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A Gathering of Forces
Cornered against the wall, a K’Un Lun resident yells out that he doesn’t understand. Where did the people who are coming towards him come from? He thinks he’s in the mystical city of K’Un Lun. The people who are walking towards him think they’re in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. They’re all right. One of the people moving towards the man asks the others around him what he is saying. He’s never heard that language before. Another points out how he is dressed, where did he come from.
From behind, a voice explains that he’s from a city called K’Un Lun and he’s just as confused as they are. The man from K’Un Lun immediately recognizes the voice as coming from Rand-Kai. Daniel Rand introduces himself to the residents of Tokyo that the man before them is not to blame for what’s happening to their city. Please, leave him alone. The man thanks Khan and proceeds to ask Rand what is happening. All of these people, and these strange buildings, have started appearing there in K’Un Lun. Danny tells him he knows and that he has to trust him when he tells him that…
Just then, Hand ninjas descend upon Danny. After telling the man to hold that thought for just a second, Danny begins to engage the ninjas in battle. As he does, he notices that it’s barely been half an hour since the wall went up around Tokyo and there’s already mass chaos. And this is just the beginning. The Hand’s plan to bring the other dimensional city of K’Un Lun to this dimension is working but they don’t seem too concerned that it’s manifesting smack-dab on top of Tokyo, creating panic amongst the people of both cities. And the mystical wall is keeping people from getting in or out.
Continuing to battle the ninjas, Danny says he never should have come there because K’Un Lun’s arrival is tied to his heartbeat. But what choice did he have? The Hand’s leader, Junzo Muto kidnapped Misty and he can’t just let him kill his girlfriend. It’s too bad the wall separated him from Wolverine. He could sure use some back-up. At that moment, Danny sees a K’Un Lun dragon making its way towards him. Now they’re talking. He’s sure to recognize him as K’Un Lun’s protector and… Rather than assisting Danny, the dragon instead attacks him.
Elsewhere in Tokyo, Rumiko contacts Tony Stark at his Lake Washington home. Once she does, Tony asks her if she’s all right. He was just about to call her. He’s looking at the news right now. Please tell him she got out of Tokyo. Rumiko tells him no such luck. The wall’s got them all trapped inside. And there’s something from preventing helicopters from flying over it. She tells him that she’s scared. The city’s transforming right before her eyes. The skyscrapers are being replaced by… by... these ancient looking buildings and there’s…
Just then, the phone goes dead and the news reports an image depicting a dragon breathing fire chasing the residents of Tokyo. It is a horrific scene captured by an American tourist with a video camera. Since the tape was released, all communication with Tokyo has been completely severed by an unknown source. As the Avengers watch the footage at their mansion in New York City, Wasp informs her fellow Avengers Warbird, Hank Pym, Justice, Vision and Firestar that the Japanese military is already trying to breach the wall. Scientists from all over the world are spouting off theories about what’s making this happen. In the meantime, they’ve got Iron Man en route to Tokyo and he’s asked him to keep them apprised of the situation.
Warbird asks shouldn’t they be heading over there. Vision tells her not necessarily. Whatever’s affecting Tokyo will undoubtedly have repercussions throughout the world. They will most likely see rioting and other manifestations of the population’s fear. Wasp then tells Vision to hold that thought. They’re getting a call from the Fantastic Four. Reed Richards informs them that he’s been studying the wall surrounding Tokyo and he thought the Vision and Dr. Pym might have some insights into the problem. Johnny Storm remarks great. So while they have a meeting of the minds, what are the rest of them supposed to do? Thing tells him that if he was there, he can bet his last donut he’d be smashin’ his way through that wall or climbing over it.
In Japan, Logan proceeds to make his way up the side of the wall. As he does, he thinks to himself that he’s lucky his adamantium claws can get a hold on whatever this wall’s made of because he’s gotta get inside and help Danny. He’s in there with no back-up. He tried clawing through it but he can only scrape away a few inches before it stops him cold.
Just then, Logan sniffs the air and senses company. Before he can react, Hand ninjas toss a rope around Logan’s ankle and pull him off of the wall. Falling backwards, Logan guesses that the Hand doesn’t want anyone crashing the party they’ve got going on inside the wall. Successfully performing a back roll and kicking one of the Hand ninjas in the face when he lands, Logan says that’s the Hand’s problem. He’s never taken too kindly to bouncers. Slicing his way through the Hand ninjas, Logan tells them that their boss can send as many of the bozos after him as he wants. He’s gonna get over that wall, even if he has to pile up their bodies like a ladder.
