AN: Merry Belated Christmas everyone and a Happy New Years eve everyone. Story's Shadow and I are back for another update for Vixen. We hope you all enjoy it. Unto the show :)
-Washington D.C., The White House-
Every soldier and guard in Washington D.C. around, on, or in the White House stared in complete shock and some in awe at who and what was before them. From golden portals with it centers as pure as honey with small flames that danced around their edges, soldiers fitted in plated armor designed as combat exoskeletons that some of the Secret Service noted as more advanced versions that the presidents, members of staff, and generals had discussed were in the plans for military technological upgrades for the near future.
The golden plated metal stood in stark contrast to the more dark plated and scaled armor of the invaders. Though similar to the invaders, these new soldiers had visors on their helmets that were white and ornate designs in the styles of perhaps wings or flames were seen as marks on their shoulders or legs.
The humans watched as the new soldiers continued to fire their weapons at the invaders, which seemed sort of similar to various weaponry they held though their structures were more sleek and mirrored the exoskeleton armor they wore. Some resembled assault rifles or large shotguns. Though soon many of the men's focuses turned upon the soldier leading the charge. They stood almost a foot taller than the rest, either arm carrying a large weapon in hand with one firing golden blasts of energy while the other fired what the men suspected was bullets given the sound it made and not being able to see except for several small golden glints here or there.
They heard loud masculine yelling roaring from the helmet which was partially designed in the visage of what some recognized as a snarling hyena as he got closer to the gates.
"Forward!"
The command shot out like a roar, many of the soldiers following behind the gungho leader before them.
Their weapons continued cut or burn through the armor of these invaders, which sometimes earned a hiss or cry of pain that sorted of sounded human though not to the extent of these new soldiers.
One of the guards just outside the White House called out a command.
"What are you waiting for?! We've got back up!"
The man turned around one of the remaining pillar, firing off his pistol at more of the invaders. The rest of the guards and soldiers aided in return fire against the invaders, only to again realize their weapons were not doing seemingly any damage to these soldiers. Their shields locked against one another, weathering the storm of their conventional weapons. This wasn't the case for the weapons of these new soldiers. The blasts from their energy based weapons blew apart their shields and sometimes a few soldiers that were more grouped up.
The golden bullets punched holes through the shields, some making their way into the armor of these soldiers. Many turned to dust once they'd been struck in the head or they'd been hammered with multiple bullets.
One of the invaders raised a sword in the air, letting out a sound that was a mix of a yell and a screech. The invaders unlocked their shields as they raced into combat, letting out similar sounds to the first that had instigated this charge.
The invaders and new soldiers clashed against one another, blades and blasts crossing.
One of the snipers watched in his scope as one of these golden armored soldiers used their gun to block the slash from one of the invaders before pushing it aside then slamming a gauntlet into the helmet of its enemy. As it fell to the ground, a burn mark on its helmet in the form that matched the gauntlet's knuckles another took its place.
It thrust with its blade, striking the flank of the warrior as they just managed to twist to the side. The sniper saw the blade cut across the armor though the attack hadn't been deep. There was a little dark mist that rose from it though he soon found himself watch the warrior backhand the invader sending it flying back.
The first warrior they'd clashed with lunged with their blade, having gotten themself off the ground. The sniper fired their weapon, the bullet striking the soldier's helmet. This made them stop in their tracks though they didn't fall to the ground. This had given their intended target the time to move their weapon into place and fire, the golden surge of energy disintegrated the soldier on the spot. They turned around and nodded in the direction of the sniper, whom saw this through his scope. He gasped a little at this before nodding.
As if seeing this, the warrior then turned and engaged another soldier in battle.
"Who the hell are these guys?"
The warrior in the hyena helmet growled as he maneuvered his weapons around, disintegrating or gunning down more of the soldiers.
"First regiment, surround the building! Other teams work your way through the city and drive them out!"
The golden armored soldiers moved to follow his order. The first several ranks of soldiers that had emerged from the portals formed a barrier around the White House's perimeter. Another sniper watched this from he was positioned.
"Whoever these guys are, they're saving our a*. Help 'em out! Do what damage you can!"
