Remnant's Mightiest Heroes!
Chapter 25: Aftermath
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November 15, 06:00 (Eastern Standard Time)
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Mobile
Inside one of the specially designed cells of the detention block, a man lies on a cot. He is a Caucasian man with black hair and blue eyes. He is dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans. The man stirred to the waking world. Groggy eyes flickered open to see an unfamiliar gunmetal grey ceiling. Letting out a low groan, the man sat himself up and rubbed his head.
"Good morning, Simon. How's your beauty sleep?" asked the other occupant in the cell. Standing with his back to the wall is Tony Stark dressed in civilian clothes, the arc reactor glowing through his shirt. In one hand, he held a box of Krispy Kreme donuts while the other held an original glazed.
"Stark?"
"In the flesh, metal, and charming, good looks. I'm still trying to figure that out," Tony greeted nonchalantly as he bites into his doughnut.
"Where am I?"
"You're in a detention cell, courtesy of S.H.I.E.L.D. Jolly Old Nick was kind enough to let visitors," Tony said as he held out the box of donuts and said, "Want a donut? I didn't know what you liked so I got the assorted dozen. We got the classic Strawberry Shortcake, Cherry Pie, Strawberry PB&K, and Chocolate Creme. Although I recommend trying their original glaze, you won't believe how delicious that is. But if you're vegan, I recommend the Fudge Brownie Bliss, Caramel Iced Ring, or the Apple Custard Crumble."
Simon frowned at that statement. Since becoming a being made of ionic energy, he lost the need for sustenance. Not that he had the luxury when under the threat of dissipating. But from his tone, Tony is making a peace offering. Reluctantly, he reached out toward the box to select a donut when he stopped. Slowly, he withdrew his hand and looked rotated his arm while clenching and unclenching the fingers.
"Wha…what?" Simon stammered as if disbelieving what his eyes are seeing.
"Oh yeah, you were out like a light last night. Here, let me help you," Tony said as he willed his armors gauntlet to project a holographic screen in front of Simon. Thanks to small cameras on his person, the screen showed a reflective image of Simon sitting on the cot. Simon's eyes are wide and unmoving as he stared at himself. Slowly, he lifted a hand and touched his left cheek, feeling the flesh on his face. Actual flesh and not the ions that are his being. The reflected image mimicked his movements like they were a mirror.
"I'm…human again?" Simon stammered.
"You were always human Simon, but you're not exactly back to normal per se," Tony said. "The ionic lock I used only stabilized your ionic energy field. As it turns out you are composed of ionized flesh which might've made the process easier. On the bright side, you get to keep your astonishing good looks, and most of your powers, and live a very long life. And by that, I mean the possibility of forever. Not that I'm jealous or anything."
Simon just nodded as he digested this information. It was disappointing to be told he wasn't back to normal, it's better than nothing. Back before he accepted a devil's bargain and transformed himself into an unstable mass of energy. Yet despite this, he's glad that the shadow of death is no longer breathing down his neck. He had done terrible things to ensure that he didn't dissipate into nothingness. There were only two words that he could say about it.
"Thank you."
Tony twitched and nearly dropped the box of donuts in his hand. He looked at Simon like he never saw him before. It looked like he wasn't expecting that.
"That's got to be the first time I got thanked by a guy who I unintentionally turned into a supervillain," Tony remarked. "You know, when you woke up, I was expecting you to attack me on sight. Last time we had a civil conversation, you stormed off, gained superpowers, and used them to beat the crap out of me."
"I've gotten a calmer head since the last time we fought," Simon said before asking the most obvious question. "What happens now?"
"That all depends on you. Frankly, you missed so much," Tony said. "Just in case you've forgotten, I've moved into Avengers Tower. So where have you been all these years Simon? T'Challa said that he last saw you fighting the Enchantress for the Norn Stone before he got sent to the land of the dead Dark Elves. Why did you pick now to attack me?"
"I wasn't in my right mind," Simon said as he narrowed his eyes in concentration. "The Black Panther made me realize that preserving my well-being wasn't worth putting lives at risk. He even told me that I was a good person. Before then, I convinced myself that I was truly evil. I felt more at peace when I went against the Masters of Evil, knowing that even if I died, I truly did something good. But the Enchantress wasn't all that happy that I went against her and denied me that by taking me away to another place. After punishing me for my betrayal, she must've used her magic to amplify the rage I felt for you because that was all I could think of. There were brief lucid moments where I was aware of what I was doing. Amora gave me to a man with a horned helmet and…"
His voice trailed off as Simon remembered everything. It was all a haze, but he can recall certain aspects of the events that transpired. The rage and bitter hate for Tony Stark. Him storming Avengers Mansion with the intent of burning it to the ground in his search for the CEO who took his company. He only stopped when he felt the pain dissipating, which overlapped his anger. Before he blacked out, Tony had approached him and placed a device, the ionic stabilizer, on his chest.
"Oh my god…are they…did I…"
"They're alright," Tony assured him in a soothing tone. "Were those kids come from, they've faced a lot worse than a buck-naked man. To quote and unquote Thor, they've got warriors' blood in their veins. Although I'm convinced the correct term would have to be genetics and a bio-energy field that gives them superpowers. Aside from destroying my family's old estate and showing them your nudity, they're less than worse for wear. If anything, good came out of it, you got to change your birthday."
The last part was spoken in a joking tone to lighten the mood. Simon felt only relief that he didn't kill anyone. Especially when the threat of death wasn't upon him. A thick tension fell upon the cell. While he didn't show it, the armored Avenger is surprised that Simon didn't attack him on sight. Given their previous confrontations, he would say that he deserved it. After a few moments, Simon broke the silent stalemate.
"Why did you take my company, Stark?" Simon asked. "It was the only thing I had left of my family…of my father."
His father Sanford Williams, the company founder, was a much more successful businessman than he would ever be. Before Stark Industries' ascension as the world leader in the development of advanced technology, Williams Innovations was the most successful company. At the age of twenty-two, Simon accepted his father's offer to join the family firm. Unfortunately, the Williams patriarch passed away before he could fully teach Simon the family business. Under his inexperienced management, the company lost its competitive edge in the marketplace, and it became a battle to save it. Despite his efforts, it was a futile effort. In the end, the board of directors voted to sell the company to Stark Industries and his life went further downhill.
"I never wanted to destroy your life Simon," Tony said, a regretful crossing his face. "I'll admit that for being a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, I'm not much of a smooth talker. All I wanted was to help you."
"Help me?" Simon asked with a slight edge to his voice. "How is buying my company behind my back supposed to help me?"
"It would've saved your company from having to file for bankruptcy," Tony answered. "I've been looking into your company Simon. Not only do you have brilliant tech in development, but you also never lost sight of their impact. I wanted to work with you. Not as the big bad Emperor Stark as you made me out to be, but as partners. My biggest mistake was approaching the board of directors instead of you. If I had, then the whole mess that followed could've been avoided."
Any indignation that Simon had been building up dissipated. He had been taking acting classes and can tell that Stark genuinely meant it. All this time he thought that Stark was maliciously destroying his life to make another buck. Now he is proven wrong. He felt his arms go limp as he reflected on everything from that fateful meeting in Stark Tower. Him storming out of Stark's office in anger approached Eric for help and takes a devil's bargain just to destroy a man who never meant any harm. The former CEO became filled with shame.
"You're right, you should've come to me first," Simon said with a sigh, rubbing his forehead. "However, I am as much to blame for what happened that day. As a former businessman, my behavior that day was inexcusable and unprofessional. I'm not blind to my company's downfall. Maybe everything would've been better if I had just stayed. Or better yet filed for bankruptcy instead of turning to Eric for help."
"I'm going to stop you right there. You asked for help from a psycho with a bionic scythe for a hand?" Tony asked incredulously.
"I know, and that is one complete lapse of sanity that I will never forget," Simon said with a mirthless laugh. "What else was I supposed to expect from someone who calls himself the Grim Reaper? Don't get me started on his idea of saving the company. I didn't need a brain to know that he was trying to get me on some embezzlement scheme. I told him that I would rather lose my company than associate with criminal scum such as him. Going back on that decision was my greatest mistake among all the others I've made."
"We all make mistakes Simon," Tony declares. "Did you think that buying your company behind your back was my first? I've had more than my fair share of mistakes. Hell, we've all made mistakes starting from the day we're born. Some of them small as stubbing your toe, others big enough to leave a lasting impact. But the mistakes themselves should never define us. It's learning from our mistakes that should define us. So yeah, you made lots of mistakes, but it's not too late to decide how they affect you and your future. It never will be."
Tony once again offered the box of donuts to Simon. "Even now, I want to work with everyone so that we can build a better future for us all…even you if you will give me the chance."
