AN: Day 3 of our 5-day release program to show off the 5-chapter sample. Hope everyone's enjoying so far. And yes, there is more than 1 chapter. Fanfiction is drunk again.
Anywho, enjoy!
Chapter 3 - Monster Mash
Surrounded by the monstrous undead would be terrifying for most people. But, for Wolverine, it was Tuesday. Sentinels, aliens, demons, and monsters of different varieties, Wolverine had fought them all. This was no different. The claws were out and Wolverine roared with the rage of a berserker as he ripped through each zombie he got near. Wolverine was putting in more effort restraining his bestial side.
Meanwhile, the karate master, Ryu, was also putting in work against these monsters. "Hadouken!" Ryu yelled, blasting a crowd of zombies with a ki blast. More zombies attempted to approach Ryu from behind. He quickly leapt and spun, increasing speed and momentum as he kicked his way through the crowd of zombies. "Tatsumaki Senpukyaku!"
The zombies were all decapitated by the force of the kick. Ryu landed and soon found himself back to back with Wolverine. Wolverine pressed his back against Ryu, grinning wildly.
"Interesting," Ryu commented, "you fight like a wild animal."
"And those are some wild karate moves, kid." Wolverine praised.
More zombies suddenly began to rise up from the ground. Wolverine chuckled, showing his teeth and giving a feral grin. Ryu grumbled under his breath.
"Did we somehow end up standing atop a graveyard?" Ryu wondered. "How many of these things are going to rise above the ground?"
"Ha! Maybe we're actually in Hell and being tormented by all the people we've killed." Wolverine replied. "God knows I've put plenty of six feet under. What about you, karate man? How many people have you killed?"
Ryu had no response for that. "Sorry." Wolverine continued. "If we are in Hell, I'm sure most of these guys are people I've killed."
"You're surprisingly calm for someone admitting to having a high body count." Ryu noted.
"I'm the best there is at what I do, bub," Wolverine told him, "and what I do isn't pretty."
Ryu sighed. "I suppose it doesn't matter and we're stuck together." He conceded.
"Yep," Wolverine nodded as the zombies neared them both, "something tells me we're not going to be done with these freaks any time soon."
"If that's the case, we should try to clear a path to escape." Ryu noted. "Do you have any objection to running away from a fight?"
"I could do this all day." Wolverine replied. "If you want to run away, I won't stop you."
With that, Wolverine leapt back into the crowd of zombies. Ryu winced slightly, hearing Wolverine roar, literally roar, at the zombies. He turned his attention to another crowd of the undead converging on him.
If I could just blast a path open, I might be able to convince him to retreat. Thought Ryu. Ryu then crouched down, charging up a tremendous amount of ki. I must admit, I feel bad using this on the dead. It feels like I'm desecrating them. However, if the dead are being treated like this, perhaps I'm doing them a favor.
At that moment, he heard the pained groans of zombies to his left. Ryu looked and saw several zombies fall with various weapons embedded in their heads. He then saw the thrower of the weapons and gasped. It was a tiny man with a beard in a full suit of armor. He looked like he was straight out of medieval times.
"What ho, friends!" The tiny knight yelled.
Wolverine was broken out of his bloodlust from the simple shock of someone speaking in old medieval slang of all things. He then turned to see the actual knight and his expression turned downright baffled.
"The hell?"
"Come this way, please!" The knight exclaimed. "A church will provide us sanctuary! These creatures of the night cannot enter holy ground!"
Ryu looked at Wolverine while more zombies began to rise from the ground. "He's right, we must retreat! There's no end to these monsters!"
"What the hell…you telling me we're not in Hell? We straight up went back in time?" Wolverine muttered to himself before off-handedly decapitating a zombie that tried to sneak up on him. "Aww hell, might as well try to get some answers."
With that, Ryu and Wolverine ran through the path the knight was creating. "This way, my friends. This way!" The knight encouraged.
Wolverine and Ryu ran away from the zombies with the tiny knight. "How far of a journey do we have, Sir Knight?" Ryu asked curiously.
"It's not far. Just stay close. The monsters of the Ghoul Realm are relentless, and will continue to attack as long as we are not within the safety of the church." The knight explained.
"What the hell is the Ghoul Realm?" Wolverine demanded.
"The realm those monsters originate from." The knight replied. "It seems you are from a foreign land. That certainly explains your strange clothes."
"I suppose you could say that." Ryu acknowledged.
"Such an auspicious day," the knight continued, "you are the second and third strange travelers we have picked up. Ah, the church is just ahead, let us keep running!"
"Who are you, anyway, shorty?" Wolverine asked.
"I am Arthur," Arthur properly introduced himself, "a humble knight in service of the lovely Princess Prin-Prin."
"You have our thanks for coming to our aid, Sir Arthur." Ryu said to him. "And you have our thanks for bringing us to sanctuary."
"Hey, are there more monsters out there like those zombies?" Wolverine asked.
