AN: Story's Shadow and I are back my friends, and the invasion... has begun...
-Imperious' Domain, Throne Room-
Imperious sat silently on his obsidian throne in a deep meditative trance like state. His eyes were closed as he used his powerful ancient magic to contemplate what was to be done in the waning hours before his invasion began. He performed this personal ritual before every time he sent his forces against a world.
Normally he had the magic that granted him to see the future for all but himself, but now he found that even that power was absent from his magic, but he wasn't surprised for he had anticipated that likelihood.
While his magic allowed him to see the futures of all excluding himself and a few exceptions that were beyond even his magic abilities, the passageway his mind traversed to see the future while in this state was clouded. So clouded and dark that even he couldn't find his way through the dark passageway.
'It is as I suspected.' Imperious thought silently to himself.
His mind returned from the plain that his ancient magic allowed him to traverse, and return to the physical plain.
'I have become so entangled in everything that is transpiring. So much so that the futures of those I have seen are now changed and altered, and as such blocked from my sight. I had hoped that my ability wouldn't be hampered by my own doing and interference...perhaps there's more to this universe than I first thought.' Imperious mused silently as he opened his eyes.
His red eyes could be seen piercing the darkness of the throne room, and ironically they provided more light than the dimly lit blue torches all throughout the room.
He then raised his armored scaly right hand and from it projected an image of the green and blue world that needed to be reborn after baptism by his fire.
'Enjoy your remaining hours, for they could very well be your last.' Imperious thought grimly as a smile formed on his face.
'Soon my upgraded legions will descend like locusts upon this world, and through it's violent destruction, and baptism by fire and blood, can it be reborn anew, under perfections rule...'
-Continuum Home World, Unknown Location-
Three of the most influential Continuum's could be found gathered in a secret chamber, a chamber that was in fact so secret that it had only been used a handful of times. This was one of those times. For this chamber was built as a secret meeting place for the original three ruling Continuum Elders in times of crisis. Many conflicts, foreign and domestic had been debated and mostly resolved within these secret hallow walls.
Gathered were Ruling Elders, Madam Elise and Crusader, who both sat in their respective thrones, the third throne was occupied by Speaker Crane. Even though he was not a ruling elder, the Speaker needed to be present at this meeting. Elise spoke first, a small smile on her face.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mr. Speaker."
"During these trying times I wouldn't dare consider ignoring your summon. And I must say, I'm honored to be sitting in this chamber and on this throne."
Elise and Crusader exchanged a silent look between the two of them, which did not escape the knowing eyes of Speaker Crane. For the throne he occupied had been once held by a great Continuum, one who once held Cranes very position, but now...Crusader sighed as he finally spoke up.
"Can we please get to business?"
His surprise interjection was met by surprised looks from both Elise and Crane.
Crusader sighed before clearing his throat.
"Forgive me, I've been operating under the most stress I've had in years, even with all my God given power–"
Elise simply leaned over and gave Crusader a gentle pat on his right shoulder.
"It's alright Crusader. The stress and uncertainty has been eating us all alive internally."
Speaker Crane nodded his head in agreement, for he as well felt what Crusader and Elise were feeling.
Silence overtook the chamber only momentarily before Speaker Crane cleared his throat.
"Crusader, how goes your operations to get the military ready for direct combat intervention?"
"We are doing well given how short of time we likely have to get ready for the coming invasion. I have General Cunningham, and Admiral Achilles working nearly nonstop to get every Continuum soldier ready as quickly as possible."
Elise nodded at this.
"How long until they are ready?"
"Currently over 60% of the Continuum military is ready to deploy, and that's not counting the advanced Recon and Special Forces strike groups that are already on Earth."
Elise gave him a raised eyebrow, silently asking Crusader to please answer the question she had originally asked him.
"As we stand right now, no more than five days until our military makes the multi-verse gate jump to Earth. As agreed upon, 70% of the Continuum military is making the jump to Earth, with an additional 10%-15% standing by as reserves. Our military is fully committed to this campaign, including the troops who will remain here as a last resort contingency... should our remaining forces have no choice but to..."
Crusader didn't have to finish his statement, Elise and Crane both knew what he meant. Crane sighed before he responded.
"Let's pray it does not come to that."
After a brief moment of silence, Crane turned his attention to Elise.
"Madam Elise, if necessary I can advocate for the passing of an emergency bill in our Congress, a bill that–"
Elise raised her hand quickly to silence Crane.
"Your concern is touching and appreciated Mr. Speaker. But that bill will remain off the table, and in a drawer collecting dust. I will not hide while my people, and the human race suffer around me."
Speaker Crane nodded his head in agreement.
"I concur with you fully Madam Elise. Forgive me if I sounded like I was advocating for that bills passage, but I am required by law to mention it to you in these times. I knew you would be fully opposed, a sentiment I echo, but I have to honor my lawful obligations outlined in the Continuum Constitution."
Elise nodded silently in agreement as she as well shot an apologetic smile at Speaker Crane. She knew that Crane was doing his job, but she would refuse to entertain the possibility of that bills passing.
Before anyone could speak again, Crusaders eyes narrowed, and it was clear to both Elise and Crane that Crusader was in telepathic conversation with someone.
They also knew it must be important for him to do this in an emergency meeting. Crane raised an eyebrow at this.
"Crusader?"
Crusader nodded his head silently like he was agreeing with whoever was talking with him.
He then proceeded to stand up from his throne, and turn to address Elise and Crane.
"With all due respect I must attend to this personally."
