AN: Story's Shadow and I are back with another chapter for War Of The Realms. We decided to take a little break from the tournament and show what's going on the USM dimension. We might return to the tournament next chapter, or we could do another chapter like this. Please let us know what you think of this chapter, and tell us if you'd like to see more chapters like this more frequently. Unto the show my good friends.
-Meanwhile, USM Dimension, Jerusalem-
Thomas sat at the table, sword ever at his hip. His stood straight in his chair, waiting. The door to the room opened. Thomas and his chosen representatives could be found in the meeting chambers awaiting the arrival of the leader of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"My Lord, Director Fury has arrived."
The messenger bowed to Thomas as deliver his message. Thomas nodded to the messenger as he stood up.
"Please escort him to this chamber."
The messenger gave a silent bow to the king before turning and hastily left the chamber to complete his task.
"Very few from outside of our order have ever set foot in these halls."
Thomas mused lowly, seemingly speaking more to himself than to his representatives.
"Yet with the changing world, I suspect countless more will venture here who are worthy to become a knight."
He had no sooner finished speaking when the double doors to the chamber opened and Director Fury was escorted into the room, a fully armored knight present on both sides of him. Fury raised an eyebrow, looking the man over. Even though he knew England already had a monarch, he could see why his knights referred to him as 'king'. The man looked the spitting image of a knight of old.
"Your majesty?"
Fury gave a courteous nod to Thomas. One of the knights grumbled slightly.
"It's is customary to kneel before the king."
"Sorry, but I don't kneel."
"It is unnecessary."
The knight sighed and bowed to Thomas.
"Director Fury."
Thomas replied as he now stood and held out his hand to the man. Director Fury shook it a few moments before the handshake ended.
"We have a lot to discuss."
"Indeed we do."
Thomas gestured for Fury to take a seat opposite of his at the table, which the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. took and began looking over the other knights who sat at the table.
"You two are dismissed. Please return to your posts."
Thomas's two knights who had escorted Fury to the meeting chamber both gave a silent bow to their king before quickly exiting the chamber, making sure the doors were sealed behind them.
"Kind of you to meet us here on this sacred ground, Director."
"Unfortunately this sacred city to a lot of people from many walks of life may find itself torched and pillaged."
The knight's eyes narrowed.
"I will not let that happen."
"Doctor Strange has been trying to track and anticipate where any portals from this 'Outworld' or 'Netherrealm' may open up. He suspects one location may be here. We agreed to meet on neutral ground, but that wasn't the only reason why I suggested we meet here."
Thomas nodded.
"You want us to defend the city."
"Help defend. I have agents here already that are preparing for invasion and also helping the local military gear up. But your organization's history in fighting demons would also be vital given how Raiden explained this Shao Kahn also has ties to the realm of demons."
"My knights have done good work fighting against the forces of hell. It has been a long and torturous war. The holy place will not be defiled while even one of my knights remains standing."
Director Fury nodded.
"I've been coordinating with the Avengers, the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., the Guardians of the Galaxy, and my younger group of heroes and agents to prepare for what's to come."
"Yes, your organization has done good work defending the world from all kinds of threats."
"Everyone from the Leaper to Thanos has tried to pull something. S.H.I.E.L.D. has aided in and supported the defense against all sorts of villains and threats."
Thomas sighed.
"I must admit, even I was surprised by demons like Thanos. Now this Shao Kahn plans to pillage and destroy the world."
"Raiden chose three of some of my best young agents. They'll get the job done."
"But you suspect something."
Director Fury let out a scoffing laugh.
"I've known and met enough despots and tyrants to no they won't exactly keep their word. Shao Kahn will send his legions out and I won't be caught off guard. The world is being put on alert and the heroes are prepared to lead and ensure the Earth's protection."
Thomas nodded.
"In response to recent attacks from our own demonic enemies, all knights have been made aware of the possibility of war. It seems that vote to merely prepare was a blessing that we didn't realize at the time of its passing."
Fury nodded his head in agreement.
"In all honestly I don't know how your orders system of government works fully. But I suggest raising the alert from merely preparing, to the likelihood of a full on invasion and war."
The knights who Thomas had chosen to be his representatives all turned to look at their king, who proceeded to rub his chin in silent contemplation for a short time. While Thomas was still contemplating a decision, a knight that sat directly to his right cleared his throat, which gained the attention of everyone present.
