Song: Dies irae - Animation OST: Cathedrale
PART 1
Location: ?
In the vast expanse of an endless void, two all powerful figures stood like the sentinels of the Lebanon of old; carrying the potency of their sheer omnipotency and authority that seemed to permeate, stretch out, and create a "scene" or "picture" where these two divinities act as arbiters and advocates, who stand before the Holy of Holies (*1).
A familiar figure stood. The Phantom Stranger. His form was of a dark blue trenchcoat and white collar shirt. His eyes were white, flashing like thunder, yet benevolent and firm, with bluish sparks.
And then there was another. Unfamiliar. An opposing yet congruent force, complementing the Agent of Order and Conscience. He had a green cloak and white skin, with a muscular build that even the biblical, mighty Samson pales in comparison. His presence felt evocative yet mysterious; but DREAD seems to be the one common word unfortunate for those who had dared to cross his blazing bath of Vengeance.
He is known by many names, but he is commonly referred to, both in reverence and in fear, as...
...The Spectre.
"It seems that the Order has been set for all time," The green-hooded divine figure surmised, looking at the elusive stranger. "The boy had defied his predetermined prophecy; yet his future sins remain to scar the Multiverse, one that can never be ignored and demands Vengeance."
"And yet, Conscience dictates that a chance for redemption can be given to even the worst of sinners, while Order dictates that a vacuum would need to course correct itself, as it is befitting to stabilize the boundaries of the Natural Laws, and from within oneself," The elusive Phantom would refute.
"So it seems," The incarnation of vengeance echoed with neutrality, a cold hard truth. "The crooked pathways that led to the Anti-God (*2) have been permanently broken, but the cycle of renewal that is yet another natural law embedded within the multiverse cannot be stopped. It is within the confines of the cosmic principles that we cannot intervene unless the Lord Himself would call us to his divine courts to reenact our purpose for amendment. But I do acknowledge that Vengeance hearkens to respond to an unnatural enigma whose machinations move all uncertainties."
"And that is the purpose of the Prodigal Son's (*3) revival, treading through a different narrow path, marked by life," Phantom Stranger remarked.
"With respect to your authority, if I may state my own opinion. You stake too much confidence in that boy," Spectre spoke with intrigue.
"Ah, but it is not just I who would place such confidences," Phantom Stranger says with conviction. "For I invoke a reminder of higher powers and aspects that all gathered in an assembly from within, and a concord was reached. Mistress Love (*4), Lady Radiant (*5), and Mistress Death of the Endless (*6), among many countless other beings of benevolence and order, are the foremost representatives of the courts that advocated for him. Even some who are aligned with the other ends of the spectrum such as Lord Chaos and Master Order (*7) all seem to agree, despite some reservations. "
"And the ultimate judgment that is reserved only His Will had assured the boy's salvation as a result: That it is to be decreed that the son of Adam, Minami Jouji, would be consigned to follow a newly forged path set before him by Providence, and step into his newly forged destiny... as a slayer of Dragons (*8)..."
The Spectre's voice cackled with thunderous applause; his whitish eyes glowed with a bright intensity.
"But Vengeance shall keep watch over him, and if he falls..."
"He will not," The Phantom Stranger would firmly rebut the claim, in adovacy and defense.
"...If he falls." The Spectre simply left it at that.
PART 2
Location: World of Kamen Rider - Earth-616
"Okay everyone, settle down, may I have your full attention please!"
Underneath the surface of Beika Ward, there was a SHIELD Underground Base called the GeoFront (*1). The facilities were larger and broad, likened to a hangar bay that stretches from a mile away.
Among the recognizable armored dark blue troopers and personnel wearing blue jumpsuits, was a man wearing formal attire, a black business suit, white collar, and a red necktie, a seemingly out-of-place appearance in a sci-fi-esque compound. The man was an American, with a handsome face, dark brown hair with greyer sides, and blue eyes, carrying what appeared to be a microphone.
"Looks like everybody's gettin' called to pay attention, though the mike seems to be broken," An African American man spoke. He wore a black suit and attire, the only thing that differed was his white collar shirt. His name was Agent J (*2), and right now, he felt that he had stepped into something... even weirder than usual... and that's saying a lot from him.