Simon looked at the box of donuts. Tony wasn't just offering to bury the hatchet between them, it was also a second chance. To make up for all his mistakes. The last time he and Stark talked it went poorly by his hand. He won't be making the same mistake twice. After a few beats, he took the peace offering, selecting a cherry pie donut.
"I would like that as well," Simon said as he bites into it. He took the time to savor the flavor of the treat. Even though he wouldn't get hungry, it was a luxury that he wouldn't mind indulging in it. "But first, I would like to stand trial for my crimes."
"A trial? You were looking out for your life Simon," Tony defended. "Self-preservation isn't a crime. Especially when someone is forcing you to do something you disagree with."
"I almost destroyed the world and murdered four children, Tony," Simon insisted, using the CEO's first name. "I can't just brush it off like it's nothing. My actions were inexcusable. I want to repent of my sins and be free from the guild."
"Alright, if that's how you want it. I know a couple of lawyers that I can recommend to you. One of them lives out the old proverb justice is blind," Tony said when something occurred to him. "By the way, you mentioned a guy with a horned helmet were you able to recall anything more? Like a scepter, green clothing, or a devilish smirk?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Simon said. Noticing the look on Tony's face, he asked, "Something wrong?"
"You bet. If I'm correct, the person you just described is Loki," Tony said in a serious tone.
"Loki?"
"The god of mischief, Thor's evil brother. You know, from Norse mythology," Tony described. "He's the guy behind the Chitauri Invasion and took over the Nine Realms for a time. From what you just described, it appears that he and the Enchantress are working together again. We've got footage of him turning three members of RWBY into pigs just in time for a hunting party to come by. If I'm correct, which I am, he's also responsible for setting you loose on JNPR. I don't know if he did it as part of some sick joke, either way, he's got a lot to answer for."
"Stark. Visiting hours are over."
Both men's attention turned to Nick Fury. The director of S.H.I.E.L.D. is standing in front of the energy barrier that sealed the cell. With a silent command, the barrier lowered. Taking that as his cue, Tony got off the wall and walked out.
"I'm glad that we've buried the hatchet, Simon," Tony said as he materialized his armor around his body. "The partnership is still open if you're interested. But if Loki is on the loose, we've got bigger things to worry about."
November 15, 06:45 (Eastern Standard Time)
Avengers Tower, New York City
"I'll get you."
That hiss came from one Blake Belladonna. The cat Faunus is sitting on a recliner with scarlet metal chains wrapped around her. Her threat would've carried an angry tone if it wasn't suppressed. Behind her stood Ren with both hands on her shoulders, using his semblance to gray her out. Her golden eyes are hardened at a certain flerken sitting on a table across from her. It looked back at her with eyes so full of faux innocence she wanted to strangle it.
"Hey Blake, can't you say something else? Your starting to sound awful like a broken record here," Nora asked from the counter. Next to her sat the other Remnatian teens. Weiss helping Jaune with making breakfast burritos. Nora was bummed that they weren't having pancakes, but her leader said it was unhealthy to keep eating pancakes and felt the need to expand their palette. Weiss is on coffee duty while helping Jaune with the sausages and eggs. A timer beeped, signaling Jaune to open the oven to take out a tray of warmed tortillas.
"I'll get you," Blake repeated, never taking her eyes off Chewie.
"Come on Blake," Ruby pleaded. "I know you're mad that Chewie could've vomited up your stuff the whole time but strangling him isn't the solution. I promise we'll get everything back. We just need to ask Carol how."
"I'll get you."
"Blake, I'm supposed to be the angry one, remember?" Yang chimed in. "Fighting a cat with an interdimensional portal for a stomach won't end well for you. I might be calling the kettle black but stewing in your anger isn't going to win you favors. Bruce taught me some anger management techniques I'd be more than willing to share."
"I'll GET you."
"Whelp, I've exhausted my powers of persuasion. She wasn't this difficult from the last time her attention was on one thing," Yang said as she held her head in her hands. "Hey Ren, how are you holding up?"
"I'm okay," Ren replied. "But I can't stand here and use my semblance on her forever. Or for the rest of my life for that matter."
"I can take over if you want," Pyrrha offered. Ren took her up on the offer and released his hold on Blake. Almost immediately, Blake's color returned to normal and so did her emotions. As soon as Ren's semblance wore off, Blake started forward, her hands clawing to get a grip on the Flerken. The chains gave off a black glow and tightened around Blake, forcing them down. Blake snarled as she strained against the chains but couldn't escape.
"I'll get you!"
"I don't want to chase her again," Weiss sighed with bags under her eyes as she took a break to take a sip from a nearby coffee mug. "I swear, if I have to stay up all night, I'm putting the coffee bill on her tab."
"I think we've all had a rough night," Jaune said pointedly as he finishes wrapping the last burrito. Together, he and Weiss served it to their friends. Weiss left Blakes on a nearby table for her to eat when she's calmed down.
Last night's events have been a bit hectic, to say the least. With the mansion nearly demolished by the enraged Simon Williams, they had to vacate the place while Damage Control conducts repairs. Luckily, the Avengers offered them rooms in Avengers Tower until the mansion's restoration is complete. It was an offer they were more than happy to accept. They'll come back to the mansion to see what they could salvage later. It's depressing to see the state of the mansion. It's grown to become a second home for them. They hoped that it gets repaired soon.
Of course, their plans of a restful sleep got derailed when Blake found out about Chewie spitting out her stuff during the battle against Simon Williams. The normally reserved cat Faunus exploded in anger and began to chase after Chewie. It took everybody to restrain her from trying to force the alien feline to cough up her stuff. It was a real struggle given the fact that every time they caught her, it ended up being a decoy. This pattern repeated until midnight. They are glad when Wanda cast a sleep spell on her. They felt bad about letting that happen to their friend, but she left them with no choice. They thought that was the end of it.
Until the next morning when they found her gone from her bed. The telltale sounds of Blake screaming told the story and once again the chase ensued. This time, they had help from Tony who initiated the Towers Lockdown protocol to trap Blake in a hallway. With some enchanted chains to keep her from using her semblance, courtesy of Wanda, they restrained her in the living room until she could calm down. Sadly, not even Ren's semblance was enough.
"We are so going to have a talk with Carol about this," Yang glared at the instigator of the trouble. Chewie looked at her with what appeared to be an unrepentant look which egged the blonde bombshell. If it weren't for the fact that Carol would be devastated, she would've started shaking Chewie to get her to empty his contents. But that would be pet abuse and Carol obviously wouldn't be happy about it. Something that Yang and Ruby can relate to. Besides, who knows what else the flerken has got stored in her stomach.
"So anyway…what was it like being a pig?" Nora asked to get everyone's mind off the Flerken issue.
"You mean aside from being the hunter's prize?" Ruby asked. "I'll admit, it's an experience that would be pleasant if we weren't running for our lives."
"Why would you call it pleasant?" Weiss asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Ever since we got Zwei, I've always wondered what it would be like to walk in his shoes," Ruby said forlornly. She and Yang missed their beloved pet dog. They hoped to see him again once they'd found Remnant. After they liberate it from Kang of course.
"You could've fought back you know," Nora pointed out. "Even if you transformed, shouldn't you at least have access to your aura and semblance?"
"Oh, gee? Why haven't we thought of that?" Yang sarcastically asked. "Turns out, a pig that fights back only excites them more. But why not also mention that fact that it felt like hitting a wall mounted on an overgrown wolf?"
"I intend to bring this up with Thor the next time we see him. Honestly, there needs to be a restraint on where Asgard lets their hunters loose," Weiss declared. "But I'm more concerned about the man who turned my teammates into pigs."
"You mean, Loki," Ruby said with a serious expression. Everyone felt the atmosphere become tense at the mention of the name. Loki, the god of mischief, brother of Thor, and a catalyst to the formation of the Avengers. He orchestrated the Chitauri Invasion to seize control of Earth. They remembered the day when Thor told them about how he is destined to bring about Ragnarök. The twilight of the gods, the end of the Nine Realms, and by extension the universe.
"What do you think they're discussing?" Jaune asked, turning his head towards where the conference room would be. When RWBY told the founding Avengers about Loki, they said that they will discuss it in the morning when everyone was well rested. By the time they woke up, they were already in there minus Tony. The latter had gone off the visit Simon in his cell on the Helicarrier.
"Likely coming up with theories on how Loki escaped and what he's planning this time," Weiss said with a frown. "With someone as devious as him, it could be anything. An alien invasion or maybe another attempt to take over the Nine Realms."
"Wouldn't put it past him," Yang said with a growl. "Whatever it is, it doesn't change the fact that when I get my hands on him, I'm going to punch him straight to Valhalla."
"Umm…the term your looking for is Helheim," Ren corrected. "Valhalla is the afterlife for heroes and the honored dead. Helheim is where the dishonored go."
