Chapter 6 – Paris By Knight
Eiffel Tower Summit – Paris, France
While New York City was having its own share of problems (fighting the hordes of the extradimensional Genma Army), Paris was dealing with its own major problem in the form of the global terrorist group H.Y.D.R.A. The organization's leadershp has successfully occupied the Eiffel Tower and taken control of all communications coming to and from the tower.
A large and imposing mechanical man whose face was imposed on a large monitor screen, surprisingly on the chest area, casually paced around the summit of the Eiffel Tower. He was known as Dr. Arnim Zola, a long-time member who has been with the organization since World War II, and he was leading the occupation of Paris. Zola was accompanied by and guarded by several highly-dangerous people: Crossbones, Mentallo, Blackout, Living Laser, Scorcher, Wizard, and Moonstone.
HYDRA Agents, in their unique green garbs, patrolled the Summit.
Agents who were armed with sniper rifles and missile launchers were strategically placed all around top floor, prepared to shoot down anything coming from above or below.
French Army combat helicopters circled the Eiffel Tower from a safe distance, not wanting to take incoming fire from the HYDRA Agents.
One of the men, a tall and muscular man, walked to the edge of the summit, eyeing the French Army combat helicopters at a distance. He wore a protective combat mask (with a skull painted over) on his face, a highly advanced protective combat vest over his chest with two bones making an "X" symbol, tactical pants, tactical boots, and special spiked gauntlets over his fists.
It was obvious that this was "Crossbones."
He was heavily armed, too, with an assortment of firearms holstered.
"Zola, when are we going to have some serious fun?" Crossbones asked, feeling bored and impatient.
"Patience, Crossbones." Zola responded. "We're here to do one job, take control of all of the city's communications. We only engage the enemy if we have to."
Moonstone, the only woman of the group, looked at Crossbones and yawned. "I'm really NOT in the mood to fight anybody... NOT SHIELD, NOT the French authorities, nobody..." She then pointed to the beautiful night time sky. "I should be having fun, drinking, and having pointless sex right now. But no, I stupidly chose to take this job. Now I'm stuck in this cramp space full of guys with B.O."
Zola then turned his attention to Moonstone, he wasn't in the mood for her complaints. "You can always leave, you know. But I doubt you'll be free." He walked to one of the opposite edges of the Summit and pointed to the attack helicopters READY to shoot down Moonstone or anyone else with the "bright" idea of fleeing the Eiffel Tower by air.
Moonstone went silent, she understood Zola's point, but didn't like the idea of being stuck. "Yeah, whatever. I'm going to the second floor for something to drink." She then walked towards the lift.
"I'm getting hungry, too, I'm gonna see what the restaurant has." Crossbones said, following Moonstone.
"Scorcher, Blackout, Wizard, go down to the subway level." Zola ordered.
Grand Palais – Paris, France
Paris was on complete lockdown because of HYDRA's occupation of the Eiffel Tower which meant it controlled all communications in the city. This meant that HYDRA could easily call in for reinforcements from neighboring countries, too.
The French Army and local Parisian authorities set up an outpost at the Grand Palais because of its sheer size and its distance from the Eiffel Tower.
To keep information from leaking out and to keep unauthorized persons from entering, the exterior of the Grand Palais was heavily guarded. Security checkpoints were established every 100 meters in a 300 meter radius because no chances were to be taken, especially when one is going up against a well-connected global criminal organization like HYDRA.
The French Army mobilized and took control of the Paris Metro, minus the subway stop underneath the Eiffel Tower.
All instructions would come out the mobile HQ set up within the Grand Palais.
In the center of the Grand Palais' interior was the command center where many figures stood around in a circle with two figures, a man and a woman, standing at the edge. It was obvious that these two were in charge of the ongoing operation to take the Eiffel Tower back from HYDRA.
There was a digital screen standing behind the two figures. It was a state of the art digital screen that likely cost millions to manufacture. There was the logo for "S.H.I.E.L.D" on the side, showing that this big digital screen was property of the organization.
"Good evening, I am Colonel Michelle Aubert-Blanc." the woman, in her mid-30s, said, formally introducing herself to the people she would be commanding. "This is a joint operation with S.H.I.E.L.D and the gentleman standing next to me is Agent Dugan."
The tall and muscular man, introduced as "Agent Tim Dugan," took off his bowler hat. "Evening ladies and gents, 'glad you all could find the time' to join us on this shin dig. I'm Timothy Dugan, but I'm often called 'Dum Dum' by my mates." Dugan knew the situation was intense but felt the need to lighten the atmosphere a little bit.
Dugan's introduction received a few laughs.
Michelle gave a soft smile before going back to her serious face. "As you all have been informed, the Eiffel Tower is occupied by a terrorist organization that we have never faced before. S.H.I.E.L.D has offered its assistance because of its experience in dealing with these organizations." She then faced Dugan whose turn it was to brief everyone on the mission.
"HYDRA is an organization that has existed for a long time. It was a Nazi organization but not so much anymore, though the leaders still hold those ideals. Its main goal is global domination." Dugan explained to the group.
A dossier on Arnim Zola appeared on the large screen, whom Dugan directed everyone's eyes to.
"This piece of work is Dr. Arnim Zola, a Swiss-born scientist who sided with the Nazis during World War II. He eventually found his way to HYDRA. Zola's current body makes him a dangerous man to cross paths with as his ESP Box, which is where his head is supposed to be, allows him to perform several feats."
