Hello once again my ever lovely peeps!
Ok i know i said i was going to have one more chapter before we get into the Avengers Arc, but i had to split this chapter in two, due to how big this is going to be and because i want to get something done before i go to work this week. Not to mention, finally finished the house, so i want another win for today.
So here we go, the repercussions of Xero's actions in saving Bucky and making Fury aware that HYDRA is not only alive but very active. Also very important notice, so i'll say it here:
IMPORTANT NOTE!
READ IT!
Recently i have created a new story, one called:
"To Shape Your Own Destiny" a spin off story of this one. One where, if Lilith was still alive and Xero never had the "12 year sickness" so he was raised by his mother and the Chaldea quest never happened, as the Mazoku's are the last of the Magus on Earth. So if people wonder if just one small change can make a difference, the answer is yes.
Yes it is.
Iv'e also made another one called,"When Worlds Collide" one where Xero failed not just humanity. but Olga, Roman and even Mash. But that's all you're getting, so lets do this. I don't own Fate or Marvel.
So please read, review and "What the fuc-BOOM"
Chapter 15: A Stark Birthday Part 1
"Three weeks."
Xero thought to himself, as he leaned over the railing on the balcony of Tony's penthouse inside Stark tower. It was nighttime in New York, so the city was alight with the lights of all the city buildings. Xero himself was wearing a simple AC/DC shirt that Tony got him, and a pair of gray sweat pants. He had let his hair down, so it billowed out in the wind freely,"Hard to believe it's been only three weeks since all the crazy shit happened and now things are going back to being semi-normal. Well semi-normal for me anyway."
Yes, it's nearly been three weeks since Xero helped Venom stop Riot and saved his friend, Bucky.
Natasha had been able to keep Bucky under, till they got him to Da Vinic. The buxom woman in turn, had put Bucky inside a cryostasis tube of sorts, that would enable her to remove what it was, that allowed HYDRA to control the old man. It took an entire day and night to remove it all. But thankful with Tony's advanced tech and the fact Servants don't need to sleep, eat or even rest allowed her to remove all the things inside Bucky without incident.
Plus, given the fact she was using magic, only made the process much smoother for the older man.
While this was happening, Xero confronted Eddie on what he was going to do next. Eddie had lost his job and had been barely making it by for the past six mouths True he now had Venom but what good would he do, if Eddie had no means to make money? When the older man said he'd be getting back into the reporting business again, doing it on his own this time around, Tony offered to help the man fanatical.
Eddie tried to decline Tony's offer but after much pushing, probing and just flat out not taking 'no' for an answer, Eddie agreed.
With that in mind, Tony and Eddie set up how they were going to do it, while Xero watched Bucky inside the cryostasis. All the while, Leo got rid of what HYDRA put in him. Despite all that happened, the fact Bucky was alive, threw him for a loop.
Really Xero still had a hard time getting over the fact that his friend, the one he believed he failed, was in fact still alive. Given all that he's seen and done, it said something. While yes, admittedly the older man was semi-stable at the moment, but with a couple of visits to Charles and they would be able to help Bucky put his mind back together.
It's a slow process but it was coming along very well.
It really, truly amazed Xero how Bucky was able to handle the news of what happened in the past seventy years. How the fact, he was not only seventy years in the future itself but under HYDRA's control for so long,
He took it pretty well.
Flashback
"I think i'm going to throw up."
Ok, maybe not so well after all.
Bucky groaned, as he sat on the stainless steel bed, inside Da Vinic's lab. Leonardo had her lab set up similar to how she had her workshop set up in Chaldea, with Tony adding his own touches to Leo's workshop, adding more of a futuristic look.
The lab had simple layout's of tables, with three D images on top of the tables. Alongside the walls, were wooden cabinets that had a number of colorful vials of liquid. Each vial had a green, blue, purple, yellow, red and even orange. On the left side of the room, were various blue pages, written on them were many different designs and blueprints for several different things.
Da Vinic was sitting on a comfy, rolling chair so she could roll wherever she liked without having to get up.
Barnes had just gotten out of the tube, with Leo help him onto the bed, so she could make sure he was alright and HYDRA didn't leave any nasty surprise's for him. He was lucid enough to know who he was, who Xero was but didn't remember everything. His mind was like scrambled eggs with his brain being the eggs in this case.
Which wasn't a good thing but it's a good start.
Wordless, Xero grabbed a trash can and thrust it in front of Bucky, who quickly grabbed it and empty his stomach contents into it. Tony made a grotesque face at the sound of vomit, as did Da Vinic and Pepper but otherwise said nothing. They knew, if they were in Barns shoes, they'd do the same as him.
"Snort. Disgusting."
"True. But you can't blame him."
Also inside the room, were Xero's self-proclaimed bodyguards, Artoria Alter Pendragon the four star Alter Lancer and Okita Alter an Alter Ego Servant and a five star class Servant.
The altered Lancer class Servant was certainly a beauty to behold. Artoria was in her final form, as Xero had finally gotten enough rest and his magical core and circuits had finally be repaired and fully refuled. After his fight with Bucky, about two days ago, Semiramis and Morgan had forced Xero to rest. The two had helped their master get back to 100% by pooling their knowledge of the magical arts and restored Xero to his old self.
Given the fact their master simply couldn't find the time to rest and allow his mana recharged, and seeing as chaos seems to follow him around like a puppy, they decide to replenish his mana with their own. Seeing as they had "independent" skill, they could supply their master with mana no problem.
While not all Servants had such a skill, Karna being a prime example of that, those that did allowed them to fight better. It also allowed Xero to fight as he wished and not have to hinder himself with constantly supplying ALL his Servants with mana. Seeing as he had to split his attention between supplying them mana, giving them orders AND fighting was quite tricky.
Taking you're eyes off an enemy for one second, could mean the difference between life and death.
Plus, given how many he has under contract, it was a blessing.
In any case, Artoria was an unusual tall woman, standing at 5'11 foot tall with pale skin and equally pale blonde hair and golden eyes. Her...outfit if you want to call it that, was nothing more then a black, skimpy leotard with the bottom half of her massive tits. She wore black/purple dragonic armor on her slim shoulder, arms and lower legs. On her head was a "Crown" of sorts, that was colored the same as her armor and looked like spikes on her head.
It wasn't difficult to see why this woman was called,"The King Of Storms."
Blunt, curt with her words and straight to the point kind of woman, Xero was one of the rare few that got to see her softer side. But pray no one makes her angry, otherwise you'll find out why she is called, the King of STORMS.
Both his enemies and even some of Xero's more...clingy Servants found that out, the hard way. Okita Alter was another tall woman, standing about 5'9 with dark skin and golden eyes. She, like Artoria Lancer, was a busty woman that wore a black and white japanese styled haori. The haori had whote ribbons on her shoulders, with white spacers on her stomach downward with black and gold high thigh boots. Her long, white hair had reached past her taunt back and reached her knees.
