A/N: Some years ago, my friend Scott, better known as Mixedfan8643, received this story courtesy of the interdimensional energy forces that has allowed all authors to receive their various stories. I published it on dA, and now, in honour of the 10th anniversary of Avengers Assemble hitting cinemas, I give you the story of how the two greatest superhero teams of all time came together as one.
Wayne Manor, Gotham
Bruce Wayne, billionaire, CEO of Wayne Enterprises, and known by some as the vigilante Batman, was sitting alone in his study, thinking. He was expecting a visitor for an important meeting, covering a very important matter. This matter was regarding a potential threat to not just the Earth, but possibly the whole galaxy as well; this was a threat too big for even the Justice League to handle by itself.
There was a knock at the door, snapping Bruce out of his thoughts.
"Come in."
Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce's butler, came in.
"Master Bruce, Director Fury is here," he informed.
Bruce nodded. "Very well; send him in."
The CEO of Wayne Enterprises didn't turn around as Alfred left to welcome his visitor in. He'd heard much about the famed Director Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. Any normal person couldn't hope to get anything about him be it information or just simply what he has for breakfast in the morning. S.H.I.E.L.D. was known for its secrecy and Nick Fury was said to be among the best at remaining anonymous. Bruce had even wondered if he existed.
He didn't need any further proof as the study door opened and a man with an eye-patch and wearing a long black coat walked in. He was a big man, showing he had a lot of strength and skill and the one eye he had was barely going to slow him down. Bruce had the impression that this man could take down anyone he wanted if he felt the need to. It was a good thing that he was on the side of heroes.
"Mr. Wayne," Fury greeted, his voice neutral.
"Director Fury," Bruce acknowledged as he stood and shook Fury's hand.
"I knew I'd expect a fancy house when I got an invite from the man behind Wayne Enterprises but I hadn't expected anything quite like this," the director murmured. "Suppose it comes with living the godforsaken rich life."
"Quite," Bruce confirmed. "So you're the man in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. I hear?"
"I am, indeed," Nick Fury said, "though few know that, and I prefer that it remain that way."
"You have my word," Bruce assured. "Now, to business."
Fury settled himself in the chair opposite Bruce.
"I have called you here, because I have reason to believe that an enemy of the Justice League, known as Darkseid, has joined forces with an enemy of the Avengers."
Fury nodded. "As a matter of fact, I believe the same; our allies, the Guardians of the Galaxy, say the being known as Thanos apparently has joined forces with someone. Perhaps it is this 'Darkseid' you mentioned."
"Perhaps, indeed," said Bruce.
"So what can you tell us about this "Darkseid"?" Fury asked, his only visible eyebrow raised in interest.
"He's part of a race of beings known as 'The New Gods'," Bruce explained, "He rules the planet of Apokolips, which is basically hell... as a planet. He seeks to solve the Anti-Life Equation as he feels that'll be what he needs to conquer all of existence. He requires a team effort to stop for even Superman can have a tough time with him. In fact, he's one of the few foes we've faced that Superman's ever actually tried to kill. Darkseid just rubs him the wrong way... and I mean THE wrong way."
The S.H.I.E.L.D. director took all of this in with interest and concern. The Avengers would have their work cut out for them if they were to be against a god like this!
"Now that sounds like quite a guy..." he murmured, running a hand over his eyepatch, "You know somebody means business if they can get under Superman's skin!"
"Now you give me all you know about Thanos," Bruce requested. "What do you know about him and who is he to us "normal" people?"
"All I know of Thanos comes mainly from Gamora," Fury replied. "She and her sister Nebula were adopted by him, though she has no loyalty to him. Anyway, Thanos is the child of Eternals, a race of super human mutants with great cosmic powers, from Saturn's moon Titan. From what Gamora says, he regards it as his mission to 'save' the universe from overpopulation, by cutting the universe's population in half."
Despite his stoic demeanour, Bruce couldn't hold back a slight shudder at the idea of countless people across the whole universe dying.
"To do so, he requires the six Infinity Stones," Fury continued. "There are immensely powerful objects that, according to Thor, pre-date the universe itself. Thor has one in Asgard; Vision and Doctor Strange have one each in their possessions; the Collector has a fourth; and the people of Xander have the fifth. The sixth's location is currently unknown."
"So that could explain why Thanos seeks an audience with Darkseid," Bruce commented. "He might think he can help him gather the Infinity Stones. And maybe in return for his help, Thanos might offer to help Darkseid deduce the Anti-Life Equation. With half the universe dead, the rest will be easier to rule."