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
Another dossier appeared on-screen, it featured all information on Crossbones.
"This intimidating fella is Brock Rumlow who we all know as Crossbones." Dugan said, briefing the group on Crossbones. "Rumlow is a mercenary who has been hired by Red Skull on multiple occasions. He even gave Captain America a run for his money many times. Even though Rumlow has no special powers, he's physically conditioned and tactically intelligent."
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
A dossier of Living Laser appeared on-screen afterward.
"This person is Dr. Arther Parks a.k.a the Living Laser. He's a career criminal and terrorist who has worked with many known criminals such as the Mandarin. He has also been a member of the Lethal Legion's many iterations, too. The Living Laser is a master of light manipulation and it makes him incredibly dangerous to cross paths with. You have to be super fast to even stand a chance against him because he's able to travel at light speed." Dugan explained.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
A dossier of Blackout appeared on-screen.
"This is Marcus Daniels a.k.a Blackout. He is able to tap into a form of energy called the Darkforce. Blackout is able to fire Darkforce blasts, fly, and create portals. He's also a force to be reckoned with." Dugan explained to the group.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
A dossier of Scorcher appeared on-screen shortly after.
"This is Dr. Steven Hudak aka Scorcher, a brilliant research chemist, who often works with the Masters of Evil. He wears a special battlesuit that allows him to fly and shoot fire. The suit is very durable, which protects him from bodily harm. Approach with caution." Dugan briefed.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
A dossier of Wizard appearched on-screen shortly after.
"This is Bentley Wittman aka the Wizard. He was a born genius who became a stage magician and tech entrepreneur. The man had everything but got bored and became a supervillain. Wittman wears a lot of tech which grants him many dangerous abilities such as superhuman strength, cyberpathy, and so on. Also approach the Wizard with caution." Dugan briefed.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
A dossier of Mentallo appeared on-screen shortly after.
"This is Marvin Flumm aka Mentallo. He is what you call a 'mutant,' someone who is born with something called the 'X-Gene' that bestows some unique genetic ability. Mentallo's power happens to be psionic which gives him an edge when fighting. He has worked with A.I.M and HYDRA on many occasions. Also approach with caution." Dugan briefed.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
A dossier of Moonstone appeared on-screen shortly after.
"This person is going to be the MOST dangerous enemy you will come into contact with. The woman is Dr. Karla Sofen, who is currently known as Moonstone. Her history is extensive and incredibly interesting. Dr. Sofen is imbued with superhuman physical feats, flights, intangibility, photon blasts, and a lot of other things. Without her powers, Dr. Sofen is a foremost expert in the field of mental health. That allows her to easily manipulate people to do her bidding." Dugan briefed.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
"Take a good look at the people on-screen, these are the main enemies we have to engage after taking down the battalions of HYDRA soldiers in the process." Dugan explained.
Michelle followed up with the French translation.
Dugan looked to a few familiar faces, those he has either worked with or crossed paths with in the previous years. "I brought a couple of people with me, they have experience in dealing with these kinds of people." He directed a specific group of unfamiliar faces to his group. "This is my team which consists of Spider-Woman, Songbird, Domino, Outlaw, Diamondback, Battlestar, and Jim Hammond."
"I hope we can work well together." Hammond politely said to Michelle and the rest of the French Army soldiers.
"Bonjour." Michelle said, politely greeting Dugan's group. "Now it is my turn to introduce your team to the people you will be working with" she said, in English this time with her French accent.
Michelle directed Dugan's group to a large group of "diverse" people who were seated separately from the regular French troops.
"First is Roberto Miura who was transported here from another home universe." Michelle explained, directing Dugan's group to a teenage Asian boy who wore a high school soccer uniform and visor. "The young man standing next to Mr. Miura, who is also from the same alternate universe, is Boman Delgado." Standing next to Roberto was a tall and muscular Black male who wore a high school uniform with a tie. He also had a yellow Mohawk, too.
"Great, we're babysitting." said Diamondback, sarcastically, to herself.
"In my experience, don't underestimate them just because they're kids." Domino interjected.
"I hope that "Roberto" understands we're NOT challenging HYDRA to a soccer match." Outlaw quietly chimed in.
"These two young boys do not look much, but they are more than able to hold their own in battle." Michelle said, praising Roberto and Boman.
Boman turned his attention to Dugan's group. "We our in your care and we will do our best to pull our weight."
"If you can't believe my words, believe this." Michelle said, directing Dugan's group to another large monitor. "Please, watch carefully."
Videos appeared on-screen of Roberto and Boman taking on random HYDRA soldiers.
"Whoa, whoa! You took them down with soccer!?" Battlestar asked, awed and impressed.
"I'm going to have fun working with this kid." Domino said, impressed at Roberto's soccer skills.
"If I may, I can introduce the rest of the team." said a tall and muscular man with a UN-style military uniform. The man looked like he was in his early to mid-50s and had blonde hair with a style that resembled a short lion's mane. He also talked in a French accent. The man had a scar over one of his eyes, too.
Dugan turned to the man and smiled.
"Finally made it huh, Gado?" Dugan asked.
The man known as "Gado" casually nodded. "I apologize for my tardiness, Monsieur Dugan and Colonel Aubert. I had to pick up my daughter, Shina, on the way."
A young man, similar hairstyle, followed Gado to the briefing room. She wore a pair of jeans, biker boots, and a denim jacket.
"Is Shina joining us, too?" Dugan asked.
"Oui. We need all the help we can get, no?" Gado asked.