Elise merely nodded her head in silent agreement, for she knew it must be important if Crusader had to leave this meeting. With a bow to both Elise and Crane, Crusader than teleported out of the room quicker than someone blinking their eyes.
-Crusaders Office, Moments Later-
As soon as Crusader had teleported into his office, the one who had mentally summoned him asking for his arrival, bowed his head low and dropped to a knee out of respect.
While polite, the gesture earned a small sigh from Crusader.
"You know you don't have to bow to me like that, for I am not the Almighty nor his son."
Crusader gave the hand motion for the kneeling man to rise, which he did so.
"Forgive me, sir."
"It's quite alright, your respect is humbling. Now lets get down to business, for I know you wouldn't have requested me unless it was an emergency."
The man nodded silently before clearing his throat.
"How long?"
Crusader contemplated silently for a few seconds, knowing what the man before him meant.
"Unfortunately the invasion could happen at any moment. Hopefully we have a few more days, so our forces are fully assembled and combat ready."
"If it happens sooner?"
"Then Imperious already has a small advantage, as our military is not ready to deploy–"
"Could he not know things have changed?"
Crusader thought for a moment before answering, considering what was stated.
"Imperious cannot use his magic to spy upon us, or see the future of any Continuum, so there is no doubt he is unaware that the treaty is just words on paper."
"Then depending upon when the invasion commences, you could actually hold the greater advantage, in catching him by surprise."
The man paused to take a breath before continuing.
"I also sense my old enemy is already on that world. I know him better than any on this world. And I know his toxins will spread if he's not contained, or finally neutralized. Do I have your blessing and permission to begin my hunt, master?"
Crusader thought for a few seconds before answering.
"Get your sword ready and rest up, I think you'll have your chance soon, my apprentice..."
-Manhattan, NYC, A Couple Of Days Later-
Doreen and Rayshaun walked into a café, an employee led them to an empty booth. They thanked them for this and sat down. Doreen smiled at him as they opened the menus.
"I'm glad we made this time to have a little 'us' time. I've missed this."
Rayshaun nodded, smiling.
"Same. With all this mayhem, it's nice just to be people and enjoy the moment."
"Well there's some perks to our jobs too."
Doreen briefly flexed her arms dramatically. Rayshaun laughed at this.
"Yeah, I guess there is."
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick, the waiter should be here when I get back."
"Alright."
Doreen smiled as she left for the bathroom.
Doreen walked back towards their booth to find the waitress smiling at Rayshaun, giggling. Her eyes narrowed a little at this before making her way to her seat as the waitress spoke to Rayshaun.
"You come here often, hun?"
"First time I've been here."
"Really? Maybe you should come more often. We have a lot to offer."
Doreen makes her way to her seat, the look on her face makes even Rayshaun flinch.
"...I think we both know what we want. Right?"
Rayshaun nodded.
The waitress slowly nodded as she took their orders then walked off.
Rayshaun turned to Doreen.
"Everything ok?"
"She was hitting on you."
"Do you see me here with her? I'm with you."
Doreen's scowl shifted into a smile.
Several minutes later their food is brought over by another employee carrying it one of those big carrying plates. Doreen and Rayshaun dug into their meal. They laughed and joked about the day and how things were with their friends and kept their roles as agents hidden from the public around them.
Doreen smiled as she took another bite of her fruit salad, chewing slowly. The rich tastes of the different fruits from the sweet and sour together added to the flavor, a bit of nuttiness and tang.
"So good."
Rayshaun chuckled at this.
"You always really savor your food."
"You've gotta enjoy the good stuff."
Both of them chuckled.
Then Doreen's phone ring tone went off. She grumbled as she pulled out her phone, seeing her dad was calling her. Doreen sighed as she turned back to Rayshaun.
"It seems we can never enjoy our dates anymore without being interrupted."
Rayshaun smiled.
"Go ahead, we still have time."
Doreen nodded and took her phone then walked to go outside to answer her phone. Her gaze then met that of the waitress from earlier, they both exchanged glares.
Eventually Doreen returned and after almost close to half an hour they waited on the waitress to collect the payment for the meal. Rayshaun had some money on the check and left a tip on the table despite Doreen's protest. The waitress walked over and smiled at Rayshaun.
"I hope you enjoyed your meal, hun."
"We did thank you."
Doreen grumbled.
The waitress paid her no mind as she took the payment and her tip then passed a small piece of paper to Rayshaun. Doreen raised an eyebrow at this as Rayshaun's eyes widened a little then turned to the waitress.
"I'm flattered, really, but-"
Doreen swiped the paper out of his hands and took a look at it. Her eyes widened at seeing a phone number on it with a short message to Rayshaun she couldn't even finish. She stood up and quickly grabbed her shoulder, glowering at her.
"Back...Off."
The glare the waitress glare receded into a look of worry and pain as Doreen's grip on her shoulder started to tighten.
"L-Let me go!"
Rayshaun pulled Doreen off of her. He turned to the waitress.
"Sorry."
He then hurried Doreen and himself out of the café before anyone could approach.
Rayshaun led Doreen down the street a bit of a distance from the cafe though not at a break neck pace. Soon he sat them both down on a nearby bench. His eyes were still a little wide in response to the event that had just occurred.
"Um...Doreen? I admire your passion and grit...but what was that back there?"
Doreen turned to him, her head cocking to the side a little.
"What do you mean?"
"Huh? You threatened that waitress back there and...got a physical grip on her and wouldn't let go. I've never seen you do that to anyone who wasn't one of our enemies."
Doreen's eyes widened a bit.
"I...I did that?"