"Whatever, I'm still going to punch him in his stupid face so hard he'll be sucking an apple."
"What if he's behind the Raft Breakout," Nora asked, drawing everyone's attention.
"What makes you think that?" Ruby asked.
"Think about it," Nora waved her hands in emphasis. "A massive breakout of the world's dangerous supervillains. S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers scrambling around on a massive manhunt. It's a perfect distraction for whatever dastardly plan he's got planning."
"It was established that Taskmaster was behind the breakout," Ruby pointed out. "But you may be on to something. Remember Halloween? Jack O'Lantern had something Thor said was a Dreamstone, an artifact made by the witches of the dark elves. According to Norse mythos, the dark elves are the inhabitants of Sv…svar…"
"Svartalfheim," Weiss pronounced correctly.
"Yeah, Svartalfheim," Ruby said, giving her partner a thankful glance. "One of the Nine Realms. Loki must've gotten his hands on it and given it to Jack O' Lantern. Although I don't know why he would give it to someone else when he could've just used it for himself. If it's powerful, I would've used it to take over the Nine Realms if I were in Loki's shoes."
"That's a good question," Jaune said, putting a finger to his chin. "Maybe he's got something bigger planned that the Dreamstone couldn't accomplish. Which goes back to the elephant in the room…what does he want?"
Everyone fell silent at a question they couldn't answer. Knowing that a dangerous enemy is out there and planning something has them on edge. Even Blake stopped her struggle to strangle Chewie for a minute. The tense atmosphere is broken when J.A.R.V.I.S spoke.
"Pardon me Teams RWBY and JNPR, my master is approaching the tower."
Everyone but Blake and Pyrrha rushed towards the windows just in time to see Iron Man land on the tower's balcony. As the armored avenger approached the doors, the armor dematerialized around him. In his hands, he held a donut box that miraculously survived the flight.
"Good morning kids," Ton greeted as he entered. He sniffed his nose and asked, "what's cooking? Eggs?"
"Breakfast burritos," Jaune answered, gesturing to the tray of burritos.
"Okay if I try one?" Tony asked. When Jaune nodded in consent, Tony picked up a burrito and bit into it. "Could use pepper, but it is satisfying. I feel like I'm not contributing to this breakfast buffet. Donuts anyone?"
He put the box of donuts and the Remnantian teens accepted. They were a bit cold, but it's a nice treat, nonetheless.
"So how did it go with Simon?" Ruby asked as she bit into a strawberry-filled donut.
"I believe it's safe to say that we've buried the hatchet," Tony said, relief leaking in his voice. "You kids have no idea how long I've wanted to get that wound patched up. It has been weighing on my mind for years."
"I'd say that you more than made up for it," Weiss approves as she daintily finishes her donut. "If anything, it proves that you're a better person than you were back then. Unlike some other CEO, I know. If I may ask, what did you do with his company?"
"After his 'untimely death' it made me uncomfortable keeping it," Tony said with a sigh. "So, I published his ideas and tech to the public domain so that they wouldn't go extinct. As much as I wanted to do it, it would've made me become more of the jackass that I made myself to be. I think he'll be relieved to see that people have brought them to life. At least I hope he will be. Some of them were alumni of Horizon High, Ruby."
"Really? I didn't know that," Ruby said in surprise, strawberry jam on the corner of her mouth. "But what's going to happen to Simon?"
"Despite my insistence that he isn't one-hundred percent guilty, he's requesting to stand trial for the crimes he was forced to partake in," Tony said. "Even then, he should get off lightly given that he was forced to cooperate with the Masters of Evil. I have on good word that everything is all Loki's doing."
"You mean Loki sent him to attack us?" Jaune asked to which Tony gave an affirmative nod.
"Yep. Turns out, he and the Enchantress are working together again. She used her magic schtick to drive him into a rage. I'm guessing he sent him after you and your team while Team RWBY is playing three little pigs with our friendly Asgardian hunters."
The Remnantian teens fell silent at hearing this news. It was bad enough that three of their friends had been turned into pigs to be hunted for sport. Hearing that Simon had been another victim of Loki's schemes increased their ire for the God of Mischief. This didn't escape Tony's notice. He's pretty much feeling the same way they are.
"You guys are plotting on how to thrash Loki too?" Tony asked. After receiving their nods of confirmation. "Good. How would you like to propose your ideas in the conference room? I'd like to be fashionably late."
"Sounds like a good idea," Ruby said. As she and the others got up, Tony finally noticed the silent Blake. His eye shifted between Blake and the Flerken staring back at her. He connected the dots.
"Blake still mad at Chewie?"
"Yeah, she's been driven up the wall," Yang sighed throwing her hands up. "Does the futurist have any ideas to stop her from making it her life's mission to shave the fur off Chewie?"
Tony stroked his chin in contemplation. He can understand Blake's anger at an alien cat terrorizing her by eating her stuff. But right now, she needs to focus on what's around her and what is happening now. His eyes landed on the fridge. In the case of Hulk and Thor's humungous hunger, it's stocked with an immense amount of food. Then, a lightbulb lit up inside his head.
"Didn't you say that she likes fish?"
"A little bit of my mischief. Think of it as a welcome gift to the Nine Realms and a taste of what's to come."
In the conference room, the video stopped playing at the press of a button. The footage is recovered from CCTV leftover from Kraven's hunt in Central Park. The Avengers gathered at the table glared at the close-up of Loki. That smug look of his was enough to make their blood boil. In Bruce's case, he would've turned into the Hulk and ripped the TV off the wall and smash it.
"A taste of what's to come," Natasha drawled, never taking her eyes off the screen. "He couldn't have picked a better choice of words."
"My thoughts exactly Nat," Steve said as he leaned forward. "If Loki is showing himself to us again, he's got something planned. Whatever it is, it can't be good."
"Nothing is ever good if involves Loki," Nick Fury retorts. The director of S.H.I.E.L.D. along with two Avengers is attending the meeting via hologram. Carol, who is somewhere in the vast cosmos on a mission, and Thor who is currently stationed in Vanaheim to fight off a Fire Demon infestation.
"Luckily, I have my eye on the sky. If he shows his face again, we'll be the first to know if he pops up. Assuming he's not another imposter," Fury said before he turned his one eye to Thor. "But first I want to know how the hell Loki escaped whatever prison cell your father threw him in."
"Believe me, I'm stumped as to how Loki escaped his imprisonment, Fury," Thor said, crossing his arms. "By the All-Father, a part of me expected this. I've known Loki long enough to know he has many secrets that he has exploited. Once, he allowed a group of Frost Giants into Asgard through one of his secret paths. Its secrecy is well earned as it allowed them to infiltrate without Heimdall noticing them until my father punished them. He likely knew something that allowed him to escape without anyone knowing."
"What exactly was his punishment?" Carol asked.
"A sentence that would make any god beg for death," Thor replied. He didn't elaborate further. The grim tone told them that it horrified the god of thunder.
"You know I read something about a punishment in mythology," Bruce piped in. "Where Loki was changed to a rock. Above him is a serpent hanging from a stalagmite that drips venom onto his face. Every time the venom struck the skin…"
Bruce trailed off when Thor gave him a look that confirmed what he said. Following the war of nine realms, Odin imprisoned Loki in a realm beneath Midgard. As Bruce partially deduced, Loki is restrained not to a rock, but by the roots of Yggdrasil itself which force his eyes open so that the Midgard Serpent dripped venom into them. A punishment worse than the Isle of Silence and it shall remain until the end of time. Despite all that he's done, Thor still loved his brother. When he found out the depth of Odin's punishment, he immediately protested it and requested that his sentence be more amicable. But his father insisted that it is befitting his crimes and remain unmoved.
Then another thought occurred to him. Jormungand is one of Loki's children, conceived while his parents were in the form of serpents. The one prophesized to clash with him during Ragnarök, resulting in both their deaths. Even his father should be aware of that. Could his destined foe have something to do with his escape?
"Can you locate him?" Fury asked, turning to the resident magic expert. Doctor Strange is levitating in a meditative position, eyes closed in a serene expression. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes.
"My scrying spell isn't picking up anything," Strange declared. "Either he's not on Earth or he's taken measures to ensure he can't be traced with magic. I would be surprised if he didn't do the latter after the last time he tried to slip into Earth under my nose."
"Hey, I remember that. Didn't you make him fall for thirty minutes?" Thor said, smiling as he reminisces about that event. Doctor Strange gave a brief chuckle as he remembered as well.
"How do we know that this isn't a Loki wannabee this time?" Clint asked, sitting up straight in his seat.
"I don't think there were any of these so-called Loki imposters in the first place," Thor tells his fellow Avengers with a serious expression. "Despite what anyone thinks, every one of them might've been Loki. But when I reported to my father, he told me that he is still imprisoned. Heimdall even confirmed that he was still there. Last night, he contacted me and told me that my brother's place is an illusion. All this time, he could've escaped. But I'm at a loss why would he choose now to reveal his ruse?"
