Once Harry had everyone through he apparated away to where the brains of the outfit were trying to squeeze Ego back in the bottle.
"Harry!" Reed greeted with a great deal of relief. "We need you in armour. We've managed to locate the initial spore. We'll guide you in and you can capture it in this."
He held out a glass tube with a lot of mechanics and electronics on it.
"And that will put things back?"
"It will halt Ego's growth." The Black Panther explained. "We will need to clear out his dead tissue."
"Which consists of half of Oklahoma." Iron Man added.
"Point me in the right direction."
%
Harry managed to walk through the proto-ego, slicing a path with his sword. Eventually he found the spore, a glowing, blue plant. He scooped it up and vanished, reappearing in deep space. He then sat there in the silence and began carving on the glass container.
When he was finished he teleported again with the space stone and reappeared next to Charles.
Charles was currently strapped to a table and being tortured. Lasers and knives sliced into his flesh and bone. His scalp was pealed back and his skull removed.
Harry killed everyone in the room.
"I really want to say it." Harry growled as he cut through the restraints holding the bald man down.
"I know." Charles said raspily. His voice torn from screaming. "But I must try."
Harry began casting healing charms before he handed the man some potions.
"What will you do?" Charles asked, his voice now much firmer.
"You still want to try diplomacy?" Harry asked from behind his face shield.
"I must. These people are hundreds of years more advanced than us. I have to believe that they can be better than us… otherwise, what hope is there for humanity?"
"Apples and oranges, Charles. We both might be fruit, but we are definitely not the same."
"I have to try."
"Is Lilandra nearby?"
"I don't know. I barely remember being brought here."
"Let's see her reaction." Harry said as he turned invisible and teleported them both to the Majestrix.
The woman was seated in a relaxed manner in a large comfortable chair in what appeared to be her quarters. They were on a spaceship according to the large windows.
The woman was on her feet immediately. "Human, who let you in here? I was not to be disturbed."
"But I was to be tortured?" Charles asked calmly.
"What childishness-"
"I was strapped to a table and tortured with numerous devices. Your people demanded all I know about the Armoured Mage.
"Regrettably you won't be able to question them as the Mage… has an issue with patience."
Harry materialised next to Charles with the glass tube under his arm. He placed it on her desk and turned to face her. "You are a barbaric race." He spat, his face still covered by his helmet. "You revel in your primitive instincts to claim everything because you can."
"Gladiator!" Lilandra shouted.
The doors opened and a blue male with mohawk entered. He was wearing a red bodysuit with blue shoulders and a red cape. There was an incomplete yellow triangle on his chest. He took one look at Harry and charged.
Harry drew the Sword of Gryffindor and made a slash, only the blade was caught in the hands of the man.
"I don't suppose you got even a little cut?" Harry sighed.
"No pitiful mortal can make me bleed." The man snarled. "You will pay for intruding on-"
Whatever he said was lost to Charles and Lilandra as both the man and Harry vanished.
There was a tense silence.
"Your husband or bodyguard?" Charles eventually asked.
Lilandra looked insulted. "He is Praetor of the Shi'ar Empire. He is our right hand."
Harry reappeared. "Seriously, like my only ability is my sword." He looked down at the blade and saw it was now dented and buckled. "I hope someone can fix this."
"What have you done with Gladiator?" Lilandra demanded.
Harry sent a few spells at the door and then at Lilandra, binding her. "I took him to the furthest place I could think of. If you prove to be capable of civilised behaviour, I might tell you where that is.
Harry dispelled his armour. "So, do you recognise this?" He moved over to the glass jar on her desk.
She couldn't help but gulp. She had seen the images in reports.
"Good. This was what your precious council put on my planet." Harry held his wand up to Charles questioningly, who just nodded. Harry touched it Charles cheek and began working on the tube with it.
He then went and touched his wand to Lilandra's cheek, she flinched back, but Harry didn't care.
When he was finished, Harry conjured two ornate chairs from his sitting room back home. He indicated for Charles to join him. He then freed Lilandra and indicated for her to take her seat.
"So, you recognise the spore of Ego, the Living Planet. Thought to be the last of the Celestials.
"He's not, I'm good friends with the last and hope he continues the species." Harry smiled. "Anyway, this little sperm of Ego is ready to consume everything it touches… if it escapes this tube. I've put some pretty hefty charms work on it. The stuff that makes my armour unbreakable.
"Basically, your Gladiator might be able to break it open.
"But, here's the fun part." Harry sat forward with a devilish grin. "I've tied it to yours and Charles' blood. If anything malicious happens to Charles, the tube breaks and you get to deal with Ego on your own."