Rayshaun slowly nodded.
"Yeah, the whole cafe saw that. I had to drag you away from there."
"I...I remember getting mad...but the rest...it's a little fuzzy."
She ran one hand through her hair, her gaze seemingly shifting off into space.
"That really happened?"
"Maybe we should-"
Then they heard the sound of what they thought was lightning and thunder roaring. Everyone on the streets looked up.
-Gwen's House, A Few Minutes Earlier-
Gwen smiled as her friends started to get their instruments ready as she placed their song's musical notes on a small podium beside her drums.
"I never thought we'd get to continue to practice with all this insanity going on."
One of her friends smiled as they scoffed.
"Heroine work not as fun as you make it seem?"
Gwen laughed.
"Hey, I like to do our stuff too. We need this practice."
"Well at least you didn't have to save the city...again."
Gwen scoffed and rolled her eyes though with a smile on her face.
The others finished setting up and readied their instruments. Gwen grinned.
"Ready guys?"
Suddenly Gwen's S.H.I.E.L.D. comm started blaring.
"No! Not now!"
She grumbled as she pulled it out and checked the message. Her eyes widened receiving worried looks from her friends.
-Secret Warriors' Base, Training Room, A Few Minutes Earlier-
Inferno grunted as he swung his axe at his opponent, but her body twisted out of the way of the strike before she slashed at him with her kusarigama. He quickly brought the axe up, blocking its strike.
"Are you sure it's a good idea for us to train with these weapons without any medical professionals around? We're not exactly the 300 Spartans."
Ms. Marvel chuckled.
"Well we gotta work on that. Besides, Vixen said these weapons don't hurt innocents so we should be fine. Also, I thought you wanted to practice with the axe?"
Inferno deflected another strike as he held his ground as his sparring opponent literally circled around him.
"I do...but it felt like I should do it with an opponent I could actually unleash more power on without fear of hurting them."
Ms. Marvel laughed.
"Trust me, you won't hurt me. I also wanted to talk to you about meeting my parents."
Inferno's eyes widened as he halted his attack.
"Come again?"
Ms. Marvel grinned.
"I'm serious, I want you to meet them."
"But...do they know about me being an Inhuman?"
Ms. Marvel sighed as she shifted her body to its base state.
"Dante, at some point we-"
Alarms in the base went off as did their S.H.I.E.L.D. comms. A holographic screen appeared before them and they both gasped at what they saw.
-Secret Warriors' Base, Tech Lab, A Few Minutes Earlier-
Riri and America looked over holographic blueprints as they had various pieces of holographic images of tech arranged on a table in front of them. The former moved the images on the screen around, shaping them together.
"If we're going to create new armor and modes of transportation for the team, there's gotta be something we haven't tried before."
"What've you got in mind?"
"Princess Shuri recently sent me some suggestions for how we can use our tech to improve durability and flexibility since we can't get any of Wakanda's Vibranium."
"I could always-"
"No Chavez, I don't want the Black Panther or worse, the Dora Milaje breathing down our necks."
Chavez chuckled a little at this before she finally shook her head with a sigh and nodded. She then turned to the screen.
"Shuri's mark of using lighter alloys could keep armor from depleting the group's energy faster. I could maybe work on adjusting some more comfortable material to lay against as to keep the wearer from having any possible metal cutting against their body."
Riri rubbed her chin.
"There's also the idea of putting in a self cooling system to prevent heat stroke, there's some things I've been considering doing with my armor that we could implant in the group's armor."
Chavez smiled.
"Not bad."
"Thanks. What about my ideas of other modes of transportation?"
"Your design for a land-"
The alarms in the base went off as did their S.H.I.E.L.D. comms, the two turned to one another in frustration before more holographic screens appeared. Riri's eyes widened while Chavez's narrowed at the sight.
-Secret Warriors' Base, Basement, A Few Minutes Earlier-
Daisy stood before holographic projections of Director Fury, Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Tony Stark. Director Fury spoke first.
"How is your team progressing, agent?"
"As successfully as we can, Director. These weapons are still getting some taking use to, Metatron's tutelage has been incredibly useful."
Captain America smiled and nodded.
"He's a skilled and wise warrior. I asked to see his methods of combat personally and he agreed to a sparring session. It was very educational."
Tony chuckled.
"Here I thought you were the master combatant, Cap."
"There's still something we can all learn, Tony."
Captain Marvel chuckled.
"Really? What did the Big Bad Wolf teach you?"
"For one, he quickly targeted my legs after he saw my blocking his strikes with my shield. Even though our legs are the strongest parts of our bodies, the back of the leg he pinpointed had a vulnerability that he said he instinctively knew was a clear target. Though he didn't actually do any actual damage as he didn't want to hurt me. Also, I wouldn't call him that."
"Huh?"
"He said he's done some reading and said he love what humans have done to his 'beast kin' as he calls them."
Captain Marvel scoffed.
"A little sensitive."
"Well given all he's been through, seeing his kin having been treated in a similar manner to his world wasn't a welcome surprise. Still, I'm glad he and his students are with us."
Director Fury nodded.
"They saved my agents, that's something I can't ever repay. Still, to business. I have been in contact with the president and he's preparing orders to the country to prepare for war. As we don't have the technology advantage here, he's asked Mr. Stark for his immediate aid in developing weapons and armor for the military."
"I thought I was out of the weapons gig...turns out I guess I need to go back to my...unfortunate roots once again."
Daisy nodded.
"Iron Heart and America Chavez are currently working on designs for new armor for our team. Perhaps they could collaborate with Iron Man?"