"Glad you're with us, Shina." Dugan said, looking at Shina.
Shina nodded and smiled. "Likewise. I don't know who the hell this HYDRA is but I can't stand by if they're bad guys wanting to do bad shit."
Michelle turned to Gado and smiled. "Yes, please proceed."
Gado nodded, then walked over to where Michelle and Dugan were.
"I see you have already introduced Roberto and Boman to the group." Gado said. "Next is Virion, who comes from a different world that exists in another universe. He is handy with a longbow and is able to do a number on HYDRA."
Gado turned to the next person.
"Virion is a noble in his home world and has shown to be a capable strategist." Gado added.
"I am your indispensable service." Virion said, standing up. He also got a good look at the women in Dugan's group, finding them attractive.
Songbird turned to Outlaw and Domino. "I think he's a philanderer."
"Next is a person from yet another alternate universe, in the far future. He goes by the name "Ziggurat 8," a name designated to him." Gado explained.
The man named Ziggurat 8 calmly stood up. "If it makes you more comfortable, you can call me "Ziggy" if you prefer."
"Ziggy is a state-of-the-art cyborg. He has decades of combat experience that will prove invaluable to us." Gado explained.
Ziggy quietly sat back down.
"Next is Juvia Lockser, who comes from a world where magic is commonplace." Gado said, turning in the direction of a teenage girl with blue hair. The girl wore formal clothing and wore a Russian Cossack-style hat over her head.
"Greetings, I look forward to working with you all." Juvia said, rising from her seat and politely bowing to Dugan's group.
"Juvia is a master of water. She can do all sorts of water-based spells without being near an actual source of water." Gado said.
Juvia quietly sat back down after.
"Good for us, then. Zola, Blackout, and Scorcher will have a hell of a hard time with her." Dugan praised.
"Next is Janne D'Arc, she hails from the 15th century but is familiar with the ways of this world." Gado explained, introducing Janne to the group.
"Bonjour." Janne said, standing up. She sat down afterward.
"Next is Charlotte de Colde, who comes from a version of 18th century France." Gado explained, introducing Charlotte to the group.
"Bonjour, it is a pleasure to be working with you all." Charlotte said, standing up. She sat down afterward.
"Next is Abel." Gado said.
The young man known as Abel stood up. He had short and curly blonde hair. His outfit was a competitive Sambo outfit with a French flag on the side.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all and I hope I can be of service." Abel said, politely greeting Dugan's group.
Abel sat back down afterward.
"Next is Remy." Gado said, directing Dugan's group to the person sitting next to Abel.
A short and lanky man with long turquoise-colored hair rose from his seat. The man wore tight-fitting red pants over his legs and a black leather jacket over his chest with an "Omega" symbol embroidered on the front of it. He was quiet, calm, and composed.
Battlestar looked at Hammond, concerned. "I don't particularly trust that person."
Hammond nodded. "He doesn't look like a bad person but those types are unpredictable."
"Emo-Remy..." Spider-Woman mused, under her breath.
Outlaw and Domino managed to hear what Spider-Woman said, then tried hard to contain their laughs.
Remy sat back down afterward.
"Next is Duke B. Rambert." Gado said.
A tall green-haired knight with a giant sword rose from his seat. "It is a pleasure to meet you all." The man sat back down afterward.
"Next is Lion Rafale." Gado said.
A short but athlethic French man rose from his seat. He had short dirty blonde hair that was parted in the middle with bangs on opposite ends. Lion's clothing consisted of athletic sneakers, a pair of denim cargo shorts, a short-sleeved hooded shirt, and a navy blue tank-top.
Lion then sat back in his seat.
"Next is Kazu Mikura, he comes from an alternate universe in which an urban skating sport called "Air Trekking" is popular in the world." Gado explained. "He is able to use skating tricks to create flames that give him an offensive advantage."
The teenage boy known as Kazu stood up.
"I hope I'm of good use to you guys. I'm looking forward to his challenge." Kazu said with enthusiasm.
Diamondback looked at Dugan. "I'm taking the Kazu kid with me. I think he can royally piss off Crossbones in a fight."
Kazu sat back down after.
"Next is Eugeo who technically comes from another world, but a world within another world." Gado explained.
Eugeo, an older teenage boy, stood up and bowed his head. He sat back down after.
"Next is Allen Snider, a renowned Karate champion from America." Gado said.
Allen remained seated and casually nodded to Dugan's group. He wore a unique Karate gi. The man resembled a younger version of martial arts superstar Chuck Norris.
"Next is Nadia Cassel, a seasoned soldier and experienced intelligence agent with experience fighting extraterrestrials." Gado said, introducing Nadia to Dugan's group.
"Bonjour!" Nadia happily greeted as she rose from her seat.
"Next is Muhammad Avdol, he wields a unique ability called a Stand which is a visual manifestation of ones life energy. The Stand is a psychically-generated entity. Normally, in Avdol's reality, normal people cannot see a Stand. It's a different case in this world." Gado explained.
A tall and muscular dark-skinned Arab man stood from his seat.
"Avdol, please give a demonstration."
"Very well, Mr. Gado." Avdol said. "Magician's Red!" Avdol called out. A burning orange humanoid figure materialized behind Avdol. Its noticeable feature was that it had a bird's head.
"Freaky..." Battlestar said, awed at the sight.
"Intriguing..." Hammond said.
Avdol made his Stand, Magician's Red, disperse. He then sat down afterward.
