Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes: While there will be six main universes cross into this story. Characters from other stories will also make an appearance base on their impact.
Chapter 23: A New Day
Harry woke up, feeling Kitana's head on his chest. The moment he returned to Argus Island, Kitana threw herself at him. Kitana got very frisky as she pounced on him the moment they got into bed, and she wouldn't stop until she couldn't continue any longer.
Harry didn't know if it was because she was an Edenian or the fact that she's never had any partner in her ten thousand years on Outworld.
Harry didn't want to think about how fucked up the situation was either. Kitana had finally earned her freedom from Shao Kahn's shadow. But her mother, who couldn't escape, had been reborn as Queen of his Concubine. She was nothing more than his sex slave, whom he loved having in his bed every night.
Kitana knew what was happening to her mother, and it disturbed her greatly. Lord Raiden told her the mother she once knew no longer existed. Shao Kahn has twisted her into the woman he wanted her to be.
A cloud of thunder could be heard as Harry slips out of bed. Conjuring some pants before he walks to the balcony to see Lord Raiden.
"Lord Raiden," said Harry as he approaches the thunder god.
"Kitana keeping you busy, I see," said Raiden.
"That's putting it mildly," mutters Harry, turning away.
"Edenians are very passionate about love," said Raiden. "It what caused Shao Kahn to take an interest in Edenian in the first place."
"I feel bad for Queen Sindel," said Harry. "being forced into Shao Kahn's bed without meaning."
"I wouldn't worry about Kitana's mother," said Raiden.
"Is it wrong too?" Harry said, looking at Raiden.
"The Convergence may have altered Sindel's history," said Raiden.
"I don't like that sound of that," said Harry.
"Neither do I," said Raiden. "Did Shao Kahn twist her into his own liking? Or was this darkness always inside of Sindel?"
"How long will Kitana keep these intense bed activities with me?" Harry asked, hoping it would end soon.
"That's hard to say," Raiden said. "Edenians can keep this pace up for a thousand of your years."
"A thousand years?!" shouted Harry, turning to Raiden in shock.
"You're immortal," said Raiden. "A thousand years is nothing."
"Yeah, but I'm only eighteen!" protested Harry. "I can't imagine Kitana and me in bed doing this on a nightly basis for a thousand years!"
"Rest assured, it won't be every night," said Raiden. "Edenians are masters of love. Kitana has never had a partner before, so her urges are finally being let out."
"She keeps this up, I'm not going to have anything left in the sack," mutters Harry.
"So, what news you wish to share?" asked Harry.
"The World Leaders were in denial over the Atlas Alliance," said Raiden. "Thankfully, your allies apart of the Illuminati and League of Shadows had enough dirt to force the World Leaders into accepting the Atlas Alliance power and position. Even with three nations behind this alliance, your powers are no doubt greater than the military alliance of N.A.T.O."
"So, we can move forward?" said Harry.
"They have no reason to deny you this," said Raiden. "Agent Jessica warned you the U.S. Government will be looking into a way to tip the power of balance in their favor once again."
"Seems we have more enemies than allies," said Harry.
"Indeed," said Raiden. "These world leaders are also more difficult to deal with than my own world."
"They are more interested in their own self-interest," said Harry, remembering his dealings with Fudge and Scrimgeour.
Both only cared about their own personal self-interest. Fudge ran a smear campaign against him and Dumbledore while proclaiming a false sense of security to the public. Scrimgeour lied to the public that the Ministry was winning and was strong against the Dark Lord, while in truth, he wasn't doing a better job than Fudge. During the Second War, both Fudge and Scrimgeour sought Harry's support to ensure they would remain in office.
"That is disturbing," said Raiden. "All the more reason, the Atlas Alliance, must remain strong."
"Have you've been in touch with Thor and Asgard?" asked Harry about the other God of Thunder.
"I have," said Raiden. "Odin will send a representative to speak to you regarding a potential alliance."
"Not Thor," said Harry.
