Apokolips

The fiery, burning planet has been home to darkness and destruction for many millennia. Imagine the worst possible place you could ever live multiplied by ten. Then throw in your worst nightmares for good measure. Now you have the planet that so many lowly and empty people call their home. Fire erupts from this planet like water flows down a canyon.

Darkseid was the ruler of this planet and he couldn’t be any prouder.

But the man that had come to see him could care less how proud Darkseid was. For this man was a conqueror and like all conquerors he had a purpose. He would appease his lover and he needed the ruler of Apokolips to do it. Of course starting off with a compliment couldn’t do any harm.

“Quite the lovely place you control here.”

“Step out from the shadows Thanos. I was wondering when you would make yourself known,” Darkseid said as he sat on his throne. The bulky Thanos moved out from behind the throne and smiled wickedly. The Mad Titan had barely heard Darkseid’s voice over the raging fires of the planet, but luckily Thanos had the skill of reading lips.

“I was only waiting for you to stop staring off aimlessly. You and I are both men of power Darkseid. We know what we desire and we let none stand in our path!” Thanos proclaimed. The Eternal had hopes to motivate Darkseid to his cause.

“And what I want is to finish the contest you and I started on Earth! I nearly finished you off and sent your pathetic hide to the grave. I want the chance to do so again,” Darkseid smiled as he rose from his throne his eyes beginning to glow with Omega energy.

“The Anti-Life Equation. Is that not what you want? Is it not your life’s pursuit?” Thanos asked quickly before Darkseid could assault him. The harbinger of Death was hardly afraid of the Lord of Apokolips, but his plans did not call for a fight between the two of them.

“And what would you know of it Thanos?” Darkseid asked suddenly stopping his attack. This puny insect had caught his attention.

“There is one in my dimension who can grant us both what we most desire and she is easily captured,” Thanos replied.

“And who would this woman be?”

Thanos laughed, “I’m positive you have not heard of her, but the beauty’s name is the Scarlet Witch.”

“And just how will she give me what I desire Thanos?”

“Imagine this Darkseid. That woman controls all of probability itself. What’s the chance the Anti-Life Equation will come to you in a dream? What’s the chance it’ll end up being engraved in your throne one day?” Thanos asked knowing that he had hooked in Darkseid.

“I’m going on good faith that you’re not lying to me fool, but if you are I’ll lay your flesh out in strips for my people to feast upon,” Darkseid warned.

“Of course. Now let us begin the conquest of a thousand universes…ally,” Thanos said with a deep grin. Things were being set in motion. The plans were beginning to get set in motion. And as the wheels turned the Titan could see the dozens that would be ground in-between them.

Hala

It had once been a proud planet and the home of a mighty race. Now they had been laid low. Their own ruler had betrayed them in the name of evolution. Yet, they followed him nonetheless. Supreme Intelligence, the traitor, would see his people bought high again once more. The actions of the Supreme Intelligence always seemed contradicting, but that was his way. He destroyed and then rebuilt. None could explain the way his immense mind worked.

Why have you come before my presence? The likes of you are not welcome here on glorious Hala!

I have come here for one reason Supreme Intelligence. I have come to warn you of the Mad Titan’s plan!

Do you think me concerned with the affairs of Thanos? If I am correct you were under his thumb until recently. Isn’t that right Tyrant?

The face of Tyrant scrunched up at the Supremor’s comment. He couldn’t help, but to become angered. The arrogance of this ruler was amazing. His empire lay in ruin, but he still managed to be cold and callous to all who approached him. If Thanos had been smart he would have leveled the Kree before trying to come to Earth, but Tyrant was simply in denial. He didn’t want to admit the fact that Thanos had set him up. The Mad Titan had wanted him to fail, but the Tyrant couldn’t figure out why.

Do my words offend you Tyrant? Then you won’t like to know that I don’t care. Say what you must say and go. Pawns are frequently pieces I don’t enjoy to look at.

You speak harshly now, but you will thank me for this information. Thanos has a new ally in the alien conqueror Darkseid. He comes from the other world that we all had to struggle against only a few years ago.

And why should this Darkseid concern me? The Supreme Intelligence fears no one!

Because this Darkseid will ensure that this universe and a thousand more all come to an end. The only thing that stands in their way are the Avengers and with the forces they already have assembled I’m afraid the Earthers stand no chance.

They defeated you.

Tyrant hated the smiled that crawled across the Kree ruler’s face. He wanted to blow that big head to a thousand green bloody pieces. While a tremendous fighter, Tyrant was no fool. If anyone could stop Thanos and his ilk it was Supreme Intelligence. He couldn’t afford to forget that fact. No matter how much it pained him to admit it.