"Numerous, my clawed friend." Arthur replied. "Beasts of all shapes and sizes that come from the Ghoul Realm to feast on mortal flesh. I've had to fight all kinds of them. And they are all quite terrifying."
Wolverine rolled his eyes as the church Arthur spoke of drew near. "This just gets better and better." He muttered under his breath, realizing the situation he found himself in was way more complicated than it seemed.
Eventually, the trio reached the church. Arthur quickly called to be let in. The doors swung open with a loud creak, revealing several women in the garbs of nuns.
"Sir Arthur," an old woman stepped forward, "it seems you've brought some more lost lambs…and they are dressed in such strange garbs as well."
"That they are, Mother Superior." Arthur replied. "And they are in need of sanctuary. Is the church's holy protection still active?"
"Of course, our faith remains strong." The Mother Superior promised. "It's easy to remain faithful when you are here to protect us, good Sir Arthur."
"I am but one knight, Mother Superior." Arthur said humbly. "My order has many."
Wolverine then looked past the Mother Superior and saw a few nuns congregating around a man on his back, clearly unconscious. An emerald green light surrounded him. His eyes widened, recognizing who it was. Wavy reddish and brown hair, a rugged face, and an outfit Wolverine definitely knew anywhere.
"Gambit!" He yelled, uncharacteristically concerned, running past the Mother Superior.
Ryu and Arthur both gasped. Wolverine knew the other man?
Snikt. The claws came out, much to the distress of the nuns, who still seemed to be doing…whatever was happening to Remy LeBeau, more commonly known as Gambit.
"Okay, talk, Sisters." Wolverine growled. "What the hell are you doing to him? Don't think I'll hesitate just cuz you're nuns."
"Wolverine, calm down!" Ryu exclaimed while Arthur immediately pulled out a lance from who-knows-where. "I can sense what they're doing. I can sense the gentleness, the kindness. I think they're healing your friend!"
Wolverine relaxed considerably, as did Arthur. Ryu breathed a sigh of relief.
"That true, Sisters?" Wolverine asked. The women nodded fearfully. He moved in between them and knelt down to Gambit. "Hey, can you hear me, Cajun? It's me, Wolverine."
Ryu winced. This was different from the Wolverine he had already grown used to since meeting him by chance.
"Hey, come on, Cajun, I know you can hear me." Wolverine said to him. "Come on, I gotta get back to the school to get some answers on what the hell's going on here, but you're coming with me."
At that moment, Gambit groaned. His body shook as he slowly stirred awake. The first thing he saw looking over him was Wolverine. He looked surprised.
"Wolverine?" He muttered before grinning and chuckling slightly. "Ah, hell, I can honestly say I'm glad to see you, mon ami."
"Glad to finally see a familiar face too, Cajun." Wolverine said to him. "What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were back at the mansion with the rest of the X-Men."
"And I thought you were in Japan." Gambit countered.
"I was. One bright light later, I'm in a George A. Romero movie with a karate master and a knight of the round table." Wolverine replied.
"I was back at the mansion." Gambit admitted. "And now that you mention it…I remember a light too. One minute I was heading to Rogue's room…next I'm here, fighting off monsters you only see in picture books and movies."
Gambit then gasped and looked at his shoulder. Wolverine looked there too and saw what was left of bite marks.
"Oh hell!" Gambit explained. "One of those rotting corpses bit me! I ain't gonna turn into a zombie, am I?"
Wolverine looked at Arthur and the Mother Superior. Both looked utterly perplexed by Gambit's question. Arthur then nervously replied.
"Well, I don't know where you got such a silly idea from, but being bitten won't turn you into a monster…you just have to die and have your soul taken by a demon lord." He explained.
"See, there you go, Cajun." Wolverine grinned and brandished a single set of claws. "And hey, if you were turning into a rotting corpse, I'd make sure to kill ya nice and quick."
Gambit glared at Wolverine. "Touching." He said sarcastically, getting to his feet. "So, what now? Where the hell even are we, anyway?"
"Best bet at this point is to wait for Chuck to track either you or me down with the help of Cerebro." Wolverine replied. "As to where we are…"
Wolverine trailed off, looking at Arthur. Arthur folded his arms. "Respectfully, the three of you are the foreigners here." He reminded them. "I believe you also owe us explanations. Perhaps start with those strange abilities of yours?"
"Got a problem with the claws, pal?" Wolverine glared at Arthur.
"You must understand, this kingdom's history with things that are strange and monstrous is…not good." Arthur explained. "I just want to know if you are friends and not foes, Sir Wolverine. That is all that matters to me."
Wolverine growled. At that moment, Gambit stepped forward. "He ain't the talkative type, Shorty." Gambit told him. "We don't mean any harm, but if you want an explanation as to who we are, I'll gladly tell ya."
"You sure, Cajun?" Wolverine asked.
