Remnant's Mightiest Heroes!
Interlude: What if the Avengers were Remnant's Mightiest Huntsmen? Part 1
[~][~]
Time. Space. Reality. It's more than a linear path. It's a prism of endless possibility, where a single choice can branch out into infinite realities, creating alternate worlds from the ones you know. I am Uatu the Watcher. I and my brothers have been charged with observing the universes since before humanity reigned as the dominant species. I am your guide through these vast new realities. Follow me, and ponder the question…what if?
From one corner of the galaxy gathers is the mightiest heroes the galaxy has ever seen. They have defended their planet from their greatest evil and threats beyond the stars. Time and time again, they have proven themselves
But in another universe, there exists a planet whose people defend not the planet or the universe…but their very lives. This speck of humanity constantly faces death by the creatures who wish the end of all life. Amidst this bloody evolution, heroes have emerged in the darkest times to oppose those who would let their world burn.
Now, in this universe, I have watched this planet's mightiest heroes emerge not only to defend but to bring hope. I watched each of their stories unfold…
I have watched the flash of genius define the future…
Kingdom of Vale, Sanus
From Dust Till Dawn was still closed.
Then, a hot rod red sports car pulled up to the store. Coming out of the driver's side is a man in a red dress shirt and brown slacks. He approached the shopkeeper as he was sweeping the glass. He didn't notice the newcomer until he bumped into him.
"Oh," the Shop Keeper jumped and turned to face him. "I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."
"That's alright," the man smiled. He looked over at the ruined store and whistled. "Whew. Someone did a number there did they?"
"Yeah," the Shop Keeper nodded sadly. "My store got robbed not too long ago. I'm still rebuilding, but I don't know if I can afford it."
"How about we speed it up?" the man asked. The Shop Keeper looked at him in surprise. "I'm currently expanding my business and I would love to ensure an honest man such as yourself doesn't get robbed. Not only can I make sure that you are up and running again, but I can also make sure that nobody robs your store again."
"That would be nice," the Shop Keeper said. "Are you some kind of construction worker?"
"Construction worker? I'm more of a futurist, thank you very much," the man assures, pulling out a card. "Just give me a call if you are interested in my offer. My company is always open. Unless of course, you're on the blacklist, then it's closed."
He handed the Shop Keeper the card. The elderly man gingerly took it and read the card.
"Tony Stark?" The Shop Keeper read off the card. He looked up at the man. "You're Tony Stark? The CEO of Stark Industries?"
"That's me," Tony nodded. "I know what you're thinking. What's the smartest guy in the world doing in Vale? Well, that's what you are about to find out. It was a pleasure talking to you, but I need to get to a lunch meeting."
Tony walked back to his car, leaving the stunned Shop Keeper behind. Sincerely, he hoped that the old man will accept his offer. He hates to see honest men like him lose their business. Jacque Schnee monopolizing Dust while sitting there all cozy in his manor back in Atlas was bad enough. Just as he sat down behind the wheel, a digital voice spoke up from the internal speakers.
"Sir…incoming call from Colonel James Rhodes."
"Rhodey?" Tony raised an eyebrow as he started the car. "Put him through J.A.R.V.I.S."
J.A.R.V.I.S., an acronym for Just a Rather Very Intelligent System, is Tony's personal A.I. assistant. He developed it to operate his home system as well as business for Stark Industries. Now he is uploaded into Iron Man's computer, helping to run diagnostics on the suit's status as well as atmospheric and environmental conditions.
"At once, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. said. A holographic screen was projected out of the dashboard. Looking at Tony is a dark-skinned man in an Atlesian Military dress uniform. He looked unhappy for some reason.
"Tony, we need to talk."
"What is it now Rhodey?" Tony drawled as he drove away from the store. "What's happening in Atlas, I'm too far away to deal with it. What could be wrong?"
"Let's see…how about this!" Rhodes said. His feed became replaced by the Atlas News Network showcasing the news anchor Persephone Pink. She had just brought into focus a video taken at a beach. At first, people were going about their business when a gigantic, bipedal, aquatic sea Grimm emerged from the sea. It appeared to be trying to swat something attacking it. Then, it breathed out a stream of electric fire that blasted a portion of a cliff off.
A big chunk of rock would've fallen on the bystander holding the camera if not for the timely intervention of what appeared to be a robot. It had hot rod red armor plating over titanium-gold alloy. It smacked the rock away before it could turn the bystander into spaghetti. Glowing blue eyes stared into the camera before it stopped.
"That incredible footage coming in from patch as Tony Stark saved the town of Hearth from a Leviathan. Despite his heroic efforts, many are still speculating on whether he should be arrested for performing Huntsmen duties without a license."
"A Leviathan?" Rhodes asked. "Really? You could've told me."
"You kept up with the news," Tony said with the air of talking about the weather as he entered the highway. "I don't like to brag, but that footage didn't capture how big the thing was. I mean huge."
"Okay, that just makes my point for you," Rhodes said. "Huntsmen and specialists should be fighting the Grimm and criminals. They're not the bad guys, Tony."
"I'm out of the weapons-making game Rhodey," Tony said. "You're looking at a kinder, gentler Tony Stark."
"That fights Grimm and criminals…without a license. Just because you got your aura, and some cool semblance doesn't make you a huntsman"
"We've been over this a million times Rhodey," Tony said as he passes by a car. "You're starting to bum me out."
"What about the Military?" Rhodey continued. "Ever since you stopped making weapons, they had to give your former contract to Jacques Schnee, and he pays more attention to himself than the defense of the kingdom."
"Don't remind me," Tony groaned. "I met him at a few parties, and he's got an ego as big as the portrait of himself."
"Gee, who does that remind me of?" Rhodes asked sarcastically. "I even heard that the Hulkbuster unit needs help with their equipment. You could help them take down that monster."
"I'm not listening to Rhodey anymore, Lalala," Tony trailed off. "I can't believe this is what you are calling me about. The Leviathan was more fun than you."
"I'm just concerned for you Tony," Rhodey said with concern. "As far as I know, your weapons are what protected Atlas from the Grimm. I don't know what anyone would do without you."
"Silly Rhodey. Genius knows no boundaries," Tony said. "I'm taking Stark Industries in a new direction. I mean…how many companies put their brains into looking for alternate energy sources outside of Dust? It's going to run out eventually. Here's an idea? How about we revive the scrapped space program so that we can finally get off this Grimm-infested rock."
"I'm glad to see you are doing humanitarian efforts," Rhodes said. "But did you have to renounce your Atlas citizenship? I'm sure Ironwood would be willing to support your new endeavors."
"Funny you should mention Ironwood," Tony said, his expression turning dark. "He offered his full support for my endeavors. But I did some checking around, and I found out he just wanted another energy source for his weapons. Which would mean more of my life's work will end up in the hands of murderers such as the White Fang. I'm not going to let that be my legacy. Not anymore."
Tony spoke that with conviction that left no room for argument. It wasn't that long ago that he created and sold weapons, ignorant of the impact of his actions. After getting captured by White Fang forces, escaping with his life, and realizing that he's been part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability, he declared that his company will no longer manufacture munitions. From then on, Stark Industries will focus on the betterment of everyone.
He started with Mantle, making efforts to move them away from Dust mining and improve their living conditions. Tony has begun hiring humans and faunus alike to work at Stark Industries with the promise of equal pay and better worker rights. The citizens of Mantle were reluctant to trust an Atlesian and former arms dealer like him. Eventually, his efforts to ingratiate them paid off when they saw the sincerity of his actions. Like defending them from Grimm incursions from the lack of security. Tony didn't like to brag, but he is incredibly smart.
For his first success, he gave the city the Arc Reactor, the first power source he developed by his father that wasn't run by Dust and now adapted by his son. Thanks to him, Mantle is running on an independent power source and moved away from reliance on Dust. Everyone was more than happy to help with his redevelopment plan and the expansion of new technologies.
Of course, not everyone in Atlas is happy with his decision. One of them is General James Ironwood, Headmaster of Atlas Academy, and a member of the Atlesian Council. The general wouldn't stop hounding him day in and day out to reconsider. That was part of the reason he moved out of Solitas to establish different branches of Stark Industries. Then there was Jacque Schnee. Many of his employees quit working for the Dust Tycoon to work for him when they saw the benefits were far better and safer than his. He knew because they told him about his anger issues when they handed in their resignations.
But he didn't care. He wasn't going to waste his life anymore when he can do something that can make a difference.
"Please tell me that you didn't hack into the Atlas Network," Rhodes groaned.