"My Lord, normally authorizing a full on war would need to be at the very least brought before the full council, so ideas and concerns can be shared and debated before a final vote is conducted... But at a time like this, I feel it is urgent that you invoke your full authority as our king, and declare war solely on your authority."
The other knights began whispering to each-other upon hearing their fellow knights suggestion. What their fellow knight suggested was fully within the power of their king. But at the same time, they knew such a hasty decision would quite possibly not sit well with the other knights in their order who despite voting in favor of preparing for the possibility, would have grave concerns and objections to fully engaging in a military conflict. The thick tension that seemingly held the room hostage was then shattered by Thomas nodding silently to himself and then clearing his throat to speak.
"The decision I make now at this very moment will not define just our order, but possibly the future of our world. At this point it is clear that even a delayed action, is an inaction of itself."
The other knights nodded their heads in silent agreement as they awaited their kings next words. Even Fury sat their intently and intensely waiting to hear what would be said next.
"We will not be the ones to sit idly by and watch our world fall to an unholy alliance which is liken to our own enemies. We must stand united with our new allies, and within our own order as the true defenders of the light. At this moment... we are officially at war."
All the knights nodded their heads in silent agreement. Fury nodded his head.
"Director, would you please give me and my chosen council a few moments in private?"
Director Fury nodded his head and exited the conference chambers, but remained outside of the door in front of the guards, so he could quickly return to the room when summoned. Once alone in the conference chamber, Thomas turned to face the knight who had proposed what had now become a reality.
"Brother Joseph, you and your family will remain here with me in Jerusalem. Together we will prepare our forces to defend this sacred kingdom."
"I am most honored to fight by your side my lord. But I must ask: my wife is a senior knight on your very council, but my son is only a regular ranking knight at this time–"
"I trust you are not doubting your son's position in our order? Despite being a regular ranking knight, he has been well trained, and in time will no doubt be granted the rank of master or vanguard, or even possibly a spot on my council alongside his parents. So why are you doubting him if it is not skill or ability based?"
"I fear his judgement might be clouded."
Joseph's answer was not easy for him to say. He truly respected and loved his son as any father should, but he was also at times very blunt with his honesty and criticism, something he and his wife both shared. Thomas rubbed his chin.
"It is possible his feelings for Angela Mason could cloud his judgement and give him tunnel vision. But at the same time, young love is something we only experience at certain ages, and then is replaced by other kinds of love. His desire to protect and help her grow is honestly very mature and admirable of him. But I will heed your warning and take it into consideration. But for now we have much ahead of us. As we all know, upon the death of the well respected King Baldwin The Fourth, this city fell to invaders despite the heroics and sacrifices made by Templars and those who chose willingly to aid in it's defense. My ancestor King Richard himself failed to reclaim this sacred city after it's fall and capture all those centuries ago. But now we have a chance to accomplish what those knights before us couldn't achieve, and that is defend this sacred Kingdom Of Heaven."
The knights nodded. Thomas nodded.
"Send in Director Fury again."
Fury was let in, the man retook his seat.
"Director, is there anything else that we should consider or you would suggest while we remain on guard here?"
"One thing S.H.I.E.L.D. priorities is keeping and securing peace worldwide. I know you believe your ancestor should've reclaimed this city, but some of the people in this city may not take kindly to that if they found out. There has been too much intolerance between people in regards to Jerusalem. Your group was chosen to aid in the defense of this city because of who and what you fight. And if what Raiden said is true, your skills and experience is needed. But I will not have the people of this city at each others' throats when they need to be preparing for what we both know is coming. Keep the peace and protect this city. Depending on the circumstances and developments for what's coming, I'll see about sending some of the big guns as backup."
Thomas was silent, the knights had quieted down once Fury has spoke and awaited their lord's answer. Thomas sighed and nodded.
"We're agreed, Director. Have your agents meet with us so we can start preparing a defense of the city."
Fury nodded and stood up.
"We'll be in touch."
The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. exited. Thomas turned to his knights.
"I want a full blueprint of the city both above and below ground. When the agents come, we'll coordinate our resources and efforts to making this city safe. We will not let Jerusalem fall once again!"
The knights bowed and exited to follow his commands.