Gambit shrugged. "They saved my life, Wolverine." He reminded his comrade. "Gambit don't forget stuff like that."
"Fine," Wolverine grunted as he took a seat in one of the church pews, wishing he had a beer on him.
Gambit then turned to Arthur. "Well, Shorty, I'll do my best to keep things quick…but I hope ya like long stories, cuz this one's a doozy."
Meanwhile, back in Makai, Vampire Lord Demitri Maximoff quickly made his move on the interlopers within his domain. He leapt from his perch and took flight in the perpetual night sky. Thor and Mega Man caught his presence first. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif, not so much.
Unfortunately, they were the ones Demitri targeted first. "Bat Spin!" Demitri teleported above Fandrall, Hogunn and Volstagg and spun downward in a drill-like motion. The impact that followed knocked the three off their feet and away from the group.
"No!" Thor exclaimed.
Mega Man immediately pointed his Mega Buster at Demitri. His eyes widened slightly when he saw another opponent who was flesh and blood. However, this time, after a brief moment of internal conflict, he narrowed his eyes.
I am more than just a robot! He declared.
"Power Shot!" Mega Man yelled, quickly charging up his arm cannon and firing a powerful energy blast at Demitri.
"Chaos Flare!" Demitri quickly countered with a fireball that blasted right through the Power Shot, forcing Mega Man to roll away to safety.
"You!" Thor exclaimed, pointing at Demitri. "You dare strike comrades of the God of Thunder?!"
"You dare play the victim? You are the ones who have intruded onto my land!" Demitri growled. "None of you will leave alive!"
Sif bravely charged forward, brandishing her sword. "Then taste my steel, monster!" She yelled.
Demitri easily weaved around Sif's attacks. "Sif, away from him!" Thor warned.
"You look delicious." Demitri commented, dodging Sif's sword swings.
Sif shuddered in disgust but pressed her assault. "Just keep talking, it will only hasten your end!" She promised. "All in the name of Asgard!"
"Sif, retreat, now!" Thor ordered in vain. He and Mega Man tried to get near them, only for both to suddenly be assailed by fiery bats that exploded upon coming into contact with them.
Demitri chuckled before easily grabbing Sif by the throat and lifting her into the air. "Come on, baby," He said smoothly. Before Sif could react, she felt his fangs sink into her throat. She moaned with a mixture of pain and an odd pleasure as she felt her very lifeforce be drained of her by Demitri.
"Sif!" Thor recovered just in time to see his friend being horribly assaulted.
"He's…a vampire?!" Mega Man realized.
Demitri chuckled as he pulled away from the now limp Asgardian. Two small puncture holes were in her neck. "Enjoy the Midnight Bliss, my dear." He said before callously tossing Sif aside. He then growled as his muscles expanded. "Amazing, you are not a normal human it seems. Your blood…your lifeforce…it is empowering me in ways I never imagined. Not since the time I absorbed the soul of Pyron have I felt such strength enter my very being."
Thor growled with rage as Mjolnir cracked with lightning. "You…you shall pay!" He exclaimed.
"I shall pay? This is merely your just reward for intruding on my lands." Demitri reminded Thor. "You should know better than to tangle with a Darkstalker, fool. Especially one of my caliber and lineage."
"I care not what you are, and while I am sympathetic to our unintended intrusion, that does not change that you are the monster who has harmed my friends!" Thor yelled. "You have angered Thor, God of Thunder!"
Demitri laughed richly. "Gods are nothing to nonbelievers. Though I can't wait to taste your blood too!" He exclaimed.
Thor began spinning Mjolnir while Demitri took flight. Thor tossed Mjolnir at Demitri with such speed, Mega Man was left shocked at how it almost seemed like a blur. The hammer collided with Demitri, not only stopping his flight, but actually pushing him backwards. Thor held out his hand and Mjolnir returned to him. Thor caught the hammer and spun before pointing the hammer back at Demitri. A large bolt of lightning shot out of the hammer like it was straight out of a railgun. Demitri's eyes widened before he was struck by the bolt of lightning, sending him flying into a nearby cliffside.
"Incredible!" Mega Man said breathlessly. "You really are the God of Thunder."
"Friend Mega Man," Thor said to him, "can I trust you to look after Sif?"
"I mean…I'm a fighting robot, not a first aid robot. But I think I can at least tend to her." Mega Man promised.
"Look after her then, as well as the rest of my friends. As for this vampire…we have unfinished business." Thor took flight before Mega Man could say anything else. Mega Man winced at the determined look on Thor's face.
"I almost feel bad for that vampire." Mega Man muttered before running to the unconscious Sif to tend to her as best he can.
Demitri groaned in pain, his body charred black by the bolt of lightning. His burnt flesh began to mend itself. He glared up at Thor, who was flying towards him. His anger dissipated as he chuckled in amusement.
"Impressive," he hissed with grudging respect.