Captain Marvel grinned and nodded at this.
"Riri's a sharp one and Chavez knows her way around machines, they'd be some real help to Shell Head."
Tony scoffed.
"I thought the Secret Warriors were supposed to be our more covert and specially designed group to take on this threat with this fancy new tech weapons they've been gifted by that alien."
Daisy shook her head.
"Don't let Vixen catch you calling them that."
Tony rolled his eyes. Captain America turned to Director Fury.
"Anything from your prisoner, Director?"
"Nothing. This 'Stalker' is possibly the most resilient criminal S.H.I.E.L.D. has ever tried to interrogate. Everything we've tried has only been met with silence."
Captain America sighed.
"Whoever this 'Imperious' is, he inspires or enforces fierce loyalty amongst his soldiers. That's something very dangerous and powerful we can't ignore."
Director Fury nodded.
"I was hoping you could take a crack at him...or perhaps Vixen or Metatron."
Daisy rubbed her chin.
"Could work."
Captain Marvel crossed her arms.
"How about I dangle him from the Empire State Building? That usually works."
Director Fury didn't respond at first.
"You might actually have to drop him if it were to."
"No problem, a little drop should help clear things up."
Daisy didn't respond, she just listened as the two continued this specific conversation. Captain Marvel cracked her knuckles.
"I'm just itching for an excuse to take it to these guys."
Alarms went off as did their comms. Holographic screens appeared to each of them. Captain America's eyes widened then narrowed.
"It seems you have a reason now."
-Unknown S.H.I.E.L.D. Base, A Few Minutes Earlier-
Vixen sat with Metatron, Cassandra, and Jacob on the floor as she explained different things about the Continuum. Metatron rubbed his beard as he listened. The young Fox had been looking forward to telling them about her adoptive home and family.
"I wish you could see it. The architecture and beauty of their home realm is so beautiful. Golden lights shine from the Heavens over pristine buildings and clear rivers. They take complete care of the landscape and the upkeep of their city."
Jacob's eyes were wide at these descriptions.
"How do they do it seemingly without flaw?"
"Their technology is millions of years ahead of anywhere in the Multiverse. It may look rather primitive compared to this world's, but the engineering and design work is always carefully crafted over and over."
Cassandra rubbed her chin.
"How do they know it's ahead of everywhere in...what did you call it? The multiverse?"
Vixen nodded.
"The Continuum have explored and have methods of viewing different universes. Their world is in some ways outside of it though still linked to them through the handiwork of creation."
"But that could be infinite space, there's so much I can only guess at."
Vixen smiled.
"My father said that each universe had something unique to it that was an essential part of its foundation. It wasn't necessarily that they were lesser, it's just our home was gifted by God himself in a way that was different to the rest of creation."
The Wolf scratched his chin.
"I have heard some about him, though my knowledge of him is very limited. Apologies if I my words are incorrect. This deity is responsible for creating all of existence? Every element of existence is because of his will and love? But what of our Gods? They created Faunia and our people. Is there a way of bridging this?"
Vixen thought for a moment on this.
"Father said everything is the work of our Lord. Even though we have free will, it's all according to his plans for all of us. The beings that you said created Faunia were according to his desire and hope."
Metatron contemplated on this.
"I don't know if this is for certain. It's a matter likely beyond my understanding. With our world now gone and our Gods dead, our connection to the deep magic and our understanding of what we knew is not what it once was. There's much for us to learn, I hope our belief and faith in our Gods despite their souls now in the afterlife doesn't come into conflict with your adoptive family's. Their kindness in saving and raising you speaks to the beliefs in compassion that instilled in you."
Vixen smiled.
"Thank you for that. They spoke of the tragedy of your...our world. My father saw so much spirit in our people and he saw that a similar kind of warrior spirit and dedication to peace was something he'd wished he could've seen and connected with firsthand."
Metatron's smile slowly faded though it wasn't replaced by anger.
"Yes...perhaps if things had been different."
Vixen sighed.
"The council of Continuum had honored the peace treaty with Imperious despite protests from those saying they couldn't bear to stand by and watch worlds and universes being targeted by him. It was the will of the leaders of their society to not possibly create further strife and unleash even more destruction."
The Wolf did frown slightly at this.
"I won't lie in saying it brings some comfort to me. I understand why your adoptive family didn't take part...I only wish that monster had been defeated long before."
Vixen's ear lowered at this, nodding.
"As do we all."
Metatron's ear jumped up and his eyes narrowed. Cassandra and Jacob's eyes widened at this then shared his gaze. Vixen cocked her head to the side.
"What? What's-?"
She then felt it before the alarms and comms went off. An uneasy if not sinister chill filled the air. Holographic screens appeared before them. Above the city streets of Manhattan manifested reddish green spirals of energy that crackled with electricity as the sounds of thunder and lightning accompanied them and so did the sound of many...many marching feet.
Metatron stood up, his students and Vixen following him.
"It's begun."
-Manhattan, Streets, Minutes Later-
The horn...it was a sound one felt more than heard. As if every part of one's body was paralyzed and shaking at the same time. Like as if the very souls of the people present had been struck by the horn. This was something the people didn't understand what they were hearing in its entirety yet could feel the powerful and terrifying effect it had. It was as if all the mundane yet peaceful energy and aura of the city just moments before had been ripped away by an invisible specter of sound that tore into the souls of everyone present as unlike anything the world had ever known.
A few minutes later...
