Heroes of the Storm

Chapter 17: New Frontiers

July 2nd, 2012

Argus Island, Edenia Empire

Harry wakes up, feeling something nice, warm, and smoochy on his chest. Harry looks down to see his wife Kitana sleeping on his chest. The warm feeling Harry was feeling, that was causing his morning erection was the fact his wife was naked with her breasts pressing firmly against his chest.

Harry tries to get up only to feel his arm being held onto with another pair of breasts pressing against him. Harry nearly froze as he turns his head to see Jade also lying naked and holding him comfortably. Harry was entirely taken back by surprise. Harry but feared if Kitana found out, she would skin him alive.

Harry tries to wiggle himself free from both his wife and her best friend before they woke up.

"Where do you think you're going?" Kitana mutters without opening her eyes.

"Er – breakfast," Harry says weakly.

Kitana looks up at Harry with those beautiful dark blue eyes, "and what do you plan on having?"

Harry was sweating, knowing he had to be careful. His wife is far greater at hand to hand combat than he was, and she could seriously injure him before he could muster any defense.

Kitana sits up and sets herself on Harry's groin, deliberately teasing him, causing him to have an erection. Harry turns only to be met by a swift kiss by Jade, who also was awake and kisses her best friend's husband with a deep passion.

Harry could feel this getting out of hand but could tell the two friends had planned this to trap him so they could have their way with him.

Harry disapparates quickly, leaving behind the two friends as he reappears on the balcony as his new suit appears on him before he takes off into the air before he did something he would regret, even if he would thoroughly enjoy the act.

Kitana and Jade sit upright as they look at the spot where Harry had disappeared seconds ago.

"You don't think he'll skip out on the meeting, do you?" Jade asks Kitana.

"Doubtful, he's never been late without reason," Kitana says with a smile.

A knock on the door causes the two friends to turn to see an Edenian Royal Guard walking in before he bows to Kitana.

"Your highness, Lord Raiden has returned," the royal guard reports.

Kitana tries to hold back her surprise but nods her head in understanding allowing the Royal Guard to leave with his duty now fulfilled.

"I wasn't expecting Lord Raiden to return so quickly," says Jade.

"Nor I," says Kitana. "still – we can finally learn what's been going on with Outworld and with Shao Kahn."

Jade nods her head in agreement knowing Shao Kahn would set his sights on Earthrealm once more to merge the world with Outworld.

Even if they weren't from Earthrealm, they had accepted this world as their home. More so now that Kitana married Harry, given how strong and kind his heart was over Liu Kang.

Kitana and Jade quickly get dressed before heading towards the Edenian Royal meeting room.

Harry had no doubt heard of Raiden's return, or sense his presence as he was present with Raiden at the table. He wasn't alone.

Raiden had brought the former Special Forces with him as well. Sonya Blade, Cassandra 'Cassie' Cage, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Jackson 'Jax' Briggs, Takahashi Kenshi, Takahashi Takeda, and Kung Jin.

Johnny Cage unsurprising wasn't present. He had trouble reassuming his acting career, so he entered UFC and was currently on a winning streak.

Jade, Kitana walk in and take their seats.

"Where's Liu Kang and Kung Lao?" asks Jax.

The four youngsters of the Special Forces look at each other, unsure of how to answer.

"I'm afraid I do not know," says Raiden. "I have searched for them, but even I cannot locate them."

"Did you read our report before the Convergence?" Cassie Cage asks the group.

"Not all of it, a lot to go through," says Jax.

"They're not Revenants," says Jacqui. "Quan Chi revive them after Shao Kahn lost the tenth Mortal Kombat and killed them in retaliation."

"He killed Kung Lao in the arena after he defeated Shang Tsung, snap his neck despite Raiden's warnings," says Kung Jin.

"He killed Liu Kang shortly after they invaded Earthrealm," says Cassie Cage. "We lost a lot of good friends that day. Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Stryker, Kitana, Jade, Jax, Sub-Zero, Kabal, Smoke, and Scorpion. All of whom were killed by Sindel."

"Wait, you're saying we died?" says Jade.

"Yes," says Cassie. "After the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament ended with Earthrealm's victory, Shao Kahn invaded Earthrealm in retaliation and killed many of our champions. Then Shinnok invaded and nearly destroyed Earthrealm."