"Attention," Steve declared drawing their attention. "If he's dropping his alibi, it's because he wants us to know. That he is out and planning something new. Thor, are you certain that the man onscreen is the real Loki?"
"That is Loki," Thor declared, pointing at the screen for emphasis. "I know my brother better than anyone and it's him."
The conference room fell into silence as they accepted Thor's answer. Their thoughts were broken when the door to the conference room opened. Tony walked in with the Remnantian teens. What caught the Avenger's attention was the smell of fish. It came from the floating metal dish in front of a drooling Blake, who is following it like a donkey and a carrot on a stick.
"Sorry, I'm late, we had to cook up a bribe," Tony said as he took his seat and deposited another box of donuts. "Plus, I had some time to grab a second box of Krispy Creme. Anyone wants some?"
"What's with the fish?" Bruce asked, adjusting his glasses.
"The only way to get her mind off Chewie," Pyrrha answered as she lowered the plate in front of a seat with Blake following suit. No sooner did the plate touch the table that Blake began to dig into it. Before the meeting, they cooked a seafood dish to resolve the flerken issue. The moment she caught a whiff of the fish, Blake's anger evaporated like rainwater on a hot highway. They offered it to Blake on the condition that she'd promised to stop chasing Chewie. Begrudgingly, Blake agreed the moment she took a whiff of the dish.
"Blake, I'm sorry about Chewie, she's usually more behaved than this," Carol apologized, giving her pet a harsh glare. The flerken is resting in Weiss' arms. Despite all she's done, the heiress is stroking Chewie lovingly.
"Can you please take her off our hands?" Blake begged with her dish almost half-eaten. The Faunus shot Chewie a quick glare before going back to her dish.
"I could look after him if you want," Clint offered, causing Blake to stop eating. "Of course, someone's got to look after Lucky—"
"Done!" Blake said a little too quickly. She is looking at Clint like he just offered a life raft. She still had her reservations about dogs, but after her brief experience with Chewie, she'll gladly pick a dog-sitting job. Besides, Lucky is sweet. Everyone chuckled at her reaction as she goes back to her food. Carol's cheerful demeanor suddenly fell as she looked to the side.
"I'm so sorry, I must deal with this. You know how to reach me."
Carol's hologram shimmered out of existence. The Remnantian teens wondered if it had something to do with her deep space mission. It was the reason that Carol asked them to look after Chewie for her. They forgot to ask what it was. But while they had the desire to, they didn't believe right now isn't the best time to ask.
"So, what's happening with Loki," Ruby asked, steering the conversation to the elephant in the room. Nearly all eyes turned to the screen displaying the image of a grinning Loki.
"We've been attempting to locate Loki before he could cause any trouble," Strange declared. "But it appears that he has taken precautions to evade detection."
"I'm sorry, who are you, and why are you floating?" Yang asked.
"Forgive me, I was trying to track down Loki," Strange said as he let his feet meet the ground. "I am Doctor Stephen Strange. Sorcerer Supreme and master of the mystic arts."
"Oh, you're the guy who helped Weiss out with her summoning glyphs," Ruby realized. "Wanda said that you're the Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Yes," Strange affirms with a nod. "A title bestowed on the being with the greatest power of the mystic arts. They are also responsible for protecting the planet from all mystical threats. Which of course includes Loki, but as I said, I'm having difficulty locating him."
"Loki has ways of not wanting to be found. He can go from one place to another without Heimdall catching a glimpse of him," Thor said before becoming apologetic to Team RWBY. "By the way, allow me to apologize regarding Asgardsreia. I cannot imagine what a terrible ordeal you had with a cherished holiday of my people."
"You don't know the half of it," Weiss said, crossing her arms. "If I may ask, why would your father think it's a good idea to send bloodthirsty hunters to Earth? Why not hunt in Asgard?"
"We've always hunted boars on Earth. The meat is much tender and savorier. I've even heard tales about talking hogs being hunted. The taste is quite…unique," Thor said. Seeing their deadpan expressions, he quickly added, "In their defense, they had no way of knowing that you were enchanted. Although if you ever get turned into a talking pig again, I recommend not telling them that you aren't a pig. That's exactly what a talking pig would say."
"We'll be sure to remember that," Blake muttered as she finishes her meal. Her golden eyes found Chewie and leveled a glare. Per conditions of the 'bribe', she will not chase after the flerken.
"There's something else," Jaune added, drawing everyone's attention. "We think Loki may have done all of this to distract us. Turning Ruby, Blake, and Yang into pigs. Sending Simon after me and my team. We believe it's all a distraction for some bigger plan. Only we don't know what it is."
"We've had that same suspicion as well," Fury said in agreement. "Loki's a big fan of misdirection. Before the Chitauri invasion, he was able to steal the Tesseract and flee into the wind without a trace. When he surfaced, it was to distract us while his flying monkeys were stealing Iridium for their portal machine. The only reason he's showing himself and playing your practical joke is that he wants us to know he's out and about."
"Not just him. Turns out he's working with the Enchantress again" Tony said, much to the surprise of nearly everyone. "I'm willing to bet that her Executioner is not that far behind. And that they have a hand in Loki's escape."
"Amora is alive?" Thor asked. Amora is one of the people he grew up with alongside Loki, Sif, and the Warriors Three. She carried a flame for him, but it was for the Asgardian Throne. When she found out about his affection for someone else, she made a vow to mess up his life. After the debacle with the Norn Stones, Amora disappeared after dealing with Simon who had turned on the Masters of Evil. But now she's back and working with Loki again. What's in this for her?
"I'll need to alert my father to this," Thor declared before looking over his shoulder and cursed. "Odin's beard, another Fire Demon infestation. To repeat the words of Carol, 'I must deal with this. You know how to reach me. I bid you farewell for now my friends."
Just like Captain Marvel's hologram, Thor's vanished as well.
"On the subject of Fire Demons," Pyrrha spoke up. "Shouldn't we be concerned about a possible invasion?"
"I've already taken precautions," Strange declared. "I've sent Wong to Kamar-Taj to gather the finest students in the mystic arts to set up a ward. The library has extensive knowledge, so it must include information about the Fire Demons and how to deal with them."
"But what if they break it?" Ruby asked in worry. "I mean, if Loki and the Enchantress were able to break the seal keeping them at bay, what's to prevent them from breaking any magical defenses?"
"If it's powerful enough to seal off a realm, then it would take an enormous amount of magic to break it," Strange said. "But a sorcerer's power can be amplified using certain relics. I intend to research such relics back at the Sanctum Sanctorum. It may be the key to preventing a Fire Demon invasion."
At the end of that sentence, a portal with burning edges opened behind him. They could make out shelves stocked with books. As the sorcerer supreme stepped through the portal, he gave the other heroes one last look.
"When I find something, I will send you a notice. By the way, I would take this as an opportunity to expand your summons. They might come in handy."
He directed that last sentence at Weiss who almost immediately understood. Soon, the conference room had a silent atmosphere.
"So, what's the plan?" Nora asked eagerly. "Track Loki down to his evil secret lair and break his legs? Ooh, what about his helmet?"
"As tempting as those sounds, Loki does a damn good job of covering his tracks," Fury says with a hint of frustration. "Thor has already told us that Asgardian forces are spread out among the Nine Realms to fight the Fire Demons. Except for Earth. They're leaving its protection to us. All we must do is wait for Loki to make his first move."
"So, we're just going to do nothing?" Blake asked. Everyone looked at the cat Faunus who is making a face of disbelief.
"I didn't say that—"
"No offense, but you might as well have said it," Blake interrupted. "One of the most dangerous gods is out there planning something catastrophic and we're supposed to sit back while people's lives at are at stake?"
"Why do you think we're here now?" Tony asked with an edge like steel. "Make no mistake, we want to get this son of a bitch before he causes mischief. However, we can't just run around without a plan. We don't know where he is, what he's planning, or even how to ruin his holiday season. We're going to be combing for intel but going around blindly won't be doing us any favors for anyone including ourselves."
"But—"
"We hate sitting on our butts as much as you do," Natasha said calmly. "But you must remember that Loki's most devious weapon is his mind. He can cause events and twist anything to his advantage. With a single whisper, he can start a war. At worst, he can unleash the Hulk if you put them together in a room. No offense Bruce?"
"You're accurate Nat, but none was taken," Bruce said. "I consider myself a ticking time bomb on the worst days. Especially when Loki can also turn us against each other. And let's not forget the Enchantress. Hulk has a not-so-pretty history with her. With people like them, we need to keep a cool head. Otherwise, we'll be at each other's throats. Hell, that might've been their intention to be doing it right now. If we destroy ourselves in the process, what good are we?"
