Hello and welcome back. Hope you had a safe Thanksgiving and will hope you will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year. I hope you're ready for the end. Yep, 2020 is almost done…AND IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME! Also, fan-fic, which we'll get to right now!
Chapter 27 – Arrival…Wrath of the Dark Phoenix
The Blackbird was over the Atlantic sea, heading toward Muir Island. The X-Men were ready to return to Japan once more to aid Kuzuri in the object from space that landed within the city of Tokyo. Hisako herself as excited to finally see Tokyo. It was only when they received the update from the professor himself that they first headed towards the island. In the back of the jet, Hisako sighed as she was so close to visiting Tokyo. Storm noticed this and went to her side.
"What's wrong?"
"…I really wanted to visit Tokyo. It's like the New York of Japan."
"I know, but the professor says we have to see him first."
"I know…"
Hisako brought out her smartphone to see the news feed. The biggest ones involved an object from space that landed in Tokyo. Storm sees the feed as well to see which ones stood out. When she sees a picture of both Wolverine and Kuzuri, she asked Hisako to stop.
"Hisako, wait. Scroll back…"
Hisako did what Emma asked, and was just as surprised to see both siblings in the news.
"Is it bad?"
"That just means its spilling over."
Storm then headed to Cyclops, who was piloting the Blackbird alongside Beast.
"Storm, what's the problem?"
"I just checked the news with Hisako. The situation in Tokyo is spilling over."
"Alright. I'll fly the jet faster."
The Blackbird soon made it to Muir Island. Waiting at the landing site were Emma, Moira, Charles and Lilandra. As soon as the X-Men exited the jet, they were perplexed by her appearance.
"My stars…an actual extraterrestrial."
Said Beast. Hisako then asked,
"You mean she's a…"
"Yes, Hisako. She's an alien."
Said Emma. Charles elaborated further.
"Most importantly, her name is Lilandra. We are to help her in her hour of need."
Hisako approached Lilandra and extended her hand.
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Hisako Ichiki."
"A pleasure to meet you, Hisako."
Hisako smiled as she shook hands with Lilandra. It was a new experience for her to meet with an actual alien, especially one such as Lilandra. Cyclops asked Charles,
"Professor, is there a reason why she's here?"
"Explaining would take too long. Instead, allow me to show all of you via my telepathy. Ready yourselves."
The X-Men soon received telepathic images of what Xavier had experienced. How his erratic behavior was the result of receiving a telepathic connection from Lilandra. For Cyclops, he took some offense to that. Charles then showed Lilandra's story. But most of all, Charles showed the Phoenix, under the control of D'Ken. When Charles stopped using his telepathy, most of the X-Men were in a state of shock. Hisako asked,
"Who was that lady inside the giant firebird?"
Emma explained.
"That was the Phoenix, Hisako. An ancient force of creation."
"It is under the control of my tyrannical brother, D'Ken. He dominated the mind of the Phoenix by controlling the human bonded to it."
Finished Lilandra. Hisako sees Cyclops attempting to hold back his emotions. Emma could sense the turmoil inside of her boyfriend. She could feel what Scott was feeling right. Anger, guilt, and sorrow clashing with each other, creating a mental maelstrom in his mind. Cyclops was anguishing for not remembering Jean as much as he should. Emma went to his side and eased his conscience.
"Scott, don't punish yourself over this. After all, the both of you moved on…"
"But it's Jean, Emma. Jean is a part of me, whether we're together or not."
"I know that. You and her have been through so much, it's would be unfair of you to throw it aside."
Emma held her boyfriend's head as the two stood so close together.
"Just remember…"
"I've moved on…and I'm better for it."
Cyclops stood upright as his resolve regained strength.
"But leaving her under D'Ken's command can't go on any longer."
"I agree."
Both Cyclops and Emma then went to Lilandra to ask for more details.
"Ms. Lilandra…"
"Princess."
Said Charles, correcting Cyclops.
"Princess, professor?"
"Indeed. Lilandra is the royal princess of the Shi'ar empire. D'Ken is her brother."
The X-Men were further shocked to learn. Hisako even covered her mouth in surprise.
"Oh my god. A princess?"
"Professor, are we in the middle of an intergalactic uprising?"
Asked Beast.
"An uprising that we must take part in. Jean's life and sanity are on the line."
The X-Men all looked at each other, in acknowledgement that they had to act. For Jean's sake. Cyclops spoke for everyone when he says,
"What's the move, professor?"
"We go to Tokyo posthaste. The object that landed there is they key we need to destroy the Phoenix for good."
"But professor, Jean is part of the Phoenix."
Said Storm.
"I know, Storm. Which is why we have a plan, but it requires the object that that is in Tokyo."
xxxxxx
(Tokyo, Japan)
(play Shadow of the Deep – Brandon Yates)
A horde of ghouls surrounded the group as they all charged toward Piotr, Danny, Wolverine, and Kuzuri. Wolverine said this to her little brother.
"Go with Hide. Protect him."
Kuzuri was hesitant at first, but decided to do what his older sister asked of her.
"Right."
Hide attempted to escape from the area, doing what Piotr asked of him. However, one ghoul managed to catch up with him. Thankfully, his friend was there to protect him, before the ghoul could get a bite on him.
"Hide, we need to move!"
"Right."
Hide followed Kuzuri outside to his bike. Eric sees this and get furious over it.
"You two, go after them!"
The ghouls under his command followed his orders. They leapt up in the air and almost pounced on them, only to meet with a large piece of the storeroom floor Piotr ripped from the ground and impacted them. Piotr yells out,
"Keep him safe!"
Kuzuri nodded and got Hide out of the storeroom. Eric the Red growls loudly and presses a button on one of his gauntlets. A cylindrical beam of light pierced and destroyed a section of the storeroom roof, surrounding him. Then, Eric is levitated upwards. The group sees this and were instantly worried for Kuzuri.
"Crap, we have to…"
Wolverine was interrupted by a ghoul as it clashed its kagune with her claws. Danny says this in between attacks.
"Kaneki can take care of himself."
"I know that!"
Wolverine swiftly slices the ghoul's arms and legs before kicking him away from her.
"But this is bigger than we handled before."
(pause music at 0:35)
Meanwhile, Kuzuri and Hide made it outside. Before they could get to the bike, Kuzuri spoke with the cops restricting access to the impact site.
"Officers, you need to get everyone out of here!"
"Big ass groups of ghouls are after us. As well as…!"
Just then, beams shots were shot from above. Soon after, some sort of unknown aircraft made itself seen after it de-camouflaged itself. The aircraft was primarily red, with the appearance of a jagged triangle. Although some journalists stayed behind to report the situation, the people surrounding the area soon fled for their lives. Within the aircraft, Eric the Red uses the onboard computer to scan the area for his targets.
"Found you."
He sees them riding away from the scene.
"If you believe that your primitive transportation could escape my ship, you're sorely mistaken!"
(resume music)
Kuzuri disregarded every speeding law in order to get Hide to the 20th ward branch office. Hide looked back, only to see Eric's ship chasing after them.
"Kaneki, he's after us!"
"Got it!"
Kuzuri increased the speed of his bike while also making sure as to not hit every car that was in his way. Within his ship, Eric gave a command.