"Tis a pity you chose to fight, vampire. I was here merely to investigate this realm on behalf of my father." Thor claimed. "I am truly sorry for intruding on your realm, for I truly had no idea and was here to investigate such. But for striking my friends, you have forced my hand!"
"You talk too much, God of Thunder!" Demitri exclaimed. "Chaos Flare!"
Thor fired a bolt of lightning that collided with the Chaos Flare. The two attacks canceled each other out. Demitri laughed and took flight. Thor flew down towards Demitri.
"Demon Cradle!" Demitri spun upwards in a drill-like manner.
Thor blocked the attack with Mjolnir. He then swung Mjolnir at Demitri, who held his arms above his head, blocking the brunt of the attack. However, the impact still sent him downwards. Thor flew down after him. With a roar, he called down lightning that struck at Demitri.
"Demon Blast!" Demitri yelled, turning into fiery bats that flew around the lightning. Thor gasped as the bats flew past him, slashing and burning his body in multiple places. The bats then reformed into Demitri right behind Thor. He then grabbed Thor and flipped the both of them upside down. "Negative Stolen!"
Thor could not pull himself free and was driven to the ground head first. Demitri chuckled triumphantly briefly, only to be struck by electricity coursing through his body. He felt his nerves be fried from the shocking sensation. As his body worked to regenerate, Thor's helmeted head slammed into his face, sending him stumbling backwards. Thor quickly followed up with a hammer right to Demitri's chest, shattering his ribs. Demitri gasped in pain, vomiting blood from the force of the blow. Thor then held Mjolnir outwards and lightning exploded outwards, enveloping Demitri in more lightning. Demitri screamed as his flesh was once again fried by the electrical blast. He fell to one knee as his body began to mend itself.
"It's been a long time since I've met a human like you." Demitri admitted.
"I am no human, I am Asgardian, the prince of Asgard, the God of Thunder." Thor reminded him. "Though I warn you, I have met many mortal men and women of quality who would gladly challenge the likes of you. And frankly, I believe they would win."
That made Demitri visibly angry. Angrier than before, if that was even possible.
"What nonsense." Demitri snarled. "Humans are nothing more than the cattle on which we Darkstalkers feed. No human can surpass me!"
"Mortals are more capable than you give them credit for." Thor told him.
Demitri finished regenerating and rose to his feet. "Then you can share their fate, God of Thunder!" He exclaimed. "I am Demitri Maximoff, Lord of House Maximoff, the true and rightful ruler of Makai!"
Demitri's body began to blacken and convulse. Thor was immediately put on guard by the grotesque sight. "I'll admit, I didn't expect to have to use this on someone who looked so…human." Demitri chuckled, his voice growing more monstrous and distorted. "Be honored, God of Thunder. You have forced me to assume my true form!"
However, before Demitri could transform any further, a bright, rainbow-like light shone down between Demitri and Thor. Demitri's transformation paused and he reverted back to his regular form. Thor gasped, recognizing the light.
"That's…the Bifrost!" He exclaimed.
At that moment, an old man clad in armor wielding a spear stepped out of the light, standing between Thor and Demitri. Thor gasped once more.
"Father!" He exclaimed. Odin, the Allfather, gave Thor a nod of acknowledgement before turning to Demitri. Thor continued to speak to him. "I don't understand, why are you here?"
"Heimdall's all-seeing eyes were finally able to reach this strange new place. He saw your fight with this…creature, and informed me." Odin revealed. He then addressed Demitri. "As for you, I fail to see the necessity of this conflict. Stand down. Now. So says I, Odin, King of Asgard."
"If you fail to see this fight's necessity, you are an old man and a fool!" Demitri snapped. "This is my realm, and your foolish son invaded!"
"Invaded? My son was sent to investigate your realm on my orders." Odin explained. "I will acknowledge his decision to fight was foolish, hence why I have stepped in."
"Father, I did not seek a fight with this monster," Thor promised, "he attacked my comrades out of nowhere and heavily injured Lady Sif."
Odin looked over his shoulder at Thor. He then looked at Demitri. "I say it once more," he said to the vampire, "you will either stand down and speak with the king of Asgard like a civilized man, or I will strike you like you're a rabid animal. Make your choice. If you truly are a ruler of a realm, then you have a responsibility to behave like one."
"You come into my land and you have the nerve to make demands of me? I am Demitri Maximoff!" Demitri declared. "Strength rules the realm of Makai, not words!"
Odin sighed. "A pity, I was hoping this new realm could have a pleasant relationship with Asgard." He gripped his spear tightly. "Perhaps a brush with death will humble you."
Demitri chuckled. "I've never feasted on the blood of an old man before…but perhaps the blood of a so-called king will reenergize me in ways I never imagined! Have at you!"
Demitri leapt at Odin, who pulled his arm back, preparing to throw his spear. "Go forth, Gungnir!" Odin ordered, throwing his arm forward and letting the spear leave his grip.