She, like Artoira Alter Lancer was a stoic woman to the point of emotionless at times. That is not to say she is unkind, was just general neutral to everything and everyone. But she has her morals, even if she is still the "Hitwoman that kills anything" like her original self.
The two Servants had come of their own volition when they heard Bucky would be waking up very soon. Despite their master's protests, the two Altered Servants came away.
Just in case Barnes went "Winter Soldier" on everyone again. Xero trusted Leo's word, if she said Bucky was fine then that was good enough for him.
Artoria and Otika however...
Not so much.
"So, it's in my scientific opinion, that is super gross."
Da Vinic said, with a snicker. Looking like the painting she was so famous for, Leonardo is a very beautiful woman. With dark brown hair reaching her lower back, light skin and blue eyes it would make anyone stop and give her a double look over. She, like the other two Servants, was a busty woman and her shirt did nothing to hide that fact. As she wore a brown vest, with a blue undershirt that allowed a look at her deep cleavage. She had a metal armored glove on her right hand, that had studded green gems on it, a blue skirt and she wore blue stockings on her mile long legs.
Xero merely ignored them, as he rubbed his friend's back, as he threw up what was in his stomach. Given he hadn't eaten anything since 1945, there wasn't much for him to throw up.
So really, it was just stomach fluid, which reinforced Da Vinic's earlier statement:
It was super gross.
"So, our boy good? All that icky and gross HYDRA thingy removed and out of Mr. Freeze here?"
Tony asked, as he eyed Barns warily. He'd see how deadly the man fought and knew, if he wanted to, the soldier could snap Tony in half with his bare hands. He would have wore his armor but he trusted his son and said son trusted the Caster, so if they said Barns was good, then that was good enough for him.
Leo nodded at Tony questioning, as she rolled towards the side of the room,"Our boy's good. Physical speaking of course, as while i am a genius in many fields, the mind is sadly not one of them. But even i could tell, his brain is basically scrambled eggs and it will take A LOT of work to get his mind all sorted out. Though given what i seen, it'll be easier then we originally thought. Thank god for small mercies."
The buxom woman sent Bucky a sad smile, as he finally, FINALLY stopped emptying his stomach contents and looked at Xero for a couple of seconds, before asking in a very small and frightened tone,"Oh god Crypto, what did i do?"
"Enough."
Crypto aka Xero said, as he sighed heavily, as the older man looked like he was going to be sick again. But he was able to hold it, as he looked at Xero,"How...how'd you get them out? How'd you stop me?"
Xero merely smiled at his long lost friend and tapped his head.
"How else? You were being such a hard head, i had to remind you who was more hard headed."
The teen said with a light laugh, as despite the situation, Barnes found himself cracking his own smile. Leave it to Crypto to make light of any serious situation but he needed a good laugh and laughing was helping a lot. That fact made the two Altered Servants frown even deeper, they knew their master had a tendency to joke around, snark and even make friends/allies with those who originally wish to kill him.
Gorgon being a prime example of that fact, but this is different.
Gorgon was a Servant, an Avenger class Servant so being hateful and nasty and wanting to kill Xero at first, was to be expected of her. It was quite literary her nature as an Avenger to be hateful, so the fact he was able to pierce the walls she had put up around her heart, was an achievement in on itself. Plus they did kind stop her and they did kinda kill her on the Demonic Front. So naturally she'd be a little upset, anyone would be. But Barns, while an old friend had been CONTROLLED by HYDRA. As in, he had no choice and while the two had faith in Da Vinic.
But in that's were the problem lined.
Xero felt guilt for what happened to Bucky and was willing to believe anything, if that meant he could save his friend. Even believing his old friend had been mind controlled, unwilling to entertain the idea that maybe, just maybe Bucky had WILLINGLY worked for HYDRA. As their master's( Due note they appointed themselves, with no one's consent) bodyguards, it was their job to ensure their shared master(And love interest) is safe.
Wherever he liked it or not.
Guilt can blind a man and Xero had a lot of guilt. The Chaldea quest and war across time had taken a toll on their master, making Xero blinded to certain things. Sure he was jaded, despite how he acted and he hated both politics and the government with a passion, it was no real surprise. It didn't help his body was basically reset every time he completed a singularity, which really fucked with both his aging and hormones, he became both a simple yet complex person.
He won't act the way, many others would act in certain situations and his reaction to it, is completely unpredictable. But in some cases, Xero could act very irrational and for all his genius in engineering, science, along with all his experiences go right out the window.
Such as now:
An old friend returning form the dead, who came back as an enemy could STILL be an enemy. So IF Bucky really WAS completely and utterly under control by HYDRA, then the duo would refrain form any attempted killings.
While Xero was willing to give the man a benefit of a doubt, Artoria Alter and Otika Alter weren't. Back to Xero and Bucky, the older man looked around and then finally noticed Tony standing at the doorway.
"Howard?"
Bucky blurted out, as he stared wide eyed at the older Stark. Tony frowned and said,"Yeah, no. Jury's out on how well this guy is, since i'm not my dad. Plus i'm way better looking then he ever was."
"Dad?"
Bucky's head swerve around, looking between his friend and the older man that looked like Howard wasn't and his son? Just what was going on here?
"Crypto, what the hell is going on?"
Xero sighed, as he looked at his friend and said,"First off Buck, my real name isn't Crypto, it's Xero. Xero Mazoku/Stark, this man is Tony Stark and he is my father."
Xero held his hand up for the universal sign to stay silent, as Bucky opened his mouth. The man looked like he wanted to ask a million questions, as his face showed it as well, his mouth couldn't stay closed and his brows kept furrowing. Seeing that Barnes was going to stay silent, Xero silently sat down next to his friend and said simply,"My friend, WE have A LOT to catch up on."
Bucky did nothing more then look at Xero for a few seconds, before he said,"Well i'm not going anywhere for a while."
"Yeah, i didn't think so."
Xero said, nodding his head. This was going to take a while.
Flashback End
And it did!
It took quite a while to explain everything to the older man. More then once did Xero have to stop, as Bucky looked like he was going to fall over in pure shock. Though honestly, the funniest reaction Xero got out of Bucky was when he revealed that the one who got all of what HYDRA put in him out of him, was THE Leonardo Da Vinci.
Of course, Tony reaction was a simple:
"Good god, you're a woman!"
The elder Stark spent the rest of the day, complaining and wondering how the hell he didn't see it before. He even commented on how Da Vinic looks just like her famous painting, which said woman smiled quite proudly at. As for Bucky, his reaction to her was to just stare at her with wide eyes and say,"How in the hell's bells did they mess up the fact you're a woman and not a man?!"
Personally Xero wondered the same thing.
