AN: Story's Shadow and I present the last chapter for Foxes. Please be sure to let us know your thoughts on book 2, your favorite moment or moments, and what you think will happen going forward.

-S.H.I.E.L.D. Hellicarrier, Fury's Office, Several Hours Later-

The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. looked over a holographic display of the live recording of their captive, joined by Captain America and Marvel. The First Avenger stood with his arms crossed and Captain Marvel had a hand on her hip. Fury's fingers were interlocked, one eye focused on their prisoner.

"They say samurai were amongst the greatest warriors in history, lived by the code of honor...Bushido...individuals like Miyamoto Musashi go down in history as legendary warriors and honorable men...I could only imagine how they're turning in their graves when they have someone like him claiming to be one of them."

Captain America looked from the recording to Fury, his gaze wasn't returned.

"To him, I imagine, he thinks he is one."

Captain Marvel crossed her arms.

"Has he talked?"

"No...quiet as a mouse."

"Well, it's time to make him sing like a canary."

"Trained by a destroyer of worlds...we've come across foes like him."

Captain America sighed.

"The kids might want a crack at him."

Fury shook his head.

"That Wolf is healing the ones they freed at the moment."

Captain Marvel chuckled.

"I never thought we'd be thanking him."

Captain America shook his head.

"We owe him and his students a lot."

Fury sighed as he got out of his chair.

"We're preparing suitable provisions and living quarters for them. We're gonna need their help when this Imperious comes knocking and he will come knocking. Hopefully they can help prevent what happened to their world from happening to ours. And now with this 'Vulpine' knowing who and what he is, we can use him to strategize our defensive measures."

The three exited his office. Captain Marvel shook her head.

"Do we even want his help? Kamala told me what he did, do we really want someone like him working alongside us? What if this Dragon Emperor or whatever decides to control him and destroy or sabotage our plans?"

"Agent Quake has informed me Vixen is speaking with him. She was told by her team that learned the truth first that he's totally left his creator. He did try to kill our prisoner for what's happened, so I say we can use him."

Captain America rubbed the back of his neck.

"I know he was created and manipulated to do what he did...but he knows and admitted he did take part in what happened to his world...I don't know if I can work with someone like that, Fury."

Director Fury nodded.

"I understand, Rogers. And under me when I say: I don't like this anymore than you do. The man helped kill his own people and that's not something a man like me takes very lightly. Unfortunately, we don't have much choice. We need his knowledge of this enemy and how he commands his forces. Until this war is won, he's a necessary evil."

They stopped before a door. Fury put his thumb on a scanner before the door opened and they entered. Just a yard or so away from them was the bound figure of Stalker. His entire body was bound by metal coils and locks. The entity turned his reptilian eyes to the three. Captain Marvel grimaced at the sight of him.

"I'm kinda wanting him to have his mask back on at least."

"Carol Danvers, ever the comedian."

Captain Marvel's grimace turned to a frown.

"How do you know my name?"

"You are not the first Captain Marvel we have met."

"And I bet all those other Carols said: 'Shove it up your-'"

"Nicholas Fury, Steven Rogers, we know you two as well."

Captain America and Director Fury frowned, the latter spoke first.

"Than you know how this goes: tell us everything you know: your master's forces, his plans, his weaknesses."

"You should also know humans don't respond well to threats. We are at our strongest when faced with adversity."

Stalker didn't respond, his eyes turning to each of them as they spoke. Fury slammed one fist against the locks beside his face.

"Listen you chameleon reject, if you think your current predicament is uncomfortable it can get much worse. So start talking."

"Many times I have heard the same things from your alternate reality counterparts. They spoke with such certainty that they'd achieve victory, believing they could truly threaten me let alone my master. They all fell, fell against a powerful far beyond their comprehension. They couldn't win and neither can you."

Captain America took a step forward.

"Than you also know we won't give up. That's not how we're made, that's not who we are."

"In every other universe, you swore the same things and failed."

Fury's glowered.

"Things will be different here."

Captain America took a step forward.

"And will avenge the people and the worlds your master destroyed."

"My capture gains you no advantage. I will only say this: I know how my master will respond to my imprisonment, war will come, and your world will fall."