Rayshaun and Doreen grunted as they evaded the blasts from the enemies' guns though they found this increasingly harder as more and more soldiers emerged from the portals. They soon followed screaming civilians down the streets though intentionally ran slower and tried to draw more attention from the soldiers by screaming at them. Though this didn't appear to work as they continued to march as one, their footsteps echoing across the borough.
Doreen leapt over a bike before grabbing and throwing it at one of the soldiers. But they immediately fired at it, the blast disintegrating it on the spot. Her eyes widened then narrowed as she and Rayshaun took cover around a bus.
"They've leveled up, none of them used to fire blasters."
"And there's the armor too."
Almost as if on cue, they heard gunfire though not from the soldiers. The two looked from around the bus to see members of the NYPD jumping out from the cars and firing their sidearms at the invaders. But all the bullets did was hit the armor and drop to the ground, not leaving a scratch on any of their dark draconic scaled armor.
"Normal guns aren't doing anything to them though I guessed as much. We've got to help them."
"If the police see us trying to fight with them they'll just drag us away. We've gotta try to fight another way."
"...By retreating and defending to the base then taking the fight to them."
Doreen smirked.
"Good plan. Let's go."
Suddenly one of the buildings close to them was hit by a blast and stone began to fall towards them. They both dived out of the way. One member of the NYPD turned to them.
"Run you two! Go!"
They didn't need to be told twice. As they ran some of the soldiers broke from the lines and rushed forward, firing smaller versions of the blasters their comrades carried. Smaller yet quicker energy blasts were fired in quick succession, striking down many of the officers in a blitz strike.
Rayshaun's eyes widened at the quick strike, the soldiers had successfully slaughtered the NYPD officers before they could reload. Some of the blasts had destroyed parts of the cars or even going through more than one officer at a time with one blast. These were not the same caliber of soldiers he and his team had once faced.
He and Doreen ran, trying to stay clear of their blasts while also trying draw their fire away from civilians. As a few young men and women fell behind a car as some of the soldiers slaughtered some brave men who tried to distract them to no avail. Rayshaun grabbed a considerably large chunk of stone from a destroyed part of a building and threw it at one of the soldiers. It broke apart against the helmet of one of the soldiers though it made its wearer turn towards him.
Rayshaun cursed the invader before he threw a rock. The soldiers soon started to level their guns at him, only for Doreen to quickly reveal her tail. This caused the soldiers to pause for a moment. The young group that had been trapped turn and ran, not having seen their saviors. Doreen and Rayshaun then ran causing the closest soldiers to break their slow march to run after them.
As they rounded the corner, Doreen swung on a sign a good foot above them and slammed her feet onto one of their helmets. The creature hissed as it fell back, the blaster falling from their hands. The other moved to aim theirs at her, but she quickly leapt up throwing a sweeping kick that struck all of the others directly in front of her.
Her eyes widened then she grinned.
"That training is really paying off!"
One of the soldiers shouted a horrific sound bellow as it lunged forward, a ghastly blade being drawn from its side. But Doreen hadn't visibly notice this though she felt her hair stand on in. She quickly dodged out of the way, the blade cutting through a nearby street lamp.
"Whoo! That was cl-"
More of the soldier rushed forward at her before she could complete her sentence.
Rayshaun grunted as he tossed rocks at the soldiers, but they only broke apart and fell to the ground once striking the armor. One of the soldiers fired its gun at him though Rayshaun barely just managed to dodge out of the way.
"Really wish I had my shield right now!"
Doreen grinned as she lunged forward and drop kicked one of the soldiers and knocking it into another.
"What was the Old Wolf trying to teach us? Adapt and follow our intuition?"
Rayshaun grumbled as he continued to evade the attacks from the soldiers. He continued to toss rocks or broken pieces of concrete at them whenever he spotted some.
"I'm doing my best here!"
Doreen grunted as she leapt away from a sword strike and grabbed Rayshaun before leaping off with one arm around him.
"We need to regroup with the others. Try and contact them while I get us to the base."
-Elsewhere In The City, A Few Minutes Earlier-
Quake, Iron Heart, America Chavez, Ms. Marvel, and Inferno armed themselves for battle. Iron Heart typed some commands onto her gauntlet, checking over energy levels for her armor.
"Armor's good to go! But what about Gwen, Doreen, and Rayshaun! They don't have their holy weapons?"
Quake sheathed her katana and turned back to her teammate.
"I got a message from Doreen that she and Rayshaun are on their way here. I informed them to that their gear and weapons are waiting for them. Gwen I haven't heard from yet. Iron Heart, once we get a foothold in the city you'll take her weapon to her. Can you guard it with something?"
Iron Heart typed some commands on her gauntlet. The group hear the sounds of a small engine and from the tech lab emerged a large metallic box, about the size of a small car, that was marked similar to Iron Heart's armor. Its shape began to undo itself like a puzzle box. Within it were several unmarked smaller boxes and holsters and racks for various weapons. The Secret Warrior grabbed Gwen's crossbow and placed it on one of the weapon racks. Then the box shifted to its base form.
Ms. Marvel grinned.
"Sweet. How long have you been working on that?"
"Ever since we learned an invasion was possible."
America Chavez nodded.
"It's loaded with weapons and machines to help us. But no time to talk, we gotta go."
Quake nodded.
"Make us a portal, Chavez."
America grinned and nodded. She threw punch forward and a large star shape portal appeared before them. Quake nodded.
"Let's go!"
She led the group through the portal, the box following them.
-Manhattan Streets, Moments Later-
The group emerged close to Time Square. The NYPD and the military stood around cars and other vehicles firing off weapons at the soldiers. Quake turned to team.
