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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
No Surrender, part 15
New Jersey, where the young heroes known as the Champions are doing what they can to save civilians who have become stuck in their cars as flood water rises around them. Miles Morales Spider-Man rips open a windscreen, while Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms Marvel stands on top of a sinking car, holding a child, while extending her arm outwards to reach a man, struggling in the water. Viv Vision hovers in the air above, a civilian clinging to her hand. She contacts Nova, reporting that it is as if they suddenly awoke from a sleepless dream into pandemonium, and have found themselves at the epicenter of a volcanic earthquake. Nova a.k.a. Sam Alexander is in Texas with Amdeus Cho the Hulk, as they lift a bus full of children into the air as the ground below them burns in a fiery rage. Sam tells Viv that they shouldn't have split the team up, and that they are just as busy. He asks her if she can send some of that water here, as half of Texas is up in flames, and he and Cho are saving who they can – but something is dribbling this planet like a basketball and it is just getting worse everywhere!
In Hell's Kitchen, New York, Iron Fist slams his fist through the wall of a house that has been hurled up into the air by a twister, with an old man trapped inside it. Daredevil grabs the old man and leaps from the building, while in Los Angeles, America Chavez runs through a burning forest carrying two small children. In Nevada, Scarlet Spider has spun a web, sticking a bus that has fallen from a bridge to the web as he helps civilians climb up the side of the bridge, and in Long Island, New York, lightning strikes and waves crash over the shore as Moon Girl and several rescued civilians cling to Devi Dinoaur, who rushes across the beach. Nova adds that this is ten Michael Bay movies at once – crazy weather and earthquakes where there shouldn't be any – people need rescuing everywhere, and they can't keep up.
In space, the Grandmaster's cosmic game room, where a team of Avengers have been doing their part to protect the world engine from being destroyed. Jane Foster a.k.a. Thor stands near where Toni Ho a.k.a. Iron Patriot is holding Miguel Santos a.k.a. Lightning, who has collapsed, while Hercules and Roberto DaCosta a.k.a. Citizen V use their incredible strength to turn a large wheel. Miguel thinks to himself that he gave it everything he has got – and a little bit more – he has never felt so drained. 'Miguel! You did it!' Toni exclaims. Miguel just groans in response, while Thor congratulates him, too, pointing out that with his energy channelled through Mjolnir, Earth is stable for the moment – so long as Roberto and Hercules can keep the “world engine” from unspooling. 'There – there is no “if”!' Roberto calls out, declaring that failure is not an option today. Miguel is still in disbelief that he is here doing his bit to save the Earth – but all this is just a short-term situation. 'Aye! For 'tis a day unlike any other! When mortals rise to do the work of the gods!' Hercules exclaims. 'Indeed – and what god would I be if I did not help?' Thor asks as she joins in and starts pushing the wheel.
Miguel thinks to himself that they are going to stay teetering on the edge of disaster – until someone puts Earth back. Suddenly: 'Pfft. The Avengers fight to save their fragile planet once again. Why am I not surprised?' a voice utters asa figure suddenly materializes on the cosmic game room. 'The Grandmaster?' Miguel gasps. 'I was' the Elder of the Universe replies, as he carries on walking towards a doorway nwarby. Toni tells Miguel to go after him. 'Me?' Miguel asks. Toni points out that she is needed here, as Roberto is doing the work of a Hulk, and if he burns out and she is not here to stabilize him, then he is dead – and possibly, Earth with him. She adds that she isn't sure if Thor and Herc can do this alone. 'You've got this, right?' Toni asks. '... yeah' Miguel replies quietly, before calling out to the Grandmaster, telling him that he can't just abandon all those people down there. 'Feeble organisms destroyed by an unfeeling universe. Listen well, human. All that mattered was the game... and the game is now lost' the Grandmaster responds.
At that moment, on Earth, the Challenger – now calling himself the Grandmaster Prime – slams his foot into a street in New York. 'Pitiable' he remarks. 'To think that of all the magnificent combat fields in the galaxy, my opponent chose this fragile silicon sphere' the Grandmaster Prime mutters. 'Yeah? Well – we kinda like it!' Sam Guthrie a.k.a. Cannonball declares as he blasts towards the villain, Rogue flying alongside him, the two slam into the Grandmaster Prime, knocking him sideways. 'Red squad, let's go!' Sam Wilson a.k.a. Falcon shouts as he leads Jericho Drumm a.k.a. Doctor Voodoo, Hank McCoy the Beast, Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man and Doreen Green a.k.a. Squirrel Girl towards the Grandmaster Prime from another direction. 'That's the enemy? I'm not impressed!' Squirrel Girl exclaims, pointing out that it only took two of them to knock him back. 'Only given the element of surprise! Which you have abandoned!' the Grandmaster Prime exclaims as he fires a blast of energy that knocks Falcon and the others back.
'Blue squad, go!' Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America exclaims as he and Emily Gurrero a.k.a. Synapse rush forward, while Wanda Maximoff the Scarlet Witch flies alongside them. Cap instructs Synapse to probe the Grandmaster Prime's mind, and for Wanda to try for his nervous system – but before they can get any closer, the Grandmaster Prime knocks a car into them, sending them crashing backwards. 'I have gazed upon your world and seen vast armies. Nuclear arsenals. Weapons that could eliminate entire races. This is Earth's best defense? A colorful handful of native “warriors”?' the Grandmaster Prime remarks. 'Gray squad! We're up!' Rogue shouts as she, Clint Barton a.k.a. Hawkeye and Jan van Dyne the Wasp move into action. Hawkeye prepares an arrow and asks if it is too late to raid a nuclear arsenal. 'Hawkeye!' Jan exclaims. 'Hey, he brought it up!' Hawkeye points out.
The Grandmaster Prime knocks Rogue and the others back with another explosion, while nearby, hiding behind a mailbox on the sidewalk is Voyager. Nadia van Dyne a.k.a. Wasp goes over to her: 'Valerie – Voyager – whatever your name is – can't you teleport this monster into the sun or something?' Nadia asks. Voyager explains that she has never used her powers on an Elder – but offers to try – only before she gets the chance, the Grandmaster Prime finds her and fires a blast at her head. 'You! Daddy's little spoiler!' he exclaims, before grabbing her by her neck and telling her to think about how much of this iis her fault – how much time and energy she has cost him in these last few days. 'Who do you think you are?' he asks. 'Right now? She's one of us!' Falcon exclaims as he flies towards the Grandmaster Prime, alongside the Beast, who lashes out and slams his fist into the Grandmaster Prime's face. 'All squads! Magicians to the back, power hitters to the front, now!' Falcon calls out as Doctor Voodoo blasts the Grandmaster Prime with some magical energy.
Wasp tells Hawkeye that she is giving him his Christmas present early, and tosses him two small arrows, which increase to a regular arrow size as Hawkeye catches them. 'You made these? What do they do?' Hawkeye asks. 'Have you ever seen nano-acids crawl their way through a bad guy's skin?' the Wasp asks. 'No' Hawkeye replies. 'Then savor the moment' Jan tells him as Hawkeye fires the arrows.
Back in space, the Grandmaster walks down some steps, as Miguel continues to follow him, asking if he is just going to leave. 'Indeed. I'll take a few trophies and then spirit myself away until my opponent has... cooled down. He is quite the sore winner, it seems...' Grandmaster replies, as Miguel goes wide-eyed when he sees the strange setting before him – four glowing energy crystals, one containing Johnny Storm the Human Torch, Red Wolf is trapped in another, and the other two contain Black Dwarf from the Black Order and Frene the Other from the Lethal Legion. 'Those are -' Miguel gasps. 'Points scored. No longer important' the Grandmaster remarks, while Miguel wonders how he gets them out of there. He is weak as a kitten right now, he can't fight the Grandmaster. He remembers what Wonder Man said – it's not what he can do. The Grandmaster hangs his head and supposes that in a few centuries he might approach him for a rematch.
The Grandmaster looks at a small statue of his daughter, Voyager, and calls her Van Nee. He remarks that she debases herself by fighting alongside the humans when there is nothing left to be gained, to be won. He sighs and mutters 'Such a waste' as he disintegrates the small statue. 'Your daughter?' Miguel asks as he moves closer to the Grandmaster. 'Yes' the Grandmaster replies. Miguel asks him if he doesn't care about her, to which the Grandmaster tells Miguel that he doesn't. Miguel decides that the Grandmaster is a monster – a total moral vacuum. 'The only thing is understands is...' Miguel thinks to himself, before calling out 'Grandmaster. The game is poker. Hold 'em, no limit. You in?' Miguel asks, holding up a deck of cards. The Grandmaster turns his head slightly, and narrows his eyes.
Back on Earth, the Grandmaster Prime knocks back Hawkeye and Squirrel Girl, while Wonder Man flies over to him, 'That's enough, Challenger! If you've got a legitimate grievance, I'm willing to talk – but if all you are is a bully who likes hurting people – you'll have to start with me!' Simon exclaims. 'Simon!' the Beast calls out as he and Doctor Voodoo watch from nearby. 'That seems reasonable' the Grandmaster Prime decides, as  he fires a blast of energy that tears Simon apart. 'Simon!' the Beast calls out, while Doctor Voodoo uses his powers to keep Simon's ionic form stable, at least for a time. 'Thank heaven' the Wasp utters, before calling Nadia over to her. The two Wasps fly up to Grandmaster Prime, who remarks that this is madness – the strongest of them all and he only wanted to talk. 'This is a planet of gnats...' Grandmaster Prime mutters. 'That's what makes him the strongest of us, monster! You'll regret not taking the offer!' Jan calls out as she and Nadia begin firing their energy blasts into Grandmaster Prime's eyes. 'And for the record – we are not gnats! We are Wasps – and this is our sting!' Nadia exclaims, while the Grandmaster Prime roars.
