WE'RE BACK FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉
I apologize for my absence again. I've been pretty busy IRL. But I will say that I am super excited to finally play Assassins creed Mirage. But I am MEGA EXCITED TO PLAY SPIDER-MAN 2 IN 14 DAYS! 😁
I even finished watching the Ahsoka series. Man that was awesome!
Also I finally managed to finish Final Fantasy 16 completely. That game is epic, long but engaging. And it is a heavy tear jerker. I really recommend it.
10 out of 10! For both this series and this game!
As for this chapter, there will be references to events that were in the first two Marvel Ultimate Alliance games. As well as some inspiration from Final Fantasy 16 and Aquaman for the Marvel city of Atlantis. 👌
A reunion is about to start and no it won't end like in Winter Soldier.
"Booo! I wanna see a brawl!" Maverick roared. 😡
There will be one, just not with your best friend you psychotic ***k!
But first let's answer some comments…..Or comment. Seriously folks look and share your thoughts! You don't have to have an account to do so!
RustyPete12: Thank you! Yeah I struggled a bit with how I should plan this out. But I think I paid off for it. Only Noctis isn't brainwashed. He's manipulated. But he's got a good heart despite his duty to Meridia. So there's hope for him. You'll see in this chapter that there is even more so for him. 👍😉
Alright. Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎
Welcome To The Club.
Somewhere in the Realm Of Darkness...
The Shadow King was standing in a large pale silver like chamber. Where a dozen different podiums of certain dark human looking people stood. Only these were not statues. But the remnant of his past selves. All that her vessels for him to walk in the realm of light over the generations to wreak havoc.
But this was all part of a bigger plan. A plan The Shadow King had since the day Kingdom Hearts fell. He stared at an empty podium and smiled menacingly.
"Soon. I will be whole again. Soon all will end. And soon, I will take what's left. And unlock a whole new beginning. Where my face will match the perfection of what comes after." The Shadow King declared darkly as he showed a projection of Attuma on the podium. "Keep doing your part, Attuma. When the time is right. I will have my vessel and be restored to who I once was..."
Someone in the corner of the chamber due to a crack in the wall. Was listening. Inside of a dark robed hood to conceal his identity. Even to hide his two round ears.
It was Emperor Mickey Mouse himself. Listening in. But what made him gasp was hearing the final word that uttered the Shadow King's lips.
"Ultima..." The Shadow King exhaled with a longing breath.
Mickey quickly hurried out of the chamber. Now he knows what all of this is about. And he has to warn the others. He has to stop Connor from falling into Attuma's trap. Because in reality...
Attuma was the one to fall in all of this. And the way how it will be done. No one will benefit from it. Not in this way. Because someone worse will emerge if the Shadow King's plan is completed.
Ultima.
Meanwhile that night at Atlantis of the Marvel Universe...
The hangar bay of the Atlantean hanger. Ever since Namor took back Atlantis from Attuma. They had everything that belonged to Connor moved from the hidden Atlantean base under the Triskelion to this new place.
A secret lair that was located right underneath the palace of Atlantis. This secret lair was completely dry by the time the water exited from the vents. And the Stingray II came in from the hanger tunnels and landed safely as the water emptied.
This was a special base designed and requested by the best of both S.H.I.E.L.D and Atlantean engineers. Or at least the entryway. For this entire lair was built by warriors that were around the dawn of Kingdom Hearts itself. Created by Foreteller engineers. And a place that served every Maverick in history. And magically appeared in a vacant spot underground.
With the walls designed with neon streaming lights on shiny walls of silver. And aquatic blue.
Connor exited the hatch of the Gummi Sub and got everyone off board as the hangar was barely lit.
"I had this place finished just after we dragged Attuma's ass outta Atlantis. This is where we'll operate from here on out." Connor stated as Melody exited with him.
Both were wearing their keyblader outfits while Melody was barefoot in her outfit, the Princess felt how smooth the polished floor was on the soles of her feet. It matched the walls.
"What is this place?" Melody asked as she walked, the only sound being her bare feet softly hitting the smooth floor.
"This. Is my Bat Cave and Hoggards hybrid, Baby. Where the Magic and Swag happens in harmony. Welcome. To the Mav Club." Connor smirked as he turned the lights one with a remote. And just like that. Music came on to show the lair.
(Hypnotize - The Notorious B.I.G)
Uh, uh, uh, c'mon
Hah, sicka than your average Poppa
Twist cabbage off instinct n***** don't think sh** stink
Pink gators, my Detroit players
Timbs for my hooligans in Brooklyn
Dead right, if the head right, Biggie there every night
Poppa been smooth since days of Underroos
Never lose, never choose to bruise crews who
Do something to us, talk go through us
Girls walk to us, wanna do us, screw us
Who us? Yeah, Poppa and Puff
Close like Starsky and Hutch, stick the clutch
Dare I squeeze three at your cherry M-3
Bang every MC easily, busily
The clean white metallic steel exterior and the neon lights that blended in. The many different advanced weapons and technology that were on display. The many Maverick suits that were displayed in different glass case pedestals all lined up in roles between the halls, like suits of armor displayed in a castle. The many large clear steel doors that lead to a different room and chamber. And the giant super computer screen that was stationed straight ahead. And many different wings behind closed barrier doors.
This place would make the Bat Cave look like a dinosaur cave.
Recently *** frontin' ain't sayin' nuttin'
So I just speak my piece, keep my piece
Cubans with the Jesus piece with my peeps
Packin', askin' who want it, you got it *** flaunt it
That Brooklyn bull***, we on it
Biggie, Biggie, Biggie can't you see?
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me
And I just love your flashy ways
Guess that's why they broke and you're so paid
Biggie, Biggie, Biggie can't you see?
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me
And I just love your flashy ways
Guess that's why they broke and you're so paid
I put *** in NY onto DKNY
Miami, D.C. prefer Versace
All Philly ***, dough and Moschino
Every cutie wit a booty bought a Coogi
"Woooow..." Donald and Goofy came out while looking amazed.
"RUFF RUFF!" Dug came out running happily running over to his Doggy wing with a pet playground and pet toys everywhere. With a jungle gym fit for a dog.
Then Mini-Mav came out pretending to take a deep breath. "Daddy's home, bitches!" He declared. "Prepare my throne and a scotch on the rocks!"
"Wow. This place is amazing." Melody said in awe as she looked around. "This is where you made your suits and weapons?"
"Most of them. My ring showed me where to find this place, originally located under Shield HQ. But I had it recently and mystically relocated down here under the palace of Atlantis." Connor explained as the music kept playing as he walked her out of the hanger. "The first suit was a hand me down. The rest were made by me."
"Wow." Melody said with stars in her eyes. "What else do you have down here?"
"I have over ten different wings. Well nine for now until the spa wing is finished. We have a training wing. A research wing. Medical Wing. Engineering wing. Briefing wing. Lounging wing. Wardrobe room. Hanger. And the Pet's lounge." Connor said as he teleported her to each place in the lair he named off. Showing off how advanced and luxuriously designed each wing looks.
"There's so many things here. Where do I even start?" Melody said enthusiastically.
"Well tonight we start upstairs. With a meal and a good night's rest." Connor remarked as he led Melody, Donald and Goofy over to the elevator. "Donald, is your water breathing spell still on?"
No. But I can switch it back on in a split second." Donald said.
"Why are we gonna need the spell?" Goofy asked.
"Most of the palace is underwater. I live on the top floor where everything isn't. Completely reserved for my living space." Connor explained as he called the elevator. "You should have seen me when I first tried eating dinner underwater."
"Any tips on that for your adorable girlfriend?" Melody asked cutely.
"Don't ever eat soap. It gets everywhere." Connor snorted as the elevators opened.
Then Connor tossed the remote to Mini-Mav. And sternly warned. "Keys all yours for the night, Mini-Me. Make sure Dug eats his veggies, not just push em around. I'm not playin."
"Gotcha, Padre! I will make this gratuitous Mutt eat his spinach!" Mini-Mav exclaimed humorously while sounding like Popeye.
Just then as the elevator doors closed. The elevator went up. Making Melody jolt a bit as she wasn't used to the ascension. She noticed how Connor looked around with an unreadable expression while he seemed rather lost.
"Are you okay?" Melody asked.
"I'm fine, Mel. It's just been a long day." Connor assured. "And I'm just at a complete loss right now.
"I can understand that." Melody said with a sympathetic look. "First you got to ride with two western Legends. And then you find out your best friend is still alive."
"And trying to bury my ass in the dirt like I owed the Cartel money. " Connor sighed as he still couldn't believe his best friend was trying to kill him. "My own homeboy."
"Hey. We don't really know why he's doing this yet. For all we know he could be hypnotized or his memory is wiped." Melody said softly with an encouraging look while putting a hand on his shoulder. "Either way. We'll find a way to get him back."
