Chapter 6:
[Spartan POV]
[New York City, USA]
As we make our way into the city, chaos erupts around us. Tony is being pursued by a squadron of alien creatures, and Nat informs him of our arrival from the northeast. Frustration seeps into Tony's voice as he questions if they stopped for a drive-through. Determined to help, he takes the lead, soaring through the sky with the squadron on his tail. Nat takes aim with the mounted mini-gun, taking down multiple targets. We ascend higher into the sky.
On top of Stark Tower, a fierce battle unfolds between Thor and Loki. Loki takes advantage of a moment of vulnerability and lands a cheap shot on Thor, doubling him over in pain. Loki then aims his staff at us and unleashes a blast that severely damages the left wing of our quinjet. We start to lose control and descend rapidly. Clint yells for everyone to hold on, and I can't help but exclaim my dislike for flying as I grip the handle tightly. Clint and Nat take charge of the controls and manage to make a hard landing in the middle of the street. Once we confirm that everyone is safe, we exit the quinjet.
Taking in our surroundings, I realize that we have crashed a few blocks away from Stark Tower. Cap quickly assesses the situation and declares that we need to make our way back up there. Without hesitation, he sets off, and the rest of the team follows suit. As we step onto the open street, a massive portal in the sky catches our attention. The Chitauri, a formidable alien force, emerge from the gateway. One particularly menacing creature resembling a snake releases humanoid-like cybernetic creatures into the area. These creatures take to the skies and begin firing upon innocent civilians on the ground. Cap recognizes the urgency and emphasizes the need to evacuate the civilians from the danger zone.
Chitauri foot soldiers approach us, and I shout out a warning. Together with Karai, I open fire, taking down six of them. Clint expertly shoots a split-arrow, eliminating three more Chitauri soldiers. Cap asks Clint and Black Widow if they can handle the remaining enemies, to which Clint confidently replies that they've got it covered. Cap then turns his attention to Karai and me, instructing us to follow him.
We spring into action, leaping to the lower street level and skillfully dodging explosions along the way. We reach the police officers who are desperately trying to hold their ground against the Chitauri forces. It becomes clear that they are overwhelmed, and it would take the military an hour to arrive. The officers express their confusion about the situation, and Cap wastes no time in taking charge. Cap, Karai, and I vault over the line of destroyed cars, landing in front of the police officers who instinctively point their weapons at us. Ignoring their reaction, Cap quickly establishes the urgency of the situation. He urges the officers to help evacuate the people in nearby buildings, guiding them to safety in basements or through the subway. He emphasizes the need to keep civilians off the streets and establishes a perimeter as far back as 39th Street.
Initially skeptical, the police sergeant is swayed by Cap's conviction when a Chitauri attack begins. A flyer swoops low, dropping ground troops near the police line. Cap defends against a blast and engages in combat with the nearest Chitauri. Another squad of Chitauri attempts to flank us, but Karai and I react swiftly, neutralizing them with our gunfire. One Chitauri manages to break through and lunges at me from the left. I swiftly subdue it, throwing it to the ground and eliminating it decisively.
Seeing that Cap's instructions are vital for their survival, the police sergeant starts relaying Cap's orders through his radio, ensuring the safety of the civilians. I can't help but smile at the sight. Cap doesn't pause to revel in his success; he immediately rejoins Clint and Nat, and the five of us continue to engage the Chitauri forces, doing our best to hold them back. However, it becomes increasingly clear that we are reaching our limits as more Chitauri pours through the portal.
Suddenly, lightning strikes out of nowhere, decimating the Chitauri in the vicinity. Thor descends before us, appearing wounded and exhausted. We breathe a sigh of relief, grateful that it's not another attack or Loki. Cap inquires about the situation upstairs, and Thor informs us that the power surrounding the cube is impenetrable. Tony flies by overhead and confirms Thor's assessment. We realize that we must deal with the immediate threat before us.
We witness Thor's powerful lightning bolt striking the portal, temporarily slowing down the Chitauri onslaught. Spotting a group of Chitauri gathering civilians for execution, I swiftly intervene, taking down six enemies with well-aimed shots. Urging the terrified civilians to head towards the police line, I ensure their safety as they begin to flee.