Man, I've seen aliens amongst us, entire galaxies stored within cat's necklaces, and time travel by jumping off of the Empire State Building, but... I've never seen anything like this... He thought as he looked around and saw different people with different, and oftentimes bizarre, clothing and style. Oddly enough, he'd recognize some of them... who aren't even supposed to be real.
What was the last thing he remembered before this?
He was just gonna go by the diner to check up on his partner, having been restored into existence after an old archenemy tried to assassinate his younger self, changing history, and it was Agent J's job to fix it. He did, and he got to that diner. He saw K, right there, humming that modern New York song, which put a smile on his face. Just when he was about to greet him, and thank him for everything, he...
...The mood got ruined when he got randomly ejected into a street while the SHIELD Troopers were firing at hostile extraterrestrials that he didn't really recognize. From what he got, they were generally called Worms Not the Worms that he was familiar with who love coffee and all (*3). No, more like large humanoid walking pupas, green in color, with dangerous claws that could stab you if you aren't careful.
Now, aliens, he can deal with.
But getting sent to another universe? And finding out that you were somehow fiction?
This is new. Though to be frank, this hardly surprises him anymore. I mean, he just recently experienced time travel for crying out loud. Alternate universes may as well be another possibility that he hadn't considered. He's not gonna make the same mistake as before when he disbelieves time travel, only to find out that yes, there is such a thing. May as well just wing it and see where this goes, he thought.
"I wonder what's going to happen now?"
Agent J would glance to his side and see an adult woman, looking quite normal by the standards of this crowd. She had long, dark magenta hair, tied with braids on the back, with a gold hair clip. She wore a light violet blouse, matched with a peach pink coat, and a black belt with a silver buckle.
His eyes would glance at the... tablet that he got from a SHIELD agent on duty. Pretty much everybody in this crowd has one. He would glance to see automatic information, which had been transmitted by the tablet after having assessed his thought patterns.
Damn... Agent J thought. That agent wasn't kidding when he said that this tablet contains all of the answers. Guess science has become so advanced in this world that there couldn't be any difference between that and fortune-telling. Who was it that made this tablet again? Something... Stark, yeah, Stark. That's the guy.
Then random info would sprout about Tony Stark in response, but in brief summary, though keeping space with the profile of the woman he was trying to get to know.
Okay, so, Nozomi Yumehara... also known as Cure Dream. One of the five main protagonists of Yes! Pretty Cure 5 and Yes! Pretty Cure 5 GoGo!. Wait? Really? Pretty Cure? That's really the name she comes from? ...Right, so, personality-wise, she's a caring individual with a big heart and a bright perspective. She knew she isn't talented or she may not even have any usable skills, but she more than makes up for it by being friendly and kind towards other, even to her enemies?
Huh? So she's some kind of "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you" types then?
It also says here that she sometimes gets distracted, especially when food is involved. She's childish, loud, and clumsy; and doesn't seem to make decisions rationally. She makes up for it when she transforms, becoming much more serious and wouldn't hesitate to put her life on the line for the sake of others.
Fighting dangerous villains? At 14? I'm like, damn, I don't think my mama would approve of me doing some actual fighting when I was her age, or I'll get a spanking for sure, big time. Maybe she'd still would, despite being over 40 at this point. I guess I should thank Zed for erasing every trace of my existence then. Agent J thought dryly.
"Umm, excuse me," Agent J would start a conversation with this woman.
"Huh?"
The woman, Nozomi Yumehara, would look curiously at her. "Oh, umm..." She would look at her own tablet to search for who it is that is standing right in front of her. "...Agent, J, right?" She asked.
"Yeah," Agent J nodded. "And you must be, Ms. Yumehara, right?"
"Oh, yes," Nozomi nodded with a soft smile, bowing her head a bit. "My name is Nozomi Yumehara. It's a pleasure to meet you, J-san."
"Oh, so... you know English, or is this the tablet speaking?" Agent J asks, considering the possibility that the tablet would have a translation feature to add to the list.
"Oh, no, actually," Nozomi clarified. "As an elementary school teacher, I'm supposed to know about the English language, so I can speak quite fluently, J-san."
"School teacher?" Agent J knitted his eyebrows as he glanced at the tablet again.
