Justice Heroes Elite
CHP 53: Group Meeting
Eyes' opening to that of a bleeping noise, Tony Stark finds himself in that of a hospital bed but has no memory of what happened or why he is even here. Challenging himself to try and move, a trivial pain travels up his spine. Having no interest in going at it anymore, he lays back hopeful a doctor and or nurse will walk through that door and explain the situation to him. Resting up, his eyes close just listening to his surroundings.
"How are you feeling Mr. Stark?"
Opening his eyes, Tony looks over in the direction of the doorway; standing with a clipboard in hand is one of the doctors. Taking several steps forward he stops at the bedside checking to make sure everything is normal on the charts concerning Tony. Verifying all vital signs are ok, he turns to the billionaire.
"All signs are looking good; you should make a full recovery with a lot of rest. It may not be what you'd ideally want, but it is in your best interest to remain here for another three days." The Doctor lets be known.
"How did I end up here? I can't really remember much, everything is kind of a blur." Tony asks.
The Doctor doesn't have all the details of what happened, but tells him what he knows. It isn't known exactly which group was responsible, but it is because of gang violence why he is even in here. Grabbing hold of the sheets underneath him; Tony can't bear where things are headed all because of the recent vanishing/abduction of earth's most powerful heroes! That just means people like him and law enforcement are goanna have to buckle down.
"If you need to speak with anyone or need anything, just press the green button at the side of your bed and one of our service people will be here in a flash to fulfill your needs. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?" The Doctor asks.
Tony shakes his head letting him know that he'll be just fine. With his clipboard in hand the Doctor makes his way out of the room closing the door. It won't be long before the media finds out that Tony Stark has finally awoke. Back in the city of Seattle inside a club, sits Mark at a table next to his best friend Drew. Both observe the dance floor, where Kristine and her friends tango and rumba.
"It looks like they're having a lot of fun out there, ARE YOU SURE YOU DON'T WANT TO JOIN THEM?" Drew yells, trying to be heard over the music.
"Hey if you'd like, go enjoy yourself bro…I'LL BE RIGHT HERE." Mark replies patting him over the shoulder.
He'd rather not leave his best bud on the side to watch, so decides to sit it out as well gazing at the colors which shine from the disco ball above. In the next instant, the two of them are pulled from their chairs and taken out onto the dance floor by Kristine and Jayne.
"Come on you two, we came here to have some fun, not to merely sit around the entire time." Jayne says.
Not fighting back or arguing with the ladies, the two join the rest of their friends and shortly find that they chose the right thing to do, having more fun than they were when sitting off to the side. Going at it for over fifteen minutes the music dies down; most of them deciding they've had enough. Kristine takes a look at one of the nearby clocks seeing that it is a little after eight forty. There is still some time left before she has to be home.
"Who's up for a game of pool?" One of them challenges.
Taking him up on the offer a few of the guys follow him to the pool table. Mark gets up from where he sits, but twists looking back at Kristine.
"Are you ready to go yet, I can take you home any time?" Mark asks.
"I'm not ready yet, go have some fun with your buds." Kristine replies.
Giving her a kiss he does just that, helping the other guys set everything up.
Worlds Away
The catastrophic affair took place much earlier in the afternoon hours ago, but it is now being brought to the attention of Hideakin. Sektor is also in attendance listening to what is alleged by one of the elite members of the Panda Masters. According to what he says one of their own was attacked by a female vampire! This could be troublesome for their operations, particularly if this unknown was after information regarding their organization.
"Do you have a description of her appearance; it might be able to help out on identifying which type of vampire? Did she at all have wings?" Sektor asks in his computerized like voice.
He hasn't had very many encounters with vamps, but there is a particular one that comes to mind. The speaker explains to them he wasn't the one who witnessed the attack; but is able to confirm this meticulous Vamp did not have wings, but was still able to fly according to two eye witnesses who observed from afar.
"Does anyone know how she got on the property? I want this predicament taken care of ASAP!" Hideakin makes clear.