The three half expected Stalker to chuckle, to tease or mock them about the certainty he felt. He didn't, there was no emotion in what Stalker said. His voice was like a machine vocalizing words it was reading. Director Fury knelt down, face to face with his prisoner.

"We'll see."

The trio turned around and headed for the door.

"Indeed you will..." Stalker said loud enough just for the three of them to hear as the left the room and locked it down once again.

-Secret Warriors' Base, An Hour Later-

Captain America and Captain Marvel had come to check on the young heroes. Even though they had spoken with them earlier, the two veteran heroes wanted to help them settle down and rest from the fights that have happened. They were in the common area, settled down in chairs and couches.

America rubbed her legs, twitching. Captain Marvel walked over to sit beside her.

"Hey, it's gonna be alright."

"That freak almost cut me down with that wretched sword of his. I still remember the pain, the sickness that he inflicted me with. I wasn't invulnerable then...I couldn't beat him."

The older heroine put her hand on the young woman's shoulder.

"We're still trying to wrap our heads around this threat, but don't worry. We will beat them. It's going to be alright."

America Chavez slowly shook her head.

"I don't know if I can believe that."

"You can."

They both turned to see Kamala walking over to them and sitting on the other side of America Chavez.

"We can do this. Yes, we've been getting knocked down here and there. But our enemies don't know us like they think they do. We can come back stronger. We change, we adapt, we learn. And I know you're gonna be there to show us what real strength is Chavez."

America Chavez rolled her eyes but then laughed, ruffling her friend's hair.

"Your unending optimism is almost as infectious as Stalker's sword."

Kamala grinned.

"I have my moments."

Captain Marvel laughed.

"Yes, you do."

Daisy, Riri, Doreen, and Dante sat together as they watched the news. Updates on there not having been any attacks by the mysterious creatures. The group's leader stared unblinking at the screen.

"No attacks since we got out? What is Imperious up to?"

Riri typed away at a holographic screen in front of her.

"More than likely preparing an attack. The Captains said it's what Stalker revealed."

Dante nodded.

"He'll be bringing fire and brimstone. And we've gotta fight fire with fire."

Doreen chuckled.

"You should get some tips from Cassie, I think she'd really help you with your technique."

The young man chuckled.

"Maybe she would. It seems we're gonna be listening to what they say a lot now."

"I know, did you see how Meta fought Stalker? That was awesome!"

Riri laughed.

"I think he could give ole Stars and Stripes a run for his money."

Daisy wasn't laughing, her focus seemed to be elsewhere. Doreen snapped her fingers, drawing her friend's attention.

"Daisy, we know we're in a dangerous situation right now. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try to calm down every now and then. Besides, we got Stalker. Even if it's small, I say that's a win."

"Maybe...but it feels like we've only added fuel to the fire."

Dante's smiled slowly vanished, nodding.

"She's got a point...I have a bad feeling soon we'll be dealing with Dragon-fire."

Doreen and Riri's smiles vanished at this, both gulping.

Captain America watch over everyone present, Rayshaun and Ghost Spider standing with him.

"We've got a big fight ahead of us. A war like nothing we've ever seen."

His young pupil turned to him.

"What has Director Fury planned?"

"He's still having the prisoner questioned. So far, he hasn't given anything specific away whether intentionally or unintentionally."

Ghost Spider sighed, leaning against the wall.

"First we deal with Wraith, then Stalker...whenever one enemy is defeated in one way we get another...in some way more dangerous than the previous...my spider sense doesn't like this at all."

The veteran hero nodded.

"All we know is his master will retaliate against us. Has your young Fox friend mentioned anything more about them that's she's learned from her father?"

Rayshaun sighed.

"Only what she's told us so far."

Ghost Spider nodded.

"And right now...she's got something very big on her table right now."

Captain America nodded.

"...I can't imagine what she's going through right now..."

Rayshaun nodded.

"When we heard it was a horrific shock to all of us."

"And what of the trio that helped save your friends?"

"They've mostly been alone since we got back and the Wolf healed the others. They said they were going to meditate...but we think they're just mourning for their people, their world, and their gods...all taken by Imperious."

"Right."

Captain America shook his head, his heart went out to them. They had lost everything and now they were here to trying to prevent the same happening to this world.

"I believe proper thanks are in order. Can one of you lead me to them?"

Ghost Spider nodded.