Lilandra paled.
"Come on, how hard can it be? I killed the original Ego at the height of his power. Pretty much on my lonesome.
"All you have to do is treat Charles with respect. He wants to talk. To discuss. For you to learn from each other."
Harry leaned back in his seat. "Now, I know someone will probably say you should space it and be done with it, but I tied the tube to you as well. Wherever you go, that thing will follow. You might want to have someone carry it though, you don't want to walk into a meeting without it only for it to appear directly in front of you, scaring everyone in the room."
"Do you realise the peril you are placing my Empire in?" Lilandra asked with quiet anger.
"Girl, you put that thing on my planet. I know exactly what I am doing."
"Please, don't start channelling Nicholas Fury." Charles pleaded quietly. He stood up quickly. "You should probably head home and make sure everything is ok. I'm sure your girls are worried about you." He lifted Harry from his own seat.
"Spoil sport." Harry grumbled. "Ok, just remember, Thor or myself will be by at least once a day to top up your runes. You might want to explain that to them.
"Use small words."
"Off you go Harry." Charles said more sternly.
%
Harry returned to Earth and jumped straight into the fray. Apparently the 'warden' in charge of Prison Earth, was the same person the Guardians of the Galaxy had faced on Xandar over the Power Stone.
The bastard was an egotistical fool who was intent on using the power of Ego to empower himself so he could bring back the Kree Empire.
Thor and Captain America where easily laying into him so Harry focused on the minions. He tore a one-way tear into the Intergalactic Council Chambers and started punting them through, one by one.
Unfortunately Harry hadn't announced his return and it wasn't until someone reported his sighting that Pixie checked.
"Harry? Are you on Earth?"
"Yeah, I'm in London's West End, just punting alien criminals through portals."
"Well head to New York! Thor and Captain America are trying to deal with that Ronan guy. He is strong and powerful!"
Harry sighed and teleported away, leaving the British Army to continue sending the long lines of alien criminals through the one-way portals Harry had opened.
%
"How many times am I going to have to do the same damn thing before you lot figure it out?" Harry's voice stopped the fighting.
Both Captain America and Thor were left in tatters of their uniforms. But neither showed signs of flagging.
Ronan the Accuser was wielding a large hammer, much like Steve's.
"I take it you are showing your true colours by ignoring the Majestrix order to withdraw?"
"First I will absorb Ego's power then I will resurrect-" Ronan paused in his ranting as Harry vanished. He felt a pressure on his chest and suddenly he was standing on a barren landscape. Standing nearby was a familiar figure, Gladiator.
Harry reappeared. "Do me a favour? Kill each other?" He begged before vanishing again.
The two soldiers charged at each other.
%
Harry reappeared at Times Square where medics were tending to Thor and Steve. "Clear the enemy out of the area as fast as possible." Harry glared at them. "Beating them is not a requirement."
"He was prepared for a fight with us, Harry. He knew better than to physically wrestle with us." Thor said.
"We did try." Steve promised.
"Come, we must defeat the rest of enemy." Thor gestured where heroes and soldiers were fighting off alien soldiers.
"Back up gents, I'm about to try something. Might want to catch me when I fail."
Harry, in an instant, grew to over a hundred feet tall. Standing there with his sword out. "I AM THE ARMOURED MAGE! YOUR LEADERS ARE DEFEATED! SURRENDER NOW OR FALL BENEATH MY HEEL!" He stomped on a nearby armoured Humvee, flattening it beneath his heel.
Blue men went to knees, weapons went to floor and hands went behind heads.
Harry surveyed them briefly before shrinking back down. Thor and Steve were instantly shielding him from view.
"You carry Pym Particles?" Steve asked.
"No, all rune based." Harry said tiredly. "Unfortunately, I have the same issue Hank and Scott do. The human body isn't designed for those sizes."
"Get him to the London Facility." Steve instructed Thor.
%
It only took an hour for the doctors to declare Harry fit. Hank Pym was on hand. Harry didn't use Pym Particles, but the man was the expert on changing the size of humans.
Harry was back in armour with his shield and sword ready as he patrolled Times Square with Captain America. Thor was working with Captain Britain in London and various Avengers were spread out around the globe to assist local forces in containing and sending the alien criminals through the various tears in space Harry had made.
"Did we do something wrong?" Captain America wondered as he walked with Harry, his own shield and hammer in hand.
"How do you mean?"
"Did humans insult someone? They had to have a reason to pick Earth as a prison planet."