The battle is far from over as more Chitauri forces continue to pour through the portal. Cap takes charge once again, outlining our priorities. Clint is assigned the role of overwatch, providing crucial information and taking out any strays. Tony and Rhodey are responsible for the perimeter, preventing the Chitauri from advancing further. Cap directs Thor to focus on the bottleneck at the portal, using his lightning to halt their progress.
Karai, Black Widow, and I remain on the ground, engaging the enemy forces directly. Meanwhile, the Hulk smashes his way through the Chitauri ranks, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Together, we do our best to protect the civilians and contain the Chitauri onslaught. As we fight side by side, it becomes evident that this battle will test us like never before. We are finally united as a team, just as Coulson would have wanted. Looking up at the sky, Karai alerts us to the incoming reinforcements. More Chitauri forces emerge from the portal, signaling that the fight is far from over.
"Call it, Cap," I urge. Cap takes a moment to gather his thoughts before addressing us all. He emphasizes that until we close the portal, our priority is containment. Clint takes his position as overwatch, watching our every move and alerting us to any threats. Tony and Rhodey secure the perimeter, ensuring that nothing breaches our defenses. Cap instructs Thor to focus on slowing down the enemy forces at the portal with his lightning.
Thor unleashes a powerful bolt, temporarily holding back the Chitauri. It's our chance to regroup and take a breath. However, my attention is drawn to a group of Chitauri who have cornered a helpless group of civilians. With determination, I dash forward, swiftly taking out six of the Chitauri with precise shots to their heads. Urging the terrified civilians to make a run for it, I guide them toward the safety of the police line. The battle rages on, and the odds are stacked against us. But we are a team, fighting side by side, each of us fulfilling our role. We know that victory depends on our collective effort, and we are determined to do whatever it takes to protect the city and its people. The fight is far from over, but we will stand strong, united in our resolve to overcome this threat.
[Karai POV]
[35th street.] As I stand with a squad of ESU officers, our primary objective is to protect and evacuate the civilians trapped in a nearby restaurant. The chaos around us intensifies as Chitauri forces close in. One of the ESU officers gets hit, and before he even hits the ground, I know he's gone. It's a devastating sight, but there's no time to mourn. I swiftly roll to the side, taking aim at the Chitauri and firing my weapon. Despite my efforts, it feels like they keep multiplying. A beat cop nearby takes a hit, but her vest manages to save her. She's trapped behind a car, under heavy fire. Using my enhanced strength, I flip the car onto its side and rush to her aid. Two ESU officers join me, and together we manage to free her. Once she's safe, we retreat, falling back to a more defensible position.
Just as things seem dire, four military Humvees speed down the street, providing much-needed reinforcement. The lead Humvee unleashes a barrage of fire from a mounted 50 cal, decimating the advancing Chitauri forces. Marines quickly establish a barricade, bringing a semblance of control to the situation. Seeing that the immediate threat is under control, I seize the opportunity to slip away and regroup with Captain America and the others.
I find myself beside Cap, Nat, and Spartan, who are locked in a fierce battle against the Chitauri. A Chitauri soldier tackles Spartan, causing him to lose his primary weapon, the LVOA-S rifle. With lightning-fast reflexes, Spartan draws his pistol and dispatches the enemy with precise shots to the head. He quickly gets to a kneeling position and takes down four more targets. I retrieve his rifle and toss it back to him. "Thanks," Spartan says, acknowledging the assist. We join Cap and Nat, who are holding their own against the relentless Chitauri onslaught. Nat, panting, emphasizes the importance of closing the portal. Cap nods in agreement, understanding that their efforts will be in vain if the source of the invasion is not dealt with.
Our attention turns to the sky, where the portal looms ominously. Cap acknowledges the challenge of breaking through its impenetrable barrier, prompting Nat to suggest a more surgical approach. She eyes a passing Chitauri flyer, realizing it could serve as her means of reaching the portal. Cap considers her plan and then looks at me, knowing my skills and abilities. "If you want to get up there, you're going to need a ride," he says. Nat sees an opportunity and states her readiness, but she could use some assistance. Cap flings his shield into the air, and Nat jumps onto it, launching herself toward the Chitauri flyer. She catches the bottom of the craft and disappears into the sky, taking on a dangerous mission.