"I can't think of any other reason why the cosmic a-holes would formulate an alliance," Fury muttered. "If they're indeed together, Earth will need all the help it can get."
"So in order to combat one alliance, we'll have to forge one ourselves..."
Bruce could see where this was heading.
"For the first time ever, the Justice League could potentially team up with the Avengers," he considered, his voice neutral but containing a faint hint of interest.
Fury nodded. "That is correct, Mr. Wayne. I believe you yourself are a member."
"I am, indeed. I am the Dark Knight, Batman."
Fury almost smiled. "Hmm, I thought so."
"You suspected I was Batman?"
"Yes; secrets are my speciality; or one of them, anyway. But your secret is safe with me."
Despite the neutral tone, Bruce could detect a hint of honesty in Fury's voice. He felt sure he could trust the man to keep his secret.
"Very well; you approve of the proposed alliance between our two teams?"
"I do indeed," Fury said.
"Right; well, we'll need to gather our teams together at a suitable location. Where do you think will be the best place?"
"I dunno much about the Justice League, but don't you guys have a satellite base or something?" Fury questioned.
Bruce nodded to confirm the answer for him.
"I think that's the best option. Nothing more secure than a hi-tech base in space," the one-eyed man said. "I'll call Iron Man and get him to gather the Avengers to the Helicarrier. We'll fly over to your base once we're all together."
"I'll gather the League and await your arrival," Bruce added. "I'm sure many of the Leaguers would love to meet your Avengers."
Fury really did smile this time, though briefly.
"I'm sure they will," he confirmed. "I'm sure they will."
Stark Enterprises, New York
Tony Stark, CEO of Stark Enterprises and better known as Iron Man, was in his lab, dong his favourite hobby; building new suits, for himself, his girlfriend Pepper, or 'Rescue', and his best friend James Rhodes, or War Machine. Tony always believed that keeping their suits up-to-date would ensure they always had a good chance during battle. At the moment, he was modifying one of his own armoured suits.
Things had been quiet lately; with no serious danger to anywhere in the world. Of course, Tony enjoyed the quiet times; he always wished they could last, though he knew they wouldn't. You just never knew with the sort of enemies he and the Avengers had faced: mischievous gods, corrupt AIs, terrorists, cosmic beings and who knew what else. Still, Tony would always fight for what's right, no matter what.
Just then, Vision, who had once been Tony's AI butler, Jarvis, phased into the lab. Tony looked up.
"Yes, Vision?"
"Mr Stark, Director Fury is on the line."
"Just when I deluded myself into thinking the peace would last," Tony sighed.
A part of him was happy to hear this as he did get a thrill out of saving lives and fighting villains but another part did enjoy the quieter times. To him, the peaceful moments were his reward for doing good and maybe he'd get that reward again. He stepped up from his work and waited as Vision connected him to Fury.
"Wonder what the big man's got this time," Tony mused.
In a matter of seconds, he was connected and soon enough, he heard Director Fury's familiar voice emitting from the other side.
"Mr. Stark! So glad you could answer," the director greeted. "How's things going?"
"Quiet," Tony admitted. "Just been upgrading the Iron Suits for the possibility of another invasion. Gotta stay ahead of the game if we're to remain ahead of our enemies. What's the deal this time?"
"I need you to gather the Avengers at the Helicarrier for an important meeting," Fury replied brusquely.
"Is there another invasion imminent?" Tony asked.
"You could say that," Fury confirmed. "This one is going to require some extra help. I'll explain everything once we're all met up. Can I count on you to summon Captain America, Spider-man, War Machine, Rescue, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Hulk, Thor, Wanda, Black Panther and Doctor Strange to the Helicarrier as soon as possible?"
"I'll get right to it Nick," Stark replied. "Keep the engines running and everybody will be there in no time."
He hung up, the conversation requiring no further continuation. Now that was done, he turned to Vision.
"Send the message out, the Avengers need assembling again," he ordered. "Seems Fury has something big to tell us."
"I wonder what he meant by 'some extra help'" the android mused with interest. "Could there be more heroes we don't know about?"
"Maybe a miracle's happened and he's managed to convince the X-Men to join us. Or even the Defenders," Tony mused jokingly. "We'll see when we get to the Helicarrier. Send the call while I get suited up."
"At once Mr. Stark," Vision said obediently.