"How?" Connor scoffed.
"If he's anything like the Noctis you told me about. It won't take that much to reach him. Have faith, Connor." Melody said softly.
Connor didn't say anything. Even Donald and Goofy felt tense from the silence while Melody kept her hand on his shoulder. Just then, the elevator came to a stop at the main hall of the Atlantis
'Now submerging.' FELICITY announced.
Everyone except for Connor looked down as water gradually filled up. Thanks to the breathing spell. Donald. Goofy and even Melody can breathe underwater. Normally Connor would use nanite vapor that would emit from the vents to help with the breathing issue. But he decided to save on that since Donald's spell has the same effect.
"My room will be on the top floor of the east wing. Built like an underwater Malibu inside the palace. And it's the only place that isn't under water besides the Mav Club." Connor said.
"Great. I can't wait to see it." Melody said enthusiastically.
Just then the elevator doors opened. And they were standing in the main halls of Atlantis itself. All of the windows resembled an aquarium like other fishes. Sea creatures and Atlanteans swam by in the open few of the deep blue sea. And a bright light was above the ocean giving it a resemblance of day time.
The halls and staircases resembled an aquatic Greek theme with silver everywhere. And statues of Atlantean warriors assembled in rows like suits of armor.
"Because of your mermaid blood, you're able to withstand hypothermia and aquatic toxins that would otherwise kill a natural human being. That and we're both biologically built to withstand the extreme pressure of the deep blue sea, all fish can but a natural born human. The natural shift in gravity could crush their bones to baby powder." Connor stated as they swam out of the elevator and looked around.
"So that's why no one has ever been able to find Atlantis down here." Melody said in understanding as she swam behind Connor.
"But if that's the case, how come Goofy and I are still alive right now?" Donald asked.
"Ya know, he's got a point." Goofy said.
"Let me answer a question with a question. Did you keep your spell on indefinitely or just on a timer?" Connor asked Donald with a smirk as he went up the stairs.
"WAK!" Donald quacked in panic before waving his wizard staff, recasting his water spell a dozen times.
Connor leads Melody down the west hall and passes by a glass double door.
"Down there is the library. I forgot to mention that it's another place that's dry. For obvious reasons." Connor said as he was hinting at books. Obviously paper.
"If that's a library, how do the books not get damaged by the water?" Melody asked.
"We don't use paper down there. We use holograms. Seashells and hard silver tablets." Connor explained as he went up to the door panel at the end of the hall. "Do you remember those pipes in the Mario games?"
"Oh yeah. The ones where Mario steps onto and sinks into them with a very interesting sound and appears out of another tube." Melody said.
"Yeah well these are not just for going down." Connor remarked as he opened the door. "And I gotta warn y'all. It sucks. Literally."
Showing a clear silver pipe that leads straight up to Connor's private chambers which leads straight up to one of the top towards the palace.
Connor enthusiastically dunked his head through. Causing him to be sucked in instantly. "Wooooo!" He howled as it echoed through the pipes.
"Oh, now this looks fun." Melody said before stepping underneath the tube. "Wooo!"
Melody cheered as she was sucked up.
"Oh no." Donald muttered as he reluctantly stepped under and got sucked up. "WAAAAAAK!"
"Gawrsh!" Goofy said before he went underneath the tube and got sucked up. "YAAAAAAA-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOEY!"
As Melody was being sucked through the tube. She assented up the toward and got a good view of Connor's home. Marvel Atlantis. The Second Kingdom. She saw everything in amazement as it looked bright and more advanced than anything she had ever seen.
Outside there were giant metallic buildings that resemble different types of aquatic life. Some buildings looked like jellyfish with their buildings looking pink. Some looked like stingrays. And others were spirals or just pillars that connected to the large bubbles on top. Or rather hard as steel glass domes that act as an atmosphere for certain creatures that can breathe air as well as water.
Most of these buildings were blue to match how clean the ocean was in this kingdom. But what astonished her the most was the sight of a pearl white bridge as massive as the Golden Gate Bridge. It was under construction by master architects and engineers of Atlantis' best and brightness.
Melody looked up to see that the tube was leading her up to a glass dome building-like penthouse, a building that almost resembled a building from the Jetsons. Only it leads up to a platform that holds a dome-like structure. Completely pure white with indestructible metal and bullet proof glass of the highest quality. The best view of the kingdom and the underwater terrarium that offered light over the entire kingdom of Atlantis. A 'aquatic sun' some would call it.
Melody made it up to the top and landed on a floor rug as she looked around to see a metallic hallway with a pearly white floor. In a row of several rooms. Connor stood there as he was grinning.
"Notice you're completely dry." He pointed out.
The tube did dry all the water off.
"That was awesome! I loved the ride up here! It was so fun!" Melody beamed excitedly while hopping on her bare feet. "Oh, by the way, on the way up, I saw this bridge. What's that for?"
"That. Was the key to the future. The Star Wave Bridge is still under construction. But it's going to be an instant gateway, a freeway between the Atlantis of all five kingdoms. But for now it will be for the only two we have. Yours and mine." Connor explained.
"Really? So we can actually use that to go to and from my world and yours instantly?" Melody asked with a big smile.
"It's not like we couldn't do that already. And speaking of instant where's-" Connor almost asked where Donald and Goofy were.
"WAAAAAAK!" Donald's yells echoed the pipe before he popped out of it and landed face first on the floor. "Ouch!"
Then Goofy landed on his bottom. On top of Donald. "Well that right truly...Sucked. Ahyuck! Ah-Hoo-hoo-hoo-HOO!" He joked.
"Get OFF OF ME!" Donald screamed.
Which made Goofy instantly get off and nervously held his hand up while Donald glared and rolled his sleeves up.
"The guest bedrooms are on the right and left doors in front of you. Take your pick." Connor deadpanned at the wacky Disney Duo.
Since they all had dinner on the sub and did their personal hygiene. Everyone was exhausted. Well except for Melody who was too excited to be here, with her boyfriend in Atlantis.
"Yeah. Yeah." Donald groaned in a grumpy tone before picking. "I'll take the room to the right."
"And I'll take the room to the left." Goofy said with an optimistic tone.
Connor shook his head in amusement and waved them off before he gestured at the two doors ahead. "Come on. I'll show you my crib. And I gotta warn you. This is my first time being here." He admitted as he walked over.
"Okay." Melody said enthusiastically as she followed. "Wait, you mean you've never seen the inside of your room before?"
"I just moved out of the last one. I spent the last four years living in an underwater army base. It wasn't bad though. Very high tech, space-luke retro. It would remind you of a room in Mass Effect." Connor answered.
"What's Mass Effect?" Melody asked as Connor used the door panel to open the doors to his personal chambers.
"It's a video game. I'll explain later- HOLY ***KSTICKS! THIS IS AWESOME!" Connor exclaimed as he looked inside.
Sure he described what kind of crib he wanted for his large palace-like bedroom. But he never thought it would be this good.
The room was large and circular, with hexagon lights on the ceiling. There was a large circular bed with royal blue and green bed sheets. There were several windows that showed a view of the entire kingdom. The room also had a fridge and microwave in the corner. There was a giant 8K TV with surround sound and home theater set up with several game consoles.
"Oh my... This room looks amazing." Melody said as she spun around on her bare feet to look around the room.
"Awe hell Naw! This ain't mind, this is too good to be mine! Give me a sec, Mel I am processing a list of shit right now! Wooooo! I'm gonna wreak havoc in this crib!" Connor expressed loudly in excitement as he teleported everywhere looking at everything .
"I think we both are." Melody said with a giggle as she walked up to a window and gasped excitedly at what she saw swim by. "Oh look! Sea Turtles!"
"S'up." One of the Sea Turtles greeted them from outside the window.
Connor also noticed that his music equipment was there in a corner as well with foam on the walls. And his electric piano and pro tools kit.
"Oh thank God these weren't touched!" Connor smiled brightly at his equipment. And he looked back and casually greeted the Sea Turtle. "S'up Greg."
"Holla at me playa!" The Sea Turtle replied with a gang sign gesture on his fins before he and the other sea turtles swam up.
"I'm popular in the neighborhood." Connor shrugged.
"I can see that." Melody said with a giggle before looking at the musical equipment. "So, what's with all this?"
"If you don't see me doin shit with a keyblade. I'm doin some more golden shit with this stuff. This is where I make art. In the form of pop albums. Rap. Auto tunes. Dubstep. All the stuff y'all back home are too ancient to comprehend." Connor said with swag.
This is what he needs to get his mind off of thinking too hard about Noctis the Sea Slayer. And Melody's just being a good girlfriend by playing along knowing this was helping him. For once their conversations aren't mostly about Guardians business.
"So, you like to make music in your spare time?" Melody asked while looking at some of the equipment. "That's pretty cool."