"Next is George de Sand, he's from the far future in an alternate universe. He'll be of tremendous help, especially when fighting Moonstone." Gado said, introducing George de Sand to Dugan's group.
A slim young man, dressed like a noble, politely rose from his seat. He had long red hair with a long bang hanging out. The young man also wore a scarf around his neck. "I am George de Sand, it is an honor to be working alongside all of you."
Songbird sized up George and arched her brow, then looked at Spider-Woman. "They're going to use him to take on Karla?"
Spider-Woman shrugged her shoulders. "It's a weird world..."
"What's this kid got that's going to deal with Moonstone?" Battlestar asked.
"Last is Sabo, he comes from yet another alternate reality. I'll let him explain it to you once the mission is completed." Gado explained, introducing "Sabo" to Dugan's group.
The person known as Sabo, a young adult in his early 20s, rose up. He looked like someone who came out of a steampunk novel. Sabo had short and wavy blonde-hair that was parted in the middle. There was a distinguishable burn mark on the left side of his face. He wore a top hat with a pair of goggles over it.
"This crew is going to be interesting." Sabo said, nonchalantly and coolly. It was obvious that this Sabo person had his fill of intense battles. "If this HYDRA is as bad as you say as you are, I'm in with kicking their asses all over the place."
Diamondback looked Sabo up and down and subtly licked her lips. "He's a looker..."
Gado then looked at Dugan. "I turn it back to you, Dugan."
Dugan cleared his throat. "Thank you, Gado. Colonel Aubert-Blanc will be commanding the French military troops who will serve as backup."
A diagram of the Eiffel Tower appeared on one of the screens with certain spots circled over.
"Take a good look at the circled area, these are our entry points. At ground level, Roberto will get into kicking range. HYDRA's not going to suspect a teenager is going to be part of our main attack force. He'll look auspicious to them." Dugan explained.
"What's he going to do, piss them off with soccer balls?" Spider-Woman asked.
Dugan was silent, Spider-Woman answered her own question.
"Oh..." Spider-Woman said, trying to remain composed.
"Here's the rest of the strategy..." Dugan briefed.
Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne – Paris, France
Moonstone casually paced around the main dining room of Le Jules Verne, the restaurant located on the Eiffel Tower's second floor, drinking from a bottle of incredibly expensive wine. She took a swig from her bottle and then walked towards one of the windows, getting a good look at the Champ de Mars that was across the street from the Eiffel Tower.
"Uggghhh, this boredom's killing me." Moonstone complained, then taking swig from the bottle. If she could, Moonstone would drink the restaurant's entire stock of wine and nobody would be able to stop her.
"God, is there any real food in here!?" Crossbones complained, stepping out from the kitchen.
"What, you wanted a cheeseburger with curly fries or something?" Moonstone mockingly asked, then taking another swig of wine.
Crossbones was silent.
"You could get that ANYTIME back home..." Moonstone said, sighing.
"I could go for a nice rare steak right about now..." Crossbones groaned.
"Again, ANYTIME back home." Moonstone said, walking off to another section of the main dining room.
"Maybe some pizza, too..." Crossbones added.
"Crossbones, if you don't shut up..." Moonstone warned.
"Yeah, yeah, fine..." Crossbones said, walking back to the kitchen entrance.
"Simpleton..." Moonstone said to herself, insulting Crossbones. She took another swig from the bottle and noticed that it was empty. "Pfft... Time to get another one."
One of the nearby HYDRA Agents scrambled to get Moonstone another bottle of wine.
The Seine – Paris, France
A three-story high-tech and state-of-the-art luxury yacht was docked on the side of the Seine River in which the Eiffel Tower could be viewed at a distance, which was the intention of those who were on board the yacht. The yacht had "PROPERTY OF DOATEC" painted on both sides, signifying that it belonged to either a company or some organization.
Soft opera music played throughout the yacht.
A young French woman named Helena Douglas, wearing a black-colored qipao, paced around the top deck of the yacht. She was looking through a pair of high-tech binoculars, which were held in her right hand, at the action going on in the Eiffel Tower.
A young teenage girl, 18-years-old, joined Helena on the top deck. She had long hair that was tied into pigtails and wore a Gothic Lolita dress.
"Miss Helena, how much longer are we going to wait?" the young girl asked, with a Swiss accent. She was half-anxious and half-bored.
Helena lowered the binoculars.
"Patience, Marie Rose. We do not have the full situation. This HYDRA is not to be taken lightly." Helena explained, then handing the binoculars to Marie Rose.
Marie Rose took the binoculars from Helena.
"It's zoomed to the furthest settings. Take a look at the summit and tell me who you see." Helena instructed.
Marie Rose looked through the binoculars, eyeing the summit, and seeing Arnim Zola pacing around. She quickly lowered the binoculars, obviously creepe out at Arnim Zola's appearance.
"Whoa, what is that thing!?" Marie Rose aske.
"His name is Arnim Zola, a real piece of work from what I have learned." Helena explained. "I have SHIELD Agents on payroll, they have informed me of a planned tactical assault to liberate the Eiffel Tower from HYDRA's occupation."
"Why are we here, Miss Helena?"
"We need to take back DOATEC's stolen data before SHIELD acquires it. I prefer to keep DOATEC's affairs separate from SHIELD." Helena answere.
"Oh ok..."
"I also prefer to let SHIELD and the French Army to do the fighting for us. There's no point in retrieving the data only to get killed in the process." Helena added.
Marie Rose nodded, understanding Helena's words.