Okay, this thing says that Nozomi's currently teaching in an elementary school. It doesn't really say the name of the school, just that she's quite popular as a teacher there.
"...Huh, a school teacher, that takes me back," Agent J became a little reminiscent. "When I was in like third grade, I've got this mean, strict teacher that's always on my case."
"Mrs. Edelson, right?" Nozomi answered with a smile. "From one of Jupiter's moons."
"How di-, Oh wait, dumb question, this freaky tablet told you about it," Agent J was waving his tablet. "Okay, so if I were think of Kentucky Fried Chicken."
Then, information about Kentucky Fried Chicken would be seen on the tablet.
"...Stark buys KFC; renovates for KFC theme park in Kentucky? Okay seriously, just how rich is this guy?" J looked incredulous while Nozomi giggled a bit.
"What's so funny?" Agent J asks.
"Nothing just, I was actually wondering the same thing myself, that and how this tablet seems to know everything about me. It's kind of scary..." Nozomi admitted.
"Oh, trust me, girl, I've seen plenty of scary going bump in the night for the last two decades," Agent J responded.
"And I believe you," Nozomi replied.
"Why? Because of the tablet?" Agent J joked.
"No, it's your eyes," Nozomi sported a look of empathy on her face, surprising Agent J. "You seem quite... lonely."
That's... Agent J thought sadly. ...Like, yeah, that's spot-on (*4).
"Once again, can I have your attention, please?!"
A clear voice would resound from the center, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Thank you," The man made a flashing smile that seemed to provide a sense of charm and calm around the room. "Now, for everyone who is unfamiliar with me, my name is Agent Coulson (*5), and on behalf of SHIELD, I would like to thank all of you for your current cooperation in light of confusing times. Know that we are currently working on a way to bring all of you home, so until then, we of SHIELD would hope to accommodate what you are currently having issues with. If anybody has any questions about this world, they could ask me personally, since I am now taking charge of your personal safety and security."
This guy must have people skills or something. Agent J thought dryly.
"Now, before everything else, I would like to introduce you to a consultant who has recently paid a visit to the base."
Song: Shinto Japanese Music
"No need for personal introductions, Son of Coul."
"...!"
What the hell...?
Agent J could feel something. It felt like... like some kind of rush on a mid-day afternoon. Something like that. It felt, feminine, strong, powerful. Glancing towards Nozomi, he could feel that she also felt that strange yet... powerful presence. Everyone in the room became very quiet.
...Then.
Agent J would notice someone standing right next to Coulson. He could hear a gasping sound from some of the crowd. Now, again, Agent J's met aliens, experienced time travel, all of that stuff. But again, this is new for him.
He was looking at a... a beautiful Asian, probably Japanese, woman. She looked young, but not too young, more like someone in their thirties. With black flowing hair. Has some kind of shrine maiden outfit of white and red robes. Has a crown on her head that seems to resemble the sun. Actually, her entire body seem like she was glowing. Not like those old disco balls. No, more like an actual sun, but it doesn't hurt your eyes.
The armored soldiers and personnel that were all present, were currently standing in full attention, with reverence and order.
"...Holy," Agent J muttered.
"Language," The soft, kind voice of a woman would be heard in Agent J's mind.
"...!" Agent J flinched a bit, like a child being told off by his mother.
"An ever pleasant afternoon tidings to you all," The woman spoke respectfully. Her tone was one of grace and maternity, as if encouraging the lifting up of spirits. "My name is Amaterasu (*6)."
A sound of gasps and whispers would be heard among the crowd.
"And," Her hands would gesture widely, as if in an embrace. "On behalf of the Amatsu-Kami (*7), welcome to our Land of the Rising Sun. As my dear friend here would say, I happen to be working as a consultant to his organization, as a voluntary representative amongst the gods of our land-based upon my own initiative, especially in cases of grave necessity. Normally, I would not show myself like this, but this historical moment seems to be an exception to the rule, and it has been agreed among the Courts that you are to be put under my charge as well, to help you adjust and accommodate your stay here."
The woman would then look intently at Agent J, who felt like drawing sweat from his brow.
"Oh and, James Edwards, you and Yumehara-san are to come with me," The woman spoke mentally to his thoughts. "There is much that needs to be discussed, if in private."