"We proved to be more powerful." Harry smirked. "Literally. Their reasoning was that humans had begun to meddle in the affairs of other planets.
"We drove off Galactus, sure. But remember Peter Quill seems human and he's been making a nuisance of himself for years.
"Then there was Captain Marvel, she went out there to put the smack down on the Kree. She must have done a good job as they were the reason we were targeted."
The two men stopped to let military medics pass with a stretcher. The occupant was not for the doctors but the coroners.
Harry and Steve stood at attention till they had passed.
"Maybe now you can see the actual cost of your actions."
Standing opposite them was John Walker, a.k.a. US Agent. He was in costume and scowling.
"Real men and women are suffering and dying whilst you are off playing the hero. How many could have been saved if you could just learn to follow orders and do things the right way?"
"So we don't count as 'real men and women'?" Harry asked tightly.
"You have your fancy toys, your enhanced physiques-"
"Hypocrite." Harry literally spat. "You were enhanced just like Captain America. You have a shield like he does.
"We don't just bleed, we intentionally put ourselves in a position to bleed so others don't have to.
"What do you do? Complain because you don't get the spot light? I never signed up for this gig. You did."
"If you had followed my orders-"
"What? What the hell do you know about the alien species out there? About the tech we use to travel space? Your orders would mean nothing but the death of this planet." Harry snarled.
"Enough!" Captain America barked. "Men and women lie dead around us and you two want to argue over their bodies?"
"Two? Careful Steve. Remember, I didn't start any of this." Harry said as he vanished.
"One day-"
"Shut up." Steve ordered quietly. "The Earth stands free today because of Harry Potter. We are the Avengers. We do not fight for governments. We fight for the innocent. The real men and women.
"Get out of my sight before you disgrace that flag any further."
%
The Avengers were assembled in full force at the UN briefing a week later. US Agent had been given the centre seat
amongst the Avengers. Thor had tossed the nameplate away and pushed Harry into the seat.
This briefing was being held in Vienna and with Alexander Rutger having been ousted, the Italian delegate Parlo
Moroder chaired.
"Alright, let's get this started." Harry sighed as he stood.
"Mister Potter, you will wait until you are called upon before being addressed." Moroder sneered.
"You will show us respect or we will leave. We attend these briefings as a courtesy."
"This hearing is a legal proceeding being held by the United Nations." Moroder smirked. "Your days of flaunting our
borders, ignoring our orders and causing untold collateral damage are over.
"This hearing will determine whether your precious Avengers remain or if your people are split up and assigned to separate teams under UN supervision.
"This hearing will also determine whether you are fit to hold your weapons and tools. You will likely be stripped of them and they will be handed over to more suitable people."
Harry sat there staring at them.
"Nothing to say Potter? Your empire is about to-"
"Why don't you have your people try and take Harry's weapons?" Clint called out. "A little example of the stupidity you are peddling."
"That is a matter for after the conviction." Moroder said sternly.
"The United Nations has no authority over the Avengers." Captain America stated. "Only SHIELD can call for an investigation."
"And SHIELD has done so." Moroder evilly laughed. "SHIELD works for the United Nations. They act on our orders. Of course, Nicholas Fury was fired, but his second-in-command was more than willing to step up."
Despite the shock, Captain America rallied. "SHIELD is required to handle the investigation personally. The United Nations has no input.
"As the Chair of the Avengers, I call for the initiation of Reciprocal Oversight."
"That particular agreement has been tossed out. The United Nations has no faith in the Avengers. Now, sit down and we can get started."
"Well then." Tony said as he stood. "We have no reason to be here. You've thrown out all agreements and that means the Avengers have no common ground with the United Nations or SHIELD.
"Let's head home and relax until the next emergency."
"Failure to cooperate will see you charged as terrorists." Moroder smirked.
"To Wakanda, then." T'Challa stood.
"And if not there, then Asgard shall welcome you all." Thor stood.
"Harbouring fugitives will be considered an act of war." Moroder said.
"It is far too late for that." T'Challa scoffed. "I am sovereign of my people. You have laid grave charges at me and demanded my equipment and abilities.
"War appears to be inevitable."
"Thor, I believe I've just been fired. Can I go now?" Harry asked.
Thor shook his head. "Nay, this is the one monster we must fight and we must win."
Harry sighed and stood up. "How many countries signed the action? Show me the paperwork." He ordered Moroder.
"Those are classified documents."
"Then this is an illegal action. You can't act on classified documents in public." He gestured to the cameras. "We should have been given ample warning about what was happening today. You lied to us and told us that this was a standard briefing.