The arachnid heroine led the First Avenger to a room, where they couldn't hear anything. Captain America knocked on the door."

"...Enter..."

The two heroes entered the room. They found Metatron, Cassandra, and Jacob sitting across from each other, all three turning to the man and young woman. Captain America didn't smile, he didn't think he could.

"I want to thank all three of you for being there to help our young friends. You showed compassion to those who saw you as enemies."

Cassie's ears lowered.

"Yes...well...it was only one battle."

"Nevertheless, you being here gives us a chance at defeating these invaders."

Jacob shook his head, his breath shaking.

"Who says the invaders won't do this world what they did to ours? One of you is killed and cloned, compelled to help conquer this world."

"I don't know much about your world and your people, I can only perceive what I see from people's words and actions. And from what I know, you act with honor and compassion. We will need that in the war to come."

Metatron turned to the man, Captain America found the gaze of the Wolf piercing.

"War is already here. This world is next to be sought for conquest by the false dragon."

"With your experience we can stop him."

"Imperious killed our gods, our creators. Do you know what that means?"

"...No..."

Metatron stood up.

"Those who crafted our world with magic and love, those who breathed life into us and melded us in both body and spirit with beasts...that gave birth to the beauty and power of our home...it was undone by one who seeks for a corrupt reality under his control...our gods were not at the height of their power...but he still defeat them. How are we supposed to beat him if our gods couldn't?!"

Tears fell down his face, his eyes blazing. The First Avenger saw all the rage and despair that came off Metatron in waves. He had been told that the Wolf had kept a calm and composed visage about him, even after he had defeated Stalker. Now, all Captain America saw was someone that had lost hope. He walked over to the man, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I cannot speak for your world and its creators, all I can say is that we will find a way to defeat Imperious. And we will aid you in avenging those you lost. I cannot promise an easy victory, I can just promise we will not give up on each other or defeating this enemy."

Metatron shook his head, ears lowered.

"How can we do what gods can't?"

"We do what we can."

Metatron sighed turning to his students, both of whom nodded in return, before turning back to the man before him.

"We can try."

Captain America smiled a little nodding.

"Thank you."

-Vixen's Room, A Few Minutes Earlier-

Vulpine sat on Vixen's bed, his ears lowered and head hanging low. Vixen stood across the room, back against the walls and her arms crossed.

"...So...you were going to tell us what you knew at the time before Stalker attacked us?"

"...Yes..."

"Then you discovered the truth...but you can't or don't remember how exactly?"

"...Right..."

"...He created you from the essence of the original...Manipulated your mind to turn against our people..."

"...Yes..."

"...Maybe...maybe you weren't really in control of what you did?"

"...I was...I was in control of enough of what I did...when I was going to ask him to render my service to him done...that speaks for itself."

Tears flowed down Vixen's face slowly.

"Where you there at the end of Faunia? When the last bastion of hope was destroyed?"

"...No...I was in Wraith's encampment as he razed the city."

"Our people...our home...destroyed back of one madman's quest for power and his vile idea of a unified and pure reality supposedly of order."

Vulpine didn't respond this time, he couldn't look her in the eye. Vixen's inhaled and exhaled slowly, fingers twitching.

"...I'm not sure what to say..."

"Say what you feel...what you know: I'm a monster."

Vixen didn't respond.

"The others only tolerate me because they believe I can be used to defeat Imperious in some way."

"Can you?"

"I'm not sure. I was in that void for so long, I've only grown more accustomed to his more recent activities and strategies...that doesn't mean he wasn't using plans I had no knowledge of."

Vixen sighed, inhaling and exhaling slowly.

"I won't lie...I was heartbroken when I heard the truth, even though you were manipulated and designed for his ends...you did help with the conquest of Faunia."

Vulpine got on his knees.

"...Then end it..."

"What?"

Vulpine looked up at her, eyes welled with tears.

"I can't live with what I've done...created and manipulated or not...I defiled the name of the original Vulpine...helped destroy our home...I don't deserve to live...Please...kill me."

Vixen slowly walked over to him, putting one hand on his shoulder.

"...I will say this: you were going to tell us...and you helped defeat Stalker and you tried to save us from him...Trust is something you have to earn...or re-earn. And now that you know the truth...I feel you will try to help us defeat Imperious. For that, I am willing to give you a second chance."