"This world is sure insane..." Marie Rose commented.
"Indeed, all these worlds are merging into one world. To think a world with literal heroes and villains exist, with us being its guests." Helena added.
"Um, is it just us?" Marie Rose asked.
Helena shook her head. "Once Zack arrives, he will take us to a designated LZ where we will meet the rest of the team."
"We just wait?" Marie Rose asked.
Limousine Driving Around Paris, France
A young teenage girl named Emilie "Lili" De Rochefort sat bored in the back of her limousine. Her personal butler and bodyguard, Sebastian, sat across.
Sebastian had a look of concern on Lili's face.
Lili frowned and grumbled. "Why is this city dead?"
"Didn't you listen to the news reports?" Sebastian asked, politely.
Lili grabbed her phone and saw there was no reception, then she placed the phone back. "There's been no phone coverage."
Lili felt the limousine slow down in speed.
"Driver, why are we slowing down?" Lili asked.
"Police checkpoint, Madame..." the Driver said.
The limousine came to a complete stop.
Outside the limousine, eight police cars were parked at the intersection with two cars for each road. A uniformed Paris PD Officer casually walked to the driver's side of the limousine.
The Driver lowered the window and looked at the Paris PD Officer.
"Do you know that the city is under military lockdown?" the Paris PD Officer asked.
The Driver shook his head. "No, sir. We had just come in from Monaco, I am currently driving Miss Emilie De Rochefort."
The Paris PD Officer paused, the name was familiar. It dawned on the Paris PD Officer on who was riding in the limousine.
"No, no, that can't be... The heiress to Rochefort Enterprises oil empire!?" the Paris PD Officer asked.
The passenger's side door to the limousine opened up and Lili casually stepped outside, stretching out her arms and legs.
The Paris PD Officer expressed shock that Lili was standing a couple feet in front of him.
"Officer, what has happened to this city?" Lili inquired, demanding answers.
"Please, Miss Rochefort, go back in the vehicle." the Paris PD Officer requested.
"I refuse, Officer. I DEMAND to know what is going on!' Lili demanded.
"The Eiffel Tower has been occupied by terrorists, Miss Rochefort." the Paris PD Officer explained.
"If the terrorists go away, then no more lockdown?" Lili asked.
"Oui." the Paris PD Officer answered.
"That's all you had to say, Officer." Lili said, eyeing the direction of the Eiffel Tower. There was something insane brewing in that battle-loving head of hers. She then walked back to the open door of the limousine. "Sebastian, meet me at the Eiffel Tower once the driver's done talking with the police."
"Miss, didn't you hear me? The Eiffel Tower is occupied by terrorists." the Paris PD Officer explained.
Lili looked at the Paris PD Officer, dimissive of his concerns. "I appreciate your concerns but I can handle these terrorists all by myself."
"What?"
"I don't have time to waste." Lili said, then jumping into the air with superhuman agility. She landed on the rooftop of one of the smallest buildings, then jumped from one rooftop to another.
The Paris PD Officer and his partners looked upward, shocked and dumbfounded.
Sebastian closed the door the limousine, then the limousine slowly drove past the blockade before the Officers could even notice.
Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum – Manhattan, New York
Johnny Storm aka Human Torch, Pepper Potts aka Rescue, and Soki finally made it out of the subway tunnels.
"We're almost there." Johnny said, relieved.
"We still got those Genma to deal with." Pepper interjected.
One would think that things would be calm once the trio reached their destination, WRONG!
Not even Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum was safe from the hordes of invading Genma. The three were greeted by Doctor Strange, his assistant Wong, She-Hulk, and a bunch of "NEW" faces joining together to keep the Genma from entering the Sanctum Sanctorum.
"Which one is this Doctor?" Soki asked.
Johnny pointed to the man with the cape who was flying back and forth.
"That's Doctor Strange. The dude who looks like a monk is Wong, his special assistant and companion." Johnny explained.
"The green-skinned woman is known as She-Hulk, but we call her Jen. She's a very good lawyer." Pepper explained.
Doctor Strange stopped what he was doing as he saw Johnny, Pepper, and Soki headed his way. "Pepper Potts?" Strange asked, flying in their direction.
Pepper activated her repulsor jets and flew up to Strange, meeting him halfway.
"I see you guys are pretty busy." Pepper said.
"Heh, not a moment's rest for the Sorcerer Supreme." Strange said, then launching a fireball at some Genma footsoldiers who were on ground level.
Wong, executing his "Eldritch Whip" special attack, easily destroyed one Genma footsoldier after another. Though the Genma were a new threat, Wong was USED to fighting off extradimensional threats that would come his way.
"Johnny..." Strange said, looking at Johnny. He then looked at Soki. "Strange person I have never met before in my life."
"His name is Soki, he comes from Feudal Japan in an alternate universe. These things, called the Genma, come from his universe." Pepper explained.
"Oh, we certainly must talk." Strange said, looking at Soki.
"Who are these people?" Pepper asked, eyeing the "new" faces.
"Like your friend, Soki, they also come from an alternate universe." Strange explained. He added "they are currently guests of the Sanctorum."
"Your friends are handling themselves well." Pepper said, complimenting the other newcomers.
"Indeed." Strange replied.
Soki didn't waste time as he charged head first into the battle outside the Sanctum Sanctorum. He unsheathed his large katana and swung it around, dispatching any Genma foolish enough to stand in his way.
"Seven Rings of Raggadorr!" Strange chanted as he fired blasts of energy at some nearby Genma, destroying them in the process.