Sneaking up behind him, a Hand ninja prepares to slice Logan across the back but before he can, finds his sword destroyed by a red, white and blue shield. Standing on top of a burning car, Captain America says to Wolverine that he looked like he could use a hand. He hopes he doesn’t mind him cutting in. Logan quips, “Well if it ain’t Captain America.” He thought he smelled apple pie. As Cap joins him in battle, Logan welcomes him to the party and thanks him.
Once the Hand ninjas have been defeated, Cap informs Logan that he’s there on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D. and asks him how he got messed up in this. Logan tells him that he’s there with Danny Rand, Iron Fist. He’s the key to this whole thing. Cap proceeds to ask Logan that he doesn’t suppose he could convince him to come with him to the S.H.I.E.L.D. staging area so they can debrief him. Logan replies sure, why not. It’s been a while since he had S.H.I.E.L.D. coffee.
Soon, on Tokyo Bay, as Cap and Logan board a vessel that is in actuality a submarine below the surface, Cap informs Logan that S.H.I.E.L.D. learned of this transformation minutes after it happened and sent a detachment out to investigate. When they realized the scope of the disaster, they asked that he get involved. Logan tells him that some friends of his who live in Tokyo heard tell that the Hand – he knows, the ancient cult of ninja assassins – had set up shop in Tokyo again. Him an’ the Hand go way back, so he came out to find out what they’re up to. He’s barely in town two hours and he runs into Danny Rand, mixing it up with some Hand ninjas.
Danny tells him that Junzo Muto, some teenage kid who’s the new grand poobah of the Hand took his Iron Fist powers and is gonna try and bring K’Un Lun, a mystical city that exists in another dimension to this dimension right on top of Tokyo. So that’s what they’re lookin’ at. The wall was the first sign of K’Un Lun’s arrival. On the other side o’ that wall, K’Un Lun is merging with Tokyo. If he understands Danny correctly, soon Tokyo will be completely replaced by K’Un Lun. Cap asks so there is no way to reverse the process. Logan says maybe. Only Danny can answer that and he’s on the other side o’ the wall. Making a phone call, Logan tells the person on the other end hey darlin’. How’d she like to come to Tokyo and help bit the hand that fed her?
On the grounds of the Imperial Palace of Japan, which has recently become home to K’Un Lun’s Hall of Ancestors, Danny awakens and finds himself locked in a cell. At that moment, he is surprised to see that he is not alone. Sharing his cell is a red hooded man by the name of Yu-Ti. Yu-Ti tells Danny that he drools in his sleep. Just like he did when he was a little boy and he first brought him into K’Un Lun.
Danny asks right after he arranged for his parents to be killed, he means. Yu-Ti tells him come now. Does he think that was easy for him? Let’s not forget, he’s taking about his brother and his wife. Danny proceeds to thank his uncle for reminding him why he hates family reunions. Now how about telling him how the Hand captured him and how they managed to get one of the Dragon Kings on their side.
Yu-Ti explains that the Hall of Ancestors was the first K’Un Lun structure to be transplanted there. Immediately, he sought the council of the Dragon Kings. They’d scarcely begun to discuss their situation when the root of all their problems decided to grace himself with his presence. Entering the room flanked by Hand ninjas and Hiromitsu, Junzo Muto greets them. He provides them with his name but they may call him “your lordship.” Yu-Ti asked him is that so. He thinks “dragon food” has a better ring to it. Allow him to introduce him to the Dragon Kings.
