back, turning into organic metal as it did. As the regeneration began, she replaced her outfit and resealed it. Once pressurization was complete she reattached her chest piece, linked the leads and placed her hands on Doom's chest.
The sound of a machine powering up could be heard before the wrist units came alive and transferred a massive amount of energy from the wrist units into Doom himself. As Doom was beginning to come alive, his body instantly and instinctually drew in that power.
As the minutes went by, the flesh rebuilt itself and the core inside of him strengthened until his eyes opened and he drew breath. She immediately let go allowing him to fully come back into consciousness.
Gendo Von Doom sat up allowing his eyes to adjust. He looked towards the person who revived him.
"Report," he said with authority despite his state of undress.
"The plan has failed. NERV Japan is lost to us, Onslaught has been killed and Colossus has betrayed us. No Doom Infantry remain and Mystique is missing. I took you to an isolated country in the Carpathian Mountains called Latveria and revived you using my own core." Her voice was level but there was a hint of modesty, or perhaps even fear in her voice, he couldn't place it… either would be a distraction.
"Then we have become linked for the time being," he noted. This complicated matters but it was better than death. He never even thought for a moment that he would have needed his secret fourth member of the Doom Guard. She remained dormant in an underground chamber just in case he failed fully in his plans. While she lacked some of the programming the Doom Guard had, she was a competent warrior, and apparently good with machinery judging from her unusual rig. Doom was especially interested in that ring of light.
"Forgive me," she said sadly.
"There is nothing to forgive," he replied. "You had no control over the events. But the fact that Mystique has abandoned me as well…"
That thought hit him the hardest. Mystique was always the one closest to him, trying desperately to impress him. Why would she abandon him like that? That was a mystery he would unravel later.
"I trust the materials I require have been collected?"
"Yes Doctor," she replied instantly. "I've subjugated part of the population here for slave labor using the nanites. They have already begun construction of the underground facility that will house the new cloning plant. I was able to save most of the files you stored in the Geofront, so we should be able to reach full production within a matter of weeks."
"Excellent," he replied, noticing her spirits seemed to be increasing now that he was a bit happier. "In this hidden alcove, far from the eyes of the civilized world, we will begin again, and this time I will succeed. Now, what of the Evangelions?"
"They remain in the Geofront, but they are already in the process of being disassembled by the Japanese Government."
"The cores?"
She shook her head. At this Doom was saddened again.
"Then… she is truly lost to me…."
"I am sorry," she replied with sadness in her voice. "If it is your wish, I will attempt to replace her."
"No one can replace her," Gendo replied immediately. He turned to face the girl whose eyes were now low to the ground. "But you may have little choice in the matter. We are linked now as we share the same core."
"It was necessary, the world needs you."
Gendo Von Doom actually smiled at that quote as he stood up and walked towards another table loaded with devices and parts.
"Yes Whiplash… the world does need me. This world needs a strong leader, one that can drive our species into the future! Here on this patch of earth in the middle of Europe, we will bring about the beginning of a new age."
She smiled as she straightened her posture.
"Now here is what I need you to do… work on subjugating the rest of the population to my whim and push forward construction. I want the f-LS forge operational by the end of the week. It's only a matter of time before our enemies realize we have returned and I must be ready for them."
"Yes Doctor, your will be done."
Doom immediately got to work on his new armor and costume. It would be just like the old in appearance but he already had ideas for improvements to counter the Superwomen. "Our enemies are legion but soon they will be as dust in the wind. Go forth and enforce my will."
"Hail Doom!"
Tokyo-2, 2 Days later
"Reports are still coming in of seemingly super powered criminals terrorizing the citizens," one of the prefecture representatives said. "This is getting out of hand. We need support from outside the country. We can't handle this."
"Violent crime is up nearly 65 percent in the wake of the Doom Incident," another one agreed. "Unless something is done…."
At that moment, the doors opened and a single boy entered the room. His blonde hair and glasses made him look like a member of the chess club from a local high school, but his military style outfit spoke of something else entirely, as well as his very posture. His arm held an arm computer and his backpack certainly looked like something out of a science fiction movie. The room went silent as he walked to the head of the room, not because of the randomness of it, but because most of them recognized the X symbol on his shoulders, where the rank insignia of a soldier would normally be.
"If it pleases your honor," he said to the head of the Diet of Japan, "I have something to say to the Representatives and Councilors here."
He nodded and stepped down as the boy walked up to the podium, using the box hidden there to stand on so all could see him.
"Ladies and Gentleman of the Diet," he began, "allow me to introduce myself. I am known as Aida Kensuke, formerly a student at Tokyo-3 Junior High School. Now, thanks to extraordinary events, I have become more than human. I have fought alongside my brothers and sisters in Tokyo-2, 5 days ago to stymie the efforts of Doctor Doom under the moniker of Forge. I have been chosen by my teammates in X-Factor to speak on their behalf as their official Liaison to you all.