"Not the kind you'd expect. Still half of them are just parodies of other famous artists. All from Black Eyed Pea. Al Jarreau. DJ Khaled. Post Malone. And anything resembling Lin-Manuel Miranda." Connor emphasized. "Some wusses often see this type of music as obnoxious."
"Well, as long as you love it, that's all that matters." Melody said with a smirk.
"I can show you the last track I worked on. Seeing that they weren't dumb enough to drop all of this in water." Connor offered.
"Sure. I'd love to hear it." Melody said enthusiastically.
Connor pulled gestures for Melody to sit at the bedroom couch in front of his surround sound and he used his sound player to play through the speakers.
A track called ***Steal The Show***
The music started and the lights in the room changed colors and shifted to the rhythm of the music. As she heard a digital harmony of Connor's voice.
***Started out on a one way train
Always knew where I was gonna go next
Didn't know until I saw your face
I was missin' out on every moment
You'll be one and baby I'll be two
Would you mind it if I said I'm into you?
(I'm into you)***
***So if it's real
Then darlin' let me know
I wouldn't mind
If you steal the show***
"Oh my Gosh. This song is amazing. I love it!" Melody gushed at the sound of her boyfriend's voice singing the song. "Your singing is so good."
"Shhh...Let these waves take you." Connor encouraged his girlfriend to remain calm and enjoy the music.
***You and I, we go together
You're the sky, I'll be the weather
A pretty thing, the sun and rain, who knew?
Ooooh, oooh yeaaaah***
***Summer night, perfect occasion
Where am I? You know I'll be waitin' for you
Ooooooh, for yoooou***
***[Chorus]
So if it's real
Then, darlin', let me know
I wouldn't mind
If you steal the show***
The digital sound effects of the melody waved with Connor's amazing voice as he kept up with the rhythm in this track. It made Melody close her eyes and lean back while she swayed her head to the music. Connor sat next to her and smiled at how adorable she was being. And beautiful.
***So if it's real
Then, darlin', let me know
I wouldn't mind
If you steal the show***
Melody just smiled brightly at her boyfriend, cheeks red as she wrapped her arms around his muscular arm and leaned in, enjoying the music as it continued.
Then the bridge of the song started with Connor's amazing voice holding the notes as it modulated.
***[Bridge]
You shiiiine, you shine
Like forever lasts forever
You shiiiiine, you shine
And steal the show***
***[Chorus]
So if it's real
Then, darlin', let me know
I wouldn't mind
If you steal the show
(Started out on a one-way train)
(Always knew where I was gonna go next)
So if it's real (Didn't know until I saw your face)
Then, darlin', let me know (I was missin' out on every moment)
(You'll be one and, baby, I'll be two)
(Would you mind it if I said I'm into you?)
I wouldn't mind
If you steal the show***
And then the song concluded.
"Well? What's your verdict?" Connor asked as he wrapped his arm around Melody.
Melody smiled before moving to sit on his lap, propping her bare feet onto the couch.
"This is my verdict." Melody said before kissing him with all the love she can, her toes curling as they began to make out.
Connor snickered as he held her close and kissed her back. They went between holding a kiss and pecking repetitively. They were an innocent child couple who felt a passion for each other in ways they couldn't comprehend before.
"Mmm...That's not a number, Mel." Connor whispered as they finished kissing.
"That's because no number could come close." Melody said cutely as she leaned her head against his chest. "You have an amazing voice, Connor."
"Well. So do you. Singing up on stage with a couple of furries and where the wild things are cast." Connor quipped as he referred to when Melody sang Hakuna Matata with Garnet. Timon and Pumbaa. "Your suit recorded everything." He winked.
"Oh? Were you peeking on me? Before we started dating? And when I was wearing my jungle outfit?" Melody asked with a smirk as she playfully hit his shoulder. "I had no idea I fell in love with a peeping Tom."
Connor chuckled. As he blocked her next hit.
"No I mean as a failsafe in case anything happens to any of us. I designed FELICITY to record and augment everything we do. Intergrade through a mystical neural link. She installed all of our data into her CPU the moment we stepped onto the ship and called ourselves Guardians." Connor explained how clever he is.
That way in case they're ever about to be lost or kidnapped. All the other members will know instantly.
"Oh. So you weren't being a creepy stalker then?" Melody asked slyly.
"Heh. Come on, Mel. I'm not being a perverted Power Dawg. I'm being responsible, for the team. And the one I can't live without." Connor affirmed as he held her close in his strong arms. "That and I live in this world where sidekicks ever end up kidnapped, dead or turned into hero poison like what the Winter Soldier used to be."
Which made Melody close her eyes and smile warmly. She feels so lucky to have him.
"I'm glad. Because I can't live without you either." Melody said softly before kissing him.
Connor kissed her back while he looked at the windows behind her and saw all of the fishes that kept stopping to look. He reached for the remote and turned on the blinds to close over the window. While they wrapped up their make out moment and got ready for bed.
The next morning...
Melody was in bed. Wearing her comfortable white underclothes as she was in bed. While Connor took the couch. He didn't take it as soon as she went to sleep. Since he wanted to be respectful to the Princess. Melody would think differently due to her innocent mind.
But they both agreed that a young underage couple in bed together would send all of the wrong signals.
In the morning. Melody woke up to the sound of Connor arguing on the phone. As he was speaking firmly but quietly talking to someone on his phone as he paced around the room. She sat up to hear what it was about.
"No no no no I told you, the cure isn't ready...Robbie- Robbie listen! This is exactly what that mother***ker wants and if you go there-...Alright. Just let me check it out first. Don't do anything stupid, you haven't been in that suit for nine years. I'll call you back." Connor quietly argued before he hung up.
"What's going on, Sweetie?" Melody asked with a tired tone out of concern. "Is everything okay?"
"Do you remember me talking about the bombing in Stamford Connecticut? The same explosion that killed my mom's team? The New Warriors along with 612 people?" Connor reminded as he took a seat on the bed.
"Yeah. That was a very grim tale." Melody said with a serious look. "Why? What's that got to do with your phone call just now?"
"That was Robbie on the phone. You know, Penance? He just told my Mom that Nitro is back." Connor grimly revealed.
The same Nitro that blew up Stamford. The one they all thought was dead.
"What!? Are you serious!?" Melody said in shock.
"It gets worse. Doctor Doom was seen with him. Loki as well. This already got the Future Foundation's attention." Connor added.
"I thought you told me that those two were impressed for eternity by Odin? How could they have escaped?" Melody asked.
"I have no idea. But it can't be a coincidence that I'm hearing this after hearing that Ardyn Izunia is back yesterday. The guys known for reeking hell in the air with special effects." Connor said as he was thinking.
"Could it be that they're all working with Attuma and the Shadow King?" Melody asked with concern.
"If Ardyn's involved, yeah. Also to make things even worse. My Mom doesn't want me involved in this. The New Warriors were her and Robbie's team after all. They both want to settle a score with Nitro." Connor sighed.
"But wouldn't it be better if we all worked together to stop them?" Melody asked, even though she too was concerned.
"I tried telling her that..." Connor sighed.
One hour earlier at the main entrance hall...
Connor was with his mother Namorita who looked pissed to find out that Nitro is alive. And Connor looked just as pissed to be told that he's left out of taking him down. The guards who patrolled the halls gave them privacy to talk.
"Mom, you can't be serious." Connor argued as Namorita swam for the exit.
"Connor, I am very serious right." Namorita said firmly with a serious look. "I do not want you anywhere near this fight."
"This is the same guy that killed you!" Connor countered.
"And that is exactly why I don't want you to have any part in this! It's too dangerous." Namorita said.
"I just took down a humanoid tiger tyrant, a giant whale and a human trafficker, a couple of Riker inmates who attacked Mel's party and I'm fighting my homeboy who's trying to kill me and you wanna talk about what's too dangerous?!" Connor expressed.
"Watch your tone." Namorita seethed
"This all has Attuma's piss written all over it! Don't you see, this is what he wants!" Connor yelled.
"All it takes is one wrong move and Nitro can end the fight in seconds!" Namorita said loudly. "You're my son! I am not putting you at risk! You're too important!"
"So what?! You'd rather I sit here with my head in the sand wondering if you're gonna make it back through those gates?" Connor said while sounding worried.
"I have no plans to die today." Namorita assured.
"Dad didn't either!" Connor expressed and sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "How do we know Noctis' not involved? Or if he puts your life at risk to get to me?"
"That won't happen!" Namorita said firmly. "I have trained for years. I am not letting him get to me again. I will return to you."
"You can't ask me to sit this out. I've already suffered enough." Connor said while fighting back tears
"And that's the reason you have to sit this out." Namorita said with a hand on his shoulder.
"And what if Noctis gets killed during the fight instead?" Connor seethed.