"Shinnok?" Raiden says in alarm.

"Quan Chi is a servant of Shinnok," says Cassie Cage. "my dad – kick his ass during his invasion."

"You're joking," says Sonya Blade.

"I'm not joking," says Cassie. "You tried to slow Shinnok down for Lord Raiden to arrive who was dealing with Quan Chi. You nearly were killed until dad arrived and kicked his ass. The defeat was unexpected but very much welcome. Our Lord Raiden tried to teach me the same power my dad had so I could harness the power dwelling within me to protect this world as well."

"Any luck?" asks Lord Raiden.

"Not really, no," says Cassie. "it remains dormant, so I'm not sure if I have it or not."

"Interesting, and disturbing," Harry says as he looks at the table.

"What do you mean?" says Scorpion.

"You all know one another, yet you come from different timelines," says Harry.

"How is that possible?" asks Kitana.

"The Elder Gods are looking into the Convergence," says Raiden. "it is true, what caused the Convergence. Whoever caused the Convergence had to be a potent individual."

"Why bring us all together than?" asks Cassie Cage.

"Who says it's for us?" says Harry. "this is only one world we know that has happened. There are millions of worlds out there with life, and it could be for another. We don't know; we could be pawns in another's amusements. All I know is, it's wiser to stick together and learn what we can."

"Who could have the power to merge so many worlds as one in an instant?" asks Jacqui.

"I don't know," says Raiden.

"Have you gotten in touch with Thor and the Asgardians?" asks Harry.

"Not yet," says Raiden. "As I don't know the location of Asgard, I'm having trouble locating this world. I would have to ask Thor to take me to Asgard to speak to his people in person."

"What's going on in Outworld?" Jade asks Raiden quickly.

"Civil War rages between Shao Kahn and Kotal Kahn," Raiden reports. "I do not know of this, Kotal Kahn."

"We know of him," says Jade. "he was once Shao Kahn Osh-Tekk General. A mighty warrior. He could make a good ally against Shao Kahn."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," says Cassie Cage. "I also know of Kotal Kahn. The Special Forces have had many dealings with Kotal Kahn, and none of them have been good. In our timeline, we have a fragile truce – mostly because Kotal Kahn is terrified of Lord Raiden."

"Of me?" says Raiden.

"After Shinnok's defeat, you became hardened, cold, and ruthless. You declared war against Outworld and the Netherrealm to protect Earthrealm. Kotal Kahn had to plea to the Elder Gods for the rights of Mortal Kombat to prevent any invasion," says Jacqui.

"That was in the past," says Jade. "I'm sure if we reach out to offer assistance, he will accept."

"No," says Takeda. "it's wiser that we keep a close eye on both Shao Kahn and Kotal Kahn. Kotal Kahn isn't a person who can be trusted. Shao Kahn may be known for his cruelty, but Kotal Kahn is no different. Kotal Kahn will not hesitate to betray his alliance to get what he wants."

"That is the Kotal Kahn I know," says Jade.

"Yeah," says Cassie Cage. "Kotal Kahn has tried to kill us many times because he wanted to piss Raiden off."

"Why would he do that?" asks Raiden.

"Because it's his way of proving his superior and that you can't touch him without breaking the Mortal Kombat rules," says Jacqui.

"Sounds like he's a real piss of work," says Jax.

"For now, we'll keep a close eye on the situation," says Harry. "Who is siding with whom?"

"Shao Kahn has the Tarkatans, Centaurians, Shokan's, Kytinn, and the Nakanada's," says Raiden. "Sindel, Shang Tsung, Mileena, Tanya, Rain, Gorro, Sheeva, Baraka, D'Vorah, Scarlet, and the Kollector are Shao Kahn's Guard."

"Who sides with Kotal?" asks Jade.

"Not many," says Raiden. "He has a human mercenary Erron Black at his side. Ermac, Reiko, and Reptile. Even with few in his Kahn Guard, the Osh-Tekk and Zaterra have larger numbers than Shao Kahn's forces combine and can match the Tarkata's in combat."

"Ermac," says Jacqui.

"Whose Ermac?" Harry asks as he was the only one who wasn't from their world.