"Rhodey, how are they going to update their cyber-security if somebody doesn't hack it?" Tony asked. Just then, the screen showed another call. This one is labeled 'Pepper Potts'. "Hang on Rhodey, I got another call."
The Atlesian soldier didn't get the chance to protest as Tony switched the calls. Replacing his image is a woman with auburn hair and freckles. She wore also wore a light brown blazer with a black t-shirt.
"Pepper," Tony greeted. "I already know that you're a great assistant, okay? I'm on my way to the tower, heads up, you don't have to park my car, too. We've got valets for that."
"For someone who makes their living off of technology, you should try answering your phone," Pepper said. "I've been calling you for the past twenty minutes. I had to get J.A.R.V.I.S. to override your block."
"Oh, did I?" Tony asked as he checks his missed calls. He winced when he saw that there were about thirty of them. "Is this because you miss me so much?"
"Because the White Fang had just attacked the Council of Vale," Pepper answered grimly. If it weren't for his A.I. butler, he would've pulled off his dramatic braking in the middle of the highway. He was silent as he took the nearest exit.
"Right now?" Tony asked as J.A.R.V.I.S. parks the car in an alley. "Is there any Huntsmen?"
"There's already a team dispatched, but the local police are under fire. But, Tony, it's a full assembly. Every member of the council is attending. If the White Fang causes enough chaos, it'll attract Grimm."
Tony pinched the bridge of his nose at that complication. Frankly, he didn't blame the White Fang for acting out. Anger is pretty much like energy, and it must go somewhere. But his sympathies ended where they started to murder people out of spite. They've gotten bold with their attack on the council. He glanced at the passenger seat next to him, where a black backpack with a white core at the center rested against the back of the seat.
"Pepper, reschedule my lunch meeting," Tony said, grabbing the backpack and opening the door. "I'm going to be a few minutes late."
"Where are you going?" Pepper asked, but Tony cuts the call off. Putting on the backpack, he
"J.A.R.V.I.S., what's the status of the Grimmbuster suit?"
"Project Grimmbuster is still undergoing calibration, sir. The operating system download is seventy-five percent complete before the test run. Not to mention that key components are still needed."
"In short, Grimmbuster isn't ready," Tony said, tapping the wheel of the car. "That's alright. I can wrap this up before Grimm shows up. It'll be about ten minutes. Fifteen minutes max."
He tapped the part where the straps meet as a centerpiece. The backpack let out a small noise as the mech shifting technology took effect. Armored plating began to encompass Tony, starting from the shoulders and the femurs. It expanded over his torso and down to his feet. Tony's head became encased at the sides before a golden faceplate covered his face. On his chest, an electric blue core glowed brightly. In the dark confines of the armor, a blue heads-up display sprang up.
"Iron Man systems operational," J.A.R.V.I.S. declared.
"Plot a route to the council hall," Tony said, as the thrusters in the boots roared to life. He rocketed into the sky so fast that he broke the sound barrier. Anyone nearby looked up to see him fly. The best part about Iron Man is that it doesn't run on dust. His semblance, reactor, let him power the suit and the technologies integrated into it with his aura. One catch is that his defensive capabilities are diminished, which is why he developed the armor.
Within three minutes, he arrived at the battle. People wearing black and white uniforms were firing their weapons at the local police. Bullheads were lowering more White Fang grunts to pressure the police. Each of them is armed with an assortment of firearms, swords, spears, and some of them are unarmed. The local law enforcement was losing this fight as more of them hit the ground. Just as a Bullhead was about to leave, it was pierced by an electric blue beam. The core on his chest piece was glowing brightly before dying out. Stark stared down at the White Fang, who looked up to see him.
"What do we have, J.A.R.V.I.S.?"
"Armor is down to forty percent after using the uni-beam which I recommended against."
"I meant on the ground."
"Ah, yes. Fourteen White Fang targets all heavily armed, sir."
"Huh. Maybe I should get Rhodey. J.A.R.V.I.S., activate external speakers," Tony said before speaking out. "Attention, White Fang goons. You've been at this terrorist gig for about ten years. When will you get take the hint? It's not doing any favors for the Faunus."
As if in response, one of the White Fang grunts armed with rifles and pistols aimed and fired. The bullets just bounced off his armor. As he never attended any of the Huntsman academies, he wasn't trained to subconsciously have a cloak of Aura on. Not that it would work out well given the nature of his semblance. At the White Fang's attempt to bring him down, Tony was nonplussed.
"Are they seriously shooting at me?" Tony asked. "Fine. We'll settle this the hard way!"
Tony spun in the air and streaked towards them. Holding out his arm, his armor opened to reveal a missile launcher. Firing the missile, it streaked towards the White Fang before splitting into several microprojectiles that latched onto their weapons. They gave off a soft wine before exploding. The force of the explosions knocked the wielders of the weapons off their feet. Given the nature that they didn't have an aura, they were knocked out with minor injuries. Tony's armored feet hit the ground just in time to grunt a punch in the gut. Approaching an upturned car, he grabbed it with one hand and lifted it. In a shocking display of intelligence, a grunt tried to run him through with a spear, only for Tony to grab it and rip it out of his hands in a swift motion.
"Hi there," Tony said to the nervous grunt before he blasted him with a repulsor. Looking around, he found that the White Fang is out of the game.
"Wow, they don't make bad guys the way they used to," Tony comments. "I didn't spend much energy and I didn't use any dust reserves."
"Warning, incoming projectile."
No sooner did J.A.R.V.I.S. say that than something crashed into the ground behind him kicking up dust. The smoke cleared as he turned around. Standing in a crater is a mech with two arm-mounted guns, rear-mounted rocket launchers, and double-barreled guns attached to the energy guns. On one side of its guns is the wolf emblem of the White Fang organization which is turned on the armored fighter.
"Weapons lock detected."
"No kidding, J.A.R.V.I.S.," Tony retorts as he was met with energy blasts. He held up his hands as he became surrounded by a blue sphere of energy. The shield held, but it was taking a considerable amount of energy to sustain. As the one who built the foundation for Atlas' shield technology, Tony was able to adapt it to his suit. Granted, he wasn't using hard light dust for his. This is his original repulsor shielding.
"Okay, there's no way that these guys got their hands on this," Tony grunted. "J.A.R.V.I.S., run a scan on this hunk of metal."
"At once sir," the A.I. said astutely. "The targets are Atlesian Paladin-290's, but they've been upgraded with repulsor tech weapons."
"Repulsor? That's my tech!" Tony exclaimed in surprise and outrage at what he was hearing. "The White Fang is using my technology…against me? Divert power to the Uni-Beam!"
"Negative. Not enough power."
"Fine! Then divert power to repulsors."
Dropping the shield, he retaliated with repulsor blasts. He was in for another shock when the Paladin put up a force field of its own. It was pushed back by each repulsor blast he shot at him.
"You've got to be kidding!" Tony yelled. "That's my shielding!"
It was at that moment an energy blast from its guns struck him. The armor held, but its integrity had just entered the yellow zone. He didn't have time to gripe as it launched two rockets at him. Tony flew into the air and the rockets followed. He considered using the flares but had a better idea. Turning around he flew towards the Paladin and pulled up just in time. The rockets hit the Paladin's shield, dealing enough damage for it to fail. That was enough for Tony to double back and punch a hole in a weak part of the Paladin's armor plating.
"This looks important," Tony said as he pulls out several wires. In response, the Paladin stopped moving. Inside, the pilot is seeing static on the holographic HUD. Panicking, he began triggering the weapons systems. The Paladin spun around, firing indiscriminately. The potshots missed a few policemen trying to evacuate their brothers. Tony landed in front of them and threw up his shields to protect them.
"Go! Get out of here!" Tony yelled out as he strained to hold the shield. The police waited for no further as they fled the field. "J.A.R.V.I.S., locate this rip-off's power supply. It's time I shut this toy down."
"Power source located."
With this knowledge, Tony sped towards the mech. Bobbing and weaving between the stray shots, an electric blue blade jutted out from Tony's armored gauntlet. He slashed at the mech, carving an x before he punches into the metal to pull out a power core. His armored scanned it, confirming the design.
"Mine," Tony growled as he crushes it. The Paladin he ripped it out from fell forward at the loss of power. The hatch opened and the White Fang grunt piloting it climbed out. It pulled out a sword and feebly held it as the armored fighter drew close.
"Nice knife," Tony drawled. "Anything else you got? Because you probably stole it from me too."
Without waiting for an answer, Tony struck the grunt in the temple. A team of Huntsmen, all girls, arrived at the scene. They were struck dumb at the sight of the fight zone. A girl and in a red hood gave a small gasp and pointed to Tony. Before they could say anything, he spoke first.
