Well guys, this is the last chapter before the big battle commences. I cannot believe we are finally here, it has been one hell of a journey so far, but they still have the worst to come. Enjoy this relative peace while it lasts.
Previously.
The countdown is on. The big day is approaching.
After everything the team has been through, things finally seem to be falling into place. The progress Tony has made with the CAEB powers has been incredibly promising and after finally opening up to the Avengers about all the sordid details of his past, the team are closer than ever, and Tony is finally in a place of relative stability.
They have weapons, they have a plan and they have the CAEB at full strength thanks to Frigga's wisdom, but they are still lacking perhaps the most important part of their defence, the machine to close the portals.
Frigga has enlightened Thor, that the beings they are facing were once Asgardian… Millennia old and enhanced beyond belief, the gravity of the threat they are facing has finally sunk in.
It is a race against time, to complete the machine, to finalize their plans and to prepare for what is to come.
Chapter 37- Party on another planet.
"Woah dude, that was awesome!" Clint cheered as they materialised on a different planet.
"You did not drain yourself too much I trust Stark?" Thor asked. It had to have been quite a step… from struggling to teleport himself across a continent, to teleporting himself and 10 passengers across the galaxy.
"I wouldn't have offered otherwise. Big day tomorrow."
"Indeed. But that is what we are here to forget." Thor slapped him on the shoulder, a little too enthusiastically but he let it slide. The Prince walked ahead of them, showing them the sights and explaining the history. By the look on the other's faces it was going straight over their heads. They were too busy gawping at the spectacle around them. It was their first time on another planet. Another world. It was almost beyond belief.
Tony looked up and the golden city, remembering he discomfort he had felt the last time he was here with Thor and Frigga and the horrors of the time before that. He knew that he would likely see Odin tonight, and that Loki rested below the city in the dungeons… yet despite all this he felt at ease. He was surrounded by his friends, his family and whatever happened he could deal with it. Whatever they threw his way, tonight, tomorrow in any day to come he was ready. He had channelled the grid to teleport them here and it had felt easy. Frigga's lessons had paid off. They had barely been walking a minute and he had already analysed all the possible energy sources he could channel in this place. For the first time he really appreciated the power in his hands, he could do almost anything and what he could feel, the energy, the way everything buzzed with life… It was incredible.
"You ok Tony?"
Tony smiled broadly, and it was more than genuine. She hadn't wanted to come, this really wasn't her thing, but Tony had convinced her. It may well be the last time they got to spends together, though neither of them had mentioned that fact. They didn't need to bother with all that saying goodbye crap. They both knew what the other had to say.
"I am Pep. I'm more than ok."
Inside the great hall they were met with a wall of noise and energy.
"Now this is a party!" Clint headed off into the crowd almost the moment they entered the room. The others may be shy about partying with a room full of aliens, who their ancestors called God's, but the archer certainly wasn't.
"Whatever you do Clint, do not drink anything!" Steve called after him.
"There are less aged drinks and all have been instructed not to let you humans consume Asgardian liquor.
"Just relax guys, don't worry, whatever goes wrong I'll heal him afterwards." Tony rolled his eyes. "Enjoy tonight for God's sake, you're on another world and you're at a party!"
"Fine Tony, fine." Steve chuckled.
It took a while for them all to relax, but once they did they were having a great time. Bruce, Fitz and Gemma seemed to have found some scientists to talk to. Thor had dragged Steve and Rhodey over to his group of friends, the warriors three; Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg. Tony had made it a priority to learn their names seeing as they would be risking their lives for him, for all of humanity tomorrow.
Evidently, they had missed Odin's speech and the King was somewhere at the far end of the hall. They were all glad for this. Tony had come to terms with it however the others were still unbelievably angry.
Coulson and Natasha seemed to be sticking together. They looked happy enough, but they clearly weren't the party type. He was hoping that the little spider would let loose at some point in the evening, she was always so tightly wound and on her guard; he wanted to see her relax, really relax, just once before it was all over.
Tony just sat close to Pepper, watching the events unfold contently, nursing a bottle of scotch. There was quite a ruckus occurring off to their left at the wall. A crowd had gathered, and he watched intrigued as everyone seemed to gravitate towards them. There was a cheer of triumph and Tony smirked as his curiosity got the better of him. He took Pepper's hand and moved towards the crowd.