Indeed they defeated me, but I did not have the forces at my back that Thanos does. Even you must recognize this Supremor. Do not sit idle.

I will consider your words Tyrant. Now leave my presence.

Ronan had stood outside the Supreme Intelligence chambers for almost an hour now. It had been two hours since Tyrant had left those very same chambers. What could he have said that disturbed the Supremor so much? Ronan had a feeling he was about to find out as the large silver doors split open.

Come to me Ronan. We have much to discuss.

The Accuser quickly obeyed his master and made his way along the purple rug made of the finest animal hairs that lead to the Supremor. Stopping a few feet in front of the Kree ruler he bowed down on one knee and held his head low.

“What is your will master?” Ronan asked never once looking up.

Thanos plans to move against the entire universe. We must put a stop to his plans.

“How will we do this master?” Ronan asked.

Take our army of new Accusers. Go to Earth and warn the Avengers.

Ronan looked up for the first time, “But sire all of Hala will be left defenseless.”

The Supreme Intelligence chuckled loud enough to be heard throughout of the whole of the newly rebuilt capital city.

There is more to Hala than you know my loyal Accuser. Now do as I command. Bring the Accusers to Earth.

Rising up from the ground Ronan the Accuser bowed and said, “I live to serve your will Supreme Intelligence.”

Ronan had more than one reason for not wanting to bring the Accusers to Earth. Not only did he not want to leave Hala without defenses, but also he was also wary of this new Accuser army. They were born of the DNA of Mutants and Kree. When Deathbird had given the Supreme Intelligence the DNA of the many X-Men who had visited her Empire the Supremor used the information to create a new army of Accusers…one which Ronan was charged to lead. The only problem the stalwart of the Kree had with that was the Supreme Intelligence saw the future of the Kree in these new Accusers. Where did that leave the rest of his people?

Attilan

“Man, you could have told me I was going here instead of the Avengers Mansion!” Karma yelled angrily as Crystal walked up the hallway to meet her.

“I’m sorry Karma, but I couldn’t have Firelord and Morg following you. I needed to throw them off and I know you would be safe here. Trust me. My brother-in-law has never lost a fight,” Crystal assured.

“Yea like I haven’t heard that before,” Karma laughed taking Crystal’s comment with very little seriousness.

“I’m sure you have, but few people actually mean it,” Crystal said with all seriousness.

“Come on now stop playing. I know somebody had to have beat him,” Karma said beginning to doubt her own stance. Maybe Crystal was right.

“I kid you not. He hasn’t been defeated…once,” Crystal replied.

“Okayyy! This is definitely a place I want to get away from then, cuz knowing me, I’ll make the big guy mad,” Karma laughed a little nervous of the thought of being under the care of someone who had never been defeated.

“I understand. We have a plane waiting for you. Take it wherever you want to go and leave it there. My people will arrive and take it back here,” Crystal explained pointing to where the plane could be found.

“Thanks! I appreciate you and Thor coming in there and saving me. Give the guy my love the next time you see him,” Karma said shaking Crystal’s hand and walking down the hall.

“Will do,” Crystal promised as Karma vanished out of view. Though it might be a few days before she did so. The Inhuman Royal was resting in Attilan to recover from her injuries in the battle with Firelord. Plus she needed to spend more time with Luna. She hated the thought of her daughter growing up with her hardly ever being around.

Karma was surprised. This plane was completely automatic. All she had to do was tell it where to go and off it went.

“Man that was hell,” Karma said thinking back to Morg and Firelord chasing her down. Without Thor and Crystal showing up when they did she would definitely be a goner. Where the hell were the X-Men when you needed them? You would think they would keep tabs on old friends.

“Don’t blame them. They’re lives are upside down at the moment,” Karma scolded herself. Rubbing her hands across her face the Vietnamese woman took a deep soothing breath. She just needed to cool down and take a breather. Shock was still in her system at the pure carnage Firelord and Morg had caused. And one question bugged Karma at the back of her mind. What if one day those two came back to finish what they had started?

“Turn around slowly. You’ll be coming with us,” a brutish voice called out from behind Karma.

Damn it! Damn it! Why do these bozos keep following me?

Turning around slowly Karma gasped. In front of her was a large man that looked very much like a Cro-Magnum on steroids. Surrounding him were green armored cyborgs with skin paler than any gray she had ever seen before. Their eyes all glowed a piercing red.

“Who the hell are you?” Karma asked.

“My name is Cole. These are Parademons. You’re coming with us!” Cole ordered as he and the other occupants of the plane all vanished.