"He's a being create by a fusion of countless souls, my father among them," says Kitana.

"So he's something of a man-made Dementor," Harry says as he heard this. The others turn to look at him in confusion. "A dementor is a soulless being that exists to feed upon the souls of others. There are empathy eaters, feeding on every good emotion you have within you until you are forced to relieve every worse memory you have until you become nothing more than an empty husk of your former self."

"Sounds horrible," says Kitana.

"It is," Harry says, looking at his wife. "I had a rough childhood, and I'm barely able to resist the presence of the Dementor. Mostly because of my intense training, but I fear the results would be worse upon you if you came near one."

Kitana looks at him knowing her husband wouldn't jest on this matter.

"What should we do with Outworld?" asks Kung Jin.

"Nothing," says Harry. "Outworld is in a civil war right, and that's good for us as we regather our strength. Let Shao Kahn and Kotal Kahn battle it out while we focus on building our strength in case anyone else comes looking for a fight."

"Shouldn't we do something regarding Outworld? There are still people there who are going to get caught in the middle and need help," Jade says.

"Refugees," says Cassie Cage.

Harry folds his hand together as he leans on them. In the past, he wouldn't hesitate or stop to think of any reason when it came to helping others. Hermione harp on him all the time regarding his desire to save everyone, and would rant on about his desire to save everyone. Hermione has warned him, more rant at him about his 'personal' loyalty to save others would get everyone killed.

"Lord Raiden," Harry says towards the THudner God. "what do you think is the best course of action?"

Raiden leans back and thinks carefully.

"It is true they will be refugees who will need aid," says Lord Raiden. "but I agree with you in not helping those in Outworld. Kotal Kahn or Shao Kahn could send spies to spy on Kitana in an attempt to reclaim her or kill her and those whom he deems a threat to his conquest."

Harry looks down and thinks carefully.

"We need more information," says Harry. "no matter how much any of us wants to go and help the people in Outworld who need help. What else?"

"I've joined S.H.I.E.L.D.," says Sonya Blade. "I also want your help in locating this criminal." A holographic image of a man with a metal plate equipped with a bionic eye and had a rough appearance.

"Kano," says Cassie Cage. "I should have known."

"Kano?" Harry repeats in confusion.

"Black Markets arm dealers," says Cassie Cage. "His real name is unknown, but he's the leader of the Black Dragon Syndicate. He and my mom have a very long history. She chased him for over thirty years, and he's evaded capture all these years. Real nasty. He's a cutthroat, liar, murder, thief, among other things."

"I'll see what I can do," says Harry. "The Illuminati is already working overtime enough as it is, but I don't need you running like a cowboy seeking vengeance. You have your own duties and must keep your composure."

Sonya Blade nods her head in understanding, even if she showed she disapproved of this course of action.

"I think we all know where he's going to be heading if he's seeking to escape Sonya Blade and S.H.I.E.L.D.," says Jade.

"Where?" Sonya Blade says at once.

"Mandripoor," says Jade. "it's a criminal haven where you have no jurisdiction and cannot pursue him regardless if you enter illegally. The moment you set foot in Manripoor, I bet you he'll get tip-off immediately and disappear before you even get within a mile near him."

"That would make sense," says Cassie Cage. "a place where he could thrive without you breathing down his neck."

"I can't allow him to run free," says Sonya Blade.

"He won't stay there forever," says Harry. "a person like him will need to leave to conduct his 'business,' and he'll slip up. In the meantime, continue to help S.H.I.E.L.D. with their missions. How is S.H.I.E.L.D. doing these days?"

"They are still sorting everything out while trying to maintain global security," says Sonya Blade. "they got mountains of metadata and hundreds of exabytes to go through. It could be years before they're briefly operational again."

"What's their plan?" asks Kitana.

"Director Fury has formed two new units," says Sonya. "Jax and I will be joining one of the Units under the Command of Phil Coulson. It's a small unit, full of specialist and unique talents."

"In the meantime," says Cassie. "Jacqui and I will be joining S.T.R.I.K.E. along with Captain America and Starlight. It's a black ops unit, so it's nothing I haven't done before, so I should be at home."