Though it was even funnier, when Nightingale offered to help Bucky recover. Originally he agreed but once he heard the words "amputation" when she was muttering under her breath, he made sure to stay ten feet away form her. The fact Barnes used Xero as a human shield, whenever Nightingale tried to "Help" Buck made everyone watching, have a good laugh.
The medic didn't take the rejection very well and the only one crazy enough to try and stop the healing Berserker was Beowolf.
Gudako was happy to lend a helping hand. But not before she nearly broke Bucky's back with her (In)famous 'death hugs'.
Though it would only be an hour later, did Fury decide to come by and wanted to know what Xero's plan was to deal with HYDRA. Now that he was aware of them, he understood the teen's reasoning for attacking so many 'random targets' many of which, were actually HYDRA agents. Along with some of the worst humanity had to offer, Fury wanted to have Xero work for him in order to take down HYDRA.
Seeing as the report form Romanoff clearly stated Barnes WAS under HYDRA's control, Fury didn't even bother to ask. The man had been enough hell as it is and Fury believed he more then earned his rest.
But he knew HYDRA wasn't going to take losing their best 'soldier' lightly. They would come after Xero with everything they had and Fury wanted to be one step ahead of them, this time. With Xero's help and by that extension Tony's and his Servants help as well.
At the very least, have the Grimm Reaper work with SHIELD, so they could not only keep an eye on him but the director of SHIELD believed they could do the world a lot of good. That is not to say the younger Stark wasn't doing good on his own, he was doing a lot of good in the world. That fact made Fury want to help, as Xero had unknowingly gone after some of SHIELD's most wanted.
Yet again, Xero or his persona, The Grimm Reaper had given his organization another black eye. But unlike a regular one, what Xero was doing is a double edge sword. He's helping SHIELD and the world but is also making SHIELD look incompetent. Something that pissed off Fury's superior but the dark skinned man couldn't find it in himself to care.
The Reaper was doing what Fury has been wanting to do for a long time and now that he's got the chance to help the Reaper. He wasn't going to pass up the chance. No matter what his boss's said.
However Xero's answer shocked the hell out of all those present at the time.
Flashback
"WHAT?! You want to do nothing?!"
Xero sighed, as he stuck a finger in his ear, trying to stop it form ringing form Fury's yelling. God could the man be any louder?
He wasn't the only one shocked, as Pepper, Tony, Bucky, Rhodey, Phil, Maria and even Asoka, the 'face' of the three star Assassin class Servant, Hassan Of The Hundred Personas. Which was shocking, as the Assassin was well known for NOT showing any emotion. Mash, Olga and Mordred Pendragon, a five star Saber and the Knight Of Betrayal.
Mordred, like her 'father' had blonde hair, green eyes and light skin. She cut a petite but muscular figure. Standing at 5'6 foot tall, with her hair tied in a red band, she wore a mostly revealing outfit of a white tube top, red jacket, light blue short shorts and combat boots.
The Servants were in the room as well and while they didn't yell, they looked just as shocked at Xero's response.
"If you're done yelling..."
Xero said, after a few minutes waiting for his ears to stop ringing. He cleaned his ears again, making sure his hearing was alright, before he looked at Fury and said,"You haven't known me for long but you should know there is always a method to my madness. As such, i DO have a plan to deal with HYDRA, you just won't let me explain it."
"Then explain away."
Fury all but growled, as he roughly took a sit across form the younger Stark. Asako, Mash, Olga and Mordred looked like they wanted to object too but they knew their master for a long time now. There was indeed always a method to his madness but that didn't change the fact, his answer was shocking.
"Look Xero, i trust you, your my friend and i owe you my life. But please tell me you aren't just going to let HYDRA get away with what they've done?"
Bucky had all but pleaded with the teen, as said teen looked insulted,"Buck...you know me better then that. There is NO WAY in hell, i'm going to let them get away with what they've done. Make no mistake of that, we just need to be smart about it."
"Okay, that i like the sound of."
Rhodey said nodding his head in agreement and speaking for the first time. Rhodey was an African american man, with short, black hair and dark eyes. He wore a simple gray T-shirt with a pair of blue jeans and white shoes. Despite sitting down, he was a tall man, a bit on the lanky side but was well muscled and had long arms and legs.
Phil nodded his head in agreement with the man known as War Machine and said,"Agreed. While no plan survives contact with the enemy, having one makes things easier. Especially when dealing with an organization as sophisticated and skilled as HYDRA."
Rhodey then looked at Tony's son and asked,"Alright Xero, if you got a plan we're eager to hear it."
Waiting to make sure he had everyone's attention, Xero looked at Mash and said,"Mash, be a dear and remind me, what is it that HYDRA agents are fond of saying?"
The pink haired girl blinked and thought for a couple of seconds, before answering.
"They say, Cut off one head, two more grow back."
"Exactly."
Xero nodded, as he looked at Fury and said,"That's why i'm NOT going to cut off there heads. I plan to place a nose around their necks and Choke Them."
"Choke them?"
Maria Hill asked in confusion. She is a woman of avenger height, with brown hair tied in a tight bun, light skin and brown eyes. Her outfit was a standard SHIELD suit, dark blue with the logo on her shoulder.
"Master, you don't mean..."
Asako asked slowly, as she quickly caught onto what Xero meant. Asako, like Serenity was a dark skinned woman, unusually dark. Though contrast to her skin tone, she had bright blue hair that was tied in a high pony tail and grey eyes. The Assassin of the Hassan clan stood about 5'7 foot tall, with a lean body but a strong six pack on her stomach. She wore a simple black strips to cover her perky C-cup breasts and a pair of black combat pants and shoes. She had a loan kunai on her right hip.
While she was shocked her master was going, that route, she was all for it. That particular route is something Assassin's specialist in.
The other Servants eyes widen, evidently catching onto what the Assassin was getting at. Olga and Mash faces soon turned stoned, as they nodded in understanding, while Mordred looked conflicted but ultimately nodded in agreement. What her master was planning, DID go against her morals and her honor as a Knight, she knew it was for the best.
Mordred was the type of person to just charge into battle with no plan. Just beat the enemy into submission or destroy them, that was her way of fighting. Not sneaky around and hiding in the shadows. The strategy her master was planning to put into action, in order to take down HYDRA for good was basically fighting a Shadow War.
"As much as i like to say there is another way, i do believe my lord is right in this case."
With a flash of sliver light, the three star Rider class Servant, Ushiwakamaru appeared. Despite being revered as a genius swordswoman and a master tactician, Ushiwakamaru has the appearance of an already developing eleven year old girl. She had fair skin, dark purple eyes and black hair that was tied in a pony tail, that had a black bow holding it up and reaching past her knee's on her 5'4 foot height.