"Activate onboard weapons. Manual control."
The ship responded to his commands. Futuristic machine guns appeared from the top mid-section of the ship's wings. He then pressed the top buttons of the steering control, and began shooting at the two on the bike.
"Kaneki!"
Kuzuri looks at the mirrors of his bike, and sees the ship firing lasers at a rapid pace.
"I see it."
Kuzuri maneuvered his bike for the shots to miss him. Eric's ship was more than fast enough to catch up with Kuzuri and Hide. Kuzuri could see this and says to Hide,
"Hang on. I'm making a turn."
Kuzuri took a sharp right turn at the nearest intersection. Eric sees this and does the same. As he did, the right side of the ship impacted one of the buildings. Although his ship still functioned, the right side of the ship suffered damage. As the chase went on, it was clear to Eric the Red.
"Catching up to him is barely a difficult task. But he can dodge the lasers of my ship so easy. Meanwhile, my ship can barely move within this city. I must go lower."
Still chasing the bike, Eric got his ship closer to the ground. When he did, as he chased the bike, the parked cars in the city that were in his way were instantly flipped over. The cars crashed when they landed, some of them even exploded on impact. Kuzuri could see the lives that were at risk because of Eric. Angry at this, Kuzuri took a series of turns.
"Damn you, primitive!"
Eric knew he had to slow down so he could avoid further damage to his ship during the turns. Kuzuri, on the other hand, knew that it was a matter of time before Eric could catch up with him.
"Still got enough distance between me and him."
Kuzuri then slowed down. Confused by this, Hide asked,
"Why are we stopping?"
"Hide, I need you to get off."
Hide did not say anything at first.
"Trust me on this. The only way to stop him is to fight him. I can't protect you like this."
Although hesitant at first, Hide decided to trust his friend. Just in time as well. Eric finally caught up with the two. The people seeing this reacted with fear.
"Just don't die."
Kuzuri nodded in agreement to his promise. He then rode his bike to the center of the road. He waited for Eric the Red to make the first move. Within his ship, Eric sees Kuzuri on the other end of the road, staring at him. He growled before saying,
"I will make you regret taking on the Shi'ar Empire, primitive!"
(skip to 1:48)
Kuzuri sped toward Eric on his bike, and Eric the same as the two engaged in a high stakes game of chicken. As they got closer to each other, they yelled for a long while. Kuzuri then performed a high-speed wheelie as he got closer to the ship.
"What is this?!"
Exclaimed Eric. Hide sees this and figured out why Kuzuri did what he did.
"Holy crap, that's both awesome and scary."
Kuzuri performed the wheelie as to ride his bike on top of Eric's ship. The two vehicles got so close that if they remained at the same positions from where they started, Kuzuri would lose his bike at the accelerated impact. Instead, the wheelie got the front wheel on the front of the ship as to get a foothold to allow the rest of the bike to get on top of the ship. Succeeding at doing so, Eric yelled,
"WHAT?"
SNIKT!
Kuzuri then used his claws to slice Eric's ship while he rode his bike off the ship. The resulting damage caused the ship to go haywire. Eric could only look at his ship careening out of his control.
"This cannot be…!"
Soon, the ship ascended into the sky.
"MY EMPEROR, I'VE FAILED YOU!"
Finally the ship exploded, taking Eric the Red with him.
(end music)
People looked at the sky, seeing the explosion that took place. While Kuzuri went back to pick up his friend.
"Let's go."
Hide looked at him blankly before saying,
"I won't lie… That was so f***ing badass."
"You should've seen me at Tohoku."
"Tell me all about it, man!"
Hide then got on the bike. Kuzuri told him about his first mission with the X-Men as they rode.
xxxxxx
Meanwhile, over the Pacific Ocean, the Blackbird was en-route to the nation of Japan. Cyclops and Storm flew the jet while the rest of the team was in conference with Lilandra over what could happen next. Charles first asked,
"So, your brother is not afraid to send in the Phoenix to go after you?"
"Yes. But first, I imagine he would send one of his personal spies to this planet first. To see whether I or the orb has made it."
Beast asked,
"What is this orb?"
"A containment device. It holds a weapon."
"What sort of weapon?"
Asked Emma. Lilandra took a pause before answering. During said pause, Charles placed his hand on hers as a sign of support. The X-Men noticed this. Some of them were confused while Emma silently smiled.
"It is called…The Ultimate Nullifier."
The team acknowledged the gravity of her words when Lilandra told them what it was. Armor asked,
"What's the Ultimate Nullifier?"
"A weapon so powerful that the mere sight of it would make even Galactus quake in fear."
Charles asked,
"Galactus?"
"A cosmic titan who feeds on entire planets for sustenance."
This fact made the X-Men feel fear at the levels of power the Ultimate Nullifier is capable of. Emma says,
"My god…"
"Yes. My intention for the Ultimate Nullifier is to use it on the Phoenix. Once the human known as Jean Grey is separated from it, we can then use it to destroy the Phoenix from existence."
"That is where Emma and myself come in. We have separated the Phoenix from Jean once before…"
"We can do it again."
Said Emma, finishing Charles' sentence. Just then, Cyclops was receiving a call on his communicator.
"Professor, we're getting a call from Wolverine."
"Acknowledged. Hank, if you would…"
Hank rough out his tablet and put Wolverine's call on speaker.
"Wolverine, how are you and Kuzuri?"
"At the moment, fine. But we got into some trouble before."
The team, plus Lilandra, instantly dreaded that what they talked about came to pass.
"Elaborate."
"Before we were under attack, he made it to the crash site. We met up with both Piotr and the Iron Fist. Piotr placed the object in a steel briefcase so he could take it to the branch office in the 20th ward. That's when the trouble happened."
Charles spoke up to ask a question.
"Wolverine, this is important. Who was that attacked you?"
"Someone who calls himself Eric the Red. Wore some bird-like armor to go with it."
Lilandra slightly gasped at that last thing Wolverine just said.
"Anyhow, he had some ghouls under his control. We took them down, but by then he chased after both Kaneki and Hide."
"Where are they now?"
Asked Emma.
"Piotr just called the 20th ward branch office of the GCB. They used the city surveillance system, and discovered that they're on their way to the branch office."
"We'll be heading there ourselves as well. Make sure that nothing happens to them until we get there."
"You got it, Professor."
Beast ended the call. Charles then says to Cyclops.
"Cyclops, we need to get to Tokyo soon."
"All right then, professor. Giving her all she's got."
Cyclops pushed the speed limits of the Blackbird to get to Tokyo. During the flight, Charles asked Lilandra a question.
"Lilandra, did you know the individual Wolverine just described?"
"Not personally…however, before I left my home planet, I took as much as information relating to what my brother has at his disposal."
"State secrets?"
"In a way. I've made it a point to keep with me a list of people that were on my brother's side before I went rogue and came to you for help."
Beast then asked,
"I imagine you must have the information relating to the person calling himself Eric the Red. Considering that the real Eric the Red was a Scandinavian explorer who lived died a millennium ago."
Lilandra took out a thin, cylindrical imaging device. She turned it on, displaying a holographic 3D image of the individual in question.
"This person is Davan Shakari, a spy under the command of my brother. He is one of many who swears his allegiance with D'Ken."