As he battled the Dragon Kings, Junzo moved like the wind, faster than even Danny. While he does, he tells them that if this is the best he’s got, he’s sorely disappointed in Yu-Ti. Just then, the old wizard Hiromitsu cast a spell that did something to the Dragon Kings. It froze them in their dragon forms. Helping Junzo to his feet, Hiromitsu asks him if he’s okay. Junzo tells him that he is fine and that he worries too much. Turning his attention to Yu-Ti, Junzo informs Yu-Ti that his beloved Dragon Kings work for him now. Yu-Ti recalls that he wore the face of a child, but his eyes betrayed a deeper, older evil, and he…
Just then, Junzo enters the cell with two Hand ninjas and Hiromitsu. When he does, he asks if he’s interrupting story time. He then tells Mr. Rand that it’s nice to see him again. Or may he call him Danny? He owes him such a debt. After all, if it hadn’t been for his timely arrival in Tokyo, none of this would have been possible. Lunging towards him, Danny exclaims that he knows he came to Tokyo to get Misty. Where is she? Flinging Danny against the wall with ease, Junzo asks him that he’s had extensive training in the martial arts, hasn’t he? Was he absent the day they covered the part about letting your emotions get the best of you? As for his dear Misty Knight – here: With that, Junzo tosses an arm onto Danny’s lap and remarks they just don’t make bionic arms like they used to. He should’ve heard her scream when he yanked it from her shoulder.
Stepping between Danny and Junzo, Yu-Ti says to Junzo that the Dragon Kings are more than just fierce beasts. They’ve got incredible insights. You’d be surprised what they can tell you. For instance, they brought to his attention how odd it is that their friend Junzo is so friendly with Hiromitsu, the man who killed his parents. Turning to Hiromitsu, Junzo asks what he is talking about. Hiromitsu replies that he... he should not listen to him. He... he took him in after his parents’ terrible accidental death.
Gritting his teeth, Junzo states that their death was an accident, an awfully convenient accident. With that, Junzo begins to attack Hiromitsu and yell at him that he lied to him. His entire life has been a lie. Hiromitsu tells him no, wait. It was his destiny to join them. He had to…
At that moment, Danny goes to kick Junzo and tells him to back off. Blocking his kick with ease, Junzo says no, you back off. Knocking Danny to the ground, Junzo orders his men not to let his old friend leave. This won’t take long. With his foot on Danny’s neck, Junzo fires up his fist and proceeds to ask his fallen foe if he recognizes this, the power of the Iron Fist, the power that used to be his. Before he came and took it away, just as easily as taking candy from a baby. Has he ever wondered what it feels like to be on the receiving end of it? Turning around, Junzo punches Hiromitsu in the face, killing him. As he does, he tells him that was for his parents. Standing over the fallen body of his old friend, Junzo asks Danny if he thought he was going to kill him. Oh no, he needs him alive. Now if he’ll give him a moment, he needs to collect what Hiromitsu owes him. With that, Junzo steals Hiromitsu’s power from his very soul.
Later that evening on Tokyo Bay, inside the S.H.I.E.L.D. vessel, Captain America greets the recently arrived Iron Man and tells him that he’s glad he could make it. Iron Man thanks him for having him and tells Cap that the Avengers told him where he could find him. He figured it’d be best if they pooled their resources. He supposes the Japanese government feels the same way since he sees Sunfire among them. Cap says yes, the Yakiba thought it best if he worked with them. When Iron Man asks “Yakiba,” Sunfire tells him that it’s a Japanese law enforcement organization that he works for. Iron Man replies that he supposes they could use all the help they could get.
Looking at a holographic image in the middle of the room, Iron Man asks what they’ve got there. Cap tells him that the tech guys have put together a schematic of the wall that’s surrounding Tokyo. It’s about half a mile high but there’s some sort of invisible barrier capping it off so helicopters and the like can’t just fly over it. Near as they can tell…
Just then, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents behind them yell out. Turning around, Cap asks what in the world… Logan tells him that’d be Betsy. Cap asks “Betsy?” Betsy says to him that he can call her Psylocke. While elevating the agents around her, she says that she tried to tell the agents that she had an invitation but they just didn’t want to take her word for it. Cap says oh, so she’s… Logan finishes his thought. She’s who he made the call to. Betsy’s got a history with the Hand and he figgered they could use her help. Psylocke adds that she appreciates being invited. Sorry it took so long to get there. Her telekinesis is fine for tossing S.H.I.E.L.D. guys around but it can’t fly her across the Pacific.
Addressing the assembled super-heroes, Cap states that it looks like they’ve got themselves an impressive little strike force there. All that’s missing is someone who can tell them more about this K’Un Lun place. It’d be a help if they knew what they were walking into. Entering the room, Luke Cage states that he doesn’t think he could’ve written a better intro himself. He adds that he recognizes most of them but they may not recognize him. That’s okay, his ego doesn’t bruise easily. His name’s Cage and two of his best friends are on the other side of that wall. So if they are going inside, count him in. He woulda been there sooner but the Hand laid him up pretty good for a little while. And he’s no expert on K’Un Lun but he’s willing to bet he knows a heckuva lot more than any of them.