She wore black and sliver samurai shoulder guards, knee guards, a pair of baggy pants and a pair of blue panties. The only thing keeping her modesty hidden were the side guards, covering her small breasts. The small girl looked at Fury and spoke, in a stoic yet cold tone,"Of course, my lord wouldn't have to implore such tactics if you had only done your jobs. Though naturally, it's to be expected. The so called 'super spy' couldn't see the REAL danger before it was too late. So tell me, Director how many lives have you lost, before my lord had to step in and do you're job for you?"
"Excuse me but who are you to judge me?"
Fury all but growled, as the new arrival had blatantly insulted and attacked his person. He didn't know what the girl's problem was, but he didn't like her callous attitude and the way she was looking down at him, despite the height difference. While Tony, Pepper, Maria, Bucky, Rhodey and Phil looked at her with shock the Servants(And Xero) only groaned at Ushiwakamaru words.
Once again, it was a known fact that many Servants had a screw or two lose in their heads. Some a little more crazy then others and some can be outright nut cases. Ushiwakamaru was one such Servant that was... a little crazy.
Make no mistake, she lived up to her legend and had helped Xero get out of quite a few scarps with her genius mind. But the girl was, what one would call "a faithful dog with a broken brake." She is faithful, bright and friendly to everyone, but somewhere inside her head, she is missing a screw... no, it becomes unclear of its whereabouts.
Or if it was ever there to began with.
Her talents sublimated up to its utmost limits and her extraordinary loyalty becomes intertwined, and her Master (Aka himself) comes to take notice that"this unthinkable genius who, without thinking, is just unreasonably and quickly becoming emotionally attached to me for no real reason" won't understand why and might harbor fear at that characteristic.
Basically, the Rider class Servant is emotionally dependent on Xero. Something that he's learned how to deal with, as he's got plenty of Servants that depended on him for more then just mana and did his best to handle the Rider best he could.
You could say, Xero is basically their personal therapist.
While it's true Ushiwakamaru is a cool-headed subordinate, she is also a person that draws from the blood of the Minamoto clan, a clan of which has the origin of the word "ruler" in the past. Because of this, she is only a faithful dog towards her Master, and will display a sadistic and cold-hearted side to anyone except said Master.
This is proven, given how Ushiwakamaru treats her subordinates in a demonic manner. "Die so you can make an easy place for me to fight. That is your role."
Needless to say, Xero was a little more then concern about how easily Ushiwakamaru said that and without a hint of remorse in her voice. He knew of her lore, that her humanity was poorly tempered by war and given how she was raised and treated, it came as no surprise. Thus he made it a point to keep her roles simple. Unlike her, the master of Chaldea valued the lives of his troops/subordinates and did everything he could to keep them alive. But he knew that victory couldn't be achieved without sacrifice and knew it was unavoidable.
But that didn't mean he would willing throw away the lives of his subordinates so carelessly.
Thankful however, this kind of attitude only showed itself on the battlefield. Off the battlefield, the Rider was very kind, enthusiastic person, willing to do anything to help her friends and lord, but she has low self esteem issues.
Something he was still working on.
"Despite her words, this is you're own fault."
Olga said, cutting off the Rider's response, as the Caster spoke up before a fight could break out. Her answer made Fury throw a glare at her but she pressed on,"It was YOU who allowed HYDRA to grow under you're nose and within SHIELD. While yes, the leaders before you is equally at fault, if not more so but it doesn't change the fact, if master didn't start attacking HYDRA would you have noticed them before it was too late?"
Fury stayed silent.
As much as he wanted to disagree, maybe even yell a little at the two Servants, the words they spoke held nothing but truth to them. By the time he would have noticed HYDRA, chances are it would have already been far too late. He just didn't like how rude the Rider was towards him. Being the Director of SHIELD, he was used to being both feared and respected by everyone.
So to be so openly disrespected and dare he say, mocked, by a girl that wasn't even half his size was very insulting. At least the white haired woman was a little more nicer about it and did point out some very good points.
It wasn't entirely HIS FAULT HYDRA had dug there way so deeply into society. His predecessor's were also at fault, allowing HYDRA to infiltrate and grow like a parasite within SHIELD itself. However, unlike them, he had a chance to stop whatever they had planned.
For good this time.
"Alright i get it."
Fury finally spoke, in a much softer tone, shocking his subordinates. Fury had only ever spoken in a strong, commanding voice, never once showing weakness or fear in anything. This showed just how shaken the director of SHIELD was to hear the Servants accusations against him.
All of which, were very much true.
"I screwed up and many people have payed the price for it. My own, yours, everyone but believe me, if i had any idea that HYDRA was still active, i would have dealt with them."
"True, but it's not too late Fury."
Xero spoke up, making Fury's one good eye, look into Xero's own amethyst,"We haven't know each other very long. That's a given but we need to trust one another. HYDRA is active, it's inside SHIELD and has no doubt infected the government itself. Along with a number of other organizations, ones that i have taken down personally, but it's not enough. I take one out, two more bases show up, taking their place. But every time i think i get close to figuring out who's an enemy and who isn't, they slip form my grasp."
Xero sighed, running a hand down his face, looking at Fury,"I'll be honest director, even I don't know how far HYDRA's gotten up the chain of command. So, before i discuss my plan, i need to know...will you trust me?"
Fury just looked at the younger Stark like he'd grow a second head. Everyone waited with battered breath, wondering just what the super spy would response, as Xero all but pleaded with the director to trust him. Finally Fury spoke,"The last time i trusted someone, i lost an eye. Do you honestly expect me, to place my trust on someone who keeps nearly as many secrets as myself?"
"Not really."
Xero said, ignoring how Fury knew he was keeping his own secrets,"Cause honestly i don't trust you, as far as i can throw you and believe me, i can throw pretty far. But i can say, you can trust me, when i say that i WILL bring HYDRA down, for good this time. Now, after that it's all said and done after HYDRA is beaten, my ability to trust you and for you to trust me is up in the air. But for now, i can say we ARE on the same side. So you can stay and help me or get the hell out of my way."
The younger man said the last part with steel in his voice, making it clear that he was going after HYDRA with or without SHIELD's help. It was also clear, he expected Fury to try and stop him in some shape or form, but the dark skinned man had no intention of stopping the younger man.
If nothing else, he'd gladly help him.
"Don't worry, i have no intention on stopping you. To be honest, the only people i believe i can trust anymore, that's not in this room are Barton and Romanoff. Despite my better judgement i trust YOU enough to believe you'll fight to take HYDRA down. But beyond that, you'll have to work hard to earn my trust. Trust is a two way street after all."
Xero stared at Fury for a couple of seconds, before nodding,"Fair enough."
He gave Olga a look, who nodded and with a quick and moving swiftly, yellow/gold rune appeared mid air as she waved her hand. The room's lights flickered a bit before going back to normal, making everyone look around, wondering what he just did.
"Olga is just making sure there are no unwanted guests, listening in."