Subsequent to hearing the info regarding the vampire, Sektor is able to conclude it isn't the MK combatant Nitara. Yes there is a chance she could be involved, but he doesn't see any reason why she'd be trying to attack this group. Whenever Cyrax returns, he'll have to have a word with him about this all. The yellow cyborg would know more…that is if Nitara is mixed up in this somehow. If he had to guess, this is almost certainly someone else all together. Regardless of that, all angles and possibilities must be investigated; whoever is responsible for this, will be dealt with accordingly.
"Would you like for us to commence on an organized investigation? I can gather up some of our best guys and try and hit this thing head on." Sektor says.
"No…If there are more of them, we'd only be playing into their favor. Vampires are most powerful after the sunsets. It will be one of our top priorities tomorrow." Hideakin replies.
Dismissing the two from his office, Hideakin turns his attention to other important matters concerning this faction.
Lin Kuei Temple
All who agreed to take part in the travels to the alternative earth where Pythena has attacked first are gathered inside the Shalion Temple. That is all except Raiden and Batman who await the grandmaster outside of the Lin Kuei temple. Once he joins by their side, it'll be time to make the jump.
"I've got a question that I'd like an answer to. How and where did you get that mechanism?" Raiden asks refereeing to the small device.
The thunder god wonders how something so small could have enough power to transport an individual from one dimension to another; and how it ended up in the hands of the caped crusader. Giving him the shortest version possible, Subzero comes into sight seconds afterward along with two others. Stopping in front of Raiden and bats, Subz lets them know that he's ready to go and has decided to bring along with him two Lin Kuei affiliates. Batman is familiar with the woman; but isn't sure of the other.
"Who are they?" Raiden asks.
Before Subz gives him an answer, the woman identifies herself as Sareena and the other Astreow; wearing similar attire to Subzero except for the sky blue color and light brown eyes standing only 5' 10". Astreow does not have the ability to freeze, but is one of the top ranked material artists in the clan.
"Alright than…I'd say we're ready to go." Raiden says.
All grab hold of Raiden, who immediately teleports them to the Shalion temple. Just as he had planned from the start, Subzero told the eldest member he'd be attending to a mission with two others, but didn't give any info on where it would be taking place. With his status of being the grandmaster, it is best that he isn't away for long periods of time in case someone planned an attack on his clan.
"Glad you all made it back. Now let's get going, I can't wait to see what this other earth is like." Johnny Cage says.
Carrying with him is two suitcases, mostly filled with clothes; the movie star/material artists would rather not worry about shopping for clothes. Just as him, others in the group have packed small bags for change of clothes and equipment; there is no telling how long they could be gone. Aside from Raiden, Wolverine and Batman; the rest of the lineup includes Subzero, Scorpion, Sareena, Kitana, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sonya, Jax, Johnny Cage, Ermac, and Astreow.
"Whelp I guess it's time to go; so how exactly is this going to work?" Johnny inquires.
"If all of you gather around in this area, we'll be on our way." Batman informs.
Before anything else Raiden wishes them all luck, and in the next instant they're gone in the flicker of a light. A huge part of him wishes he could travel alongside them, but that is not a possibility due to his prominence watching over earth realm. His prime wish is that they all make it through this ordeal alive. A few miles away, Rosea walks alongside Nitara knocking at that of a castle door. Only having to wait a few moments the door is opened.
"I called you hours ago Sis…what took you?"
Rosea walks in past her brother not paying him much notice. Nitara smiles, wondering if they're always like this toward each other.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Nitara calls out to Rosea.
Rolling her eyes she looks back at them both; lately her older brother has been somewhat of a pain getting on her nerves whenever he can. Putting on a forged smile she walks back next to both of them.
"Nitara this is my annoying brother Derak, it's only a matter of time before you notice."
Glancing down the hall, she carry's on to where she was originally headed. Enlightened by her complaining the two of them grin at each other following Rosea down the hall. Entering into Derak's work-study, she speculates why everyone else isn't here! They've had this meeting planned from over a month ago, so there shouldn't be delays!