Back on the Grandmaster's comic game room, Lightning and the Grandmaster sit opposite each other. Grandmaster points out that all of the cards are now dealt – a king, two queens, a ten, a two – three cards in the same suit – it is a very potent hand. 'Of course, it all depends on what you can make with the two cards you're holding...' the Grandmaster adds. 'I know the rules, En Dwi Gast' Miguel replies, addressing the Grandmaster by his true name. 'Then I'll remind you of the stakes. The Human Torch's freedom – against your own. Will you check, or bet?' the Grandmaster declares. Miguel pauses, tells himself to be careful – as he is not just hustling car thieves now. 'I bet' Miguel tells the Grandmaster, adding that it isn't just his freedom, but his life. He then declares that if he wins, Grandmaster has to give him Red Wolf. The Grandmaster agrees to this, and then raises Miguel: 'Your planet, back where it belongs – if you win. Or if I win...when I win...I'll take your Earth and everyone on it. Seven billion trophies. And oh, the games I will play!' the Grandmaster grins, while looking at the cards he holds in his hands – the King of Hearts and King of Diamonds. Miguel looks solemn as he stares at his own cards, and thinks to himself that the Grandmaster is the most dangerous player in the universe – but he has one thing going for him – his hole card. The one thing the Grandmaster doesn't know about.
Back on Earth: 'He knows – he knows I'm trying to attack his mind – but he's blocking me!' Synapse calls out as Grandmaster Prime casts blasts of energies towards Cannonball, Beast and Captain America who all lunge towards him. 'So take the back door, Synapse!' Squirrel Girl suggests, before calling out to Falcon, telling him to use his power on the Grandmaster Prime. 'What? He's not a bird, Squirrel Girl!' Falcon replies. Squirrel Girl points out that he is an alien, so perhaps he is evolved from birds, or dinosaurs – common ancestors. 'You don't know until you try!' Squirrel Girl shouts, as Falcon sets down on a nearby ledge. 'Fine – I'll reach out, try to see what he needs. But this isn't going to – it's... foggy, distorted... it hurts... but... I can see it!' Falcon exclaims as reaches the Grandmaster Prime's mind, and sees what the madman sees, as Beast, Cap and Hawkeye move in for another attack.
'Told you!' Squirrel Girl calls out, before telling Synapse to use the connection, to go in through Falcon's mind. 'Are lady there – and I've found his pain centers!' Synapse responds as she strikes Grandmaster Prime from within, causing him to cry out in agony. 'Uh...okay? I mean, I was going to suggest having a conversation...' Squirrel Girl remarks. Cannonball and Rogue move towards Grandmaster Prime, with Rogue telling Synapse to keep it up, and for everyone else not to pull their punches. She then slams her fist into the Grandmaster Prime's face, while Cannonball blasts straight into the villain's stomach, and Squirrel Girl kicks him in the chest, muttering 'Ugh. Fine. But afterwards, we're rehabilitating this guy'.
At that moment, in the Grandmaster's cosmic game room, the Elder of the Universe asks Lightning if he will fold.
And, in New York, 'E – enough. You have... succeeded – in irritating me!' the Grandmaster Prime declares as he gets to his feet, and releases a powerful surge of energy, knocking the Avengers backwards and destroying more of the city around them.
'And leave your planet – your friends – to the mercy of the Elders?' Grandmaster asks. He warns Miguel that whether he calls or folds, it doesn't matter, either way, he will win it all. 'He doesn't know. He doesn't know about the hole card' Miguel thinks to himself, before announcing that he raises. 'WHAT?' the Grandmaster asks, surprised. 'How? You bet your life – your planet – what else do you even have?' Grandmaster enquires. 'My history' Miguel points out, reminding Grandmaster that his daughter can alter memories, so he would bet that the Grandmaster could, too. 'So if you win...I'm forgotten' Miguel offers. 'Every bit of good I ever did. Every life I ever saved. Every victory erased. If anyone remembers me...let it be as a nobody. A d-list failure. A loser' Miguel declares, frowning. The Grandmaster contemplates this, realizing that if Lightning wins, then he would have to pay the same fate – be a loser. 'And there it is. The hole card. The thing he doesn't know' Miguel thinks to himself, smirking as he sees the Grandmaster contemplate his offer.
As heroes around the world do what they can during the chaos – Thing lifts a car from a woman, while Spider-Man swings down and grabs a boy from an explosion. Dr Strange keeps civilians safe in the middle of a twister, and a hooded figure brings a young person into a makeshift medical clinic. Storm uses her powers to calm the swelling tides, while Wolverine pulls a rescue worker from a blazing fire.
Miguel thinks to himself that what he is betting here, the massive raise he just made – bigger than a planet – is simply nothing, as this isn't about being the winner. It is not for glory. Heroes don't care if they are remembered – because it doesn't matter if anyone knows what good you did – as long as the good was done. 'That's what being an Avenger is. That's what he'll never know' Miguel thinks to himself. 'Well?' Miguel asks, leering at Grandmaster. 'I... I... I fold' the Grandmaster gasps, dropping his cards onto the ground. 'Fine. You owe me two Avengers and an Earth' Lightning reminds the Elder. 'NOW' Lightning snaps, raising his voice. 'I had a full house...kings high...' the Grandmaster mutters, snapping his fingers. He then looks up at Lightning, asking him to tell him what he lost to. 'Did you have the better hand? Were you bluffing? I have to know. I have to know how you won...' Grandmaster declares as Johnny Storm and Red Wolf appear near Lightning who replies 'Oh, honey. I don't play'.
Back on Earth, 'Hold the line! He's weakening! We can do this!' Captain America shouts as he hurls his shield towards the Grandmaster Prime. Wanda and Doctor Voodoo casts their respective spells and fire them towards their foe, while both Wasps fire their energy blasts at him. Hawkeye shoots an arrow at the enemy, as Synapse, Cannonball, Beast, Falcon, Squirrel Girl and Rogue battle alongside them. Nearby, 'He's wrong...they're going to lose' Voyager utters as she watches the fight. Captain America's feet dig into the ground, as Voyager tells herself that the Avengers' powers are finite, and they are now running out of time. Synapse continues her assault of the Elder, as Voyager thinks to herself that the Challenger's energy is nearly limitless. The Scarlet Witch digs her feet into the ground, too, while Voyager realizes that the Avengers are losing ground before they lose it all.
Voyager turns to the Beast and tells him that humans are legendary throughout the galaxy for their fighting spirit – but it is failing them. The Beast tells Voyager that it is time to rally the team. 'You control memories, right? Make them remember!' the Beast exclaims. 'Remember what it means to be an Avenger!' Voyager shouts as her powers wash over the Avengers. Heroic memories flood their minds, of the good that they have done as Earth's Mightiest Heroes. 'Avengers – you fight for mankind! You give your all and then double it! You look death in the eye and you tell it no! No retreat! NO SURRENDER!' Voyager screams.
Suddenly, the Scarlet Witch casts a spell: 'By earth and sky, by craft and hex – by the past and the future – I call hope forth from the darkness!' Crimson bands of energy wrap around Wanda's teammates as they continue to fight the madman. 'I speak the worlds of power! The words we gave power to! The words we made into magic!' Wanda continues her spell as the Avengers continue their assault against the Grandmaster Prime. 'Let their power augment our own! To strike one blow from our hearts and souls – from all that we are! Let the call go forth – AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!' the Scarlet Witch screams as her energies strike the Grandmaster Prime and he is torn apart, exploding into hundreds of tiny shards.
The broken remains of the Grandmaster Prime crumble to the ground as the Avengers gather together. Voyager teleports Thor, Lightning, Herc, Citizen V, Toni Ho, the Torch and Red Wolf back down to Earth, reuniting them with the other Avengers. 'We don't do this to be remembered. We do it for our friends. For those who believed in us' Lightning thinks to himself, as Rogue goes over to the Human Torch, who smiles at her, before they embrace. Cap puts a hand on Synapse's shoulder, while Voyager steps away from the others, as Lightning decides that, sometimes, they do it for their better selves – for the people they want to become – one day. Voyager smiles, before she fades away.
In space, Captain Marvel is hovering in the emptiness where Earth once floated – then, suddenly, Earth returns. 'Holy crap!' Puck shouts aboard the Alpha Flight Space Station. 'Earth just...reappeared! Not to mention the moon!' Sasquatch declares, before informing Captain Marvel that the readings are normal – this is the real deal. 'Thank God' Captain Marvel gasps. Lightning thinks that they do it for everybody – but most of all, they fight for those who can't fight alongside them – to give them just a little hope. To let them know they are not alone. Civilians around the world look up to the sky, they throw their hands up in joy, in relief. Lightning decides that they do this to let them know they are not alone, that the Avengers stand with them, together – from the highest to the lowest. From the most loved to the most feared. 'We stand with you'. In Wakanda, Black Panther looks out over his kingdom, while Colosuss and Kitty Pryde rescue some civilians from a crashed plane.
'We don't do it to be remembered. But sometimes... just sometimes... we know we'll remember it forever' Lightning smiles, as he sits alongside the Beast and Squirrel Girl. Captain America, Rogue and the Human Torch stand behind them, while Thor, Hercules, Hakweye, Cannonball, Toni Ho and Citizen V stand to their right. Both Wasps hover above them, and Red Wolf, Falcon, Doctor Voodoo and the Scarlet Witch stand behind them. The Avengers did not surrender. And they saved the Earth once again....


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
No Surrender, part 16
'Almost to Avengers Mansion. They warned me to be prepared' Edwin Jarvis thinks to himself as he sits in a wheelchair, pushed by Jan van Dyne a.k.a. Wasp, towards the Avengers Mansion. 'Good to see you up and about again, old friend' Hank McCoy a.k.a. Beast remarks. '“About” at least' Jarvis mutters in response. Jan tells Jarvis that she knows he doesn't like the chair, but that it is only for a day or two, just until they know everythign is going to be all right. Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man is with them, when several civilians rush over. 'Picture!' one of them exclaims. 'Selfie!' another calls out. 'Do you mind' one of them asks. 'Wonder Man!' someone shouts. 'Can I please', 'Just take a second!' 'Quick picture!' the civilians ask, but Wonder Man tells them maybe later, and asks to be let through. The large gates to Avengers Mansion swing open, '“All right” they say. Define “all right”' Jarvis thinks to himself as he looks up at Avengers Mansion, which lies in ruin. Several Avengers are among the ruins, clearing rubble, or locating items – Sam Guthrie a.k.a. Cannonball, Rogue, Hercules, Doreen Green a.k.a. Squirrel Girl and Roberto DaCosta a.k.a. Citizen V.