The younger Stark said answering the unasked question to what Olga just did. Fury looked a Xero for a minute and while he wouldn't say it out load, he was impressed with Olga's forethought. While it may seem a bit paranoid(Then again, he was the master of being paranoid) he did agree with the white haired Caster, in making sure no one could overhear their conversation.
Information was dangerous in the wrong hands, after all.
Knowing and understanding the enemies objective and goal, is a crucial move in stopping you're enemy.
"Okay, so we all good?"
Tony finally blurted out, unable to handle being ignored any longer. Despite Pepper elbowing him in the gut for his comment, the man looked towards his son, who nodded. This made Bucky, who was eager to get back at his 'handler's' and get some well earned revenge.
"Okay then, now what? How do we do this and who's going to help? And how are we going to stop HYDRA?"
The younger Stark grinned,"Simple my dear Buck, we're going to beat HYDRA at their own, devious little game. But first..."
"Oh boy, this'll be good."
Mordred muttered to herself, actually feeling a little sorry for HYDRA at the moment. When her beloved master got like this, it usually didn't end well for the guy that was on the receiving end of it.
Xero merely ignored her, as he closed his eyes, making his mana flaring a little and several flashes of light appeared in the room.
"You called master."
Spoke the five star, Assassin class Servant, Cleopatra the last Pharaoh. The woman wore shockingly enough, in modern garments such as in leather trousers and a jacket, but this is the embodiment of her maiden power in "displaying her true self in a generally simple way." Her height was that of 5'8 foot tall.
In terms of personality, she was a laid back woman. she does things such as receptions, looking after others, and advising others on their health and anxieties for the future. She loves receptions. She holds self-confidence in her beauty, and declares loudly that almost all things are "beneath me", but she is also a hard worker who devotes her present self to her studies day after day, just under the point of it being tiresome.
One of the reasons, she got along with her current master so well. Like her, he was a hard worker and would work to the brink of collaspe. So she, like Olga, acted as an advisor of sorts.
"Oh my, dear lord of the house, you've gotten quite a few people together. Both human and Servant, just what are you planning i wonder?"
The next one who spoke this, was the Oni Assassin and the a five star Assassin, Shuten Doji.
The demoness was a petite woman, with pale akin tinged with light purple, almost resembling silver. Her hair is purple and short, reaching only her neck and her bangs cut past her forehead. Her eyes are lustrous purple, with red makeup painted right above them. Unlike Ibaraki-douji's horns, Shuten-douji's do not protrude out of her forehead, but rather appear to flow out of her body naturally, going from the same pale tone of her skin and gradually becoming wine-red. Her fangs are sharp and long compared to those of humans.
Shuten wears a golden ornament with a green jewel over her forehead, in between her horns. She wears an extremely long kimono without sash, leaving it open and exposing the body underneath. The kimono is bluish-purple, with red curved lines drawn throughout it, especially on the tri-parted extensions of the sleeves. Some green ribbons are attached to it. Underneath the open kimono, she is mostly naked. Her ankles have red ribbons tied around them. She wears a piece of seemingly metallic material that covers her crotch and breasts, linked together by thin lines, and going all the way up to her neck, connecting into a choker. Of the same material, her hands and feet wear small pieces, tied around her fingers and wrists, and toes and heels respectively.
For the most part, Shuten is laid back and is a heavy drinker. Wanting to taste every kind of drink possible and often talking about wanting to,"Debone master, melt his them down and drink them."
What?
She's a demon and while she is a loyal Servant, there was no denying her Oni side.
Moving on!
"If he's calling all of us together, then it must be important sister."
The one who said that, was Shuten's honorary sister and the ring leader of the Oni of Mt Ooe, the four star Berserker Ibaraki Doji.
She is a rather short Servant. Her hair is light yellow, with two curled bangs on the sides of her head and cut straight after reaching her thighs. Ibaraki-douji's eyes are of a glimmering gold. The ears are pointed and the earrings she wears resemble black beads. Her horns protrude right out of her forehead, going from black to red. Ibaraki's outfit seems to be a loosely worn, short-skirted yukata with a white, low-cut undershirt. Her yukata, of the same color as her hair, possesses long extensions on her sleeves, decorated with a multi-colored floral pattern. Outside the yukata, she wears a string of large black beads, resembling those of her earrings, while on the inside, she wears a wine-colored sash, tied into a bow on her back, with a yellow hexagonal pattern on each end. With her yukata worn loosely, her shoulders are exposed as a result.
Her nails are sharp like the talons of a beast, black by nature. Her hands and feet are of an unnatural blood-red, and slowly transitions into her pale skin in the form of tribal-like tattoos that reach from her hands to her shoulders and from her feet to below the knees. She is barefoot, but black strips are tied around the instep of each foot.
Despite being proud and prideful, Ibaraki is like Shuten, laid back for the most of the time and loves both, sweets and alcohol. While she loves a good drink but she loves a good fight even more. Couple that with a few massacres here and there, the ringleader had grown to like Xero.
A lot.
His willingness to befriend and raise up a dangerous Oni like herself, made her wonder if he was very brave or just plain stupid. Her kind thrived on destroying and tormenting his, yet he did everything he could to work with her. So, with this in mind, the Berserker was more then happy to destroy all those who threaten her beloved master.
The fact he could hold his liquor, was just a bonus.
"True. But if master is calling me here, then it's obviously something big."
The next one that spoke, was the biggest of all the Servants gathered. It was the five star Avenger class Servant, Medusa Gorgon or Gorgon as she prefers.
She looked just like her Rider self, only with golden scales on her long legs, a gold snake tail coming form her lower back and her purple hair, really are snakes. Just like in her legend. Her arms, form her elbows were covered in golden scales, with claws for finger nails and her large breasts were covered by nothing more then a golden, metal bar with a loincloth covering her womanhood. Despite being the same height as her rider self, Gorgon stood taller then everyone, due to her snake tail holding her up.
"Grrr, master this better not be some stupid prank you're pulling on us."
Growled the ever cheerful Jean. The Anti-Saint despite her angry wording, did look intrigued as to why her master called some of his more dangerous and powerful Servants to the penthouse. Jean had the same appearance as the original version of her, except with pale complexion, yellow eyes, cut short white-blond hair, and a darker color scheme for her armor, flag, and cape.
She was a very angry, distrusting type of person. Despite this, Xero was able to work his way into her heart, like he had done in so many other Servants, not that she ever admit. Like some of the more not so mentally stable Servants, Jean had come to rely on her master for mental support. The woman, despite her own words, did believe she was nothing more then a failure of the Holy Grail's creation.
Or rather, a madman's wish.
She believed herself to be something that wasn't even suppose to exist, yet she does. Xero had convinced her, that she could trust him and that in on itself was a Hercules-task. Given the fact he had stopped her invasion of France and by that extension, stopping her form getting her revenge on the people who betrayed her. Thankful she was willing to listen to reason and ultimately decide it was better to just get along, rather then being enemies with her master.