"You're welcome," Tony said. "Now if you'll excuse me…I have to make a call."
"That was my technology, Jimmy! My tech!" Tony argued with fury. "You want to explain this? You stole my tech!"
Tony was standing at his desk in his office of Stark Tower, the headquarters for the Vale branch of Stark Industries. The first thing he did was march in and contact James Ironwood. He ordered J.A.R.V.I.S. to override everything to ensure that the call go through. Saying that he was furious was an understatement.
"I can assure you Stark, that we are doing everything to find the leaks," Ironwood tried to assure him, but Tony wasn't having any of it.
"Yet, you're using my inventions to make war machines," Tony accused.
"Come on, Stark. You've been selling weapons and technology to Atlas for years. We've just modified what you gave us."
"Modified? Try twisted. You twisted what I made. And then you let it leak to murderers like the White Fang. People could've died today! Your security is flawed, and you know it. This is exactly why I am glad that I stopped working with you."
"These Paladin's will save lives, Stark," Ironwood shot back. "That's what I am trying to do. And when you withhold resources from us, you're just giving the advantage to groups like the White Fang."
"Don't try to pin this on me! And don't try to make it sound like I crippled your toy army. You've got Schnee with his hot air balloon," Tony narrowed his eyes. "You're not getting this, are you? Weapons don't solve problems. They only make problems worse."
"Oh, wake up! How exactly are things going to get worse?" Ironwood argued. "We have the Grimm right at our doorstep and you haven't seen a third of what we are facing. We need Tony Stark more than we need some armored vigilante."
"One of me is more than enough," Tony said. "This isn't going to be solved by a guy in a fancy uniform who thinks every problem can be solved by putting a bullet in the head. This needs someone with a brain. And that will have to come from an actual genius, like me. I'm getting my tech back on my own. Even if I have to go through you to do it."
With that last sentence, Tony ended the transmission. Walking around the desk, he approached his bar and selected a Golden Egg whiskey he grew fond of. As he pours himself a shot, he thought about his conversation with the General. One of the many things that irritated him was the general was his narrow mind. If it's a plan that has a big chance of screwing up with big consequences, he can always chalk it up to Ironwood.
He didn't care what the general said. Stark Industries will solve Remnant's problems with the brightest minds including his. It won't be weapons that are the focus should be on the Grimm.
One of the things he's planning on working on is a separate communications system that doesn't rely on the Cross Continental Transmit System. Back in his school years, he discovered a flaw in the system. If one tower is taken down, the whole system will be taken offline. He tried to petition to modify it, but he was rebuffed because the CCT is a memorial after the Great War. If they don't want to update it, he'll build another communication system that will make the towers look like
"How the hell did that guy ever become General?" Tony wondered as he pours himself a drink. "That guy has the IQ of a couple of doorknobs."
"That is something I can agree on."
Tony whipped his head around so fast he could've gotten whiplash. Sitting at a table in the office is a dark-skinned man in a black trench coat. One of his eyes is covered by an eyepatch.
"While your morals may be different, you still have the same problem," he continued. "You think that you're the only one who can shoulder the burden, but it's way bigger than you imagine. And you will crumble underneath it."
"I'm sorry, but mind telling me who the hell you are?" Tony asked. "And how did you break into my office?"
"Nick Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.," the man introduced. "I'm here to talk to you about the Avengers Initiative."
I have watched selfless acts define a lifetime…
Anima, Kuchinashi
Tucked in the open mouth of the mountains is the city of Kuchinashi. Some call it an egg in a viper's nest. The neon lights of the city shone through the ever-present fog and rain. It's home to every pirate, brigand, assassin, thief, vagabond, and evildoer for hundreds of miles around.
Walking in the middle of the Lower Valley, a labyrinth of dark, twisting and turning streets is a man in a tattered purple hoodie and jeans. Slung over his shoulder is a backpack. He kept looking over his shoulder as if checking for any pursuers.
After a few minutes, he came across a dark and deserted warehouse. Looking at a piece of paper in his hand, he confirmed the address and went inside. It was dark and empty, only lit by the only working light in the warehouse. Underneath is a wooden table with a lone figure in a brown cloak.
"Mr. Blue?" He spoke up.
"Mr. Green, I assume?"
"Yes, that's me," Mr. Green said as he took his seat. "Do you, have them?"
"Do you have my Lien?" Mr. Blue asked back. Mr. Green was silent as he rummages through his bag and pulls out an envelope filled with Lien bills. The man had earned them through the odd jobs he took. He handed it over to Mr. Blue who counted it to ensure he was handed the correct amount.
"Here you go," The man said, passing a scroll to him. "Your new identity is already uploaded. Just make sure that you avoid letting anyone get a closer look."
Mr. Green gingerly took the Scroll. He accessed it and scrolled through its contents.
"Thank you for your business," Mr. Green said as he got up and began walking away.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you…Bruce Banner."
That name made Mr. Green freeze up. He turned back around and stare at Mr. Blue with suspicion.
"I never told you, my name."
"We did."
The room is flooded with lights. The intensity of the brightness blinded Bruce Banner, making him lift a handout of reflex. Standing on the catwalks are men in white armor aiming rifles down at him. To his utter shock, four people jumped down and landed a few feet away from him. He recognized them from their uniforms as a member of the Ace-Ops, a group of specialists that answered directly to General Ironwood.
"Bruce Banner," Clover Ebi announced, pulling out a fishing pole. "By the authority of the Atlesian Council, you are under arrest."
"You set me up," Bruce rounded on Mr. Blue, who was just going out the other way.
"The bounty was more than what we agreed on," Mr. Blue said. "Don't take it personally, Dr. Banner. It's just business."
Bruce only clenched his fists as the door closed. The fugitive looked back at the Atlesian forces that have tracked them down after all these years. He knew that they would find him. It was only a matter of time. They would never give up on searching for him.
Not after that day five years ago.
5 years ago
Outside the Kingdom of Atlas, Solitas
Amidst the snowy tundra, is a secret testing facility. A Bullhead touchdown on a landing pad. Its doors opened to let a bespectacled man dressed in a purple dress shirt and pants. His aura protected him from the cold climate, keeping him warm, as he made his way inside the complex.
At a testing facility, a door slid open as Bruce entered the laboratory. He is dressed in a white lab coat over a purple dress shirt. His colleagues in the Engineering Corps turned around as he entered.
"Bruce," Pietro Polendina, a fellow scientist greeted with gray hairs entering his brown hair. "You've made it."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Bruce said awkwardly as he puts on a white lab coat. "It's not every day that we develop an alternate energy source."
"Yes! And we have you to thank," Pietro said excitedly. "I must say, it's remarkable that you cracked the theory of using Gamma Radiation to generate electricity."
"Yes, quite remarkable, Banner," Arthur Watts drawled. "I'll admit, a greenhorn like yourself has impressed me. You did mention the fact that Gamma energy has high radiation output, did you? You know, just to make sure none of us get radiation poisoning?"
"I assure you, Watts, that as long as you're wearing the radiation suits, you'll be alright," Bruce assured. "We're not sure if aura can protect us from the effects of the gamma radiation, so it's better safe than sorry. I think I speak for everyone that nobody wants to test it."
"I agree, with you on that," Pietro added. "Think of what we can do with it! We could finally reopen the space program."
"But why settle for that when we can do more?" That was General James Ironwood, who had entered the lab. He acknowledges the scientist responsible for the project.
"Dr. Banner."
"General," Bruce greeted.
"Thank you, Doctor Banner," Ironwood said. "Your research will help bring levels of untold safety to not just Atlas, but humanity."
"Bomb?" Bruce backtracked. "What are you talking about? We don't have a bomb here."
Ironwood didn't give him an answer, rather he sighed as if he was expecting this. Behind him, his colleagues shifted nervously. Watts gave off a grunt of annoyance while Pietro gave Bruce an apologetic look. Bruce's eyes widened in realization.
"Wait a minute…you mean all this time we've been building a bomb?" Bruce asked incredulously. "But you told me that we were using my research to build an alternate energy source. You lied to me!"
"You would've stopped working if we told you," Ironwood said. "Don't worry Bruce, your research is going to help Atlas. If this works, we can have another weapon against the Grimm."
"But the Grimm aren't living beings," Bruce insisted. "We don't know what effect the Gamma Radiation will have—"
"Then it's a good thing that this is a testing facility," Ironwood said with a look that silenced any further argument from the scientist. "Grimm has already been reported within the area and this could take care of them in one fell swoop. Let's proceed to the control room."