"Derak where is everyone? Please tell me you gave them all the right directions on how to get here." Rosea asks becoming agitated.
Coming up in front of his sister, Derak rests his hands over her shoulders looking her in the eyes. Just as Rosea he possesses lavender colored eyes, but has a faintly lighter shade. Telling her they're on the way he escorts her over to one of his master chairs situated in a corner of the room. Making his way across the room he pours her a glass of blood from his most recent victim from over forty five minutes ago.
"You just need to relax sis, you're way too demanding and nag too much." Derak says handing her the glass.
Positioned next to a wall Nitara can't help but laugh at watching them both; if you weren't told you'd guess they were married or brother and sister. Surveying them is entertainment; she just can't wait to see what will happen next. Taking a small sip, Rosea's eyes broaden as she spits the blood out!
"Who the hell DID YOU KILL? Whoever was your victim had very high blood pressure and tastes bitter!" Rosea yells standing.
"You stupid idiot! I just got that carpet cleaned!" Derak brings up.
Becoming even more agitated with him, she throws the cup of blood in his direction; using his swift reflexes he dodges it, having the blood spill all over the carpeting. Looking him in the face she grins evilly.
"Ok I think it's time for you two to quit acting like children. We're here to discuss the resurrection of the most powerful vampire princess to walk this earth and nothing more." Nitara says.
Rosea stops herself from saying anything else, but would truly like nothing more than to put her brother through a wall. Lifting the glass off the carpet he hisses at Rosea showing his fangs as she does the same. Off to the side, Nitara shakes her head questioning whether or not they will ever drop this childish behavior. Putting the cup back where he had originally got it, Derak walks up in front of Nitara with a peculiar look on his face.
"It'll be about another twenty minutes before the rest of the group arrives, but I have an idea which can help pass time."
Turning and looking over at his sister, Derak demands that she get lost. Too no surprise she stands her ground having no interest in what he says. Cursing under his breath, he looks away from her and back to Nitara.
"Come…I'll show you to my room. Something as beautiful as you shouldn't be left untouched; If I had to guess I'd say you probably have some experience, but it is an entirely different animal with me." Derak says.
Using her vamp speed, Rosea dashes over coming in between them both, being in front of Nitara.
"Noooooo…You're not going to sleep with her! She is like one of my closes friends, go look elsewhere!"
Having no desire to argue with his sister, Derak walks in the other direction not saying a word. With her mouth wide open, Nitara is overly shocked how forthcoming Derak was. Whenever does a guy just flat out go straight to the point in asking you to have sex? This is a first for her!
"Your brother is ah…uhhm, kind of strange." Nitara conveys.
For the remainder of the time, none of them speak. Neither of them are sure where Derak went; probably somewhere to cool off. Once their other acquaintances show they will have to find out what progress they've made on their part.
Worlds Away
On arrival, the group re appears somewhere in the Bronx. Batman finds this to be at random, but remembers that he forgot to set the coordinates for the travel back. At least from what he can tell so far is that they're back in his world, which is a good thing.
"So how is this going to work, are we just going to travel on foot? How far is your headquarters from here?" Johny Cage asks.
If it is possible, he'd rather not have to carry this luggage a far distance. The dark knight quickly lets them know they're first going to meet up with the Avengers. Kitana is the one to ask about who the Avengers are.
"Let's see if there is enough left of them to call it a team; I'm a member to them." Wolverine tells.
Logan is the one to lead the way, knowing one of the quickest paths which will get them there sooner. Back in the city of Seattle Drew lies on his back over the smooth surface of a sofa; Kristine lays on top of him planting kisses around his neck and jaw.
"Promise you won't say a thing…Jayne and Mark must never know about this. You're much more adorable than Mark."
"You don't have to worry about me saying a thing; this will stay between you and me."