'JARVIS!' Nadia Van Dyne shouts as she runs from the ruins, towards Jarvis and throws her arms around him. Jarvis reminds himself that it is not the first time the beloved mansion has been destroyed – but this time, something feels different – something worrisome. 'You're out of the hospital! Yay!' Nadia exclaims, before asking Jarvis if he wants to go for pancakes. Rogue lifts a slab of rock overhead and tells Roberto to take it easy, reminding him that he practically shoved Earth back into orbit by hand. Roberto sits down and informs Rogue that he plans on it – long-term, and reveals that he is stepping down from leadership. 'What? What's that about? You did good, man' Sam Wilson a.k.a. Falcon remarks as he approaches Rogue and Roberto. Roberto tells Sam that he knows, but he is not 100% satisfied with how he led his team. Falcon points out that that comes with the job – it's when you start getting smug that your team gets smacked around. Rogue smiles and suggests to Roberto that he take the win and relax – for a day. 'I'll try' Roberto smiles. Jarvis hugs Nadia back and recognizes a laugh – it comes when victory is won and the adrenaline begins to wear off. He wonders why he doesn't share in their joy.
Rogue picks up the head of the Hulk from the Avengers statue and tells Janet that they sure know how to make a mess. Jan looks around at the ruins and tells Rogue that she has seen this property wrecked more times than she can count – the mansion will get fixed and they will bounce back – the people they saved are always worth it. Johnny Storm a.k.a. Human Torch is nearby and sighs to the Beast, reminding him that they just rebuilt this place a few weeks ago, and now it is rubble, all over again. Johnny smiles and points out that it is a good thing he set up Avengers Mansion Inc to cover these kinds of write-downs. Hank smiles and tells Johnny that was forward-thinking on his part. Hank then asks Johnny to forgive his close-minded assumptions, but he never pegged him as a business mogul. Johnny assures Hank that he isn't, he just hired great accountants to set things up after Reed's billion dollar patents came tumbling to his next of kin. The Beast remarks that there is no reason why they have to build the mansion exactly the same way this time, and adds that he would be happy to suggest some improvements to the classic design. 'Oh, yeah? Like what?' Johnny asks. Hank motions to an area of the mansion where the patio used to be, suggesting a five-star jacuzzi. 'Hank McCoy I like the way you think!' Johnny replies. Rogue smiles and remarks to Jan that it didn't take long for things to get back to normal. 'It never does...' Jan adds.
Inside one of the remaining rooms standing in Avengers Mansion, Wonder Man, Citizen V and Falcon have joined Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America, Hercules and Jane Foster a.k.a. Thor who are meeting with Voyager. The remains of the Challenger a.k.a. The Grandmaster Prime float behind Voyager, who stands before the Avengers, hanging her head. Voyager tells the Avengers that there is no proper way to say farewell after everything she put them through. Captain America reminds Voyager that the Grandmaster started this, not her. 'But I carried on deceptions in his name' Voyager reminds the Avengers, to which Captain America tells her that when the time came, she answered the call – and that speaks to the true quality of her character. Voyager points out that, like her father, she is an Elder of the Universe, and that she will do what she can to make things right. Voyager turns to the Challenger and tells the Avengers that he was once a noble traveler, but her father's relentless need for dominance drove him to madness. Voyager crouches down beside the Challenger and remarks that she might be able to find a way to rekindle the kindness he once had.
Roberto tells the others that when push came to shove, Voyager did the right thing and he would be proud to call her one of them. 'If the Avengers can accept guys like me and Hawkeye after we broke the law, I don't see why not' Wonder Man agrees. But Voyager declares 'No' and tells the Avengers that perhaps someday she will earn her place among them, but not yet – not like this. Voyager promises the Avengers that if her father dares play games with Earth again, she will return and see justice done for the damage he has caused. Thor puts a hand on Voyager's shoulder and tells her that if that day comes, she shall not do so alone. 'Aye! To stand beside the Avengers is to know your cause is just!' Hercules adds, declaring that together they can face any threat. Voyager thanks the Avengers for inspiring her to be more than she was before. 'Through you, I see a better future... and it gives me hope' Voyager announces as she teleports away with the Challenger. 'That takes care of the Challenger...' Falcon remarks, while Cap asks if there has been any sign of the Black Order or the Lethal Legion. Roberto reports that there hasn't been, but adds that Toni Ho is working with Captain Marvel and the Alpha Flight crew to get satellites back online, scanning for any sign of them, but they have come up empty – so wherever they are now, it is not here on Earth.
In space, specifically, Angargal, the eighth planet of the E-Wing cluster. In the Wai Desert, five figures trudge across the barren wasteland, a large citadel stands nearby. 'My love, where shall we go?' Proxima Midnight asks as she walks alongside Corvus Glaive, who tells her to go forward – ever forward. Ebony Maw remarks that it seems these humans are truly blessed in a way he cannot yet comprehend – time and time again they have defied the cosmic order. Black Swan tells Ebony Maw that he hasn't interacted with them as she has, and declares that their fleeting life spans make martyrs or madmen of them all. Black Dwarf walks alongside Black Swan, but says nothing. Suddenly, the cosmic beings come to a stop, as the Grandmaster appears before them. The Grandmaster tells the Corvus Glaive that he believes congratulations are in order, as he and his team fought valiantly, and that if Earth wasn't the battleground, he suspects they may have emerged triumphant. 'But it was and so we all lost! Are you here to gloat?' Corvus Glaive asks. The Grandmaster grins and announces that he is here to offer the Cull Obsidian a new opportunity – one quite suited to their destructive needs.
Elsewhere in space – Knowhere – the sprawling metropolis within the decapitated head of a Celestial, floating on the edge of reality, at Ala's Bar, the Lethal Legion – Captain Glory, Drall, Frene the Other, Molyn, Mentacle and the Blood Brothers – sit around relaxing. Frene gets up and Mentacle asks if she is leaving. Frene confirms that she is, as their time together has reached its end. Captain Glory asks Frene if she has somewhere else to be, to which Frene tells him that she doesn't understand what he means. 'Look around you' Captain Glory tells her, while Drall drinks some mead and declares that it is weaker than the fragile genitals of the Stegralli army. Captain Glory reminds Frene that they were all about to die when the Grandmaster saved them and offered them the chance to fight for him. 'The “Lethal Legion” Already dead without his cosmic intervention'. Captain Glory smiles and tells the others that they cheated death, but if he returns to the Kree Armada, they will brand him a deserter and he will be executed. He suspects that he is not the only one without a home to return to. Molyn remarks that whatever commitments they had before this, they are free now, and suggests that they should combine their might and see what happens. Mentacle agrees, while Drall adds that she doesn't care – so long as blood and battle fills the air. 'Hmm... perhaps' Frene tells the others.
In Texas, inside your standard warehouse-turned-lair, Miguel Santos a.k.a. Lightning and Red Wolf have just apprehended some AIM operatives. 'Okay, this is a little awkward. We were just working with you guys...' Lightning tells them. 'With the traitors, you mean! The true AIM fights for Monica Rappaccini!' one of the operatives replies. 'Or Andrew Forson. We're not picky' another adds. 'I mean, I'd be okay with MODOK' the first remarks.  'Ugh, whatever. Book 'em, Detective Dan' Lightning declares. The detective leads the operatives past two large weapon-like machines, 'We are furious (Yellow)!' one of the operatives exclaims. 'Please stop saying that' the detective mutters. Lightning thanks Red Wolf, and points out that the AIM were ready for he and Dan. 'But you got the drop on 'em'. Red Wolf tells Lightning that he is glad to help, adding that he is glad to have made the decision to return to Texas with him, as there is a lot of good he can do here. Red Wolf remarks that they made a good team. 'The best team. We're Avengers' Lightning replies, adding that they might not be remembered, but they are never letting them forget. Miguel looks at the AIM operatives in the back of the police car, and asks 'Now, who wants to tell Toni about the Advanced Idiot Mechanics in there?'
Avengers Auxiliary HQ – now with decent tools – where in a lab, Dr Toni Ho a.k.a. Iron Patriot is working on repairing the Vision, while several drone-like robots are going about their business in the lab, Toni is speaking with Roberto over communicator: 'And as Supreme Leader, I say we let the babies have their bottle' Toni declares. '...wait, what?' Roberto can be heard asking. 'What what? AIM isn't the people, it's not the work – it's three letters. I can spare three letters' Toni tells Roberto, adding that this way, the pissed-off US government that is looking to make trouble for AIM goes after Forson, or whoever. 'Oh, I get it. It's a scheme' Roberto realizes. Toni continues to tinker away with the Vision's body, and remarks that she learned from the best, and that she has been talking to some very cool people about what comes next. 'Trust me, Roberto' Toni tells him, adding that she has thought of a new name – the RESCUE Organization. She thinks her dad would have liked that. 'But enough about me. What's this I hear about you breaking up the band, Citizen V?' Toni asks.
Roberto is walking towards the Avengers Mansion gate and is speaking to Toni on his cellphone. 'News travels fast' he mutters, explaining that he told Sam and Rogue a version of the truth – after the world engine and turning off the headband – he doesn't know how many years that took off his life, he doesn't know how long he has now – and he is just not satisfied. Roberto admits that the Avengers do good work, the lesson they teach is a good lesson. “Fight together against what can't be fought alone, for those who can't fight at all” Roberto quotes, he tells Toni that works and still has meaning. 'But when I was growing up... I was taught other lessons. About how you fight'. Roberto puts his suit jacket on, then his sunglasses, 'In a world that hates and fears you, just for being who you are'. He tells Toni to keep the money, she will need it more than him, as he is going back to his roots. He walks down an alleyway, and announces  that he is calling himself Citizen X. 'Be seeing you' Roberto adds.