Bruce stared at the back of Ironwood as he walked out of the lab. A look of betrayal is portrayed on the scientist's face. He couldn't believe that all his hard work was being used to create a weapon of mass destruction. This wasn't what he intended. As his colleagues made their way past him, he saw the look Pietro was giving him.
"Did you know?" He asked in an accusatory tone.
"Believe me, Bruce, I was in the dark as well," Pietro admitted. "But Ironwood is the one handling our research."
"I mean, what did you think was happen? That he will just let the most powerful source of energy just be used for powerplants?" Watts asked derisively. He patted Bruce's shoulder as he walked by. "I'm honestly surprised you became a doctor if you hadn't figured it out that all Ironwood wanted to do with your research is build a bomb. On the bright side, you'll have introduced a new weapon of mass destruction. Brilliant work Dr. Banner."
Bruce just glowered at Arthur's back. He never liked working with Watts, to be honest. The man loved to boast about his intelligence and it's insufferable. As much as he hated it, there's nothing that he could do. Slumping in resignation, he and Pietro followed him to the room where they will oversee the testing of the bomb. Technicians manned computer terminals, while a big holographic screen showcased the bomb site, a deserted snow tundra. The Gamma Bomb had been placed underground to prevent the radioactive material from being released from reaching the surface. The scientists stood near General Ironwood as the testing began.
"Grimm is closing in," a technician reported. "All personnel are being evacuated."
"Begin the countdown," Ironwood ordered.
At his command, an eight-minute timer appeared on the screen. It began counting down to detonation. Bruce could only watch in disappointment that everything he had done was to add another weapon to the military's arsenal.
"I can't do this…" Bruce muttered, clenching his fists. At that moment, a technician spoke up. There was panic in his voice.
"Sir, we got movement on the test site."
"Another Grimm?" Ironwood asked.
"No…the signature isn't a Grimm! It's a person! Someone's in the test site!"
"What?" Ironwood asked as if he couldn't believe his ears. The scientists began to mirror his alarm. "Bring it up on the monitor!"
"At once, sir!" the technician said quickly. Within a few seconds, another window popped up. Standing in the snow is a young man wearing a blue hoodie and black knit hat. He appeared to be kneeling to perform maintenance on a snowmobile.
"What the devil is he doing here?" Arthur demanded. "I thought that the 'Do Not Enter' sign was clear! How did this imbecile get in?"
"Doesn't matter!" Bruce said, turning to Ironwood. "General, we need to stop the test and evacuate him!"
"Sir, swarms of Grimm are approaching," a technician reported. The technician brought up another window. Everyone could see a variety of Grimm. Beowolves, Boarbatusks, and even Creeps. They appear to be stampeding towards them. It didn't take Ironwood three seconds to decide the next course of action.
"Proceed with the countdown," Ironwood's blunt command shocked nearly all of them.
"What do you mean we can't?" Pietro asked in outrage at the absurdity.
"Did you forget that there is a horde of Grimm coming our way?" Ironwood asked with an edge of steel. "We don't have enough manpower to fend them off. We don't have time to call for reinforcements."
"But there's a civilian down there!" Bruce insisted. "Isn't the point of this project to protect the people? If the blast doesn't kill him, the fallout will!"
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Ironwood shot back. "The Grimm is already approaching us and we're already about to detonate. If we stop it now, then we'll be overrun. The Gamma Bomb is the only thing that can save us."
"That doesn't mean we can't find any alternatives James," Pietro pleaded. "Why don't we rescue him and evacuate? We can postpone and try again some other day."
"This project is too important to pass up!"
Bruce just stood there, listening to they argue. They were going to let one person die to ensure their survival and the success of a bomb project. To his disgust, none of his colleagues aside from Pietro are willing to help him. None of them are willing to call off the detonation.
He had enough.
"Bruce, where are you going?" Pietro cried out as Bruce ran out of the control room. Bruce never replied as he ran down the halls to the garage. He ignored Ironwood's voice on the speakers ordering all military personnel to stop him from leaving the building. Shoving a soldier to the side, he commandeered a two-man snowmobile. The engine roared as he shot out before anybody could stop him.
The cold wind was stinging his face as he rode. In his haste, he didn't take off his lab coat and put on the proper gear for riding a snowmobile. But he didn't care. The course of the snowmobile stayed true until he spotted the bystander.
"Hey! HEY!" Bruce screamed out, getting his attention. He pulled his snowmobile to a stop and got off meters away. Just as he was getting close, he heard the speaker with a twist in his gut.
3…2…1…ignition!
There was a green flash followed by the loud sound of an explosion. A green mushroom cloud rose towards the heavens. Bruce knew the worse is yet to come. There was no time to get back to the snowmobiles. Hope came when he spotted a trench a few meters away from them. If they could get to it, they will be safe from the blast.
"Brothers!" the bystander gasped. "What is that?"
"Bomb test! No time to explain! We need to get over there!" Bruce ordered. The bystander must've recognized the danger in his words and ran towards the trench. Bruce ran after him. But to his side, a wave of green energy is approaching them fast. To his despair, he knew that they weren't going to get to the trench in time.
Bruce felt his mind race. This is all his fault. If he hadn't been so gullible, this wouldn't be happening. Now someone is going to die at the hands of his research.
But it's not going to be anyone else who pays the price of his sins.
Putting everything he had left in his legs, he caught up to the bystander and shoved him. The bystander gave out a cry of surprise as he fell into the trench. Bruce didn't stop to watch as he ran in the opposite direction of the wave. But he knew it was a futile effort as the wave washed over him. He could feel searing pain radiated all over his body, causing him to cry out. His aura flared up as if trying to protect him, but it wasn't enough.
Soon, the cry had turned into a roar.
Present
That was a long time ago. By then, Bruce's hair had grown, and he grew a stubbly beard. If it weren't for his semblance waking up, he wouldn't have survived the gamma bombardment. But to call him a semblance would be an understatement. All it takes is one bad mood for the big guy to get out. But that was the secret to controlling him.
"This is the guy the General's been hunting for five years?" Harriet Bree asked, scrutinizing him. "The guy who wiped out a horde of Grimm all by himself. He doesn't look much."
"You've read the files Harriet," Vine Zeki said calmly. "He is not to be taken lightly."
"Is it alright to warrant this much?" Elm Ederne asked, gesturing to the soldiers aiming their rifles at the seemingly defenseless scientist. At that comment, Bruce chuckled darkly.
"What's so funny?" Harriet demanded.
"It's just I'm familiar with the song and dance by now," Bruce said with a tone of resignation. "Ironwood manages to track me down, sends forces to apprehend me and I start running. To be honest, this is the first time that he's sent the Ace-Ops after me. I already know what's going to happen next, so why don't we get this over with?"
"So, you are surrendering?" Clover asked. It sounded like he was being hopeful. To his disappointment, Bruce shook his head.
"I'm going to be clear. Ironwood isn't getting another weapon from me. So let me warn you…" Bruce said as his eyes glowed a brilliant shade of emerald. "You won't like me when I'm angry."
Right before their eyes, Bruce Banner transformed. His skin became the rich shade of green as his muscles and skeletal structure expanded. There was the tearing of clothes as his shirt became rags, unable to handle the sudden growth. Thankfully, his pants held, giving them small mercy. Green eyes glared at the Atlesian forces as he let out a bone-shaking roar that would've put a Grimm to shame.
"Open fire!" Clover yelled out as soon as he recovered. The soldiers fired upon the behemoth. The bullets did little to nothing as the behemoth took a deep breath. When he drew in enough air, he blew it out at an enormous speed. The force of the wind being expelled from the behemoth was like the scale of a hurricane. Elm's semblance, Aura Roots, planted themselves into the ground. She shot out her hand to grab Clover, who in turn grabbed Harriet whom the latter was grabbed onto by Vine via his semblance, Aura Vines. The Ace-Ops flew in the air like a flag while the rest of the soldiers were sent flying against the wall. When the wind subsided, they all fell to the ground.
"So, this is the Hulk," Elm managed to gasp out as she gets up, eyeing the towering monstrosity as it approached them. She couldn't believe how easily this guy reduced their forces down to four with ease. The Hulk smacked a fist into an open palm.
"Time to smash!"
"All of you! Get out of here!" Clover ordered the soldiers as he rubbed his pin. "We'll take it from here!"