"That will be his choice." Namorita affirmed.
"You can't be serious." Connor was taken back by this as he turned around. His best friend could end up getting killed in a fight with them and his mother is okay with this?!
"I am-" Namorita almost said as she reached out to him.
"I'm the goddamn Maverick! I didn't start this life and succeeded by turning my back on anyone who needed me! If Dad were here he would agree!" Connor snapped.
"Enough!" Namorita yelled back loudly and firmly. "You are not getting involved! And that's final!"
As Namorita made her way out of the main hall. And the guards came back in. Stopping Connor from following her. He glared and turned to make his way back up to his bedroom
All of this was happening while Melody was still asleep. Well. As much as Connor honors and respects his mother. It's not enough to let his mother die.
He is the Maverick after all. No one can take that from him.
Later up at Connor's crib...
He stood with Melody as he stated the plan to Donald and Goofy. After this argument he came up with a plan to get in with Nitro. But everyone has doubts of whether or not this plan would work.
"You can't be serious." Donald gawked.
"I am. I just need you both to convince everyone in the castle that I'm venting my frustration in the training wing down in the Mav Club. While Mel and I head to Latveria, find Nitro and hopefully Noctis before Mom and the others do." Connor told them just only the first part of the plan.
Both of them looked flabbergasted
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" Donald screamed and blew steam out of his ears.
"Is that a trick question?" Connor inquired.
"You want us to go behind their backs and deceive everyone while you go out on a deadly mission?! Do you have any idea how much trouble we'll get into?!" Donald exclaimed in frustration and panic.
You know, this does sound a bit risky." Goofy admitted.
"I can take the heat afterwards. But you both gotta hear me. I've buried enough friends and family as it is. I'm not abandoning my best friend." Connor said firmly.
"But Connor. How do you know Noctis will be there?" Goofy asked while looking worried.
"Because the next shard is in Latveria. I already tracked it." Connor said.
"Connor, if you're sure about this, then I'm in." Melody said supportingly with a hand on his shoulder. "We're gonna get your friend back."
"How can you be sure it's going to work?" Donald asked while looking skeptical and worried.
"Because the first part is already in place." Connor gestured behind them.
Donald and Goofy turned and gasped to see Namor standing right behind them with his arms crossed while looking serious.
"Waaak!" Donald gasped.
"Uh...Hey there, Submarinador!" Goofy nervously greeted with a small wave.
"Submariner." Namor corrected.
"I'd take it you came up here to tell me you're going with Mom and to make sure I was here?" Connor inquired.
"I would be a terrible Uncle if I didn't." Namor declared.
"You also know how important your trident is to Attuma." Connor pointed out.
"And you getting involved is exactly what Attuma wants as well." Namor said with a firm tone. "If your friend really is involved, doing Attuma's bidding, then he is someone that needs to be stopped, not saved."
Connor knew what Namor was hinting at when he mentioned Noctis. He doesn't have it in him to do that.
"Do you remember that horrible day? When you lost Mom?" Connor asked.
Namor had a pensive look.
"It was one of the darkest days of my life when that happened." Namor said with devastation in his voice.
"Then you know why I have to do this. Just give me a chance to explain my extremely convoluted and elaborate plan." Connor said as he began to explain.
Hopefully this will fall into place as this all goes down into the homeland of Victor Von Doom. And hopefully Namor will be more understanding than what Connor's mother was.
Later down at Latveria...
The town of Latveria resembled that of a medieval town. But with modern convenience like utility poles, cars and trucks. Buildings made of gray bricks and stone wooden roofs.
The entire town wasn't completely vacant. As there were common civilians who were going about their business throughout the streets. And a regular police force instead of Doom Bots.
Ever since the fall of both Doctor Doom and his replacement Lucia Von Bardas was locked up at the Vault. The entire country of Latveria was now under the a commonwealth of the Romanian government.
So it won't be as dangerous to roam through the city. However SuperHeroes are unpopular in this town due to the ruins of Castle Doom over the horizon.
Which is why these heroes would be doing their business underground.
Inside of a clock tower in Latveria square, stood Reed Richard's team. The Future Foundation.
Reed Richards. AKA Mr Fantastic.
Susan Richards AKA The Invisible Woman.
Johnny Storm AKA The Human Torch.
Ben Grimm AKA The Thing.
and Peter Parker. The Amazing Spider-Man.
All of them were in their white and black uniform. Including Spidey who was perched on the walls. As he seemed to be a little impatient about who was coming in.
"Okay I've been thinking and that's not usually my thing, but how can we be sure that Doom and Loki broke out of the Norse Hell's Gate in Asgard to begin with?" Human Torch asked.
"Force once and a very few occasions I actually agree with Flamebrain here. I smell a rat, and not the churchmouse kind." The Thing said in his deep graveling voice.
"Ha. I get it. Cause we're in a church." Spider-Man muttered and snickered. "Classic."
"The signal that came from here matched with Doom and Loki's genetic signatures." Mr. Fantastic explained with a serious look. "Even if it's not them, we can't take any chances that it might just be them after all. So we're here because we have to know for sure."
"We have other things to worry about then Doom being back or not. Nitro was powerful enough to wipe out an entire neighborhood. We can let him slip away above all else." Invisible Woman stated.
"We owe Robbie that much." Spider-Man agreed.
Speaking of which. Coming in from the ground bridge from the Baxter Building came in Shield Director Nick Fury. Along with the Submariner. Namorita. Penance and Firestar.
"Good to have you all here. As you're all aware, our goal is to find our target, Nitro. Doctor Doom and Loki. This time our assault will be sanctioned and accounted for." Nick Fury stated to them.
"I doubt the Latverian folk down there will be happy to see us." The Human Torch figured.
"I agree. Which is why we'll be moving underground." Nick Fury said to the heroes. "A reliable source gave me the blueprints to a secret underground base Von Doom owned back in the day. There's a secret entrance in this church."
"And here I thought we were here to make confessions. Not that I need any." Spider-Man quipped as he flipped and landed off the wall.
"Where's the entrance?" Namor asked.
"Down under the altar upfront. There's a sewer pipe down belo. Head down. And follow the tunnel down under. Look for Doom's logo and input the password I gave you." Nick Fury directions and instructions.
"You're not coming?" Penance asked in a low tone.
"Sorry Robbie. I'm still not legally supposed to be here. But I'll have the Helicerier ready just in case. Watch yourselves down there." Nick Fury said to them.
And then he walked back through the open portal before he closed.
"If he's not supposed to be here, then did he just violate his exile/plea deal?" Human Torch inquired.
"Meh. I'm a vigilante. Who am I to judge." Spider-Man shrugged as he dove down the bell tower after opening the hatch.
"Let's get going. The sooner we find Nitro the sooner we can end this." Penance darkly stated.
"Easy there, Robbie." Namorita said to her old teammate. "I want nothing more than to put a stop to him for good. But we can't rush into this. We have to be smart and careful."
"He's anything but that. If we're going to catch him. We gotta be fast." Penance countered.
"Robbie she's just trying to-" Firestar almost said while trying to ease him.
"I know what she's trying to do. And it's fine." Penance sharply interrupted. "Let's just get moving."
Penance went down the hatch and then the other Future Foundation went down afterwards.
Firestar sighed as looked at Namorita apologetically. "I'm sorry about that." She said quietly.
Namorita just let out a sigh.
"At least he's easier than my son right now." Namorita muttered.
"You and Connor had a fight?" Firestar asked out of concern.
"Sort of. He wanted to help fight against Nitro. But I forbade him from doing so." Namorita said with a sigh.
"And you?" Firestar asked Namor.
"I'm his trainer. Not his mother. That's her dominion." Namor replied and gestured to Namorita.
"Right." Firestar awkwardly muttered as she flew down the hatch to join the others. Namorita and Namor did the same.
The entire church was empty since services were canceled due to a storm warning.
Once Spider-Man found the secret entrance by moving the prayer altar stand out of the way. He found a sewer lit on the floor. Spider-Man removed it and Reed stretched his head down inside to scan the tunnels. After a brief scan. He saw that no one was down below.
"It's clear." Reed echoed down below before he went all the way in. Sue and Johnny went in after him.
The problem was that the Thing was too big.
"Uh, guys? I'm a bit too big to fit through here." The thing said awkwardly.
"Here. Allow me." Namor walked over and he used the sharp ends of his trident to carve the floor into a circle big enough for the Thing to fit through. While it caused some the stone and floor boarding to fall down into the sewers. One of the boards hit Spider-Man on the head.
***Bam!***
*"Ow! What's Romanian for ibuprofen?!"* Spider-Man echoed down below.
"Will this do?" Namor asked about the hole he made.
"Eh, it'll do." The Thing said with a shrug. "Although you do know you just committed blasphemy, right?"