The X-Men, minus Cyclops and Storm, all took a good look at one of D'Ken's spies sent to earth. Emma asks,
"So, if he's here, does that mean more will follow?"
"Unfortunately so. Shakari was but one of many warrior agents of the Shi'ar empire."
Lilandra then displayed several warriors stronger than Shakari. Beast responded,
"Astounding."
"These warriors are strong enough to be an army of their own. None more so…than him."
Lilandra then displayed an image of an alien male; whose skin was purple, his violet hair a fashioned into a mohawk, and wore a suit that was red and black (the black parts were concentrated at the shoulders and upper thighs) with a golden triangle that was hollow at the center. He also wore a red cape with a golden trim stripe on the tall collar. The X-Men were both impressed and intimidated.
"He belongs to a species that are called the Strontians, subservient to the Shi'ar. They are mightier than anything Earth has to offer…"
Just then, Lilandra was receiving a message from someone. Charles asked,
"Lilandra, who is it?"
Lilandra answered to see a screen message from someone who seemed elderly and possessed an avian-like hairstyle and beard. He even possessed feathers in place of hair. He also wore a robe that made him resemble an owl, complete with feather-like trimmings. Lilandra knew who this was.
"Araki?"
"Lilandra, it is good to see you alive."
"Are you on a secure channel?"
"Yes, but we must make this quick. D'Ken has received an update. Davan Shakari is dead."
Everyone in the jet all expressed alarm over the news.
"We do not know how, but as soon as Davan's death was made apparent to D'Ken, his fury was terrifying to behold. He decided to send in…Kallark."
"No…"
Said Lilandra in despair.
"I have to go. Lest D'Ken knows that I am supporting you from the shadows. Princess, please be safe. And retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier at once."
The call ended. Lilandra sat in sorrow over how things are getting worse now. Charles went to her side, assuaging her of her anguish.
"Lilandra, I know things seem hopeless right now, but you will defeat D'Ken. You are not alone in this fight."
"…Thank you, Charles."
Cyclops spoke up, notifying everyone,
"We're finally in Japan. 10 more minutes, and we'll be in Tokyo."
"Cyclops, contact Wolverine at once. She has to make it to Kuzuri and protect the orb with their lives."
xxxxxx
(20th ward, Tokyo)
Both Kuzuri and Hide both made it to the branch office. They were soon met with a small squad of GCB Investigators, led by Akira Madou.
"Nagachika, good to see you safe. Kuzuri, it is nice to see you again."
"…Sorry. I forgot your name."
"2nd class Investigator Akira Madou."
"Don't see your partner…"
"He's inside. Waiting alongside with several Investigators who want to meet with you. As well as Special Investigators Kuroiwa and Marude."
Kuzuri took a moment to remember them.
"I think the last guy you mentioned was angry at me at one point."
"He'll grow on you."
She then spoke with Hide.
"Nagachika, is that the object from the 12th ward?"
"Y-Yes."
Hide presented the steel briefcase he carried with him and gave it to Akira. Akira retrieves it and says next,
"Please come inside."
Both entered inside. Kuzuri looked around. Most of the people he saw inside looked like the people who once either looked at him with indifference or silent disgust the day he defeated Sabretooth. Now they looked with him with apprehension or worry. Hide noticed this and asked,
"Kaneki, something the matter?"
"Last time I was here, everyone looked at me as if I were a freak."
"Now?"
"Everyone here…was close to panicking, until I entered."
"That may have something to do with that."
Akira pointed to a news report on a television news channel. It was reporting on the chase that went on in the 12th and 15th ward.
"…That's a good reason why."
"This office just received a call from Senior Investigator Rasputin. He, alongside Wolverine and the Iron Fist, are coming here to rendezvous with you and discuss the nature of the object both you and Nagachika just delivered. Based on what the city just saw, you two have gone to great lengths to bring this here."
Akira then bowed to the two of them.
"We're grateful to your efforts."
Both Hide and Kuzuri were slightly flustered by this gesture, but Kuzuri hid it a little better than his friend.
"Considering the stakes, we're pretty much in this together."
Hide nodded in agreement.
"Let us know if there's anything more we can do."
Akira stood back upright and says,
"For now, let's meet with the higher-ups and…"
Just then, a mix of red and white lights appeared in the street of the front of the branch office. Everyone from within the building could only see bits and pieces of whatever was landing. While Hide sees the news channel that was currently on. Soon, it featured a live smartphone recording of the branch office in question.
"Kaneki, Investigator Madou, you have to see what's on TV right now."
Both saw the news channel. What they saw utterly floored them, and soon everyone within the building. What they saw was a spaceship; light goldenrod in color, and was triangular shaped with jagged edges to make it look like an Aztec Tepoztopilli spearhead. More people came to the television screens in the lobby area to see the spaceship that landed in front of the branch office building while others went to the windows to see. However, this was to be said. The fear within them grew larger and larger every moment they stared at the ship. Just then, Marude's voice was heard.
"Attention all non-combat staff, evacuate via the rear entrance of the branch office. All Investigators, battle stations!"
Everyone listened to the announcement. The people who were simply the office employees exited the building via the back entryways of the building. While the Investigators who heard this got the message to change into their battle uniforms. Before Akira could do the same. she received a call.
"Investigator Rasputin, are you here?"
"Da. We have just arrived. Myself, Wolverine and the Iron Fist are now in front of the building. Where are Kuzuri and Nagachika?"
"Inside."
"Keep the object with you. Have Kuzuri meet us outside."
Akira initially hesitated, but knew that this was an unprecedented situation. No one in the GCB could see that an alien vessel would land in their front door. Ultimately, she relented.
"Alright then."
She hung, and gave Kuzuri the message.
"Kuzuri, your comrades are waiting outside the building. Nagachika, standby for further orders."
"Roger that, ma'am."
Akira then left to change into her combat uniform. Kuzuri looked outside to see his Shifu, Piotr, and his sister standing outside of the front entrance of the branch office.
"I'm going."
Hide says to him,
"Please be careful out there."
Kuzuri nodded in confirmation. As he walked toward the front entrance, Hide looked on in silent nervousness. Kuzuri finally made it outside and met with everyone.
"Good to know you all made it back okay."
"Was there any doubt?"
Asked Danny. Wolverine asked,
"How's the orb?"
"It's with Investigator Madou."
"That is good. We can focus on what is in front of us."
Said Piotr. The group stood ready for whatever would come next. The alien ship soon landed. For the next 30 seconds, nothing happened. Kuzuri asked,
"Maybe they made a wrong turn at Albuquerque?"
The ship soon opened, revealing at least 300 humanoid individuals. All wore a skintight jumpsuit, primarily white and black with a red belt, holding both a handgun holster with a handgun inside and either white sword hilts or retractable spears. They all also bore avian-like hair. All of them carried weapons. All the Shi'ar soldiers carried rifle guns of a design clearly not known to earth. Although shaped like modern earth rifles, the ammunition these aliens were carrying were superior to what the humans created. The center of their rifles seemed to hold some sort of canisters that glowed a faint blue light, as the canisters themselves were stacked in a horizontal fashion. The barrel of their rifles were more slanted, fashioned to look like the front of a Japanese bullet train, thus the opening of the rifle barrel to resemble a slightly curved line. Finally, there was one carrying a flag. The design of the flag was primarily red with a golden wing insignia. The alien soldiers all marched toward the 20th ward branch office. They stopped marching upon arrival at the staircases. The soldier bearing the flag yelled out an order. Although it was spoken in their language, Piotr knew what it approximately meant as the soldiers now stood in a military fashion. They all stood still for some reason.