The aircraft just continued on its course totally unaware of what had happened.

Avengers Mansion

“Hey Nicole! How’s life been treating you?” Scarlet Witch asked as she met Binary at the Mansion door. The two embraced for quite a bit before letting go.

“Pretty decent. Christmas wasn’t too bad. Boy, am I glad you came out here to meet me. I was sure as nothing that the Mansion defense systems were going to attack me,” Binary laughed.

“I would have had to beat Neal down if they did,” Wanda said referring to the Mansion’s new technician.

“So Crystal was really beat up that bad huh?” Nicole asked, her voice growing a little with concern.

Scarlet Witch shook her head, “She got a little bruised up but she managed to hold her own against Firelord. An impressive feat, I must say.”

“Not as impressive as you whupping that big blue guy around. I saw it all over the news after it happened,” Binary smiled giving Wanda a high five.

“We girls do what we can,” Scarlet Witch replied with a smile.

“I hear that. So we got any action headed our way?” Binary asked nudging Wanda in the side a bit.

“Hopefully not,” Scarlet Witch sighed.

New Chandilar

Gladiator stood before the large monitor that held the image of the Supreme Intelligence on it. The Emperor of the Shi’ar had no idea why the Kree ruler was calling him, but it had his interest piqued. He would at least hear what Supreme Intelligence had to say.

Greetings, Gladiator! I have news of the most urgent nature to tell you of. The Mad Titan seeks to destroy us all.

“Thanos has long been a nuisance in the side of the universe. Tell me of the fiend’s new plan,” Gladiator said as he listened intently to the details.

Far away stood the Imperial Guard, and though they could see that their Emperor was conversing with the Supreme Intelligence they couldn’t hear about what. Gladiator had made sure to make his conference room sound proof.

“What do you think the Supreme Intelligence wants?” Hussar asked playing with her neuro whip.

“Who knows? That floating head has always been a pain,” Smasher commented.

“I hope Gladiator knows what he’s doing. The Supreme Intelligence is quite the devious one,” Earthquake brooded not wanting his people to be manipulated into something that couldn’t get out of. For all Gladiator was, he still wasn’t a Lilandra in Earthquake’s mind.

“Indeed. The Supremor is skilled at weaving lies into truths and truths into lies. He could make a hardcore criminal save a baby,” Magique said.

“Trust Gladiator. He is far more skilled in the art of politics than you think. Remember, he’s observed two rulers at the game. Kallark has learned plenty from them,” Oracle reminded.

“Indeed I have,” Gladiator said, walking down the stairs that were in front of his throne. Looking over his Imperial Guard, he said with a smile, “We have someone that needs to be caught. The Imperial Guard has been put up for this mission.”

“Are you sure we can trust the Supreme Intelligence?” Magique asked, hoping that the Shi’ar weren’t being reduced to bit players.

Gladiator’s face turned somber, “We have no choice but to trust the Supremor. What Thanos has planned could spell the end of everything!”

“Thanos?” Oracle asked confused.

“I’ll explain on the way. Right now we have to get moving. Time is of the essence,” Gladiator replied.

Attilan

Crystal, the mistress of nature. Only a few short months ago this woman was a wreck. Her husband had cheated on her with Rogue and she subsequently annulled their marriage. She was at odds with Scarlet Witch over Pietro, though in part due to the manipulation of Apollo. Now, though, she was a fountain of confidence. Finding love in Exodus and training under Sersi had done wonders for her powers. It allowed her to stand against Firelord and it would allow her to stand against whatever other challenges decided to head her way.

Crystal was moving to the room where Luna was playing and waiting for her when Karnak tapped her on the shoulder from behind. Crystal jumped back, surprised.

“I’m sorry to have scared you, Crystal. I just wanted to inform you that Karma’s plane landed.”

“Good. I hope she can move past all this mess. Thanks for the update,” Crystal said as she walked into the room where Luna was reading a book.

“What’s that darling?” Crystal asked bending down to look at the book. On the front of it the cover read Magic for Beginners.

“It’s a magic book, Mommy. I want to be just like Auntie Wanda when I grow up,” Luna said with an innocent smile.

“I’m sure Auntie Wanda would be happy to hear that,” Crystal replied returning the smile. Though in truth she couldn’t be angrier. She didn’t want Luna absorbed into anything having to do with heroics. She wanted Luna to be a doctor or a singer or maybe even the next Oprah. Never, though, did she want her precious child to be an Avenger or a hero. There was too much risk in that path. Too much hurt.