"You are committing many crimes, as a citizen of one of the United Nations' members, I will be filing official complaints and charges."
The air was suddenly filled with a sound like an electric turbine, it caused almost everyone to cover their ears.
A bright blue light filled the massive room. When it cleared a man appeared in green armour with purple boots and helmet but with a blue face shield that seemed to conform somewhat to his face.
He was reclining on a futuristic looking floating chair. "As always, Kang arrives when is best." The man audibly smirked. "I am Kang, the Great Conqueror. I have crushed many worlds across many timelines. I am immortal.
"I have come today to lead this world to a greater future." He turned his chair to look at Moroder. "You seek to disband the Avengers. You do not have the power. They could crush you… if they had the spine."
He turned to the assembled heroes. "You are ready to surrender. You do not realise it, but you will do so when you witness the full might of Kang the Conqueror."
Harry calmly sat back down in his seat and crossed his legs and folded his arms.
"On your knees, Avenger." Kang said patronisingly. "Surrender on your knees."
"No. Not surrendering. Just waiting to see what your next move is." Harry shrugged. "To be honest I'm more interested in his next move." He nodded to Moroder. "He doesn't want the Avengers around, so now we get to see what he's got up his sleeve."
"Apathy and arrogance." Kang scoffed. "How far the mighty Avengers have fallen."
"Is talking all you can do?" Harry frowned. "Were all those worlds you conquered so pathetic they just bowed down at the sound of your voice?"
"Ah, you still have some fight in you. Then-"
"No, no fight. I don't really care. I will admit I am curious as to what your first move will be. I hope it's not more talking." Harry pleaded.
"I will-"
"Oh god… he is going to talk more." Harry turned his attention to Moroder who was sweating in fear and had been abandoned by his colleagues who were now huddled against the wall with the press. "What about you? Aren't you going to do anything about this man who wants to conqueror the planet?"
"Y-You will at- t- tack him! Now!"
"I'm retired. You wanted me gone. Consider me gone." Harry smiled without humour.
"B-But my team… t-they aren't ready!"
"Neither were we." Harry shrugged. "Disasters happened and we were at home, living our lives. But we heard the call… we hear it all the time.
"But all this blatant abuse of the law and the press to attack me and use me. To get me under your thumb… I can't hear the call… not over the din."
Harry stood up and approached Moroder slowly. Kang wasn't sure what was happening but backed his chair away to watch.
"Do you know the call, Parlo? My friends and I live for the call. We've probably all said it. But only one man can command it.
"Say it, Parlo." Harry hissed. "Say the call."
Moroder was glancing fearfully between the newcomer with the floating chair and claims of conquering multitudes before him, and the angry yet unwilling to act mage in front of him.
"A-A-"
"Yes?"
"Avengers… a-assemble."
Harry scoffed and backed off, folding his arms. "Pathetic. It means nothing to you.
"Call your own team. Have them deal with Kang.
"Alternatively, you could surrender to him.
"Or, you could look to the man who can turn the call into a rallying cry and beg him to save you."
Harry was amused when Moroder scrambled for his phone in his pocket and tried to make a call.
Moroder began speaking in rapid Italian, but Harry understood it perfectly.
"It's Moroder. Where the fuck are you?"
"…"
"You are paid for this! Trained for this! We gave you the best! Get down here you spineless sons of-"
Moroder looked at his phone as it went dead.
"And that is the sad truth." Harry said softly. "You can't pay someone to lay down and die for you. They have to have a reason."
"As amusing as this has been, I tire of your banter." Kang said snootily. "Surrender peacefully or I will call in my armies and-"
"Armies?" Harry smirked. "You need armies? Just half the people behind me can take down an army. More than half have. More than a few can do it solo."
Kang snapped the fingers on one of his gauntleted hands and a futuristic pistol appeared there. He fired three times at Harry.
Harry looked down at his bare chest. His suit jacket, tie and shirt burnt away from his body. "If you came from the future, why didn't you just research me? Or do you come from a different timeline?
"You see, you've been boasting about conquering various worlds, but you haven't gloated over defeating Thor or Hercules." Harry gestured to the two Avengers still seated and observing. "Did you think that coming into the past would make them easier targets?"
Harry's armour flowed over him, his shield appearing in his hand. "First shots were free. The next ones will cost you."
"Hmmph, we shall test your true strength." Kang mused. "In one week my armies will land just north of La Roche-Sur-Yon in France. We will take Europe within two days and you will see the true power of Kang the Conqueror.