"The one holding the flag has ordered them to remain on standby."
"How could you tell?"
Asked Kuzuri.
"It would seem that military culture is somewhat universal."
The alien soldiers all stood ready. During this, Kuzuri and Wolverine got a call on their communicators. They answered, hearing Charles' voice.
"Kuzuri, Wolverine, do you read me?"
"This is Wolverine. Professor, I've made it back to Kuzuri."
"Kuzuri?"
"Right here, professor. I've made it to the GCB branch office in the 20th ward. Right now, there's a spaceship and a small army in front of the building. Professor, do you know what we're dealing with?"
"What you are facing is a military battalion belonging to the Shi'ar empire."
"Shi'ar? As in alien?"
Asked Kuzuri.
"Indeed. Right now, the rest of the X-Men are arriving in Tokyo. We will be there soon. In the meantime, if they choose to fight…"
Kuzuri knew what the professor meant.
"Got it. We'll hold the fort before you make it."
Kuzuri ended the call. He looks at the rest of his friends with a serious look on his face. An expression that signaled his intent to hold his ground until the rest of the X-Men would arrive. They felt the same way. As the group stood in front of the Shi'ar battalion, one of them looked at the sky. Kuzuri did the same, only to find someone flying toward them. Wolverine asked,
"Bro-bro, what are you looking at?"
"Look for yourself."
Wolverine did so, surprised at what she was seeing. Both Piotr and Danny did likewise, feeling the same as the two siblings did. They saw someone flying toward where they were standing. The group stood ready, watching the flying individual land in between them and the Shi'ar battalion. The Shi'ar soldiers all said one word at least three times in unison.
"Kallark! Kallark! Kallark!"
Wolverine asked,
"Anybody catch that?"
"I think that's what they're calling punk rock Superman over there."
Said Kuzuri. Kallark then faced the group. He then brought out a small, pen-like device and pointed it to them. The group stood confused as to why Kallark would do that. Kuzuri spoke out first.
"…Hi…why are you here?"
Kallark then placed the pen-like device on his belt sash. After shutting his eyes for a few seconds, he finally spoke. And in their language.
"We are here for the orb."
Danny asked,
"Who are you, exactly?"
"My name is Kallark, but my title is Gladiator. Leader of the Emperor's Pretorian guard."
Piotr spoke next.
"All of you are here for this orb?"
"That, but you will also reveal the location of the fugitive Lilandra. Our intelligence tells us that that she landed on your planet, albeit we do not have her precise location. However, before she escaped from the grasp of the empire, she took something with her that could mean the end of my emperor."
"The orb, right?"
"Precisely. One of the emperor's spies has reported that the orb was here, within this earth city."
"We've met him."
Said Piotr with Wolverine elaborating,
"He took control of some of the…powered people we have on this planet. He took control of their minds and used them to attack us. We had to defend ourselves against him…"
"Resulting in his death."
Said Kuzuri, revealing to be the one who killed Eric the Red. Gladiator looked at Kuzuri, asking,
"You killed him, I presume?"
"…Yes."
Gladiator stared at him for a moment before laughing.
"Officially, his death is a loss for the empire. Personally, however, he was a lowly schemer with no sense of honor. His constant bungling made him an outcast among warriors. He was ordered to retrieve Lilandra before the orb, but thought it was simpler to do the opposite. However, I knew that his shortsightedness out be the end of him."
The group stood slightly confused over Gladiator's reaction.
"Perhaps it was better for him to meet death at your hands rather than the hands of my emperor."
"Your emperor?"
Asked Kuzuri.
"He will soon arrive at your planet. Alongside the most devastating weapon the empire has ever seen."
The group were curious as to what Gladiator spoke about.
"I know the levels of devastation this weapon is capable of. I have seen it destroy an entire planet with its flames."
Now their curiosity became fear.
"Which is why I have arrived. Surrender both the orb and the fugitive Lilandra, and I will have the emperor spare your planet…"
Just then, jet engines could be heard. The Shi'ar battalion, Gladiator, and the group saw the Blackbird arrive at the 20th ward GCB branch office. It landed adjacent to the building. Gladiator asked,
"What is this?"
"I think they're answers for what you want…"
Said Danny. The rest of the X-Men exited the jet. As well as Charles and Lilandra.
"Princess Lilandra!"
The Shi'ar battalion gasped at the sight of Lilandra. Lilandra soon confronted Gladiator.
"Kallark, why are you doing this?"
"Princess…"
The X-Men joined with Kuzuri, Wolverine, Piotr and Danny to update them of the situation.
"Any of you okay?"
Asked Cyclops.
"Yeah. We were just talking before you showed up."
Said Kuzuri. Danny asked,
"Do you mind filling us in? Like who she is first?"
"Allow me."
Said Emma, signaling that she was about to use her telepathy on them. She showed the four the events of what had happened since the siblings went to visit Japan. When they were receiving the information, at least Kuzuri was staggered the rush of images into his head. When Emma finished showing them everything, Kuzuri was out of breath, took a knee, and inhaled/exhaled heavily.
"…In short, a lot happened."
"Pretty much."
Danny got him up.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine, shifu. It's just…"
"A little much. I get it."
While the four were catching up on events, Lilandra continued to confront Gladiator.
"You are a warrior of honor. Why do you serve a tyrannical madman like my brother?"
"I serve the imperial throne of the Shi'ar. Regardless of who sits upon it."
"But you must realize just how unfit he is. He cannot be trusted with the wellbeing of the empire. You have no idea of the most horrendous crimes he has done to become emperor."
Gladiator looked at Lilandra. He remembered how long he served her father. He also remembered the kind of person Lilandra was. He knew her to be virtuous, upright, and honest. Very much the opposite of what D'Ken labeled her to be.
"…I know you well enough to know…that you speak the truth."
"Then why continue to serve him?"
"…I am a soldier. A soldier does not question the orders he is given. A soldier executes them, with all the strength and skill the state willingly endows. I am such one."
Charles looked at Gladiator. He could see that D'Ken's orders aggravate him so. He could also sense a current of fear within him. Danny spoke with Gladiator,
"But even a soldier knows that not all of his orders serve a greater good. If you feel that you have orders that run counter to what you were taught to believe, then you have a greater moral obligation to refuse."
"That may true of your world, but on mine, we follow our superiors without question. Princess, you must surrender now. Do not let the people of this world suffer the wrath of D'Ken."
"I know my brother holds the Phoenix under his command."
"Then you know that this is, ultimately, a mission of mercy."
"There is no need for this, gladiator!"
Exclaimed Charles. His voice caught Gladiator's attention.
"There is a way to stop the Phoenix."
"You speak of delusions! The Phoenix is a primordial force of power! Nothing could stop it!"
"But we know the individual tied to it."