Smiling she drops herself down onto him locking lips. Wrapping his arms around her back, the two deepen the kiss embracing the other. It is short lived as both of them listen to the door knob turning! Immediately jumping off him, she takes a seat over in a chair one ft away picking up a magazine to try and look less suspicious. At the door are CJ, Haley and Mark.
"Are you ready for me to take you home?" Mark asks looking at Kristine.
"Yes, it won't be long before my parents start worrying," Kristine stands looking back and giving Drew a wink, "See yah later Drew."
Coming up next to Mark, she gives him a kiss taking his hand into hers following him out of the building and into his car. Before starting up the vehicle he asks if she enjoyed herself the entire time they were out together all day. Giving him another kiss, she tells him it couldn't have been any better. Wrapping an arm around her, Mark gives her a kiss over the top of her head.
"Guess we better get going."
Starting up the engine they drive off, arriving in front of her home in less than twenty minutes. Getting out of the vehicle she waves at him heading toward her front door. It is then that Mark drives off in route to his own place. Remembering the city exceptionally well, Wolverine leads them all to the Avengers main stronghold in no time. It has been a long time, but he feels good to be back here in his home world.
"Hey I must say I really dig the place; it looks extraordinarily high tech. Can't wait to see what it looks like inside." Johnny Cage says looking around.
Wolverine just smiles leading the group toward the front entrance; and in a split second the main alarms to the building go off with bright lights shining over all of them. Some stay calm, while others like Sonya and Jax pull out their firearms.
"Darn that alarm is shrill! Can it go up any louder?" Liu Kang says with a hint of sarcasm, taking the opportunity to cover his ears.
Scorpion gets into a fighting stance looking up to see them all surrounded by men dressed in all black, carrying with them high-end weapons aimed at the whole group. The alarms soon die down, and the apparent leader of the group asks for them to identify themselves. Subsequently Wolverine steps forward, but is cutoff by a familiar voice.
"Well well, if it isn't Wolverine back from the dead."
Turning and looking in that direction, Logan smirks at the prospect of Black Widow standing in front of him. It wasn't just the surroundings he missed; but the people and missions as well. Being back on his home turf gives him somewhat of a home field advantage sensation. Taking a few steps forward, he shakes hands with Widow.
"Good to see you again as well; what I've been hearing from our friend over there," Logan points at the Dark Knight, "Things haven't been going so well."
Throwing her hair back Natasha takes a look over at the caped crusader, doubting the stories she's heard of him are true. From what she's been able to pickup, he's just an average guy with a lot of cool toys. That thought brings something else back to mind.
"Tony Stark is in the hospital, I haven't had the chance to speak with him. But they say he awoke around noon." Black Widow says.
"What happened? I mean…when did this happen?" Logan asks.
"It was sometime yesterday; according to one of his logs he was meeting with the billionaire Klint Gersayer.
Both know they'll need Tony to heal hurriedly; with this upcoming fray everyone they have will have to be on board ready to go. Looking away from Wolverine Black Widow asks for the shield representatives to lower their weapons.
"I'd like for every one of you to follow me inside." Natasha says.
The ninja spectre drops out of his fighting stance but keeps his guard up, not sure whether to trust these guys. On the way in Black Widow whispers to Logan that Nick Fury should be returning by tomorrow with more weapons and soldiers. Nodding, Wolverine likes the sound of that. Even though he was told what had taken place here in this world he still asks questions.
"Are any of the X-Men still around? It can't be possible that we know for sure that they're all gone." Wolverine contemplates.
Black Widow goes on to say that if they were in fact here, they wouldn't be hiding out, they'd come forward and join the effort of trying to put an end to this crisis. Increasing his pace Batman comes up between Widow and Wolvie.
"If you can remember we set up a meet tonight between some of your people and mine…Your alarms won't be necessary. They should be arriving soon." Batman expresses.
Arriving in front of the main entrance she punches in a code and bends slightly so that her left eye is scanned for identification; the door opening immediately afterward.
"No need to worry, your friends won't be attacked unless they initiate the strike. Come right this way, I'd like to get through introductions and the layout of our arrangement ASAP." Natasha says.