Blake's eyes widened at those words. She heard them before when she spent sleepless nights worrying about Torchwick and the White Fang. If it weren't for Yang, she would've exhausted herself. But then her thoughts drifted back to the real mastermind in the shadows. Salem had spent nearly thousands of years trying to pit Remnant's people against themselves. Turning friend on friend. Brother against brother. Family against family. She and her minions might've succeeded if it weren't for Kangs invasion. She looked at her teammates and friends, who gave her knowing looks. No doubt they are realizing this too.
"Speaking from experience, it is impossible to foresee or prevent every danger," Steve says calmly, "Even if that is possible that doesn't mean you can control every variable. During the war, there hasn't been a battle that I wished we could've done differently. Even the best-laid plans went awry and one of them nearly cost me my best friend. I may be a super soldier, but I am not God. Nor do I desire to impersonate the good lord himself. When we formed this team, we didn't choose 'Defenders' or 'Protectors,' but Avengers. It's appropriate because we only act after a wrong has been committed. Not because we want innocents to die, but because the real 'hero' does not strike first. We accept that we can't always prevent whatever trouble coming our way. All we can do is try to save as many people as we can. Sometimes that doesn't mean everybody. But if we can't find a way to live with that, next time, maybe nobody gets saved."
"The illusion of control…" Weiss realized with wide eyes.
"Point taken cap," Jaune said with a sigh. "But that doesn't mean we're not going to try to prevent whatever Loki's got planned."
"Wouldn't ask you too," Steve said as he held up a sheet of notepad paper. "Besides, I've got something that we want you and the Secret Warriors to help with. We can all but confirm Loki's the one who robbed Odin's Vault. Thor helped us compile a list of what was stolen so we can retrieve them. I don't need to tell you what would happen if the wrong person got their hands on them."
"You're asking that from eight kids whose planet apocalypse is activated by four relics?" Yang rhetorically asked as she walks over to take the list. "But yeah, you don't need to tell us twice. Besides, I feel like we've got a relic hunt to make up for. These drawings are pretty good. Did you draw them, Cap?"
"By my hand," Steve said proudly. "Attended Auburndale Art School before fighting in the war."
"You know I could've done a 3D model of the list?" Tony asked.
"I prefer a personal touch from a professional," Steve replied.
"We'll be sure to keep a look out for these relics," Ruby said as she and the others studied the pages.
"You'll have plenty of time to do that with what I'm about to say," Fury said. "I and the Avengers have been discussing a new training program for you. It'll be vital regarding the Kang offensive."
November 15, 4:50 (Eastern Standard Time)
Wilson's Auto, New Jersey
"YOU'RE GOING TO SPACE?!"
That exclamation came from one Doreen Green. Ruby and Weiss are sitting at a table with Riri, Kamala, and Doreen in the HQ of the Secret Warriors. After school, Shaun sent them a message asking them to come over for a joint training exercise. They figured it would be a good opportunity to warn them of the threat of Loki. After Lockjaw's teleportation, they confided with the Warriors.
As soon as they were filled in, they immediately began discussing strategies to use against him the moment he surfaces again. They reviewed previous 'Loki Imposter incidents. Especially one where Kamala prevented Loki from stealing an Asgardian artifact that would've allowed him to wield Mjolnir. She sheepishly admitted to using a frozen Thor, the latter holding Mjolnir in hand, to blow Loki to the next week. Undeterred, others began to brainstorm new ideas and tech. To test them out, they began using the H.A.R.M. room to fight a holographic version of Loki.
To their frustration, the simulation did its job too well. Every time they beat holo-Loki it turned out to be a decoy. It became a struggle to beat the real holo-Loki among a crowd of decoys. The H.A.R.M. room did no justice in demonstrating Loki's manipulation and cunning. If anything, it showed just what kind of enemy they would be up against. More than often, he would trap them in a cage constructed with magic after an underhanded ploy. Turn into one of them and have them destroy each other.
It was after such that one of them decided to take a leaf out of the Vytal festival to shake things up. For starters, they will begin the session with two teams of four clashing against each other. To decide who's on which team, whom they labeled red and blue, the techies set up a randomizer to select them. Right now, they are in match five. On the red team is Jaune, America, Gwen, and Dante. The blue team has Shaun, Yang, Pyrrha, and Daisy. The rest are either doing their own thing or watching the matches onscreen.
"Yeah, we will be leaving this weekend," Ruby said as she writes her homework, fingers twitching with energy. "I'm excited to go to space! Well…we did once, but that was because we got caught by Kang for execution. But this time, we get to enjoy space…without the threat of death thing."
"That's good for you, Ruby," Kamala said with a small smile. "Last time I was on a space vessel, The only experience I had was being a captive in a spaceship under the command of a Kree Accuser trying to enslave Inhumans. Dante was also there. After we escaped, we grabbed the rest of the Secret Warriors and came back with a vengeance…which ended with her being ejected into space. Of course, during the fight, the ship became damaged. It would've been handy if we learned how to fly the alien spacecraft though."
"Then it's a good thing that we are undergoing this…field trip," Weiss declares. "Director Fury felt that it's appropriate that we start undergoing space environment training. On the off chance that an alien invasion happens and we need to board the mothership and we need to get to space. We're spending our weekend at the Peak to get a first-hand experience under the oversight of S.W.O.R.D Director Abigail Brand."
"Well Kang did stay aboard the Sword of Damocles during the Kang Invasion," Riri points out. "Which he managed to steal back and conquer Remnant. But the dangers are not limited to a lack of oxygen and alien life forms out to kill you."
"I know. We've read all about the Columbia space shuttle disaster," Weiss said with an expression of sadness mixed with fear. "The slightest malfunction could spell the destruction of a space vessel and the entire crew. I'm certain that maintenance will be one of the topics they'll be covering for this exercise, and I'll be sure to give it my all."
"I bet they'll let us see the armory," Ruby added with stars in her eyes. Weiss rolled her eyes at her partner's love of weaponry.
"You guys' better take pictures and show us," Doreen declares, but wasn't mad, "That's a priority mission you must complete whenever you go to a new place. Or better yet, when are we going to get space environment training? I'll need to ask Shaun or Daisy about it later."
On her shoulder, Tippy-Toe squeaked her agreement. Weiss couldn't resist gushing at how cute she is. Then their attention turned to the screen showing the match. As expected, their teammates are showing off new techniques. Jaune gave a fist pump in triumph after he successfully threw Crocea Mors' shield at a blocking Shaun, who gave him a look of approval. This left him open to a wave of vibration courtesy of Daisy. Her eyes widened as she dodges a fireball thrown by Dante. Recovering on the spot, she used her powers to extinguish the next one. Meanwhile, Gwen web-swinging across the simulation whilst dodging bullets fired by Pyrrha who controls their flight path with her semblance. Yang is at the center with America, trading blows. Most of all everyone was having fun despite the purpose of this training exercise.
"I must say, the whole randomizer thing is working out," Ruby commented. "I wouldn't mind if we did a two-on-two match followed by one-on-one. We could have our Vytal festival right here."
"You mean that tournament where Huntsmen from all Kingdoms gather to duke it out every four years?" Doreen asked eagerly. "That could be fun. It would be like a superhero version of the Olympics."
"You know…that's not a bad idea," Weiss said, holding her chin, "Back on Remnant, the festival is to celebrate the end of the Great War. On Earth, something similar could be used to improve relations between the superhero community and the rest of humanity. There's no promise that someone may attempt to sabotage it."
The table fell silent as the teenage superheroes resumed their homework.
"Hey…you guys are coming back, right?" Kamala spoke up, drawing the attention of the two Remnantians who give her a look of confusion.
"Huh?"
"I mean…Remnant is yet to be found, but when it does, will you still visit us?" Kamala asked. Weiss and Ruby's eyes widened in realization at what Kamala is saying. Riri and Doreen immediately caught on and became downcast.
"Of course, we'll come back and visit!" Ruby says, "Just because we go home doesn't mean we can't visit other planets. Plus, I don't want to wait until my next birthday to get another Stark Industries Fabricator."
"You better! It's a law among best friends to always visit each other!" Doreen proclaimed, pointing at her in emphasis with Tippy-Toe copying her gesture. Ruby gasped with her hands on her cheeks.
"I didn't know that! As a bestie, I will follow it to the letter!"
"Please don't," Weiss groaned, hanging her head before straightening herself. "But yes, we will visit. We've yet to locate our planet. Honestly, I don't mind. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we've gotten used to living in New York. Despite the chaos with fighting supervillains and criminals."
It's true. For all their time on Earth, she's grown to love New York. Although it was nowhere as advanced as Atlas, the city has an energy that cannot be completed. The fast pace, the buzzing traffic, the hustle and bustle of people, the 24-hour life, and its creative spirit make it the most vibrant place she's ever seen. While she was skeptical at first, she came to enjoy living a normal life as a student. She got to live like a normal teenager instead of as an heiress to the Schnee Dust Company.