Evidently, they were having a shooting tournament. Tony chuckled as he saw Clint stood in line. There were a few shots very close to the bullseye, then came a roar as Hogun hit the centre of the target. Clint didn't look phased, despite the fact they weren't taking the arrows off the board.
The archer stood on the line and drew the Asgardian bow… they hadn't brought their weapons to a party of course, but Clint seemed to have got one from somewhere. He barely took aim before he was releasing the string. Clint's arrow split Hogun's and the room erupted.
It was down to a shoot off.
But after 3 rounds, they had both shot consistent bullseyes, Clint in his element, putting on a show for the crowd, yawning, looking away, covering his eyes. All Tony could do was watch and chuckle. It was decided that they would change to knife throwing since they could not be separated on archery.
Clint's aim was just as true with knives at it was arrows, but apparently Hogun's was not. Clint hit three strikes on bullseye, Hogun hit two. The earth archer was raised on Asgardian shoulders to cheers and jubilation and paraded around the room ceremoniously. Thor handed him up a drink and he swigged from the bottle raising his arms in triumph.
It was a perfect night.
Natasha watched as Clint was paraded the room with a mixture of embarrassment and fondness.
"Ughhh Men!" She groaned to herself, rolling her eyes and rubbing her face in exasperation.
"Men indeed." An amused voice came from behind her. "You must be Natasha. Thor speaks highly of you." She smiled.
"Sif, I assume?" Nat smiled.
"How do you know me?" Sif asked intrigued.
"Thor mentioned you on our way here, it was an easy assumption to reach."
"How so?"
"Not many women fighters round here." Tash observed.
"No there is not. It is a rare and difficult path for a woman to choose."
"You have to work 10x harder to gain even the smallest slither of respect." Natasha agreed.
"You know?" Sif hummed in amusement.
"It seems prejudice is universal."
"That saddens me." Sif sighed.
"It sucks, but it makes it all the more satisfying when you can beat them."
"The satisfaction of defeating men in battle, especially those who are most arrogant, it is the most wonderful thing to be experienced."
"Now isn't that the truth." Natasha smiled and they both shared a laugh.
"You say the issue is universal, but the way Thor talks… Your earth Comrades, they respect you, No?"
"Yes, they do. They know not to mess with me." Nat chuckled. "They may be my friends, but I still scare the crap out of them. Tony and Clint especially. They like to play pranks, but they will rarely involve me. They know the consequences."
"We cannot afford to show weakness, even once we have proven ourselves."
"In most of the world, yes, but it is different with the team. I can be myself with them and they would never lose respect for me."
"That is good to hear." Sif smiled.
"Is it not the same for you, with Thor?" Natasha frowned.
"I faced much resistance as I trained to be a warrior, the naysayers were plentiful, but Thor and the warriors 3 were not so."
"They had your back."
"Most of the time." Sif sighed. "Thor though, when he was younger, oh how prideful he was. He has always been an exceptional warrior and It is tradition to retell stories of battle amongst friends, but men so often twist the truth. I remember several occasions where his arrogance almost cost him his life and I had to save him from himself. He always failed to mention that in his recollections, being saved by a woman is not something he wanted known."
"He didn't respect you?"
"He did always thank me. Alone he was a different Man than he was with his comrades. Pride always was his greatest flaw, but he is much changed since his first trip to Earth."
"Men stay children a lot longer than we do."
"I can attest that." Sif smiled.
"I wondered where I may find you Sif, and the lady Natasha."
"My queen." Sif took the knee at the sight of Frigga who had approached out of their line of sight.
"How many times Sif, we are friends, stand."
Sif stood with a smile.
"Are you enjoying yourself Lady Natasha?" Frigga asked.
"I am. But it's just Natasha, I'm no lady."
"As you wish." Frigga smiled.
"You wish to speak with me?" Sif asked.
"More to escape my pompous husband." Frigga laughed. "We are far outnumbered by men in this room and it has become stifling."
"It has indeed." Sif agreed. "It was in fact the topic of our conversation."
"Who is the lady with Mr. Stark?" Frigga asked.
"Pepper." Natasha smiled. "She keeps him in line."
"He never mentioned a wife." Frigga frowned.
"Oh, they aren't married." Natasha clarified. "Stark's not the marrying type… Well, he wasn't anyway."
