Chapters 26 and 27 have been a freaking breeze.

Jebest has been instrumental in these two chapters, and BulletStormX is a huge reason for the upcoming conflict in Remnant as well as the in between of Volumes 2 and 3.

It is so awesome to have such reliable friends and comrades, makes life a helluva lot more bearable.

So to my comrades, BulletStormX, Jebest and Thunderstruck60, thank you guys for being so helpful in getting so many of these ideas down to paper.

Anywho, yeah that's right, the Defenders are getting recruited and things are getting interesting back on Earth.

Grimm abound with the remaining heroes on Earth preparing for greater dangers.

Glad to see the overwhelming glee of Ghost Rider and Punisher working together. They're a duo I've been aching to get to after teasing them a few chapters ago and we're just getting started with them.

The Defenders are starting to realize that they're now a part of a bigger world. And now they know.

Let's keep this ball rolling then, shall we?

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avenging Remnant Chapter 27: Defenders Initiative

Matt Murdock was feeling a tad bit overwhelmed at the moment.

Letting out a haggard exhale, he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his shades resting next to his platter of Chinese food.

"You know, Rand buying this place is one life's little gems." Foggy Nelson said, wolfing down some noodles. "My god Danny, am I glad you met Matt."

"I'm just glad it's being put to use." Danny said whimsically, casually leaning on his girlfriend who fed him some chicken halfway before snatching the other half for herself in a kiss. Giving her a mischievous smile, Danny heard Luke snort.

"That, was the most sickeningly sweet thing I have ever seen you do." Luke dryly remarked.

"Yeah, you're gonna make me hurl." Jessica Jones stated in her typical snarky remark, busy scrolling through her laptop.

"Whatever you have to say against us is null and void after the stunt you pulled back in Colleen's dojo." Danny shot back with a deadpan.

Jessica flinched for a moment, huffing to herself.

"Yeah, just sulk there Jessie." Danny said with a shake of his head.

"So, let me get this straight." Karen Page, who was busy looking at several files all at once. "The four of you went from being street level vigilantes on to the world stage of the Avengers and we're all just sitting around having lunch?"

The four enhanced beings sitting at the round table could only exchange confused glances until Danny collectively answered for them.

"Yeah, seems about right."

"Kinda felt like the only thing that make's sense really." Jessica admitted.

Luke felt a nudge on his shoulder to see Misty Knight giving him a pointed look.

"What?"

Misty only sighed amused and exasperatedly. "You know, I always thought you would be one of the most upfront public guys after that stunt you pulled with you outing yourself as Harlem's Protector. But that Tony Stark fellow just blew you out of the water in one fell swoop."

"He is Iron Man." Foggy remarked with a shrug. "Remember eight years ago when he just up and blatantly said it worldwide?"

"Changed the world in four short words." Karen added, putting away their law firm work to eat a little bit.

"Him and his ego." Jessica said with annoyance, clicking her tongue in annoyance.

"Alright." Luke rolled his eyes at his one-night stands behavior. "What's gotten you all more moodier than usual?"

"I think it has something to do with whatever this case she's working on." Danny said knowingly. "Right Jessie? The one that made you storm into my girlfriend's home and start a fight with one of the most famous, powerful men in the world."

"You still haven't paid for damages, you know." Colleen said, eyes half-lidded in the alcoholic's direction.

Jessica felt her brow twitch in aggravation. "I thought your boy toy would do it for you."

"I know he will, or Iron Man since he did say it." Colleen stated. "I'm just gonna hold this over your head for a bit to make me feel a little better."

Jessica gazed up at the ceiling, knowing that there really wasn't anyway that she could talk her way out of this. So, she resigned herself to this fate, choosing to return her attention on her laptop.

"So, how have you guys been?" Luke asked the attorneys across from him. "After that whole Kingpin shit went down and all."

"We've been keeping ourselves busy." Foggy said with a shrug.

"Yeah." Karen wryly said, holding up her phone to show a near avalanche of emails. "Apparently, Tony Stark has been sighted in Hell's Kitchen entering the Law Firm of Nelson, Murdock and Page. He then released a statement speaking about looking for more "righteous Lawyers". And now, we've been getting swarmed with new client requests. Busiest we've ever been."

"One was from Japan even." Foggy said in slight disbelief. "I honestly don't know if we're up for this."

"There's a lot that we're not up for." Matt murmured, fingers grazing over his shades. "But sometimes, we get thrown neck deep into the shit till we pull ourselves out on our own power."

The assembled group of friends and allies all gave the blind lawyer inquisitive and confused looks with Matt only giving them a small smile.

"Dad used to say that sometimes." Matt said, a tiny chortle escaping from him. "Had a lot of sayings whenever he felt like I needed it."

The table was momentarily silent after that, a few utensils clinking upon the plates.

"So now what?" Misty asked aloud, breaking the silence. "We all just gonna sit here and keep eating?"

"Basically, yeah." Jessica said uncaringly, eating an egg roll. "Why do you think we're all here?"

"Have you guys not been paying attention to the news at all?" Misty asked bewildered at the relaxed state the group of heroes were in right now.

"That's all we usually do." Foggy said.

"And Luke's face has been plastered all over it." Danny said smugly.

"So has yours." Misty stated, pulling out her own phone to show a video clip that was caught of Jessica and Iron Man fighting momentarily before it was broken up by none other than billionaire Danny Rand.

Danny cringed at his rather callous and reckless behavior, hand over his face to hide his shame.

Putting her phone away, she gave the four heroes an expectant look. "After his stunt with Luke Cage, all New York can talk about is Earth's newest Avenger on top of the possibility that the other heroes scattered across this city, let alone state, are being considered in joining Earth's super boy band."

"I honestly don't see how in god's name we could-"

"Matt, two of its founding members was a guy with a bow and arrow and a woman with some electric sticks." Misty cut off the Devil of Hell's Kitchen. "You really think you won't be able to serve much to the Avengers?"

"It was just never on my agenda to be a part of the team that is responsible for reigning down hell on the city 4 years ago." Matt sharply countered.