Johnny flew towards a group of Genma that was chasing a group of tourists. He flung fireballs at the Genma, burning them to nothing.
"Hey, less yapping, and more smashing!" She-Hulk yelled, annoyed. She charged at a Genma footsoldier and dispatched it with a running clothesline.
"Jen, what are doing here?" Johnny asked, hoving around She-Hulk.
"I was going out for lunch then these freaks popped up. I was near Strange's place, so I decided to head over here." She-Hulk explained.
"I was headed to the Baxter but sis told me to bring our new friend, Soki, to Strange." Johnny explained.
"That the guy with the horns and the giant sword?" She-Hulk asked, rhetorically.
Johnny looked at one of the new faces, a teenage Asian boy with brown hair and green eyes. The boy wore a military-style school uniform. This boy easily dispatched one Genma footsoldier after another as if they were nothing before him.
"His name is Basara Toujou. He's a hybrid of human, angel, and demon. Looks it's complicated and all that matters is that he's on our side." She-Hulk explained.
"What about those teenage girls who are ripping through those things?" Johnny asked.
"They're apparently his lovers, all of them." She-Hulk added, with the tone of disturbance in her voice.
Johnny was silent. He was mentally processing that this newcomer, Basara, had a little harem of women.
"I can imagine the look on Tony's face..." Johnny mused.
"We need to get videos and pics, though." She-Hulk chimed in. She then crouched down and got into a runner's stance as if she was going to mow down anything and anyone that was in her way. "Excuse me while I get some running in."
"Excused." Johnny joked.
She-Hulk performed her "Runner's Start" sprinting down the street with above human speed, violently ramming all of the Genma footsoldiers who stood in her way. She then stopped, turned around, and did the same thng, running back to Johnny.
"Heh." Johnny said.
She-Hulk then walked to a random vehicle, (effortlessly) lifted it up, and threw it at a large number of Genma footsoldiers.
**KABOOM!**
"What I can do is nothing to what that KID can do." She-Hulk said, in awe.
Johnny turned his direction to the person known as "Basara" who easily dispatched one Genma footsoldier after another.
"Whatever that kid's eating for breakfast, I want." Johnny said, impressed.
Soki swung his large sword a few more times, killing all the Genma around him, and collecting the red soul orbs that were left behind.
"What are you doing?" Doctor Strange asked, curiously.
"I collect their souls, which I use to power up my weapons and gear." Soki explained.
"Ah, good to know. Welcome to this version of Earth, Soki." Doctor Strange said, welcoming Soki.
Soki nodded, knowing he was in good company. "Thank you, Doctor Strange." He quickly dispatched a couple more Genma footsoldiers with his sword, then absorbing the floating soul orbs into his Oni Gauntlet.
A young Asian teenage girl with red hair, well-endowed, paid close attention to what Soki was doing.
"Basara, you need to look at this!" the red-haired girl exclaimed to the young boy, known as "Basara."
The teenage boy, known as "Basara," turned his attention to Soki, a fellow guest from another alternate universe.
"Who are you?" Basara asked.
"I am Soki, are you the one they call Basara?" Soki asked.
Basara nodded.
"Yeah. You from another world, too?" Basara asked.
"Yes, another world, another time." Soki politely answered.
The red-haired girl took a good look at the small black horns protruding from the opposite ends of Soki's forehead. "Are you an oni?" the red-haired girl asked, curious, but certain about Soki's orgin.
"Yeah, I'm half-oni." Soki answered.
"I figured. It's nice to meet you, I'm Mio." the red-haired girl, known as "Mio," said, introducing herself to Soki.
"It's nice to meet you all." Soki responded. "We should save the introductions until the rest of the Genma are dealt with."
"I couldn't help but hear, but they come from your world?" Mio asked.
Soki nodded. "Yeah. I followed them to this world. The Genma are a demon race from another dimension, they invaded my world. Now they invade this world."
Basara nodded, empathetic to Soki's plight. "I understand, Mio and I protect our world from demons."
Soki nodded. "I'm glad to run into people who understand." He turned his attention to the front entrance of the building known as the Sanctum Sanctorum. "I feel a mystic energy emanating from this place."
"Oh, the Sanctorum? Yeah, it's a very special place." Basara added.
"Well, time to clean up the neighborhood of these Genma." Soki said, then going back to slaying one Genma after another.
Mio turned her attention to Pepper and Johnny. "Are they from this world?" she asked.
"Yeah. The one in the metal suit is named Pepper and the person on fire is named Johnny. They're well-known in this world." Soki responded.
"They're pretty prepared for this stuff, caught me by surprise." Basara commented.
More Genma footsoldiers appeared, but not of the undead kind. These Genma footsoldiers, known as Jaids, were anthropomorphic reptiles. The Jaids had scaly green skin and scary-looking snouts.
"Did Sauron go on some love trip to the Genma world?" Johnny asked, jokingly.
She-Hulk gagged at the thought.
"Who's up for some gator barbecue!?" Johnny exclaimed as he flew towards a group of Jaid, hurling fireball after fireball at them. The Jaid didn't stand a chance as they were burned alive, leaving nothing but those floating red energy orbs.
Soki spotted the orbs and quickly absorbed them into his Oni Gauntlet.
A large group of Jaid quickly charged at the trio of Soki, Basara, and Mio. The large of Jaid quickly fell to the ground, dead, with a slim-built Asian teenage girl standing in the middle. This girl has a calm an collected demeanor that was complimented by short icy-blue hair. The girl wore a typical Japanese school uniform with the pleated skirt.