The fact he shared both her hate and mistrust of government and politics, gave him a few points with the Anti-Saint. He wasn't naive enough to trust them, knowing both would stab him in the back, at any given moment. Hell, he even said, he would have helped Jean get her revenge, but the fact she not only destroyed a key part of human history, her war killed many innocent people.
He could stomach and deal with a lot of things, but killing innocent people is where he drew the line. The woman had grumbled about that for a while, but she could feel no lie through their bond as master and Servant.
He meant every word.
So to make it up to her, he would ensure she got as strong as possible and boy oh boy, was well worth it. As he gained a very devote and powerful Servant on his side. Though, throughout their time together, they began to play a little game, one that he wonder how it started but didn't really care to stop playing it. It was a game, where Xero compliment and praise her for a job well done and she would brush it off and pretend she didn't care for any of that noise. She didn't outright say she liked it but the cute blush on her face, told him Jean loved getting praised, no matter how much she denied it.
It didn't help her case, that she did everything she could to get those compliment's. He thought about calling her out on it, but Xero knew she just play the "Deny game".
In all honesty, the Avenger definitely needed some positive influence in her life. Being her master, it was already his job to be that, no matter how much she yelled at him for embarrassing her in front of everyone.
A small price to pay.
Back to the present, the Anti-Saint glared at her 'Rival'.
"And why is SHE here? I can take care of whatever it is, that you needs to be taken care of."
The one she was referring to, was none other then Saber Artoria Alter. The dark King Of Knights said nothing, just glared an equally hateful glare at Jean. Her normally emotionless, stoic facade had melted away into one of annoyance, at the sight of the Avenger. This in turn, caused Jean's normally grumpy expression to turn into a very sour one.
"Maybe master thinks i can do a MUCH better job and wanted you to watch how it's done. It's a wonder how our master survived as long as he has, if he had such an incompetent Servant. It's clear he should have contracted with me long ago, instead of someone as useless as you."
Oh...that was just uncalled for.
The evil "King" stated with a wicked smirk, making the Dragon Witch gain a vein, throbbing on her forehead in anger and rage.
"WHAT WAS THAT, YOU LITTLE BITCH! COME HERE AND SAY THAT TO MY FACE ICE QUEEN BITCH!"
Jean yelled very much like a dragon she was, damn neared summoned her weapon, just so she could wipe that stupid smirk off the "Ice Queen Bitch's" face. Of course, before the Altered King Of Knights could respond in kind, the clam and collected voice of Rider Medusa spoke,"This is neither the time, nor the place to start a fight. Master has called us here for a reason and i'd like to see what he plans to do about HYDRA."
"Indeed. They've been in hiding for so long, it's a wonder to WHAT they're planning to do, after nearly seventy years. Whatever it is, it's big and we must figure it out before it is too late."
Came Arjuna's reply, as his brother Karna nodded in agreement.
Arjuna is a tall man, with dark skin and equally short dark hair and brown eyes. He wore a completely white outfit, that looked like a mixture between a dress suit and jacket. He wore white pants, with his bow's holster on his left thigh.
He is Extremely diligent, integrous, just and upright, Arjuna has a flawless personality with no faults to point out and hit on. He is mostly stoic but honest, almost to a brutal point. He has an honest and faithful personality that seems to embody justice itself. He does his absolute best and while he is confident, he fears the darkness that lurks within his heart. Even if his master knows his "Darkside" and still accepts him, Arjuna does his best, to keep that dark part of himself locked away.
As for Karna, it was hard to see how the two were brothers, as he looked very different form the well built Arjuna.
Karna is a young man with long and white unkempt hair that almost appear transparent. His gaze is said to be sharp like a steel blade with the red stone buried in his chest similarly projecting an enthralling lustrousness. It is also specified that what draws the eye more than anything else is the set of golden armor that he has become fused with, giving off a divine radiance. While every single part is said to be beautiful in its own right, once combined with Lancer they exude far more ferocity than attractiveness.
While he looked different, Karna was like his brother. Brutally honest, and his attitude could be called cold and unforgiving. Although conversing with him may give the impression that he is indecisive and somewhat boring, in reality he is always deep in thought and has a loyal heart. He gives an impression of being cold and cruel because he believes that most things and events are "normal", and therefore he does not interfere. Due to this characteristic, he does not really have negative emotions such as hatred and jealousy. Because his behaviors target people's "true nature that should not be put to words", he is disliked by many.
But make no mistake, he is a good man, it's just he has the emotional level of a rock. Along with the fact he is a bit socially inept, it's not hard to see why he would be seen as cold heart and cruel. Not to mention, given the fact his Noble Phantasm lets his "See through lies" it is impossible to get one over on him and or surprise him.
"Well, it won't matter. We know HYDRA is our enemy and we as Servants, can't allow them to try again to harm our master. I'd sooner find and crush them myself but the final call is his."
Artoria Alter Lancer said, making the rest of the Servants nod.
Xero looked at the assembled servants before him, looking at each one, while everyone mouth gaped and stared at Gorgon. No doubt, they've already uncovered her true name, just by looking at her. It came as no real surprise, as the woman was known as one of the WORST monsters in all of Greek mythology. But that didn't matter.
He had thought about calling Cu, Emyia and Nitocris but decide against it. He already had everyone he needed here and while he did think it be a good way to bond and see what his new Servants could do, this mission was one that required absolute perfection.
Meaning Xero needed those, whom he trusted completely and yes, even Gorgon had gained his trust and vice versa. Wasn't easy mind you and after a small spat between the two, Xero and Gorgon had connected on a whole new level. One that none of Gorgon's pervious master ever got close too.
He also thought about sending Elizabeth with them, but decide against it. No one, no matter how cruel and evil, deserved to go through the hell known as Liz's singing. Plus her Brave self wouldn't do something so twisted, as to shatter a person's faith in something.
Yeah, not break a person's faith, but to shatter it.
But before he explained that part, there was someone missing. A certain Assassin class Servant didn't heed his call or had yet to show up.
Or was it just, Kiritsugu being himself and hiding away in the shadows?
"I'm here."
Ah, there he is.
Everyone all but jumped in shock, as the Counter Guardian appeared without warning. He had a similar outfit to Archer Emyia, only his had a red hood and more gray armor around his upper chest. He looked like Emyia, with spiky sliver hair, steel gray eyes and dark skin.
"Ok kid, i can tolerate a lot of stuff. But for the love of god, please tell me THAT isn't who i think it is."
Tony said, in an understandable fearful tone, pointing towards Gorgon. Who in turn smiled wickedly at him, her snake hair
"Hiss's"
A little for added affect. Everyone was staring a the demigoddess serpentine, unable to look away form her. Out of all the legends there are in the world, the legend of Medusa Gorgon was well known. Not as much as King Arthur, "his" legendary sword Excalibur and of course the Holy Grail.