"We never did know the full story behind that attack." Danny murmured. "All we know now is that we're not alone in this universe."

"Lots and lots of governmental black tape." Jessica jabbed in, her fingers clicking across her keyboard. "Most of us should have a good amount of experience with that to know good cover ups."

"For all we know it could have been the Avengers themselves." Luke said, frowning at the thought of it.

"No." Matt surprisingly shot that down. "That may be a bit of a stretch."

"But can we really trust Stark right now?" Jessica piped up, looking away from her computer to give each person at the table a hard stare. "This whole black tape stuff is commonplace for guys like him. He's a billionaire with a suit of armor that could level a city like ours who's in bed with the UN after those new accords came in. We'd be falling in right under that same umbrella if we agree to join the Avengers officially. The same set of laws that drove Captain Fucking America, the damn flag waver to go and with a huge chunk of the Avengers, run into hiding cause they were against that. Are we forgetting that little detail?"

The reactions were varied amongst the party members.

Matt Murdock silently regarded Jessica, his enhanced senses picking up on her accelerated heartbeat and ragged breathing. His entire body was tense, he himself now having considerable doubts in regards to this monumental offer.

Luke and Danny shared a look with each other, something that Misty and Colleen did as well with rather unsure and even scared faces.

Karen was rather openly nervous, her hands now trembling as a million thoughts and fears ran through her head all at once.

Foggy paled a bit and was jittery now, looking to his best friend for some kind of answer.

"I think right now…" Matt slowly spoke, trying to get his thoughts in order. "That the Accords are an obstacle we'll have to overcome when getting to it."

Jessica could only give Matt a bewildered expression. "And how the hell does that work? We're all under the radar and even considering now that Iron Man went and fucking threw our public images out there. How can we protect ourselves if feds will soon coming busting down our doors for either an arrest warrant or acceptance."

"Try to set things on our terms could be a start." Said the blind lawyer.

"Easier said than done." Foggy morosely pointed out. "We're gonna need to do a lot of homework, Matty."

"Has that ever stopped us before?" Matt said in good humor.

"Even then, you're considered fresh meat in Tony's group. So leeway's will be rather hard to work with or something." Karen pointed out

"There's also the escapades you guys have been doing yourselves." Foggy said hesitantly. "So, you guys being vigilantes while this law has been in effect may not help as much."

"So then what do we do?" Danny asked anxiously.

"We need to consider a lot right now." Luke said. "I don't know if you guys have noticed but ever since my "Announcement" as Harlem's Avenger, crime has plummeted. My guys on the street have been hearing zip from every major crime gang still in the city."

"It has been really quiet these past few days." Danny noted, turning to Matt. "Have you heard anything recently?"

Matt paused for a second, recollecting his past few nights. "Nothing other than petty crime. No big moves."

"Was there anything at all?"

Matt only shook his head. "Nothing. It's been nearly dead silent."

"At least not here." Karen said with trepidation as she was staring at her phone with slight shock.

"Karen?" Matt asked in concern.

"There has been this thing blowing through social media as of late pertaining Frank Castle." This perked up the attention of the other party members. "He's becoming popular… in an iffy good way."

"Frank Castle?" Luke whispered. "The Punisher? Are you serious?"

"That guy was a fucking nightmare." Misty whispered, massaging the sides of her head at the memories of all the pandemonium that one man caused for every single precinct in Manhattan.

"What's happening with him that got him so popular lately?" Foggy inquired tentatively. "And what you mean 'in an iffy good way'?"

"Well, he's not been alone, that's for starters." Karen said. "He's got a friend with him. Who is just as crazy as everything else that's been happening in this world."

"What makes this one so crazy?" Colleen asked.

Karen simply turned her phone and held it up for all to see.

To say that they shocked would be an understatement.

"What in the fuck was that?" Jessica asked aloud, eyes wide and disturbed.

"For the only person in the room that's actually blind, mind filling me in?" Matt asked. "Also doesn't help as the audio isn't all that great from what I'm getting right now from your phone, Karen."

"A flaming fucking skull, that's what." Jessica blabbered out.

"...I'm sorry, but what?"

"Frank Castle is with some dude who literally had his skin melt away to be replaced with a flaming skull before the two of them fought a couple of…. Are those werewolves?" Danny explained, squinting at the video.

Pulling up a new tab, Jessica quickly searched this up for more information on what they just saw. "Apparently this happened last night. And damn there's so many hits that it might come close to Luke being inducted by Stark into the Avengers."

"So, that's happening." Colleen murmured, resting her forehead against her free hand while gripping Danny's hand with her own. "And I thought the Hand and you guys were as crazy as it gets for us."

"One thing after another.' Foggy said tiredly. "At this rate, I'm gonna lose all my fat from this stress."

"Where was this?" Matt inquired.

"Pretty close actually." Karen answered. "Not that far off from New York really. Somewhere down in Jersey."

"Planning on heading down there?" Jessica asked Matt.

"Maybe." Matt considered.

"Oh man." Foggy whined. "I just wanted to eat with everyone, not play twenty thousand questions."

The group of New Yorkers decided to now return to their meals for the time being. Danny had waved to the chef for more helpings, specifically dessert as he felt that they could use some right about now.

"So what should happen with our current predicament?" Luke pondered, wanting to get back into their previous discussion.

"Well…" Karen silently mused on this. "This whole Avengers business shouldn't be taken so lightly."

"Don't worry Karen, pretty sure none of this is a joke to us." Foggy stated with a small grin.

"Suggestions are welcomed at this point."

"And not stupid ones."

"Jessica…"

"Luke, I'm telling what it is." Jessica looked around to see the bland stares she was getting. "You guys all suck, you know that?

"What about a Trial Basis?" Misty suggested

"Trial basis?"

"Something we could offer with Stark. See if you guys are actually cut out for the Avengers spots or not. And if you're dissatisfied with being in it, then you could quit." Misty explained. "We do that with rookie cops or recruits sometimes who ask or take an interest in the NYPD. Most of them even quit through the academy."