"Before I continue, I wish for you to understand that the world has in fact changed greatly. While I do not know the extent of your knowledge as to what actually happened… and in effect, almost happened, but I will answer those questions later. I will say that we have averted a disaster that could have destroyed the entire world as surely as the Angels would have. Never-the-less we know our work will never truly be done….
4 Days Ago, X-Factor HQ
Though most of the mess was cleaned up here, there were still signs that there was a major party recently. Gathered around the table, the members of X-Factor sat as they listened to Doctor Akagi's information.
"So," she continued, "what I feared might happen has in fact come to pass. I surmised that if both halves of Adam were reunited and then destroyed, it would be the second impact all over again."
"The world didn't shift again," Rogue commented.
"I know that, but never-the-less, the world has changed again. Adam / Exodus's death released a vast amount of angelic energy into the atmosphere and that energy has begun to change random people. I've gotten back into the main satellite network and modulated the sensors to scan for angelic energy. The currents have already carried it around the world. It's begun."
"I guess that means we can't rest yet," Bishop replied almost dryly.
His real name was Shinji Ikari, the son of Doctor Doom. Betrayed by his father, he tried to turn against him only to be shown his place. When the angel of the night, Liliel appeared, he was absorbed into it but was able to forcefully merge with her, destroying the angel and inheriting her ability to absorb energy.
"No," Storm replied standing up in the process. "It means we can never truly rest. We banded together to stop Doctor Doom and Exodus from destroying and subjugating the world. We succeeded, though not without pain and suffering. Still we won. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to call it quits."
Storm was the primary founding member of X-Factor, and their leader. Her real name was Mayumi Yamagishi. A year ago, she was an unassuming bookworm who got caught up in the Angel Wars when it became known to her that she had a core within her, one that was linked to Ramiel, the angel of thunder. His death was her rebirth and ever since then she has been fighting the good fight.
"Do you think we can really help the entire world?" Spirit asked. "I mean, we're gonna need more than a few box trucks and some determination to do that."
Spirit has ever been at Mayumi's side though this ordeal. An experiment that was disposed of improperly was the reason for her existence. Her genetics just so happened to be compatible with the discarded DNA from one of Ritsuko's experiements. This changed the class rep of Tokyo-3 Middle School's Class 2-A into a half-angelic heroine. Once she was simply Hikari Horaki, an unassuming freckle-faced girl, now she was Storm's primary advisor.
"We'll need more materials and capital to take on that kind of a mission," Forge replied.
"Not to mention more training," Colossus, Forge's best friend noted.
Before the events of the Angel Wars, Touji Suzahara, was a jock and Hikari's love interest. Now they are together in X-Factor, but Touji was forcefully transformed into Colossus by Doctor Doom.
"Personally I'm all for it!" She-Hulk replied. "I'm not satisfied with just killing off Adam. If there are going to be new supervillains out there we need to smash them all!"
Though human now, when She-Hulk really gets going, she turns into a massive green skinned terror of a woman. Misato Katsuragi was once the Director of Operations for NERV, but like most here, circumstances transformed her into something else entirely. She witness The Second Impact, which infused her with angelic power she couldn't use. It wasn't until she was almost killed in the secret war factory of Doctor Doom and exposed to Gamma Radiation that she became the strong arm of X-Factor.
"We are overlooking something else," Archangel said in a soft voice. "Who's to say some of these new Nephilim won't want to become heroes?"
"Agreed," Storm replied.
Present
"As we continued to discuss the future we came to several conclusions, none-the-least of which is the fact that we can't do it alone, but we are willing to fight for the free world. We aren't looking to become vigilantes; we're looking to become a tool for law and order. We seek to preserve the peace and bring those that would seek to abuse their power to justice according to the laws set by the people. We don't see ourselves as judge, jury or executioner… we want to help.
"So what we are really asking for is two fold. First, we want the support of the Government as we have no desire to become law-breakers. Secondly, we need the financial support of the Government as well. While I've been able to improvise a lot, there is so much more I can do with proper equipment. Do this for us and we promise to do what is needed of us to protect this world from evil."
At the end of his speech, Forge was quite surprised to find that the entire Diet was clapping for him. It was a show of support he wasn't quite expecting and it brought a warm feeling to him. The people did understand, it seemed and now it was only a matter of letting the Diet do its job.
2 Weeks Later
Mayumi stat on the bench outside X-Factor Headquarters… while the place had changed a bit in the past two weeks, it still felt more like home than ever. The computer systems they got from the government were put to good use. They'd already taken a few missions from the Japanese Government and it felt like they were really making a difference now.