He aimed his weapon at the soldier he recognized he called out the verbal call that drove the invaders to charge into battle. The warrior slashed with its sword, struggling against the weapon of one of these new soldiers. Its opponent launched a kick at its legs, the blow struck and made them crumple onto their knees. Though as this happened, the invader thrust their blade forward. The weapon hit the armor and despite not piercing through it completely, the blade started to cut into it.
This received a cry of anger and pain from its opponent.
The sniper frowned and fired his weapon, the bullet striking the invader's hand. This made the invader's grip on their weapon loosen, giving their foe the time backhand the soldier sending them flying back and into more of the invaders. They gasped and groaned as they removed the blade. Bright red blood dripped off the edge of the blade, the sniper noticed. The soldier crushed the weapon in their gauntlet, which turned to ash. They then placed the gauntlet over the cut part of their armor, which slowly was leaking blood. A small golden light shined from within and around it. Once they removed it, the sniper noticed the pierced part of the armor had been repaired and even the blood that had dripped down was now gone.
Like the other warrior, they nodded to this sniper before firing their blaster at the warrior that had attacked them.
Though this invader skidded out of the blast radius, a dark shadow formed in their sword hand and another sword manifested into their grip. It lout a hiss as it lunged forward, the blade slashing down at its opponent. But the solider rolled out of the way and fired their weapon when they were on their feet again. The blast destroyed the shield of the invader as it moved it in place to protect it. Their left gauntlet was singed from the blast, the metal visibly heated.
The soldier turned, hissing, at seeing this though continued to charge forward. But the next blast fired by its enemy disintegrated it on contact. The warrior turned and continued to fire with their blaster, the golden surges of energy destroying and blowing apart more of the invaders.
One of the guards within the White House on the upper level watched as some of these golden armored soldiers armed one of their hands with what appeared to be a metal cylinder which moments later had golden white energy blades emerge from them. The energy swords cut through the shields and blades of their foes.
"They have lightsabers too?!"
Some of the other guards laughed at what they believed was absurdity.
More of the golden armored soldiers emerged from the portal, firing their weapons at the invaders as soon as they gained sight of them.
The warrior with the dual guns and the hyena emblazoned helmet smashed one of the guns against the helmet of an invader, sending them flying and into more of its allies. He then forcefully pushed the blast end against the helmet of another, firing the weapon and disintegrating them on contact. He continued to fire both weapons.
"You're not getting any further! You hear me?!"
The invaders only continued their attack though more and more of them were mown down or blasted into ash by these foes. This continued as more and more of the warriors managed to form firing lines. Others moved to pull away injured soldiers and civilians out of the way of the battle as golden energy shields formed from and around an arm.
The president watched in complete awe, a smile starting to spread on his face.
"I'm not sure I can believe it."
Director Fury watched, arms crossed.
"It's about damn time."
The president turned to him, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
"They've come."
Fury nodded at this, still watching the battle on the screens.
Soon in the sky, more portals appeared but far, far larger than those on the ground. From them emerged massive armored aircraft that rumbling and roared into the sky above. The warriors that emerged from the portals on the ground cheered at this at seeing them though quickly returning their focus to the battle.
These ships seemed to be shaped quite similar to the weapons the warriors wielded though they appeared to be plated in their design and almost like that of a knight's scaled armor. From them, large shifting guns moved into position to aim at the larger groups of the invaders.
The warrior with the dual guns and hyena helmet looked up at the ships as he fired the machine gun and turned one of the invader's armors into Swiss cheese before they disintegrated.
"Fire when ready Ship Captains! We'll hold them!"
Moments later, large surges of golden white energy fired from the guns. They seared through large sections of the invading army, fire raised from the ground as the soldiers disintegrated instantly from the blasts. One of the snipers watched in horror at this, fearing the surrounding area would be destroyed in the strike. When he looked through his scope, he watched with shock at seeing the surrounding area was untouched with only tiny spots of ash from where the invaders were remained.
"Holy-"
More of the ships fired from above, incinerating and blowing up large groups or small pockets of the invading forces. The invading army continued to drop in numbers as the ships and foot soldiers kept firing, mowing through their lines.