"But remember, Stark had still announced some of us as Avengers already. So it'll be harder to get out of that." Jessica then glanced over to Matt. "You're the only one that could make it out better than the rest of us as you still have your secret identity, Matty."

"The only one officially is still Luke." Matt said, nodding to Cage. "We can work with that and see if we could compound our cases to keep us out of some madness for a while."

"How do we do that then?" Danny asked.

"We'll figure something out." Matt said. "Maybe we could look up some of the Accords, find some loopholes in the whole thing before going to Stark."

"Is there even a public form of it somewhere?"

"Karen, with the internet these days you can find just about anything. So a copy for public domain is no doubt available." Foggy pointed out.

"Maybe I could use my own money." Danny said. "Throw it around a bit; see what I could get."

"Don't going doing that haphazardly." Luke said to his friend. "Don't want to get too much suspicions on your company after everything that's been going on here."

"We got to have something we could use." Foggy said frustrated. "Otherwise we could be facing the music unprepared."

The table fell silent again, a rather tense atmosphere hanging over them. All that was heard was Jessica's rapid clacking of her keyboards with an annoyed expression clear and present.

"Seriously, put away the damn laptop." Misty ordered. "This ain't your place of business, much less your home-"

"Her place of business is her home."

"-So close that up now or I'll make you."

"Not now, Knight." Jessica shot down. "I'm still in the middle of a job."

"That Peter Parker thing?" Danny asked, recalling the rather aggressive confrontation the super woman had with Stark. "What's he got to do with Stark?"

"A lot apparently considering he was interning with Stark a while back and went missing during his homecoming dance." Jessica said, going through some old news reports that had transpired that night. "The same night another vigilante was last spotted in Brooklyn."

"Who?"

"That Spider guys that's usually over in Queens." Jessica waved off.

"You mean Spider-boy?" Knight said. "I heard about him over from a friends in Roosevelt."

"Spider-man." Karen corrected. "He's been around for a while now."

"Stark's a stubborn bastard, not budging in at least giving me something to help put my client at ease." Jessica said, gritting her teeth.

"You can blame his father for that." Rand commented.

"What?" Luke was confused. "How'd you know that?"

"Interviews and public talks." Danny answered. "What? You don't watch or listen to TED talks?

Danny only got shaking heads of negatives from everyone.

"Well it was that and my father and mother knew him at one point. A few times at least. And from there they told me of their thoughts on Howard's character. I could always vaguely remember those small little conversations." Danny was a bit sullen then. "It's sometimes all I can remember about them."

Jessica only frowned. "Look, I don't wanna step all over your memories of your parents but how is this supposed to be helping with my case?"

"Jessica, in case you forgot, this isn't about your case right now." Luke said patiently.

"Or can it be?' Matt said, suddenly tense and focused on Jessica. "Jessica, what can you tell me about this case you're working on right now? Maybe a fresh pair of eyes might give you an opening."

"...Not the best metaphor for you to use, Matty."

Scene Cut

The former Avengers Tower was practically empty by this point.

All of its equipment, furniture and so on has at long last been taken out and moved up to upstate New York at the New Avengers facility.

Yet one thing remained.

One person.

Tony Stark stood behind his old bar, eyes on a holo-image being displayed in front of him.

PLANE CRASH LANDING, BROOKLYN BEACH IN FLAMES.

He could only shake his head in shame, shrinking away the screen while looking down onto the one area where he once had all his friends and allies by his side in one brief moment.

Tony could practically hear the echoes of the team all gathered around the table, trying their damndest to lift Thor's hammer only to fail in hysterical fashion.

"Mr. Stark."

Tony blinked. "Friday?"

"Jessica Jones and Matt Murdock are on the elevator up to see you."

"...Wait, what?"

The lawyer he had somewhat expected to show up at his doorstep, or at least giving him a call, to give him a proper response if he wanted to join his merry band of heroes. The investigator on the other hand was something he was going to no doubt dread.

He didn't know if he could properly run from it with how persistent she was.

'Wonder if I'll survive long enough for me to get her out of my building.' Tony groaned in thought, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Tony heard the sound of the elevator letting off a ding, announcing the arrival of the two who had stepped out of the lift.

"They have arrived, sir."

"Thanks, Friday." Turning to the elevator, the billionaire smiled. "Mr. Murdock." Tony greeted, slowly walking around the bar. "Requiem for a dream. Good to see the two of you."

Jessica was clearly unamused at Tony's jab at her, giving him an annoyed glare.

"Mr. Stark." Matt said, holding his cane with his hands. "I hope we weren't interrupting you with anything."

"Far from it." Tony casually waved off. "Was hoping to do something today and you guys can help fill in the slot."

"We're not in the mood for games here, Tin-can." Jessica said with a hard gaze. "We didn't drop everything we had to do today just to entertain you."

"Really? Cause I am thoroughly entertained right now by that smoldering look you got on me. Reminds me of my college days really."

"Mr. Stark." Matt cut in with his cane tapping the floor. "What we came up here to discuss isn't a joking matter. This is important."

Tony turned around and went back behind the bar. "I'd offer the two of you a seat but we're fresh out. How about a drink then? Bourbon? Whiskey? Vodka? Come on Joan Jett, I know you want some."

Jessica only continued to glower at the rich, formerly playboy, who had poured himself a glass of scotch.

"Mr. Stark, the two of us came here to discuss the Avengers offer." Matt stated firmly, cutting off either chance of exchanging verbal insults.

Tony blinked momentarily, setting down his glass.

"Well that was quick." Tony said whimsically. "So did you guys come here to give me your personal resumes in? References are a must, so no police or family allowed cause that would technically be chea-"

"We here for a deal of sorts." Matt cut off Tony's rambling. "I believe we can come to some sort of an agreement for the benefit of myself and my fellow colleagues."

"Colleagues?" Jessica couldn't help but snort at his wording.

"A deal? Boy you lawyers sure are consistent."

"It's funny you say that." Matt said with a wry smirk. "The reason we're here is due to the unresolved tension and conflict between you and my client, Ms. Jones."

Jessica groaned. "You were hoping to say that, weren't you?"