"He looks different since we last met." Frigga noticed.
"He is." Natasha smiled. "In so many ways."
Tony had noticed Frigga's eyes trailed onto him from the small group of women gathered in the corner and was conscious that Pepper had been glued to his side all night.
"Come on, I have someone I need to introduce you to." He whispered into her ear and guided her towards the other women in the room.
"Tony." Frigga smiled as they have approached. "It is good to see you again. You are well I trust?"
"Yes, I am." He smiled. "Pepper, this is Frigga, Queen of Asgard."
"I hear we have much to thank you for your highness." Pepper smiled.
"You need not thank me for doing what is right." Frigga smiled. "Now, would you mind awfully if I borrow your man for a moment?"
"Not at all." Pepper smiled, looking fondly at Tony, but she also had a hint of trepidation in her eye.
Tony smiled back at her, kissing her gently on the temple. "I'll be gone only for a few minutes, you'll be fine. You know Nat, just relax, enjoy yourself."
"I don't fit in here Tony. I'm no warrior..." She said softly.
"Pepper Potts you are one of the strongest people I know, man, woman or alien. You fit here perfectly." He pressed a kiss to her lips before backing away to follow Frigga. "I'll be back in minute."
"Your woman seems nervous." Frigga noted as they stepped outside into the fresh air to the see the stars sparkling in the night sky.
"She hates these sorts of thing. Charity balls, public speaking… I mean she's brilliant at it, but she feels like she's putting on an act the whole time and she doesn't like it."
"You on the other hand are much more comfortable wearing such a mask."
"It doesn't fit as well as it used to." Tony shrugged.
"And that is no bad thing." Frigga smiled. "There is someone I think you will wish to see."
Tony turned to see the tall dark, gold-clad figure of Heimdall stood approaching from their right.
"I will leave you a moment." Frigga said and Tony nodded thankfully.
"Heimdall, right?"
"That is correct."
"I wanted to say thank you back when you broke me out of Asgard, but you disappeared before I woke up."
"I could not stay. What I did was treason."
"Yes, and I appreciate that immensely. Thor says you are all seeing."
"I have the vision. I am not all-seeing, but there isn't much that escapes my watch."
"Do you have visions of the battle to come… of how it will end?"
"My skill more involves the present, but I have seen your nightmares Stark, your visions. I do not wish to seem intrusive, but I have watched you for some time."
"I get it. I needed keeping an eye on." Tony chuckled.
"I do not underestimate your burden Stark…"
"I don't need your sympathy… and I don't mean to sound offensive, the point is, I need your help."
"What with?"
"You've seen my dreams, visions, whatever they are. You know how they end and I… I can't have that."
"Stark if you are asking whether there is a way out of your death…"
"Not my death, theirs."
"Your friends. I understand."
"So… what can I do about it? Can I do anything about it?"
"Visions are difficult and dangerous things Stark. I have seen it often. Here on Asgard the Well of Wisdom grants such visions. I have seen it drive countless people mad. Often those who have been granted the power of foresight, driven by desperation to change the future have done nothing but compound that future with their actions."
"Essentially by trying to change the future you actually make that future happen." Tony sighed.
"Indeed."
"Great, just like all the movies."
"But, Stark, the future is never set in stone. Every decision you make shapes it, there is no such thing as destiny, nor fate."
"So freewill does exist." Tony scoffed.
"Very much Stark. I say what I did only as a warning that you must proceed with caution. The future you have seen, although it bears a heavy cost, is still a victory against the enemy."
"So, I go messing and try to change things and we could lose."
"Yes, or the price may be heavier."
"I get that. I do. I know what's at stake believe me…"
"I have no doubt in you Stark."
"I… I appreciate that. I really do. But any future where my friends get hurt, or die, that's not a win for me."
"Stark, you are seeking answers I can not give. You have wisdom and intelligence far beyond that of others on your planet and I would encourage you to seek the best possible outcome for your friends and yourself. I do trust however that if the time should come where you have an impossible choice, that you will chose the fate of the planet and the galaxy above that of a few friends, however dear to you they may be."
"That I will." Tony sighed. "However much I don't want I will always choose earth over a handful of lives.
"Trust in yourself Stark. And know that your friends, your family trust in you also. I will be there with you in battle, as will our Queen."
"What?"