Though nothing is more important than the newfound friends she made as both a superhero and a student. Much to her chagrin, Kamala and Doreen were like two more Ruby Roses. Both are idealistic, and optimistic, and believe in the cause of protecting others. Riri is like Blake but more invested in technology than socializing. While disconcerting, they mean the best. The Schnee scion knew that her teammates share the same sentiment. It grew every school day she spent without a food fight as she imagined. Secretly, she hoped that they would graduate before they found Remnant and mobilize.
"Besides, we still have to deal with the Kang Occupation," Weiss pointed out with a serious expression. "Finding Remnant is one thing. Bringing him down is another. It's going to take everyone together to accomplish that…that means everyone. I mean we wouldn't ask you…it's going to be dangerous, and you could die…"
"I can show you video feeds of us sticking our necks out on life-threatening missions," Riri pointed out whilst smiling. "Of course, we'll come! It could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit another planet. No way I'm going to pass it up."
"Me too!" Doreen declared, shooting out of her chair. She used her free hand to raise Kamala's.
"I can pass it off as a field trip to my parents," Kamala said with dread, "Of course, that depends on the time difference between our planets. But if it'll be worth it if we get to kick some bad guy butt."
"Kang's not the only bad guy we have to worry about," Ruby added with a hardened look. "After he's dealt with, there's the issue of Salem and her henchmen. By the way, Doreen, thank you for the cards. I'm still curious as to how Deadpool got his hands on cards about people from Remnant."
"Believe me, I asked that very same question when he and I met last week," Doreen said, holding her hands up, "When I did, he said that revealing his source would spoil the plot. Whatever he's talking about…I don't know."
While they have their concerns over the merc with the mouth, they're not looking at a gift horse in the mouth. Assuming he hasn't eliminated her as promised, Salem could cause trouble once Kang has been disposed of. She and her followers could put Remnant on the road to the apocalypse in her quest to gather the relics. Which is why they need to be apprehended before that happens. Using Doreen's cards, they compiled a list of Salem and her followers. Ruby even recognized Cinder Fall as the one who infiltrated the CCT the night of the dance. Even Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black were on the list. It was a hard blow that they pretended to be friends so they can destroy the world. After getting over their shock, they vowed to bring them in.
It was then they found something strange with the Datacrux. When they went to upload what they'd gathered, they found that it is already there. Information on Remnant's supervillains has been organized into separate files. Each file contained their names, aliases, weapons, skills, semblances, and even a list of crimes they committed before the Vytal festival. While some of them are egotistic or downright psychotic, some of them had sympathetic backgrounds. But not enough to let them off the hook.
What remained a mystery as to who uploaded them? It wasn't any of them they know for sure. Not even Deadpool could've gotten into Avengers Tower just to upload such information. Even Tony is having a migraine trying to figure out who did it. Whoever uploaded the information managed to cover their tracks well as the Towers security cams didn't pick up anything. Heck, none of the security systems got tripped. The question remains…who?
"We better get ready. It looks like the match is about to end," Kamala said, pointing to the screen. From the looks of things, Jaune ordered Gwen used her web shooters to create a massive web at the top. America, who has grasped Yang by the arms and spun her around, flings her into the web. Yang struggled to get off the web while Shaun's shield drone chased after Gwen.
"We are so giving her grief after this," Ruby chuckled. The two of them finished their homework and put it away in their bags. They pulled out individual cases and set them on the table. Ruby's contained cartridges of trick bullets she had been working on for herself and her friends. So far, she's come up with explosive, incendiary, shock, and hollow-point ammunition. Weiss' case contained vials of various materials.
"What 'cha got there Weiss?" Doreen asked in curiosity.
"Something for a little experiment," Weiss answered as she took a vial. "After creating the strength-enhancing glyph with Osbornes…or rather, Green Goblin's variation of the Hyde formula, I've been wondering what else I could do with my semblance. What sort of secrets I've yet to discover? So, I've been experimenting with various materials to find out. Come to think of it, I think there are a few dust types I haven't tried using. I think there was plant dust."
"So that's why you've got a flower in there," Kamala said, looking at the vial in question. "But what about your summoning?"
"It's going splendid," Weiss beamed. "The time it took me to summon the Arma Gigas is reduced by a few seconds from the last time. But I'm going to explore the rest of my repertoire and summon other Grimm. Winter will be so proud. Did you know that she can summon a swarm of Nevermore?"
"That sounds impressive," Doreen admits. "But what about expanding beyond the Grimm? You mentioned that it works after defeating an enemy, right? What if you defeated something else?"
"Theoretically, yes it should be possible," Weiss admits with an uncomfortable sigh. "But if it were true, then that would mean I might have to kill someone to summon them. A line I have no intention of crossing. Another thing is that I can't bring myself to kill any cute animals. Unless they're trying to kill me."
"Then you better hope PETA doesn't get all over your case."
All eyes turned to Blake stepping off the elevator and making her way toward their table. On one hand, she held a case with the Stark Industries logo on it. Meanwhile, Tippy-Toe is trembling at the thought of being killed and scampers onto her friend's shoulder. Doreen reassured her by stroking her head. The squirrel calmed down somewhat. Weiss silently promised Tippy-Toe that she would never kill her friends.
"Hey Blake," Ruby greeted. "You've missed most of the match. What have you been up to?"
"Costume update," Blake answered as she puts the case onto the table and opens it. She pulled out her suit for everyone to see. Everyone just stared at her.
"Nothing appears to have changed," Doreen being the first to point out. "I've been wondering. Why did you change its color to white? Black suits you better"
Blake answered by pressing the emblem on the chest area. The emblem lit up along with the highlights like a lightbulb. Like a ripple, the costume changed from white to black.
"Stealth-tech?" Riri asked, completely impressed. Blake nods in confirmation.
"It was an idea I had a while back," Blake said with a small smile. "My fighting style is more suited for stealth and infiltration. I talked to Tony, and he gave my suit a camo mode. In this state, it's invisible to both visual and audio means. The boots are sound absorbent which masks my footsteps. The shift from white to black is to tell the difference."
"You are living up to the ninja vibe Blake," Doreen praised. "But what if we need to see you?"
"Tony said that I can only be seen through special lenses and frequencies," Blake explained. "The lights on my suit are for the benefit of whoever needs to see me while wearing the lens. Even me…otherwise, I wouldn't be able to see myself."
"I can get to work on that," Riri said, drawing up a holographic screen. "They shouldn't be difficult to make. I can incorporate the tech into our suits and masks. Hmmm…I'll bet I can analyze the nanotech and give each of us a camo-mode. I think Gwen may want in on this."
At that moment, the siren blared. Eyes turned to see that the match has been concluded with the red team's victory. Already, the randomizer is at work, selecting the next participants. On the red team: Ruby, Doreen, Riri, and Nora. Blue team: Weiss, Blake, Kamala, and Ren.
"Looks like we're up," Ruby said, hopping out of her seat and materializing Crescent Rose. "Come on red team! Let's get Nora and head to the H.A.R.M. room."
"You got it, team leader," Doreen said, giving her a salute with Tippy-Toe mimicking her. Before they parted ways, Doreen asked Weiss, "Hey, how many squirrels do you think could take down your Arma Gigas?"
Weiss considered that. She blushed at the image of bloodthirsty, but cute, squirrels swarming her Arma Gigas. She gave a mental apology to her summon.
"Why don't we find out?" Weiss asked. Doreen immediately sent Tippy-Toe to gather more of her squirrel friends. At this point, they completely forgot that they were supposed to be training against Loki. They were just having fun developing their weapons and tech. Sharpening their skills for the fight ahead.
Whatever Loki has planned, they all vowed to be ready for it.
Gormánudr, 3 Days after the Seal of Bor's Sons broke
Nidavellir, The Forge
At the center of the Yggdrasil lies the realm of the dwarves. An ancient race of stout and stalwart humanoids. Yet they cannot live in the light of the sun. If they do, they will turn into stone. To avoid this fate, they resort to living underground. Yet this didn't stop them from cultivating their fame as warriors, blacksmiths, and engineers. The dwarven smiths had built powerful weapons and artifacts with the potential to destroy worlds. Their reputation is held as both legend and myth across the galaxy.
They also hold a friendly relationship with Asgard. When Ulik led a rock troll invasion, Odin appeared and drove them off. After this victory, an alliance is formed. Asgard will always come to the aid of Nidavellir should they need it. In return, the dwarven smiths gifted him with weapons such as his spear Gugnir and Mjolnir the hammer of Thor.