Daily Planet, Metropolis
Clark Kent, reporter, and secret identity of the legendary Superman, was sitting quietly at his desk, working on his next story, when his wife and co-worker Lois Lane came up.
"Clark."
Clark looked up. "Yes, Lois?"
Lois held out a letter. "A letter for you, from Bruce."
Clark took it, intrigued. While he and Bruce Wayne were good friends, Bruce didn't usually write to him for social reasons. There must be something serious happening.
"Been a while since I got any letters from him..." he mused smoothly as he opened the letter to have a read of it.
"Must be something important." Lois murmured, "Wonder what he's got this time?"
The letter said simply:
Clark
Gather everyone for a meeting under the moon tonight. Important matter to discuss.
Bruce
Clark knew what Bruce meant at once. He meant Clark, or rather Superman, was to gather the Justice League for a meeting at the Watchtower.
"Bruce wants the League to meet up at the Watchtower," he whispered to Lois, after making sure no one was nearby. "He says it's important."
"Since when would a meeting of the League NOT be important?" Lois joked.
Clark smiled. "Good point. Anyway, I'll need to get going as soon as possible."
"Take care, honey," Lois said.
"I will," Clark said, kissing her gently on the cheek.
He turned his attention back to his work. He would make it through the day as normal and when tonight arrived, he'd be up on the Watchtower to see what was going on. A part of him wondered what was happening and another part of him felt a sense of dread. Was something big coming again? Whatever it was, he would see to it that Earth was safe from whatever horror was coming once again. It was what the League did best after all...
The Helicarrier, later on that same day
Nick Fury was awaiting the Avengers' arrival. He hoped they'd all received Tony's message.
"Agent Hill, any incoming transmissions?" the one-eyed man asked curiously.
Maria Hill, one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most trusted and loyal operatives, was sat down at a control bank and monitoring all incoming transmissions to the Helicarrier. She turned to her director to answer his question.
"Just received one," she explained. "The Avengers are on their way. They'll be here shortly."
"Tony managed to get them all together. Just what we needed," Nick said, his voice neutral but containing a faint trace of relief in it. "Once they arrive, let them onboard."
"Of course," Maria replied.
On board the incoming Quinjet, most of the Avengers were gathered, awaiting the moment when they landed. Only Iron Man, Vision, Rescue and War Machine weren't aboard. They were flying alongside the jet.
Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America, watched as they neared the Helicarrier while Natasha Romanoff, or Black Widow, piloted.
"You okay, Steve?" she asked him.
"Yeah, just thinking," Steve replied. "I wonder what the emergency is this time."
"Hey, whatever it is, I doubt it'll be something we can't handle," Peter Parker, or Spider-Man, called from behind him.
"We've tackled many threats, that is true," Captain America acknowledged amusingly. "The Chitauri and Ultron are just such examples I can think of. And we came through those alive. With any luck, this mission won't be our last."
"If it is, then at least we'll just go out," Black Widow swore. "Better to die trying than not try at all."
She then switched on the communications device on her jet so she could radio the Helicarrier.
"Come in S.H.I.E.L.D., this is Natasha Romanoff of the Avengers. Requesting permission to board," the Russian woman spoke.
'Permission granted, Miss Romanoff,' Maria Hill replied from the other side of the mike. 'We're opening the docking bay up for you now.'
'I suppose that permission extends to us as well,' came Iron Man's voice over the mike.
'Of course, Iron Man,' Maria said, with a small chuckle.
The quinjet, accompanied by the three armoured heroes and Vision, moved slowly into the docking bay and touched down gently.
Stephen Strange, or Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, had been meditating during the journey. As they landed, he slowly opened his eyes and rose to his feet.
"You okay, doc?" Spider-Man asked.
"I sense a great evil," Doctor Strange replied, "an evil like nothing we've seen before."
"What do you see?" Captain America wondered concernedly. "Or at least, sense?"
"It's a vague image," Strange admitted. "But cryptic... it seems to indicate two great evils join forces to bring ruination to Earth. One familiar and one very different..."
The Avengers looked at each other with concern in their eyes. This didn't sound very good at all. Two evils teaming up? One familiar and one new? They really didn't have any idea what they were up against!
"Oh boy... this thing just suddenly got more nerve racking!" Spider-Man shivered.
"You say one is familiar and one's very different," Black Widow acknowledged. "Why is one of the evils familiar? Is it an evil we've faced before?"