After the Thing and the rest of them entered the tunnel. They saw that the tunnels were wide enough for even a large jet to fly through, if that was the intention. So Spider-Man swung ahead with Firestar and the Human Torch flying from behind as they saw that the tunnel curves to left. Which was in the direction of the city power station, Spider-Man noticed this as he sees Doom's logo right behind some sewer pipes.
Spider-Man zipped upside-down while Human Torch and Firestar hovered in place while Spidey scanned the structure.
Once Mr Fantastic came over while walking stretched out and tall. He was wondering why Spider-Man stopped.
"Those are furnace pipes. Either they're a poor design or a booby trap." Spider-Man said quietly.
"Let me." Mr Fantastic went over and stretched around the pipes with his arms and head.
And he found a brick sticking out of the wall behind the pipes. He pulled it out and found a door panel. Mr Fantastic grinned as he typed in the secret code Nick Fury provided and then he pulled away from the pipes.
Everyone stood together as a secret gate opened up slowly like a air hanger with automatic doors. Thankfully they weren't too loud because once they opened, all they saw on the other side of the walls was a set up steps and a large door. With the walls build in green steel and medieval grayish bricks.
Mr Fantastic reached out and pressed the panel to open the door. And everyone went inside.
Meanwhile back at the Mav Club...
Donald was pacing back and forth at the lounging wing. Which was furnished like a luxurious club house for partying. Watching movies and playing video games.
While Goofy was seated at one of the couches eating and munching on a bowl of potatoes chips and doritos. Looking tense as he was staring off with wide bloodshot eyes.
Goofy looked like he hadn't slept in days and yet it was just a few hours since Melody and Connor left.
Mini-Mav and Dug were busy watching TV as if they had nothing to worry about. Probably on account that they've known Connor longer than Donald and Goofy has to not worry about anything.
Donald was shivering as he paced back and forth and sweated. If this goes wrong, they'll be blamed for this. He knows for sure. Why didn't Connor just do what he was told? Why put himself at risk and get his friends involved to take the fall if anything happens?!
Donald's thoughts were pulled out when Goofy kept munching real loud on his chips.
***Munch...Crunch...Chew...Gulp...Munch...Crunch...Chew...Gulp...Munch...Crunch...Chew...Gulp***
"Grrrrrh! How can you be snacking at a time like this?!" Donald finally snapped as he was having enough of that annoying sound.
"LOOK WHEN I'M EXTREMELY NERVOUS I EAT! SO GET OFF MY BACK WILL YA!" Goofy screamed as he glared hard which shocked Donald and everyone as he flared. But then Goofy realized his response was too harsh and he sat back down looking guilty. "Um...Sorry Donald."
"Awe...It's okay. I'm sorry too, Goofy. I just...I don't know what will happen after this." Donald said sadly as he sat next to Goofy.
"Gawrsh, I wish the Emperor was here. He'd know what to do." Goofy said sadly.
"Me too Goofy. Me too." Donald said with a sad sigh.
Just then. The Mav Computer received an alert. And FELICITY appeared in the form of a digital sphere that vibrates when it speaks.
'Attention Guardians. A known associate is calling for a request to enter the lair via the space bridge. Shall I grant their request?' FELICITY asked Donald and Goofy.
"Who is it?" Donald asked while looking up at the computer.
'Patching through now.' FELICITY transferred the signal to communications.
And then they heard a familiar voice greet them.
*"Haha! Hey fellas?! Are you there?"* Mickey Mouse's voice was heard.
Which made Donald and Goofy gasp
"YOU'RE MAJESTY!" Both Goofy and Donald exclaimed joyfully.
"Reunion~" Mini-Mav sang on a high note.
'Shall I grant him access into the lair?' FELICITY asked.
"Yes! Let him in!" Donald exclaimed and joyfully nodded his head fast.
Then Donald ran for the Space Bridge with Goofy tripping a bit as he ran with him. Once they made it to the Mav Club hangar where the space bridge opened.
Mickey Mouse himself stepped out wearing a red sleeveless hooded jacket with a black shirt. Red shorts with a zipper and yellow sneakers. And in his hand was his keyblade named the Star Cluster. A golden keyblade with blue stars.
Both Donald and Goofy beamed with joy as they saw their Emperor.
"Ahhh!" Donald exclaimed in joy as he ran up to Mickey and tackled him into a hug. "Your Majesty!"
"We're so happy to see ya!" Goofy exclaimed as he tackled Mickey and Donald into a group hug. "Ah-yuck! Hoo hoo hoo hoo!"
"Woah! Haha! It's good to see you too, Fellas!" Mickey chuckled as he hugged them back.
After they finished the hug Mickey asked first.
"Where's Maverick?" Mickey asked.
"He went off with his girlfriend Melody to find his friend, Noctis." Goofy said.
"Noctis?...Oh you mean Ragnum!" Mickey realized.
"Ragnum?" Donald asked, confused.
"It's what they call Noctis. I found out all about him and Maverick. I met up with him after...Well I found all a lot. I don't even know where to start." Mickey said as he paced in front of them looking anxious.
"Well, why don't you start with what you think is more important." Goofy suggested to his friend and Emperor. "We have the time to listen."
"Alright well. I don't suppose I have to tell you about Sea Slayer and his lost memories. Well while I was spying on Attuma in the Meridian Temple, the Oracle Lunafreya contacted me and brought me to Ragnum, I mean Noctis in secret. He was completely conflicted and at a loss about where his loyalties lie after his last encounter with Connor. But he was stable enough to tell me that all of the heroes who are after Doom and Loki are walking into a trap set by Ardyn Izunia." Mickey informed them. "They're after Namor's trident."
Which makes sense. With his Trident, Attuma would just only become more powerful with what he already has. Maverick wasn't part of the plan. His uncle was.
"Yeah. We already know it's a trap. Connor figured it out." Donald told Mickey.
"That's why Connor is going to counter Ardyn's trap with a trap of his own." Goofy said.
"But does he know about the shards? The ones he doesn't have yet?" Mickey asked with an urge of importance.
Donald and Goofy looked at each other before they listened to what Emperor Mickey had to say next. Because there is something the Guardians are missing.
And it's probably not good.
Later back in the Latverian Secret Base...
The tunnels of the base were completely metallic with stone and green paint patterns on the walls. Something that Doctor Doom definitely overlooked in rebuilding himself.
Spider-Man took pointed and crawling on the ceiling to sneak around to see if there were any doom bots patrolling.
"This base sure has all the secret telltale signs of a trap waiting to blow in our faces." Spider-Man quipped quietly.
Then he saw three doors ahead at the end of the hall. One on the left. The second straight ahead which was the biggest one. And the other on the right.
Spider-Man turned back around to hang upside-down and talk to the others.
"There are three doors up ahead. And the biggest one is in front." Spider-Man informed them.
"Where to now, Reed?" Invisible Woman asked.
"Well, according to Fury's blueprints, the door in front is the main chamber of the base, where we'll probably find Doom and Loki." Mr. Fantastic said to the team. "Meanwhile, the door on the right leads to the control panel for the doors, as well as the security cameras for the main chamber."
"Then what's behind the door on the left?" The Thing asked.
"That would be the armory for whatever supply of weapons Doom might have."
"I'll deal with the armory. I can flood whatever supply he has." Namor volunteered.
"Spider-Man and I can hack the main doors open in the other room." Penance offered.
"Alright. The rest of us will wait by the doors." Namorita declared.
And on that note. Everyone got ready.
Meanwhile outside from on top of the train station...
On the roof of the train station that was closed due to a heavy thunderstorm that was going to start. Maverick and Tsunami were on the roof. Listening in on the heroes' progress as they go through the base.
"I swear this is the most boring B&E mission ever. Doom couldn't afford to send a few robots or dobermans to take them down?" Maverick sighed as he sounded bored.
"It does seem a bit too easy right now." Tsunami said before her voice showed weariness. "But that just means the trap they're probably walking into could be just as lethal if not more lethal."
"These guys are fricken Super Heroes. We've seen them go up against bigger threats than this. That purple bitch Thanos was exception." Maverick quipped as he kept a read on them. And he asked her. "Do you see the lake over there?"
Tsunami looked over near the train station and saw a river that served as a popular spot to fish for some of these town folks.
"Yeah?" Tsunami nodded.
"That's gonna be important for later." Maverick said as he kept a reading on the heroes that were in the base.
Back inside the secret Doom Base...
Once Spider-Man was done on the first terminal and Penance was done on the second terminal. They managed to open the large doors. But for some reason the cameras weren't on at all.
They both went back out to join back with the others.
"The doors will be open soon. But I couldn't get a read on the surveillance cams in that room." Penance told the others.
"Maybe they wanted privacy or the cable sucks down in here." Human Torch joked.
"What about Aquaman in there?" Spider-Man asked.