On this day, deep underground, the Forge is under attack. The fire demons of Muspelheim have invaded the realm of the dwarves en masse. The dwarves never took this sitting down and retaliated. Throughout the caverns and tunnels, the sounds of battle threatened to bring the world above crashing down on the combatants. Demon and dwarf clashed. Flesh against magma. Metal against heated metal. The dwarves fought to defend the forge and the home they built with their sweat and blood. The dwarves fought bravely, but the fire demons are relentless and unforgiving. The spawn of Surtur threw themselves at the defenders, swarming them until they died fighting. Already they lost many of their brothers to the horde. At this rate, they could lose their home.
But they are about to be joined by another warrior. For the light of the Bifrost came crashing down at the center. The dwarves and fire demons stopped what they were doing to gaze upon the spectacle. Soon, the light died down to reveal a lone Asgardian warrior. The dwarves felt their excitement and hope rise the moment they saw the hammer in his hand. A hammer that crackled with arcs of power.
"Hail to thee, warriors of Nidavellir!" Thor Odinson greeted with a manic smile. "The son of Odin joins the battle!"
He is met with a roar of approval from the dwarves. With weapons in hand, they returned to fighting the fire demons with renewed vigor. Many of the Fire Demons see Thor as the real threat and moved to attack. With Mjolnir in hand, he is more than happy to oblige. Swinging a crackling Mjolnir, he shattered the first one with little to no effort. The second had its head caved in with a fist. As Thor smashed another one, more Fire Demons got close to swarm him.
Grinning, Thor put in a great effort to throw them off. Punching one and kicking another, he spun Mjolnir by the strap. Like a whirlwind, Mjolnir pummeled to dust multiple Fire Demons foolish enough to step into the kill zone. The air is thick with their coal-like remains. Thor looked over at the dwarven warriors. They are putting up a fight, but there are still too many. With one swing, Thor sent Mjolnir flying and engaged the enemy with his fists alone. While he fights, he wills Mjolnir's flight path to strike any Fire Demons approaching him or in a fight with the dwarves.
Despite his efforts, the horde kept coming. Seeing this, Thor warned the dwarves to get clear. Recalling Mjolnir, he leaped up and with Mjolnir crackling, brought it down with a mighty blow. From that point of impact, a shockwave spread with the sound of thunder resounding. Any Fire Demon caught up in the wave is instantly destroyed. The blow from Mjolnir made the underground quake but not enough to cause a cave-in. By the time it quieted down, the battle is over. As it appeared, that attack took out the last of the Fire Demons.
The warriors let out cries of cheer at the end of this battle. Many of them went to check on their comrades. Except for one who approached Thor. A brown-haired dwarf dressed in royal-looking armor and leaning on a sword like a cane. Like his kin, he sported a beard with four braids. One eye is shut from a wound inflicted upon him, yet he carried on as if it wasn't there. He looked up at Thor and gave him a curt nod.
"Wasn't so sure you would arrive Odinson. I'm glad to see the hammer I've made for you turned the tide."
"I wish it could've been under different circumstances, Eitri," Thor replied. "By the All-Father they are everywhere. The Fire Demons are invading the rest of the realms and the Einherjar are stretched thin. Heimdall alerted me to what was happening, and I came as quickly as I could. On behalf of Asgard, please accept our apologies."
"Bah. A legion of Einherjar is nothing compared to you," Eitri said, waving his hand dismissively. "These monsters came right when my people were having mead. Guess they thought my people would be easy prey. But they learned the hard way that we've played with fire as well. By Hel, it's in our blood and covered in our steel. It will be a cold day in Hel before they could bring my people down."
Thor felt the steel behind those words. A glance around at the other Dwarves told him that they are feeling the same as their king. One cannot forge weapons without learning to fight with them. At that moment a dwarf came running towards Eitri. Panting he pointed over his shoulder and spoke.
"Your majesty! Another wave approaches! They've brought a dragon with them!"
"So, they're desperate to bring one of their lizards, are they?" Eitri groaned as he hefted his sword. "Make ready lads! These fiery spawns of Surtur are coming back for another shot! Thor, can I trust you to deal with the dragon?"
"You have my word, Eitri," Thor vowed, pressing Mjolnir to where his heart is. The dwarf who came with the warning looked up at the Asgardian in confusion.
"Thor?" The dwarf spoke aloud. "When did you get ahead of me?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"I was fighting the Fire Demons when I saw you arrive," the dwarf insisted, "When the dragon showed up, you told me to go and warn his majesty. When I left, you were slaughtering Fire Demons left and right."
"What are you talking about?" Eitri asked, gesturing to Thor. "Odinson arrived just before you arrived."
"I'm sorry your majesty, but someone came and announce themselves as the mighty Thor. But his voice sounded much deeper than before."
A frown crossed the son of Odin's face. Someone else came claiming to be him? Before he could ruminate, he heard a horn. He looked in the direction to see another horde of Fire Demons coming their way. He saw the dragon stomping with it. Every footstep it took with its scaly claws caused tremors. Its reptilian yellow eyes glared hatefully at the forces assembled in front of the Forge. It raised its serpentine neck and spread its bat-like wings wide as it let out a threatening roar. The dwarves have lined up in formation, weapons at the ready.
"We shall discuss this alter," Thor declares, gripping Mjolnir tightly. "After this, I shall find this imposter and—"
He was cut off by the sound of thunder. An object crashed into the back of the dragon's head. Unable to stop its momentum, it skidded across the ground on its knees, crushing any unfortunate Fire Demon underneath its weight. From behind the horde, a figure flew out and landed in front of the fallen dragon.
The new arrival is a woman dressed in Asgardian armor with a red cape. Strangely, it's almost like Thor's. Her head is covered in a silver helmet with wings at the temples. Through the visor, eyes radiated with power. With a flick of her wrist, she recalled the object to her hand, which appears to be a mace.
With a mighty battle cry, she smashed the nearest Fire Demon. She flung the mace at another while grabbing a fire demon by the neck and promptly smashing it into the rear of one. Recalling her mace, smashed the head of another fire demon. She sent her mace to fly in one direction. As it sang through the air, it demolished any enemy unfortunate enough to get in its path. While it was circling her, the warrior proceeded to pummel the closest fire demons to dust.
Behind her, the dragon recovered from its misstep. Its eyes glared hatefully at the warrior who embarrassed it. Rearing back its head, the dragon let out a great plume of flame toward her. Feeling the heat from the hair on her neck, she turned around and recalled her mace. Gripping it by the leather strap, she spun the mace in front of her, having it act as a makeshift shield from the flames. She gritted her teeth as she is forced back, the dragon advancing on her. Gathering her strength, she pushed off the ground and flew towards the dragon. With her mace, she struck her foe in the chin, the force of the blow forcing it to flip onto its back. Not wasting this chance, she landed on its neck and bashed it several times against its scaly head. Its defiant cries lasted for a while until it fell silent.
Thor and the others watched everything with wide eyes as the warrior stood triumphant over her quarry. Despite the different weapons, her fighting style is like his. Who is she and why did she look familiar? He would get his answer soon. The woman looked in his direction and smiled as if seeing him is relieving. Recalling her mace she moved in his direction, ignoring the confused looks of the dwarves. When she got close enough, her helmet disappeared, revealing her face and shoulder-length blonde hair.
Thor stared at the figure in flabbergasted shock as he recognizes the warrior.
"Jane?"
"Hello Thor," Jane Foster greeted before throwing her mace, Thunderstrike, behind her back. It struck the dragon who had pretended to be dead. Pinning it to the floor, lighting arcs leaped and spread throughout the body of the dragon. It continued for several more seconds until it died for real. Satisfied, she recalled Thunderstrike to her hand.
"Thunderstrike," Eitri whistled. "Another weapon that I've personally made. I heard that Odin presented it to a warrior who saved the life of the prince of Asgard. A fine warrior from what I have seen."
"Indeed, she is," Thor said a little dumbstruck. "What are you doing here?"
"Your father summoned me to defend the Nine Realms," Jane answered as if it were obvious. "What are you disappointed to see me?"
"What? No. Of course, I'm happy to see you," Thor sheepishly denied. "I just thought you might have been an imposter using my name. My father once made a law about impersonating me."
"Then it's a good thing I introduced myself as the Mighty Thor. MIGHTY Thor." Jane elaborated. "Aside from the name, nobody could mistake me for you. I don't even have Mjolnir. If you got a problem with it, you could eat my mace."
"Looks like Thunderstrike found a feisty wielder," Eitri grinned mirthfully. "I wouldn't mind if she called herself Thor. Imagine the rumors that would spread about Thor dressing up as another bride. A warrior bride."
Thor rolled his eyes while Jane gave a small laugh as she recalls the tale. Truly she is Jane Foster, the woman he met on the day of his fateful exile. A simple astrophysicist who was researching in New Mexico when he stumbled into her path. On the road to redemption, they bonded over their people's different views on magic and science. Their bond eventually became something more. After regaining his power and becoming an Avenger, their time together became complicated. He was often called away on missions for the Avengers or Asgard. Then fate turned her life around he got captured. Mjolnir found Jane Foster worthy of the power of Thor and used it to save him. In gratitude, Odin personally bestowed her the mace Thunderstrike as a reward.