With Nat gone, the rest of us continue to hold our ground. Spartan and I, back-to-back, we return fire at the encroaching Chitauri forces. Cap utilizes his shield, taking out multiple enemies with well-aimed throws. Iron Man and War Machine join the fray, their jets sweeping through the enemy ranks, clearing a path. I engage in close combat, using my strength and agility to push back Chitauri soldiers, strategically placing explosive charges to take out groups of enemies. Spartan displays his formidable skills, incapacitating a Chitauri soldier with a swift strike and then expertly mowing down an approaching squad. The battle is intense, and we fight with every ounce of strength we possess, but the Chitauri seem endless, and their numbers are overwhelming. Despite the odds, we stand resolute, fully committed to fighting until the last man.
Just when hope seems lost, Nat's voice cuts through the chaos via our comlinks. She informs us that she can shut down the portal, offering a glimmer of hope. Cap wastes no time in giving his approval, but before Nat can act, Stark intervenes. He reveals that there's a nuclear device approaching, set to detonate in less than a minute, and he knows where to place it to end the invasion. The situation takes a drastic turn as we witness Tony guiding the nuke directly toward the sky-beam. Cap expresses concern, aware that it's a one-way trip for Stark. Tony, ever the hero, acknowledges the sacrifice that lies ahead.
As we watch, holding our breath, the Chitauri forces suddenly collapse as if they've been switched off. It's a sight to behold as every single one of them, even the Leviathans, falls to the ground. Cap, filled with regret, urges us to close the portal. But just before it disappears, Iron Man falls out of the gateway, hurtling toward the ground without slowing down. It's an alarming sight, but Spartan springs into action, catching Stark and ensuring a safe landing. The entire team rushes to their side, relieved but worried. Cap asks if Tony is breathing, and with haste, I grab Spartan's shock knuckles and administer a jolt over Tony's chest. He gasps, his eyes shooting open, and relief washes over us. Tony, true to form, breaks the tension with a humorous comment, asking if anyone kissed him. We assure him that no one did, leaving that honor to Pepper.
Amidst the jubilation, Cap reminds us that the victory isn't complete. Thor directs our attention to Stark Tower, highlighting that there's still work to be done.
[Loki POV]
[Stark Tower, New York City]
I find myself consumed by failure and despair. Not only have I failed in my mission, but I have also lost both the Tesseract and the Scepter. I know that he, Thanos, will come for me. The thought of the monstrous torture he will subject me to is terrifying beyond comprehension. It's not a matter of if he finds me but when he does. In the midst of my fear and desperation, a flicker of survival instinct sparks within me. I quickly gathered my thoughts, trying to piece together a scheme that could potentially prolong my life. I may possess godlike powers, but I am not immortal. Despite the excruciating pain coursing through my being, I manage to gather enough strength to pull myself out of the hole in the floor. Every movement is a struggle, but I drag myself painfully towards the door, driven by the need to escape.
Never before have I experienced such devastation at the hands of a mortal, particularly the green monster who has inflicted severe damage upon me. I know that my wounds will eventually heal, but it will take time. Once I am fully recovered, I vow to seek revenge against those who have caused me such anguish.
Suddenly, a noise breaks through my thoughts, and I instinctively roll over, only to find myself confronted by a sight that seals my fate. Standing before me are the Avengers, all of them, along with a new face among their ranks. Each one aims a weapon at me, ready to strike. At that moment, I exhaled a resigned sigh, knowing that I was defeated. There is no escape from this situation. Perhaps, I contemplate, if I surrender myself to Thor and allow him to take me back to Asgard, I may find some reprieve and put some distance between Thanos and myself. It is a desperate hope, but in this moment of defeat, it becomes my only lifeline.
[Spartan POV]
[2 Days Later, SHIELD HQ, New York City]
[Mission Room.] I stand surrounded by the constant buzz of media coverage. The Battle of New York, as they call it, has captured the attention of the world for the past two days. The US government had initially intended to keep it a secret, but with the proliferation of smartphones, it was impossible to contain. Every civilian who witnessed the event had captured it on video, and now the truth was out there. We were not alone in the universe, and the world had become a much stranger place. It's quite a coming-out party, to say the least.