Just then the doors to the armory opened as water flooded mildly out of the room. The team didn't look troubled because it wasn't too much for them to even flinch as Namor walked out and brushed his shoulder while looking drenched. "The armory is out of commission."
"Good. Now let's-" Mr Fantastic almost said before.
***LOUD ALARM SOUND!***
Suddenly a large group of Doom Bots sprung up from the ceilings and surrounded the team. At least thirty to forty doom bots as they aimed their arm cannons and started blasting at the team.
Invisible Woman constructed forcefields walls to block their blasts as the team stood ready for a fight.
"Alright, bucket heads! It's Clobberin' Time!" The Thing exclaimed with his fists raised, ready to fight.
Then the Thing jumped and slammed into a Doom Bot and smacked four more into the walls.
Namor and Namorita stood back to back as she formed a water spear and spun it to slash at some doom bots while Namor used his trident to slash at some incoming doom bots as well.
Mr Fantastic spun his arms into two fans to slice through some bots while Invisible Woman formed a large force field bubble. Human Torch filled it with fire and Mr Fantastic flipped over them and yanked the bubble to slam into ten more doom bots.
The Thing ripped off a large chunk of the ground and hurled it into the air for Spider-Man to web yank and slam into a bunch of doombots.
Fire Star double teamed with the Human Torch to fly around and form a small mini cyclone to suck up a bunch of Doom Bots to blow to bits in an instant.
Then Spider-Man shot web balls into four Doom Bots for Penance to zoom through and use his kinetic energy beams blasts to scatter them
But when two doom bots shot Penance in the back he grunted and chuckled. "Hehehehe. Thank you." He said darkly about the pain he was feeling. Then
***BOOOM!***
Penance ended the fight with a Kinetic shotwave and he huffed as his suit was still bleeding from those spikes in his armor.
"Anyone else?" Penance inquired.
"I...Think you got em all." Human Torch answered with a little wit.
Then suddenly the double doors to the main chamber opened up. Which looked like nothing more than a lab and a command center with a large computer screen with a chair.
Standing inside however was known other than Doom and Loki. Back from what many would consider worse than the grave. And standing with them was Nitro. And all Penance could see was fumes from only seeing Nitro there.
"Long time no see, Doom!" The Thing smacked his fists.
"Give it up! There's no-" mr Fantastic said as they were approaching Doom when suddenly
"RAAAAGH!" Penance screamed in rage on his helmet as he charged at Nitro.
But suddenly as Penance was about to slam into the man he hated the most. Nitro. Doctor Doom and Loki vanished in thin dark air. Which surrounded the team. And froze them into a dark square shaped zero energy cube. Which served as an instant mystical cage for all of the heroes.
Suddenly. They saw. Ardyn Izuna standing there with a smirk. And the real Nitro standing next to him.
"Years of your phases in the hero's work. And one would think you'd all be better at this." Ardyn remarked.
"Oh look. It's a trap. Oh no. No one saw this coming." Human Torch humorously said with a nonchalant tone.
"Save it, Matchstick!" The Thing snapped.
"You..." Invisible Woman said with a glare at the two villains in front of her. "Doom and Loki were never here, were they?"
"Fortunately for you, no. They both still pay for their highest efforts against the universe. As for me. I'm part of a plan that's bigger than there's. Starting with this." Ardyn smirked as his eyes glowed dark and he held his hand out.
Namor was pulled into a second sphere of dark energy as he groaned from collapsing in how dry it was. And Ardyn turned up the heat to dry him out.
"Aaugh!" Namor groaned as he collapsed on his knees.
"NO!" Namorita cried out for her cousin.
"You Atlanteans of this world thought of yourselves bigger than all life on the planet. And yet you can't stand the heat. I was born in the heat. And so was my master. The pain you feel right now. It's home sweet home to us." Ardyn said as he walked up and stared at Namor.
"You're so full of shit if you're calling Attuma Master." Penance snarled.
Which made Ardyn chuckle.
"That old fish bag? No. I answer to a greater power." Ayden said.
"You mean the Shadow King?" Mr Fantastic glared.
"He and I are part of the same plan. Including this." Ardyn mildly clarified as he held his hand out and caused Namor's fallen trident to levitate onto his hand.
And then he placed the trident onto the terminal. And the screen displayed Attuma himself on the screen.
"We have it, Lord Attuma." Ardyn declared.
***"Very good. Send it over. Sea Slayer should be finished off with the Maverick by now and we'll have the other shards he left behind."*** Attuma said over the screen.
Which made Namorita gasp in horror. What did they do to her son.
"And what of the larger shard we split apart?" Ardyn asked curiously as he opened a dark portal to send the trident in.
***"Tiger Shark has already sent the pieces into three other worlds. Our contacts in those worlds will benefit from those shards."*** Attuma stated. ***"Now let's finish it. Send me the trident and deliver The Submariner to me. I wish to end him personally."***
"with pleasure...Hm...Now that's curious." Ardyn said as he annalized the trident in his hand.
***"What is it?"*** Attuma asked impatiently.
Ardyn was already prepared for this. Since any event would only increase the darkness in Attuma. Given that his acts are evil in everything he does. Attuma on the other hand, wasn't prepared. No matter. Ardyn's plan is much bigger whether Attuma knows it or not.
"This is a fake trident." Ardyn revealed.
***"WHAT?! AGAIN?! HOW CAN THIS BE?"*** Attuma roared in anger over the screen.
Then Namor started to chuckle as he stood up and seemed fine, much to the heroes and villains' shock.
"Okay. What?" Human Torch inquired.
"King StarKist. I'm not as dumb as you think I am." Namor said as he dropped his hollow disguise and revealed himself to actually be the Maverick.
***"NO!"*** Attuma exclaimed in shock.
"Connor!?" Namorita gasped in both shock and relief to see her son, though she would probably be scolding him later.
"I shall leave you all to it then." Ardyn smirked as he slipped through the dark portal. And escaped.
***"How did-"*** Attuma almost demanded how Maverick knew about his trap let alone counter it.
"It'll take more time to explain than what this place has left, Fish Oil." Maverick quipped as he spun his keyblade and slammed it down on the dark energy spheres that held him and the others in. But it required a few more slams considering how strong the darkness was in this energy.
Then the connection to Attuma's communication was cut off and the screen went blank. Then Nitro caused the back wall to expose as he ran right through it to escape. Much to Penance' anger.
Once Maverick shattered the dark energy spheres completely. The heroes were free from their trap, and they were still considering what the heck just happened.
"Well, as nice as it is to be free, what the hell just happened?" The Thing asked very calmly.
"Ah I planned this out way before you folks did. And I roped Uncle Submandibular into the plan. Besides he suggested the switch up in the armory." Maverick explained as he looked through his ring's storage.
So when Namor went in to destroy Doom's armory just a few minutes ago. He switched places with Maverick.
What are the odds?
"Connor! I can't believe-" Namorita almost bursted into her scolding mother phase.
"I know you wanna kill me and I don't blame you. But we're gonna have to wait. This place is gonna be flooded any minute now." Maverick said quickly.
"Yeah, water and I have not been friends in quite a while." The Human Torch quipped before addressing Reed. "Please tell me there's a quick way out of here."
"Well given the structure of where this room is positioned. I'd say the west side entry lane is right above us." Mr Fantastic deduced in thought.
"Bingo!" Maverick echoed instantly from the ceiling.
Maverick instantly cut a large hole using a constructed neon sword from his arm and cut a hole large enough for even The Thing to fit through. Then he dropped from the ceiling causing a neon spiral staircase to construct as he landed perfectly. Then he pulled out a steel briefcase and passed it to Penance.
"Here. Nitro is heading for the old shipyard near the ruins of Castle Doom. He's trying to contact a ride but he should know he's banned from Uber." Maverick remarked.
"What is it?" Penance asked.
"It's the cure to your condition. You'll not only get your power back on command. Pain or no pain. But double what you used to have." Maverick quickly revealed. "My advice. Your pain belongs to the guy that blew Stamford. And you're only adding to his list of accomplished victims the more you wear that Penance mask."
Penance looked down and opened the case to see. That it was a new Speedball costume with a viser and headgear. Back to the original colors. He hadn't seen these colors in a long time.
"Robbie, he's right. You've shoulder the burden long enough. I think you should put the suit on." Firestarter said encouragingly. "Then we'll kick Nitro's ass."
Penance was silent as he sighed and everyone heard the rumbling around in the lair and everyone ran for the exit. Maverick was the first one who was already gone.
And as soon as everyone was gone. The entire lair was flooded instantly as the walls burst. Courtesy of Tsunami hard aquakinetic abilities to switch the river system into the open route that was left open in the armory. By a certain someone who betrayed Attuma's trust.
A certain someone who was Connor's best friend.
Then Maverick was running and leaping across the hills of the Castle Doom Ruins as he had his own mission to accomplish.