"No," said Raiden. "Thor is otherwise occupied. The Convergence has created a lot of chaos with Marauders running rampant across Asgard's territories."
"I bet he loves that," said Harry with a smile. Knowing the Asgardian God of Thunder is going to be swinging his hammer down upon everyone's head.
"Indeed," said Raiden. "I've noticed that he loves conflict."
"Well, he is an Asgardian," said Harry. "Asgardians were heavily worshiped by the Norsemen. To the point, their people even adaptive their way of life. Conflict, battles, and wars have become their way of life."
"Can they be trusted?" asked Raiden.
"They have better ways of dealing with things many on Earth do," said Harry. "Even though the violence, they have a different means to peace. For now, yes, they can be trusted. What's going on in Outworld?"
"Civil War continues to ravage the lands," said Raiden. "That will buy Earthrealm precise time for the tenth and final tournament."
"What of Liu Kang?" asked Harry, knowing the fallen Chosen One was a hard subject for Raiden and Kitana.
"He's set up his stronghold in the Netherrealm," said Raiden sadly. "He's now calling himself Emperor of Netherrealm with Shinnok as his God."
Shinnok, the Mad Elder God.
"Are they making a move?" asked Harry in alarm.
"None that I can see," said Raiden. "As Earthrealm is dealing with its own problems, I'm sure the other realms have their own problems."
"Countless worlds are having problems," said Harry. "We can't go around solving every problem that appears. Nor should we intervene in other world's affairs."
"With Outworld in chaos, I'm really not needed here," said Raiden.
"It would be wiser for you to say," said Harry. "Even if Outworld isn't a threat, the fact that another attack us is proof that you are still needed."
"What's important is that you partake in the next tournament," said Raiden. "Until Earthrealm wins a tournament, then we'll never be safe from Shao Kahn."
"Did Commander Cassie Cage ever tell us about Kotal Kahn?" asked Harry.
"She did," said Raiden." She advises against any alliance with him. She has stated he has many times betrayed and broken the treaty between Earthrealm and Outworld and has killed many people on Earth. Even saying that Earthrealm nearly has been destroyed many times because of Kotal Kahn's deception."
"Something is lurking in the shadows," said Harry. "I fear darkness will soon engulf the world."
"We will be ready," said Raiden. "We have you ready to defend the world. I also have been asked to pass a message to you."
"What is it?" asked Harry watching Kitana stir in their bed.
"The Elder Gods wish to speak to you," said Raiden. "They have a gift for you."
"Do I want to know what it is?" asked Harry.
"Do not worry," said Raiden with a smile. "You may like this gift."
Harry turns to look at the Thunder God, but he was already gone.
Harry walks over to Kitana and sits down as she sits up. They said nothing as they embrace each other and kiss one another.
Gotham City, The Batcave (Hidden City)
Bruce Wayne steps threw the platform on his new Batcave. Lucius did a great job setting up the new Batcave in this part of the city. Even if Bruce Wayne didn't want to want to listen to Agent Drew's advice, he ended up doing so. A reminder that told him as great as he is, he can't do everything alone.
Agent Drew reminded him that if he kept any materials or data on the Batman within Wayne Enterprise, then his whole secret identity as the Batman would be over.
Bruce took her advice in setting up shop away from Wayne Enterprise, and his home. She ended up informing him about a portion of the city that been destroyed and sunk below sea level in the 1800s. Gotham City, instead of rebuilding the rumble, had instead built over the fallen portion of the city.
Bruce had taken her advice and found the Hidden City within Gotham City. The part that had been built over by their ancestors.
Bruce Wayne didn't know what had been used here before. He could search the City Database records on that matter.
"How are you doing Lucius," said Bruce approaching Wayne Enterprise C.E.O.
"Well, Mr. Wayne," said Lucius as he steps back from setting up the new computer. "Thanks to our new friends, our new countermeasures are working out better than I expected."
Holographic images pop up all over the new cave, images from new channels, personal profiles, to live feed all over the world.