Iron Man begins to ask how did he… Cage asks find them? He’s done some freelance work for S.H.I.E.L.D. every now and then. They owed him a favor. He realizes some of them could say this is Danny’s fault but they can’t blame him. He didn’t mean for things to turn out this way. In shock, Sunfire thinks to himself “Danny’s fault?” Logan remarks that’s all well and good. They’ll make sure they don’t hurt his feelings while they’re pulling his butt outta the fire. Now how about less talk and more action?
Shortly, Sunfire and Iron Man combine their powers and aim them at the wall surrounding Tokyo. Ceasing his assault, Iron Man flies over and tells the other heroes forget it. Neither his repulsor rays nor Sunfire’s atomic flame are even scratching the wall. They’re not getting through that thing. Cage asks if anybody has any other ideas. Logan says just one. If they can’t go over, and they can’t go through, how about they go under? His claws, Iron Man’s repulsor rays and Betsy’s telekinesis can act like battering rams to plow the earth under the wall.
As they commence with the plan, Iron Man tells Wolverine good call, it’s actually working. Psylocke adds that it’s going to take a little while, but they’ll get in, no doubt about it. Flanked by sword toting members of the Yakiba, Sunfire blasts above Iron Man’s head and tells them he doubts it. They tell him that Daniel Rand, an American super-hero caused this disaster and then they expect him to let more American super-heroes into his city? He cannot allow this, Tokyo belongs to the Yakiba!


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Against the Wall
The Hand, an ancient cult of deadly assassins has succeeded in bringing the mystical city of K’Un Lun to our dimension. Problem #1: K’Un Lun is arriving smack-dab on top of downtown Tokyo, causing mass chaos as the two cities merge together. Problem #2: These heroes – Luke Cage, Iron Man, Captain America, Wolverine, and Psylocke – the only ones who stand a chance of stopping this catastrophe, are on the wrong side of a wall which has surrounded the city.
Gathering together before they do battle with an irate Sunfire, Cage mentions that he thought he was on their side. Iron Man tells him sorry, but he expected something like this. When Psylocke proceeds to ask Iron Man why he didn’t say anything, Captain America tells her this is no time to point fingers. Wolverine seconds Cap’s feelings. They gotta get through the wall and into Tokyo so they can rescue Danny and set things right.
Defiantly, Sunfire tells them that if they wish to enter Tokyo, they will have to go through him and the Yakiba. They do not need America’s help in dealing with this menace. With that, Sunfire blasts them with his atomic fire and sends his Yakiba agents after them. Ducking the blast, Logan mentions that some things never change. They gotta take this flamin’ loser down fast. Times a’ wastin’ and two whole cities could be destroyed while this guy plays big shot.
Cap gives the order to Wolverine and the others to concentrate on breaking through the wall. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and he will hold off Sunfire and his operatives. Wolverine replies good deal and makes his way towards the wall with the other heroes. As the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents begin to battle the Yakiba agents, Cap faces off against Sunfire. Sunfire proceeds to tell him that he derives no pleasure from this. He only seeks to serve his country’s best interests. And if American super-heroes helped cause this catastrophe, then the last people they will accept aid from are more American super-heroes.
Cap tells him he’s wrong. Danny Rand didn’t willingly cause Tokyo to be supplanted by K’Un Lun. They have Junzo Muto, the new Iron Fist, to thank for that. Danny is Junzo’s prisoner and they need to get through that wall to rescue him. Sunfire replies that he will be rescued, by him and his Yakiba. Over at the base of the wall, Iron Man continues to use his repulsor rays while Psylocke uses her telekinesis in an attempt to tunnel underneath the wall. Dodging Sunfire’s blasts, Cap tells him that when he’s bruised tomorrow, remember that he tried to end this peacefully. With that, Cap tosses his shield and slams it into Sunfire’s back with a direct hit. The blow stuns Sunfire and he falls into Tokyo Bay. Instinctively, Cap leaps into the bay in order to save Sunfire from drowning.