Agent J could not help but gulp naturally, like he felt like he was being called into the principal's office. He glances at Nozomi, who is looking at him hesitantly.
Trivia For Chapter:
PART 1:
(*1) - The term refers to a Supreme Being commonly revered among the cosmic hierarchy of the ever-expanding omniverse as the Presence. He is known by different names, in several cultures throughout creation, particular to those of Earth.
(*2) - Spectre's term for Ohma Zi-O.
(*3) - Phantom Stranger's term for Jouji Minami, the newly christened Kamen Rider Black Zi-O.
(*4) - In the World of Kamen Rider/Universe-616, Mistress Love is the primordial cosmic being who is the embodiment of love throughout the multiverse. She, like many cosmic beings, usually reside and intervene in the prime reality - World of Kamen Rider/Universe-616. She has an opposite called Sire Hate, the cosmic embodiment of hate throughout the multiverse, and she and Sire Hate are usually seen together in meetings in relation to the cosmic beings of the multiverse. Among cosmic beings, she is quite known as a being of great power, and yet prefers the usage of diplomacy.
Years prior, she and many other cosmic beings had participated in a cosmic event called the Infinity War in order to oppose the Mad Titan Thanos, who took a powerful god-like device called the Infinity Gauntlet and used it to wipe out 50% of the World of Kamen Rider/Earth-616, all of which happened in the year 2012 - the year of Kamen Rider Wizard, as part of a plot to get the cosmic being and personification of death (stationed in World of Kamen Rider/Universe-616, Lady Death, to acknowledge, favor, and take notice of the Mad Titan.
(*5) - Radiant was a primordial angelic cosmic being that, like the Phantom Stranger and the Spectre, served as an agent and aspect of the Presence, and is the one who acts as the balance for the Spectre. She represents the aspect of Divine Mercy.
(*6) - Death of the Endless is a primordial cosmic being and personification of death that had existed long before life came into existence within the universe and beyond. She is the second oldest of the Endless, a category of cosmic beings that are considered to be the anthropomorphic representations of the powerful natural forces they embody, a constant in the multiverse, and are the superiors to those beings who are personifications to certain aspects. For instance, Lady Death, despite being a personification of death in the multiverse, is an inferior who answers ultimately to Death of the Endless.
(*7) - Lord Chaos and Master Order are the personifications of Chaos and Order who both exist to act as agents of the universal balance. Same as Mistress Love, they were also involved in the cosmic event known as the Infinity War.
(*8) - Related in one sense to the Great Red Dragon which had been mentioned in passing in Chapter/Episode 13.
PART 2:
(*1) - At times, SHIELD's Japanese Branch's bases and territories reflect names that are found in Japanese fiction.
(*2) - To those who really don't know, his name is Agent J, from the Men in Black trilogy movies.
(*3) - From the MiB Wiki - The Worms or Annelids are a strange alien species introduced in Men in Black. They have a small role in the first film, but have a bigger role in the animated series and second film. The worms seem to love coffee, and are very energetic, and even perverted. Living on Earth includes a lack of oversight from the race's emperor. Most Worms venture on hedonistic binges partaking in vices that are forbidden in their home world of Takwella.
(*4) - Agent J was thinking of the events of the film, Men in Black II.
(*5) - In the World of Kamen Rider/Universe-616, Agent Phil Coulson is a special field agent of SHIELD, considered to be General Nick Fury's Right Hand Man, being one of the few who forms a part of his inner circle. Fury usually assigns Coulson to monitor superheroes, or especially those who are just starting out to be a hero, and it is his job to provide an unbiased assessment report to Fury about them. Currently, Fury's assigned him to teach at Teitan High School, and formerly Teitan Middle School, as an assistant teacher.
(*6) - In the World of Kamen Rider/Universe-616, Amaterasu is the Chief God of the Amatsu-Kami pantheon, a higher race of extradimensional divinities who reside in the extradimensional realm of Takamagahara. In modern times, she is more well-known and credited among the gods for contributing to defeating Amatsu-Mikaboshi, the Chaos King.
(*7) - By the way, in case anybody's wondering, yes, that is exactly what the Gods of Shinto are called in Marvel. And yes, they do exist in Marvel.