"Mel. I'm finished up here. Tell me you got a location on Noctis." Maverick called Tsunami on the comms.
"I do. He's somewhere inside of an empty barn I see right in front of me." Tsunami replied back. "Should I go in there?"
"No no. Just keep your eye on him and keep your distance. I'm coming up on your location." Maverick said as he jumped and dive keeped towards Tsunami position from the air.
Given that Tsunami was near the countryside on the other end of the river across the Castle Doom ruins. It wasn't a long way away
It was time for old friends to finally reunite. And Maverick can only hope this will end well.
Down at the Latverian CountrySide...
There was an empty blue barn near a vacant old house. No animals were around and no residents throughout the land. All of the people who used to work in these fields moved on after Doom's leadership fell. Especially with Lucia Von Bardas.
It's funny. This place is rather a parallel to an old world that fell near a world of darkness.
Kinda like the ruins of a life Connor and Noctis once had.
Tsunami was standing outside looking anxious as she watched Sea Slayer sitting on a haystack inside. With his back towards her. Doing nothing.
But then Maverick came and landed behind her making her jerk and sigh of relief seeing him. Maverick shifted back into Connor as Tsunami shifted back into Melody, and the Princess ran over and hugged her boyfriend. Who of course hugged back.
"Has he said or done anything?" Connor asked her after they ended the hug.
"No. All he's been doing was just sitting there." Melody said to her boyfriend.
"Alright. Just stay back. And let me do the talking." Connor replied as he looked into the barn and slowly approached it. And he stood behind Noctis who still didn't turn around.
Noctis was in his Sea Slayer armor without the helmet on as he was just starting at the wall with an unreadable expression.
"Did you come to finish where you left off?" Noctis asked.
Referring to when they last met.
"The fight or what we almost talked about?" Connor countered.
Noctis sighed. "I spent the last four years training hard for moments like this. Where we come face to face. And I honor my master by ending the biggest threat to his rule." He coldly expressed. "To put my enemy into the ground."
"And now?" Connor asked.
"And now...I don't know who the enemy is." Noctis answered.
Noctis' voice was cold and emotionless.
"I used to think the world was our enemy. And it was always just you and I against it." Connor stated.
Noctis turned and scowled at Connor.
"Look back at a time before the four years of intensive training and tell me that I'm wrong." Connor pointed out.
Noctis stared at Connor for a second before turning his head to look off.
"I can't, because I don't remember anything." Noctis said to Connor without even looking at him. "My life... My family... Even my real name. I don't even remember a time when my life or my purpose were of my own choosing. There's nothing there. It's all just blank."
Connor sighed as he was beginning to realize that Noctis really doesn't remember a thing. Or is this a clone he's talking to?
Actually. You can clone the DNA but not the person. The clone can become their own person when it comes to Meridian technology.
So here's one way to be sure. So Connor went with the one thing he knew that Noctis always knew.
About bullies.
"Let's say you or I end up in a whole other world. Different from ours. What's the first thing you would do?" Connor asked as he repeated his question to Noctis when they used to relax at the beach.
Out of instinct. Noctis answered.
"Well. I haven't really thought about it. It's just... I've always wondered why we're in this world. If there are any worlds out there, why did we end up on this one? And suppose if there are other worlds. Than ours is just a little piece of something much greater. So we could've just as easily ended up somewhere else, right?" Noctis repeated his own words from that day and he looked surprise as he touched his own lips. Wondering why he said that.
Connor just stood there with a smile as a few tears fell down his face.
"It really is you." Connor said in full understanding.
At those words, Noctis turned towards Connor and saw his eyes looking at him with familiarity in them.
"You really do know me." Noctis muttered softly before his eyes looked at Connor with an almost pleading look. "Tell me. Who am I?"
Connor went over and stood in front of him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"You're name. Is Noctis Lucis Caelum. Your father's name was Regis, he was a real estate agent. And your mother's name was Aulea. She was a florist. And you were the coolest kid in Destiny Island. You didn't take shit from anyone else, and you were the envy of the beach. You could've ended up friends with anybody. But you ended up becoming friends with me. A black asthmatic kid everyone wanted to pick on, because my dad was a cop. You were the one person I could always look up to, and never had to prove anything to anyone. I became strong because you taught me to be." Connor said with a serious tone as a true friend. "And granted you always used to push me. Compete with me and beat me at everything. And yet you never stopped. You never gave up on me. And I thought I lost everyone in the plane we both crashed in with your parents and my dad. parents. But you and I survived."
Noctis was listening in without any denial in his face. He could hear it in Connor's voice that his words were true.
"And that's gotta mea-" Connor almost said before they both heard a crash out in the fields.
***VOOOOM! BOOOOOM!***
"The hell?" Connor inquired as he and Noctis looked out.
"Connor! You need to get out here! Quickly!" Melody yelled to him from outside with urgency in her voice.
Both Connor and Noctis ran out and were blown away by the large black metallic platform that spanned over the middle of the empty barren fields like an arena in an oval shape. With metallic pillars.
There was a center pillar with a large glass orb with a certain prisoner Noctis instantly recognized.
The prisoner was Lunafreya. The Oracle of Meridia. The woman Noctis cares about.
Luna was on her knees. With her hands tied up in dark ropes behind her back. Her bare feet tied together and she had a black cloth gag in her mouth as she muffled for Noctis to get out of there.
"Luna!" Noctis' eyes widened.
Suddenly there was Ardyn Izunia. Floating in the air and hovering next to orb Luna was trapped in.
"RAGNUM! TRAITOR! COME AND FACE YOU'RE TRIAL! OR DO YOU WISH FOR THE GOOD LADY TO TAKE YOUR SENTENCE?!" Ardyn echoed with a dark smile.
Noctis flared as he locked his mask on and dashed for the fields
Connor shifted into Maverick and ran with him while Melody shifted into Tsunami and was about to run with them. But then an idea hatched in her head. And she ran in a flanking position.
Maverick and Sea Slayer landed onto the platform and glared up at Ardyn as he hovered above them. This was clearly a demand for a battle.
"My Dear Sea Slayer. Out of all that I have taught you in combat. My important lesson was to shoot or stab first, and ask questions never." Ardyn said with amusement and a fake sigh. "Everything could've turned out well for you and the Lady Oracle. Nut instead. You grew curious. Forgot your place and your purpose."
"My purpose was always to be with my friends and family. You and Attuma took that away from me!" Sea Slayer seethed in anger, ready to strike Ardyn down.
"Ah ah. Try anything. And I fill this orb with a deadly toxin. Sure I'll lose my leverage. But maybe I'll try again with the Mav's squeeze instead. What say you, Ramsey?" Ardyn threatened and smirked down at Maverick.
The only response Ardyn got was Maverick flicking two middle fingers at Ardyn as his response. Especially since Tsunami is out of his range.
"Very amusing." Ardyn chuckled before he looked at Slayer. "It's very simple, Slayer. Kill the Maverick. And your lady shall live."
"How about you drop dead." Sea Slayer snarled in refusal, really pissed now.
Maverick extended his keyblade into trident as he charged it up. And Ardyn held his hand up ready to release the gas.
"Last chance." Ardyn said darkly.
"Back at you." Sea Slayer snarled.
"NOW!" Maverick yelled.
Suddenly Tsunami zoomed through the air and slashed her keyblade at the orb Lunafreya was stuck in. Slashing it in half from the top but didn't hit Lunafreya.
***SLICE!***
"MMMPH!" Luna shrieked as she fell.
But Tsunami twirled in the air and zoomed down to catch Luna. And she called on FELICITY.
"BEAM US UP!" Tsunami yelled as she and Luna were beamed back onto the Highwind II. Which was in the Mav Club.
Then Sea Slayer and Maverick dashed into the air as Ardyn Izunia chuckled while he vanished as he spawned a bunch of Armored Knight Heartless.
Maverick and Sea Slayer landed as they stood back to back. And Maverick started a track. For this battle as he knew this was gonna be a double bash.
(Protect Ya Neck - Wu-Tang Clan)
So what's up, man?
Coolin', man
Chillin' chilin'? Yo, you know I had to call, you know why right?
Why?
Because, yo, I never ever call and ask you to play somethin', right?
Yeah
You know what I wanna hear, right?
Whatchu wanna hear?
I wanna hear that Wu-Tang joint
Wu-Tang again?
Ah, yeah, again and again
Sea Slayer gave him a look.
"What? It helps me concentrate." Maverick inquired.
Just then more Armored Heartless appeared up to over maybe a thousand around the field and platform. Along with a bunch of Surveillance Robot Heartless.
so Sea Slayer ran into one row of Heartless while Maverick ran into another.
Sea Slayer began to slash at so many Armored Knight Heartless, jumping and flipping while in his gold master form as he used his swords to slash and take out dozens of Heartless.