But foremost on her mind was Tabris. As time passed, he seemed to become more segregated from the rest of the team. She knew it was only a matter of time before he left.
Inside the building Forge was working on a new machine, one that would more efficiently direct power throughout the base. It was complex on the inside but it wasn't anything his special sight couldn't figure out. As he continued to work, Ms Fantastic was working on another circuit board for the machine.
Suddenly there was a sound like a gunshot and Forge was thrown from the machine. Ms Fantastic was at his side instantly.
"Are you alright?" she half panicked.
Forge jolted and something looked like it tore out of his chest. It was a shard of crystal about 5" long. To both his and her surprise the crystal shard changed shape and unfolded five pairs of crystalline wings.
"What the hell?" Forge said as he watched the thing unfurl. In moments it grew two sets of arms as well and formed something of a face, though it was just a smooth faucet with eye slits that glowed. "Is… is that what I think it is?"
"Goodness," she replied. "It certainly does look like it. Tabris! Come quick!"
Tabris entered a moment later and saw the fairy-like creature that resembled Arael. He came closer to it as it took wing and flew in front of him as if considering him.
"Arael?" he asked it, but it seemed to only partially understand him.
"Is it her?" Forge asked as he got up. He noticed that his clothing was undamaged somehow.
"Part of her," Tabris replied as he held his hand out. The tiny creature clung to his finger and locked eyes with him causing Tabris to blank out briefly. "One of several… Arael managed to survive by shattering her own soul into different pieces just before impact. Parts of her are scattered about the world, lost…."
"Can you bring her together again?" Forge asked, not sure about how these things worked.
"I must try," he replied. His eyes were still transfixed on this fragment of Arael that clung to his finger.
Minutes later, Tabris walked outside to where Mayumi was resting.
"Kaworu?"
"Mayumi."
She turned to face him, and saw that he was wearing his combat uniform complete with his new backpack. The fragment of Arael floated nearby fluttering its wings to move about.
"So, you found a part of her."
"Apparently it was within Forge all this time," he replied.
"Does this mean you're leaving us?" she asked.
"I'm sorry, but yes. There are other fragments out there lost and scattered. I have to find them if I ever want to restore Arael to life."
Mayumi looked saddened by this but she understood deep down what it was he had to do.
"Far be it from be to discourage you from your quest. Your presence will be missed. You've become a part of this team."
"Don't worry… Storm," he replied, "Arael and I will return once my mission is finally completed."
Mayumi stepped in and gave him a hug which he returned gladly.
"Good luck Tabris," she whispered to him.
"No… I've left that name behind me." They separated. "My honor is all I have left, and like the honorable warriors of old, I will cherish it and allow it to guide my hand as my quest goes on. I am the Silver Samurai."
Mayumi smiled at the name. "It suits you my friend." She noticed Forge walking towards them with a long box.
"I made this for you Sil," he said as he approached. "I figure it will help you in quest as your powers have diminished somewhat since you lost your core."
Tabris looked at the box. "I sense Longinus energy from it… you cracked the f-LS code?"
"Well, I sort of knew you were probably going to leave us, if only for a while, and I decided why let the bad guys have all the cool toys. It's an alloy of f-LS I created mixing the metal with Titanium. It actually retained its Longinus properties while now being much harder to break."
Sil opened the box to find a katana with a carbon steel sheath. Forge continued to explain as he removed the weapon from the box and unsheathed it, taking in the silvery metal's gleam.
"The sheath is carbon steel so it's light and can be used as a bludgeoning weapon without risk of breakage. The inside layer is the same metal as the blade so it won't wear out regardless of how often you need to draw the sword." Tabris looked for the mark on the blade and found the familiar X symbol where the creators mark would normally be. Forge's personal mark was on the opposite side. "Since the energy of Longinus also works alongside AT-Fields as well as against it, it should take a charge from your energy quite well." He tested this out himself and the blade seemed to come alive with a silvery glow as he did so.
"Exquisite," Sil replied. "Absolutely exquisite." He sheathed the sword and attached it to his belt. "It is one of the greatest gifts anyone has given me. Thank you Forge." As he looked back, it seemed the rest of X-Factor including Rogue who was able to move about now were coming out to say goodbye.
"I wish you could stay," Spirit said as she approached. "But I know this is something you must do."
"Just remember you're always welcome back," Bishop added. "Even if your quest isn't done yet so don't be a stranger, k?"
"My friends," Silver Samurai began, trying to ward off his own tears now, "this means so much to me. I'm happy to have such friends. I can only hope that when this is over, you can all get to meet Arael properly. I think you would like her."