"Come on!"
Her teammates nodded as they followed her towards the battle. A man in uniform with the mark of the National Guard turned to them after firing off some rounds with his machine gun at one of the soldiers. His eyes widened at them.
"What're you kids doing?! Get out of here!"
But the Secret Warriors raced towards their foes.
Iron Heart fired off repulsor blasts as she closed the distance. The energy blasts struck some of the soldiers, burning the parts of the armor that were struck and stunning them.
Quake slammed one hand against the ground, the concrete started to crack and break from the concussive power the young Inhuman unleashed. Concrete struck the soldiers, some dropping to the ground or being stunned and knocked back.
"Now!"
Her team rushed across and over the broken ground. Inferno shouted as he threw one hand forward as he neared the soldiers, a stream of fire raced and struck the soldiers. The creatures hissed as the flames scorched some of their armor, trying to block the fire with their shields. Then fire then suddenly stopped and as they pulled their shield away the Secret Warriors lunged with their holy weapons.
Inferno slashed down with his axe, the bladed edge cutting through the shield and slashing the gauntlet that held it. The shield disintegrated though the gauntlet remained though visibly damaged. The soldier hissed as it aimed to stab him with a sword.
"Not happening!"
Ms. Marvel's kusarigama wrapped around and cut the blade to pieces as she pulled her weapon back. Inferno chuckled as he threw one hand forward, bathing the soldier in flames.
"Thanks!"
Ms. Marvel grinned at him as her response.
Some of the soldiers aimed their blasters at her. Iron Heart's armor readings alerted her to this. She held out her arms to either side. From them hidden compartments armed to the brim with small missiles extruded from the armor then fired. The missiles flew around Ms. Marvel and struck the blasters either destroying them, damaging them, or knocking them from the hands of their owners.
"I got your back, Double M!"
"Thanks!"
Ms. Marvel shouted as she increased the size of one of her legs and then kicked the soldiers away, sending them flying. Quake smiled at this before she sliced her katana through the blaster of one of the soldiers then slashed through the shield of another, destroying both of them in the process. Quake couldn't help but gaze at her blade and smile.
"I love this sword."
Another soldier rushed at her, blade in hand but she cut through the sword then threw one hand forward and knocking it and the surrounding soldiers backwards with a concussive blast. Then she quickly blocked a sword blow from another soldier, its hiss bellowed from its helmet. She gritted her teeth as she held her ground though her physical strength was not as great as her foe's.
Chavez let out a shout as she leapt over to her teammate, her daggers stabbing through the soldier's helmet. A horrific mix of a scream and screech bellowed from the helmet before the entity disintegrated. Quake gasped as she looked to her teammate and nodded.
"Thanks."
America chuckled and returned her nod.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."
"Imperious enhanced his soldiers or made new ones. We have to get a direct blow to them within or do as much damage as possible for the weapons to work."
Chavez blocked a sword strike with her daggers before pushing it aside and stabbing into the soldier's helmet with the same results as before.
"Crusader ever mention these kinds of soldiers in his short war stories?"
Quake shot another concussive blast as a few soldiers rushed at her, blades in hand.
"Never got to that point."
Chavez backhanded another soldier as she responded.
"How thoughtful of him!"
Iron Heart flew over them, firing repulsor blasts with one gauntlet and slashed her naginata with the other. A few of the soldiers slashed their blades at her weapon, locking it in a hold.
"Really wish this thing had rocket propulsion or something!"
Iron Heart then fired a laser from the free gauntlet, the energy beam burning the armor of the soldiers it hit. She then fired a repulsor blast at their weapons after they recoiled from the heat. The Secret Warrior then took the naginata in both hand and slashed it at them as the ends of her protected arms retracted slightly and rocket propulsion fired out. The blade of the weapon slashed through the soldiers within a second, decapitating each of them before they all crumbled to dust.
"Or I use propulsion from my arms to power the swing. Nice!"
Iron Heart chuckled.
The group's comms went off as a familiar voice called out.
"Guys! Is this really happening?! I was about to start practicing with my band!"
Quake grunted as she blocked a sword strike from a soldier as she answered.
"Imperious has launched his invasion! His soldiers are stronger than before! I'm sending Iron Heart to you for you to get your weapon! Where are you, Ghost Spider?!"
-Several Blocks Away-
Ghost Spider leapt away from several blasts from the soldiers as they aimed their weapons at her or tried to at least.
"I heard some of the worst of this attack was near Times Square! I'm a good run to the East of there and there's a whole bunch of these guys between there and here! And...I have company with me."
Her father fired his sidearm from behind a car with a few more officers from the NYPD at the soldiers though their shields blocked the bullets.
"That better be those new friends of yours! I don't know how long we can keep this up!"
Ghost Spider didn't respond to him.
"Bring me my weapon, hurry."
Iron Heart responded immediately.
"On it!"
Ghost Spider sighed as she ran along the building she was crouched against, web bolts firing from her hands. But as the webbing struck the shields and weapons of the soldiers, though slowly began to dissolve. Her eyes widened.
"Oh you've gotta be kidding me!"
Captain Stacey grumbled as he reloaded his weapon. He looked up the one he didn't know was his daughter.
"Come on! You've gotta do better than that against whatever these things are! I thought you were supposed to be tougher than this!"
Ghost Spider grumbled as she continued to fire web shots as fast as she could, trying to overwhelm the soldiers with the sheer quantity of her webbing.
"I don't see your weapons doing anything either!"
Captain Stacey and the officers gasped as the creatures battered aside the car and raised several blades. Ghost Spider's eyes widened.