"Hard to tell for now, but I believe it's something the Guardians of the Galaxy warned us about once," Doctor Strange murmured.
"Hang on, you mean, it could be this... Thanos being they mentioned?" Thor asked.
"Possibly..." Strange replied. "We'll soon see..."
None of the Avengers said anything more as they disembarked from the jet. Together with Iron Man, Vision, Rescue and War Machine, they made their way to the control room to meet with Director Fury.
The man in the long leather coat rose from his seat as Earth's Mightiest Heroes filed into the room and stood patiently before him, waiting for him to speak. Fury turned to greet them, keeping his composure dignified to show that this was a serious matter.
"Avengers," he acknowledged.
"Director," Captain America replied politely.
"Thank you all for coming," Fury said. "And on record time too. We're gonna need you all together for quite possibly, the biggest alliance of a lifetime. I've got word that two godly entities are possibly forming an alliance together. One is Thanos, whom we've been warned of before, and the other is a new threat named Darkseid."
Doctor Strange gasped. "So my vision was correct," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. The other Avengers did, however, share his concern.
"We've never encountered the latter before," Fury continued, "but another team of heroes has. I trust you know of the Justice League?"
The rest of the Avengers looked at one another with interest. They had a feeling they knew where this was going.
"Hang on, are we gonna be teaming up... with the Justice League?!" Spider-Man cried excitedly, "THE Justice League?!"
"There's no other Justice League," Fury retorted, a hint of a smile on his face. "If we're to take down the combined threats of Thanos and Darkseid, we'll need to team up in order to defeat them. We'll be taking the Helicarrier to their orbital base, The Watchtower, now."
"I can imagine the press right now..." Iron Man murmured, "Two superhero teams combine into one! So what do we call ourselves, the Justice Avengers or something?"
"We'll see if the League likes that name," Fury said with a smirk, "Hang tight everybody, we're going into space."
The Helicarrier began to rise higher into the sky towards space, the Avengers all quickly settling into chairs as it did so.
The Watchtower, Earth orbit
The Watchtower was a space station where the Justice League would watch for any potential threats possibly coming from the cosmos as well as watching for any trouble down on the surface. It was also where the JL met up for important meetings.
Batman, Nightwing, Robin and Batgirl arrived at the Watchtower via the Slideways teleporter to find the rest of the Justice League waiting for them: Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, the Flash, Supergirl, Red Tornado, Cyborg, Aquaman, Mera, Firestorm, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Zatanna, the Atom, Captain Marvel, Plastic Man, Steel and Blue Beetle.
"You gathered us all here, Batman," Wonder Woman noted. "Superman told us you sent him a note to gather us here on the Watchtower. What's the occasion?"
"It must be serious if the entire League is here," The Flash acknowledged.
"It couldn't be more-so," Batman answered cryptically.
He took his place at the table and pressed a button to set up a hologram for the entire League to see. A chorus of gasps arose as they all realised what they were seeing. The image was of Darkseid, standing formally with his arms behind his back. Nobody looked angrier than the two Kryptonians sitting at the table. Their faces were contorted with rage.
"Him again?!" Supergirl growled furiously. "Darkseid's got a nerve thinking about coming here after what happened to him last time!"
"It's not just him we're dealing with," Batman said grimly. "I've had contact with a man named Nick Fury, the man in charge of the organization S.H.I.E.L.D., and he has knowledge about another godly warlord named Thanos, whom we have reason to believe, might be teaming up with Darkseid."
"Two gods teaming together... nothing could be more dire," Martian Manhunter murmured, his voice grave.
"Darkseid on his own is tough enough but Darkseid teaming with ANOTHER godly entity?!" Wonder Woman exclaimed, "I can see why we're all needed here..."
"It'll require of all our strengths combined to take down such a cosmic threat," Red Tornado agreed.
"Even with all of us, we may not be enough," Batman said grimly. "Which is why me and Director Fury have come up with an idea of forming an alliance."
"You mean you've allied us with S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Jon Stewart asked curiously.
"Not just S.H.I.E.L.D," Nightwing put in. "The Avengers themselves. They've decided it's time Earth's biggest organisations of heroes came together, as one force for good."
The entire Justice League all murmured amongst each other with polite interest. Such a team up would make history for not just them, but the whole world!
"I would happily welcome The Avengers's assistance," Superman said with a welcoming smile on his face. "I'm open to any and all offers for help from anybody anywhere in the world."