"Looking forward to it," Forge said much to Sil's surprise. Forge's first meeting with Arael wasn't precisely fun for him, but in the end, even he understood that she was only trying to talk.
"Goodbye my friends… I hope to see you all again soon." With that he turned and began the long walk down the hillside, leaving his friends behind him for now.
The fragment of Arael flew around his head a few times rapidly leaving a crystal chime sound in her wake.
"I swear if I ever hear you say 'Hey Listen', I'm going to turn my AT-Field into a fly-swatter."
The sound that came from the fragment almost sounded like a chuckle to him.
Latveria
Whiplash stood upon a hill overlooking the surface of the new underground facility. Soon a city would be built here to cover the fact that such a facility existed, but for now, the numerous entrances dotted the landscape as construction vehicles continued to smooth out the ground in places and set infrastructure in others. Pipes, wires and conduits cris-crossed the landscape as the subjugated workers continued to labor on. Within the facility, Whiplash knew that new Doom Infantry would be awakening soon. The ranks and files would once more fill up and the all-female army would once again march, this time with added support.
Whiplash had started tinkering with the idea of using robotic drones as additional support. Such units could handle heavy weapons much easier than the Doom Infantry could, and they were much easier to replace. With the unstoppable support, the Infantry could concentrate on taking and holding territory once the widespread wars would begin. For now, they were all part of Latveria's Special Self Defense Force (LSSDF). Air fields and vehicle construction bays were being created both above and below ground and already, a volunteer infantry force marched the streets of Latveria's towns… especially the new capital of Doomstadt.
In two short weeks, Doom went from newly awakened with ideas for the future, to building new nation upon the foundations of the old world. Of course, much of the population was living in fear and subjugated by the power of Doom, while others were either subjugated via the Nanties he used to keep them under control, or young people who realized where the true power in Latveria was now and joined the ranks of Doom willingly. The new clone army he was creating was no longer reliant on the nanites, and a simple control chip wired into their brains controlled their activities. This allowed them to act more independently if their control signal was interrupted.
This was but one of many upgrades and changes Doom had made to his army. Gendo Von Doom was a man who learned from his past mistakes. This time would be different… this time the world would bow to him, or he would turn the sky black with the smoke from the mass graves.
But first things first… he had an elaborate plan in place and each step needed to be executed with caution. Small groups and concrete plans had to go over flawlessly otherwise his enemies, especially X-Factor would become wise to his plans. All this Whiplash knew, and while a small part of her cried out in protest that what she was doing was wrong on so many levels, her loyalty to her "father" prevailed over any misgivings she had. He was always in the right after all, and so she used all of her willpower to crush that small voice that tried to sway her faith from him.
Landing behind her, Doom took in the scenery with his own eyes from beyond his metal mask. He stepped up next to her on her left side, putting her on his right… where she knew she belonged.
"Status," he commanded.
"The underground facilities are 97 percent completed. Construction of Vladastadt will begin as soon as the last of the facilities are completed. We should have the city fully built within three months if current labor holds up. This is of course including the new HCR Units I plan to roll out within the next week."
"The Lab?"
"Fully stocked and ready for your use," she replied immediately.
"Material supplies."
"No shortages expected within the foreseeable future."
"Infantry."
"The first production run of 10,000 clones will be active in 3 days. We're expecting the next batch the same time the following week. You should have an army of about 120,000 clones by the time the city of Vladastadt is completed."
"Outstanding," Doom agreed. "You have done well Whiplash; your organizational skills and attention to detail have made this all possible. Latveria will soon become a true world power, and no one outside the country will even realize it has happened."
"Thank you father," she said beaming with pride.
"Soon, we will begin phase one of the plan."
And so, nestled here deep within the Carpathian Mountains, in a small corner of Eastern Europe, Doom has rebuilt his empire. Though smaller than what he possessed as the head of NERV, it would soon outshine even that.
The power of Adam had been let loose upon the world.
As Silver Samurai began his long quest to reassemble the lost pieces of Arael, X-Factor, now backed up by the Japanese Government began to fight back against the evil Nephilim that threatened the innocent. Who knows what sort of strange and unusual adversaries awaited the heroes.
But what of Mystique? How has she faired since she abandoned Doom?
And what diabolical plots does Gendo Von Doom have in store for the world?
So long as evil persists, Storm and the rest of X-Factor will be there to fight for what's good and pure in the world… and so begins The X-Factor Chronicles…
Walkin' stiff, let me tell ya,
Better left for dead,
But now we're on a mission,
Well it's full speed ahead!
My legions when we do the crime,
Let's get one thing straight
To get there early is on time,
And showin' up on time is late…
-Megadeth, Blood of Heroes