Matt simply adjusted his tie. "I can neither confirm nor deny that. I shall simply plead the fifth."

Jessica only gave the lawyer a withering stare while Tony grinned.

"I have a feeling we'll be great friends, Mr. Murdock." Tony said.

"Don't go throwing out friends just yet, Mr. Stark." Matt pointedly countered. "You may not like this proposition we have."

"And what would this "Proposition" be then?"

Jessica wordlessly reached into her jacket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. Unfurling it, she held it up in front of Tony with the reaction to the photo being immediate.

"I've been busting my ass for the past 24 hours and since all sources point to you, I'm not gonna beat around the bush nor kick your ass." Jessica said straightforward. "Tell me where Peter Parker is and what's his connection between you and that spider guy over in queens."

"This is condition one mind you." Matt added on, his tone brokering no room for argument. "There are several more that we wish to discuss with you."

Tony's jaw clenched with his face tightening up at the sight of Peter Parkers smiling photo staring right back at him.

"What were those other conditions-"

"Nuh-uh." Jessica interrupted. "This one has to be done first. Then the others will follow. Not before."

"I agree with my client on this one and so does the rest of our colleagues. They have gone quite curious as to why this is happening and why you're not resolving this issue in a timely manner."

Tony only inhaled to hold back the snarky remark he had at the ready, instead choosing to taking a sip of his drink.

After several tense seconds of silence, Tony tersely asked. "Why exactly do you want to know this so badly?"

"Did you miss the part where I was hired by his aunt to find him." Jessica accentuated to get her point across, finding this questioning to be pointless. "She came to you first and you practically refused to give her a straight answer. And after she was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted in asking everyone else, she turned to me for help."

The Iron Avenger could only avoid the intense stare of the detective, now walking over to a lone chair in the center of the room. Scratching his head a bit, Tony downed the remained of his drink and held it up.

An armored hand literally flew out from one of the walls and snatched the cup out from the billionaires hand and returned it back to the bar.

"I didn't do anything physically to him, if that's what you're wondering." Tony said at last. "Nor was it as bad as you may perceive it to be, detective."

"Okay, then what is going on with Parker?"

"If it were that simple to explain, I would have probably given you an answer." Tony honestly stated.

Jessica eyed him warily, looking Matt who nodded to confirm his statement.

"Then, what, is complicated?" Jessica asked getting a "sort-of" nod from Stark. "Then simplify it for us, please."

Racking his head a little, Tony gave the best, simplified answer he could give them. "I don't really know where Peter's at."

The investigator's eye started twitching upon hearing this. She really wanted to clock the man's head right here and now, but she knew Tony had more to say.

"All I can say is I knew where he was." Tony added on. "And by his own volition no less even after I took away the suit."

"...I'm sorry, but what suit are you talking about?" Matt questioned, voicing Jessica's as well.

Tony only rolled his eyes, looking only to Jessica who now seemed hesitant. "Please, don't play dumb with me. You already know exactly what I'm talking about, detective."

Jessica only remained silent.

Groaning under his breath, Tony began typing a series of commands on his holographic keyboard, the nearby metal wall whirled around to reveal-

"Oh you gotta be shitting me."

"Yeah, what a surprise." Tony dryly said with remorse.

"...Do I need to keep asking people what is just revealed or shown?" Matt asked for the upteenth time. "In case you guys keep forgetting, I am visually-

"Peter Parker is Spider-man." Jessica quickly stated making Matt freeze up. "Which makes sense now considering they both were sighted on the same night and went missing that very same evening."

Matt only gave a dark look at Tony.

"Mind explaining how this lead up to Mr. Parker's-"

"How could you let a kid do this?' Jessica asked sharply, interrupting Matt in the process.

"HEY." Tony shot up out of his seat now glaring at Jessica. "I may be responsible for his disappearance but I'm not the one that dragged him into this superhero life; that was his choice entirely."

"Do you honestly beli-"

"He's telling the truth, Jessica." Matt cut her off. "As much as I hate to admit it. He didn't make Peter choose this life."

"Thank you-"

"But this still doesn't explain a few things."

Tony mentally groaned.

"For one," Jessica jabbed her thumb towards the Spider-suit, "How could you give him that in the first place? That's obviously out of his household salary and would literally cost him his whole life to even-"

"You don't think I didn't know that?" Tony jabbed in. "I wanted to give him that edge. I saw much of myself in him."

"Like what? Egotistical, womanizing, alcoholic-"

"Oh god I do not want to deal with you on that right now." Stark stressed over Jessica's attempt at a joke, clearing his throat to continue his little tale. "Prior to when the Accords came into play, I was thinking on expanding the Avengers. Even before I decided to scout you lot out. And when I stumbled upon Peter playing hero, I saw much of myself in my early days of being Iron Man. Designing his own web shooters, making his own costume; which mind you was just thrown pajamas, but still..."

"So he really was at this before any of this?" Matt asked, his hand horizontally moving back and forth in reference to the Avengers tower.

"Six months really." Tony said right away. "And probably would have continued to do so in that onesie of his."

"Why?" Jessica asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Why did he do it? He's just a kid."

Tony actually snorted, reminiscing momentarily about his first meeting with Peter.

"Like I said, he reminded me of my early days as Iron Man. I did a little digging before I met with him. He lost someone important to him around the time he got those powers. Must have been a big eye opener to the world around him. Gave me this whole spiel about responsibility and all. A highschool kid, of all people, giving me a lecture on using powers for good. Can you believe it?"

Typing through his holographic keyboard again, a few videos of Spidey in his early pursuits of crime fighting were shown.

"Look at him go." Tony said fondly. "Oh and for the visually impaired, he just stopped a car from crashing into a bus at 40 miles an hour. Not an easy feat mind you."

Jessica could say she was rather impressed. As for Matt… well you know, blindness...

"Then what happened?" Matt asked softly. "How did he go missing?"

Quickly typing up again on his keyboard, a picture of a balding man appeared before the two. "You can partially thank Adrian Toomes for his disappearance… but if going deeper than that, blame me as well."