"I second that notion!" Aquaman cried enthusiastically. "The more help Earth can get, the better! It'd be an honour to fight alongside another team of distinguished heroes."
"So where are The Avengers now?" Flash asked casually. "On their way?"
"They should be arriving any moment soon," Batman answered. "Fury called ahead to let me know they were heading for the Watchtower when I arrived."
At that moment, the radar began beeping. A craft was approaching the Watchtower; and it was a big one. It looked like a aircraft carrier but it was flying. It had helicopter blades, two at the front, two at the back, though it was mainly jet engines at the back propelling it, given there was no air in space.
"Is that them now?" Martian Manhunter asked.
"Yes, it is," Batman replied. "That's the Helicarrier."
"Crikey, that's one big ship!" Flash remarked. "Let's hope it doesn't scratch anything when it docks."
Then, a voice came over the communication array.
'Justice League, this is Agent Maria Hill of S.H.I.E.L.D. requesting permission to dock the Helicarrier with the Watchtower.'
Martian Manhunter activated his comm. link to respond.
"Agent Hill, this is Martian Manhunter of the Justice League; permission granted. Just take care while doing so, please."
There was silence as the Helicarrier began its docking procedure. The hangar doors of the Watchtower opened up, inviting the huge vessel in. Steering the Helicarrier steadily, Maria Hill and her fellow pilots guided the Helicarrier inside the satellite base, taking care not to hit anything inside. Hill already took notice of some of the Justice League's smaller vessels that the Watchtower contained such as The Javelin, a bat-themed rocket that was presumably Batman's, a faint outline visible from the lights shining on it, suggesting an invisible aircraft of some kind and a few others. She had to admit, the League was very much like S.H.I.E.L.D., full of resources and well equipped.
"Looks like Fury had the right idea allying with these guys," she noted approvingly.
The Helicarrier hovered above the spot it was due to land in, slowly descending down as the propellers began to slow. The whole League arrived just in time to watch the magnificent ship touch down, the sound of engines growing quieter as the ship landed. Green Arrow whistled, clearly impressed at the sight of it.
"Flying aircraft carrier. We could do with something like that!" he wondered.
"I'm sure you've got the money to make one," Batman retorted, a faint twitch of a smile on his face.
The docking ramp of the Helicarrier lowered and the Justice League watched as the Avengers themselves stepped down from their vessel into their base. There was something quite exhilarating about seeing another group of famed heroes like them in person, a feeling shared by the Avengers as they took sight of the Justice League. Superman and Captain America stepped forward, volunteering to be the ones to welcome the teams together. It was a sight beyond legendary for everyone onboard. A sight of two true American patrons together in one room, about to exchange greetings. Superman and Captain America stood formally for a moment before shaking hands.
"Pleasure to welcome the Avengers aboard," Superman greeted. "I'm Superman, obviously. You must be Captain America."
"That's correct," the WWII veteran confirmed. "I lead the Avengers. It's an honour to meet the Man of Steel himself. Many of us look up to you Superman."
"I'm glad to hear." the Kryptonian replied humbly. "And we've been impressed at the heroics that the Avengers have carried out around the world. We congratulate you for your efforts in stopping the invasion of New York and the attack of Ultron. I would also like to say, Captain America, that your actions during World War II were truly amazing, and were actually an inspiration for me."
"Thank you," Captain America said, amazed that he had an inspiration to SUPERMAN of all people. "S.H.I.E.L.D. in turn thanks you for preventing the destruction of Metropolis by stopping the Kryptonian invasion and banding together to take down the entity known as "Steppenwolf". Like us, you've done well in saving all of humanity, Justice League."
Everybody watched this pleasant greeting with pleasure and interest. The first contact between Avenger and Leaguer and it was going better than any could've expected.
"Well greeted," Batman cut in. "But we must get to the point. Is Director Fury with you?" he asked, addressing Captain America.
"He came with us," the captain replied, turning to Fury, who was standing patiently with the others and waiting for his turn. "Director?"
"Of course, Captain," Fury nodded, stepping forward and shaking hands with Batman and Superman. "Me and Batman were the ones who brought everybody together. It only makes sense we should be the ones to fully explain why this alliance is necessary."
Superman turned to Nick Fury. "We've been informed of your suspicions that Darkseid has joined with another evil Titan named Thanos, Director Fury."
"I'm glad to hear that," Fury replied. "Is there a conference room where we can discuss this further?"
"It's this way," Batman answered.