Central Park, where Wanda Maximoff the Scarlet Witch and Jericho Drumm a.k.a. Doctor Voodoo meet with Emily Guerrero a.k.a. Synapse on a bridge. 'I don't want to pry, Wanda, but if I can help with funeral arrangements for Pietro, I -' Emily begins, as Wanda interrupts her, explaiing that is why she and Jericho wanted to meet with hher – about Pietro. Doctor Voodoo points out that Emily was linked to Quicksilver's mind in those final moments, and asks her what she felt. 'It was...I know this is going to sound strange, but... it was pure joy' Emily explains. Wanda reports that she felt a similar wave of Euphoria from him as well before he vanished, and tells Emily that she believes Pietro is still alive. Doctor Voodoo explains that when Pietro moved beyond the limits of speed as they know it, it is quite possible he also moved beyond the bounds of their physical reality. He informs Synapse that he and Wanda are preparing to venture forth to dimensions beyond space and time to find Quicksilver. Wanda tells Emily that she knows she and Pietro were becoming close, so wanted to assure her that they will not give up until they have exhausted every possibility. Synapse tells Wanda and Doctor Voodoo that she is not on team magic or anything, but wants to help. 'Let me join you' she asks. 'We'd be honored' Wanda replies. 'Three souls against the farthest reaches of the unknown? Heh... why not?' Doctor Voodoo remarks.
Back at Avengers Mansion – or, rather, what's left of it – Wonder Man tells Cap and Falcon that it has been a blast, but it feels like the gang is splitting up again, so  he should probably get going. Falcon asks him where he is going, to which Wonder Man admits that he isn't sure – somewhere different, he thinks he needs a change of pace. 'Simon Williams!' Herc calls out, slapping Simon on the back. 'While Thor and I held the world aloft, you fought the Hulk to a standstill!' Hercules exclaims, before putting his arm around Simon and announcing that they must celebrate their glorious victory. 'Have you ever feasted with the gods?' Hercules asks. 'I...I don't think so, no' Wonder Man replies. Falcon looks at Thor and asks her not to let Herc break Wonder Man. Thor tells him to fear not, and that she will protect Simon as she does all mortals in her charge. Thor calls out to Heimdall, while Hercules exclaims that they will eat and drink, fight and flourish. 'I thought you quit drinking?' Simon asks. 'Yes, and thus you shall drink my share as well!' Hercules tells Wonder Man, before the two of them and Thor vanish in a blur of rainbow lights. 'Geez...we didn't even get an invite' Falcon mutters. Captain America smiles and asks him if he would have accepted. 'Maybe...' Falcon replies.
Inside a diner, Clint Barton a.k.a. Hawkeye sits in a booth, singing “Green door...what's that secret you're keeping...”, as he sips a coffee. 'Hey, Bruce. Take a seat' Clint calls out as Bruce Banner approaches him. Bruce looks down and thanks Clint for meeting with him, and not for coming in costume. Hawkeye explains that he is in costume, but that his old carnival duds are fun, only they feel like formal wear these days, so he save them for the gala performances. 'You never came back after the fight, Bruce...' Clint points out. Bruce tells Clint that it was for the best, and adds that he only came here to say how sorry he is – sorry for what he put Clint through – the trial, the guilt – and it didn't even work, that's the worst of it. 'I asked you...made you...made you shoot me...through the brain with an arrow...and it didn't. Even. Work' Bruce declares, looking up, his face is haggard and hollow.
Clint pauses, before informing Bruce that he saw a vision – saw, felt, tasted an actual vision of the future – Hulk standing over everyone he ever loved in the world – Jess, Bobbi, Natasha, Wanda, Kate – and his footprints were in them. 'So, y'know Glad to do it, bud' Clint adds casually, drinking his coffee. Bruce frowns, scrunches his face up, then announces that he should go. 'I'm very sorry' Bruce tells Clint, before getting up and leaving. 'Damn it' Clint mutters, before calling out to Bruce, asking him to wait. 'What I saw... too much has changed. Tony's armor, bad Steve. It couldn't happen now. So... we stopped it. You stopped it' Clint tells Bruce, adding that he has nothing to be sorry for, that deep down, he is not a bad person, and he should remember that. 'Try to remember that' Clint whispers as he hangs his head. But when he looks back up, Bruce has vanished. 'Bruce?' Clint calls out, but gets no response.
The remains of the mansion again, where Rogue tells johnny that it looks like it is time for her to go, adding that she can pull in some x-pals to help with the rebuild. Johnny tells Rogue that he has a rocky orange buddy who knows a thing or two about lifting, and that he will happily lend a hand. Sitting in the wheelchair, Jarvis realizes that what is worrisome for him isn't where the Avengers fo from here – it's where he goes. 'Jarvis! I have a surprise for you!' Nadia calls out as she rushes over to Jarvis, holding up a small artificial intelligence that resembles Jarvis, who looks at it and tells her that it is a very good likeness. Nadia explains that it is more than that – she built him an AI helpmate to help around the mansion once it has been rebuilt. 'How may I serve you?' the AI asks. Nadia tells Jarvis that after it is installed, it will be his butler, and that she calls it JARVIS. Jarvis frowns and asks Nadia what it stands for, but she isn't sure yet. 'Watch!' she asks Jarvis, before enquiring with JARVIS where the chamomile tea is. 'It's wonderful, Nadia...and perhaps a sign' Jarvis laments.
'Perhaps it's time I surrendered to the modern age and passed the baton, my sweet child -' Jarvis begins, as the AI JARVIS informs Nadia that the chamomile tea is in Captain America's pantry. 'It certainly is not! The Captain prefers earl gray! Chamomile is for Dr McCoy!' Jarvis exclaims. The AI JARVIS replies 'McCoy (alias Beast) is not yet in my programming-ming-ming' to which Jarvis announces that he is not leaving. 'I should hope not, you silly man!' Nadia exclaims, before asking Jarvis if she can be honest, and admits to him that for a while there, she was really afraid that they wouldn't make it – that she thought the Avengers were finished. Jarvis smiles and tells Nadia that she will learn. As several workers elsewhere continue their craftmanship on a statue, Jarvis tells Nadia that this may be the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new age, like the founders statue of old being recast and rededicated, they take important parts of their legacy and use it to forge the future. Jarvis points out that the Avengers isn't a group of heroes, it is an idea – a promise to the people of this earth that they will always be protected by the strong of heart.

Jarvis points out that he has seen these proud men and women victorious time and again, but this – this has been their greatest triumph – their finest hour! The new statue I completed, and placed on the Avengers Mansion grounds, depicting those Avengers who fought during the Grandmaster's diabolical scheme: Enigma! Citizen V! Squirrel Girl! Quicksilver! Wasp! Beast! Wasp! Synapse! Hawkeye! Iron Patriot! Lightning! Red Wolf! Scarlet Witch! Hulk! Red Hulk! Thor! Hercules! Captain America! Vision! Doctor Voodoo! Human Torch! Wonder Man! Rogue! Cannonball! Falcon!
Elsewhere, at a place in space known as the Far Shore. The farthest point of life and death. Beyond, there is only mystery. Voyager sits on a floating globe, alongside the Challenger, who is shackled with strange devices, and floats before several screens, depicting the Avengers. 'Hrrhh. Such ridiculous memories. “The Avengers”. When I break these shackles... and I will break them...I'll kill you, Voyager. And then your father. Do you think your Avengers will save him?' the Challenger asks. Voyager tells him that there is no saving her father – he is lost. Voyager points out that there was someone else, back at the start of things – someone who didn't play just to win. 'I think the Avengers can save you' Voyager tells the Challenger. 'Just like they saved me. If you can only see it' Voyager frowns. The Challenger calls Voyager by her true name – Va Nee Gast – and tells her that she is a fool, and that one day, the shackles will break. 'But...until then...I want to see what happens next!' the Challenger declares as he continues to watch the screens.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
The Battle for the Right to be Called... Earth's Mightiest
Siberia, in a secret Soviet-era corrective labor camp called the Last Gulag, a helicopter has landed within the barb-wire fence camp, where a small cabin sits. A young KGB officer stands in the cabin, and in his native Russian announces 'Sir, I have here a letter of pardon, signed by the Minister of Justice and the President himself'. The young officer reports that it is a full pardon of every crime on his record. 'Even going back years to -' the officer begins, before someone sitting across the room shouts 'Crimes? Nobody called them crimes when we were doing them. More like “valiant missions to protect the Motherland”. What are these supposed crimes, boy?' the voice asks. The young officer clears his throat as he replies 'Sir, well, among other things, it says here that you, ah... murdered four of your commanding officers. And... consumed their remains?'
'Lies! Slanderous lies! It was five officers!' the voice responds, adding that he never ate the bastards, just tore them apart with his mouth, is all. 'Yes, Sir' the officer responds. The voice declares that a pardon isn't good enough – he wants all these ridiculous charges completely expunged from his record. 'Of course, Sir' the officer replies. The figure across the room pours themselves a glass of vodka and adds 'Except for the dead officers. Leave those in. Good for my rep'. He then asks the officer if there is vodka on the helicopter he came in. 'Yes, Sir. I was told to bring a... very large supply' the officer replies. 'For your sake, I hope it's the good stuff, and not the toilet brew they've been giving me here for years' the mysterious figure declares, before asking the officer where they are headed.
'Directly to the Kremlin, Sir. The others will be waiting' the soldier announces. The figure across  the room knocks back the vodka – he is Major Mikhail Ursus, better known as Ursa Major. 'Heh. It's about damn time' the large bear mutters, before asking the soldier 'They gonna let us do it right this time? And keep politicians out of our fur for a change?' 'I'm told his Excellency has taken a great personal interest in this project' the soldier responds. 'Yeah, I just bet he has' Ursa Major mutters, before asking 'So who the hell else has Moscow suddenly remembered is still alive?'