"Adrian Toomes?" Matt repeated the name.

"Big scary guy in a literal vulture suit." Tony rambled off. "Long story short, after the invasion of New York by aliens, this guy and his crew had been scrounging up alien leftover tech and selling them off as weapons. Though, I found out that my own damage control lead to this mess. They were originally hired to help clean up the huge mess made from the invasion." Tony rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Would've helped set them all for life with how big of a job it was. But because of me, they were literally screwed, making them forced into theft to make up for what they lost. If I'd known… then Peter might've been here and safe and we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Matt grimaced, feeling a gut familiarity with the invasion of New York having a similar effect on the streets of New York with new dangers and threats emerging to take advantage of those who were hit the worst by it all.

Tony only chuckled darkly to himself, in a low voice. "Guess what Wanda told me about Ultron was right: Everyone creates the thing they dread."

Taking a moment to collect himself, Tony dramatically clapped his hands together. "So, anything else?"

Jessica mused to herself for several seconds. "How'd he go missing exactly?"

"He was stopping Toomes from stealing another one of my planes loaded with tech that would've basically set him up for life. He stopped the plane by crashing it (probably something he unintentionally got from Cap) and then he saved Birdman from a huge explosion that wasn't a typical explosion."

"...Meaning?"

"He's not dead, if that's what you're wondering." Tony stated firmly. "But… with how Cap's crew went missing. And after what the King of Wakanda showed me; it might be something similar to it."

"..."

"..."

"I believe the Parker issue is partially resolved."

"Oh good- wait, partially?"

"I believe you owe May Parker quite the explanation with this mess you made."

"Hold up, Matt, what about me?"

"Ah well, therein lies the conclusion to your case at the moment." Matt said. "The two of you can explain this to Ms. Parker. And if Mr. Stark were to, pardon my language, pussy out, then you can strong arm him into complying his confession."

Jessica merely snorted as the image formed in her head in that scenario.

"You do realize I still have a suit right?"

"Will that really help you when all four of us force you to it?"

"I can still overpower you guys."

"Very well, then I shall speak directly to Ms. Potts if that's alright with you. Maybe she can be of the persuasive sorts."

Jessica couldn't fight her laughter that came up, actually leaning on Matt for support.

"...You wouldn't."

"Try us. You left us her card remember? You may have your name on the company but it's she who runs it all in the end."

At this point, Tony's visage was teetering at calm and annoyance. It was a comical sight to say the least. But in the inside of his head, he was outright panicking with several chibi versions of himself wanting to abandon ship or wanting to stop this mess before it begins.

Let out a dejected groan of defeat, Tony had no choice but to acquiesce.

"Wonderful… Just… Wonderful~"

"Thank you Mr. Stark. It's what I excel at." Matt casually said, folding up his can and going over to the bar. "Now, let us discuss the other conditions if you wouldn't mind."

"...You sick son of a bitch."

"I try Mr. Stark, I really do." Matt stated. "Oh, and my mother was a nun."

"...I bet that is quite the story-"

"I don't want to get into that."

"Fucking hell, you lawyers are relentless."

"Only the good ones, Mr. Stark."

"Mind pouring me a drink, Matty?"

"Jessie, it would be my pleasure."

Scene Cut

Robbie and Frank were speaking to several individuals nearby a small wreckage of an area that had police tape all over it.

Currently in the state of South Carolina, Robbie had lead the two of them on a monster hunt of sorts. Tracking down multiple small packs of these strange black creatures that seemed to be popping up all over the place, the duo had been an effective two man team in eradicating these creatures wherever they appeared.

This in turn lead to a greater deal of attention and unwanted publicity on them.

Off to the side, two young teens were pulling out their cell phones and doing quick searches as they were curious with the pair they were seeing as their appearances were familiar to them. Though it wasn't long before chatter was being made, causing them to take photos of Frank and Robbie before posting them on social media.

Seeing this from the corner of his eye, Frank merely groaned.

'This is like the third or fourth time this week.'

Shaking his head, Frank returned his attention onto the group of civilians whom they were speaking to.

"-They were huge." A woman gestured, arms up and wide. "Kinda looked like Gorillas and bears honestly."

"Yeah, and they all got them weird yellow eyes and bone stuff all over 'em." The man next to her added.

"Gorillas?" Frank muttered.

With a sketchbook on hand, Robbie did his best drawing these monsters for simplicity sakes. It would be best to make notes of them for future fights. And in both their kind of work, it's very crucial.

"Does this "bear" look familiar to you?" He asked, flipping a few pages back before presenting the detailed image to the civilian.

"That's them, that's the one." The woman said.

"We ain't seen no Gorilla type before." Frank said to Robbie in a quiet and wary voice.

"Yeah." Robbie flipped his book shut. "That's the fourth variation of these fuckers we've heard of now. You know, we gotta at least name some of these things. Can't just call them black creatures with bones all the time."

"Please~ wolves, bears, boars are all the names I am pretty much fine with." Frank said. "Let's not get to overcomplicated."

"...Okay, I get your point. I mean, we ain't kids with that creativity anymore."

"Why, did you have a name for them?"

Robbie paused, contemplating for a few seconds while opening his mouth a few times. Frank in the meantime thanked the people they spoke to and they both began walking away and back to the car.

"Well, I mean I have to name a few with the demon types I fight, aside from what the Rider provides me. So I thought the same could apply with these things we've been going after lately."

"Wait, the Rider's got a name for these things?" Frank inquired, a bit intrigued now. "What? What's his name for them?"

"It's a little hazy and I can't quite make it out."

"Something is better than nothing."

"...All I got was something called Grimm."

"Grimm?" Frank said to himself. "What, like the Grimm's fairy tales?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." Robbie said with a shrug. "And what's Grimm Fairy tales?"

"What, you've never heard of them?"

"Frank, I dropped out of high school remember?"

"...You learn a lot of them tales as a fucking kid."

"Well I didn't have a normal childhood or school then really."

"Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty-"

"I'm not that stupid, that's Disney shit right there."

