Heroes of the Storm

Author Notes: The Terminator (Young Arnold from The Terminator and T-2) is a T-900. Instead of a T-800 or T-850 (T-3), the T-900 is constructed as a Terminator, but also the predecessor to being an Anti-Terminator that hunts rogue Terminators. It's very similar to the Guardian (Pops in Genesis) in having a learning computer within his CPU, making him something of a supercomputer like J.A.R.V.I.S. only in a body.

Chapter 18: Unseen Movement

July 10th, 2012

Mount Hampton, Rhode Island

Sanctuary – Avengers Hidden Base

Merlyn walks through the newly establish corridors of the newly established base. Avengers Island may appear for a publicity stunt, but Merlyn wanted to operate unseen and undetected. Tony Stark already took a liking to S.H.I.E.L.D. Quinjet-, seeing it as a multipurpose ship and was working on a design for air and sea travel.

Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne both began to work on building their security measures. In the end, Tony started to initially built the defenses of the network and the Sanctuary while Bruce would test out its security measure.

It was a simple task as Tony loves building everything, while Bruce Wayne, as Batman, learns to bypass every security measure. It almost became amusing to see Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark trying to outsmart the other.

Merlyn floats into the room before he settles down on the couch. The other Avengers were coming in to see their new base of operations and a base that would prove most useful in case they needed to hide and operate from the shadows.

"How is the base?" Merlyn asks the Avengers.

"Going strong," says Tony.

"Security checks out, and their's plenty of space here to house a hundred individuals," says Jessica.

"Where's Bruce?" asks Merlyn.

"Downstairs in the sublevels," says Jessica. "he's turned it into Batcave number two."

Merlyn shook his head.

"We should proceed with caution on the entrances in this building," says Morgan. "take every means of precaution possible. Both against physical, technological, and mythical threats."

"Even still, we cannot let others know of this place and must be vigilante on who we can trust," Batman says as he walks into the room.

"How's your cave?" Jessica asks without looking at the Dark Knight.

Merlyn hears the Flash running around, checking every inch of this place.

"Man, where did you find this place?" Flash asks Batman.

"Long story," says Batman. "Stark, how are the interior defensives?"

"Holding," says Stark. "I'll try to get in touch with Wakanda, see if I can but some Vibranium. I'm not sure how much they have left, that metal is scarce, and there is only so much Vibranium."

"We'll look into securing more Vibranium," says Bruce.

"We got an incoming message from S.H.I.E.L.D.," Jessica calls out from her position. "It looks like its Commander Cage."

Cassie Cage appears in a holographic image before them.

"Cassie Cage, what's going on?" asks Kitana.

Cassie Cage looks at Kitana in is silence.

"Sorry, I'm not used to speaking to you like this," says Cassie Cage. "the last time we met, I fought your revenant self at Raiden's sky temple."

"My future Revenant self," Kitana says.

"Any sign of our revenant selves?" asks Jade.

"No," says Cassie Cage. "Your revenant selves have vanished, only Liu Kang and Kung Lao remain. The Convergence really did a number on our enemies in the Netherrealm."

"Do you have something to report," Batman says to Cassie Cage.

Everyone looks at Batman, who didn't even look affected by the glares.

"Yeah, I do," says Cassie Cage. "the Convergence did a lot, bring past and present together. It also brought back an old enemy, Sektor. We've accounted for many missing people who are being turned into cyber assassins."

An image of a humanoid figure appears next to Cassie Cage.

"They're turning people into machines?" Wonder Woman cries out in alarm.

"They're building an army," says Cassie Cage.

"Why doesn't shield move in?" Tony asks at once.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. is in chaos, we're still trying to sort out countless terabytes of data before we can even assemble a strike force to locate its factory," Cassie Cage replies. "I've already alerted Master Liang, who suspects he knows where the main factory is located. Master Hasashi is en route to join him with his Shirai Ryu men."

"Try to put a team together to back them up," Harry orders.

"I'll see what I can do," Cassie Cage replies. "I'm currently en route to Los Angeles. I have a mission to find this hacker who's releasing sensitive information to the public."

"I understand, stay safe," Merlyn says to Cassie.

"Will do, Cassie Cage out," Cassie says as she ends the transmission.

The holographic image of Cassie Cage disappears.

"She sent us the Cyber Ninja specs for us to look at, but there are seriously outdated," says Jessica. "we have to assume these cyber ninjas will be upgraded should we face them."

"Some intel is better than none," says Batman.

A clap of thunder was suddenly heard as Raiden appears in the middle of the room, and he wasn't alone. A woman with floating stones, with long green hair and purple skin, stood next to him.