Space

Thanos the Mad Titan made his way down the oblong hallway to the red door that lead to the area where his army was being forged. The army was being formed because of the carelessness of the Avengers. They were going to pay for their quick-handed work and would always remember that they had been the cause of their own destruction. The thought made euphoria wash over Thanos.

Coming up on the door, Thanos pressed his palm on a green slab. A blue light ran down the slab, analyzing the hand of the Mad Titan. With a wheezing the door split open, confirming that Thanos had been allowed access. Stepping into the room he saw hundreds upon hundreds of gas filled tubular chambers. It was like seeing a bunch of adult sized syringes lined up in neat rows.

Each colossal step signified the power and command that Thanos held. It would make most men quiver, but Taras Vol had heard these same steps many times. He had been in the employ of Thanos for quite some time.

“Hello, Lemurian. How goes work on my army?” Thanos asked looking out into the vastness of the glass chambers. All of them were bleeping a variety of colors, making for quite the light show.

“Your army grows strong, my lord. The Binary clones should be ready very soon. In fact within a matter of a day or two,” Taras Vol reported. He had once been a renowned geneticist in the ancient Lemurian civilization. When his people fell he fled to the stars with one of his creations. Ever since he had been in hiding and bringing life to dead worlds. It was his way of keeping the memory of his people alive. That was until Thanos found him. Now Taras Vol had real purpose again. His skills in the genetics were being put to use. Valuable use, for Taras Vol was assured a place in the new universal order now.

“Excellent. Soon my might will spread throughout the universe like an epidemic. All will know, fear, and worship the name Thanos. For I will hold their very lives in my hands,” Thanos smiled clutching his fist together tightly.

Bolivia

The metallic ship landed on the ground lightly with the grace of a landing bird. Suddenly like a horde of locusts Ronan and his Accusers came out of the aircraft. Looking around Ronan looked livid, “This was not the place we were supposed to land! Those astronomers aren’t worth a damn!”

“Calm yourself, Kree. You have more important things to worry about!” Electryon yelled as he descended from the ground. Ronan looked at the man with purple and gold armor in disgust. Whoever this person was he didn’t have time to waste on him.

“Just because you carry a larger hammer than myself, don’t believe yourself to be more powerful,” Ronan warned referring to his Universal Weapon and Electryon’s much larger golden mallet.

“Oh, but he is more powerful, Kree scum!” a feminine voice assured. Ronan turned to see a woman scantily clad in red clothing. Her boots came up past her thighs and her gloves past her elbows. Just about everything else was exposed though.

“What sort of treachery is this?” Ronan yelled as he saw four more people move out from behind the trees and vines.

“It’s the kind of treachery that gets you killed,” Electryon yelled as he slammed his hammer into Ronan’s face and sent him flying across the sky and into a large tree. The plant split in half and went crashing in two directions.

One of the Accusers teleported behind Electryon and slammed him in the neck with both of his fists. The Eternal went crashing into the ground and a plume of smoke followed after his impact. The Accuser that attacked him had been created off the DNA of Nightcrawler, provided to the Supreme Intelligence by Deathbird.

Astarte saw her teammate fall from the sky and was distressed. She hoped that Thanos hadn’t underestimated the power of Ronan and his Accusers.

“Turn and face me, woman!” an Accuser yelled

“You actually believe yourself a worthy challenge to me? How sad,” Astarte said before flipping into the air and firing cosmic energy balls from her feet. The Accuser gracefully dodged all the attacks and leaped into the air, wrapping both of his hands around the woman’s neck.

“Fight my warriors! Send these infidels to the grave!” Ronan commanded slamming his hammer in the middle of Electryon’s face. The Eternal fell back into the ground, leaving a crater beneath him.

Space

MODAM was a woman of terrible power and an even stronger desire to be in control. Thanos saw that and so offered her the opportunity, along with a couple of other superhumans, to be in control of the very universe. All they had to do was follow Thanos and his ally’s orders until their plans came to fruition. The time for that was soon approaching and MODAM’s role in this plot was about to unfold.

Cole walked into the dome shaped room, carrying a woman with purple hair over his shoulder. It was the mutant known as Karma. Her abilities to take over the minds of others would soon prove to be quite profitable to Thanos and the others, but detrimental to the planet. The creation of AIM could honestly care less.

“Will this process be beginning anytime today?” MODAM asked, annoyed as she hovered above the immortal Neanderthal, Cole.

“Be quiet, big head woman. I have little woman. You can do big show soon,” Cole said as he walked over to the machine that Karma was going to be hooked up to. It looked like a carrot that was hollowed out, but it would enhance Xi’an’s abilities to a point that would be useful to them.