"You have a week to prepare." Kang vanished in a blue light.
There were only a few moments of silence before the murmurs began. Then the discussions. Then the debates.
In less than thirty seconds the politicians and press were shouting and demanding answers.
All of them addressed to Harry.
A crack of thunder threw them to their knees. Thor stood with Stormbreaker held high. He nodded to Harry.
"I believe you have two options." Harry calmly addressed Moroder. "You can either continue this 'hearing' of yours, or you can go and prepare your special teams for that invasion in a week.
"Personally, I don't care. You can try me in absentia."
"Avengers, fall back to HQ." Captain America ordered.
%
"Do we have a plan?" Bucky asked as the Avengers sat around the round table in the largest conference room at the Wakandan Space Facility. "We are going to do something, right?"
"Yeah." Harry said tiredly. "We'll be there." He looked to Stephen Strange. "You need to track Kang. Track me whilst you're at it. There has to be a reason he came to this particular time period."
"It doesn't make sense." Captain America frowned. "Why not conquer us before the Avengers, before the Armoured Mage? Surely we were much more vulnerable after World War Two, why not then?"
"Ego." The Black Panther said calmly. "He wants a fight. A spectacle. He wants the world to see its defences fall and then beg him for mercy."
"Can we beat him?" Black Widow asked professionally.
"Everyone can be beaten, Good Lady." Hercules said gravely. "The true question is what cost we will pay in doing so."
"Tony, did your sensors pick up anything when he teleported and shot me?" Harry asked. He was now dressed more casually in jeans and a t-shirt.
"It's being analysed now." Tony nodded. "But, that blast he shot you with. Straight off the bat this guy is playing with anti-matter like a pro.
"Your runic protections held up, but I want you checked out and a full physical performed."
"Decon-suit?" Harry asked.
Tony sighed. "Yeah… hopefully not for long." He hated having to force his friend into a suit of armour. Especially if they were both aware he might not be coming out."
The team watched as Harry was eclipsed from view by his armour.
Captain America kept them moving. "What do we want to do about regular troops? Do we want to coordinate or just… stand and face the enemy?"
"We let them take the first wave." Harry stated.
"Eh… Harry… I said the guy used anti-matter." Tony pointed out. "In a hand-held weapon. Regular soldiers will be wiped out."
"Only if they are stupid enough not to be using my riot shields. I use the same runes on my body.
"I'm just surprised the shot didn't head back at him."
"Boss, all the readings from Duke Potter's armour came back clean. No contamination or residual effects." FRIDAY reported.
Harry released his armour and sighed in relief.
He looked around the room. "We will speak with the military commanders and make sure they are deployed with the appropriate equipment.
"We will be there. But we won't act until we have to."
%
The French commanders who would be the front lines of the upcoming battle were ecstatic to hear the Avengers would be present. They were well aware they would probably be outclassed by whatever Kang did.
Then they met the UN commander.
He was a blond, white male in combat uniform and a beret. He spoke good English with a Swiss accent.
"Avengers, by order of the UN you are ordered to leave the area and not interfere." He stated as the French glared at his back.
"The UN has no authority over the Avengers." Harry shrugged. "So long as the French welcome us, we will stay."
"You are refusing to comply with an official UN order?"
"Damn straight." Hawkeye sniped.
The commander's whole demeanour changed as he shrugged. "Well, I tried." He said with a smile. "It is good to know that my men won't be slaughtered out there with no chance of survival."
"You didn't agree with the order?" Black Widow queried.
"Feel free to talk to any of my men and women. They hate the UN Council at the moment.
"Mister Stark, if you have any remnants of your Iron Legion, we would appreciate the opportunity to improve our odds."
Tony wasn't in armour yet even though Rhodey was. "You realise the risks involved? We don't know how advanced Kang is. He might be able to hack them.
"Come on Boss, I can handle this." FRIDAY piped up from his communicator.
"FRIDAY… this is how JARVIS died." Tony tried to reason.
"We're all gonna kick it someday. Might as well do it in style." She said with an audible shrug.
"Prep the Legion. Activate all Iron Man Armours. When you're done, call for Thor and Harry for transport."
"On it Boss." FRIDAY declared happily.
"I need some time to think. I'll be out on the field." Harry said as he left the tent quietly.
"He seems… subdued." The commander frowned.
"He's being asked to save the world again." Hawkeye pointed out. "Every time he does, he winds up being persecuted. Remember, Kang interrupted a meeting where the UN was trying to steal his work and prosecute him."