Thor gasped as the spear traveled faster than even he could track. The mighty Odinforce was in full effect. It had been so long since Thor had seen his father wield Gungnir, he had almost forgotten. Demitri's eyes widened. The attack was even faster than Thor's Mjolnir. Before he could do anything, the spear ran him through, sending him flying backwards.
"ODIN!" Demitri screamed in rage as he flew out of sight like a shooting star.
Odin held out his hand. Seconds later, Gungnir returned to his hand like Thor with Mjolnir.
"It truly is a pity," Odin lamented, "I had truly hoped this realm would not contain yet another enemy of Asgard. A realm more peaceful than Muspelheim, perhaps. If that man truly rules these lands, then that hope is dead."
"If I may, Father, that may not necessarily be true. I have not yet explored this entire realm." Thor offered. When he saw the irritated expression on Odin's face, he winced. "Father, you didn't kill that vampire, did you?"
"Nay, I aimed to miss his heart." Odin promised. "Hopefully that blow will put the fear of the Allfather into him. If force is all the people of this realm understand, then perhaps that will make them more willing to negotiate for peace."
"Father…you have my thanks for coming to my aid." Thor said to him, not forgetting his manners for a change.
"I am still disappointed in you, my son." Odin admitted. "I send you to investigate this realm, and I have to intervene on your behalf when you fight what amounts to royalty here?"
"Allfather, please be merciful to your son." Thor brightened up at that familiar voice. He turned to see Sif struggling towards him, helped by Fandrall and Hogunn. Volstagg and Mega Man flanked them. "Thor was only protecting us from that monster."
Odin sighed. "What is done is done." He acknowledged. "I must consult with Asgard's court about these new developments. It also seems you need to recover your strength, Lady Sif. That leaves you…strange being in blue."
Mega Man gasped slightly. "Oh, umm…I'm Mega Man…Allfather? Your Majesty?"
"Who is this mortal, my son?" Odin demanded, glaring at Thor.
"No one I have met before, Father." Thor explained. "He seemed to end up here purely by accident. I was merely aiding him because honor demanded it. Furthermore, he kept Sif safe while she was recovering. He has my trust."
"Hmph, your focus should be on the fact he is clearly not of the Nine Realms…now Ten Realms." Odin pointed out.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mega Man asked.
"The Allfather sees all, boy." Odin told him. "And I can see you are no mortal from my universe. Much like the little girl that Heimdall is looking after."
"Heimdall babysitting? Now that I have to see." Fandrall muttered under his breath.
"Come, all of you, we must return to Asgard." Odin ordered, tapping Gungnir against the ground. Everyone quickly gathered around the Allfather. The bright rainbow light surrounded them all, much to Mega Man's surprise. Then, they were gone.
Meanwhile, far away, Demitri Maximoff, now half the man he used to be, but still very alive, pulled himself from rubble. "Damn them…damn them all to hell…" he hissed furiously.
"Lord Demitri?" At that moment, a werewolf appeared to Demitri, eyes wide.
"You…you are my subject, are you not?" Demitri weakly demanded. "Give me your aid!"
The werewolf hesitated. His fangs contorted into a grin. This was his chance to slay the head of House Maximoff. He would be famous. However, while he thought of the glory that would come with slaying Demitri himself, Demitri managed to fling himself into the air and sink his fangs into the neck of the werewolf. The werewolf screamed in pain as Demitri drained him of all his blood within seconds. The werewolf's husk of a corpse fell to the floor. Demitri groaned as his body began to regenerate itself.
"Odin, Thor, I swear I will kill you both!" Demitri snarled.
Meanwhile, in Asgard, the stalwart watchman of Asgard, Heimdall, stood stoically, awaiting the return of king, prince, and friends. There was a flash of rainbow-colored light, and everyone returned with a plus one.
"Welcome home, my king, my prince." Heimdall greeted.
"Good to be home, Heimdall." Odin replied. "Now, I will take my leave. Asgard's council must hear that these new 'neighbors' of ours seem to be savages."
Odin moved to take his leave. However, he stopped when Heimdall spoke. Heimdall took notice of Mega Man.
"It seems you have befriended a new mortal, my prince." Heimdall noted.
Thor glared at Heimdall, noting his somewhat playful tone. Then, the voice of a girl cut through.
"Mega?" Mega Man gasped at the sight of a little blonde girl in a red dress. She was looking at Mega Man in shock and relief
"Roll?!" He said, shocked and relieved as well at the sight of his sister.
"Roll?" The Warriors 3 all looked baffled as Roll immediately ran up to her brother and embraced him.
"Thank goodness." Mega Man muttered. "Is Dr. Light with you?"
"No…I was just here." Roll explained. "But Mr. Heimdall has been taking good care of me."
Everyone looked at the perpetually stoic Heimdall, who just looked away from them all. A new voice cleared its throat. Now, everyone's attention was on a tall man in sunglasses who looked quite irritated.