Politicians, ever eager to gain favor with voters, wasted no time in pointing fingers at the Avengers, even though the election was still months away. On the other hand, a vast majority of people saw us as heroes, the saviors of New York. News outlets interviewed those we had saved, and their support and gratitude were overwhelming. As I ponder the aftermath of the battle, Karai walks into the room. "We're about to hand off Loki to Thor. Want to join?" she asks. I don't hesitate in my response. "Don't even need to ask," I say.
We find ourselves in front of Loki's temporary cell, standing side by side in silence. This time, Loki is devoid of the confidence and bravado he had displayed before. The God of Mischief is scared, genuinely so. It's not an act; he has lost his edge. But his fear is not directed at us. "You think I am a monster?" Loki suddenly speaks. "No. You're a murderer and a traitor," Karai hisses. Surprisingly, Loki doesn't smirk or retort. "I am," he admits. "But trust me when I say this, mortal, I am nothing compared to the true horror that lies beyond your realm." Before we can question him further, SHIELD commandos enter the scene to collect Loki.
[New York City]
The team regroups in Central Park to ensure that Loki, Thor, and the Tesseract safely make their way back to Asgard. Loki's words continue to echo in my mind. "I am nothing compared to the true horror that lies beyond your realm." Thor looks at each of us, gratitude in his eyes. "Until we meet again," he says before taking hold of Loki and disappearing in a beam of light. We exchange a few words, enjoying a brief moment of camaraderie. Eventually, it's time to go. Karai and I walk over to Steve. "Really need to work on your fashion sense, Boss," Karai jokes, teasing him about his attire. We were so accustomed to seeing him in his SHIELD uniform that it was odd to see him in anything else. Steve smiles. "Yeah, I've been told I dress like an old man. Granted, I'm in my 90s." Laughter fills the air. "So, what are you going to do?" I ask. Steve looks around, contemplating. "Travel. I've been asleep for 70 years. I've missed a lot. I guess I want to find myself, see where I fit in all this." Karai and I nod, understanding his need for self-discovery. "The crusade goes on," I declare simply. "Hey, if you need us, call us," Karai offers, "See you around, Boss." With that, everyone goes their separate ways, at least for now.
[Nick Fury POV]
[SHIELD Helicarrier]
For as long as I could, I resisted the World Security Council's demands, refusing to subject myself to their lies and accusations of disobedience. But I knew that eventually, I would have to face their wrath, and it wouldn't be pleasant. Besides, I wanted to give the Avengers a head start. The Council was furious, insisting that the Avengers be placed under their direct command. Well, there was no way in hell I was going to let that happen. I may be an old dog, but I know better than to trust a group like the World Security Council. After all, they had gone behind my back and attempted to nuke New York City. Wolves in sheep's clothing.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," I firmly tell the council members, feeling Malick's angry glare piercing through me. I really didn't like that guy. Another Councilperson interjects, asking about the whereabouts of the Avengers. "I'm not currently tracking their whereabouts," I lie, concealing the truth. And they inquire about the Tesseract. "It's where it belongs: out of our reach," I respond. Malick ominously warns me that it was not my call to make. "I didn't make it," I assert. "I didn't argue with the God that did." The only thing I did reclaim was the scepter. Having two artifacts of immense power in close proximity would pose too great a risk. So, I made the decision to secure it in a highly fortified vault, completely off the grid.
The councilwoman accuses me of letting the war criminal Loki escape justice. "Oh, I think he will be answering for his crimes," I confidently assure her. "I don't think you understand what you started by setting the Avengers loose on the world. They're dangerous," she warns me. "They certainly are. And the entire world knows it. Every world knows it," I respond. "That's the point of all this? A statement?" the councilman questions. Leaning in closer to the video monitors, I lock eyes with each member of the World Security Council. "A promise," I declare. With that, I end the call and make my way back to the bridge. There is much to be done before this ship is combat-ready once again. "Sir, how does it all work now?" Maria Hill asks from her station. "They all went their separate ways, some quite far." I give her a slight smile. "They'll come back together," I assure her. "How can you be so sure?" she wonders. "Because they're Avengers. It's what they do," I reply, refocusing on the tasks at hand.