Gladiator stood quietly for a moment before raising his hand, giving a hand signal. The Shi'ar soldier holding the flag did the same hand signal, prompting the rest of the soldiers to lay down their weapons. Their spears were lowered, their rifles were holstered on their backs.
"What do you know?"
Charles told Gladiator everything about Jean. Cyclops would join in as well, explaining his relationship to her. Lastly, Charles told Gladiator of how he and Emma helped Jean gain control of the phoenix. After a lengthy discussion, Gladiator knew everything there was about the Phoenix before she became the greatest threat to the galaxy. Lilandra says to him,
"Now you know everything. Will you continue to serve D'Ken, despite this knowledge?"
Gladiator was at war with himself. He was torn between his duty and his better instincts. He knew that he serves the Shi'ar empire as a soldier, a member of the Imperial guard. Siding with Lilandra would make him an exile, a traitor to his people and his nation. However, he could not deny just how unfit D'Ken was for the throne of the empire, and the responsibilities with it. He knew that D'Ken with power could mean the end of the empire. Ultimately, he made a choice. He faces the battalion and addresses them.
"Soldiers of the Shi'ar empire! Heed my words, for they may be my last! I have served the empire with utmost diligence! With unwavering loyalty! With unrelenting courage! Such actions have made the commander that you follow to the ends of the universe!"
The soldiers cheered at Gladiator, which made him express a certain kind of sorrow.
"Which is why the next decision I make…would make me…less of the leader that would gladly march with you to battle."
The soldiers now expressed confusion.
"I renounce Emperor D'Ken and will now side with Lilandra!"
The soldiers were shocked by this announcement. Gladiator raised his hand to quiet them.
"I do not make this decision lightly! I have known Princess Lilandra for nearly half my life. She is righteous, honorable, and upright in mind, heart, and soul. She would never betray the empire! If he does these things, then there must be just cause for doing so."
The soldiers continued to listen.
"I give you this choice. Return to the ship. Let D'Ken know I have committed treason against the empire, and I alone. There is no need for any of you to share in the disgrace of my making! However, if you chose to stay, then you chose to overthrow a man who has not just blood on his hands, but royal blood!"
The soldiers gasped, talking among themselves.
"D'Ken murdered his own father to gain power! Such is the act of a dishonorable madman, who will tear away the foundations of our home for his own demented aims!"
The soldiers now fell silent. As did the X-Men.
"If you chose to follow D'Ken, I will never hold it against you. You are soldiers of the Shi'ar. You serve the throne and all it stands for. Just know that if you chose to fight for Lilandra, you fight to restore honor and dignity to the throne."
A long moment of silence filled the air. By the time Gladiator finished speaking with Lilandra first and addressing the soldiers, there was already a small news crew reporting on the event. After a long moment of silence, one of the soldiers spoke his mind.
"I stand with Gladiator! I stand with Lilandra!"
From that one declaration, many more of the battalion declared their loyalty to both Gladiator and Lilandra. Lilandra felt overwhelmed from their pronouncements of fealty. While Gladiator felt humbled by their loyalty. With the X-Men, Cyclops asked,
"Professor, are they with us?"
"To be more accurate, they are with Lilandra. However, I feel that there will be no bloodshed today."
The X-Men exhaled in relief. Piotr then made a call to one of the Investigators he personally knew.
xxxxxx
(GCB Main Office, 1st ward)
Special Investigator Aura was with Director Washuu, alongside a few of the other special Investigators. What made this different was that Special Investigator Arima was present. Arima spoke with the Director.
"How bad do you believe it will be?"
"Fate of the world, I imagine."
"Considering what's been reported, I felt it pertinent to arrive-"
Just then, Investigator Aura's smartphone rang. She looks at it to see Piotr's name. She never took his name off her personal call list. She was surprised, to say the least. Director Washuu asked,
"Who is it, Aura?"
"…It's Investigator Rasputin, sir."
Director Washuu slightly gasped, giving an order afterwards.
"Answer it at once."
Aura did so.
"Piotr…"
"Aura, I would not have called you if it was not important. Are you with Director Washuu?"
"Yes. What's the situation in the 20th ward?"
"Calm, but complicated."
Everyone in the room breathed a sigh collective of relief. Aura asked,
"We're heading to the 20th ward now."
"Roger that-"
Just then, another object from space lit up the night sky. It could be especially seen from the higher floors of the main office. It took the appearance of a large fireball. Piotr says one more thing before he hung up.
"I may have spoke too soon."
xxxxxx
On top of a building a couple of blocks away from the branch office, the Owl stood, alongside two massive groups of ghouls. One side wore white coats, wearing red ape masks, while the other were the Black Dobers. Within the mind of the Owl, he remembered when he agreed to the truce with Investigator Shinohara.
flashback
"Why do you need my help?"
Asked Yoshimura.
"Because…if the worse comes to pass, then we can't be picky about our numbers."
"And the worst for you is the Battle of New York?"
"…Yes."
Yoshimura took a moment to think.
"Even taking that into consideration…why should I help you anyways? Your kind has killed many of my own since time immemorial. Not to mention that I meant what I said in our…last confrontation."
Shinohara controlled his emotions when he last faced him in battle.
"I know…"
The two individuals intensely stared at each other.
"And yet, if you're so evil…why care for someone like Ken Kaneki?"
Yoshimura showed a hint of emotion when Investigator Shinohara mentioned Kaneki.
"You took him in, gave him a safe place, and eventually sent him away to the X-Men for his own safety. If you were truly evil, you would've left him to his sad fate."
Yoshimura took another moment of silence. Then, Shinohara's phone rang.
"Shinohara…what…you serious…I'll be there soon."
Yoshimura was curious as to what the other side of the call told the Investigator. When Shinohara hung up, he told Yoshimura what was said to him.
"There's an ongoing situation with the object from space. Some sort of extraterrestrial spacecraft is chasing Kuzuri in the streets of the 12th ward."
Yoshimura expressed shock over the news.
"I don't know what your reason for taking him…but I imagine that some small measure of mercy exists within you. Enough for you to do something like what I described."
Now Yoshimura expressed anger.
"And what does an Investigator like yourself know about mercy?"
"Because I got a partner who's the same way."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Like Ken Kaneki, my partner was used as a tool by malicious people. And like your Ken Kaneki, he was a kid who did unspeakable things…just to survive the wrath of their abusers."
Yoshimura's anger slowly subsided. A part of him felt a small measure of empathy for the Investigator.
"I took him under my wing, hoping that I could bring out the best parts of him. And I imagine you wanted the same for Ken Kaneki."
Yoshimura continued to stand silent.
"You don't have to answer here if you don't want to. I've given you no reason to see my point of view. Just a bunch of suppositions and speculations. What I am hoping on…is the compassion you feel for Ken Kaneki, and wanting to see him safe."
Shinohara then left the café and headed for the GCB branch office. Yoshimura was by himself, in thought about his next course of action. By then, he was joined by both Koma and Irimi.
"Took us a while, but we got rid of everything."
"All the documents have been erased."
Yoshimura then smiled a little.
"Thank you."
After another moment of silence, Yoshimura asked the two,
"You heard everything?"
"We did."
Answered Irimi. Koma then says,
"That was low of him, using Kaneki against you like that."