The two teams proceeded to the conference room, which had a spectacular view of the Earth below. Spider-Man was utterly amazing.
"Wow! What a view!" he said. "Now I know how it feels to be an astronaut flying above the Earth!"
"Well, technically, you are one now," Superman said, as he sat down at the table. He gestured to the seat next to him. "Captain America, over here."
"Thanks," Cap said, "but what about the rest of the League?"
"You're our guests, Star Spangled Man," Martian Manhunter replied, "you deserve good comfort."
Cap smiled as he settled into the chair. Some other Avengers and Leaguers joined him; the rest remained standing. Nick Fury and Batman took their places at the head of the table.
"Well, I am glad we are here," Fury said. "Now, to business."
"As you have no doubt all been informed, we could be facing a threat like never before," Batman said, "the combined might of two evil titans: Thanos and Darkseid!"
The two black-clad heroes projected images of the two god-like deities for their respective teams to see. The Justice League were already familiar with Darkseid and the image of him earned a few scornful glares and frowns. The Avengers all shifted uncomfortably at the sight of Thanos's image and then both teams regarded the other enemy. It was striking as to how similar the two looked to one another. It was almost as if they were meant to be parallels of each other.
"Look at the grey guy in blue! He almost looks like an alternate version of Thanos!" Spider-Man exclaimed.
"The similarities between them is striking," Martian Manhunter agreed.
Batman and Fury then took the next moment or two to explain to the opposite teams about each villain so the Avengers would be more up to speed on Darkseid, and the Justice League would know more about Thanos. The Justice League, like Batman, shuddered at the idea of Thanos killing countless people across the universe; and the Avengers felt Darkseid might as well be the Devil himself!
"All in all though, they're more or less the same in many ways, and equally as dangerous," Batman finished, his voice grave.
"That's why we decided it was time both our teams met," Fury explained. "Together, we may have a chance of taking down these two gods. The fate of the Earth, and perhaps the whole universe, is in the hands of everybody in this room as of now..."
There was a long silence; Avengers and Leaguers looking at each other tentatively. Finally, Iron Man broke the silence.
"I just have one question," he said, "is this a permanent alliance or is this one of those things where we part ways afterwards?"
Everyone looked at him, slightly surprised.
"I'm just curious, that's all," he said defensively. "Isn't that often how it is? We team up to fight a common threat, and then divide once it's over?"
"Is this really something worth joking over?" Batman said. "This isn't a game, Iron Man. This is serious."
Iron Man frowned.
"I know this is serious, Batman," he said calmly. "This is just my way of dealing with the stress of all."
"Yeah, some of us can be that way too," Captain Marvel said.
"But in answer to your question; yes, this is a permanent alliance, Iron Man," Batman said. "I see no reason why we should divide ourselves after this is over. We're all defenders of this planet, after all."
"I can agree on that," Iron Man said, smiling.
Superman stood. "I agree too, Iron Man! We must stand together, united as one!" And he extended his hand, palm down. Everyone knew what he meant at once.
"United as one!" Iron Man agreed, laying his hand on Superman's.
"UNITED AS ONE!" everybody else cried out, extending their hands, some laying them on top of each other.
"You too, Fury," Captain America said. "You're just as much a member of this team as the rest of us."
Fury extended his own hand and placed it on top of everyone else's.
"Then it is officially agreed," he said. "As of now, we are, and always will be, the Justice Avengers of Earth!"
The alliance was formed, a moment that would make history forever. The Justice League and the Avengers were all one. And any threat to the Earth would feel their wrath. Earth would be safe with these two legendary teams together at last...
Epilogue:
Sanctuary, thousands of light years away
"So we are agreed then, Thanos," said Darkseid, ruler of Apokolips. "I help you gather these six Infinity Stones, so you can halve the universe, and in turn, you will help me solve the Anti-Life Equation."
"You have my word, Darkseid," Thanos purred, holding out a huge hand for his partner to shake. "What is it those mortals usually say? You scratch my back, I scratch yours, am I right?"
"I'd prefer not to lower myself to the standards of mortals by quoting their ridiculous metaphors," Darkseid retorted, shaking Thanos's hand. "I prefer to say 'You help a god, a god helps you'."
"That does sound better," Thanos agreed. "So when do we begin our assault?"
The grey-skinned New God's lips curled into a smile that could freeze the blood of anyone who saw it.
"Immediately..." was his reply.
THE BEGINNING...