Tyler walked through the ancient castle, looking upon artifacts and paintings created centuries ago. He couldn't help but smile. Since he joined the Order, he dreamed of coming here as many knights did. The city was of the utmost importance to the Abrahamic beliefs and it couldn't believe that he was finally here. Though he wished it was under better circumstances.
As he prepared to enter another room, he heard shouting and grunting from the location where the knights had stored their weapons during their stay here. He carefully unsheathed his blade and approached. Gently, he opened the door only to find Angela practicing swinging a blade. She blushed when she saw Tyler in the doorway, sword at the ready. He blushed and gave an embarrassed smile as he sheathed his blade.
"Sorry for disturbing you. I thought-"
"No it's ok. I didn't want anyone to see me doing this."
Tyler smiled and leaned against the door after he shut it.
"Everyone has their preference for what weapon they choose to wield. Of course, the sword is often a knight's most trusted weapon. They come in different styles, the one you're are using is a longsword. And you are supposed to use it with two hands, but it's not as heavy a weapon as many believe it is."
"Yeah, found that out when I pulled it off the rack."
Angela twirled before striking at the air. Tyler shook his head.
"Don't spin when you're not striking. You have no idea where the opponent's weapon is when you do that."
"Demons don't really use weapons though."
The soft smile on Tyler's face disappeared, turning into a mask of uncertainty.
"Demons don't use weapons, they don't need them."
"But a knight does."
"Angela, please-"
"I'm ready for training! Once I learn how, no demon will stand in my way."
Tyler's eyes widened then closed, sighing.
"Put the sword down, Angela. I think it's time we have another talk, one I...that none of us wanted to tell you."
"What? You get your sword from fairies?"
Tyler didn't reply, his head just hung.
Angela's smile slowly faded. She put the blade back where she found it and walked over to Tyler.
"Ok, tell me."
Tyler sighed, raising his head.
"Our Order is filled with so many great knights is...is because we're the survivors?"
Angela's eyes widened.
"W-What?"
"We may have weapons and armor to combat the demons, that doesn't mean we're always truly prepared for them."
Tyler's hand began to shake.
"Your encounter was already terrifying enough. But going to battle them over and over and over again makes you feel like you're just teetering over the edge to hell."
Angela didn't reply just listened.
"I lost friends...good friends because of demons. You see, sometimes we record our battles with the demons to study how to best fight them...what happened to my friends and others...what the demons did...the screams...the pleas for mercy...it's all too horrible."
Angela's eyes widened.
"I credit your willingness to train and fight the beings that attacked you and your family. But you only got a glimpse of what horrors they can and will inflict on humans, especially those that try to fight them."
Tyler tried to hide it, but he began to cry.
"Angela, I beg you to reconsider your choices on your path in life. It is one thing to know about supernatural and paranormal in reality while living a normal life, it's another to seek out and fight, always risking your life confronting such powers."
Angela rubbed her chin, her hand and even whole body shaking. Her mind went back to when the demon appeared and attacked her family. All the fear and terror she felt then came flooding back, overcoming her. She tried to stand but felt dizzy. Tyler rushed over as she started to fall. He led her over to and sat her down in a nearby chair.
"Angela! Breath! Push it out of your mind! Breathe!"
Angela did her best to push away the thoughts and fears, trying to focus on something or someone else. Her breathing was rapid but began to slow, her vision blurry but began to focus. Tyler sighed as Angela finally calmed down.
"Are you ok?"
Angela took and breath then exhaled. She stood up and walked over to the blade she'd been practicing with earlier.
"Not really. I will admit and say I hadn't thought of what you just said...to be honest, I'm still terrified...though I guess that's obvious."
"So does this mean you've reconsidered?"
"...No..."
Tyler's eyes widened.
"What?"
"If you can fight them after seeing everything you have, so can I...I can't live being afraid...no one should."
Tyler sighed and sat down.
"I don't know how the council will think of this...but I'll tell them...but I can't promise anything."
Angela nodded before picking up the sword once again to practice.
To Be Continued...
AN: In case anyone is wondering, I know King Baldwin The Fourth's proper term is 'King Baldwin IV' but it was honestly easier to spell it the way we did in this chapter, as opposed to making it look exactly the way it should. I personally couldn't get it to look right, even the way I wrote it in this authors note is still not spelled correctly. I hope everyone understands and doesn't grill me too hard for that decision. Hope everyone loved this chapter, we'll see you next time.