"Lord Raiden," Kitana says as she looks at the thunder god.

"I trust everything has been going well," Lord Raiden says to the group.

"Have you've learned anything?" Superman asks at once.

"Not much when the Convergence started," Lord Raiden replies.

"I thought not," Merlyn mutters.

"You have a theory?" Tony asks Merlyn.

Merlyn floats over to the holographic chessboard, where all the pieces were in their starting position.

"Whoever united our universes, did so for a reason," Merlyn says as he looks at the board.

"You've said this before," says Lord Raiden as he walks over with his female companion.

"Yes," says Merlyn. "I can only think of a couple answers. One, the person who united us, is either dead for doing so. Or,"

"Or what?" says Jessica.

"We are pieces on a chessboard," Meryln says as he waves his hand over the chessboard. "in other words, this person is powerful but is using us for his own personal amusement."

"You are saying we're pawns in someone's game?" Raiden's companion spoke as if her voice mirrored an echo.

"Most likely," says Merlyn. "it's been a couple months since the Convergence, and we're no closer to finding answers than when we started."

"This is Lady Cetrion," Lord Raiden replies. "she's the Elder Goddess of Virtue and Life."

"Raiden has always been fond of you mortals," Cetrion says as she looks at Merlyn.

"Mortals are unique, and they are strong, stronger than we are in ways you have yet to understand," says Raiden.

"You're saying they are more powerful than an Elder God?" Cetrion says, turning to Lord Raiden.

"I didn't mean it like that," says Raiden. "you will understand if you spend time among them."

"What brings you here, Lady Cetrion?" Jade asks the Elder Goddess.

"The Convergence has affected the Elder Gods. We are unable to see anything past of the events that lead to the Convergence," says Cetrion.

"So why are you here?" asks Batman.

"For a strange reason, the pinpoint to the Convergence lies here on Earthrealm," says Cetrion.

"Meaning Earth is a nexus point," says Batman.

"Meaning that something on Earth is going to happen that will affect everyone," says Tony.

"We'll be ready," says Superman.

Los Angeles, California

Jacqui steps out wearing her new shield tactical suits fuse with the new Special Forces body armor. Social Media was buzzing in the area about a man who jumped out a five-story building and landing on his feet before giving a woman to paramedics he rescued from a fire.

'Heroism on the Rise?'

Special Agent Phil Coulson was their CO who had gathered a team of specialists to look into the weird and unknown.

They were supposed to look after two youngers, Fitz-Simmons, who are a biochemist and a technical expert. They only had local reports that an explosion shook the fifth floor is currently unknown, and local law enforcement found nothing to warrant suspicion.

"Did we track the hacker?" asks Jacqui.

"Yeah, Agent Coulson and Cage are en route," says Agent Simmons.

They walk through the building, looking at the burn belongings left.

"Where's Agent Ward?" asks Jacqui.

"Outside keep an eye out for any unwanted guests," Agent Fitz says as he places his suitcase on the ground. Several mini-drones start flying around.

Unknown Location

Sub-Zero kneels over the mountain looking at the hidden factory where he was once turned into a Cyber Lin Kuei.

Sub-Zero pauses as he hears footsteps behind him and turns to see a sword pointing at his face.

"You're hearing is failing, Sub-Zero," Scorpion says as he stands before Sub-Zero.

"I recognize your footsteps, Hanzo," Sub-Zero says as he looks at his former rival turn best friend.

"Hard to believe Master Merlyn was right about Sektor's betrayal," Scorpion says.

"We were both wrong, and have been played like fools," Sub-Zero replies.

"Where is Sektor?" Scorpion asks at once. "I will not let him threaten my clan again."

"Sektor is a threat to both our clans," Sub-Zero replies. "S.H.I.E.L.D. information is very accurate. Something is going on here. A front assault is possible but would be,"

"Bloody," Scorpion replies as he eyes the entrance.

"There is another way," Sub-Zero says as he points to an air vent. "It would be a tight fit, but we should be able to get in undetected, assuming you don't mind the cold."

"I've taken our worse," Scorpion replies as he looks down at his long time rival.

A gunshot sound erupts as they seem a figure wearing a black biker outfit open fire upon the cyber ninja standing guard. They went down rather quickly as the figure walks into the station without a care in the world.

"Were you expecting backup?" Scorpion asks as they watch the figure enter the tunnel as more gunfire erupts within the tunnel.

"No," Sub-Zero says as he eyes the situation looking for any other intruders or uninvited guests.