"I don't care who you things are or where you came from, I will show no mercy to anyone who dares go up against Basara." the girl said in a calm tone of voice.
"Who's she?" Soki asked.
"That's Yuki, she's with us." Mio explained, then forming lightning in her hands and hurling it at some nearby Genma footsoldiers.
Yuki casually walked over to Soki and sized him up, then looking at his horns. "Are you from the Demon Clan?" she inquired.
"I'm technically part of the Oni Clan, but they don't exist anymore." Soki responded.
The ground started rumbling, it was a familiar rumbling.
"Everyone, group together. We're about to get another extradimensional visitor, or two!" Doctor Strange exclaimed to the group.
Everyone complied with Strange's request and banded together in a defensive formation. A large orb appeared several feet in front of the Sanctorum, hovering a couple feet off the ground.
"Get ready, we don't know if they're friend or foe." Strange added.
"So may incursions, it's over 9000!" Johnny joked.
She-Hulk side-eyed Johnny, she wasn't in the mood for jokes. "Seriously, Johnny, not now... The joke's lost its novelty like last month."
Two silhouettes formed inside the blue orb.
Doctor Strange, Pepper, Johnny, and Mio hovered on opposite ends of the hovering blue orb. Soki, Wong, She-Hulk, Basara, and Basara's "harem" formed a circular formation around the same orb. They had NO idea who or what was going to come out of the orb so they had to be ready.
The orb dissipated, revealing the two figures.
The first figure was a human-looking person, a teenage boy. This boy was lean and muscular with an average height. It looked like this boy came from some fantasy world because of the way he dressed which consisted of the following: a sleeveless black waistcoat over his chest (opened and untucked), a black cloth tied around his waist that went down to his knees, a pair of white knee-length trousers, black open-toe sandals on his feet, and a white patterned scarf around his neck.
As for the boy's physical appearance, he had the following features: short & spiky pink hair, tan skin, black eyes, a jagged blemished scar on his right cheek, a cross-shaped scar on the left side of his abdomen, and a symbol tattooed on his left arm. It was obvious that the teenage boy had his fair share of battle.
Standing next to him was a short bipedal anthropomorphic cat with blue fur and a white stomach. Its head was larger than the rest of the body. The cat also wore a green backpack that was tied over him.
The pink-haired boy was in a state of shock as he looked around, knowing that he was somewhere else. He eyed the unfamiliar looking buildings and then looked at the people who were surrounding me.
"Who the hell are you people!?" the boy exclaimed, hotheaded and confrontational. His hands ignite in flames, signalling that he was ready to fight.
She-Hulk looked at Johnny and smirked. "Doesn't he remind you of someone?" she asked Johnny, in a jokingly rhetorical manner.
Johnny looked at She-Hulk, annoyed and insulted. "Jen, what the hell are you implying?"
"Jen does make a strong point, Johnny." Pepper added, agreeing with She-Hulk.
"I have to say that I share Miss Walter's point-of-view, Mr. Storm." Doctor Strange added, noticing the resemblance in hotheaded personality in both Johnny and the pink-haire boy.
"Natsu, where are we?" the cat asked, scared and concerned. It quickly clung onto the boy, named "Natsu," out of fear.
"Don't worry, Happy, I'll get us out of this, and we'll regroup with the rest of the team." Natsu said, assuring the cat known as "Happy."
Soki lowered his sword, sensing that neither this Natsu nor this Happy meant any harm. Basara lowered his weapon, too, going along with Soki.
"Stand down, Soki doesn't believe these two people mean us any harm." Doctor Strange said to the others. He then turned his attention to the two new arrivals. "You are Natsu, correct?" he asked the pink-haired boy.
Natsu was puzzle. "Yeah, but why aren't you attacking us?"
"Forgive us, Mr. Natsu. You have been transported to another world." Doctor Strange explained.
Natsu was astonished. "Wha!? Are we back in Edolas?"
"Edolas?" Doctor Strange asked.
She-Hulk sighed. "Great... People from yet another mystical world..."
Happy turned to Natsu. "Natsu, I don't think this is Edolas. Look at them..."
"Awww, he's so cute..." Mio said, paying her full undivided attention to Happy. She was resisting the urge to walk up to pet Happy.
"If we're not in Edolas, then where the hell are we!?" Natsu asked, feeling agitated and impatient.
"You are on a planet called Earth." Doctor Strange explained.
"Oh, you mean Earthland. I never traveled the world before." Natsu responded.
Doctor Strange shook his head. "No, this is Earth, not Earthland."
"What's the difference?" Natsu asked, feeling his head hurt from all the thinking required.
Johnny turned to She-Hulk. "Don't you even dare imply I'm as dense as he is..."
Natsu started sniffing around. "Hey, I smell something gross. Is it from one of you people?"
Doctor Strange shook his head. "I can assure you, Mr. Natsu-"
"Hey, stop calling me Mister! I'm not an old fart!" Natsu protested while interrupting Doctor Strange's explanation.
She-Hulk and Pepper quietly observed, finding this amusing, then turning their eyes to Johnny, who squinted his eyes at them in return. He was getting ANNOYED at the comparison between himself and this Natsu person.
"My name is Natsu Dragneel, Not Mr. Natsu!"
"Okay, Natsu Dragneel. You just arrived in a world that has been in constant war with domestic, intergalactic, and extradimensional forces." Doctor Strange explained.