"I would appreciate that this stay between us for now." Frigga stepped back into the conversation. "Neither my husband or my son would be best pleased to hear this news and I do not want to spend our remaining time fighting."
"Frigga, you are the queen…"
"And perfectly capable of handling myself in battle."
"I don't doubt that." Tony smiled. "Not an inch, but the risk… why?"
"You will need help Stark. Once the CAEB is revealed you will be a target."
"So, what… you're going to be my personal bodyguards or something, I can't… I won't ask that of you."
"You have not asked, we offer, and we will not be by your side every second. You have a firm grasp on your powers now, but should you require help and I am worlds away, it could be the difference between victory and defeat."
"I suppose so." Tony sighed. "Thank you."
"It is our pleasure. Now go and re-join the festivities. Put this from your mind until the time is right."
When they returned to the party Pepper was still with Sif and Natasha and Gemma had joined them. She seemed genuinely relaxed and at ease, which brought a smiled to his lips. The four were laughing and joking, the odd finger pointed to someone in the crowd and a joke was shared. Frigga joined them, and Tony sought out Rhodey who was still now with a very drunk Clint, who seemed to have acquired a crown at some time during the night.
Tony tried to enjoy himself, he really did, but flashes of memory kept haunting him as he caught each of his friends in the corner of his vision.
Clint whooping and raising his whiskey filled chalice. The building collapsing, Natasha's cry of horror as she realised. The archer had been on the ground floor. The archer was dead. So was everyone else in the structure.
Thor sparring playfully with his friends, wrapping Volstagg in a headlock, drink spilling from his cup. Edraskil had Thor by the throat and held his hammer in the other hand. Edraskil had the hammer! And he was laughing. Asgardian troops started rushing into the square. Thor screamed.
Steve clapping as he watched them, a smile broad on his face and the rare sound of his laugh echoing in the room. Then growls and roars met his ears as he was wrenched off his feet. He heard a strangled desperate cry, the sound of unimaginable agony and of flesh being torn from bone. Steve!
Natasha talking with the woman, her posture bent strangely as she imitated Clint. He recognised the memory she was reliving, from a few days ago. The incident with the Asgardian liquor.
"Clint!" Natasha screamed. Her voice released in a primal howl of pain. "Natasha NO!" Steve yelled. Tony whipped round but it was too late, he tried to throw a shield up to stop Natasha on her warpath, but the orange energy got there first. He saw the red headed assassin lifted into the air. There was a resounding snap. Her neck was broken.
Tony suddenly turned and ran for the door. He pushed out into the fresh air, panting as he tried to push the memories away.
"Tony?" A concerned voice called. It was Steve… The sound of unimaginable agony and of flesh being torn from bone.
Tony doubled over without warning, foul tasting bile spilling onto the paving. He retched again but managed to swallow, forcing himself to breath, to calm down and focus on the hands on his back which were rubbing up and down soothingly.
"You ok Tony?" Rhodey asked, his hands didn't leave the billionaire as he stood up straight in case he swayed.
"I think someone's had enough." Tony slurred deliberately, and Steve chuckled, patting him on the back. "Sober up Stark, I'll see you back inside."
"Will do Cap." Tony breathed out slowly.
"Tony drop the act. I've been watching you all night you barely drunk anything. What's wrong?" Rhodey asked.
"Nothing Rhodey its ok."
"Don't start this again. You talk to us now, remember? We share our problems so, what's wrong?"
"I look at them and I keep… I keep seeing them die Rhodey. I have to stop it." Tony said, tearing his fingers through his hair
"I don't know what to say Tony… I don't know how these visions work, if anyone can stop it its you but if you can't…"
"That's not an option Rhodey!" Tony yelled. "That's not… I can't…"
Only felt himself pulled into Rhodey's chest and he held on to his best friend for dear life as he shook and tried to hold himself together.
"Let it go Tony. It's ok to let it go."
Tony buried his face into the Rhodey's shoulder and let the tears flow.
"Tony? Steve said you were…" Pepper saw the pair of them hugging and the pained look on Rhodey's face and she ran over. Her arm wrapped around Tony's back and with the other she ran her fingers through his hair.
"It's going to be ok Tony. I don't know how, but I do. It's all going to be ok." And she meant it. It was the first time she had felt it, but somehow, she knew. It was going to be fine.
…..