A hissing screech called out through the city and moments later, tears in reality opened in the air throughout the city. What remained of the invading force, which was now less than half. Though the golden armored soldiers continued fire, mowing down more though the invaders did manage to escape before they'd all been wiped out.
The golden armored soldiers cheered at this. Though soon they moved through the city, treating the resident soldiers and civilians. The light healed even the most previous of wounds within seconds, receiving looks of disbelief and shock. Other people wept in happiness, hugging these strange soldiers who healed them.
Director Fury stood in one of the corners, a hand on his ear as he sent a message over the comms.
"Yes, the Continuum have arrived. They routed the invaders, they have warships that dwarf our helicarriers and their weapons cut through their armor and weapons liked Ms. Starlight informed."
The president turned to his staff.
"We need to send out an order to rally our soldiers into a defense of the city and then call every governor and senator in the country to prepare all our soldiers for a nationwide defense. Every law enforcement agency needs to be prepared for sabotage and spying measures against any more of these attacks. We cannot be caught off guard like this again."
Soon a small yet bright light appeared in the Bunker and once it vanished someone stood in its place. A tall being held an erect pose, arms crossed. The Secret Service members in the room instantly pulled out their weapons, all aimed at this being. They all soon took a full analysis of his appearance now. Much like the soldiers outside, there was no part of his physical body seen though what he wore revealed his gender and build.
Though they weren't sure how to describe what this being wore though Director Fury, who now eyes this being, took mental notes of his armor. It was a multitude of colors that defined it design, the most striking part being a golden crucifix emblazoned on his well built chest and torso which matched his bright eyes and gauntlets. Though the silver design of his uniform appeared somewhat like the more sleek and form fitting costumes of some superheroes though it also appeared to be possibly partially metallic with subtle plating along the entirety of its form and a golden and white cape that he noted was fairly similar to the one of Doctor Strange wore (though his had golden plating that held the cape to the rest of his form.
The being then finally spoke.
"Your city is safe for now, the enemy has retreated to their master's domain. In time, they will return as they continue their sieges around your home world."
Director Fury took a few steps forward, holding a place a few feet away from him.
"Crusader, I presume?"
"And you're Director Fury."
President Langford brushed off any possibly dirt off his suit and quickly fixed his hair into place before he walked over to the being and held out his hand.
"President Langford, it's an honor, sir."
Crusader after a moment shook the man's hand. He looked both men over, noting different reactions to his presence as he'd expected. Then a small light emerged and from it, what Fury recognized as a hologram began to form from above it though what was presented the most realistic one he'd ever seen.
A woman appeared, fitted in golden and white robes, whom Crusader nodded his head to with a slight bow before he turned to the men. The woman spoke up.
"President Langford, Director Fury. I am Elise and this is Crusader, we are Continuum as you both know I believe."
President Langford nodded, managing to compose himself for the most part.
"Yes, ma'am. We're truly grateful for your aid in this crisis."
Elise nodded, a small smile on her face. She turned to Director Fury.
"Director Fury, your organization and its close allies deserve praise and honors for your shadow war against Imperious and his forces."
"We've done our best, but the war is no longer resigned to the shadows."
Elise nodded.
"Indeed, now he has publicly struck against your world like he has done to many others."
Director Fury's grim expression wasn't lost on the Continuum leaders. Crusader's arms crossed behind him as he spoke.
"Speak your mind, Director."
"How soon can you end this war and kill that bastard?"
President Langford grimaced at this, turning to the Director with both fear and annoyance.
"Director, you shouldn't speak like that in front of-"
Elise chuckled, much to Langford's surprise.
"His honesty is appreciated, Mr. President."
Crusader didn't laugh though he showed no signs of rage.
"This war won't be easily won, Director. Imperious is a formidable foe and we speak from experience."
Director Fury nodded after a moment.
"As do we."
Crusader nodded in return.
"We cannot promise a swift, decisive victory. This war will be grueling."
"Then we should prepare a strike team, the best of both our forces to be sent in to eliminate the threat as soon as possible to prevent further destruction and death."