Maverick was sending waves of neon drill blades one after another through dozens of Armored Knight Heartless while sending falling waves of water on top of Surveillance Heartless.
Wu-Tang Clan comin' at ya
Watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid (protect ya neck, kid)
Watch your step, kid (so set it off)
Watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid (de Inspector Deck)
Maverick started to ride on a water wave he constructed to zoom around and spin his trident blade to slash and slice at a dozen Armored Knight Heartless. While Sea Slayer kept zooming around with his suit' accelerator mod to zoom and dash into the air to take a bunch down.
I smoke on the mic like "Smokin' Joe" Frazier
The hell raiser, raisin' hell with the flavor
Terrorize the jam like troops in Pakistan
Swingin' through your town like your neighborhood Spider-Man
Sea Slayer snagged an Surveillance Robot Heartless and performed a Sparkle Ray attack and spun the heartless around as it shot its death ray at so many enemies before Sea Slayer tossed it aside. Then he took out two pistols. Connected them as it shifted into an assault rifle. And he jumped into the air to shoot down many of the Armored Knight Heartless. Then he used his fully trained agility to spin around it while kicking and stepping on so many approaching Armored Knight Heartless.
So uh, tick-tock and keep tickin'
While I get ya flippin' off the sh- I'm kickin'
The Lone Ranger, code red, danger!
Deep in the dark with the art to rip charts apart
Maverick flipped and twirled like a ninja as the spun his keyblades like helicopter blades and used them to slash so many enemies down and flew up to use his ice spell to freeze five Surveillance Robot Heartless and pushed them to crash down on top of more enemy Heartless like cold meteors.
The vandal, too hot to handle
Ya battle, you're sayin' "Goodbye" like Tevin Campbell
Roughneck, Inspector Deck's on the set
The Rebel, I make more noise than heavy metal
The way I make the crowd go wild, sit back, relax, won't smile
Rae got it goin' on pal, call me the rap assassinator
Rhymes rugged and built like Schwarzenegger
Sea Slayer performed multiple Rising Sun techniques as he zoomed past so many Heartless, vaporizing them as he showed no signs of fatigue. Then he snagged another Surveillance Robot Heartless and performed another Sparkle Ray attack.
And I'ma get mad deep like a threat
Blow up your project, then take all your assets
'Cause I came to shake the frame in half
With the thoughts that bomb, sh*** like math
So if you wanna try to flip, go flip on the next man
'Cause I grab the clip and hit you with 16 shots and more I got
Goin' to war with the meltin' pot, akh
It's the Method Man, for short Mr. Meth
Movin' on your left, ah!
And set it off, get it off, let it off like a gat
I wanna break full, cock me back
Maverick formed himself into strings of neon as he wrapped around so many Armored Knight Heartless and tightened the ropes to crumble them and crush them. Then he turned back and Jumped high in the air and performed multiple neon dives. Forming mushroom clouds of neon that wiped out so many Heartless as he kept dive bombing down on them like destructive rain.
Small change, they puttin' shame in the game
I take aim and blow that ni*** out the frame
And like Fame, my style'll live forever
Ni**** crossin' over, but they don't know no better
But I do, true, can I get a, "soo!"
'Nough respect due to the one-six-oo
I mean oh, yo check out the flow
Like the Hudson or PCP when I'm dustin'
Ni**** off because I'm hot like sauce
The smoke from the lyrical blunt makes me, uh
What? Grab my nut, get screwed
(Ow!) Here comes my Shaolin style
True B-A-ba-B-Y-U
To my crew with the, "Soo!"
Sea Slayer jumped into the air and shot his rifle in so many directions. Shredding every last Heartless in his path. By the time there were no more. Sea Slayer still had enough energy to 'clean house' around the entire planet if he had to.
Watch your step, kid (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Watch your step, kid (c'mon, baby baby, c'mon, baby baby)
Watch your step, kid (c'mon, baby baby, c'mon)
Watch your step, kid (yo, you best protect ya neck)
Maverick then summoned an ultimate typhoon to wash through and flood the fields of every Heartless that was left.
And on that note. The music stopped as both Maverick and Sea Slayer stood together to look around. And see that all one thousand Heartless were taken down.
Sea Slayer and Maverick stood together and saw the onslaught of the field that was now just a crater.
"This field doesn't belong to anyone important does it?" Sea Slayer asked.
"Nah. His ass is in the stir." Maverick responded as he shifted back into Connor and he called for Melody. "We're good now Mel. Are you and the Oracle safe?"
"*Don't worry. We're both ok, and back at the lair.*" Melody said with a happy tone. "*And Emperor Mickey is here with us.*"
"Wai wha- The Emperor?" Connor asked while looking surprised. "That was fast."
Just then as Noctis took off his helmet. A quinjet was heard flying over the horizon as it was coming down and was getting ready to land. With its windy noise of the engines blowing over the demolished grassy field. Scattering the ashes. Noctis looked a little on edge as Connor placed a hand on his shoulder to assure him.
"I'll be back in a few minutes, Mel. I gotta take care of something first." Connor said before he got FELICITY' attention. "FELICITY. Open a ground bridge to the Mav Club."
'At once.' FELICITY obeyed.
Then a portal opened up to the ground bridge hanger and Connor looked over at Noctis.
"Let me handle them. You go on ahead. We'll catch up later." Connor said to his best friend.
"Something tells me we have a lot to catch up on." Noctis replied.
"You have no idea." Connor remarked with a sigh and a small smile.
Noctis had a hint of a smile before he walked through the ground bridge to Connor's lair and it closed behind him.
Connor looked up as the Quinjet landed and Namorita walked out while the others stayed on board. And she marched up to Connor with a scowl on her face.
"I'd take it this is the part where you tell me off." Connor sighed with an expected tone.
But he was surprised when he suddenly felt himself pulled into a hug by his mother.
"I'm so proud of you, Connor." Namorita said softly.
Connor hugged her back as he was just glad to have his best friend back. Even if it will take some adjustments. But he was especially relieved that his mother wasn't upset.
"Listen. I'm sorry. For how I spoke to you earlier. I know it was too personal to bring up Dad like that." Connor said with regret.
"It's ok, sweetie. I understand you only wanted to help. I should have trusted you to be able to handle yourself, like you did today." Namorita said softly.
As much as Connor was even more glad to hear it. He had to tell her before he told Melody later.
Just then. Namor and Mr Fantastic came out of the Quinjet to talk to them.
"We're not done yet though." Namor informed Connor.
"Nitro got away, with the eighth shard you were looking for. But we know where he's heading." Mr Fantastic stated.
The fact that Nitro had the next shard got his attention.
"Where?" Connor asked.
"To Meridia Palace. We've already been contacted by Cor Leonis. They're planning to break King Triton out of the palace. But they need surveillance and inside intelligence from someone who's been inside before." Mr Fantastic stated.
Connor grinned as he realized how this will work in their favor. Granted, Ardyn complicated things by spliting one of the pearl shards into three pieces and sending those shards into three extra worlds. Donald and Goofy will not like to hear that. Especially Donald.
But Connor will cross that bridge later. Right now they've got a breakout for King Triton to prepare for. And he knows just the right ex employee for the job.
"Actually. I got your inside source already." Connor smirked as he was referring to his best friend Noctis.
How the tables are turning in the Guardians favor now.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉
Did you really think I was gonna leave the Mav Club out of this Mirrorverse?
"Hell naw! This Mav Man's got chops too!" Maverick quipped 😁
And yes as you can tell. I borrowed the Thousand Heartless battle from KH II and my version from my previous story KH II Guardians of the Multiverse to do this battle. Some might see it as lazy but seeing how this was a Mirrorverse and an alternate timeline of similarities. Certain battles will be a repeat and certain actions.👌
After all, how many times have we seen Batman's parents die? Hmm?😏
"Harsh." Maverick cringed.😕
Did anyone notice the song Connor sang in his album was originally from the Pixar film Elemental?
"Who didn't?" Maverick remarked. 😌
Getting back to the story. In case you were wondering. The Shadow King is actually half a state of his former self. He originally was called Ultima. Based on the version from Final Fantasy 16. So you see. Attuma seeks power. And becoming one with the Shadow King to become Ultima will achieve that goal. Even if he loses himself.😨
But will it be exactly what he expects it will feel?
"Do things ever go well for antagonists?" Maverick snorted.
Also Penance is now on the brink of getting his revenge on Nitro. How will that play out?
And also Cor Leonis' group is finally going to set a plan in motion to rescue King Triton. Will they succeed?
Find out in the next chapter!
Thank you all so much for reading! Don't forget to Fave and Follow if you like what you see! And please please please! Leave comments down below to let me know your thoughts!
This will help me attract more readers.
And always Disney/Square Enix Fans!
FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