%
Harry was casually tossing rocks about the fields as he walked. A glowing ankh appeared in front of him and Stephen Strange stepped out.
"Stephen." Harry nodded.
"Harry." The Sorcerer returned. "I have finished my research on Kang and yourself.
"Kang is everything he claims to be."
"But?"
"I could find no instances of him conquering an Earth with an Avengers Team."
"There's a first time for everything." Harry shrugged. "I guess we should be honoured to be the first."
Stephen ignored the glib observation. "I also tracked you down. There are very few instances of you existing in the same timeline as the Avengers. Even fewer where you interact with them.
"In what capacity do I interact?" Harry asked as he continued walking.
"Anything from just another team member, to the most powerful being in existence." Stephen let out a shudder. "I would prefer to avoid that timeline again."
"Maybe I'm the weakest version of Harry Potter." Harry mused. "Maybe he thinks that I'm an easy target."
"What makes you so sure he is focused on you?" Stephen asked.
"I'm not. But that is just how my life goes." Harry shrugged. "Besides, I can't be sure my changes to the Infinity Stones will have affected him. Does he realise their full potential or does he believe the reality I made?"
"I would say he does not realise their full potential." Stephen postulated. "Only a fool would challenge someone who can write them out of existence with a thought.
"Also, I observed a distinct lack of appropriate concern over the Infinity Stones in the other timelines. I would say your changes have carried over."
%
"So, what's the plan?" Bucky asked eagerly as they stood around a large map table in the UN Commander's temporary command structure. The Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and UN Commanders were all present.
The battle would begin tomorrow.
"I'm going to challenge Kang to one-on-one mortal combat."
There was a short silence.
"Harry, the man is bringing an army." Cyclops pointed out.
Harry nodded with a smirk. "I've been littering the fields with some traps. Hopefully most of that army will be caught in them.
"Once the traps are depleted, the costumed heroes will head in and tackle those not trapped.
"The uniformed heroes will provide covering fire." He looked at the Commander. "I am expecting a lot of precision from your people and zero friendly fire."
"My men will charge in with bayonets before they take a shot too risky." He said firmly.
"Thank god the UN purchased my rune inscribed body armour." Harry said drolly.
The commander just smirked.
"Don't let your men get cocky." Tony warned. "Kang shot at Harry with anti-matter. Harry's armour won't protect your people from radiation or chemicals."
"Your Grace, respectfully, why you?" The UN Commander asked. "Why are you the one to face Kang alone?"
"Because the kid is likely to make the pansy flee with words." Ben Grimm snorted. "He did it to Galactus, the Shi'ar who sent those alien criminals… he really likes to spoil my fun." He glowered at Harry.
"What are the chances that Kang will agree to face you and fight fairly?" Natasha asked.
"Fairly?!" Harry laughed. "There won't be any rules, any limitations. He can set a planet destroying bomb in front of me and challenge me to disarm it or surrender. He can torture me for days in front of everyone.
"This is a challenge to the death."
"And if he wins?" Sif asked, clearly unhappy with this plan.
"Avenge me."
"And now I am really beginning to hate our name." Bucky sighed.
"What about Natasha's other question?" Wanda asked. "What are the chances he will come?"
"It depends on how much honour he has and how much of a coward he is. I will be threatening to release footage of his response and defeat across our universe."
%
It was dark, not night, but the clouds were nearly black. The fields were drenched from the thunder storm the night before.
Flashes of blue light deposited men and women in various colours and types of armour. There were various species too. They carried everything from energy weapons to spears and swords.
Many were instantly swallowed up by the earth. Those who weren't and witnessed it paused before charging the French line with shouts of 'Kang'.
More were swallowed by the Earth.
More than five hundred vanished. Five hundred more were cut down by the French and UN army.
The clouds then burst open and the multiple colours of blood mixed in with the dirt and rain.
"HOLD!" Harry shouted in full armour as he sat upon the back of Odin's horse, Sleipnir. It's eight powerful legs remained still as it hovered in the air.
The remaining few hundred soldiers of Kang paused.
"I challenge Kang to one-on-one combat. Do you have the honour to face me? Do you have the courage? The skill?" Harry's magically amplified voice challenged.
This moment was seen around the world. Everyone could see and hear it if they had the physical ability.
Newscasters were in a frenzy as they tried to determine how the Armoured Mage was managing to speak in every language at once.
Harry nudged Sleipnir and the horse descended to land heavily in the mud and rain. Harry had asked Jarvis to procure several cows as an apology for Fenris. He knew she would be pissed.