"No, I mean the original stories. The darker shit….Well somewhat original as a shitload of countries have their own spin on them. But the Grimm Brothers are the most popular ones people base current one's on."

Frank would know as he told his little girl many of these as bedtime stories. Sure they were a bit messed up as he wanted to give her the more appropriate ones when growing up, but she wanted the good old classics.

"I guess?" Robbie was unsure. "All I remember is my brother telling me that the original stories are different then the cartoons."

"Then you gotta pick up a book after this."

"Whatever."

"Are you pouting?"

"Does it look like I'm pouting?"

"No, but you're sure as hell acting like it."

"Forget about it." Frank gruffly waved off. "Kids these days."

"I'm 20."

"And still a kid." Frank felt his phone vibrating in his pocket, prompting him to fish it out.

"Just shut up and get in the car."

"Yeah hang on a second." Checking the caller ID, he quickly answered. "Talk to me, Amy."

"Hello to you too, Frank." The familiar voice of his former ward of sorts said in a dry tone. "I see you've been busy lately. Who's your new friend with ya? He seems… nice."

"Uh-huh, What's the matter, Amy?"

"Can't a girl just call to talk to her friend?"

"The minute you mentioned Robbie, this wasn't a catch up session." Frank smartly countered. "What's wrong, Amy? Is everything ok on your end?"

Amy let out a slightly aggravated sigh. "I just wanted to check up on you. See how you were. That bear thing in the video in Virginia got you good there with its paw. Is your back alright?"

"Antibiotics and painkillers does wonders for a start."

"Please don't become a druggie because of that."

"It takes a lot more than that Amy, you know this by now."

"Yeah, sadly I do."

"Right, right. You talk to Micro yet?

"You know, you could at least talk to Micro directly instead of having me be your guy's middleman, or girl in my case."

"After the shit he went through, he still wants to be protective towards himself and his family. And I ain't gonna change that with you in the picture."

Frank could hear her groan on the other end.

"You're insufferable, Frank, you know that?"

"Yeah, yeah, love you too kid." Frank said with a warm undertone. "Now come on. What's wrong?

"How'd you and your new friend meet, for starters? I never thought you'd be traveling or working with anyone else."

"First tell me what's happening on your end, then I'll catch you up." Frank said insistently.

"I forgot how wonderful you were with small talk." Amy remarked. "Ok… so, you've been running into those black and boney creatures all over the East coast, right?"

"More or less."

"Well, they've started showing up a bit more… consistently."

This got Frank's undivided attention, making him change the call to speaker so Robbie could hear it as well.

"Meaning?"

"They're starting to appear across the country, Frank." Amy said nervously. "And there's been sightings in London and Hong Kong along with the surrounding areas."

"...Well shit." Robbie muttered.

"Oh, are you on speaker? Heard your friend."

"Amy, Robbie, Robbie Amy." Frank quickly said. "Come on Amy, we're working a case right now."

"Hey~"

"Hi."

"Amy."

"Ok, ok, jeez Frank. Don't be such a grouch. What crawled up your ass and died this morning?"

"Another one of these fuckers we're trying to kill, Amy." Frank said pointedly.

"...Oh… right, sorry about that." Amy sounded sheepish. "So anyway, there's only been spotty appearances here and there further in the mid-west and west. Seems they're relegated to the east coast at the moment. Don't know why though.

"What about your area?"

Frank heard Amy hesitate.

"There were some that were spotted a few miles out of the town I'm staying at."

Frank tensed up, hands curling up into a fist.

"Are you ok?"

"Don't worry about me Frank, I've been keeping my head down."

"Atta girl." Frank said with fatherly pride. "What's been happening down there?"

"See, that's the thing. Weird thing about this is that sometime after these monster's appearances-"

"Robbie's been calling them Grimm."

"Like Grimm Fairy Tales?"

Frank gave Robbie a brow raised with a small smirk to boot.

"Yeup."

Robbie flipped him off.

"Why?"

"I'll explain later, but you were saying…"

"Oh, right. So after these… Grimm show up, they eventually disappear."

"...I don't follow. Like sneak away or something?"

"Something like someone showing up in odd looking robes, waving hands and both them and these Grimm seemingly sucked up into god knows where. And it's been happening all over with various people confirming the same thing. Well, aside from the two of you showing up guns blazing."

Robbie and Frank shared a look of confusion.

Gaining a more determined expression, Frank spoke back to Amy.

"Sit tight where you are, kiddo. We'll be on our way."

"No problem. I'll be waiting on you."

Hanging up the phone, Robbie started up his car with the two heading off to their original destination in mind.

The Grimm creatures were annoying and a lot more tenacious this time around. The Gorillas were especially annoying for Frank as he had to use up half his damn explosive arsenal just to take down two of them.

Ghost Rider hacked and slashed and burned through them as he usually does.

After that madness was all said and done, Robbie and Frank were now back on the road with Reyes utilizing his supernatural powers to enhance the car's speed.

"Let me get this straight, you helped her cause you just had a "feeling" about her."

"More like my dumbass didn't know how to stay out of other peoples' business." Frank admitted.

They drove in silence for a few seconds.

"You know what I think Frank?"

Frank stared up at the roof of the car expectantly. "What do you think Robbie?"

"I think that- HOLY FUCK."

Both men's eyes widened dramatically to the size of dinner plates at the sight of a man floating before them in blue robes and a red cloak. Swerving at the last second, Robbie grit his teeth and slammed his foot down on his breaks while trying his best to keep the car planted on the road.

At last it came to a halt a few yards away from the strange man, with both men practically jumping out of the car whilst the newcomer idly approached the two.

Eyeing the car, the red cloaked man rose a brow. "You should really be careful when driving." He absentmindedly rubbed his wrists at this. "I should know more than anyone on that."

"Well I would if you hadn't shown up in an instant, you ass." Robbie growled out.

"Sorry, but I needed to gain your attention."

"Then you got it." Pulling out his glock, Frank aimed right at the man before them. "Tell us who you are, why you're here and maybe I don't blow your head off with that stunt you pulled."

"Cute."