"NO!"
She lunged forward, her feet slammed into of one of the soldiers and embedded it into the concrete. Ghost Spider then fired webbing at the others then pulled her hands to their opposite sides. The soldiers slammed into one another at break neck speed before the webbing could dissolve.
One of the cops gasped at this.
"Whoa!"
Ghost Spider then picked up one of the soldiers then tossed it at more that approached, bulldozing through them before they could try to evade. Captain Stacey's eyes widened at this display of strength before he picked himself up, clearing his throat as he looked to the young woman.
"...Thanks..."
Ghost Spider slowly nodded before turning to the entities again.
"Unless you've got bigger weapons around here somewhere, I suggest you retreat or help civilians."
"...What about you?..."
Ghost Spider grinned as she saw a familiar figure flying towards her.
"Mine's here."
The cube that flew above Iron Heart retracted and a small holster that held Ghost Spider's crossbow flew towards her then released its grip on the weapon as it dropped into her hands. Ghost Spider nodded to Iron Heart.
"Thanks! New toy?"
Iron Heart cut a soldier's blade in two before she turned to her friend.
"You know me girl, only the good stuff."
"Sweet."
Ghost Spider aimed her weapon and fired a bolt that shot through the helmet of one of the soldiers. A horrific gurgling sound came from the entity before it disintegrated. The eyes of Captain Stacey and the other cops were wide at this before one of them spoke.
"Where can we get those?"
Ghost Spider chuckled.
"Sorry, big kids only! Now hurry!"
Ghost Spider then continued to fire off more bolts, Iron Heart slashing her naginata as she flew beside her. Captain Stacey sighed and turned to his officers before they rushed off.
"Come on! Let's get to the armory!"
-S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ-
Director Fury met with Captain America, Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Metatron, Cassandra, and Jacob. Holographic screens displayed the fighting in the city. Metatron snarled at this, his teeth bared. Director Fury's hand were planted on the table in front of him.
"There was no warning, our sensors didn't pick up the energy signature of the portals. Those things started marching out right after."
Captain America watched as the entities marched as one, their movements mirroring one another seemingly without flaw.
"Look at how they march, their steps in seemingly perfect unison. This Dragon Emperor has honed these soldiers into working with precision."
Metatron grumbled.
"Imperious seeks perfection in his grand design. These warriors are an example of it."
Captain Marvel turned to him.
"You fought these same things on your world. But I thought they only fought with swords and bows and arrows?"
The Wolf shook his head.
"It's not a pleasant memory to recall. But at first the attacks were like the first ones here. That butcher Wraith eventually marched on us with soldier similar to these though only fought with what you humans now call: 'primitive weapons'. But they were stronger, more disciplined."
Iron Man mumbled to himself, gaining Director Fury's attention.
"Care to share, Stark?"
"This guy could've fire bombed their world with this kind of weaponry from the start or even after their first battles. Why didn't he?"
Captain America turned to Metatron.
"You once told me Imperious held your family's weapon in this vault?"
Metatron nodded.
"The clone explained he kept it and other weapons from fallen weapons he saw as worthy opponents."
Captain America scoffed.
"He wishes to 'honor' his opponents by using weapons that are at the very least comparable to theirs. With your home, he saw real warriors and had a twisted belief of the best way to honor your people with a 'fair fight'. Here he's likely doing the same...except he's making a point of his power to us."
Cassandra growled, fire emerging from her mouth as she bared her fangs.
"He doesn't know the meaning of the word. If he hadn't sent the sadist against us and murdered our Gods, he would've lost."
Jacob nodded.
"But we know one thing now: he'll be coming for his general."
Director Fury nodded.
"I have a team of agents guarding the way to where Stalker is being held. I also needed to ask if any of you will stay here to help guard him."
Iron Man scoffed.
"No way, I'm not missing out on this fight."
"This isn't a game, Stark!"
"No, it isn't. That's why you need me and my armor out there where I can do as much damage as possible."
"If-"
Suddenly they started hearing explosions. They turned to see from the holographic screens that the bridges linking Manhattan to the city's other boroughs were being blown up by the invading forces. Director Fury's good eye narrowed then turned to Iron Man and nodded. The Armored Avenger nodded back then flew off.
Captain America latched his shield to his arm.
"I'm going too."
"Cap, we need you here. You know as well as I do if that army gets one of their main commanders out, this is only going to get worse."
"But-"
"I know, you being out there would be an inspiration to everyone...but I fear if Stalker gets out...my agents might not be enough to hold him. I want you there to protect them as well. You too Captain Marvel."
"...Fine...but if it starts to get really bad and something even worse than those things comes out of those portals, I'm flying out to stop it."
Director Fury nodded. He turned to the Faunian trio.
"I know we've asked a lot of you three, but-"
Metatron sighed.
"Sometimes I feel whatever is said before the word 'but' doesn't count. Nevertheless, we will help you guard your prisoner. I cannot say the same for the young kit."
"Kit?"
-Secret Warriors' Base, Vixen's Room-
Vixen pulled aside the closet door to her room. Her eyes fell upon the sword her father had given her. The young woman took hold of the pommel of the Blade Of Heaven. She sighed as she turned to see Vulpine standing in the door way.
"He's come. His army is now marching upon this world."
"I'm going to stop it. I'm going to stop him."
"Even with that weapon, you'd be fighting through countless of his warriors. Still, that's not the most important detail here."
"What?"
"Imperious will want Stalker free. If his general is unchained, he'll take direct command of the army here and destroy it before marching upon the rest of the planet. We need to make sure he isn't freed."