In the Ural Mountains of Western Russia, Dimitri Bukharin frowns, while Laynia Petrovna a.k.a. Darkstar tells him that she understands his reluctance, but that she has been assured this time will be different. 'The faces of the puppet masters are always different. But that doesn't change matters much for the puppet, does it?' Dimitri responds. 'Tell them I said no' he instructs Darkstar. 'No, I take that back, Laynia. Tell them I said hell no' Dimitri exclaims.
Darkstar tells Dimitri that she doesn't imagine the Executive Security Committee is used to being spoken to in such a manner. 'Likely not. Not since I resigned. Let them come arrest me if they want. I'm easy enough to find' Dimitri mutters as he walks down a path lined by a forest covered in snow. 'You call this east to find?' Darkstar's brother, Nikolai Krylenko a.k.a Vanguard asks as he and Darkstar follow their longtime teammate. Behind them walks a mysterious woman in a red cloak.
Darkstar explains to Dimitri that this isn’t the old day of the Soviet Super-Soldiers, that Moscow isn't looking for a puppet – they want him to lead the entire operation – they will even make a new Cabinet position for him – Minister of Superhuman Defense. 'Heh. Russian super-minister. They really must be desperate' Dimitri remarks, before asking what their quiet guest from the Red Room has to say about this. Darkstar informs Dimitri that in her experience the Red Widow doesn't say much of anything at all. She adds that the Red Widow's presence is a requirement of the Committee, but that she will follow his orders. 'No, more likely she'll slit my throat if I get out of line' Dimitri replies.
'Please, Dimitri, you know we need this' Vanguard remarks, asking Dimitri if he has heard about the recent attacks in the Black Sea. Dimitri sighs and mutters that this thing is happening whether he likes it or not. 'The world is a more dangerous place than ever. Russia needs her greatest heroes' Vanguard declares. 'And the Winter Guard needs you, Dimitri' Darkstar adds. Dimitri comes to a stop at a clearing and motions to where a large red armor stands. 'No, my friends. You don't need Dimitri Bukharin. You need the Crimson Dynamo'. Bukharin adds that he hopes he can remember where he left the key, before asking his companions to tell him who they are going up against this time around.
The South Pacific, the international undersea biosphere called Hydropolis, normally underwater, has been lifted up to surface level by the incredible strength of Namor, the King of Atlantis who shouts 'Attention, trespassers! Leave these waters and never return!' Namor declares that the oceans of Earth are hereby off-limits to all but their native inhabitants – now – and forevermore. Water pours into Hyrdopolis through broken part of the dome, and with the water comes several warriors and horrifying deep-sea creatures. 'The King has spoken! Break his one simple law and you will know the wrath of his Defenders of the Deep!' shouts the Atlantean warrior called Andromeda. With her is the terrorist jellyfish called Manowar, and the mindless man-fish-eating machines called the Piranhas, Bloodtide the Water Witch, Echidna the mother of monsters, King Crab, the world's most powerful crustacean, the aquatic psychopath called Tiger Shark, and the human killer whale known as Orka, who holds a large anchor overhead as he looms towards the scientists, warning them to get back to their dirt – while they still can. 'But we're a peaceful research facility. We've never -' one of the scientists calls out, before King Crab grabs her and hurls her out of the dome and into the ocean. Tiger Shark suggests to the humans they move a good bit faster, as the Piranhas are getting hungry.
Meanwhile, within Avengers Mountain in the North Pole, a computer alarm signals a priority alert. Gorilla-Man swings through the facility, 'Hey! Is anybody gonna answer that? Hello? Ah, hell. Where the crap is everybody?' he asks, as the priority alert sounds again. 'Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm coming. Keep your drawers on' Gorilla-Man mutters, before hanging upside down he calls out 'Hey, computer! It's me!' The computer responds by recognizing his voice pattern as “Ken Hale, Gorilla-Man, Avengers Butler”. Gorilla-Man isn't happy with this, 'Stark and his damn jokes. I'm not the butler. I'm a special agent of -' Gorilla-Man begins, before the priority alarm sounds again. 'What's the damn emergency? And where in the damn hell do I find the damn Avengers?' Gorilla-Man snaps.
Two of them are on the Pacific Coast Highway, Robbie Reyes a.k.a. Ghost Rider is in his car as he speeds along the highway, 'So remind me, Mr Stark, what do I get when I beat you?' he calls out as his flaming car inches ahead of the red car driven by Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man. 'A state of the art repulsor powered wheelchair for your brother, I believe was the bet, based on the same tech that powers this car' Tony responds, adding that he is such a nice guy that he will make the wheelchair happen for him even when Ghost Rider loses. 'Sorry, Mr Stark, but no tech in the world is a match for pure old-fashioned hellfire horsepower' Ghost Rider calls back as his car speeds onwards, before he tells Stark that he will still try to use his hell charger to get a message to his father. 'What was it you wanted to tell him?' Ghost Rider asks. 'Let's start with “Hi, Howard, I made a car faster than the Ghost Rider. You finally proud of me, yet”?' Tony mutters, before they both receive the Avengers priority alert. 'Ah, crap. Guess the race will have to wait' Ghost Rider points out as he turns his car, speeds down the side of the cliff and onto the Pacific Ocean. 'I don't think so, kid. Last one to the Mountain's a rotten Avenger!' Tony exclaims as his car transforms into a small jet and he flies out across the water.
Meanwhile, on the Atlantic sea floor, at a Helicarrier graveyard, Carol Danvers a.k.a. Captain Marvel and Thor swim among the wreckage. 'So...you and Jen' Carol calls out. 'Can we not speak of this?' Thor responds. 'Why not? Everyone else sure is' Carol responds as she hurls a large ball made up of wreckage towards Thor, asking 'So it's really a thing? Thor and the Hulk? The titanic team-up you never exected?' Carol asks. 'Nay, it is not a...thing. We have not even embarked upon a proper date' Thor replies as he uses his hammer to strike the large ball of wreckage – sending it careening upwards out of the water. 'You haven't asked her out yet? What are you waiting for?' Carol replies. 'You believe if I were to ask her out...she would say aye?' Thor enquires. 'Good Lord! It's like I'm cleaning up underwater SHIELD garbage with a god who's in grade school' Carol mutters, before asking Thor if he wants her to text Jen and ask her if she likes him. 'Would you?' Thor enquires as the wreckage ball reaches space, hurtling towards the sun. Carol remarks that she has never seen a dude in more desperate need of a wingman. 'Captain Marvel to the rescue' she jokes, telling Thor that means after they are done throwing all this trash into the sun, the tacos are on him. Suddenly, they receive the Avengers priority alert. 'Never mind the tacos, I guess' Carol mutters, to which Thor asks her if she can still dispatch the text.
In Wakanda, Jennifer Walters the She-Hulk is with King T'Challa a.k.a. Black Panther, who tells her to close her eyes and open her mind as he has shown her, then tell him what she sees. Jen closes her eyes, 'I... I see... my own sweet face smiling back at me with a calm and confident grin' Jennifer responds, lying, as what she really sees is an abstract green face with glaring red eyes. T'Challa and Jen walk alongside each other down a corridor and T'Challa tells Jen that for all their sakes, he hopes that to be thev truth, as this next test is not for the faint of heart. 'Hit me with your best shot, T'Challa. I can take it' Jen replies, referring to the suit she is wearing, she tells T'Challa that she isn't sure why he got her all dressed up if he is about to throw her into a roomful of angry rhinos. 'That's not exactly what I had in mind' T'Challa replies as they arrive at a lobby where representatives of the media industry have gathered, T'Challa informs Jen that her challenge today is to make it through an Avengers press conference without Hulking out. 'Oh God' Jen utters. A representative of Roxxon News asks T'Challa if now that he has the Avengers at his beck and call, that makes him the world's only one true super-power. 'Will the Avengers submit to international oversight?' another reporter asks. '...and I quote “Toadies of an African warlord”' another reporter remarks. T'Challa and She-Hulk suddenly receive the Avengers priority alert 'Well, darn' T'Challa remarks, as another reporter asks the King how he responds to reports that some in Congress want to sever diploamatic ties with his administration over this so-called 'Avengers-gate”. 'Looks like the questions will have to wait' She-Hulk points out.
Washington DC, where Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America stares up at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. General Thaddeus Ross approaches him and calls out 'Black Panther, chairman of the Avengers. Let me ask you something, Steve...how exactly do you think that will go over in the halls of power in this town?' Steve tells General Ross that he could make a pretty good guess, but he held out hope he would be pleasantly surprised. 'Believe me, there was nothing pleasant about this for us. Especially since the man who wears our flag on his chest didn't even bother to give us so much as a heads-up' General Ross declares, adding that they had to see it on the evening news, like they were all a bunch of working slobs in Nebraska. 'Here's another news flash for you, General. I don't work for you' Cap replies, adding that the Avengers don't work for any country – they fight for the Earth.
'That makes for a nice bumper sticker, Cap. But as far as we're concerned around here, the United States of America is the Earth, and if the US government can't trust the Avengers anymore...well, then I'm afraid...' General Ross' voice trails off, as Cap turns to him: 'Let me stop you right there before you finish that threat. You can trust us to be the Avengers' Cap assures General Ross, warning him that if he decides that is something that he seriously wants to get in the way of, then he can promise him that his old friend the Hulk will be nothing compared to what he can turn into. Cap turns and walks down the stairs, as a soldier asks General Ross if they should act, but General Ross tells the soldier to let Captain America go – that the Avengers are officially lost to them. General Ross remarks that it looks like it is time for plan B. 'This is Thunderbolt Ross and I'm making the call. Bring in the Agent' he announces over an intercom.
Cap is on his motorcycle, weaving in and out of the cars as he receives the Avengers priority alarm. Cap acknowledges the call and asks where the closest teleporter is. The computer informs him that it is in the Wakandan Embassy in Dupont Circle. Cap reports that he is on his way and asks if there is something on the other end that he can punch a whole lot.