"If you go into the dragon's den without knowing his defenses and forces, whomever we might send will likely be slain and thus leave our worlds with less defenders."
"That's why we'd have more teams prepared to reinforce them or pull them out. We cannot let Imperious go unchallenged while he sieges our world."
"He won't be unchallenged. We have been creating preparations and strategies to reinforce this world's current defenses and ready for the assault on his citadel ship."
President Langford nodded at this.
"Our nation's soldiers and spies are ready to aid in the war against this enemy."
Elise nodded at this.
"And we are here to support your world. Imperious shall regret what he has done."
Director Fury nodded after a moment.
"How long have you been preparing to face him?"
Crusader turned to him.
"We had to be sure to test our weapons and arm our soldiers for the war ahead. Not all of our warriors faced his legions the time before. Our ships, as you noticed, targeted the malevolent energy that empowers the constructs he creates and destroys them. The war before caused untold destruction and we intend to prevent them as much as possible this time."
Director Fury turned to Elise.
"I suspect that one with the dual weapons is one of your more seasoned and special operatives?"
Elise nodded.
"Hyena is a fierce warrior and a part of a team that are amongst are most skilled soldiers. They will be heavily involved in this war."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. will need to have a link with them as to share intel and create more efficient methods to combat this threat."
Elise and Crusader shared a look with one another before turning to Director Fury, the former spoke first.
"We shall what information we feel is necessary."
"You of all people understand the necessity of certain information must remain secret."
Director Fury took a step forward, gazing at both of them with his good eye which showed a slight detail of irritation.
"I do understand that, I know you also know in defense of your home you need every capable weapon and advantage you can get to end the threat."
President Langford took a step forward, placing a hand on Director Fury's shoulder.
"Fury, they just saved us. I think we can be open to compromise here and-"
Crusader raised his hand, which actually made Langford go quiet.
"Your desire to protect your home does you credit, Director Fury. We do not wish to disrespect you or you home, our sworn duty is to defend humanity."
"Then why the hell didn't you show up earlier?!"
Elise nodded at this.
"We know about the helicarrier, Director. Your loss is a tragedy and we cannot undo what has been done. We just aim to prevent as much death because of Imperious as much as possible."
Director Fury shook his head before he started to walk off.
"Then you'll have to explain that to three people in particular. You all know how to reach me."
He then left. President Langford felt sweat pouring down his face as he turned to the Continuum.
"Forgive him, I'm afraid the man has had so much on his mind that-"
Elise gave him a sad smile.
"We aren't upset or angry with him. His anger is understandable and our purpose here is to defend your home."
President Langford nodded at this.
Crusader turned to Elise.
"Madam, if you'd allow me-"
"Go see your daughter, Crusader. Give her my best and be gentle."
Crusader nodded.
Light enveloped him and he vanished.
Manhattan, S.H.I.E.L.D. Camp
Vixen laid in her bed, the plate of food and her drink beside her bed untouched. Vulpine walked into her tent, looking at the food and drink.
"Why haven't you touched your food or drink?"
"I can't stop thinking about what's happened. I lost it on the battlefield...I could've gotten myself and others killed."
"Your rage was justified, you cannot blame yourself for letting your emotions guide you when you faced his soldiers."
"I still hate Imperious and what he's done, but I shouldn't have been so stupid."
"You weren't stupid. It's not necessarily uncommon for certain Faunian warriors to go into a battle rage when they're fighting a battle against a foe they hate."
"I know I'm Faunian...but I'm not sure I'm a warrior...and I wasn't taught to fight by Faunians."
"I think Metatron has taught you by now, that a Faunian who has a desire to fight for what's right is a Faunian warrior regardless of how they've learned to fight."
"He sounds like a wise man."
Both turned to see someone who appeared in the tent, which made Vixen gasp at the sight of them as her ears perked up.
"Father?"
Crusader walked over and knelt down by her side.
"Vixen, I'm sorry it took me so long to get here."
Vixen began to cry a little and hugged him, which he returned.
Vulpine watched this, silent. Crusader after a few moments, released his daughter from the embrace and stood up. He turned to Vulpine, arms crossing.