"Respectfully, Allfather," he said, "now that your son has returned, I would like to be allowed to leave this place now."
"I know you," Thor frowned, "you are Scott Summers…the mutant who leads the X-Men into battle. Why are you in Asgard?"
Scott Summers, more commonly known as Cyclops, folded his arms. "I wish I could tell you. I was in a meeting with Professor Xavier…then I'm here. It took a lot of convincing your people not to slaughter me on the spot."
"I will not apologize for believing you were an intruder who meant us harm, Scott Summers." Odin said firmly. "Asgard has many enemies."
"The only reason I'm still here," Cyclops continued, "is because I was able to convince your father to let me leave in peace with you."
"You are so fond of mortals," Odin said to Thor, "I decided he would be your responsibility."
Thor looked at Cyclops. Then he looked at Mega Man. "Father, what is happening in Midgard?" He demanded of his father.
"That is a question even I don't have the answer to, other than knowing whatever has happened is unnatural." Odin replied. "If you truly want the truth, my son, then I give you leave to journey to Midgard with these mortals."
Thor was taken aback by this. His father hated his attachment to Midgard. The fact he would give him leave like this was both shocking and suspicious. Odin seemed to sense this and continued to speak.
"Make no mistake, your first duty is to Asgard." Odin told him. "But at the moment, it would appear that securing the welfare of Asgard involves investigating the situation on Midgard."
"Am I to return if you command it?" Thor asked suspiciously.
"I expect you, as prince, to know what takes priority." Odin replied. "Especially in times of confusion and possible crisis."
Knowing that would be the best he got, Thor bowed to his father. "Then by your leave, Father. We will journey to Midgard."
Meanwhile, in the futuristic version of St. Petersburg, the Strider known as Hiryu found himself on the defensive as he hid in the shadows from the big green monster that was ripping through all of his mechanical beasts like paper mache.
This creature operates with brute strength I've never seen from any of Grandmaster Meio's previous creations. Hiryu noted. I don't think I have a single attack capable of harming it.
Hiryu winced when the monster ripped off the head of one of his mechanical panthers. The monster roared, clearly looking for whoever was sending these creatures after it.
If that's the case, my priority should be leading this beast out of St. Petersburg, away from civilians. Hiryu concluded.
Hiryu leapt from the shadows, revealing himself to the monster. "If you are looking for me, then here I am, Monster!" Hiryu exclaimed as several mechanical falcons and panthers flew past Hiryu towards the monster. "Legion!"
The Hulk growled before roaring at the charging mechanical beasts. His glare was trained entirely on Hiryu.
"Hulk is not a monster!" Hulk yelled as he immediately began to tear through the Legion of mechanical beasts.
Hiryu's eyes widened briefly. "He talks? Hmph, at least I have his attention now." Hulk quickly ripped his way past the mechanical animals. Hiryu acted quickly. "Now, Ouroboros!"
At that moment, two dipodal saucers appeared around Hiryu, orbiting around his body. The two saucers immediately started firing lasers at the Hulk. Hulk grunted with each laser that struck his body, but continued to advance on Hiryu.
"Damn!" Hiryu exclaimed, retreating from Hulk.
"Ninja-Man no escape from Hulk! Maybe Ninja-Man is why Hulk is here? Hulk SMASH Ninja-Man!" Hulk yelled.
What in the world is he talking about? Bah, do not think of such things, Hiryu. Just focus on leading him out of this city!
Hiryu ran through the streets, using the Ouroboros to fire lasers at the Hulk to keep his attention. Hulk roared with rage with each laser that bounced off of him. However, what Hiryu severely underestimated was Hulk picking up speed. Before Hiryu could comprehend his mistake, Hulk suddenly leapt into the air, closing the distance between himself and Hiryu in a single bound. Hiryu did not even have time to scream in pain as he was suddenly slammed into the ground by the Hulk's big green hand.
"Now Hulk smash Ninja-Man!" Hulk growled.
Then, the Hulk was suddenly peppered with gunfire. He looked over his shoulder to see a silver suit of armor with many guns flying towards him.
"Hulk!" A voice came from the armor.
Hulk growled. "You not Metal Man. You Metal Man's friend." He noted
"Yeah, it's me, War Machine; James Rhodes. You know me, Hulk. We're friends." War Machine reminded him.
"You shot at Hulk!" Hulk reminded him.
"You were going to kill him!" War Machine reminded Hulk. "Hulk, you have to calm down! Crushing this city will destroy the progress you've made in showing the world you're good!"
Hulk roared in response. "Damn it, Hulk, don't make me do this!" War Machine pleaded, keeping his weapons at the ready.
"Banner end up here! Banner not know why!" Hulk yelled. "Banner scared! Banner angry! Hulk angry too! Hulk no know where he is!"