"Boss, we understand if you don't to go. But…"
"You want to be there for Kaneki, all the same?"
Both employees looked down, indicating that they would jump at the opportunity to help him anyway they could. Irimi says,
"It's your call…all the same."
Yoshimura took a moment to think. Then he says,
"How about one last cup?"
Koma and Irimi smiled at the offer. Yoshimura then made one last pot of coffee. The three drank it as a toast. As the two enjoyed their coffee, Yoshimura stood at the window before he spoke.
"Did either of you partook in…his flesh?"
Koma answered first.
"I kept putting it off. By then, we already ran out."
Irimi says next,
"I did. Danny wanted to share what he enjoyed. I told him to wait a day. He was happy that…I was happy."
"And we both know who to thank."
Yoshimura looked up at the falling snow.
"Ukina…this may be the last chance…to see my wish come true…"
end
The Owl was there when another bright object in the sky made itself known. Both him and the ghouls who were with him. The lead ape went to his side and asked,
"What was that, boss?"
"…Be ready for anything."
xxxxxx
Back at the branch office, the X-Men, alongside the Shi'ar aligned with Lilandra and Danny, all see the fireball heading towards them. Gladiator gave the order.
"All soldiers, ready yourself!"
The Shi'ar soldiers reactivated their weapons once more and stared at the fireball slowly heading towards them. Cyclops asks the professor,
"Professor, what are we dealing with?"
Professor X used his telepathy to see into the fireball heading towards them. He picked up a consciousness within it. One most familiar to him. The expression of horror was apparent to the X-Men, with Emma asking,
"Professor, what is it?"
"…She's here…"
"Who's here?"
Asked Danny.
"Jean Grey, also known right now as the Dark Phoenix."
Said Professor X with terror in his voice. The X-Men knew who he was talking about, while Danny grew apprehensive. The fireball slowed down the further it reached the ground until it stopped in mid-air. It then became slowly transparent to reveal a redhaired woman wearing a form-fitting, dark crimson jumpsuit. Both the X-Men and Lilandra instantly knew who it was. As well as Gladiator, who stood his ground despite the fear she previously instilled in him.
"I AM DARK PHOENIX!"
Gladiator gave the order.
"ALL SOLDIERS! OPEN FIRE!"
The Shi'ar soldiers all brought out their firearms and shot at the Dark Phoenix. Phoenix created a barrier, protecting her as she spoke to Gladiator.
"GLADIATOR! THE EMPEROR SENSED YOUR BETRAYAL TO THE EMPIRE!"
"D'Ken is a murderous tyrant not deserving of the power of the throne!"
"YOU HAVE SWORN AN OATH TO THE EMPIRE, AND YOU HAVE BROKEN IT TO SIDE WITH THE REBEL LILANDRA! FOR YOUR CRIMES AGAINST THE EMPEROR, THE PUNISHMENT IS DEATH!"
Phoenix began to use her powers to affect the minds of the Shi'ar soldiers. The soldiers all dropped their firearms and clutched their heads with their arms, screaming and groaning in pain. Gladiator was shocked and dismayed by this.
"What are you doing?!"
The Phoenix maliciously laughed. Then the soldiers stopped screaming as they now seemed lifeless. They grabbed their weapons as they stood up, still lifeless in expression. The Phoenix now explained what she did to them.
"I HAVE ERASED THEIR SOULS! THEY ARE NOW PUPPETS UNDER MY COMMAND!"
The Shi'ar soldiers formerly under Gladiator's command now followed their orders.
"ALL SOLDIERS! KILL EVERYTHING THAT WOULD KILL YOUR EMPEROR!"
The X-Men, plus the Iron Fist, instantly stood between the brainwashed soldiers and Lilandra and Gladiator. Cyclops says to him,
"Gladiator, protect Lilandra. We got them."
Gladiator was conflicted as to allow the X-Men to take out the soldiers who, moments before, declared their loyalty to both him and Lilandra. Lilandra could see it on his face, and spoke to him.
"Kallark, I know that these were your men, but the Dark Phoenix has erased that which made them your men. They are now soulless husks."
"Princess…"
Lilandra then asked Professor X,
"Charles, is the Ultimate Nullifier still safe?"
"It is. It is within this building behind us. Piotr, I need you to guide both Lilandra and Gladiator to retrieve the orb."
"Is the orb the Ultimate Nullifier?"
"The orb contains the Nullifier."
"Da. Come with me."
As Piotr led the two to the building, Professor X addressed his X-Men.
"We must hold the line as much as we can, my X-Men. While Piotr attempts to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier, we shall hold back both the Dark Phoenix and her army."
The X-Men nodded at the same time.
"Emma, you will stay with me."
"Right."
Cyclops then gave the order,
"All right X-Men. No one gets inside of the building."
The X-Men stepped forward and stood in between the 20th ward Branch office and the Dark Phoenix army. Phoenix talked to them, deriding them of their decision.
"FOOLS! YOU STAND AGAINST PURE POWER!"
Cyclops was conflicted at first to fight against Jean. Against a woman whom he once loved fiercely.
"Jean…you will be free from D'Ken. No matter what it takes."
Professor X gave a telepathic message.
"Remember my X-Men, what you face before you wasn't always evil. To some of you, she was someone dear to your hearts. For the rest, she was once one of us, and deserves every effort to be saved. Keep it that in mind as you fight to defend this earth."
The X-Men simultaneously responded in telepathy,
"Got it, professor."
The Phoenix gave the command.
"EXTERMINATE THEM!"
Before one of the soldiers could fire the first shot, a voice was heard from the distance. It said,
"HIGHER MIND!"
A row of the Shi'ar soldiers suffered serious damage by a sudden streak of concentrated lightning. This surprised both sides as they faced where the shot came from. For the Dark Phoenix, what she saw was met with confusion and anger.
"WHAT IS THIS?!"
For the X-Men, this was much needed assistance. It was a massive battalion of armed GCB assault soldiers. Much like the ones from the battle of the 11th ward. Leading them was Mougan Tanakamaru. He held in his left arm a sort of quinque-based cannon that fired concentrated energy shots. While in his right hand was a briefcase. Both were connected by a thick, laminated red wire. Observing Investigator Tanakamaru, Beast says,
"I imagine the briefcase must be the power source for his weapon."
Said shot killed three Shi'ar soldiers. While the rest stood, ready to fight. Tanakamaru commented on this.
"Well, these aliens are certainly tougher than your average ghoul."
Tanakamaru inhaled deeply before resuming.
"Splendid! Makes this even more worthwhile."
Angered by the appearance of the GCB, Phoenix speaks to them,
"YOU DARE STAND IN MY WAY?!"
"You threaten our world with death! Never expect us to take this lying down!"
Soon, more GCB soldiers arrived at the branch office. Investigators of many ranks came to assist the X-Men in repelling the Dark Phoenix. The GCB numbered the same as the Shi'ar soldiers, all led by Director Washuu, who issued the order once the soldiers assembled.
"Aid the X-Men! Repel the invaders!"
(play Those who fight further - Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children OST)
The soldiers yelled as they charged toward the Shi'ar. Phoenix then gave her command.
"KILL THEM ALL!"