"And you're Vulpine."
The Fox sighed.
"I am."
"Even though my people have not taken part in the war for many years till now, I'm aware of what's occurred on Faunia and here."
Vulpine nodded, a grim expression on his face though there was no signs of stress or fear.
"Then you know that I, regardless of how much my subconscious was under Imperious's thrall, I was manipulating your daughter."
"And what you've done with her."
Vulpine's ears perked up at this a little.
"She didn't know who I truly was."
"I know."
"Dad, don't be mad I-"
Crusader knelt down and took her hands.
"I'm not upset. I was surprised you did what you did, for the most part. Regardless of my feelings and our society's beliefs...what you felt when you met him and what it meant to you...it's something I cannot truly understand."
Vixen sobbed.
"He's a victim of Imperious too."
"...I know..."
He gently embraced her again.
"We're here now, we'll do everything in our power to end Imperious's threat."
"We'll do what we can too."
Crusader not long after released her from the embrace though one hand rest on her body, light shining around and from it. Vixen gasped in relief, her wounds and pain now gone. The Continuum turned to the food and drink by his daughter's bed.
"You need to eat and drink. If you're too fight again, you must be ready in all forms."
Vulpine nodded to Vixen at this. She sighed after a moment then moved to get the plate and drink. Crusader nodded at this.
"I'll return to check on you, I must return to speak with Elise. She sends her best."
Vixen smiled slightly.
"Give her my best."
Crusader nodded then began to exit the tent, though not before motioning to Vulpine to follow him. The Fox exited the tent not long after, meeting Crusader in a more concealed part of the camp. The Continuum stood before him, arms crossed.
"You have much to answer for."
"For what I did to Faunia, for what I nearly did to this world, or what I did to her?"
Crusader's eyes narrowed slightly, though he noticed Vulpine's expression was almost drained of emotion.
"You don't fear what punishment you may face? To any of those actions?"
"I'm more afraid of what I've done causing more pain."
Crusader's eyes relaxed after a moment.
"And what do you believe should be done once Imperious has been defeated?"
"The last true Faunians should avenge the destruction of Faunia and her people."
"By executing you?"
"It's what I deserve."
Crusader was quiet for a few minutes, arms behind his back.
"You don't believe in forgiveness?"
"For what I've done, regardless of being under someone's thrall, I don't deserve it...and one shouldn't forgive me."
"Why?"
Tears began to flow down Vulpine's face.
"I aided in the murder of nearly all of Fauna's people...if you think someone who did that deserves forgiveness, you're a fool or you don't realize the true horror of what happened."
Crusader's eyes widened a little a bit at this, surprised, before they relaxed though Vulpine noticed the grim expression on his face. The Continuum leader stepped forward.
"You think I don't know what happened? I walked the blood covered ground of that world, I saw the faces of the dead."
"Yet you didn't see how they died...didn't hear their screams or the roars of those determined to defend themselves and others. It's why, if there's anything to be done with me at the end of this war...the last true Faunians will avenge their people and home."
"Yet my daughter is one of those and I know she doesn't feel that way. Do you not consider her feelings?"
"I do...that doesn't mean I should not ignore the suffering I helped cause...me aiding in the fall of Imperious is the only reason the Wolf, Cat, and Hedgehog haven't killed me. They all lost someone because of me, The Hedgehog lost his family, the Cat lost her daughter, and the Wolf lost his wife and clan. I care about Vixen...I know what I've done must be avenged."
Crusader sighed after a few moments.
"You may receive the punishment you wish for, you may not, I cannot say for certain either way. One thing I do say for sure...regardless of what happens at the end of this war, if you wish to make things right...you will do everything within your power to defeat Imperious and end his threat forever."
"I will."
Crusader nodded then disappeared a small flash of light.
AN: We hope you all enjoyed this update. I wanna give a special shoutout to Story's Shadow's newest masterpiece: "A New Moon Rising: Pokémon Saga: Kanto Journeys" and I highly recommend everyone please give it a read, drop some reviews, and give it some favorites and follows. We hope you all have a great 2025, Happy New Years!