With a wave of his hand and flick of his wrist, an orange sigil formed before him. And in an instant, the glock in Castle's hand disappeared without a trace.

"What the-"

"All I want to do is talk and you pointing a gun at my head wouldn't have helped." The robed man explained plainly.

"Yeah well showing up out of the fucking blue sure as hell wasn't helpful either." Robbie growled, his eyes glowing with Hellfire. "And you reek of magic that ain't exactly yours."

"That entity residing within you is not your own either." The man sharply retorted. "But I do not mean you any harm. And apologies for the abrupt appearances, I am on a bit of a time crunch."

"Yeah, well thanks but in case you don't realize it we're also in the same boat here asshole." Frank said angrily.

"Wait." Robbie held out his hand in front of Frank, gauging the oddly dressed individual before them. "Strange robes… Grimm disappearing from view. Who are you?"

The man eyed Robbie, head perking up at the mention of Grimm.

Holding out his hand for a customary hand-shake, the man introduced himself. "My name is Dr. Steven Strange."

"Stephen Strange?" Frank repeated, leaving the man hanging.

"Yes, that is my name. And you, are Frank Castle." Strange gave the ex-marine a hard stare, pulling his hand back. "Also known as the Punisher. Not a name you got at work I'm sure. Or did you? You were a marine after all."

"Hey, is now really the time for this shit?" Robbie interrupted. "We're in the middle of something."

"I don't know you though." Strange went on, ignoring Robbie's words. "But what I do know is that entity inside you is not from this plane. Where'd you get him?"

Robbie didn't answer at first. "None of your business."

"When other worldly threats appear, unfortunately I have to make it by business." Strange curtly stated. "But I can deduce and see now that we're all after the same thing here. The black creatures that have been appearing across the world."

Both men froze at that, sharing a glance before warily looking back at the recently introduced Doctor.

"Who are you?"

"Right, I had given you my name but not my occupation."

Slamming his hands together, eldritch ethereal circles with intricate symbols and markings appearing in front of both hands.

"I am Dr. Stephen Strange, Master Sorcerer of the Mystic Arts, and I need your help."

Scene Cut

Suffice to say the issue with the Parkers was done and over with… and that's putting it mildly.

He was dragged along by Jessica Jones, quite literally as he tried weaseling himself out from talking to May Parker.

It was quite an embarrassing moment for him. An overgrown adult being dragged by his leg to the Parker residence by a super powered woman.

Flashback

"Do you really have to do this?" Tony asked.

"Do you have to be in that armor and act like a giant baby?"

"That's rich coming from you."

"You barely know me."

"I know my own people when I see them. We're two peas in a pod Jessie."

"Do not start calling me that. AND DO NOT Call me Jessie."

"What, Joan Jett is a better alternative?"

"I think I'm just gonna leave you to Ms. Parker when we get there. She'll know what to do."

"... God you're an asshole."

"Takes one to know one."

"Hey~ you do have a sense of humor."

"So help me God, I will crush you in that armor Stark."

"Did somebody hurt you when you were a kid? Because, trust me, we've all been there. Feels like standard superhero quota 101."

Flashback end

When he had chatted with Peter's lovely aunt, words were given, words were thrown… and vases were thrown at him. Granted it was his fault for delaying this explanation for so long.

Of course it was worse with Jessica filming that part of the exchange on her phone.

"Gotta need to at least have something to show the others I have proof that you followed through on this condition." She said with a pleased smile.

He doesn't use the word "Throttle" all that very often but right then and there, he had a severe urge to throttle Jones where she stood.

After the whole situation at the Parker residence, Tony had to pay May a hefty amount of money for her troubles. Therapy, rent, you name it from what he put her through.

Though it wasn't enough, honestly Tony could only do so much other than keep her in the know of what's going on.

Tony now sat alone in his own office at the Avengers HQ in upstate New York, feet propped up on his desk with a holo pad in hand.

In the background, ACDC blared along with the TV on, cartoons of old on while Tony worked on updating a few designs for one of his newest recruits' suit. He needed it after all, gunfire can be nasty for a blind man.

"Boss, you're receiving a video call."

Releasing a sigh, Tony spoke. "From who, Friday."

"Nicolas Fury."

"...Put him through."

In front of him was a holo-vid of a familiar eye patch wearing former head of a HYDRA based agency.

"One-eyed willie, how's it going? Come to collect your treasure?"

"Doing alright as opposed to how you're going through right now."

"Really? And what makes you assume I'm going through anything strenuous or difficult?"

Fury only gave him one of his patented one eyed soul piercing gazes, not at all phased by Tony's attempt at deflecting his problems.

"Right~ Super Spy. Of course you'd find out through your own methods." Tony grumbled.

"Maria still works for you in case you forgot. She keeps me posted on you."

"Remind me to fire her when I get the chance."

"You mean remind Pepper to fire Ms. Hill. Which, you know, she won't do."

"...I hate you."

"So does a whole, lengthy list of people out there."

"What do you want Fury." Tony asked whiningly. "Can't you see I'm busy here?"

"Oh really?" Fury looked around through the screen. "ACDC with Tom And Jerry in the background. So that's how you get a new team together. Fiddling your thumbs while assembling another batch of Avengers."

"...Note to self, upgrade Friday to really hide my surroundings through vid-calls."

"Stark." Fury looked at something on his end. "Are you sure about these people?"

"Were you sure about us when you came to us?" Tony retorted.

"No one ever is, Stark." Fury replied. "But look at what's happened. Do you want a repeat of the Accords on your hands? Or that Spider kid you took under your wing?"

Tony looked away, a seed of guilt welling up inside. He sure as hell doesn't want to talk about his wayward friends and former protégé with Fury of all people.

"Things will be different."

"Will they?"

"If you're going to just talk down on me like always then I'm just gonna hang up and block you."

"Like you could." Fury then gave a bit of a sympathetic look for a moment before typing into his personal pad on his end.

Out popped two additional screens beside Fury's holo-vid.

"What's this?"

"In case you haven't been in the loop as of late, there've been some activity happening."

"Meaning?"