"I know, buddy, I know!" War Machine promised. "I'm scared too. But this doesn't fix anything. Just calm down and let Banner take control-"
Asking to give Banner control was the last straw. Hulk roared and threw Hiryu past War Machine. War Machine looked over his shoulder, which unfortunately cost him. Hulk was upon him in a single bound. War Machine grunted in pain as he was driven into the ground by Hulk. Hulk raised his fists, ready to pound War Machine into nothingness.
"FRIDAY, deploy flares!" War Machine frantically ordered. Flares were suddenly shot from War Machine's shoulders, blasting Hulk near the eyes. Hulk roared with rage as he was forced to back away from War Machine. "FRIDAY, give me an ETA on the Hulkbuster armor."
"ETA, ten minutes, Colonel Rhodes." FRIDAY replied.
"That's…not what I wanted to hear. Can you try to push for five minutes?" War Machine replied as a gatling gun appeared on his shoulder.
"We will try." FRIDAY promised.
Hulk recovered and roared at War Machine. Knowing he had no choice, the gatling gun started to spin. Hulk roared again as the gatling gun's bullets began to collide with his chest, bouncing harmlessly off his body.
"Hulk, you know I don't want to do this!" War Machine exclaimed. "But after everything Tony and the others have done for you, I can't let you throw it all away over a hissy fit like this!"
"Hulk smash other Metal Man! Hulk break you like a can!" Hulk promised.
"Go forth, Legion!" War Machine was surprised when several mechanical beasts sped past him towards the Hulk. He looked over his shoulder to see that Hiryu had recovered. "Come, we must lead this creature outside the city!"
Hulk roared. "Hulk hate these metal animals! Hulk smash them all!" He yelled.
"Fall back!" War Machine yelled. "If you want to smash us that badly, Hulk, come and get us! But leave the damn city out of this!"
With that, War Machine and Hiryu began to retreat from Hulk. Hulk roared as he began to pursue them, ripping through Hiryu's Legion. Hulk was soon bounding towards the two of them.
"FRIDAY, flares! Smoke bombs too! We need to keep him off our tail!" War Machine exclaimed.
As War Machine and Hiryu fled from the Hulk, Chun Li found herself desperately trying to get out of this strange version of St. Petersburg too, while holding Li Fen close to her.
"Chun Li, what is going on?" Li Fen whimpered.
"I don't know, sweetie." Chun Li admitted. "But we're together. It's going to be okay. I won't let anything happen to you."
Chun Li was not alone. She was running in a crowd. She recognized a few of the buildings, even though they looked futuristic. They looked Russian. Taking a gamble, she used her training in interpol to use what little russian she knew to try and speak with one of the people fleeing. She wanted to know what was happening. The man responded. Something about a green monster on a rampage. This made Chun Li stop in place.
"Chun Li?" Li Fen asked in concern.
Chun Li looked over her shoulder, wincing at the sound of the chaos. "Blanka?"
Meanwhile, Hiryu and War Machine continued to flee from the angry Hulk, making their way outside the city. War Machine continued deploying a mixture of flares and smoke bombs to keep the Hulk from outright smashing them both in seconds.
"Do you have a plan once we reach the outskirts?" Hiryu asked.
"I've got armor specifically for Hulk on the way." War Machine replied. "It won't be enough to beat him, but if we can just match him blow for blow long enough to calm him down, we'll be in good shape."
Hiryu looked over his shoulder and gasped. "Watch out!"
War Machine looked over his shoulder and gasped as well. Two futuristic vehicles were flying towards them both, courtesy of Hulk tossing them. The two were forced to separate from each other. War Machine was forced to turn around entirely and fire on Hulk, knowing that Hiryu was far more fragile than he was, thanks to his armor. That meant, he had to draw Hulk away from Hiryu. Then, Hulk slammed both his fists into the ground, creating a shockwave that slammed into War Machine's body with the force of a mighty tidal wave. Glass windows shattered from the force. War Machine grunted as the impact knocked him to the ground. Then, Hulk pulled a chunk of the street out of the ground and tossed them at War Machine, pinning him down.
"No!" Hiryu yelled in concern, running between War Machine and Hulk without hesitation.
"Hulk smash you both!" Hulk promised.
"Ragnarok!" Hiryu got right in front of Hulk. Within seconds, Hiryu began slashing Hulk repeatedly. He moved so fast, it was like Hulk was getting slashed by multiple Hiryus. Finally, three copies of Hiryu converged on Hulk, slashing him three times simultaneously.
Hulk just roared, shrugging off Hiryu's attacks. He then grabbed Hiryu by the throat and hoisted him into the air. Hiryu looked at Hulk in uncharacteristic terror.
"Hulk smash Ninja-Man!" Hulk yelled.
"Blanka!" A new voice caught the attention of everyone present.
War Machine watched in horror as a Chinese woman with very muscular legs ran into view. She then gasped at the sight of Hulk.
"You're not Blanka." Chun Li immediately realized. "Who…what are you?"