"You know, if any of this stuff was inside Wayne Enterprise, you would be expecting my resignation," said Lucius.
"Which is why it remains here," said Bruce.
"You still intend to use my Sonar Technology to spy around the world," said Lucius.
"Its new name is Helios," said Bruce. "I have it program to recognize certain individual voices. This voice recognition software is too dangerous for anyone to have."
"I trust you have a kill switch," said Lucius.
"Always," said Bruce.
"Good, because I hate to think what would happen if this technology fell into the wrong hands," said Lucius.
"You had something else to show me?" asked Bruce.
"Yes, given the criticism Mr. Stark gave the tumbler, he felt a newer, sleeker model would be effective," said Lucius.
"Meaning something that suits his taste," said Bruce.
"Even still, he may have a point," said Lucius. "He is a brilliant engineer."
"That he is," said Bruce.
"Here she is," said Lucius revealing the new batmobile. The new "A more combatant model over the tumbler. She's faster, agiler, more durable. Mr. Stark was kind enough to give us a miniature A.R.C. reactor for its power core."
"How strong is she?" asked Bruce.
"This baby will keep running for a thousand years on the A.R.C. reactor alone," said Lucius.
"Well, we won't have to worry about gas bills," Bruce said with a smile.
"Here's your real beauty," said Lucius as he presses a button as a new bat suit appears. "Mr. Stark is truly a genius one of a kind. After surveying the way your fight and your tech, he's offered ups some serious upgrades."
"What kind of upgrades?" asked Bruce looked at his new bat suit.
It was full black with a dark maroon bat symbol on his chest. There was dark red plating on the sides and legs, making it unique. The helmet also conceals his entire face, no longer allowing his mouth to be visible.
"Well, as you can imagine, the helmet covers your head completely," said Lucius. "the armor is good enough to protect you against small arms fire. Though if someone uses an automatic rifle or armor-piercing ammunition, you're going to have to duck."
"You make it sound like people like to shoot me, Mr. Fox," said Bruce smiling.
"Well, not everyone falls for your boyish charm," said Lucius. "Now the trade-off is, you are far more vulnerable to gunfire and knives. In response to that, Mr. Stark helps co-create a new electro-magnetic sphere that is sound sensitive."
Lucius Fox activates the gun range where a small device was attached to a dummy. He pulls out a standard-issue police Glock 19. He fires several rounds at the dummy only to see the bullets fall to the ground.
"As you can see," said Lucius. "It will give off the impression you're invincible."
"Impressive," said Bruce. "I've noticed you've also removed much of my spy gear."
"Well, I'm not one who likes to quote Tony Stark, but that stuff is ancient," said Lucius smiling. "It's all built into your helmet. Full H.U.D. 4K display with enhanced lenses. A built-in self-cleaning electrostatic precipitation system that will allow you to breathe through smoke, toxic fumes, even in Gotham Bay up to three hundred meters."
"Stark?" said Bruce.
"I may have stolen a few of his ideas base off Stark's ideas," said Lucius. "The good news is, unlike Stark's Iron Man suit, you don't need a power supply for your suit. You will find yourself stronger, faster, and agiler while wearing the suit. Your 'ears' also have their own features. Giving you something like Superman's 'super-hearing.' Your cape is now built-in to your suit. Very similar to the memory-cloth you once used, it now has greater gliding speed and agility."
"Impressive," said Bruce. "How's our other project coming along?"
Lucius pulls out a box and opens it revealing a unique data chip inside.
"I can't tell you how effective it will work," said Lucius. "But for now, this is the best I can do."
"I rather not have to resort to this method," said Bruce.
"I do suggest you take your new suit out for a test drive," said Lucius.
"Well, we can't make things too easy," said Bruce.
Pacific Ocean
"Serious Tony, who are these guys?" shouted War Machine.
"I have no idea," said Iron Man.
The duo of Iron Man and War Machine raided a pirate cache only to find themselves in an ambush situation with several drones flying at them firing lasers. Twenty thousand feet in the air.