But the legend of the Medusa, a monstrous woman with snakes for hair and eyes that can turn people to stone, was one of the most well known legends. Xero just sighed, leave it to Gorgon to scare the ever living shit out of everyone.
Which is exactly why he needed her, for this type of mission.
One that Jeanne, would most certainly NOT approve of.
"What wouldn't i approve of?"
"!"
Xero nearly chocked on his own spit, as his eyes went die and to the door, seeing the blonde standing there with a confused look on her face. Did he just say that last part out loud?
"You did Senpai."
Great.
Thanks a lot Mash.
Xero groaned, as Jeanne eyed everyone present and looked at her longtime partner and frowned,"Master...what are you planning?"
The teen couldn't stop the winch at Jeanne's tone of voice. Jeanne was a lot of things to Xero and one of them was being the person that keep him on the right path. She keep Xero form going too far into certain things, Jeanne keep his head on straight. While Xero did look at everything in a very grey way, rather then black and white, Jeanne keep him form going too far into darker things.
She was THE saint after all.
"Okay, before you say anything, please let me explain it all then you can say you're peace."
Jeanne's frown deepen, but she otherwise said nothing. The assembled company before her, were the type of Servants that didn't mind using certain tactics to win. Ones that Jeanne most certainly wouldn't approve of, but she'd give her master the benefit of a doubt and hear it out before making her judgement.
Tony couldn't help but feel a bit small, as the penthouse had been filling up really quickly and now it was getting kinda crowed. Seriously this was his private floor, meant for family only and many of them, WEREN'T family members. But before he could grumble more, Pepper elbow him in the side, shutting him up, as Xero spoke again,"Alright. Before we begin, i trust you all know the only way we known we've beaten our enemy, is to understand their objective, right?"
"That's true, but all HYDRA's ever done is cause death and destruction. All so they can take over the world."
Maria said, as Bucky spoke up next.
"While that's true, i did overhear why they are trying."
At that, all eyes went to the former Winter Soldier, as he spoke again,"While yes, my mind is still scrambled i do remember hearing a couple of things."
"Then what are they planning -James?"
Pepper asked, cutting herself off form calling him Mr, as Bucky asked her to call him by his first name, James.
"The reason why they're doing this, is because they believe humanity cannot be trusted with there own freedom. So, for the past seventy years, they've done everything they can to ensure they reap chaos throughout the world. Form what i understand, they are trying to fill the world with so much chaos, humanity would willing give up our freedom to gain our security."
"And how do they plan on doing that? If what you're saying is true, wouldn't all the death, destruction and anarchy work against their goal? Do you have any idea what their endgame is?"
Rhodey asked, as Bucky merely shook his head,"Sorry. But they never mentioned how, only that it was some big project, being worked inside of SHIELD itself."
As Rhodey nodded his head, Fury went deathly silent and both Phil's and Maria's eyes widen in shock and horror. Something that the Magus Killer noticed and narrowed his eyes at the two SHIELD agents and director,"You already know how they're going to do it, don't you?"
The three stayed silent, as Fury weighted the pro's and con's about telling the people before him about THAT project.
Normally he wouldn't even considered such a thing, but after everything he's learned. How HYDRA had not only infiltrated SHIELD, but grown within it as well. Not to mention, if what sergeant Barnes was saying is true...
Fury needed to think about this very careful.
"Maybe. But we need to hear you're plan first, before we tell you anything i'm afraid."
Phil, ever reliable Phil said making Fury mentally thank his second in command. Xero pressed his lips together and thought for a minute, before nodding. It hardly mattered if Fury told him or not, he'd already had one of his Assassins, Mochizuki Chiyome a four star class Servant, that was more of an information gather, then an actually Assassin.
The girl had a knack for getting into places she shouldn't get into and like Fury said, he didn't trust Xero. The feeling was very much mutual with the master of Chaldea and he knew that, while Fury did what he had to in order to protect the people, it wasn't the man himself Xero was worried about.
It was his boss's.
Now that he's confirmed HYDRA is growing inside SHIELD, he made sure the Kunoichi looked at every nook and cranny there was to find. He'd also had Danzo help her, given the fact the older woman was an android, she'd be a big help in getting past whatever defense's SHIELD or rather, HYDRA had in place.
Just in case.
He had no doubt that kind of information would be well guarded and will not be easy to get to, even for a Servant. But he had the upmost faith in the two Kunoichi's. They'll get it done, one way or another.
"Alright, if my plan is to work, i'll need Assassin here"
Xero said this, pointing towards Asoka,"To find all the hidden HYDRA bases. With you're particular...skill set, i trust it will be no problem."
With that, the dark skinned woman went into "Servant mode" as she quickly bowed her head and spoke,"Of course not master. Though it may take some time, to find them all."
"I know and i don't expect you to find every single one so quickly. Not to mention it'll be easier then you think."
The blue haired woman raised an eyebrow at her master,"Really? How?"
Xero's smile took a much darker tone to it, making everyone shiver at the sight of it.
"Well...you're job is to, basically following the escaping rats, once there ships sink. Or in this case, when the bases are destroyed, i want you lot"
At this he waved his hand in the general direction of the other summoned Servants,"to basically destroy everything in you're path. Do mind, i want you to kill many of them, just not ALL of them. Those that escape, will go to other bases. That's where you come in Assassin, you will follow them to their next hidden bases and i'll have the ones who attacked the previous base. Now, to ensure maxim damage, we will attack their bases all at once."
"What good will that do?"
Pepper asked, confused at his rather straight forward plan, not at all seeing how this was the kind of plan, Jeanne would disapprove of.
"Well, this is just the first step. You see, Shu, won't be attacking directly. Her role is more subtle."
The normally drunk Oni raised an eyebrow at that,"Oh, then what is my role to be, master of mine?"
"Like i said before, we're going to beat HYDRA at their own game and as such, since they've been sowing chaos and mistrust across the world, we're going to do the same thing to them. That's where you came in Shu, you will be sowing the seeds of mistrust amongst the ranks."
Shuten normally put smile got much wider, to the point she was grinning ear to ear, complete with her pointed teeth out slipping out between her lips,"Oh my, is this the part where would disapprove of you're plan? Cause i am very much beginning to love this role."
"Really? I didn't notice at all, but you do look like a kid on Christmas when kiddo told you, you're role."
Tony said, a little unnerved by the Oni's toothy smile. The Oni didn't say anything, just stood there with a grin on her face, imaging all the chaos she could unleash and with her master's blessing too!
Maybe Tony was right, it seems her Christmas has come early this year.
Jeanne on the other hand, had a idea of where this was going and knew, she wouldn't like it one bit. But it seemed no one else caught onto her master's plan just yet. As Maria spoke up again,"While that's good and all, how will this help us destroy HYDRA?"