“Are you ready?” Darkseid asked, looking at MODAM. He had been quiet during the whole exchange between Cole and the floating head, but now things needed to get in motion. The Lord of Apokolips could barely fathom where Thanos had gathered these bumbling fools, but you got help where you could find it.

“Of course I’m ready, Darkseid. My mind is prepared,” MODAM said confidently as she floated back into the giant blue bubble that was connected to the silver carrot machine that Karma had been placed in.

Darkseid looked to one of his Parademons and nodded. The machine moved forward and pulled down a red lever beside the silver device. MODAM’s bubble began to spin around faster and faster till the woman was a blur and gray smoke filled the chamber that held the young mutant.

The Lord of Apokolips smiled. The two devices the ladies were in would increase and link both of their powers. MODAM would in be in charge of the joint power and with it she would attack the minds of Earth, inciting globe wide riots. Darkseid had already chosen the first cities that would erupt in violence. Mexico City, Paris, Moscow, and Dublin would be in flames before the night was over, and the thought of hate raining on the cities made Darkseid smile.

“Things are in motion, children. Some will seek to stop us, but they cannot. Now, if Thanos can keep his end of our bargain, then all will come to darkness. Such beauty none of you can fathom,” Darkseid said as he looked out into the eternal sea of black that was space.

Bolivia

Ronan looked up and smiled at the coming ship. He recognized it and knew that his Accusers would soon begin to win this battle. The Inhuman man, Skybreaker, had taken the air out of most of his Accuser’s lungs, rendering them unconscious. Ronan had almost begun to think he would have to fight this battle on his own. If his old warriors had been by his side things would be different, but the Supremor demanded these new Accusers have their mettle tested in battle. So far they had proven to be less than effective.

As the ship landed, the Avengers made themselves known to all present. They were legends and those who were admired always gained the attention of others.

Thor, the God of Thunder. The leader of the Avengers and heir to Asgard. His flowing blonde hair and clean-shaven face spoke of a simultaneous beauty and ferocity. At his side hung the mighty weapon Mjolnir, which had met the faces of many foes. Count Nefaria, Thanos, and Morg, to name a few. The power of this Asgardian was unquestioned and you fought him knowing that no battle with him could ever be an easy one.

Scarlet Witch, the lady of probability. If Thor was the mightiest of the Avengers, Wanda held the most potential. As of late her powers had been growing, causing her to transform into another form that was possessed of an awful power. It was a power that had saved the Avengers on many occasions. Against the Exemplars, Satana, and Tyrant were all times Wanda’s newfound strength had saved the day.

Jack-of-Hearts was the most controlled of the Avengers. His power could burst out of control at any time and cause extensive damage. Jack’s Zero Energy was both his blessing and curse. Being possessed of such great power made Jack always on his guard, forcing him to constantly concentrate on controlling his tremendous strength. Such strong internal control often made Jack have less external control, and he had to compensate in some way for his unbalanced life. Nonetheless, he was a strong Avenger and would one day prove his worth.

Photon was the most level headed of the Avengers. Monica had been a cop, a job that required the ability to remain calm in dangerous situations. She was a natural for the Avengers and it showed. Rambeau had demonstrated great ability in the fights against Yamu and Tyrant. Though not being the victor in any of those battles, she had proven a deciding factor in helping the war to be won. Photon wasn’t an Avenger that sought the spotlight and she knew what needed to be done. Seeing Ronan, though, made her wonder just who she should be fighting in this conflict.

Quasar, the former Protector of the Universe. He had relinquished his status to Genis-Vell, Captain Marvel, under circumstances not yet revealed to his teammates. Having a title, however, wasn’t what made Wendell Vaughn the hero he was. It was his drive and passion for the preservation of life. Wendell would always be a Universal Protector whether he had the title or not.

Binary had been called in to replace Crystal, but Nicole had proven herself to be a worthy Avenger before. Once she had been a villain fighting alongside Diablo in the service of Zeneo Tech. She changed her ways, though, and became one of Earth’s Mightiest. Now she was going to prove herself still worthy of the title.

Machine Man had only recently joined the Avengers after the defeat of Tyrant. Thor had offered him membership and Stack gladly accepted the offer. He felt alien and alone, but being around this collection of champions made him feel somewhat normal again. Machine Man was trying to move back to where he once was, but it was impossible to do so now. Celestial technology ran throughout his body. He could now dream, get angry, feel despair, and most of all love. Machine Man was now a sentient robot in every sense of the word…and it scared him.

These seven Avengers emerged from the Quinjet ready to do battle. And, with one resounding cry, Thor shouted, “AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!”

To Be Continued...