Iron Man turns only to get hit.
"Sir," said J.A.R.V.I.S., "serious damage on your armor's left shoulder."
"Thanks, J.A.R.V.I.S.," said Iron Man.
War Machine blasted a drone as Tony comes in to help only to get blasted.
After a couple of minutes of intense air combat, the remaining drones broke off pursuit.
Iron Man remains floating in the air but had some serious damage done to his suit.
"Great, now the Mark VIII is obsolete," said Iron Man.
"Tony, it's not the suit, it's your skills," said War Machine next to Iron Man.
"You're telling me you can better than I can," said Iron Man.
"You forget, I am a pilot," said War Machine. "I've flown a hundred and thirty-eight combat missions and run thousands of combat scenarios. I can strategize in a fight. You're only trying to blast, hoping to come out on top."
"Very funny," said Iron Man. "What's on your mind?"
"Who said anything was on my mind?" said War Machine.
"Because I know you," said Iron Man. "You are trying to keep quiet, but you want to say something. Is it the Pentagon again? Do they want the Avengers to work under them?"
"My superiors are really breathing down my neck about the Avengers getting on board with the Defense budget," said War Machine.
"Yeah, that's not going to happen," said Iron Man.
"Wouldn't the government support, help the Avengers?" said War Machine.
"Yes and no," said Iron Man. "The only way I can see the rest of the Avengers getting on board is if we share a common enemy. Many of them have distrusted the government. If the government forces their hand, then we could be looking at a world war that will destroy much of our world."
"A World War?" said War Machine.
"You don't know much of politics still, don't you Rhodey," said Iron Man in amusement. "Agent Drew has intel on our government that will disrupt countless of your operations around the world. Morgan le Fay has walked this world since the days of the Roman Empire. I can also sense Seraph also holds some distrust towards the government. If they are forced into being G-Men, then I can tell you right now they will rebel and only cause destruction."
"Well, unless something is done, my superiors aren't going to stop breathing down my neck," said War Machine.
"Perhaps a talk face to face would be better," said Iron Man. "Though I can't promise you the talks will end well."
"Tony," said War Machine. "It's not just the States that are seeking to acquire superpower individuals. We got intel that North Korea, Russia, Iran, and half a dozen or so countries are also looking into acquiring enhance individuals."
"If that happens, the Avengers will remain ready," said Iron Man. "Now, race you back."
Iron Man blasts off, heading back to the west coast as War Machine looks on.
"Still a child," said War Machine before following.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Pacific Command Base, Location: Classified
"What does S.H.I.E.L.D. stand for, Agent Ward?" asked Maria Hill.
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division," said Ward.
"What does that mean to you?" asked Agent Hill.
"It means someone really wanted our initials to spell out S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Ward. Maria Hill looks at Agent Ward unamused by his antics. "We're the line between the world and a much weirder world. We protect people from information they aren't ready to hear. If we can do that, we keep them safe. Like this Chiaturi neural link (Agent Ward pulls out a single plate), we secure it before it falls into the wrong hands."
"Any idea who VanChat was trying to sell it to?" asks Maria Hill as she places Chitauri Neural Link into a secure briefcase.
"I'm more interested in how they manage to get ahold of a piece of alien tech from the other side of the ocean," said Ward. "I thought the Rising Tide was nothing more than a bunch of hackers. What's changed?"
"Everything has changed," said Maria Hill. "Before the Convergence, people went to bed, thinking the most exciting thing in the world was a billionaire in a flying metal suit. Now we got a costumed hero from the '40s, a man who dresses up as a bat, a giant green monster, an alien who is too powerful to contain, and a demigod and a God."
"I don't think technically, Thor and Raiden are 'God's,'" said Agent Ward.
"God of Thunders," said Maria Hill. "You have to be near them to say otherwise."
Grant Ward didn't look convinced.
