Chapter 12 [Three Days After That]
With Strange's and the Pantheon's efforts, the royal army surrounded the rebels' remaining camp. After a brief skirmish, Visis' remaining followers surrendered. Without their leader, they stood no chance against the Hulk and his allies. As with their former comrades, the defeated marched back to the capital in shame. Status and Privilege evaporated before Justice's swift strike.
And so ended the threat….
Sunset witnessed K 'ai's star dropping toward the western horizon. Shadows crept across the landscape. Celebration ensued once more.
Strange brought the Defenders together. He enjoyed his friends' triumph. He knew Banner would be in good hands and K 'ai would be in his good hands as well. It was time however for them to return to the Bigger World. He led them toward the King and Queen. "Pardon us, Friends."
"Doctor?" Jarella stood to greet them. "What might we do for you?"
"Stephen? Val? Norrin? Namor? Clea?" Banner looked to each of them in turn.
"We have the world to return to. I wish we could stay longer. I think you two will be fine." Strange shook hands with them. "Long life. Remember if you have need, we are ready."
"Thank you, Doctor. Our door is open to you as well. All of you." Jarella embraced each of them. "May the emerald goddess bless you all with your desires."
"I can't thank you enough. I'm sure the Hulk feels the same way. Jarella and I can take care of him too." Banner gave each of them an embrace. "I hope everything works out. May the Powers that Be grant you that."
A well spoken wish, my Servants. The emerald goddess appeared in their midst. I too wish to offer my gratitude, Friends. You have paid your debt to the Hulk. Still, there is the matter of my debt to you. Namor of Atlantis and Norrin Radd of Zenn-la, step forward.
The throng stopped. Everyone bowed or dropped to their knees save the departing guests.
"What can we do for you?" The Surfer exchanged glances with Namor.
There is an adage that you reap what you sow. You have served friendship. Now friendship shall serve you. Both of you have holes in your heart. Much as my servants here, you both long for those precious to you. I can bring you to them, the goddess declared.
"You can't raise the dead!" Namor protested. Denial's sword jabbed through his heart.
I can. There is a simpler way. The goddess created a helmet filled with water. I believe this will fit your Dorma's head? Seeing Skepticism raise Namor's brow, she shook her head. I present this with thanks. Perhaps Atlantis and K 'ai might assist one another when needed? At the most, you shall be friends.
"That is our wish as well," Jarella declared. "Take the helmet please. We have no other hold on you.'
Namor trembled uncharacteristically. "Very well." He accepted the helmet.
I will send you back to that point in time. Once the tank is broken, you must get this on her head. Then she will not drown in the air. The goddess saw Namor nod. Very well. Good luck, my Friend.
"If you need help, send word!" Banner urged.
"I shall. Thank you, Banner. Long life and health!" Namor nodded to them. "I'll see the rest of you at some point. Farewell!"
Then save your love, Namor of Atlantis. With my thanks! The goddess teleported Namor away in an emerald flash. And what of you, Norrin Radd?
"Galactus blocked my way home, Lady. I cannot return to Zenn-la or my Shalla." The Surfer frowned. Depression swallowed him again.
Galactus is but one being. He imprisoned you on Earth. I can get past that barrier. It is a question of service is it not? You have served the Greater Good. You wish to serve your world and be with your beloved. Even if Zenn-la is not mine, I can do them a boon. Will you lead and serve others? The goddess turned to him.
The Surfer nodded. "I will do what I can for others. I cannot promise anything beyond that."
I understand. Then return to your love's side with my thanks as well. Say your farewells. The goddess motioned toward the others.
"Norrin, thank you for your help." Banner pulled the Surfer into an embrace.
"Bruce, thank you as well. Jarella, it has been a pleasure." The Surfer bowed to her.
"No it is we who thank you for everything, Dear Friend." Jarella embraced the Surfer. "I hope you will be truly happy."
"Thank you." The Surfer thanked each of the Defenders in turn. Then he turned back to the goddess. "I am ready."
Remember what you have promised, Norrin Radd. And so, I send you back to your world with my thanks. The goddess teleported the Surfer away with a flash of light. And now for you three and the Pegasus. Return to Earth with my thanks as well! She transported Strange, Clea and Valkyrie away in an emerald flash. Congratulations, my Servants. You have the potential for much good here. Plant an Eden in my garden. I will be most grateful. With that, she disappeared.
"She is correct." Jarella squeezed Banner's hand. "I believe we have two other appointments?"
"We do. Residian and Wifrida, please step forward." Banner watched the couple come forward and kneel. "You two. You're always there when we need you. You serve above and beyond. As such, you have earned a even better place in our affairs."
"Residian, will you serve our court as First Minister? Will you serve K 'ai faithfully and her interests?" Jarella asked.
"Yes, my Queen! Thank you!" Residian accepted without Hesitation's baggage.
"And you, Wifrida, will you serve as Treasurer? Will you serve K 'ai faithfully and her interests? I know of your skill and learning. We can put that to good use," Jarella offered.
"Yes, my Queen! Thank you!" Wifrida accepted as well. She cleared her throat. "May we speak?"
"Of course!" Banner nodded. "What is on your mind?"
The newly-appointed officials glanced at each other. His left hand squeezed her right one. With his right hand, he offered a golden coin. "I have saved this for a few years. I've wanted to marry a certain someone. I think it's this one." He cleared his throat.
"This one?" Wifrida glared at Residian. "Do you call that a request? We're standing in front of the King and Queen! Respect them and me!" Her face turned beet red. "I am sorry, Majesties!" She prostrated herself.
"I have eyes, my Friends. I have known about your feelings for a while. Put your coin away, Minister Residian. For your extraordinary service, we will waive the fee in your case." Jarella motioned to the priest. "Prepare yourselves and congratulations. We await your accomplishments in our service."
"Congratulations, you two." Banner somehow kept the royal prerogative (and a straight face) during that interchange. He watched the couple exchange their vows before the priest. "With people around us like the Pantheon and them, we're going to be all right."
"Indeed, my Love. Indeed." Jarella kissed him on the cheek. "Now I believe you have your rounds to make?"
Banner shook his head. "You just want to see me riding Porky. Don't you?"
Jarella sighed. "The people enjoy the sight, Bruce. Who are we to deny them?"
"I wouldn't. I wouldn't deny you either." Banner grinned at her. "Be back!" He walked off toward the corral on the settlement's other side.
Jarella shook her head. Be happy, my Love. We can make our world that way for people and animals. Joy sparkled in her eye.
It was a beginning….