He didn't look to see them scramble as he pulled out his weapon, a collapsible fishing pole named Kingfisher. He cast a line around the Hulk's neck and attempted to bring him down. But that proved to be a mistake. The green behemoth grunted in annoyance as he grabs the line and yanked it towards him full force. Clover was abruptly lifted off the ground, spun around like a lasso, and slung out a window. The leader of the Ace-Ops would eventually fly until he lands in a mattress cart.
"Clover!" Harriet cried out. Her eyes narrowed in rage at the Hulk, yellow electricity sparking in them. She dashed forward, leaving behind a trail of electricity in her wake. From her back, robotic exosuit arms unfolded and cover her arms. She punched the Hulk in the abdomen with little effect. He tried to smash her, but she swiftly moved out of the way to throw another barrage of punches.
"We just need to whittle down his aura," Vine said calmly. "It should revert him to his normal self."
Vine threw out his fist, which allowed a yellow three-fingered limb to shoot out and punch the Hulk. Recalling what happened to his leader, he pulled it back to prevent his foe from grabbing him. He moved around and repeated the same move. Hulk plunged a hand into the ground and rips out a chunk of rubble which he threw at the Ace-Operative. The operatives sent out an aura vine to latch onto the catwalk to pull himself out of harm's way to continue his long-distance assault.
Elm had already prepared on her own. Her semblance, Aura Roots, took effect and planted herself in place as she transformed her weapon, Timber, into its rocket launcher form. And fires two rockets. Thanks to the roots, she wasn't blown away by the force of the recoil. Harriet moved out of the way as the rockets exploded against the Hulk. Smoke enveloped where he was standing.
The Ace-Ops took a moment to catch their breath, convinced that the battle is over. That thought faded along with the smoke. The Hulk was still standing, and he looked angrier than before. He didn't look fazed by the explosions.
"That was enough to take out a Megoliath!" Elm cried out. Seeing her teammate fail, Harriet continued to attack the Hulk with her punches. Hulk was already irritated by this pesky insect.
"Brothers! Will your…aura…just…break…already?" Harriet gasped out as she landed blow after blow upon the green body. "How are you still standing?"
"My aura is tougher than yours zippy!" Hulk yells out as he stomps the ground, sending a shockwave throughout the ground. Harriet stumbled, which gave Hulk the opening to pound her. The impact of the blow left her dazed, which left her open to his last attack. Gripping his hands together, the Hulk smashed down on her back, breaking her aura.
"Harriet!" Elm cried out. That drew his attention to her. He advanced upon her as she shifted her Timber into hammer form. Before he got close, he was gripped from behind by Vine. The operative was on the catwalk attempting to pull him back. He quickly recalled them before the Hulk could catch him. Having enough, Hulk turned around and clapped his hands. The impact created a tremendously powerful sonic vibration that propagated through the air with the force of the strongest hurricane. When it hit Vine, his aura completely shattered.
With that last one down, that left only one left. He rounded on Elm and charged towards her. Keeping herself rooted, she grabbed at his oncoming fists. Thanks to her semblance, she was immovable from her spot. But noticeable cracks were forming which the Hulk took notice of.
"Just how strong is this guy's semblance?" Elm gritted her teeth. With a grunt of effort, she threw the Hulk into the air. Hulk landed on his back with a grunt, which allowed Elm to load two rockets into Timber. Gripping her hammer, she swung it down upon him, the rockets boosting the power of the blow. To her complete bafflement, not even that was enough to break his aura. Growling and getting angrier, Hulk got up to face his aggressor. Instead of punching her, Hulk grabbed her by the torso and yanked her from the ground like uprooting a weed. He slammed against the ground several times before her aura broke.
At that moment, Clover had just arrived at the battle. After retrieving his weapon, which had fallen into a nearby barrel, he ran back to the warehouse. He had witnessed his teammates being thrown around like rag dolls. Hulk turned around to face with, his lips curled into a snarl.
"Don't think I forgot about you!"
Clover grimaced as he readies Kingfisher. Just as the Hulk came charging towards him, his earpiece sparked to life. An unfamiliar voice spoke up.
"Specialist Clover! Withdraw your men!"
"This is a secure channel. Who is this?" Clover demanded, recognizing the voice as female. He rolled away from a green fist as it smashed into the floor. He used Kingfisher as a grappling hook to get some distance while the voice continued to speak.
"Your superior, specialist. I assume you're familiar with the code phrase 'Big Brother', right?"
Clover's eyes widened. Only the special operative's unit was aware of this code phrase. The only ones who could invoke it are ranked higher than General Ironwood. This was the first time he heard it though.
"May I request confirmation?" Clover asked as he kept moving.
"Certainly," the voice answered crisply. "Take a look at your scroll."
His scroll vibrated and he held it up to eye level. What he saw erased any lingering doubt from his mind. General Ironwood isn't going to be happy, neither are the people on the other end of the transmission. If his hunch is correct on their identity, it will have dire consequences for his team. Especially when the people with these credentials can make you disappear without a trace.
"I assume this clears away any doubts?"
"Yes, ma'am," Clover said. "My apologies. I just needed to confirm that this isn't a prank."
"Understandable. Now back off. We'll take it from here."
The Hulk had just caught up to the specialist when a glyph in the shape of a target appeared on the back of his head. An arrow flew through a window, the tip glowing red with fire dust as the arrow hits the target glyph. It exploded into a big ball of fire, disorienting, and diverting his attention as two people fell through the same window, rolled on the floor, and adopting battle stances.
One of them was the woman that Clover was speaking to. She is dressed in a black fitting jumpsuit which is half zipped just below her collar bone with a silver belt with pouches on her waist. On the buckle is a red hourglass. Her red bangs are parted to reveal her green eyes and what appeared to be small red freckles. Upon closer look, they are three small pairs of spider eyes that looked at Hulk. She held up her arms, each of them having a yellow gauntlet in preparation.
Her partner is a blonde man in light purple armor over a black shirt and jeans. with a logo of a downward arrow pointing down with purple sunglasses. His arms have purple armguards. On his back is a quiver of arrows with purple fleches. The archer swiftly drew an arrow from the quiver and knocked it on the bow.
"Let's take him down," Clint Barton said. Upon seeing the newcomers, the Hulk roared and charged at him. His eyes flashed purple as another target glyph appeared on the Hulk's forehead. Just as he and his partner rolled away, Clint released the arrow. The arrow shot past the Hulk's head, only for it to curve around and hit the target glyph. The arrow glowed yellow as it pumped electricity causing the Hulk to howl in pain.
The angry behemoth turned on Clint and rushed him. Clint drew another arrow, but instead of aiming at the charging Hulk, he shot it towards the ground. The arrow glowed cyan as a light energy barrier became erected in front of the archer. That caused the behemoth to stop to start pounding away at it. As the barrier began to crack, Clint drew another arrow and fired it upward. The arrow was glowing light blue as the tip turned downward and fell to his head. The arrow burst, encasing Hulk's head in a block of ice.
"Why don't you cool off?" Clint quipped. His victory was short-lived as the ice cracked and broke apart. The Hulk snarled and was about to attack him when he was shocked from behind. That attack came from Natasha Romanov, who fired a blast of electricity from her gauntlets, Widow's Bite. She deftly dodged the fist sent her way with cartwheel before vanishing into thin air.
While the two newcomers fought the Hulk, Clover was evacuating his team. He already helped Elm up, though she has difficulty moving due to the thrashing Hulk gave her. She went to get Vine and he went to get Harriet.
"Harriet, are you alright?" Clover asked carefully.
"I'm good," Harriet said.
"Good. Ace-Ops, we're pulling back!" Clover ordered.
"That's already being taken care of," Clover said, jerking his head to the people fighting the Hulk.
"Who are they?" Elm asked.
"The only thing you need to know is that they invoked 'Big Brother'," Clover answered. Those words got mixed reactions. Vine remained stoic as usual, Elm had a face of fear, and Harriet looked to disbelief.
"Big Brother? Them? But I thought they were a myth!"
"Turns out they're real," Clover muttered grimly. "I've already verified their credentials. So, unless you guys want to disappear, we better make ourselves scarce."
They didn't need to be told twice as they scrambled out of there. While supporting Harriet, he contacted General Ironwood.
"General. We got a couple of huntsmen who invoked Big Brother, so we are withdrawing," Clover reports. "Yes, I confirmed their credentials. Wait…you what? But sir they…I understand…"
Back to the fight, Natasha just threw explosives at a charging Hulk before using a line from Widow's Bite to grapple away. Two more Ice Dust arrows exploded at the Hulk's feet, encasing them in ice. Clint drew another Hard-Light Dust arrow and released it. Instead of becoming a shield, it split into a hail of smaller arrows that peppered Hulk. The behemoth grunted in annoyance before pulling himself out of the ice. Both his aggressors grit their teeth. They are doing everything they can to break his aura.