"That was the best night ever. Absolutely legendary. The best…"
"Ok Clint, we get the picture." Natasha chuckled. "But it was amazing, thank you Thor for inviting us."
"I am glad you enjoyed yourself. Truly it would not have been the same without you all there."
"Where's Tony?" Clint asked with a slight slur. "I'm going to need a hangover cure in the morning."
"He's just checking a few things in the lab I think." Bruce shrugged.
"Ughhh, can't he just leave it for one night." Clint protested.
"Relax feathers, it was just housework." Tony smiled, but it looked weaker and more forced than it had been earlier.
"You don't know what housework is." Clint protested.
Tony chuckled and settled on the sofa. "True."
"We should all get to bed." Steve said, and everyone groaned.
"Way to be a buzzkill capsicle." Tony rolled his eyes.
"Just trying to be sensible, and Mr. archery champion is going it have a very sore head in the morning."
"Not if tony cures me."
"Who said I'm going to cure you?" Tony teased. "Are you ever going to take that crown off."
"No. Can you put some magnets into it or something, so it stays on my head in the battle?"
"Not unless your skull is made of iron… but then again with your IQ I wouldn't be surprised if it was."
"You're just jealous you didn't get a crown."
"I don't need a crown, I'm perfect as I am." Tony shrugged.
"Ok boy's, I think Cap is right. We all need our rest." Natasha said with a smile.
"Yes Mam." Tony saluted, standing up and tapping Clint on the head as he passed. Natasha noticed the flash of blue in his eyes and he joined him in the elevator just before the doors slid
"What did you do?" She said, non-accusatorily.
"Made sure Clint won't have a hangover tomorrow."
"You should have let him suffer." She said with a smirk.
"Yeah well, I was feeling nice."
"You ok? You look like something's on your mind?" She asked gently.
"The world is Tash. It's not something anyone can help with, it's just... It is what it is."
"I get it Tony but we're with you. You don't have to shoulder this alone."
"I know."
"You aren't going to bed, are you?"
"You know me so well."
"Isn't everything done?"
"I do need to check on the iron legion production, it should be done by morning. But I want to go over the battle plan one last time, there's something I think I can maybe do better."
"This is about us all dying isn't it? The vision you had. Steve said you threw up earlier and Pepper and Rhodey looked upset… you looked upset."
"Am I that transparent?"
"Tony, none of us want to die, but we are giving our lives willingly and if any of us get hurt or die, that's not on you. You know that, right? You didn't start this fight, they started it. It's on them."
"Yes, I know. Thanks Tash."
"Do what you need to do Tony, for your piece of mind, but know when to draw the line. Know when you've prepared the best you can and just enjoy this last bit of time you have. Give yourself that. God knows you deserve it."
"I will. See you in the morning."
"Yeah." She smiled. "Goodnight."
Natasha stepped out of the elevator and Tony overrode it to take him back down to the lab.
….
The figure in silver stood in the center of the open square. Edraskil. And he had chosen to rain down terror upon the city. People were running, screaming as a petrol tanker was carried into the air by a prickling orange energy. Tony had craft on his tail, he deployed his weapons and watched as they were blown away into oblivion.
A building exploded, shockwaves pulsing through the air and knocking his flight off balance. The structure didn't stand a chance as the petrol tanker erupted at its base, dust exploded into the air as rubble rained down into the street.
"Clint!" Natasha screamed. Her voice released in a primal howl of pain as Jarvis confirmed it too late. Clint had been on the ground floor. The archer was dead. So was everyone else in the structure.
The sound of air being beaten whipped through the square. Thor flew into view and hit the silver clad figure full force. The pair smashed into the statue, rolling onto the concrete, struggling to regain their feet. Tony touched down; barely taking his eyes off the enemy, he saw Steve gesturing to him. He understood the signal; Tony gave covering fire while Steve got the surviving civilians to safety.
"Natasha NO!" Steve yelled. Tony whipped round but it was too late, he tried to throw a shield up to stop Natasha on her warpath, but the orange energy got there first. He felt his skull burn as the CAEB was hit with something just as powerful, maybe more so and then he saw the red headed assassin lifted into the air.
There was a resounding snap.
Her neck was broken.
She was dropped to the pavement limp and lifeless, her eyes still open and filled with tears.