The prince of thunder had concerns about Jane being thrown into the thick of the conflict. She is more of a scientist than a warrior. But time and time again she has proven herself of being both. It's no wonder that he recommended her as a candidate for the Initiative.
"Your majesty!"
Thor snapped out of his musings as everyone turned to see a dwarf approaching them. To their horror, he looked to be on the verge of death. He lost most of his armor sporting bruises and cuts. One arm looked to be severed with his remaining one covering the stump. He shuffled towards them.
"Do we have any healers here?" Thor called out.
"Jafrot!" Eitri cried out as he knelt to cradle his subject. "What happened? You were supposed to be—"
"He came…he came and slaughtered my fellow guardsmen…" Jafrot spoke in between breaths. "He took them… he…took them…"
"Jafrot, you're going to be alright. Just tell us who did this to you?" Thor asked as the healers arrived with a stretcher.
"He carried…the Bloodaxe…"
With his last breath, he succumbed to his injuries. The healers loaded the dwarf onto the stretcher and carried him away. Thor and his fellow warriors watch them go with looks of sadness. But Thor was thinking about his last words. He mentioned that his killer carried the Bloodaxe. THE Bloodaxe. There was only one man who could've wielded that weapon.
"Skurge…" Thor growled out. Jane turned to look at him.
"The Executioner?"
"Yes…he was here," Thor answered. "But how could he have the Bloodaxe? It should still be with—Eitri where are you going?"
The dwarf king ran off in one direction. Giving each other a glance, Thor and Jane took off after him. They passed by more healers carrying wounded and dead into different buildings. There were child dwarves at their father's side, crying their eyes out. The sight made their hearts heavy. But they won't let that stop them. They will keep fighting to ensure no more lives will be lost across the nine realms.
They followed Eitri into a dimly lit tunnel that looked to have been concealed at some point. As they traversed it, they came across walls marked with slash marks. Followed by the bodies of dwarven guards wearing the same armor as Jafrot. They called out to Eitri only to be met with silence. Finally, they stopped before two open stone doors. The carvings engraved showed a giant, a fire giant, wielding a sword longer than itself
The three of them passed through the doors. Inside is a room of stone with only a table at the center. Eitri stopped before it and gazed upon it. He didn't look behind him as the two heroes approached him.
"What is this place?" Jane asked.
"This was a vault…" Eitri answered solemnly. "One of the finest we built to keep our greatest weapons from the wrong hands. For this one, we made sure to keep it hidden from even my people.
"What was in here?" Thor asked. "Whatever was in here, Skurge must've used the Fire Demon invasion to take it."
"Has your father ever told you the story of his fight with Surtur?" Eitri asked slowly. When he nodded, he continued, "During the battle, Odin shattered his weapon into fragments before killing him. Although in pieces, it can be dangerous if the wrong hands reforged the weapon. So, Odin entrusted it to me and my people to keep it safe. And now we pay the price of my agreement."
"You mean…" Thor's eyes widened in fear. "That this vault contained…what Skurge stole…"
"Yes, Odinson…what the Executioner stole is the Twilight Sword."
Beneath Midgard
Loki walked through the realm that served as his prison. Honestly, he couldn't fathom as to why Odin would imprison him here of all places. Anywhere else, and he wouldn't have been able to get reacquainted with Jormungand. He even got him in on acting like he's suffering from Odin's punishment. The only good thing is that he couldn't die, otherwise his punishment wouldn't be worse than he could've imagined. But he enjoyed causing mischief while fooling Odin into thinking he was still serving his punishment.
Behind him, the Destroyer carried the body of an Einherjar. Something that will serve the plan well. He directed the Destroyer to walk into a dark cave. He heard the tell-tale footsteps of the Destroyer as it entered the darkness of the cave, deposit the body, and then walk back out. After a few moments, he heard a sickening crunching of bones and flesh. Loki pinched his nose at what is happening. Then, it stopped. There came the sound of footsteps as the Einherjar emerged.
"I must admit, I'd never thought you could do that," Loki commented. "While it's still disgusting, it does have its uses. Now then. You know what to do. Make sure that you don't kill too much. Otherwise, your prey will catch wind of you."
The Einherjar gave Loki a wolfish smile. Then Loki directed the Einherjar towards a hidden tear into reality. Loki watched him disappear with a thin smile. Another seed of destruction has been planted. Odin won't know what will hit him until it's too late.
He is broken out of his musings by the sound of a portal opening. Loki turned around just in time to see Skurge coming out. On his back, the Bloodaxe gleamed as if it wasn't used. Not surprising given what it's made of. In his arms, he carried a roll of cloth. The trickster god caught a glimpse of metal at one end.
"So, you've got it?" Loki asked rhetorically. "Now that we've got the fragments what do we do? The only way we're going to weld those bits of metal together is through the fires of a burning planet."
"Which we now have."
Both men looked up to see Amora exiting a portal. Loki immediately noticed that her attire changed. It is dark red and much more revealing, with a spiked choker and her sleeves lined with spikers. Her tiara has been replaced by a horned red one that covered the sides of her face. Admittingly, it complimented her perfect hourglass figure much more.
"I assume it's not related to your new attire?" Loki asked.
"Close, but not quite," Amora answered condescendingly. "While you and Skurge were doing your thing, I was helping Lord Surtur find a planet to serve as his forge. To our luck, we've found one. A planet located in the Burning Galaxy—Korbin. I led his forces in conquering it and setting it aflame."
"No survivors?" Loki asked. He recalled memories of his father retelling how he almost wiped out the Frost Giants but settled on stealing the source of their power. When he tried to finish the job, he was foiled by his brother.
"There are some, but it shouldn't take too long to hunt them down," Amora said before turning to Skurge. Noticing his axe, she said, "You've got your axe back."
"Not exactly, I had my daughter make him a new one," Loki said, palming his forehead like he had a migraine. "You had no idea what it took to convince her."
"Another Bloodaxe?" Amora asked looking at her bodyguard. "I thought we were going to get your old one back?"
"He was joking," Loki told her in exasperation. "Did you think he was serious? He wouldn't take it back unless he won it. But he can't do that because that would've put the plan into jeopardy. So, I gave him a new one. Could you not read him at all?"
"Of course, I can read him," Amora protested. She looked at Skurge, expecting him to defend her. But he looked to the side, unable to look at her face.
"Never mind," Amora hissed as she opens a portal. "Lord Surtur awaits us on Korbin. Skurge, let us go so that he may begin reforging the Twilight Sword. Loki…make sure Thor stays where he is."
"Of course, your majesty," Loki said with a low snarl. Amora paid him no heed and led Skurge through the portal. Now it was just Loki alone with the Destroyer armor.
"RAGH!" Loki turned and fired a blast of mystical energy at a nearby root. The blast singed it, setting it aflame. The trickster stared at it with his breath heavy. His ears perked as he heard movement from above. Looking up, he caught sight of movement. Then, a single gigantic yellow eye opened and looked down at him.
"Just venting out some anger," Loki assured. "I know you are impatient but please wait a moment longer…you'll get your chance to battle against my brother. Just wait for the right time."
The eye seemed to consider his answer. Then, it moved to the side, a wall of scale following it. Loki found a stump for him to sit down and ponder. Amora certainly has gotten a bit haughty with the power granted to her by Surtur. Ordering him around like a dog. He is no stranger to betrayal and is no fan of being used himself. There is no way that Amora will keep her end of the bargain the moment Ragnarök begins.
A thought occurred to him, and he held out his hand. In a flash of light, a blue casket appeared. The Casket of Ancient Winters. One of the many relics he had stolen from Odin's Vault. At just his touch, the skin of his fingers turned blue. He could feel the power of the Fimbulwinter inside it. Everything started when he found out about his Frost Giant heritage. A monster that Odin took from Jotunheim and raised in the shadow of his brother.
Perhaps it was time he embraced his other half.
[~][~]
Greetings and Happy New Year Readers.
First, allow me to apologize for not updating for so long. I was looking back on some mistakes, and they held me back. It eventually turned into writer's block, which is a struggle to shake off. Now after all these months, I've overcome it. I originally intended to update on Christmas. But things don't always go according to plan.
Ruby and company are preparing to fight Loki. But the villains of this arc are making their own. Now that they've acquired the Twilight Sword, they are now set to reforge the weapon and bring about Ragnarök. As for Jane Foster, she'll have a role to play in this arc.
Thank you for reading. Let me know what you think and if you have a TV Tropes account, updating the page would be greatly appreciated.
See you in the New Year.