"Just how long before his aura breaks?" Clint asked as he released another electric arrow.
"His semblance not only enhances his muscle density, but his aura as well," Natasha replies as she fires a dart of electrical dust. "The angrier he gets, the more it increases."
"So how are we supposed to take him down?" Clint asked as he shot a steam arrow to blind the Hulk.
"Why don't we find out?" Natasha said, grabbing a grenade off her belt and throwing it. As she deftly dodged a blind strike, her earpiece crackled to life.
"Agent Romanova! Agent Barton! Are you still on Big Green?"
"We are Director," Natasha confirmed. "We just need to find a way to break his aura!"
"Forget about him! You need to leave the area!" That order drew surprise from the agents. "Ironwood had just ordered an aerial bombardment!"
"What?" Clint yelled. "Why the hell did he do that?"
"That's what I wanted to know," the Director replied. "He's not going to get away with this. You two get out of here. We'll deal with Big Green some other time."
"Got it," Natasha said. She looked at the Hulk. "We'll have to cut our dance short, big guy."
She took another explosive pellet out of her Widow's Bite and tossed it to him. It exploded in a cloud of smoke that obscured the area. The agents ran out of the warehouse just in time to see an Atlesian airship above. They witnessed it fire a laser at the warehouse, causing the ground to explode. But it didn't stop with one blast. It continued to fire a barrage of lasers, which was dangerously drawing close to the agents.
"Dammit! We're not going to make it!" Clint cried out. Natasha fearfully agreed with him. Just before the next blast occurred, a wall of green stood in front of them. The agent's watched with wide eyes as the Hulk used his body to shield them from the blasts. Several of them hit his greenback, earning grunts of pain. After several moments, the barrage ceased.
When the dust died down, they found the Hulk still standing, albeit breathing heavily. Seizing the opportunity, Natasha held Widow's Bite to his face and fired a purplish pink fume. When Hulk breathed it in, he almost instantly lost consciousness and fell forward. Clint took off his sunglasses, revealing hawk-like eyes.
"Couldn't you have done that earlier?" Clint asked heatedly before looking at the unconscious form of Bruce Banner. "And did he just save our lives?"
"Indeed, he did," Natasha confirms as she pulls out a black scroll and holds it to her ear. "Director Fury. We've acquired Big Green and are awaiting extraction."
"Excellent. Was he the monster Ironwood made him out to be?"
"No," Natasha said, looking at Bruce with gentle eyes. "No, he isn't."
I have watched gods descend among mortals once more…
Anima
Somewhere in the continent of Anima is a village under siege. People run screaming as bandits pillaged their town.
"Alright, Rekker Clan, you know what to do!" Dirk Garthwaite, a man in light green armor and purple sackcloth, calls out. He wielded a crowbar as his weapon. "Take anything valuable and wreck everything else before the Grimm come!
"You got it, boss!"
That came from his clan members. Brian Calusky, a guy in a red and white wrestlers' uniform, broke through a house and came back out with a vault. Henry Camp, an orange-clad man with a heavy plated helmet, boots, and boots, bulldozed through several houses like it was nothing. Eliot Franklin, a dark-skinned man in light green clothing and wearing a beanie, twirled a ball and chain before bringing it down upon another building.
"You bastards!"
That came from the village militia, who stood ready to fight. Some of them are armed with spears while a few of them have rifles. But their hands were trembling, betraying their fear.
"Oh, look, Dirk," Brian said mockingly. "The little people are fighting back."
"Why don't we give them a wake-up call," Dirk grinned sinisterly. He and his clan members moved to attack the militia. They had gotten nearly seven steps close when a heavy object smashed into Dirk. The Rekker Clan leader felt the air rush out of his lungs as his back met the ground. His fellow-clansman looked at their leader and saw the object that crashed into him. It was a Warhammer with a leather grip and thong.
Then, to their utter astonishment, the hammer flew away from and into the hand of a broad-shouldered and extremely muscular blonde-haired man. He wore armor with a black chest plate with six silver disks connected with a gold lining, silver lined-in chain mail arm armor, and a red cape. What was strange is that the man is floating in the air.
"Face me, foul men of the Rekker Clan," the Stranger called out as lightning flashed above him. "And feel the wrath of Thor! God of thunder!"
The militia was dumbstruck at this new arrival. So were the Rekker Clan before they burst out laughing. They clutched their bellies as if what Thor said was a joke. Seeing this, Thor landed on the ground.
"God of thunder?" Dirk guffawed, clutching his stomach. "Are you serious? Arrogant much?"
"I was once…but it is a title well earned.," Thor said before turning his head to warn the militia. "The rest of you stay back. I shall deal with these vagrants myself."
Gripping his hammer, Mjolnir, swung it at Dirk. Mjolnir caught him in the chin and sent him flying upwards. He landed a few feet behind his group.
"Be thankful that you have Aura to protect you," Thor said grimly. "That strike would've killed your friend otherwise. If you wish to surrender, I will gladly accept it."
"Screw you!" Henry growled as he and his fellows readied their weapons or fists. "Let's wreck this fool!"
Henry charged at Thor. Gripping Mjolnir with both hands, he swung Mjolnir right into his helmet. A crack appeared from where the hammer hit as Henry was sent flying into a building. His clansman, Brian, managed to sock Thor in his left side, followed up by another punch. It felt like he was hit by the smallest frost giant. But Thor recovered and retaliates by striking him with the pommel before bringing Mjolnir down on his head.
"For a mere brigand, they put up a fight," Thor commented before he was hit by the heavy ball of Eliot. Thor crashed through several walls before he dug his hands into the ground. Getting up, he spun Mjolnir by the strap and threw it. Mjolnir flew out and struck Eliot in the stomach and pinning him against a wall. Eliot struggled to remove the hammer but couldn't. Thor walked back out in the open and held out his hand. Mjolnir twitched before returning to its owner. The disappointment was framed on his face.
"Yet they waste their abilities on robbing the innocent."
When his father sent him to this world to teach him a lesson in humility, he was appalled by the situation. The Creatures of the Grimm, monsters of darkness, constantly hunts the mortals. It unnerved him that they lack any sense of preservation. From what he gathered, Huntsmen were formed to combat this threat and protect the innocent. Yet these vagrants use their abilities to hurt people for their benefit. Therefore, he swore to protect this realm from the evils that threatened it, even when he got his power back.
Dirk came back with his crowbar swinging. Thor's hammer met his weapon and became locked in a stalemate. One of the things about the aura is that it allowed the mortals of this world to match his own. But he's faced giants bigger than the Grimm. With a grunt of effort, he pushed Dirk backward and twirled Mjolnir. Lightning sparked from the head as he swung it at his torso. A flash followed by thunder resounded when it hit Dirk's torso. Thor watched as his green aura broke, making him powerless.
"Stay down," Thor warned. Hearing the clanking of chains, Thor ducked to avoid the ball and chain of Eliot. Brian came back and got another hit, but it hardly fazed him this time. Henry came charging, yet one punch was enough to send him reeling back. It was then that Thor noticed something odd. Their strength wasn't as great as before. Eliot seemed to have trouble with his chain, Brian was rubbing his fists, and Henry seemed dazed. They weren't like this when their leader was still in the fight.
Then it clicked.
"I see," Thor surmised. "Your leader's semblance allows him to enhance the strength of himself and others. Without him, your strength has diminished if not faded. This is your downfall…relying on one man's power."
"Oh yeah? That's still not going to stop us from wrecking you!" Henry retorts as he made one last charge. Having enough, Thor threw his hammer at Brian before holding out his hands to meet Henry's charge. He didn't stop to see Mjolnir break Brian's aura as he engages Henry. His feet dug into the ground as he pushed against the bulldozing bandit. He triumphantly threw him overhead, causing him to hit the ground painfully. That impact was enough to break his aura.
At the corner of his eye, he saw the ball of Eliot coming towards him. Prepared this time, he moved out of the way and gripped the chain. With a yank, Eliot was pulled towards him at full force. Thor broke his aura with a heavy punch to the face.
"Hold it blondie!"
Thor turned around to see, much to his surprise, Dirk up and about. In one arm, he held a struggling little girl with orange hair. A kid with black hair with a pink stripe rushed at him, but he promptly kicked him away.
"Easy there!" Dirk ordered, bringing the tip of the crowbar to the girl's chin. "Or this kid is going to get the worse headache she ever imagined."