Tony couldn't move, gripped with horror at the sight he was unable to stop. He was forced to his knees by the burning in his skull yelping in agony.
Edraskil had Thor by the throat and held his hammer in the other hand. Edraskil had the hammer! And he was laughing. Asgardian troops started rushing into the square. Thor screamed. Then growls and roars met his ears as he was wrenched off his feet. Sharp teeth started tearing at his armor, he heard a strangled desperate cry, the sound of unimaginable agony and of flesh being torn from bone. Steve!
Tony gasped awake and growled in annoyance. Really, another bloody nightmare? How many times was he going to be forced to live something that hadn't even happened yet?
He sat up in his chair. Falling asleep at his desk was a lifelong habit of his, but he regretted it every time he woke up.
"Any luck J?"
"I have run 14,000 possible combinations of that event, but with so many unknown variables in terms of the assailant's strengths and weaknesses when matched with the suit and the CAEB, it is impossible to determine any likely outcomes."
So, it was a bust. He had been trying to find a way of keeping them all safe while he took down Edraskil, but Jarvis was right. It had been a long shot and there weren't enough variables. He had done all he could. Everything was ready. Tomorrow the Asgardians would arrive and the final preparations would begin.
It was time to draw the line.
"Ok let's call it a night."
"Very wise Sir."
Tony trudged up to bed and was pleased to see Pepper already snuggled in, asleep. He tucked himself in next to her and she stirred, mumbling happily and moving closer to him.
"Love you Pep." He whispered, pressing a kiss onto the top of her head.
"Love you too Tony."
Tony fell asleep quickly and slept soundly. The nightmares left him alone. He was at peace.
….
Clint stood on the balcony looking out over the empty streets. Well, he said empty… now directly under the tower the forces of Asgard and Vanaheim were starting to arrive, the Bifrost streaking down from the sky every few minutes as the next wave of soldiers arrived.
This was happening. In a little over 24 hours the portals would open, and all hell would break loose. Despite the fact there was so long to wait, everyone was already battle ready. There was always the chance things would happen sooner. The current plan was to be positioned and ready with 5 hours to go, but Tony was closely monitoring the energy signatures around New York for any sign of early portal activity just in case, but apparently, he could sense them. Some other CAEB upside… or downside depending on which way you saw it.
All the news all over the globe was focused on one place. New York. The TV babbled in the background and Clint could still make out what was being said.
"… All flights nationally have been grounded. Over 1200 square miles have been evacuated in the New York area and the entire troops from all over the country have been brought in. Airforce one was seen landing at JFK 3 hours ago, but there is now strict no fly zone in place."
"There is hysteria in the refugee camps, millions of people feeling their homes, and no one is entirely sure why? Though the speculation of an imminent alien invasion seems to be gaining more and more validity with every passing hour. There are thousands still in the city and we are getting reports of a bright light blasting down from the sky and thousands upon thousands of soldiers arriving below Stark tower. No one is being allowed into the city, but reporter Jessica Milton stayed behind and has been sending us updates on her phone one of which we will show you in just a moment."
"Jarvis mute." A tired sounding voice snapped Clint out of his day dream.
"Stark." Clint greeted.
"Come away Clint. Staring isn't going to help your nerves."
"I know, I'm just keeping watch. You know… in case."
"I get it Hawkeye, but trust me, I can see much more than you can and everything's ok. Well, ok enough for now." He corrected.
"What do you see Tony. I never asked… what is it like?"
Tony pondered for a moment. "It's like having an extra 8 senses. Everything is on supercharge. If I let myself, I can hear every voice in the city, feel all the fear, the confusion, the sadness… I can see the places where the wall between the worlds are weak. Right now, as I look outside I can see it slowly unravelling, it's going to happen on schedule."
"You and your schedule." Clint scoffed.
"Can't help it I'm afraid." Tony shrugged.
"We're very grateful for it, really, its just really, really annoying."
"Trust me, I know." Tony chuckled. "Come on Steve wants to have team meeting number 3052."
"Sure thing. I'll be there... I just need a few more minutes."
"No sweat, take your time. I'll cover for you."
"Thank you, Tony. For everything."
There was a silent look of understanding between the two men, before Tony offered a sad smile and returned inside.
….
So, I wanted this chapter to be a nice one (mostly). After all, we all know what is coming. So, get ready, because we only have 5 to go