Natsu gave Doctor Strange a blank stare, everything that Doctor Strange had just explained went completely over his head.
"Stephen, I'm taking over. You suck at giving the layman's speech." She-Hulk interjected. "Look Natsu, we're fighting a bunch of scary freaks. You seem like a good kid with immense power, that gross smell is coming from those things we're fighting."
She-Hulk directed Natsu's attention to the Genma footsoldiers and demons skulking around the street.
Natsu nonchalantly looked at the Genma, they didn't faze him. "They don't look hard." He turned to Happy. "Happy, stay here. I won't be long."
Happy jumped off of Natsu. "Okay."
Natsu walked in the direction of the highest number of Genma footsoldiers and warriors. He then looked at Johnny, who was still floating around and on fire. "Fire dude, I need flames!"
"What?" Johnny asked, confused and puzzled.
"Johnny, give him what he needs!" She-Hulk exclaimed, excited about what this Natsu could possibly do.
"Fine." Johnny complied before hurling fireballs in Natsu's direction.
"Thanks, I owe you!" Natsu said, then inhaling all of the fireballs in his direction.
"Intriguing." Doctor Strange observed.
"Here, let me help!" Mio offered, creating and throwing fireballs in Natsu's direction.
Natsu sucked in all of the fireballs offered by Johnny and Mio, then turned his attention to the large number of Genma soldiers.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu exclaimed, releasing a stream of flame from his mouth. It was a continuous stream of fire that appeared as a wall of fire going down the street. The flame caught and incinerated all of the Genma that stood in its way.
"I wonder what would happen if he consumed the flames from the Phoenix Force." Doctor Strange openly noted.
"The X-Men would be on his ass immediately." She-Hulk responded, impressed at Natsu's fire ability.
"Wong, can you finish up? I'm going to bring our new guests inside for a talk." Doctor Strange asked.
"Sure. Can I get the rest of the night off? I want to get some Nepali momos at that place that opened nearby."
"Sure. If you're going, can you bring us momos, too?" Doctor Strange asked.
"What kind?" Wong asked, while easily dispatching the remnants of the Genma who invaded the area.
"I'll take the beef and goat." Doctor Strange answered.
"I'll take the vegetarian momos." She-Hulk added.
"I'll take whatever, I don't care." Johnny said.
"What about you, Miss Potts?" Doctor Strange asked.
"I'll take pork and lamb." Pepper answered.
"What is a momo?" Soki asked.
"It's better that you see for yourself." Doctor Strange asked, walking to the front door to the Sanctum Sanctorum.
"I better call Sue and tell her we made it." Johnny said.
"Yeah, I have to reach Tony. Who knows what's going on at the Tower." Pepper added.
Upper New York Bay – Coast Of New Jersey
A large wooden brigantine pirate ship was anchored off of the New Jersey coast of the Upper New York Bay. It was NOT a normal-looking pirate ship, it was akin to a tourist attraction at some theme park. The front of the ship has a jolly-looking lion's face that was painted yellow and a mane that was painted orange. Two crossbones were placed behind to make it resemble a Jolly Roger.
The design of the lion's face and main was akin to a bright cartoonish sun.
A circled "1" was present on both sides of the ship.
Seven cannons were embedded on both sides of this cartoonish-looking pirate ship.
Its main sail had a Jolly Roger that wore a straw hat. Historically, people went into "fight or flight" mode when they crossed paths with a ship with a Jolly Roger. In the case of this Jolly Roger, it seemed to be more friendly and less intimidating.
The ship's deck had an actual grass lawn with a swing.
This was NOT the typical pirate ship, it looked like a ship that was built to attract children, but there were neither children nor were there any "invited" guests on the ship. The ship was surrounded by modern day ships and aircraft that carried HYDRA members.
Despite HYDRA having the numbers and advanced tech at its disposal, the people on this cartoonish pirate ship easily held their own.
A couple of HYDRA soldiers descended from one of its helicopters and onto the ship's deck only to be rolling on the floor in pain. There were caltrops planted on certain parts of the ship's deck and these HYDRA soldiers unfortunately landed on them.
A young man who looked of African descent stood at the end of the ship's upper deck. He had an afro and an elongated nose. There was a fisherman's hat over his head and goggles over his eyes. The young man held a peculiar-looking slingshot in his right hand.
"I am God Usopp, remember my name!" the young man exclaimed to the immobilized HYDRA soldiers.
The still-able HYDRA soldiers aimed their assault rifles and machineguns at the mysterious person who called himself "God Usopp."
"Take him down, we have orders to take over this ridiculous-looking ship!" shouted HYDRA Trooper #1.
"Green Star: Devil!" exclained Usopp who fired some mysterious looking round from his slingshot. The round transformed into a large Venus Flytrap.
"What the hell is that!?" exclaimed a terrified HYDRA Trooper #2.
The Venus Flytrap ensared the remaining HYDRA Troopers with its vines and started eating HYDRA Trooper #1.
HYDRA Trooper #2 froze in fear at the horror that was happening in front of him.
"Gum-Gum Bazooka!" yelled someone who was on another part of this pirate ship, then a chain of explosions erupted up above.
HYDRA Trooper #2 looked up and saw the entire squad of HYDRA aircraft explode into flaming heaps of scrap metal that fell into the water below.
The HYDRA boats met the same fate seconds after...
"Screw this, I'm not getting paid enough to deal with this crap!" Hydra Trooper #2 protested before running to the edge of the ship and jumping off.