"Have you no honor?" Thor asked in quiet rage.
"Not even a shred," Dirk sneered.
"Then you should be familiar with attacking a foe from behind."
"What?!" Dirk asked. That was all he could say as Mjolnir flew behind him and struck him in the head before returning to Thor's hand. The girl, now free of Dirk, rushed to the boy and checked on him. Seeing the danger passed, the villagers approached Thor.
"Are you alright," Thor asked. "I never meant for this battle to escalate."
"Don't worry about it," a man who appeared to be the leader of the militia said. "If it weren't for you, these ruffians would've sucked our village dry. Thank you."
"There is no need to thank me," Thor said modestly. "I'm just doing what anyone would've done. Is there any way you could get these people to prison?"
"We can alert the local police force," the man said.
"Good. If you'll excuse me."
Thor approached the children. The boy didn't seem to have taken any damage from Dirk. Curious. Could he have activated his aura at a young age?
"Are you alright?" Thor asked, kneeling. The boy simply nodded while the girl gave him a big smile.
"I'm alright," the girl chirped. "Thank you for saving Ren. That was amazing how you dealt with those meanies! I want to be a strong as you are someday!"
"Someday you will," Thor said with a smile. "The first thing in becoming strong is admitting you're weak. There's wisdom in humility. It makes you see the spots where you made mistakes and helps you be a better person. Remember that…I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."
"Nora! Nora Valkyrie!" Nora cheerfully answered as she pulls her friend. "This is my friend, Lie Ren. But you can call him Ren!"
"Then I shall," Thor said, a little concerned about the lie part. It reminded him of his brother Loki. "Valkyrie. That is a powerful name to have young Nora."
"Really?"
He was about to reply when the hairs on his neck stood on end. It was an instinct that he developed during the many battles he partook in before coming to Remnant. In the distance, he could pick out the howls of Grimm. He cursed as he should've realized it sooner. The fighting created negativity and it brought the Grimm here. The villagers took notice of this as well.
"The Grimm is coming!"
"We need huntsmen!"
"Stay here, young ones," Thor said as his eyes glowed with electrical power. Mjolnir was sparkling lighting. "For I shall deal with these beasts."
For the next hour, the village watched as lightning smite the Grimm.
I have watched legends born, and return when most needed…
Isle of Patch, 10 years ago
"Okay girls, time for bed," Taiyang said. The inhabitants of the Xiao Long home were gathered in Ruby's room. It was time for bed, but the girls wanted to stay up.
"Aww, come on, dad!" little Ruby complained. "I'm not tired!"
"Just a few minutes, please?" Yang, her older sister begged.
"Hey, every kid needs their sleep," Taiyang lightly scolded. "If you don't, you won't be able to go to school tomorrow."
"Then can you tell us a story!" Ruby pleaded with the puppy dog eyes. "I promise we'll go to sleep afterward."
Taiyang stared at his youngest daughter. Then he sighed in resignation. He couldn't say no to that face, and she knew it. But that's not going to get her way forever.
"Alright. Alright." Taiyang sighed. "One story. Then, bedtime. Okay?"
"Deal!" Both girls cheered up. Taiyang walked over to a nearby bookshelf and pulled out a book of fairy tales. Walking back to the bed, he sat down and tapped the cover.
"So, what do you want to hear?"
"Actually," Ruby said. "Can you tell us the story of Captain Rogers?"
Taiyang looked at her in surprise. It's not that he didn't know the story, heck EVERYONE knew who Captain Rogers was. But it wasn't a story that is written in a fairy tale book.
"Ruby, you heard that story a million times," Tai chuckled. "I'm sure that you've memorized it by now."
"No, I didn't!" Ruby denied.
"Yes, you have!" Yang argued.
"It all takes place during the great war. It was a war of ignorance, greed, and oppression. It was long before Vacuo decided to step in to help Vale and we were losing. It didn't help with HYDRA, a fascist regime named after an aquatic Grimm, developed technologies so advanced and terrifying that many wished to face a Grimm instead."
"But then came a man named Steve Rogers. That guy's body and aura were too frail, but he had a fighting spirit that wouldn't give up. He volunteered for a secret military experiment and, with the help of the kingdom's finest scientists, including some who defected from Mantle, was transformed into the worlds' first super soldier."
"Also known as the symbol of freedom and the sentinel of liberty!" Ruby and Yang cheered. "The greatest warrior next to the Warrior King of Vale!"
"Who's telling this story you or me?" Taiyang asked. "Anyway, Vale got word that HYDRA was preparing a weapon that will win them the war during the campaign at Vacuo. The captain and a group of commandoes traveled to the base to foil their plans…
An island off the course of Solitas
2 years before the end of the Great War
Drifting across the freezing sea are two-row boats. They are rowing away from a three-masted galleon. Inside each of the boats is a squad of commandoes in light armor and carrying a variety of weapons. On their shields or somewhere on their armor are green double axes surrounded by laurels. The symbol of the Kingdom of Vale.
They are here on a special mission. The Warrior King himself has ordered them to infiltrate a HYDRA base and capture it. According to their intelligence, they are developing a weapon that can turn the war in their favor. They are to find that weapon and destroy it at any cost. If they fail, millions of lives will be destroyed.
Their boats eventually reached the shore of the island. They disembarked and pulled the boats further before entering the forest. The leaves are covered in snow and their feet crushed it as they journeyed further into the forest. Every one of them had their weapons out, alert for an ambush. They are in enemy territory, after all, so they would be stupid to let their guard down.
Surprisingly, there weren't any Grimm. During the war, it generated negativity which attracted the creatures, forcing both sides to temporarily cease-fire and fight them off.
The commandoes traveled for a few more meters before they reached their destination. A gothic castle towered towards the heavens, casting a shadow over the land it is built upon. In front of them are a series of tombstones eroded from the elements. The place looked to be abandoned, but they knew otherwise.
The soldiers slowly approached the castle. What was eerie is the fact that they are walking through a graveyard. Then, one of the soldiers at the front, a grizzled Faunus with a fanged underbite, held up his fist. He had heard a click, and he recognized the click of a .50 caliber machine gun when he heard it. His commander acknowledged his silent warning.
"Howling Commandos, move!"
They got to cover just as the machine gun open fire. The stream of bullets cut through the headstones as easy as a knife through warm butter. The commandoes kept their heads down to avoid the bullets. Not everyone had Aura, the protective power of the soul, but even if they did, the power of that weapon would cut them down. They saw a guy who suffered a grisly fate at one of those things.
"We're sitting ducks out here!" Sgt. Fury, a dark-skinned man who is commander of the unit, called out. "Howlett, I need recon!"
"I'm working on it, bub!" the Faunus retorts.
On the far end of the field, a soldier wearing a black variant of the Atlesian Soldier uniform, with a red emblem of an octopus with a skull head, was operating the machine gun. It was fine for a few more minutes until it jammed. The soldier pounded the contraption to get it working again. At that point, something whizzed in the air. It curved in the air and slice the machine gun's barrel off. It took a few seconds for it to explode, with the soldier caught up in the blast.
"This is the end of the line boys."
The commandoes turned to the source of the voice. Standing on top of a square rock is a tall man in light armor like theirs. Except he is colored blue with a white star emblazoned on the chest plate. A red gloved hand reached out to grab the object that he threw. It's a circular shield painted red and white with the lone star at the center. Every word he spoke raised the morale of the commandoes. Blue eyes gazed out of a brown mask he wore beneath a blue helmet.
"Our job is to take down HYDRA's science base and secure or destroy the weapon they are building. I've already got us a path inside, now let's go show HYDRA that their days are over!"
As they cheered, Captain Roger's aura flashed red. It had an astounding effect on the commandoes. They felt a wave of wind wash over them as their bodies gave off a red aura. The commandoes felt empowered like they can accomplish anything.
Sgt. Fury pulled out a trumpet and sounded the charge. Together, Captain America and the Commandoes charged past the cemetery. They came to a drawbridge with the chains severed, no doubt done by Captain Rogers. By then, A platoon of soldiers stormed out, brandishing guns. They took up position and open fire.
Captain Rogers held up his shield, Star-Spangled, letting it take the bullets and not stopping his charge. The captain barreled through several soldiers, spinning around to bash one with his shield. He socked another in the jaw and threw his shield at a soldier trying to take a shot at him. It knocked the weapon out of his hand and flew back to Rogers, who grabbed it as he ran forward and finished him with fisticuffs.