Harry dismounted and marched further into the field that was now littered with bodies and craters.
"Well?" Harry called out.
There was a bright blue light and Kang appeared on his floating chair. "You have nerve, boy. You think you are worthy of facing Kang the Conqueror? Kang the Immortal?"
"Listen, one way or another… I'm going to attack. You should probably get ready to defend yourself." Harry said as he patted Sleipnir's rear, sending the horse back into the sky.
"I could wipe you from existence with a single command." Kang scoffed.
"Then do it." Harry said as he pulled his shield from his back and drew the sword of Gryffindor.
Harry had gone to the Dwarves. They had scoffed at the poor craftmanship of goblins but had repaired it nonetheless.
"You realise this is being shown all around the world? My people have accessed your communication systems and are broadcasting it across your entire realm." Harry informed him.
Kang tensed, clearly frowning behind his blue faceplate.
He stood from his chair and stepped onto the battlefield. He held out his right hand to the side and another blue light revealed a sword.
"You think you are the first to challenge Kang? I shall end you quickly and all will know of the folly of standing in Kang's way."
"Please… stop talking." Harry begged as he raised his sword and struck.
%
In the UN Command Tent Captain America was observing the duel via the various drones and cameras. With him were Thor, Tony and Sif. Also present were the French and UN Commanders.
"It has just come to mind… but has His Grace ever engaged a trained swordsman?" The UN Commander queried.
"I have trained him myself." Sif said, her eyes never leaving the monitor. "He has yet to best me, but he is proficient."
"I ask because… that does not look like a sword fight."
On the monitors Harry was deflecting Kang's sword with his shield and making unusual strikes that looked to have no power behind them.
Captain America chuckled darkly. "Commander, you will never find the word 'conventional' when dealing with Harry."
"Unless he's looking to 'break conventions'." Tony smiled. "Harry has a plan. We don't know what the plan is because Harry can't risk Kang employing mind-reading or looking at the timelines to see what the plan is."
"I do not understand zis." The French Commander scowled. "Zis Kang says 'e can travel time. "Why does 'e not know what will 'appen?"
"Because every time he interferes with the timeline he changes what was supposed to happen." Tony explained. "The second he appeared in Vienna he changed the timeline. If he went and checked it again he will still have changed the future the second he sent his army in."
"Then his ability to travel to the future is pointless." The UN Commander frowned.
"No, he can still do reconnaissance on his targets and put something in place. He can make predictions and, if he is successful, he might even acquire more advanced tech."
"Ze Armoured Mage… 'e is clearly outclassed." The French Commander frowned as they watched.
Kang was moving with fluidity, grace and power. He was unrelenting and continuously aiming for the death strikes. The only reason Harry still lived was because his armour was superior.
"Wait! What is that?" Sif leaned in closer to a monitor. "On Kang's arm."
"Can we get audio?" Captain America demanded.
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Kang was no longer moving fluidly, gracefully or powerfully. Liquid metal was spreading up his right forearm and he was now fending off vicious attacks from Harry.
"What have you done, Mage?" Kang shouted as he divided his concentration between trying not to get sliced by the venomous sword and trying to get the silver metal off.
Harry didn't answer he just pushed his assault.
"You will pay for this!" Kang said as he jumped back and activated a control on his left wrist. He began to panic as nothing happened.
The metal was now up to his neck and down to his waist, spreading to his left side. So far it wasn't hindering his movements.
Harry paused, his shield still ready but his sword lowered. "I wonder how badly your ego will eat at you?" Harry mused as he suddenly stood up straight and sheathed his sword and shield and dispelled his armour.
Kang was now fully encased in the metal and was looking helplessly at his hands.
Harry pulled out his wand and sliced his hand. He jammed it into the metal on Kang's chest, surprising him.
The liquid metal instantly solidified. Kang was trapped, his hands raised as he inspected them, but his face looking at Harry.
Harry healed his hand and began inscribing on the smooth metal of the chest.
Harry heard the wet squelchy footfalls behind him but continued working.
"Can he escape?" The UN Commander asked, his hand on his sidearm.
"This armour is based on one I will never use." Harry said gravely. "The Hulk couldn't pry it open."
"The Abyss." Thor said gravely. "Harry did tell me of the armour he had created. It was a mistake, just like his very first that saw him trapped."
"Is he alive in there?" Captain America asked.
"For now." Harry slumped his shoulders and turned to face them. "I can't get him out. I don't think anyone on the planet could. He's alive in there until he dies of thirst or starvation.
"And no, we won't ever be able to find out if he is actually dead in there.