The Shi'ar started to open fire on the GCB soldiers, taking down many in the process. The GCB fired back, firing their rifles in the process. The Shi'ar weapons possessed deadlier firepower as their beam-based ammunition tore right through the GCB soldiers. For every Shi'ar soldier they took down, the Shi'ar took seven GCB. The director sees this and radios in,
"Send in reinforcements."
The X-Men sees how the GCB were getting creamed as Cyclops gives the order to the team.
"Let's get in there, X-Men."
The X-Men leapt into the battle. Armor sees some of the GCB soldiers getting summarily defeated by Shi'ar, and activates her psionic armor. She runs to get between them and absorb the beam-based ammo. The Shi'ar stop shooting for a while, just in time for Armor to swipe them far away from them.
"10 down, 200-something more to go."
Beast and Wolverine's agility were enough to keep the Shi'ar from landing a shot on them. Wolverine got close to some of them to slice apart their weapons. When the Shi'ar lost their firearms, they used their spears. Retractable, they instantly wielded them and used them against the both. Wolverine used her claws to deflect them.
"Hank, watch yourself!"
Beast was still too agile for them to land a hit.
"Not a problem, but the advice is warmly received."
Beast defended himself as well as he grabbed whatever Shi'ar within his range of personal space and threw them with the full force of his strength. Wolverine was impressed by this.
"You hold your own quite well, Hank."
"Churchill once said that there's comes a time when men must…"
A Shi'ar attempted to choke him with his spear, but Beast grabbed him and flipped him to the ground and slammed his arms onto his chest like a gorilla slamming the ground.
"Well, you get the point!"
Storm teamed up with Danny to fight a few of their own. Storm used her weather manipulation to fly around the Shi'ar, while Danny deflected their shots with his chi-infused arms. Danny's mastery of kung-fu made him a force to be reckoned with as he took out a good number of Shi'ar soldiers. They both protected a squad of GCB soldiers by making sure that the shots do not land on them. Danny says to the soldiers,
"Follow my lead. We've got air support."
The squad looked up as they witnessed Storm summon lightning bolts and fired them at the Shi'ar. The one leading the squad says to Danny,
"Lead on."
Lastly, Cyclops and Kuzuri fought off a group of them. Cyclops used the steel knuckles he used before during the Tohoku incident to physically fight off the Shi'ar while firing his optic blasts as well. He sees a few of them firing their rifles at some of the doves. He blasts them, aiding the doves in surviving this battle. While Kuzuri had no problems slicing any Shi'ar that comes his way. Like with Beast and Wolverine, his agility made him a hard target to hit, and his claws made short work of the Shi'ar weapons. Whatever shots landed on him, his healing factor reversed the damage like it never even happened. However, for shot landed on his person, his anger increased as much. Cyclops could see this happening.
"Kaneki, try to keep your cool! These are still highly trained military personnel."
"Tell me something I don't know!"
Kuzuri sliced a few more weapons before headbutting at least five Shi'ar.
"You're damn good at what you do."
"Kicking ass?"
Cyclops took down a few more Shi'ar before saying,
"And creating museum-worthy street art."
Kuzuri smiled at the compliment.
"Much appreciated."
Up in the air, Dark Phoenix sees the battle. She sees the Shi'ar under her command holding their own, prevailing over the humans. She knew that she had to take down the X-Men in order to get to Lilandra.
"Enough of this."
Dark Phoenix attempted to use her psychic powers to attack the X-Men and the Iron Fist, but she felt two presences attempting to infiltrate her mind. She instantly knew them to be Professor X and Emma Frost. The professor spoke to her first.
"Jean, please! This isn't you!"
"YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME!"
Professor X knew that the power of the Phoenix was greater than his. However, somehow, the power of the Phoenix was greater than before. He felt something else fueling the darkness within the Phoenix, with Jean Grey.
"Emma, do you feel it?"
"Yes Charles. I feel something. It's as if something is giving the Phoenix more power than what we felt before."
"It must be D'Ken! We must go deeper!"
With their psychic powers combine, the Professor and Emma powered through the intensity of the Phoenix's psyche and attempt to discover where D'Ken was. As they dived further into the psychic link that connected the Phoenix and D'Ken, The X-Men slowly realized that the Shi'ar were stronger originally believed. Cyclops fought through some Shi'ar to speak with Beast.
"Hank, they're tougher to fight than we thought."
"I concur. Some of these Shi'ar are proving themselves to be…sturdier than imagined."
Cyclops then witnesses many GCB soldiers losing their lives to the brainwashed Shi'ar. Even Investigator Tanakamaru was beginning to be distraught by the battle, despite maintain his high spirits.
"This is bad! The doves are getting their asses handed to them!"
Seeing the battle from a distance, Director Washuu called his office.
"Where the hell are my reinforcements?!"
Just then, more reinforcements arrived as they exited from out of the 20th ward branch office. As they ran into the battlefield, Director Washuu received a call.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Yoshitoki."
"About damn time, Marude!"
Marude was inside the building, coordinating the attack from his office.
"Director, I implore you to get inside the office."
"What for?"
"Senior Investigator Rasputin has someone you really need to see."
"Right now?!"
"Unfortunately so."
(end music)
The battle raged on. There were several Investigators into the mix. Special Investigator Kuroiwa was there, alongside his personal team. His Arata was fully formed when he got into battle.
"Watch yourself! These aliens are a lot tougher than what we're used to!"
His team responded,
"YES SIR!"
Soon, Shinohara made it to the scene, with his quinque and Arata out in the open. He sees Kuroiwa fighting and rushes to his side. Just in time as one Shi'ar got the jump on him and was close to stabbing Kuroiwa with his spear. Shinohara sliced him in the back. The Shi'ar was stunned to the point that it gave Kuroiwa an opening. He stabbed the Shi'ar with his quinque and left him with a wound so deep that he would bleed to death. Kuroiwa says to his friend shortly after,
"What took you so long?"
"Traffic was one kind of hell."
Another Shi'ar attack Shinohara, to which he blocked it with his quinque and punched him shortly after.
"This is another."
"Good to see you all the same."
Both then fought some more Shi'ar before Shinohara asked Kuroiwa,
"Have you seen my partner?"
"He should be around here-"
Just then, sounds of loud, childlike laughter could be heard nearby. Laughter most familiar to Shinohara.
"Never mind."
Suzuya was having the time of his life. He had his fun killing ghouls, but he possessed a deep desire to fight aliens. The Shi'ar attacking was a dream come true for him. He soon encountered one that held an empty sword hilt. While the ones he just cut with his quinque slowly got up. He spoke to the Shi'ar with the empty sword hilt.
"It's not much of a sword without the…"
A concentrated blade of light emerged from the sword hilt. Suzuya immediately knew what it really was.
"HOLY COW! IS THAT A LIGHTSABER?!"
One of the Shi'ar that finally stood up took out his lightsaber. While the other two simply used their retractable spears. Suzuya spun his quinque a couple of times before he readied himself.
"When I kill you for good, could I keep your lightsabers?"
Lastly, Investigators Amon and Akira Madou watched each other's backs, fending off the Shi'ar that came their way.
"How you doing, partner?"
"Holding up just fine…"
Akira sliced a couple of Shi'ar, but they still stood. Much to her dismay.
"But I think we're biting off more than we can chew."