"I don't deserve it."

"Maybe not...but this isn't just for you...it's for this world and all those that Imperious conquered and seeks to conquer. For them, he must be stopped."

Vulpine slowly nodded.

"Ok."

-Common Area, That Night-

Metatron and Vulpine sat before one another. The Fox's ears were down as the two of them spoke.

"Imperious will strike back against these people...I don't know when or how...but he will."

"The false dragon is growing in power even though one of his key servants is in the hands of these humans. If he murdered the Gods, what else is he capable of?"

The Fox nodded.

"He'll seek to destroy or convert those who stand in his way...or create new version of them for his own ends."

The Wolf rubbed his chin.

"Possibly...though now that we know, he may not use that same tactic here. He may just create other servants to attempt a more direct path of getting what he wants."

"With his magic and the items of power he seeks, he is more than capable of doing just that."

"If he could defeat our Gods even if they weren't as strong as before...why doesn't he strike with the power he has now?"

"He doesn't have that power anymore? Or he's seeking to regain it?"

Metatron frowned at this possibility.

"Then we must forge a plan to strike him down before he can obtain it."

"Do you have a plan?"

"I'm not sure these people will follow the plan of an outsider...regardless, there is still much we don't know even with you no longer under his spell or with Stalker bound by these people."

"I fear the answers will come to us in time."

Metatron nodded. They were silent for some time, their minds blaring with thoughts on events past and previous before the Wolf spoke.

"I must ask: are you sure you cannot remember how you were revived and how you learned the truth?"

Vulpine shook his head.

"No...it's a mystery..."

Metatron rubbed his chin, which raised an eyebrow from the Fox.

"Do you suspect something?"

"I'm just wondering how and why. Something feels different about this and I'm uncertain of what this means...and part of me fears what the answer might be..."

End Of "Marvel Rising: Foxes Of War"

Credits:

Nobel Six: Writer And Creator

The Story's Shadow: Writer/Consultant/Executive Producer

Rushstar32: Executive Producer/Consultant/ Writer

Death Fury: Consultant/Executive Producer

All The amazing and loyal fans who have stuck with this series so far... But the tale is not over... not even close...

-Continuum Home World, Some Time Later-

Elise sat on a throne, Crusader standing beside her.

"I had hoped the day wouldn't come when we would go to war against Imperious again."

Crusader grimly nodded.

"His legions were dangerous enough to deal with...the emperor himself...that's a battle that still haunts me."

Elise patted his arm.

"You did the best you could. Any amongst our council would have done as much as you did."

"Even with the blade, I couldn't stop him."

"That's why our warriors are going to make sure that any chance of him gaining all the stones again are futile."

Crusader sighed.

He held a rod in one hand. He pressed a button on the end of it and a holographic screen appeared, shaping how one would open a scroll.

"The Vanguard squad is already on Earth preparing for whatever lies ahead."

He pressed the holographic screen and brushed it to appear as a screen the size of a flat screen tv in front of both him and Elise. On it were a line of soldiers, armored head to toe.

On the screen appeared a warrior in a helm shaped like that of a proud eagle. A sword and at their hip and a shield locked on their back, with an assault rifle in hand.

"Captain 'Eagle' has reported that the team is prepared to move out whenever tasked. One of the best field commanders within any of our armies. A tested leader and strategist, has overcome overwhelming odds and has rallied others with hope even when everything seem tasked against them...and this will be possibly their greatest test to lead and inspire their team."

Then the image of another soldier, their helm shaped with the laid back flat ears of a rabbit, a knife in hand and twin pistols holstered.

"First Sergeant 'Rabbit' has already volunteered for recon missions, given their talents with getting in and out with any and all needed intel with speed that's earned them the trust and respect of their fellow soldiers, with the added bonus of their several successful acts of sabotage that have derailed and completely stopped our enemies in the past. Their speed and stealth will be needed now more than ever, Godspeed to them."

The image of a familiar 'face' appeared to both Elise and Crusader."

"Master Sergeant 'Scarecrow'. We both know their dedication to training and combat in all it forms has earned them the respect and admiration of the armies and the council. With their track record with one of the highest successful mission counts, the Vanguard squad has one of the greatest warriors of our race. I still don't understand why they were denied acceptance into Vanguard. I got them into the squad myself and they proved their prowess from 7th on the squad to Master Sergeant. Still, with Imperious trying to gain the stones again even they will be in for the fight of their life."