"I just consigned someone to my personal nightmare."
"Can he be moved?" Captain America asked.
Harry shook his head. "The armour was supposed to be my most secure and indestructible. Like your Hulkbuster." He nodded to Tony."
Harry turned and bowed to the French Commander. "I'm sorry, this… abomination will forever mar your lands."
"A small price to pay, Armoured Mage." The man saluted.
"Thor, take Sif and Harry home." Captain America ordered.
The god simply placed a hand on both and vanished.
"Harry still has fear when he puts on his armour." A deep voice commented.
Behind them, an old man in Viking armour approached with the multi-legged horse.
Captain America and the Avengers bowed low. "King Odin."
The Commanders quickly followed suit.
Odin stopped a few feet away.
"He would rather fight without his armour. It is why he carves his runes upon his bones." Odin said darkly. "Regardless of the words and actions of this… Kang, Harry will live the nightmares of his youth."
Odin looked at Captain America. "What will the snakes do now that Harry has saved them?"
Cap knew he was referring to the United Nations.
"It won't matter." He shook his head. "I've told him it is not his place to handle these things and that if he is confronted, he should defend himself as he sees fit."
Cap turned back to the contained Kang. "The whole world has seen this. Hopefully it will be a wake up call as to what we actually face. Why we will never let politics and personal feelings get in the way of defending the innocent."
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"You did great, Harry." Pixie beamed as she hugged him on the couch in the common room in the Avengers' Tower. I didn't sense any change in the fabric of reality from you.
They were all present, every Avenger. Everyone from the Fantastic Four to Spider-Man was there. They had all been at the battle.
"You can fight better than you did." Cap stated. "Was there a reason you were so… sloppy?"
Harry smiled. "Kang was expecting a fight against a skilled opponent. He found an untrained novice. It made him reckless and gave me plenty of openings to apply the armour without him noticing.
"Thanks for the training, by the way." He nodded to Ant-Man who was there with his helmet off.
"I still think you use the Reality Stone." Ant-Man scoffed. "They are supposed to be magic tricks, not actual magic."
"Scott, he's a wizard." The Wasp reminded him, who was also with out her helmet.
"He doesn't use it." Ant-Man grumbled. "He's just that good."
"Stop moaning. You can't keep that stupid grin off your face when I do the tricks and you can't see how." Harry smirked.
"What was your impression of Kang's fighting prowess?" Sif asked.
"The two of us, no armour, no magic, no tech… he'd kill me in about thirty seconds." Harry said firmly.
"But he had all that and you still kicked his butt." Clint added. "Also, I don't know about you, Vizh, but I think Kang might have killed himself. I can't sense his life force."
"Likewise, I cannot be certain." Vision nodded. "But I cannot sense his mind and he was trying everything he could just by verbal and neurological commands to his armour.
"It is not impossible that he attempted to use an escape method that clashed with The Abyss and killed him."
"Pixie, what's the reaction from around the world?" Natasha asked.
"Awe, fear, relief." She sighed. "Alexander Rutger sent a message that his contacts have informed him a coup is being planned against the UN Council.
"He doesn't have anymore details though."
"Boss, I've been monitoring the situation at the White House and Pentagon. It isn't pretty."
Tony scowled. "Lay it on us, FRIDAY."
"The Sentinel Program is being deployed in the open as a part of a new federal department, the Office of National Emergencies. O-N-E.
"The President is preparing an address from the White House to say how what happened in France highlights the dangers of people like yourself and Harry."
"Any other countries following their lead, FRIDAY?" Rogue asked.
"China, Russia, the usual ones who like to keep a tight rein on the civilians. Quite a few are talking about medals and honours. France has issued a statement that all of you have been granted French citizenship. They have issued the The Légion d'honneur for Duke Harry."
"Whoa, that's… impressive." Natasha was clearly in awe.
"They've got commendations ready for all of you." Friday continued. "Lots of countries are looking at ways to pay respect."
"Why now?" Bucky frowned.
"What do you mean?" Captain America asked.
"Why the awards now. The world knows and has seen the footage of Harry facing Galactus, this isn't the first time he practically saved the world solo.
"So why the rush now?"
"Because Harry drove Galactus off with his mere presence." Thor explained. "Now they have seen him defeat a powerful being, one who brought an army to their world."
"I wonder what they'd think if they saw my memories of fighting the basilisk?" Harry mused with a small smile.
Pixie punched him hard in the arm with a scowl. "You know I hate snakes. I don't want to be dragged into those nightmares again."