Amon pushed off a Shi'ar he currently fought, and hit him with his quinque. Although wounded, the Shi'ar still fought back.
"You may be right, but we have a job to do nonetheless."
More of the Investigators fought their hardest against the Shi'ar soldiers, but they all came to an unspoken consensus. The Shi'ar was more than what they're trained for. Although the X-Men and the Iron Fist were most helpful in the battle, they knew that they need more people with powers to win this fight. As the Shi'ar slowly whittled down the numbers of GCB soldiers, Investigator Takizawa, having taken down a Shi'ar, felt as if they were being watched. He looks up to the buildings across the street…and saw two large groups of ghouls standing, watching the doves fight against the Shi'ar. Standing in between the groups was the Owl. Houji sees Takizawa staring up in a daze. He goes to him and asks,
"What the hell are you looking at?"
Takizawa pointed to what he was seeing. Houji looked and instantly had an expression of horror.
"Oh no…"
Soon, more of the GCB began to notice the ghouls on the buildings across the street. One Investigator, in particular, recognized one of the groups. Even the brainwashed Shi'ar took notice of these possible combatants. Eventually, the Owl marched forward, much to the horror of the doves.
"Is that…?"
Asked one of the GCB soldiers, to which Kuroiwa answered,
"It is. It's the Owl."
One of the GCB soldiers remembered the groups of ghouls the Owl stood between in.
"Those ghouls with the red masks…I remember them. It's the Devil Apes. While the ones in the dog masks are the Black Dobers."
The X-Men see them as well. Cyclops whispered to Kuzuri,
"I think your friends are here."
Kuzuri tried to hide the smile on his face. While the Iron Fist gave a small smile, seeing the Black Dobers. One of the doves remarked,
"I don't get it. They're sworn enemies. Why are they teaming up?"
"Maybe the Owl got them to behave under his command."
Said another dove.
"Damn it! We got our hands full with the f***ing aliens!"
One of the ghouls wearing a red ape mask spoke to his comrades.
"You haven't gone soft on me, have ya fellas?!"
"HELL NO!"
Said the rest of the Devil Apes. The leader of the Black Dobers issued her command.
"All of you, lay down your lives for me…and you know who."
"Yes ma'am."
The Owl then spoke to the two groups.
"Go wild."
The ghouls jumped down and ran towards the battlefield. Investigator Shinohara issued an order.
"All soldiers, regroup!"
Several GCB grouped together and readied themselves for the worse. As the ghouls got closer, the Shi'ar simply stood by, believing these masked people were coming after the humans. However, what happened next shocked both sides. The ghouls ignored the doves, and instead went for the Shi'ar. One of the doves yelled out,
"WHAT?!"
The Devil Apes jumped on some of the Shi'ar, slamming their fists on their faces. While the Black Dobers sliced the Shi'ar that were in their way as they ran. One of the doves saw a Shi'ar barely hanging on and emptied his gun on him. One of the Devil Apes commended him for it.
"Nice job. Don't let up."
The doves asked the ghoul,
"Why are you heling us?"
"Because this is our world, too."
The doves did not know how to react to this unprecedented turn of events. Special Investigator Shinohara gave this command.
"All units, take down the aliens!"
One of the doves asked,
"But…what about the-?"
"Listen, we're lacking in numbers, and these invaders are more than what we handled before. Right now, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If they're helping us, then take it for now."
The doves did not deny the truth behind Investigator Shinohara's words. They accepted the aid of the Devil Apes and the Black Dobers for now. Desperation even compelled them to accept the help of the Owl. Some of them were willing to compromise, while others were less than open to the idea. And there were some doves who considered this idea akin to blasphemy. One voiced his outrage to Shinohara quite clearly.
"Are you shitting me with this?!"
"Who is this talking?"
"Associate Special Class Hachikawa."
Shinohara now remembered where he seen him before.
"Right. I remember reading the report on his squad taking on the Black Dobers."
"Hachikawa, listen. I know you got a bone to pick with the Black Dobers…"
"I've got every bone to pick with them!"
"Remember what we're facing!"
Hachikawa growled for a while.
"We don't have the luxury for picking allies for now. Unless you want New York to repeat, suck it up."
Hachikawa ended the call, deciding to follow his own lead, for now. Unbeknownst to him, First Class Investigator Take Hirako was listening in on the conversation. As he fought some Shi'ar, he made sure as to not allow himself to be seen by Hachikawa.
xxxxxx
Meanwhile, with the 20th ward branch office, Director Washuu made it inside. He had a small team of GCB soldiers guarding him. The inside of the office lobby was dark at first, but slowly the lights began to turn on. Hide was the first to meet with the Director and his security attaché.
"Director Washuu."
"Did Marude send for you?"
"Yes sir. I'm Hideyoshi Nagachika, new recruit hired by Investigator Shinohara. Special Investigator Marude wanted me to guide you to the conference room on the 20th floor."
"Lead the way."
After a while, Director Washuu finally made it to the conference room on the 20th floor. He sees Marude there. Alongside Piotr, a woman in a black unitard, and a purple skin man wearing a clearly strange outfit.
"Marude, what the hell is going on here?"
"Take a seat, Yoshitoki."
"We will clarify what is going on Director. For now, please do what Investigator Marude has asked of you."
Bewildered by this, Director Washuu sat down on the nearest chair. Marude then says,
"Take the lead, Rasputin."
"Da."
Piotr explained who the two individuals alongside both him and Marude were. As well as why thy were here. He also explained how they were connected to the following incidents at the Goddard Institute, and the object that fell at the 12th ward. Piotr then explained who Lilandra was, and why she came to earth. About how she had to run from her people. Piotr lastly explained the significance of the object he picked up and had Hide deliver to the 20th ward Branch office. After taking a moment to absorb the information, Director Washuu asked,
"From what I understand, this is all happening because your brother murdered your father. Is that right, princess?"
"Correct."
"And right now, my men are being killed off because of Jean Grey is under mind control by your brother?"
"Yes. My brother has used a powerful artifact called the M'Kraan crystal to take control of Jean Grey, and thus the Phoenix."
Gladiator added,
"And because of her, my men are reduced to soulless puppets under her control. However, we have a way to stop all this."
"Which is why I had the second Investigator Madou bring me this."
Marude brought out the metal case that Hide delivered.
"Rasputin, if you please."
Piotr explained as he opened the case.
"The object that landed on earth was a silver orb. Princess Lilandra revealed that it is actually a container for a weapon capable of erasing the Phoenix from existence."
Piotr handed the orb to Lilandra.
"Princess…"
"Yes."
Lilandra opened the orb simply placing her hands on it. The orb scanned her handprints and opened by a quarter by itself. The interior of the orb shined a bright light.
"My god…I can't believe all this is happening…"
Said Director Washuu. Investigator Marude replied,
"A lot of things are happening now that we thought wouldn't happen…but they are. And if we don't accept them, we're dead."
Let's stop here for now. Next chapter will feature the Owl, Aogiri Tree and the defeat of the Dark Phoenix! Excited yet? If so, great! If not, well it's happening anyways. See you all next time. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with all your friends. Leave a review telling me how this chapter made you feel. Fingers crossed that next won't be a dumpster fire of suck. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.