"We should go," Scorpion says as he drops to the ground with Sub-Zero following.

The two enter the tunnel cautiously, seeing countless Cyber Lin destroyed with the stranger who wasn't seen anywhere.

"We need to destroy this facility," Scorpion says at once.

"First, we can shut down the Cyber Lin Que. Once they're shut down, they shouldn't pose a threat," Sub-Zero replies.

They walk forward as they heard some more gunshots.

They rush forward to see the stranger fighting a young girl with white hair.

"Frost?!" Sub-Zero says in surprise at the sight of his missing pupil.

"Sub-Zero! Scorpion! I'll have your heads!" Frost cries before taking several gunshots blast from a shotgun that sent her flying over the console.

"Frost is with the Cyber Lin Kuei?!" Scorpion says in shock.

"You are not apart of this facility," a man with a deep voice says as he steps forward.

They turn to see a big guy in a motorcycle outfit.

"Who are you?" Sub-Zero demands.

"My mission is to have this facility destroyed, and all cybernetic machines terminated," says the man.

"So, we're on the same side?" Scorpion asks slowly.

"Unknown," says the man. "My mission is to safeguard humanity and terminate any projects that could help lead to Skynet's rise."

"Who are you?" Scorpion demands.

"Cyberdine System Model 210," says the man.

Scorpion and Sub-Zero look at one another in confusion. Not sure what the person meant by 'model.' He didn't appear anything like a cyborg.

They turn to see Frost gets up and runs away, throwing a cryo grenade at her former mentor as she makes her getaway.

"What wasted potential," Sub-Zero says as he looks down the corridor where Frost had vanished.

"If she's attacking your clan, does this mean she's joined with Sektor?" Scorpion asks Sub-Zero.

"Most likely," says Sub-Zero. "she had a cybernetic body, but unlike the other Cyber Lin Kuei. She will be a problem if she's left unchecked."

"What should we do with him?" Scorpion asks towards the unknown individual standing there.

"We'll take him to Merlyn," says Sub-Zero. "I'm sure he'll have answers. We must return to our clans, and take precautions against Frost and the Cyber Lin Kuei."

Scorpion nods his head as he turns to look at the stranger standing there.

New York City, New York

The dark alleyways were no strangers to dangers, but for Detectives Sam Burke and Maximillian 'Twitch' Williams, the body count had been on the rise since the Convergence.

"I don't get it," Burke says as he stuffs his face with donuts. "why the hell are we back here again?"

"There are three murders," Twitch knowing his partners' lack of interest. "all were brutally strangle."

"What makes these three hobo's anything worth interesting," Burke says as he turns his donut bag upside down to see all his donuts were gone.

"These are Tony Twist men," Twitch says as the three bodies come rolling out.

"Christ," says Burke. "Fat Tony. These gangsters got hit."

"Indeed," says Twitch.

The brutal death of the three mobsters would start a gang war in the middle of New York if the murder wasn't found soon. The mob didn't like unsanctioned hits on their people and would take action themselves.

"Do we have any potential leads on the perp?" Burke asks Twitch.

"None, sir," Twitch replies. "there is a private detective here looking into the killings as well."

They turn to see a blonde man wearing a trench coat looking at the killings.

"Great, just what we need, a loser poking their nose in my investigation," Burke says as he marches over towards the tall blonde man. "Hey, asshole, get the fuck out of here."

"Sorry, mate," says the man. "no can do."

"You got some ID on you, pal?" Burke snaps. "or I'll throw your ass in jail for interfering in my investigation."

The man pulls out his wallet and hands it over to Burke.

"Johnathan Constantine, Private Investigator," Burke mutters as he looks at the picture. "What are you doing in my alley?"

"I'm here on private business," John Constantine says as he takes back his wallet.

"Are you looking into the mob?" Twitch asks as he walks up to his partner.

"In a way," says John Constantine. "If I find anything worth noting, I'll let you know. Till then, cheerio."

John Constantine turns and walks down the alleyway disappearing into the darkness.

"Strange block," Burke says

"Indeed," says Twitch.

Burke looks at his partner, not sure what to make of his statement.

"You think he knows something about the killings?" Burke asks Twitch.

"Possibly, he could be chasing down a led or a hunch," says Twitch.

John Constantine walks through the dark alleyway noting the homeless that were gathered around the burning pins for warmth. John didn't stop or look at them. They weren't why he was here. He senses a dark and powerful figure lurking nearby. John Constantine knew the smell of a demon no matter where he went.

John considers calling Jason Blood, the honorable knight who is bonded with Etrigan the Demon.