Back in the South Pacific, 'Tell your governments! Your navies! Your energy companies that turn the oceans black! Tell them they're no longer welcome upon these waves!' Namor shouts as he continues to tear apart Hydropolis. 'And if they don't like it, tell them they can talk to me!' Namor adds, when suddenly, 'All right, Namor. Let's talk' the Black Panther calls out as he arrives inside Hydropolis with Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, She-Hulk, Captain Marvel and Ghost Rider. With Andromeda, Tiger Shark and the rest of his team at his side, Namor informs the Black Panther that he has nothing more to say to the likes of him or his flunkies. 'Flunkies? Who says flunkies? How old is this guy?' Ghost Rider asks, while Cap assures Namor that they have been doing everything they can to broker peace with Atlantis, even after he killed those Roxxon gunmen in their cells and damn near killed Stingray, his own friend.
Namor frowns as he replies 'Executed, Captain. Those Roxxon murderers were rightfully executed. But not by me. By the ocean itself. And I have no more friends from the surface' Namor adds. The Black Panther moves closer to Namor and looks him in the eyes as he remarks that it isn't the ocean he sees terrorizing innocent people here – it's him and his team of psychopaths and criminals that he dares to call the Defenders. 'Says the greatest criminal of them all. A man who has vowed to see me dead' Namor replies, while announcing that the people of Hydropolis are trespassing. 'And so are you. Take them and never return' Namor declares. Black Panther tells Namor that that they will evacuate Hydropolis and go in peace – for now – but that thev world will not abide this. 'You know that. You cannot lay claim to the oceans of the entire -' the Black Panther begins, interrupted when the Piranhas move towards some Hydropolis personnel, who scream in fear. 'No! Stand down, Piranhas. We are not butchers' Namor states. 'Tell that to Stingray. And if you can't control your people, Namor, we'll have to do it for you' T'Challa warns Namor.
Suddenly, Thor's hammer is thrown at one of the Piranhas, knocking it back from the Hydropolis personnel. 'They drew first blood! Now it's on!' King Crav exclaims as he moves towards Thor and She-Hulk. 'Hulk is mine!' Orka calls out as he raises the large anchor towards She-Hulk. 'Hey, I wanted Hulk' King Crab replies. Orka tells him to shut up and kill Thor. 'Fine, but then I'm cutting in' King Crab calls back. Cap's shield slams against Tiger Shark as he tells Namor not to try and blame the Avengers for this. 'Wanted to eat your smug face for a long time, Cap! Let's do this!' Tiger Shark snarls, while T'Challa tells Namor that Cap is right, he brought this on himself. 'Damn it, I warned you people, Panther, to never interfere in aquatic business again. And I also promised...there would be no further warning!' Namor shouts as he hurls a large piece of equipment towards the Black Panther. 'Imperious Rex, you Wakandan bastard!' Namor roars.
The Black Panther's claws slice through the equipment before it strikes him, and tells Namor that it is not Wakanda he has to worry about, before ordering the Avengers to take Namor and his allies down. 'Sorry, you heard the boss. It's back to the aquarium you go, Little Mermaid' Iron Man tells Echidna, who has wrapped her body around him. Echidna boasts that in a thousand years no one has built  a cage that can hold her, the mother of monsters, and warns Iron Man that she will crack him open like an oyster. 'Ah, hell. I got the ancient magic one. Where's Thor? Can we switch?' Iron Man mutters, as King Crab suddenly wraps a pincer around Thor's neck. 'Don't know whether to bludgeon you or eat you, monster!' Thor calls out. King Crab laughs and warns Thor that he plans on doing both to him. The Piranhas swim after more of the Hydropolis employees, 'Aaahh! Giant piranahs! Swim for your lives!' one of them shouts.
Orka and She-Hulk grab each other's hands, trying to force the other backwards. 'Why does it burn when I touch you? What the hell kinda Hulk are you?' Orka asks. 'Worst kind! Kind that burns and smashes and explodes! And even worse, sues!' She-Hulk responds. Manowar has tangled Captainv Marvel up, and as she fires an energy blast at Manowar she calls out to Andromeda: 'This isn't like you! Hanging with super villains and giant killer jellyfish? Don't let Namor's anger drag you down!' Carol pleads. Andromeda asks Captain Marvel if she doesn't think Namor's anger is justified, and introduces her to her good friend Bloodtide. 'She was the happiest little girl in Atlantis until your pollutants ravaged her flesh, mutating her into the water witch you see today' Andromeda replies as Bloodtide rises from the water, her dishevelled appearance looming over Ghost Rider who calls out to the Avengers, telling them that he could use some help. 'Do you feel the rage of the sea, little surface demon? You will. And all the death you've given it will be returned to you a thousandfold' Bloodtide warns him as she creates hallucinations of large sharks which swim towards Ghost Rider. 'Guys, I've got zombie sharks over here! Guys!' Ghost  Rider calls out.
'Look at what you're doing, Namor. Look at what you've become!' T'Challa calls out as he drops a small disc in front of Namor, that explodes, distracting Namor and enabling T'Challa to move away from him. 'These people are all going to die because of you' T'Challa calls out. 'No, T'Challa. You're going to die and they're going to watch!' Namor shouts angrily, before being knocked back by Captain America's shield, which slams into him. 'You wanna kill an Avenger, your highness? I'm right here. Come kill me. Old friend' Cap remarks to Namor, as his shield rebounds off Namor and slams into Tiger Shark's face. Namo moves towards Captain America and the Black Panther and tells them that this is not a game, that the old rules no longer apply – this is the new order of the world, and if the ocean's defenders must go to war to preserve it, then war there will be. 'You say you're looking for a war, fishface? Well, guess what? One just showed the hell up!' Ursa Major roars as he and the rest of the Winter Guard drop down into Hyrdopolis! The Crimson Dynamo introduces the team and announces that they have come for justice. The Crimson Dynamo states that Namor of Atlantis is under arrest for crimes against the Russian people in the Black Sea. With he and Ursa Major are Darkstar, Vanguard, the Red Widow, Vostok, a Soviet-era synthezoid, Perun the Slavic god of the storm, and Chernobog, the monstrous Slavic god of darkness.
Ursa Major drops down near the Black Panther and tells him to stand aside and let a real animal take it from here. He instructs Perun and Chernobog to take Namor into custody and not to worry about being gentle. 'Aye! With pleasure!' Perun responds, while Chernobog grins and remarks that he hopes Namor does resist. Namor leers at the new arrivals as he calls out 'Avengers, Russian super-soldiers, let the surface world send all the armies it wants! Their carcasses will litter the depths!' Perun and Chernobog move in closer and Perun tells Namor that he should speak with more care when he addresses the gods. 'Man or Hulk or god, I care not! You are all just air and bones to me!' Namor snarls.
As observed by the mysterious Red Widow and later reported back to the official she answers to, a huge brawl breaks out. Ursa Major steps in and frees Thor from King Crab, while Ghost Rider burns a hole through the zombie sharks, and Darkstar flies towards Bloodtide. There are some impressive displays of power, but not enough bloodshed for the Red Widow's liking. The Avengers are surprised by the sudden intervention of the Winter Guard, they are happy to have some assistance, though, as Namor's Defenders may be wild and undisciplined, but they are still an impressive gathering of freaks and killers, and as the Red Widow notes, they are in their element. The Crimson Dynamo fires a blast of energy art Manowar, freeing Captain Marvel who flies down to Andromeda and punches her in the face. Vanguard slams his shield into Echidna's face, which loosens her grip on Iron Man. The Red Widow notes that the Avengers and the Winter Guard seem to stay out of each other's way, at least to begin with. She watches as Vostok fires a beam of energy at Orka, knocking him back from She-Hulk. During the battle, the Red Widow observes from a platform nearby, staying out of the way. When the unseen official asks her how she would rate the new Winter Guard's performance, she tells him that they are not ready, but that she will get them there, she can make them the strongest Winter Guard the world has ever seen, but she recommends being allowed to kill one or two to inspire the others. She offers to list her choices in order of personal preference, but the official tells her that will be all for now.
The battle rages, as Crison Dynamo bursts through Manowar, and Darkstar and Bloodtide fire energies at the other, countering each other's attack. Crimson Dyanmo then notices the Red Widow sitting on the ledge, not involved in the battle, and wonders what she is doing. Perun and Chernobog suddenly punch Namor, 'Now you meet your end, Atlantean! At the hands of Perun, Lord of the Storm!' Perun calls out. Chernobog frowns and tells Perun to stand aside, and not to come between he and his meat. 'This kill belongs to Chernobog' the god of darkness claims. 'What? You dare!?' Perun asks, grabbing Chernobog's fingers he remarks that he knew it was a mistake to allow his presence here. 'If you cannot control your black heart...' Perun begins, as Chernobog warns him that if he does not remove his hand, he will show him his very red and stil-beating heart. 'You cloud-humping louse' Chernobog snarls. 'Defend yourself, you cur!' Perun shouts as he pulls away from Chernobog and raises his axe. 'Blow it our your stormhole, Perun! I will gut you like an infant goat!' Chernobog booms.
Iron Man and Crimson Dynamo fly towards Perun and Chrnobog, as Crimson Dynamo tells them to stand down. 'You went double god, Dimitri. Never go double god' Iron Man remarks. 'Someone stop them before they kill us all!' Crimson Dynamo calls out, as She-Hulk suddenly slams her fists to the ground, roaring, 'Stupid gods stop being stupid!' which creates a seismic shock that knocks Chernobog and Perun backwards.
At the same time, a soldier informs General Ross that there is an air-reconnaissance report from over the Pacific, where it appears all hell has broken loose at Hydropolis as the Avengers, Namor's Defenders of the Deep and the Russian Winter Guard are fighting each other. The soldier asks if they shoud intervene, but Ross asks how he proposes they do that, as SHIELD no longer exists – all their Helicarriers were sunk into the ocean. He adds that the USA doesn't have any super-bastards on the payroll – not yet at least. 'Where the hell's that agent? Get him in here!' General Ross shouts.