Vixen shook her head after contemplating what he said.
"N-No, the immediate threat is the soldiers. Sure, Imperious will want his servant free. Right now, there are people that need help. His soldiers will kill my friends, they're out there right now fighting them. I can't leave them to do this by themselves. You can go guard Stalker."
Vulpine shook his head.
"No, we shouldn't be separated. That'll make Imperious more likely to succeed that way."
"Ok, then let's go help my friends."
"But-"
Vixen grumbled.
"I'm not going to let what happened to Faunia happen here! I couldn't help fight back against Imperious that time...I can help fight back against him now...and you...I know you seek to atone for what you've done, help protect the people here...don't let this world fall too."
Vulpine was quiet for a moment before he nodded.
Vixen smiled.
They hurried out of her room, meeting Squirrel Girl and Patriot with their weapons in hand. SG's eyes were narrowed, though not at them.
"Let's go kick some tail!"
Vixen grinned as they raced out of the base.
-Streets of Manhattan-
Squirrel Girl shouted as she fired multiple arrows from her bows, the projectiles peppering the shields of the soldiers as she raced along the streets. Not to far from her, Patriot grunted as he strained against the blows from a soldier's mace as it pounded against his shield.
"R-Really glad, Iron Heart upgraded the durability of my shield!"
He shouted as he aimed to stab the soldier with his spear, the blade end being blocked by the shield of another soldier. His eyes widened then narrowed as he slashed the spear at the entity's feet, tripping it before he then stabbed the spear into the elbow joint of the soldier that was attacking him. From the elbow to its hand, that part of the arm started to disintegrate which received a hissing screech from the creature.
Squirrel Girl rushed over and fired an arrow at the soldier that had tripped by Patriot which plunged below the helmet and into the neck. This received an audible gurgle before the entity turned to dust though not before Vulpine snatched its sword from its hand. The Fox evaded a blow from an axe from another soldier before slashing back, cutting off the point where the handle met the blade of the axe. He shouted as he then lunged forward and stabbed the blade into the soldier's helmet. Only the sound of metal meeting metal was heard before the entity dissolved.
"Not a bad blade."
Patriot grunted as he picked himself up.
"Glad you found it. Now-"
Patriot blocked a sword blow from another enemy with his shield.
"-what's the deal with these things?"
Vulpine grumbled, though only at himself as he evaded and deflected more attacks as he spoke.
"Imperious told me he seeks to honorably conquer the known Multiverse. He wishes to not totally overpower his opponents unless absolutely necessary. He enhanced his soldiers after a certain point on the war on Faunia. Still only using the sword and the bow, but much more powerful foot soldiers than the fodder the warriors of Faunia cut down so easily."
"So he thinks he's doing us a favor by being less of a megalomaniac?!"
Vulpine blocked a sword strike from another soldier, teeth bared.
"It's his belief, yes."
Patriot fumed as he dodged a strike from an axe before stabbing its owner with his spear.
"He's really underestimating us!"
Squirrel Girl nodded as she fired an arrow through another soldier's helmet.
"He'll pay for that!"
"Yes he will!"
They turned to see Vixen growl as she cut a soldier in half with the fiery blade. The young Fox grunted as she slashed the sword through the shield of another then decapitated it before cutting another one in half from the shoulder diagonally down. Her teeth were bared as more of them marched forward.
"He'll pay for what he's done and what he's doing!"
Vixen howled as she slashed the sword again, the blade cutting through multiple soldiers as they tried to lunge at her. The glow and fire of the blade was brighter and fiercer than any of them had seen before, none of the enemy's weapons, armor, or shield could halt its wrath as the wielder slashed through soldier after soldier as she opened her maw and growled in fury.
SG's eyes widened at this sight.
"Whoa."
Vixen turned her gaze towards all of Imperious' soldiers within her gaze and let out a fierce war cry.
"Who else wants some!" Vixen challenged as she readied The Blade Of Heaven.
Imperious' soldiers answered that proclamation with their own demonic sounding hisses and roars as they all charged...
The Secret Warriors, and Vulpine took combat stances next to Vixen with their respective Holy Weapons, and then as one they charged forward to meet the line of Imperious' soldiers...
To Be Continued...
AN: So War has begun. Buckle in, it's going to be an exciting ride, and it's only just begun... Please let me hear your thoughts. Until next time.
Also I want to give an updated voice actors list, since one main characters voice actor has been changed, that being Metatron's voice actor, plus I'm adding two new voice actors for new characters:
Heroes:
Vixen Starlight: Melisa Hutchison
Vulpine: Scott Menville
Crusader: Jim Caviezel
Madam Elise: Tara Strong
Metatron Arch: Liam Neeson
Cassandra: Kaitlyn Dever
Jacob: Yuri Lowenthal
Speaker Crane: Ian McDiarmid
Unnamed Apprentice for Crusader: Matt Lanter (official name upcoming in story)
Villains:
Imperious: Keith David
Stalker: Ron Pearlman
Wraith: Mark Hamill
Unnamed Assassin for Imperious: Jason Griffith (official name upcoming in story)
Existing Characters from Fandom:
Doreen Green/Squirrel Girl: Milana Vayntrub
America Chavez: Cierra Ramirez
Kamala Kahn/Ms. Marvel: Kathreen Khavari
Daisy Johnson/Quake: Chloe Bennet
Dante/Inferno: Tyler Posey
Rayshaun Lucas/Patriot: Kamil McFadden
Gwen Stacy/Ghost Spider: Dove Cameron