The deeper John went into the alleyway, the more he began to think of asking Jason Blood here. The stench of this demon was so strong, John could feel every hair on his body stand upright.

"Forget this," says John. He places his hand on the wall and quickly casts a spell as he summons Jason Blood.

Jason Blood walks through the wall and stands there looking at John Constantine.

"John, why did you summon me in this godforsaken place," Jason asks at once in annoyance.

"Insurance," John says as he looks towards the Cathedral. "I'm hoping that we won't need your better half."

Jason steps forward, suddenly becoming aware of the presence of a powerful demon lurking nearby.

"This demon is strong," says Jason. "what did you get yourself involved in now?"

"I'm not sure," says John. "all I know is, for two weeks, there has been a mass killing in these alleys with a strong presence of a demon. This demon is stronger than any I've felt before, and could use some backup."

"You're real bastard John Constantine," Jason says as the pair walks forward and inside the Cathedral.

The two say nothing upon looking at the abandoned Cathedral.

"You two fuckers have a lot of nerve coming here," a voice says from the shadow.

The voice was deep with malice and evil inside.

John and Jason say nothing as they looking around the Cathedral but saw nothing.

"We got some questions for you, mate," John says towards the darkness. "did you kill those people in the alley?"

"Some of them," says the figure. "they fuck with the wrong motherfucker."

"Why don't you step out and we can talk like gentlemen," says Jason.

"You don't want that," says the figure.

"Trust me, mate," says John. "you can't frighten us."

A figure drops before them, consumed in darkness with a black outfit and glowing green eyes. The red cloak moves around as if it were a living extension of itself before the figure stands up taller than both Jason and John.

"Who are you?" asks Jason.

"Who the fuck wants to know?" Spawn demands at once.

"Generally speaking, we destroy demons," says John.

"But you're different than any demon we've encountered," says Jason.

"You think your little exorcism is going to work on me?" the person says, looking down at the two.

"That shit never works," says John. "we want to know why are you here?"

"I'm here to regain my humanity," says the demon.

"You should go with them," says another voice from the back of the Cathedral. "They are very powerful in magic and could offer you much aid against your war against Malebolgia."

"I don't need any help," the demon declares.

"Spawn," says the elderly man. "you need allies. You cannot fight this war alone. A soldier is only as good as the men and women who they fight alongside."

Spawn says nothing as he leaps upwards and disappears back in the darkness.

The elderly man steps forward, looking strict and stern as always.

"He'll join you," says the elderly man. "the Convergence has left us with many unanswered questions. If you need a soldier to fight hell's armies, then Spawn will be your greatest ally."

"Why would a demon rebel against Hell?" John asks the elderly man.

"He was once human," says the elderly man. "a soldier by the name of Al Simmons. He was betrayed by his employer and left to die. Malebolgia offered him a deal. To become a hellspawn and lead his army against the heavens, so he could see his wife once more. It took him a few years to get over his wife even though he still loves her very much. The truth is, he needs allies, and to regain Heaven's favor."

"We don't exactly have a place to set up shop," says Jason Blood. "we could use the House of Mystery."

"The Hellspawn is drawn to this Cathedral, I'm sure you can do something to make this place a source of your great alliance," says the elderly man.

"That would explain much," Merlyn says as he walks forward with Morgan le Fay beside him. "why we sense a great magical, powerful lurking within this building."

"Jolly wonkers, the Avengers," John Constantine says as he turns to look at Merlyn and Morgan emerging from the shadows.

"It seems many of those who are gifted with magic, can sense this place will soon become a battleground," says the elderly man. "it would be wise to join forces."

"Join the Avengers?" John Constantine says with a scuff. "I rather drink piss."

"You really are the world's greatest asshole, John," says Jason.

"There are only a couple individuals who specialize in magic within the Avengers," says Merlyn. "it's clear more casters are going to appear, as well as more threats. I rather have a Covenant of Sorcerer's ready to fight the Dark Arts," says Merlyn.

"Are you seriously considering this wanker," John says, turning to Jason.

"Actually, I am," says Jason. "It would be good to have some companion. As well as to keep an eye on Etrigan in case, he runs wild. There is still the threat of Morgaine, and she is dangerous to take on alone."

"What of Spawn?" asks John.

"He can be our guardian," says Merlyn. "He's a soldier, and only knows how to be a soldier."

"We best make haste," says Morgan. "I sense dark magic is gathering."

On top of the Cathedral, Spawn stands on the cross, looking down upon the city and the alleyway. Unrest could be felt within his soul, knowing that a new predator was lurking unseen near his territory.