"It's very simple . For an organization like HYDRA to not only exist in the shadows and operator, what is the one thing they need more then anything? More then soldiers, weapons, funding and even leaders. What is the one thing, that not only holds it all together, but pushes them to go on and makes them commit such acts of evil?"
Everyone stayed silent, as the Servants understood where he was going with this and the humans didn't.
At first.
"Faith and trust."
Finally, it was Fury who had been silent, had finally spoken and looked at Xero with his one good eye,"I know you said one thing, but you're wrong. An organization like HYDRA, to survive and act as they have, needs both faith and trust. Faith that there actions and sacrifice will bring upon a better world and trust, as they need it to stay hidden. If that trust is broken, disorder and paranoia will slowly break the foundation and ultimately the organization will crumble as a result."
"Exactly."
Xero said with a smile,"These are the two things that an organization needs to function, even more so for a hidden one like HYDRA. They can't afford distrust, otherwise they'll start to crumble under the fear of being discovered before the appropriate time to reveal themselves. We can use that to our advantage, turning what was once there greatest weapon into the key, to their downfall. But to do this, we will need to cause disorder, destroy their bases, kill their high ranking members and let the seeds of mistrust grow within there minds."
"Excuse me, i'm not saying this is a bad plan. But wouldn't it be easier to drag them out in the opening?"
Rhodey asked, as Saber Alter snorted in response, before Xero could answer him. The teen gave Saber a look, before turning back to the dark skinned man,"Nomrally yes i would say it be easier. However, here's the thing: They don't know where onto them just yet. They don't know about Assassin or anyone else here, simply because they believe the Grimm Reaper is just one man. One man, who has destroyed all their hard work and that's simply because there were no survivor's to blab about my me or my allies. In addition because we don't know who we can trust, given how far they've dug themselves into society, we need to make sure, when we take a swing at them we MUST hit. Otherwise were screwed."
"Not to mention, we have no actually proof."
Arjuna said, looking at Rhodey,"Despite all we've done, to the public it only looks like we've been taking down highly sophisticated criminal organizations and tracking rings. We have no physical or tangible proof of their existence. That is of course, not mentioning how HYDRA has not only sunk their claws so deeply into society, we don't know who we can and cannot trust. It's because of that reason alone, they've been able to succeed as much as they have. They know we they can trust and we do not. However if master's plan works, the key to their success, is how we'll bring them down."
"Because by sowing distrust among them, destroying and killing their leaders, they'll think there is a traitor among them."
Phil said with wide eyes, as he looked at Xero,"That's what you're plan will do to them right? Cause them to distrust one another and-"
"And sooner or later, will cause them to implode in on themselves."
The younger Stark finished with a smirk,"But to do this, i'll need Archer, Avengers and Lancer to cause as much chaos as possible at there bases. Be loud, destructive and make it impossible for anyone to ignore. Since HYDRA is suppose to be dead and gone, if people start noticing their bases being destroyed, it'll raise questions. Questions the hidden leaders of HYDRA, won't want to answer and with their organization slowly destroying themselves, looking for a traitor that doesn't exist. This in turn will cause the leaders to become desperate, causing them to make mistakes."
"And me and my fellow Assassins will track them and whisper poison into their ears."
Shuten finished with a smile, taking a light swing of her drink. Oh yes, she was loving this plan more and more.
"Now i get it."
Bucky said suddenly, making everyone turn to him, as he spoke up,"This is the same shit, they've been pulling for the last seventy years and now we're going to use their own tactics against them, just like you said."
"Indeed. I must say, this plan is dark, manipulative and will end with turning the enemy comrades against one another in a bloody feud."
Gorgon said, speaking up for the first time and chuckled darkly at the plan,"You truly are a man after my own heart, master. I trust, you'll let me have my fill, yes?"
"I will. Gorgon, i want you to, to make sure people see you. If HYDRA see's one of the worst monsters in Greek mythology not only alive, but attacking and eating their friends, they believe they have really, truly gone crazy. Plus, i plan to get my old 'Crypto' disguise, that'll really drive them mad. Seeing HYDRA's old enemy alive and well, not to mention still very much able to kill HYDRA agents like there is no tomorrow."
"It'll be my upmost pleasure master."
The serpentine demigoddess said with a smile. Jean, who hated to be ignored, but loved the idea of being able to fry a lot of HYDRA agents had spoken up next,"And me? I assume i'll be attacking the bases as well, right?"
The woman's tone was a bit too eager and her blood lust was leaking out.
"Very much so. Be as bloody as you want Jean, the idea is to terrify HYDRA, so they escape into their little bolt holes. But that's not all."
Everyone looked at Xero, with wide eyes. His plan wasn't done yet? What more could there be?
"That will be the second part. The reason for this, is to basically flush out HYDRA agents, so they scrambled back to their little hidey holes. Once they, we destroy them and repeat the same process, destroying each and every hiding spot they have. This will deny them, not only places to hide but force them to close up ranks. So Rhodey i lied to you, i'm sorry. We are going to drag HYDRA out into the light, just not right now."
"You mean, you'll drag them out of hiding, when there's no where left for them to run and hide, right?"
Fury asked, his mind whirling with all the information he just gained. The plan was sound, it made sense and honestly Fury could see no flaw in it, other then HYDRA not reacting like they'd expect. This made the entire plan, hinge on one huge gamble at how HYDRA will react to Xero's attacks. But the real question that remained, was this:
Did Fury go along with this plan or try to come up with a new one?
While Fury thought on this, Xero looked towards his first Servant and said,"Look Jeanne i know this isn't you're type of plan. I admit, it's just as Gorgon said it's dark, manipulative and will end in a very bloody way. But this is the best possible chance we have, to take HYDRA down without innocent people getting caught in the cross fire."
The Holy Saint stayed silent, as she thought it over. Everyone waited for her thoughts on the matter, as she stayed quiet for several seconds, before sighing.
"You were right master, this isn't the type of plan i would approve of. BUT-"
The Ruler held up her hand, as the small Rider looked like she was about to say something in Xero's defense. Jeanne then gained a hard look, the same one she wore, when she brought the war to her enemies back when she was still alive, in her first life,"We need to put HYDRA down. Hard and fast, so if you believe this is the way to do it, then you have my support."
"Good."
Xero sighed in relief. Jeanne's support will make things go much smoother, as it seemed Fury had finally made up his mind and said,"I think i know HYDRA's endgame."
"Sir?"
Maria looked shocked, as did Phil. Was he really going to tell them about, THAT. However Fury merely ignored them, as he spoke,"HYDRA is going to use a new project, one created to help protect the world. It's called, Project Insight."
Done.
Oh man, my fucking arm and hand hurts, so i'll just end it here.
Devil out.