"Whatever you say Private Pum'kin," Jade says as Kitana snorts out in amusement.

Cassie looks at her, not amused.

"Keep a close eye on S.H.I.E.L.D.," Harry says continue. "I don't exactly like Nick Fury, but I can trust the man. His intentions are clear. He's willing to get his hands dirty to protect the people and this world."

Harry's feeling on Nick Fury reminded him greatly of Mad-Eye Moody. Moody is a paranoid wizard who was a former Auror before his death at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Moody had that no-nonsense attitude that didn't make him a lot of friends, but he had a good heart.

Harry didn't know Nick Fury's past, and he wasn't going to look into his personal life. All he knew is the Director of a Spy Organization and Global Security, tends to make anyone a little paranoid.

"The summits are only days away," says Sonya Blade. "should Lord Raiden attend?"

"I think so," says Cassie. "it would be nice for the world to know we got someone like Lord Raiden."

"That would be ideal," says Harry. "that's also could backfire in our face. Lord Raiden should attend, but he needs to keep certain information quiet. He should inform the world he's the Thunder God and Protector of Earth. They may object to this fact."

"What should I tell them if they ask me to leave Earthrealm?" Raiden says kindly.

"The truth," Harry says. "you're presence and protection keeps the world from facing an overwhelming invasion from certain individuals, especially demons who have long hunger to consume our world."

"I can back him up if you want?" says Sonya Blade.

"I rather you don't," says Harry. "Kitana and I will backup Lord Raiden. If someone from S.H.I.E.L.D. backs up Lord Raiden, then it would be a dangerous political move. It would be wiser if our Empire backups Lord Raiden's claim. It would be hardpressed to ignore the fact."

Everyone nods their head in understanding as they get up and prepare to leave and carry out their duties.

Washington D.C.

Captain America walks forward towards the meeting room. If it wasn't for the fact his former comrades had formed S.H.I.E.L.D., Steve Rogers didn't know what he would do with his life in the twenty-first century.

Steve Rogers heads into the room to meet with his new squad. S.T.R.I.K.E. would be doing covert missions to protect the world from any threats that appear.

Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs were already present and would be joining his squad.

The others he didn't know about, many of them were former S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who were transferring into this new job.

"Captain, Brock Rumlow," says Rumlow. "welcome to S.T.R.I.K.E."

"Thank you," says Captain shaking Rumlow's hand.

In the office overseeing the new S.T.R.I.K.E. task force, Alexander Pierce looked at the new S.T.R.I.K.E. unit and knew he couldn't move as he wanted. Unable to bring the world into HYDRA's image at the current moment as the sudden arrival of the Convergence change everything. Once HYDRA finally had a grasp on the current state of the world, then he would strike.

Alexander Pierce looks at the holographic image of the new Helicarriers. The new weapons of HYDRA that would assure their world dominance. Captain America may prove to be a problem; for now, he would be the new fist of HYDRA, and would never know who he is serving.

"Sir," says Jasper Sitwell.

"Did you get the package?" Alexander Pierce asks his sleeper agent.

"I did so," says Special Agent Jasper Sitwell. "Project 'Destroyer' is moving as planned."

"What of our other problem?" asks Alexander Pierce.

"It's still secure, it's being delayed, and we don't have an exact time to launch it, but it will be ready as planned," says Agent Sitwell.

"Keep an eye on the Edenians," says Alexander Pierce. "I don't trust their movements."

"Yes sir," says Sitwell.

"Keep me posted," says Alexander Pierce. He turns and shakes Sitwell's hand. "Hail, Hydra."

Los Angeles, California

The street was quiet, with no one seen among the dark streets. The old abandon warehouse remains silent as the wind blows what newspaper and garbage around.

Lightning begins to spark on the ground, before growing bigger. Soon the lightning started to emerge all over at a rapid rate and out of control before a tall man appears naked in a destroy pavement.

The man was a tall caucasian male, standing at six foot two, with brown hair. His body built like a muscle bodybuilder. He looks around without a single emotion on his face.

[System Error]

"My mission has been compromised, adjuring updates," the man says as he looks around. He looks down before he looks upwards again. "I will need clothes."

The T-900 walks off towards the nearest clothing store as he continues to seek updates on his mission.