"Hulk is Hulk." Hulk replied. "Who are you?"
Chun Li narrowed her eyes. "That doesn't matter. Let him go, or you will have to face me."
That was when War Machine managed to get the part of the street Hulk had thrown at him off. "No!" He yelled. "He'll kill you! Lady, you don't know what you're dealing with!"
"Leave Hulk alone, lady." Hulk told her. "Hulk no like fighting girls."
"Then let the ninja go and stop scaring the people of this city." Chun Li ordered, clearly not realizing the danger she was in.
Hulk roared as he dropped Hiryu, turning his anger on Chun Li. "Damn it, you don't know what you're doing!" War Machine yelled. "FRIDAY, ETA on Hulkbuster?"
"Two minutes."
Hulk growled in anger. "If you won't leave Hulk alone…then Hulk SMASH!"
"Hulk, no!" War Machine yelled.
Realizing he had no choice, War Machine brought out his missiles. Hulk moved towards Chun Li, quickly picking up speed. The situation quickly became worse when yet another new arrival stepped in.
"No! Don't hurt Chun Li!" Li Fen suddenly yelled running between Chun Li and the Hulk. She threw her arms out protectively in front of her adopted mother.
"Li Fen!" Chun Li exclaimed.
No, I can't let a kid get caught in the crossfire! War Machine thought, horrified.
Hulk saw the child and skidded to a stop, right in front of her and Chun Li. The injured Hiryu looked at Hulk in surprise. Hulk looked down at Li Fen, who was visibly terrified but had no intention of stepping aside.
"Li Fen, I told you to hide!" Chun Li exclaimed.
"I want to stay with you!" Li Fen replied. She then addressed Hulk. "Please, don't hurt Chun Li! I beg you!"
Hulk had no response for this little girl. Li Fen continued to speak. "If you really want to hurt her, then you're going to have to go through me!" Li Fen promised.
"Damn it, get out of the way!" War Machine yelled. "Both of you, run! You don't know what you're doing!"
Hulk gazed at Li Fen, as though he were contemplating something. Then, much to everyone's surprise, his body relaxed. His fists lowered. His next words surprised them all.
"Hulk no smash kids. Hulk never smash kids." Hulk proclaimed.
War Machine realized this worst-case scenario might have actually been the best-case scenario all along. So, he took advantage of it.
"That's right, Hulk! You hurt the bad guys. You don't hurt kids or innocent people. You save them. The Hulk is a hero, just like the rest of the Avengers say he is! I know you're scared. I am too. What's happening on Earth right now is messed up. So let's work together and figure this out, okay man?" Hulk looked at War Machine, who continued to speak. "I'm sorry I shot at you. Really, I am. I just wanted to stop you from doing something that you would regret. Something that would throw away all your hard work in not making people scared of you. Tony, Cap and the others believe in you. Don't let them down."
Hulk grunted. He then looked at Li Fen. "Are you scared of Hulk?" He asked.
Li Fen shook her head. Hulk took a deep breath. "Okay," he said, "no more smashing. Hulk sorry. Hulk will…switch with Banner."
War Machine breathed a sigh of relief. "FRIDAY, send back the Hulkbuster. We don't need it."
"Acknowledged." FRIDAY replied as Hulk began to shrink in size. He then became a brown-haired, unassuming man.
Bruce Banner groaned. "Thank goodness." He muttered before addressing War Machine. "Colonel Rhodes, I'm sorry."
"Hey, don't worry about it." War Machine replied. "I'm just glad to have you back, Doc."
"I'm sorry to you as well, Ninja." Banner turned to Hiryu. "Hulk is…like a child. He doesn't mean any harm. I know it's a small comfort, but I hope you can understand."
Hiryu grunted, unable to respond due to just not knowing how to respond. Banner then turned to Chun Li and Li Fen. "You two have my thanks, especially you, little one." Banner smiled. "You reminded Hulk he's a hero who loves this world. Especially animals and children."
"I really don't think he's that scary." Li Fen admitted. "He was scared. I'm scared too. One minute, we were in New York. Next we're here."
"She's right." Chun Li nodded.
"Same with me." Banner sighed. His expression then turned serious. He turned to War Machine. "Okay, Colonel. You want to figure out what's going on?"
"Let's figure this out."
AN: Now before I get the obligatory: "Hulk's a rage monster, he shouldn't have stopped cuz of a little girl", it's canon that the original "Child Hulk" is actually friendly with kids and animals. In fact, out of all the Hulk personas, he's the sweetest. It's just because he's the "Child" persona, he also has a VERY short temper. Just leave Hulk alone, like he asks.
Meanwhile, things are escalating. We now know that Wolverine is somehow in the Ghosts n' Goblins area. Odin just bodied Demitri Maximoff (vampires and their pride, amirite?) And we still need to wrap up a few other loose ends. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I'll see you tomorrow for day 4.