'You hurt our gods I take a chunk outta yours!' Ursa Major warns the Avenges as he grabs Thor and puts his claws to Thor's face. 'Gagh! Do you bathe in vodka, beast?' Thor asks as he struggles to free himself. Vanguard tells Captain America to stay out of their way, that the Winter Guard will handle this, and attempts to punch Cap, who blocks the punch with his shield. Cap frowns and reminds Vanguard that he has seen how the Winter Guard handle things – he has the scars to prove it. She-Hulk knocks Chernobog back while trapping Perun in a headlock, before Crimson Dynamo blasts her in the back with an energy beam and tells her 'You've stopped gthe gods! That's enough, you monster!' This causes Iron Man to fly up behind Crimson Dynamo and warn him that nobody talks that way to their Hulk. Dynamo spins around and fires a blast at Iron Man, asking him when he will learn that he doesn't own the entire world. 'I'm definitely a major shareholder, Dimitri. And as usual, you're looking awfully bad for business!' Iron Man replies as he fires an energy blast back.
The Black Panther dodges energy hoops that Vostok fires at him. The peculiar synthezoid remarks 'Great shall your glory be, Motherland proud and free! Bulwark of friendship for nation an man! Flag of the people since freedom began!' Ghost Rider finds where Red Widow is sitting and climbs up to the ledge, asking her if the seat is taken as he could use a little break. Red Widow responds by shoving an energy blade through his side. The Piranhas swim towards where two of the Hydopolis employees have sought safety on a floating platform. Captain Marvel and Darkstar fight mid-air as they fly towards the civilians, 'Get off of me, Darkstar! We've got to save those people!' Captain Marvel exclaims. 'I can save the whole lot of them in seconds Danvers, if you'd just get over your pompous self and -' Darkstar begins, before a fist bursts up through one of the Piranhas. It's Namor, who then grabs the other two Piranhas and crushes their throats, before calling out to his Defenders of the Deep and informing them that they are leaving, warning them to join him in the depths, or join the Piranhas. Almost immediately, the Defenders sink back into the ocean.
'He... he killed his own men!' someone shouts, while Crimson Dynamo points out that now his Defenders are getting away. Iron Man suggests that he worry more about his own side now, as She-Hulk and Thor close in on Perun, before the two teams regroup, with Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Captain Marvel and She-Hulk facing down Vanguard, Darkstar, Crimson Dynamo, Vostok, Ursa Major and Red Widow. Ursa Major tells the Avengers that this is their fault, and if they staayed the hell out of their way, Namor would be in a Russian cell right now. 'Last I heard, that's where you were, Ursa Major' Cap remarks, before telling the Winter Guard that if they are working for the Kremlin again, how long do they think it will be before the Kremlin betrays them and puts them right back behind bars. Ursa Major and Vanguard scowl at Captain America as Ursa Major declares that they work for the Russian people. 'Go back to Wakanda, Avenger, and leave our country's business to us' Ursa suggests.
Iron Man turns to Crimson Dynamo and tells him not to go down this track again, as they all know where it leads. 'I see why they brought me back, Stark. You people have lost your grip on this planet. So now it's up to us go find out. And that starts here to-' Dynamo replies, but suddenly, the Red Widow exclaims 'No today'. 'She speaks?' Dynamo asks. 'Yeah, she stabs, too' Ghost Rider jokes, clutching his wound. Red Widow announces that they are pulling out, that this operation is finished. 'I didn't give that order. Maybe you've forgotten, Widow, but I'm the leader of -' Crimson Dynamo starts to say, before the Red Widow tells him to get his ass back to Moscow and not to make her detonate his suit right here in front of everyone. An instant later, the Winter Guard vanishes.
The Avengers look out over the ocean and Carol asks what happened – 'Did we just win?' 'The world just became a more dangerous place. That's what happened' Iron Man replies. 'Yes, especially for us' Captain America remarks. T'Challa reminds the Avengers that no one ever said this job would be easy, or even possible, which is why they are all here – because none of them should be possible, either, and nothing less than the utterly impossible is what he asks of them every time they answer the call. The Black Panther points out that these are dark times, and are only trending further into darkness. 'If we're going to keep this planet intact long enough for its people to pull themselves back into the light, we'll have to do it one impossible day at a time' Black Panther states as the heroes begin the clean up of Hydropolis, rescuing the remaining workers, putting out fires and removing debris Ghost Rider and Iron Man ferry passengers across the ocean, while Thor lifts the mighty Hydropolis out of the water and into the air.
Two large ships move towards Hydropolis as Thor places it back down in the water. The ships have Wakandan flags alongside flags with the Avengers “A” on them. Gorilla-Man is aboard one of the ships and points at Hydropolis as T'Challa tells his team that today was unlike any other, and tomorrow will be more of the same – but that is their job description, that's why they stand together. 'If the world needs something to believe in, then let it believe in the power and promise of our most sacred words... Avengers Assemble!' T'Challa exclaims.
Washington, where General Ross sits in his office late at night, and looks up from his desk as the Agent arrives, and stands in the shadows. 'I have to sat, General...I'm a bit surprised to be here, especially since I'm not really an agent of anything anymore' they remark. 'And I'm a bit surpised to see be seeing you, to be honest. For all sorts of different reasons, eh? But here we are, son'. The old man looks at photos of the Winter Guard and the Defenders of the Deep and tells his new arrival that their country has a serious problem. 'And you're going to help us with the solution'. He points out that they have lost SHIELD, and now they have lost the Avengers, too, just in time for the whole world to go straight to hell. 'And we are not accustomed to losing around here. I'm counting on you to deal us a winning hand'.
The Agent in the shadows starts to open the door to Ross' office and tells him that he believes he has done that. 'If you'd like to see your cards...' he begins. Ross laughs and remarks that he had a feeling that the Agent was the right man for the job. 'Welcome to the deep state...Agent Coulson!' General Ross exclaims. Agent Phil Coulson smiles and replies that he is happy to be back. Five costumed individuals enter General Ross' office and Phil Coulson remarks that he is proud to present this country's newest and greatest heroes – Hyperion! Nighthawk! Speed Demon! Doctor Spectrum! Warrior Woman! - the Squadron Supreme of America!
Later, in East LA, 'Robbie! I can fly!' Gabe Reyes calls out from the hoverchair that he sits in and speeds around their apartment. 'Tell Iron Man he's my favorite Avenger ever!' Gabe calls out. Robbie tells his brother that he will do that, and warns him not to fly too high. As Robbie heads towards the door, Gabe asks him where he is going, as he just got back. 'You gotta go to you new job again?' Gabe asks. Robbie tells Gabe that he just has to go outside, that he thought he heard somebody messing with the car. 'Okay, Robbie! You smell like fish!' Gabe calls out as Robbie leaves the apartment and enters his garage. Robbie thinks that with his luck, somebody will try to steal this stupid car and the hell charger will eat them alive. He looks at the car and realizes that there is still so much he doesn't know about the car and his connection to it – even with the Avengers trying to help him figure it out. It used to be that you couldn't shut the car up, and now it won't talk at all, like it's almost afraid. Robbie wonders what the hell could scare a car possessed by the soul of a dead serial killer, though.
Suddenly, Robbie lights up as Odin appears before him and shoves his staff into him. 'There's the murderer I seek!' Odin calls out. 'What...the hell?' Robbie asks as his Ghost Rider appearance manifests. 'Spirit of Vengeance! Many years ago we may have been comrades, but now it is Odin, All-Father of Asgard who comes seekin vengeance!' the old god exclaims: 'Against you, Ghost Rider of Midgard! For what you did to...' Odin begins, before Ghost Rider opens his mouth, releasing a powerful burst of flame that knocks Odin backwards. 'Whoever the hell you are, you've got the wrong damn Ghost Rider!' Robbie replies. Odin recovers and assures him that he is the Ghost Rider he seeks, that he has seen his sins though the ether, him and his demonic hel chariot. 'Did you think no one in the heavens would know the evil you had done?' Odin asks. 'I'm guessing I don't really know. Maybe you wanna fill me in before you try to murder me again?' Ghost Rider replies, unsure about what is freaking him out more – that this hipster grandpa just stabbed him with a spear, or that he didn't die.
Odin fires a blast of energy from the staff and shouts 'You are gthe murderer, demon! And I will cut you down just like you did him! Like you stabbed the Starbrand!' Ghost Rider is knocked back by Odin's energy blast, butb gets to his feet and asks 'Starbrand? That crazy guy who attacked me in Africa? You're even crazier than he was, old man!' Odin remarks that the Starbrand and the Rider always were at each other's throats, but he never thought it would come to this. 'He was your brother in arms since the dawn of this world!' Odin adds, raising his spear again while fiery bonds try to restrain him, Odin declares that nothing is more imporant than family, and in the name of the Starbrand condemns Ghost Rider to die, and may some other gods somewhere have mercy on his cursed soul.
But, before Odin can strike with his spear, Ghost Rider calls out 'Wait!' Odin's spear is inches from Ghost Rider's head as he tells Odin that he didn't kill his Starbrand friend, at least, he didn't mean to. Ghost Rider explains that Starbrand was out of control, attacking him for no reason, attacking everyone around him, and that to try and stop him, he gave him the penance stare, which he didn't even know he could do, and Starbrand just blew up. 'He blew up and died' Ghost Rider explains. 'Lost control? This...was just before the coming of the Final Host?' Odin asks. 'Yeah, yeah, I suppose it was. I guess hw knew that was just about to happen. Maybe he was trying to warn me' Ghost Rider suggests. 'Of course he was. He was terrified' Odin points out. Odin adds that the terror drove the poor mortal insane, and realizes that it wasn't Ghost Rider who killed him after all. 'It was I. For it was Odin the All-Fool who buried the fallen Celestial one million years ago...and began the...' Odin begins, before suddenly vomitting and keeling over. 'Dude. Are you drunk?' Ghost Rider asks. 'Only enough to make a fool of myself. Which is suddenly not nearly drunk enough' Odin replies, before asking Ghost Rider to help him up and fetch them a drink.