"The Invasion of New York changed everything," said Maria Hill. "Six universes have now merged into one, and we still don't have any answers or theories to what caused the Convergence. We are living in a new world, and we must adapt to it very quickly before all hell breaks loose. Things are changing, and they're changing fast. People now have access to technology, information, formulas, even secrets – they're not ready for, and it will upset the balance of power."
"Like the Argus Alliance," said Ward. "Can they be trusted?"
"For the moment, we have to accept their authority," said Maria Hill. "We are trying to establish diplomatic ties."
"Why was I pulled out of Paris?" asked Ward.
"Agent Coulson will debrief you on your new assignment," said Maria Hill.
"I heard Agent Coulson has been offered a new gig," said Ward.
"Welcome to Level Six," said Coulson.
Agent Ward turns to see Agent Coulson walking out from the shadows.
"Sorry, that corner was really dark, and I couldn't stop myself," said Coulson.
"What's going on?" asked Ward. "I thought you were killed before the Invasion of New York."
"Officially, I was only dead for forty seconds," said Agent Coulson.
"Eight seconds," said Maria Hill. "It gets longer every time you tell the story. Morgan le Fay and Lord Raiden used their powers to heal Agent Coulson's heart and bring him back."
"When you get stabbed in the heart by the Asgardian Mussolini, you can tell it your way. I saw the white light, and it felt a lot longer than eight seconds," said Agent Coulson.
"Do the Avengers know?" asked Ward.
The trio walks into the next room as all their identities were confirmed.
"I'm sure they do," said Maria Hill. "Agent Drew has never trusted us."
"The Spider-Woman?" said Agent Ward. "Why is she in S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"Because she's good at her job," said Maria Hill. "She also knows our skeletons in the closet. In return for her silence on S.H.I.E.L.D. operations, we keep many other parties away from her who want to exploit the secrets she knows."
"I'm sorry, Agent Coulson," said Ward. "I only know what I've read about you, and with your resume and background in S.H.I.E.L.D., you could be a senior supervisor at the Triskelion. What are you doing? What are you doing that has brought you into the game?"
"I asked for this assignment," said Coulson. "Director Fury promoted me to Level Eight, and I have the right to put together a special team together. S.T.R.I.K.E. is still going to be the go-to SpecOps of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Fury wants another team, specialists put together that is good at gathering intel, and neutralizing threats before they happen."
"What kind of 'specialists'?" asked Ward.
"You will see," said Agent Coulson.
"Play the footage," said Maria Hill.
Agent Ward looked at the screen to see the footage of a person who leaped out of a burning building from the fourth floor, landing on the ground uninjured and unphased.
"What is that?" asked Ward.
"An Enhance Individual, Agent Ward," said Maria Hill. "Origin unknown. Identity unknown. Unregistered gifted. We need to determine if this person is a danger or not."
"This is why you were pulled out of Paris Agent Ward," said Agent Coulson. "What you see here is the first of many individuals who are going to appear all over the globe. We're going to be looking for these people, and any objects that are too dangerous for the public."
"This is another gift the Rising Tide has left all over the internet," said Agent Coulson. "They've been hacking into our servers since the Invasion of New York, and publicly releasing classified documents all over the web. They're making the group 'Anonymous' look like amateurs."
"How are they getting this stuff before us?" asked Agent Ward.
"Same way they cracked our R.S.A. implementation," said Agent Coulson. "They're good, so I need better."
"So, what you want me to cross these people out?" asked Agent Ward.
"If it comes to that," said Maria Hill. "Agent Coulson is the agent in charge, you are one of the few who has been chosen for this assignment."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not a team player," said Agent Ward. "I've been trained since day one to be a specialist. I go in, alone, and I get the job done. Defusing a nuclear bomb, I'm your guy. A welcoming committee, not my speed."
"This isn't up for debate," said Maria Hill. "As I already told you, the world has changed. We need a team of specialists. From technology, forensic, infiltration, on-sight analysis."