"Take a look for yourself, Stark. You may recognize one of them. The other guy on the other hand… corny as this joke may sound has quite a fiery personality. Some of my people met with him before and he's quite alright, as long as you stay on his good side."

With the call ending, Tony merely sat in his seat as the old Tom and Jerry cartoons resumed playing with AC/DC sounding out in the background.

The two additional screens remained, play symbols on both.

"Friday."

"Yes, Boss?"

"Shut off the TV and stereo, I got some research to do."

"Right away Boss. Would you like anything sent up to you?"

"Some Cheeseburgers would be nice. Feels like I'm gonna be here for a while."

"Happy stopped for drive through at Burger King."

"Perfect timing then. If you would be so kind, Friday."

"Of course, with the extra side of salad."

"No on the salad."

"Yet Pepper gave me explicit orders that with every meal, you need something extra healthy in your diet."

Tony could only twitch his eye as there was no use arguing against this.

Scene Cut

It was old, to say the least.

Far older than anything he had seen or researched in his entire lifetime on Remnant.

Devvrat could, in a rare moment, openly state that he was quite excited for this endeavor that he and his Cleanser unit shall undertake under the direct leadership of their esteemed leader along with Doctor Merlot.

Whatever it was that had been found by Merlot was something that required the audience of the Cleansers leader, Lieutenants Stryker and Devvrat.

In a darkened room, various windows were on display on the many computer monitors sprawled about. Handfuls of them were on reports from field agents and others pertained listings of both their finances and influence across the globe.

But right now, their attention was focused upon the structure that took up a dozen screens.

"Where was this found again?" Devvrat inquired with great interest.

"Around the Atlas border, sir."

"Which area, specifically? There are various areas, you know."

"Argus." Said a voice from behind.

"Supreme Leader." Devvrat respectfully said, inclining his head in his direction.

"No need for such a gesture, Devvrat." The Leader waved off. "I called you here with you in mind for this find. This is where your expertise will be most useful, my old friend."

"And I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity, Good sir." Devvrat humbly stated. "Though I must ask, with what we have found, what is this exactly?"

"Something old." The Leader said with a grin. "Older than the history this world is aware of."

"Hmm~ fascinating."

"Careful, old friend. Don't overthink yourself like last time."

"...Of course, sir."

"Though, this time it may come into play." The Leader gestured for one of the men on the computers. The Cleanser subordinate brought up a few fascinating images carved into stone.

One of two figures with distinct shapes, color and even one may say personality given by appearance alone.

The one on the right was painted in bright golden yellow colors, the faded ink almost glowing from its serpentine body. It appeared holy and heavenly with an aged wisdom as symbols of what Devvrat recognized as knowledge were carved around him.

The other on the left was in a dark purple stain as it appeared more reminiscent of a stereotypical dragon. And given by the style, it was demonic and corrupted, yet controlled and focused. The wings were even tattered, with blaring holes on display. Symbols of archaic chaos and death were around this one.

"These are quite the find."

"Indeed they are. I could practically be lost for hours to merely finding out even a fraction of what they truly mean and tell."

"Which is why you have command here." The leader said straight away. "Within this old temple and on these walls lies deep seated answers. Answers to the world and its lost history. Something the Queen has kept from us."

"You wouldn't have to pay me at all as I would do this in a leisurely heartbeat. Practically an activity for me to enjoy while on holiday."

The Leader chuckled. "Good to know of your enthusiasm."

"I shall not fail you, sir." Devvrat promised.

"I know you will not." The Leader said with an assure smile. "I shall leave you to it then, Devvrat. Merlot shall be joining you shortly. I expect a report by weeks end."

"Of course, sir." Devvrat respectfully stated, the Leader taking his cue to leave.

However, before the Leader could exit the room and do god knows what, Devvrat clears his throat.

"Sir."

His Leader paused, slowly looking back to him. "Is there anything else that requires my attention?"

Devvrat gestured back to the video feed. With a swipe of his hand, a new window popped up of the latest activity of a well-known, popular group.

"Right, of course, the Avengers." Spoke the Leader. "You've met them quite recently. Tell me, what do you think of them?"

Devvrat silently thought out his words carefully. "They are an anomaly, sir. They appear from nowhere and leave an immediate impact on the world. In a short number of months they had appeared across multiple villages and cities to fend off the Grimm with exceptional precision and skill. They had attacked several of our bases once before when we were studying that unusual technology that was stumbled upon. And they repelled our attack on Menagerie."

"Do you believe them to be a threat?"

"...Perhaps."

"Good. Many things in this world are a threat to us. We must be weary of all obstacles."

"What shall we do then?"

"Bide our time and observe." The Leader plainly declared. "We have done so for many years and shall continue to do so until the time comes."

"But they can be unpredictable, Sir." Devvrat said. "They have shown some patterns but hold an edge over most we have faced."

"We shall face them openly when the time comes, Lieutenant." The Leader pointedly stated. "And when that time comes, we shall be ready."

"With your leave then, Sir."

"I leave you to it, Devvrat."

Devvrat merely nodded as his leader exited the room from one end before he left from whence he came.

But what he didn't notice was the leader taking a moment to glance back on the Avengers videos and images, his eyes lingering on each of them with Captain Rogers getting the most time.

Yet only for a second as the Leader brusquely walked away, mind in deep thought.

He knew he would confront these colorful heroes. It was only a matter of time.

The only question was when and where.

YAHAHAHAHAHA

WOOOOOOO AWESOME ANOTHER ONE DONE FOR THIS ONE.

BUT FIRST, A MESSAGE FROM MY COMRADE JEBEST.

J: Well this was quite the nice little chapter to work on. And I gotta say, being hyped up on several cans of soda to keep myself awake will cost me, but it's well worth it.

So does all of the fun surprises free man and I have in store for ya'll. And with everything else we got planned, well we ain't letting out spoilers so just sit back… and wait… for not just this story but many others I've helped my good old pal with.

Anyways, peace ^_^

Free Man Writer Back here and you heard it from him my fellow readers, so much in store for ALL OF YOU who read both our stories.

So stay tuned for more everybody.

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