While he's engaged in close quarters combat, he is joined by the other commandoes, who didn't pay any heed to and bullets that missed or grazed them. They attacked the HYDRA forces with a ferocity that would've put the Grimm to shame. Some of them completely forgot their weapons and settled for beating their enemy up. Fury was using his trumpet as a blunt weapon.
Roger's hairs stood on end, causing him to dash in front of Fury with his shield raised. It was a close call as he blocked the fire from a turret. One of the soldiers, armed with a stolen grenade launcher, fired a grenade up into the tower. It was a few seconds before it exploded, killing the soldier inside.
"You alright sergeant?" Captain Rogers asked as he lowered his shield.
"Yes, captain," Fury replied. He glanced at the shield and let out a whistle. "They should make that thing standard issue."
"Sorry, but this is one of a kind," Captain Rogers said with a fond smile at his shield. He became serious. "Let's storm the castle!"
Together with the commandoes charged into the castle. They encountered more HYDRA resistance, but they were put down. They made sure to stick together as they would be out of the range of Captain Roger's semblance, Rallying Cry. They searched whatever room they came across for the weapon and possibly the leader of HYDRA. On a slight whim, they followed the HYDRA soldiers when they began running away from them.
"They must be gathering everyone to defend the weapon," Fury surmised.
"All they are doing is leading us right to it," Captain Rogers said as they continue to follow them. Finally, they came to a heavy door. With all of them powered by Rallying Cry, it took them two tries to knock it down. They spilled into what appeared to be a hanger. The last of HYDRA's forces have stood in lines with their weapons aimed at them. Some of them appear to be loading a device onto an advanced Atlesian bomber plane.
"That looks like a bomb…" Fury cried out. His eyes widened in realization as he recalled various reports from intelligence. "Brothers…that must be the weapon! Cap, they've built a bomb! They're going to bomb the Vale army at Vacuo!"
"Then we better ground it," Captain Rogers said with gritted teeth. Easier said than done as the HYDRA soldiers fired upon them. Cap's shield took the brunt of the damage before he threw it. He managed to get the ones at the front first, giving his men the opportunity to get in close. His semblance is still active so they were quick before the enemy could recover. They were engaged in combat, but the bomber plane was getting ready to take off. Its engines began powering up as it wheeled across the runway and towards the exit.
"Cap, you go up ahead!" Fury cried out. He and the commandoes were hiding behind cover. "We can take care of these grunts! You must take that thing out! We can't let them drop that bomb!"
"But…" Captain Rogers was hesitant, as he would be abandoning his men. But the look Fury gave him told him what he should be doing. With a firm nod, the captain ran towards the bomber. He felt the adrenaline rush as he struggled to catch up to the bomber as it has begun to accelerate. Just before it cleared the runway, Steve jumped and grabbed hold of the landing gear wells.
As the bomber took to the air, the landing gear folded inside the bomber. Steve lets it go and felt his feet on a metal floor. Rogers found himself in the hangar section of the bomber. Right where the bomb is. He would've moved to sabotage it if it weren't for the other person.
"Good evening, Captain Rogers," Johann Schmidt, the leader of HYDRA greeted. In his hand, he held his pistol, Dust Death, at the captain. His head is heavily disfigured, giving him the appearance of a Red Skull. "I knew that you would be the only man who would make it here. How fortunate that we will be having our final battle here. Without any people willing to fight for you, your semblance is powerless."
"I learned very quickly not to rely on it too much," Captain Rogers retorts as he threw his shield. Johann squeezed the trigger and fired a red laser at the incoming projectile, knocking it out of the sky. Undeterred, Steve heaved himself over the bomb to throw a fist at the HYDRA leader, forcing him to lose his pistol. Schmidt returned the blow in kind.
"You don't get it to do you, Rogers," Schmidt said as he and the captain engaged in fisticuffs. "We are standing at the crossroads of history. Even if you take me down, two more will take my place. Such as the nature of HYDRA."
"Then I'll make sure to severe every last one," Captain Rogers said as he recovers his shield. He bashed it against Schmidt several times before gripping it by the edges and ramming it down on his head. Schmidt collapsed as his red aura broke.
"It's over Schmidt," Rogers declared.
"On the contrary Captain…" Johann said cryptically as he took out a remote. "You may have won this battle, but I will have my revenge! On you, and the world!"
He pressed a button on the remote. Behind the Captain, the bomb's lighting turned red and began flashing. Captain turned around to see this with alarm. The bomb had been activated.
"Even if I fail, I will have the pleasure of taking you with me," Schmidt laughed. "See you in hell…Captain Rogers!"
Steve promptly shut him up by kicking him in the head. It knocked the leader out, but he wasn't out of danger yet. He walked over to the bomb and tried to disarm it. No matter how much he tried to override it, the bomb didn't turn off. Schmidt must have programmed it to detonate no matter what.
Rather than despairing at his inevitable death, Steve smiled, as if accepting his fate. He walked past the prone body of Schmidt and to the cockpit. He must have set it to autopilot in anticipation of his arrival. Even if he died, at least he'll know that the war will finally be over.
"It was a pleasure serving with you all," Steve said, taking off his helmet and closing his eyes. "Goodbye."
Then his world became white.
"…and that is the last they saw of Captain Rogers," Taiyang finished. "Even if he's gone, his legend allowed Vale and Vacuo to win the war. And that is the story of the greatest symbol of freedom in Remnant's history."
"Are you sure that last part happened?" Yang asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Hey, you wanted a story," Taiyang said, scrunching his face in mild annoyance. "What's wrong with making my ending?"
"So, what happened to Captain Rogers?" Ruby asked, listening with rapt attention ever since he began the story.
"Last time anyone saw him was when he boarded that bomber," Taiyang answered honestly. "Nothing else happened. But what we do know is that without his sacrifice, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. There wouldn't have been the Vytal Peace Accord, nor the Huntsmen Academies…"
"Nor would we have cool uncle Qrow!" Ruby cheered. Yang nodded with his sister while Taiyang rolled his eyes in annoyance. His brother-in-law was always the favorite, and he's already a bad influence on them.
"Alright, time to go to bed," Taiyang said, booking no room for argument. Keeping their word, Ruby squirmed into her bed while Yang left for her room. Taiyang kissed Ruby good night before walking over to turn off the dust light.
"Hey, Dad…do you think Captain Rogers survived?" Ruby asked before Taiyang left the room. He stopped just as he was about to close the door. The patriarch of the family pondered what to say until he decided to answer honestly.
"I don't know…but if he did, I bet he would've made a good huntsman if not the greatest."
Somewhere in Solitas
In the middle of a snowstorm, an excavation was taking place. People in winter clothing are working with tools on the remains of a Great War-era Atlesian bomber. It had been discovered several months ago by wandering huntsmen. After getting back to Atlas, they reported their findings. Nobody seemed to be interested in the bomber. At least, not Atlas.
Black bullhead landed right at the campsite. Exiting through the rear ramp came Director Fury, the son of Jack Fury, who is dressed in a winter variation of his usual attire. As neared the remains of the rear hangar, a couple of technicians were pulling away from a bomb.
"Be careful with that, it could still be active!" The lead technician shouted. He spun around just in time to see Fury coming towards him. Oh! Director Fury! We weren't expecting you until—"
"When you mentioned something interesting, I decided to cut my time short," Fury answered right to the point. "Where is he?"
"Right this way sir," the technician said as he led him through the ruins of the bomber. It was hazardous to navigate around twisted metal beams that supported the interior of the ship and jagged icicles. The bomber must have crashed into the freezing sea, only to refreeze again. Finally, the technician led him to what appeared to be a huge chunk of ice. Fury's one eye widened at what he could make out.
A circular shield. One that is painted red and white with a lone star at the center.
"Brothers…after all these years…" Fury muttered before ordering the technician. "Let's dig him out. He's been asleep long enough."
I have watched all of this and so much more because that is the task bequeathed to me by the universe.
I observe all that transpires here, but I do not, cannot, will not interfere. For I am the Watcher.
[~][~]
Greetings and Bienvenu readers.
Forgive me for this travesty. Honestly, if I knew this was going to be this bad, I would've gone with Deadpool's Delete it or don't. That's right Deadpool, I prefer you! Anyway, this is my first attempt at a What If chapter. I hope you enjoy it despite the sloppy work. Not to mention it was getting over the word count criteria so I have to stop. I'm sure you guys are already bored of the alternate beacon scene. If not, look forward to Part 2, but once again, I apologize, but I needed to get this out before Halloween month comes. I promise that I will make up for it in the next chapter of the fic, which will be featuring Jaune. Feel free to guess what it's going to be about.
Thank you for reading and wish you all well.
Until next time.