"I know it's not your usual play," said Coulson. "Agent Hill did a very detailed assessment of your last three missions. Combat, top grades. Espionage, she gave you one to the best grades since Romanoff joined S.H.I.E.L.D. Another young recruit beat you, though. Under 'people skills,' she drew a – I think it's a little poop with knives sticking out of it; that's bad, right? Not very good considering your family history."
"That's why I'm not suited for this mission," said Ward. "I work alone, always has. Anyone else will slow me down."
"I think you would be a great fit," said Coulson. "If you don't want to do this after our first mission, you can go back to your solo act."
"Teams approved," said Doctor Streiten. "Physicals are all fine. Fitz-Simmons are not cleared for combat, but I'm told that won't be an issue. Agent Cage and Agent Ward are – almost too fit."
"That's an issue," said Ward at once. "That should be an issue. Maybe I can't join the team – "
"You are dismissed," said Maria Hill looking over the documents.
Agent Ward looks upset before he walks out of the room.
Maria Hill looks up at Phil Coulson.
"It was a porcupine, not a poop," said Maria Hill. "It just means that he…"
Coulson opens the folder once more to look at it more closely. "I thought it was a poop with knives. You have terrible drawing skills, not like Agent Barton or Captain America."
Maria Hill slams her folder shut.
"It's not just Ward," said Maria Hill. "Your whole roster is sketchy."
"Well, we've been cleared," said Coulson.
"I would have been very happy not to clear you, Phil," said Doctor Streiten. "I think it would be better for you to rest up some more after New York."
"I've had plenty of that, thanks," said Agent Coulson.
"You sure?" asked Maria Hill.
"You should go sometime," said Agent Coulson.
"Where?" asked Maria Hill.
"Tahiti," said Agent Coulson. "It's a magical place."
"Three days in, I'd be begging for an assignment," said Maria Hill.
"Exactly," said Agent Coulson.
"Tahiti," said Doctor Streiten once Agent Coulson walked out the room. "He still doesn't know, does he?"
"He can never know," said Maria Hill.
Cassie Cage walks up the ramp with Jacqui and Takeda. They could see two individuals, a young man and a girl, arguing with a third individual.
"Fitz-Simmons?" said Cassie Cage.
"Fitz," said the girl pointing to her male companion.
"Simmons," said the male, pointing to his female companion.
"What to tell me precisely what is going on?" asked Agent Ward.
"I see you're our fourth team member," said Jacqui. "Sergeant Briggs."
"Fourth member?" repeated Agent Ward. "What is going on?"
"You haven't been briefed?" asked Cassie Cage.
"Only that a team has been put together because the world has changed," said Agent Ward.
"Speaking of which, did you hear from your mom?" asked Jacqui to Cassie.
"Yeah, she went on a couple of missions with Captain Rogers," said Cassie. "Apparently, this guy is as good as the legends say."
"Your mom is working with Captain America?" said Agent Ward in disbelief.
"Yeah," said Cassie. "She's his X.O."
"So, what's going on," asked Fitz-Simmons.
A car could be heard coming up the ramp as they turn to see Coulson driving a red corvette with another passenger.
"Don't touch Lola," said Coulson to the workman as his passenger jumps out the passenger seat.
"He calls it a girl's name," said Fitz to Agent Ward.
"Sup Cas," said the male. He had wildly jet-black hair and green eyes.
"What are you doing here?" asked Cassie towards the male companion. "Are you spending time with your wife?"
"I need a break, or I won't have much of a back left," said Harry.
Harry walks up the ramp and heads towards the crew deck.
"Is he talking about what I think he's talking about?" asked Ward.
"Apparently," said Cassie. "I'm going to pack my gear."
"Attention all agents, the Bus departs in five minutes," said a voice over the intercom.
The crew began to leave the bus as plane engines began to take life.
"We're leaving so soon?" said Harry to Coulson.
"We got a hit on one of the Rising Tide operatives," said Coulson. "We believe it's the same person who filmed the 'Hero' who saved the woman from the exploding building."
"Well, this should be fun," said Cassie.
"Simple snatch and grab," said Coulson. "Let's get going."