Shortly, 'A flaming woolly mammoth. You're joking' Robbie remarks as he sits next to Odin, who holds a drink in one hand. 'The All-Father of Asgard does not jest' Odin replies, adding that he leaves such frivolous matters to his impudent sons. 'So Thor and Loki are the funny ones in the family. That says a lot' Robbie remarks, running a hand through his hair. Robbie is shirtless, a bandage wrapped around his wounds and Odin tells him that, as a Rider, he should know his legacy, sordid as it may be. Robbie informs Odin that he is different from other Ghost Riders that he has met – he never made a deal with the Devil, he just died, and that crazy possessed car brought him back. Odin tells Robbie that the Riders are always different, yet always the same in one important regard – they all made a deal, whether they remember it or not, and sooner or later, something dark and terrible will come lumbering out of the shadows, looking to collect. 'The only question is...will there be anything left to your mortal soul by then?' Odin asks. 'Or will you have given it all to the vengeful monster inside you?' Robbie goes wide-eyed at this comment and asks Odin whatever happened to the Rider with the woolly mammoth.
in flashback images:Odin remembers his teammates and informs Robbie that they rode together for many years, alongside the rest of their wondrous compatriots, the mightiest warriors of the ancient Earth, mortals who were as noble and powerful as gods, and also a wizard – many grand and glorious adventures they shared in those savage, primordial days, and many fearsome foes did they face in sense-shattering battle – battles that shaped the world as they know it today, quite literally. But as for what ultimately became of those great heroes of Midgard's dawn...
Present:'... I would not speak of it. Not now' Odin remarks, adding that it has only been a million years, and the wound is still too raw. 'Damn. And I thought the fish guy was old' Robbie replies. 'Aye, I am old. Too old to have made such a drunken spectacle of myself this night' Odin admits, asking Robbie to promise him not to tell the Panther. 'Only if you promise me we'll do this again, Mr Odin. I wanna know more about the Riders who've come before me. The Starbrands, too' Robbie replies, adding that he wants to know  everything, especially the mistakes they all made – ones he can hopefully avoid. 'I'm way too young to die twice' he jokes. Odin stands up and tells Robbie that he will know far more about the Starbrand soon enough, as this realm is never long without one, especially in trying times like these. 'Let us hope the Brand chooses wisely, though that has not always been the case. Or else your recent experience may prove valuable after all, young Rider of Los Angeles'. Robbie looks up at Odin confused and asks 'Experience in what?' to which Odin responds 'Killing Starbrands'. He looks over at Robbie's car and tells him that he would ask one more favor before he takes his leave. 'Wait. Don't tell me' Robbie mutters.
'Yeah, I've got a god as my co-pilot!' Ghost Rider exclaims as he speeds his car across the top of a mountain range. 'I thought you said this chariot was fast! I've ridden goats faster than this!' Odin exclaims. Odin tells Ghost Rider that his first lesson in being a Rider is that the only force that can slow him down is himself, and that if he wishes to survive being a hel-damned monstrosity, he has got to know when to give the monster free rein. 'You want monster fast, huh?' Ghost Rider responds, before telling Odin to hang on to his butt and he will do him one even better – 'This is Avengers fast!' Ghost Rider calls out as he speeds onwards. 'Ha! Now this is more like it! We may make a survivor out of you yet, boy!' Odin jokes, to which Ghost Rider tells him that he has never been anything else.
Meanwhile, in the far reaches of space, Loki screams as he is tortured by a cosmic energy blast. He looks up at his tormenters and asks them if this is really the extent of their plan – to drag him out into the outer reaches of nowhere and torture him. 'Until what? I realize the folly of my evil ways, apologize for unleashing the Final Host and spend the rest of my days performing cosmic community service?' Loki asks, announcing that he had expected a bit more imagination from the Celestials. Over a dozen of the nigh-omnipotent Celestials tower over Loki, who stands on a small asteroid. One of the Celestials fires another blast of cosmic energy at Loki, who screams once again and mutters that the Celestials have no sense of humor, either – or gratitude, and tells them that they should be thanking him for saving their entire pompous race, and for giving Midgard back its precious Avengers. 'Let them believe I'm the villain once more. I'm damn well used to it' he adds, admitting that he has always had more of a knack for devilry than do-goodery, but this latest escapade was a bit of both.
Loki claims that the Avengers don't have the wherewithal to know why he did what he did, but that the Celestials should. 'You giant bloody bastards should know... about the war that's on the way... the war to end all realms... and with it, the rise of the -' Loki calls out, interrupted when someone calls out to him 'I know why you did it'. Loki turns around and is surprised to see a certain someone standing behind him 'You? What in the hel are you doing here? How are you possibly here?' Loki asks. 'I know what you think's coming, Loki. But I'm here to tell ya... you're wrong. It ain't gonna be as bad as ya think' the other figure calls out. 'It's gonna be a helluva lot worse' exclaims Wolverine a.k.a. Logan, can of beer in hand. 'You meddling half-wit. First you block my efforts at gathering the Infinity Stones, purely for safekeeping, of course -' Loki begins. 'Right. That's definitely what you were doing' Logan replies, drinking his beer. 'Then you come all the way out here just to taunt me. I thought you were supposed to be Canadian' Loki mutters.
Wolverine tells Loki to believe it or not, but he is actually here to help him – and that it sure looks like he could use some right now. Wolverine looks up to the Celestial called Arishem the Judge and asks him if they still have a deal. 'Don't be a fool. A mere mortal cannot converse with the likes of...' Loki replies, only for Arishem to give Logan the thumbs up signal. 'That's impossible' Loki gasps. 'For your sake, you damn well better hope not' Logan replies. 'Correct me if I'm wrong, but cosmic matters of this sort are usually far above your hairy little pay grade' Loki adds. Logan smirks and tells Loki that used to be the case, but the eons do funny things to a man. 'Eons? But you're not...' Loki begins. 'From around here? No, I ain't' Wolverine replies, crunching his now empty can of beer, he tells Loki that this is what they call a period of profound cosmic significance, as that watery mudball they love needs all her cosmic defense systems on deck, so here he is, making deals with space gods. 'What deal? What is this?' Loki enquires.
Logan reveals that it is a trade, and that he told these Celestials he could help them burn that horde infection right outta their Final Host bodies – in exchange for him. 'Only problem is...I got no intention of helping 'em. Ain't my place. And I think they just figured that out. So get ready to run when I give the signal' Logan remarks as he suddenly appears with fiery cosmic energy around him, telling Loki that he did good work in getting the Avengers back together, but that his work isn't done, not be a damn sight. 'Like I said, the future is one bonafide flaming $#%&-storm. Hell, I oughtta know' Logan remarks, adding that he thinks he is one of the reasons why – one of many. Suddenly, as the cosmic energy ripples around Wolverine, he pops his claws and visions appear – of Iron Fist battling ninjas, Punisher holding a sword, and Man-Thing holding Thor's hammer. Namor with an army of sharks, and Moon Knight leading an army of zombies. Malekeith laughing as a world burns, Hyperion crushing Captain America's shield, and Ursa Major roaring, while several hands appear to be holding up the Starbrand symbol.
Wolverine streaks towards the Celestials on cosmic energy, 'In case you're still wondering, SNIKT was the signal, Loki! So run away home, little god!' 'Oh, and tell the Avengers something for me!' Logan calls out, while Loki drops to the ground, 'A Phoenix Wolverine? What in the name of...' Loki mutters, as Wolverine instructs him to tell the Avengers that they got some more assembling to do. Loki starts to scream as the asteroid begins to plummet out of space.
Elsewhere, 'Control to Agent Van Dyne. Do you have eyes on the target?' a voice radios Jan Van Dyne a.k.a. the Wasp, whose wings glow blue as she flies through the night, 'Negative, but, uh...there are a few somethings that definitely have eyes on me!' Jan replies as she is pursued by several bats. The voice over the communicator tells the Wasp that if she has been spotted to abort the mission and get to her extraction point. 'Yeah, that's not happening. Not while I still have my stinger blasts' the Wasp replies as she blasts one of the bats under the moonlight of Romania, specifically the Carpathian Mountains, in the region that was once known as Transylvania. 'If you'd wanted somebody who'd cut and run at the first sign of trouble, you probably sholdn't have hired a founding Avenger' the Wasp responds over her communicator. As the Wasp approaches a castle, several vampires emerge from the shadows. 'The guard bats have spotted something! An instruder! Sound the alarm!'
The Wasp flies past the vampires as the person on thev communicator informs her that the Avengers are busy in the Pacific right now and there are no other agents available to back her up. 'Understood. This is Wasp, Agent of Wakanda...going in' the Wasp responds as she enters the castle, dodging various vampires and blasting them with her stinger as well. The Wasp reports that she is meeting plenty of resistance, and that the evac team should be prepped, because if the target is here, they will be coming in hot. 'That was not the plan, agent. You were only meant to lay eyes on the target and report back' the Wasp is told, while one of the vampires annonces that Castle Dracula has been invaded. 'Yeah, probably should have told you. I'm not reall a “have a look-see” kinda lady. I'm more a “sting everything in sight” sorta gal' the Wasp tells the person she is in contact with.
The Wasp's contact reports that satellite scans show the target directly ahead with more guards on the way. 'Get him and get out of there!' they shout. 'Copy that' the Wasp acknowledges, 'Drain her blood for the maste!' a vampire calls out, while the Wasp flies towards a cell, passes through the bars and reports that she has eyes on the target. 'Is he responsive?' her contact asks. 'Let me see' the Wasp responds as she hovers before the Vampire Hunter known as Blade, who is restrained with his arms above his head. 'Hey, Blade. How'd you like to join the Avengers?' the Wasp asks. 'Get me my swords' Blade replies. 'Good answer' the Wasp tells him.