Most everyone heads inside except for a few guards who're ordered to survey the area and wait for whatever allies of Batman show. Communicating with Black Widow through a headset, one of the guards asks what they should expect these people to look like.
"It won't be hard sergeant Jay; they'll look dressed for a costume bash." She says ending the conversation with the click of a button.
Looking over at Batman with a grin, he glares back at her not liking Widow's choice of words. Looking around, Subzero couldn't agree more with Johnny; once inside you can really see that these people really mean business. The Lin Kuei has an established headquarters, but nothing quite like this.
"Wow this place sure is something else isn't it; what's your guess on the amount of weapons?" Sareena asks coming up next to Subzero.
"I have no clue, but I wouldn't touch anything; look at how on guard they're." Subzero says.
He mainly refers to the guys who stand off to the side dressed in black and white with dark shades. Over on the other side of the room, Johnny looks around feeling as though he is a top secret classified spy in one of his films. Saving her time, both Batman along with Wolverine give Natasha the names of all the fighters; it is than after she asks where they found them. Both bats and wolvie look at each other and then back at her, saying the story behind that can be saved for another time.
"What about you Wolverine? When Ms Marvel and the others returned from that mission of yours over a year ago, they said you were killed in battle. So how is it that you magically reappear as soon as things get bad?" She asks.
Ignoring her question, Wolverine tells her that story can be discussed later and with the purpose of focusing on why this meeting was made in the first place. Rolling her eyes she turns away from Wolverine and Batman, facing the main group.
"Is she always like this?" Batman asks.
"No…once you get to know her, she isn't all bad." Logan replies keeping his voice down.
Before getting started, Black Widow introduces herself giving the MK combatants a quick history lesson on the Avengers and the assembly known as shield. While talking She notices that one of them seems to marvel her appearance. Snubbing it she continues on getting into the details of how they will fight against the creatures when they return.
"I'm not even going to lie, she's a complete babe wouldn't you say?" Johnny asks turning to Kung Lao.
The Shalion warrior does nothing but smirk, which leaves Cage confused. Grasping that everything has gone quiet, and the attention seems to be on him, Johnny slowly turns with half a smile on his face to Black Widow who frowns.
"I heard that." She tells.
Laughing timidly, Johnny asks for her to continue and that he will no longer be a distraction. Just then one of the automatic doors slides open and entering by shield escorts are Green Arrow, Wild Cat, Nightwing, Red Robin, Red Arrow and Huntress.
"Is that all what is left of your associates?" Black Widow asks facing Batman.
"I'm sure there are others; I just haven't been able to locate them." He replies.
Taking another look, Batman wonders why Robin didn't travel alongside them; whenever this meeting concludes he'll have to ask Dick or Tim. Volunteering to help her conduct the meeting; Batman takes a few steps forward coming up next to her.
"Should we be expecting anyone else?" One of the shield employees ask.
Natasha shakes her head, adding that this will probably be it unless someone shows up unexpectedly. Someone like Ghost Rider or Moon Knight could be helpful; those are two of many who weren't recorded of being taken. But that doesn't mean they weren't. Remaining in place with crossed arms, Ermac can't wait for the boundaries to be set, and the talking is over. They need to get out there and put some hustle to all of the talk and get after Pythena. Scorpion feels similar to him, wanting to get this over with so that he can return back to earth realm and focus in on Quan Chi and Shinnok!
"Kitana are you uhm…ok? You look a little bit sleepy." Liu Kang asks.
"I'm fine Liu, but thanks for your concern." She replies smiling.
"I sure hope you guys didn't start the party without us, so what's the plan?" Nightwing asks aloud.
Telling him to keep quiet is Black Widow, adding that they'd get back to that. He along with Red Robin and their group join everyone else in the middle of the room. Clearing her throat it is Black Widow who chooses to speak first, telling Batman she'll inform him when it's time for them both to speak.
To Be Continue