A large, muscular warrior's image appeared, their helm in the form of a laughing hyena with a vest stocked full as they held a minigun.

"Sergeant 'Hyena'. The heavy ordnance and demolition expert. One of the best warriors to have in a full on battle. Courageous bordering on fearless, they enjoy battle while causing max casualties to enemies while also managing to use their wild methods to defend their allies. With the battles to come, let's hope their explosive approach can blow a hole in our foe's plans."

A lithe soldier with the helm of a screeching osprey stood beside a jet appeared on screen.

"Sergeant 'Osprey'. Perhaps the best pilot in our army. More recorded flight time than any pilot with expertise in crafting unmanned aircraft for various needs. They also have proven to be able to use remote guided weapons with these crafts. With the reported size of the legions Imperious has massed, Osprey maybe pushed to their limit in the sky and on the ground."

The image of a soldier with large lenses and a ghastly armor design appeared, sniper in hand and items similar to what Crusader is holding holstered at their hip.

"Sergeant 'Whisper'. The deadliest sniper we may have ever had. Every kill they've made was with one shot. More than once there has been confirmed reports that Sergeant Whisper has killed more than one with a single shot. Even if they weren't skilled with a gun they'd still deserve to be on the squad, having become a master with technology, hacking enemy tech and using their own weapons and defenses against them. But now with largely magic and cosmic power coming to bear, one shots or hacking may not be as effective as before."

Finally, the athletic form of a warrior with a snarling mountain lion helm stood in a fighting stance. A assault rifle was slung to their back as they held a hatchet in one hand and a knife in the other.

"Sergeant 'Cougar'. The newest of Vanguard squad. One of the fiercest warriors we have, proving to be a swift ground assault soldier as they have been reported to be one of the first in every battle they've fought in. Like Eagle and Rabbit, they carry older weapons into battle though they been proven to be even more skilled and talented with them often preferring to use them in battle. With them often being first in battle, they often find themselves fighting alone for a time...and they will need to fight together with the squad to stand a chance against Imperious and his legions."

Crusader pressed the button again and the screens disappeared. He turned to Elise.

"Vanguard is waiting your command."

"Each is gifted in their own way...still...as you said...this will be the fight of their lives...and more than likely ours as well."

Crusader nodded.

Elise sighed.

"For now they will help guard Earth and coordinate with the forces there...though they must be ready at any time to be deployed for a battle only our warriors can fight."

"As you command."

Crusader bowed slightly and Elise nodded.

AN: We will be returning to War Of The Realms for a bit before continuing this series, but enough of my ranting, you want to see what happens next... here you go:

-Imperious' Throne Room, Hours Later-

Imperious could be found sitting on his obsidian throne in an almost trance like state. His inner thoughts though were almost completely the opposite of his calm outer demeanor.

'Vulpine, you had such promise. You had a place high up in my council. I saved your soul from years of torment at Wraith's hands, I would have rewarded you with power beyond mortal comprehension... and you threw it all away for love.'

Imperious' mouth morphed from tranquil into a frown

'I made you perfect in every way, I perfected your mortal flaws. So these feelings should never have manifested per your perfection at my hands.'

Imperious' frown now had become an enraged snarl that echoed throughout his throne room. That snarl was soon forgotten as a booming roar echoed not just in the throne room, but throughout his fortress. For Imperious' rage was now hotter than an exploding sun, and it was because he had just realized that an old wound was still a thorn in his side...

'Wraith! Even in death you fail me. Your pride caused you to imprison his soul... your blades magic weakened my perfect creation. Whatever hell your soul now burns in is not torture enough. But your hell will pale in comparison to the wrath I will inflict upon this world...' Imperious finally opened his eyes and mentally summoned his new lead general.

Within seconds the general had entered the throne room and kneeled before his emperor.

"General, prepare the legions. This world must be destroyed, but first it must burn to cinders." Imperious ordered as he opened a portal to that dimension with the Space Stone he had stored in his armor. "Go forth, find me the Space Stone, then let us send this whole planet to damnation..."

To Be Continued In: "Marvel Rising: Wrath Of The Dragon Emperor."