Once a path has been cleared underneath the wall, Psylocke asks what they should do about Cap and the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Can they just leave them behind? The Yakiba is Japan’s elite fighting force. What if Cap can’t handle them? Iron Man informs her there’s nothing Captain America can’t handle, period. Entering through the tunnel, Cage warns the others to keep on their toes. There’s no telling what they’re gonna find… Once they make it on the other side of the wall, the heroes are shocked at what they see. The city is transforming into some sort of ancient city, at an ever-increasing rate.
Inside a war room, President Bill Clinton and his advisors watch footage that was aired on CNN before all communications were cut off with Tokyo. When a large creature flies across the screen, the president asks what that was. One of his advisors tells him that it looked like a dragon. The president replies “a dragon, right.” What was he thinking when he ran for office?
At that moment, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Sharon Carter informs the president that what he saw fly across the city was what S.H.I.E.L.D. believes to be a K’Un Lun dragon. The wall sprung up around Tokyo less than 24 hours ago, and in that time, all efforts to break through it have failed. As have all efforts to go over it. Playing a video feed, Sharon shows what she means when a remote-controlled flying drone exploded upon impact with the force-barrier. As they saw in the amateur video, there’s no telling exactly what is happening inside the wall. But according to sources, Tokyo is being transformed into a legendary mystical city known as K’Un Lun. She has S.H.I.E.L.D.’s top researchers compiling everything they have on the city. Meanwhile, Captain America is already on-site, along with a S.H.I.E.L.D. detachment to aid the Japanese government in dealing with this problem. And the Avengers have sent Iron Man as their representative.
The president thanks Sharon for her report and then asks one of his advisors, Ben, if they have had any luck reaching their ambassador in Japan. Ben tells him he’s afraid not. With the communications blackout, they haven’t had any luck reaching the ambassador, the Japanese prime minister, or even the Japanese emperor.
In a cell beneath the K’Un Lun Hall of Ancestors, which is currently taking up residence on the grounds of the Japanese Imperial Palace, Junzo Muto calls out to Misty Knight. He knows she’s in there. He locked the door after all. Leaping at Junzo in an attempt to take him down from behind, Misty tells him that he’s got nerve, she’ll give him that. He steals Danny’s Iron Fist powers and drags her all the way to Tokyo…
Smacking her away with ease, Junzo asks why people keep thinking they can just attack him. Grabbing Misty by the throat and pinning her up against the wall, Junzo tells her that if she persists, he’ll be left with no other choice but to remove her other arm, the one that’s not bionic. After all, he only needed her alive to get Danny there and now that he’s here, she’s expendable. Surprised, Misty asks that Danny’s there? Junzo tells her of course. K’Un Lun’s arrival is tied to Iron Fist’s heartbeat. He played it safe by getting both Iron Fists, Danny and himself, there for the festivities.
One cell away, Danny Rand is visited by the ghost of his mother, Heather Duncan. She tells him that his father, sister and she may no longer be among the living but he still has a family. He must remember that. Danny asks a family? Does she mean Yu-Ti, his uncle? After everything he’s been responsible for? Dad’s death (when Yu-Ti pushed him off a cliff), her death (when she was attacked by wolves), and then he had the nerve to welcome him to K’Un Lun like some long-lost prince? And now she wants him to embrace him just because he’s “family?” Raising his head, Yu-Ti tells his nephew that he doesn’t know who he’s talking to but blood is thicker than water.
At the edge of downtown Tokyo, Iron Man, speaking Japanese, tells the sea of frightened citizens on the street to try to stay calm. They don’t want anyone getting trampled. Leading them towards the tunnel, he informs them that it will take them outside the city where they can find safety. Thinking to himself, he says that once they get the evacuation moving smoothly, they’ll start looking for Danny. Amidst the people, Cage, speaking Japanese as well tells them to keep the flow nice and steady. Hearing him, Psylocke says to him that she didn’t know he spoke Japanese. Cage replies that he bets there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him. But he’d be willin’ to…
Before Cage can finish his thought, the tunnel suddenly closes. Turning around, Cage sees a number of Hand ninjas and dragons looming behind them. He quips that it looks like they’re not gonna hafta worry about finding the Hand. Leading the charge, Wolverine yells out that it’s about time.
Just then, one of the dragons steps on Cage. As he does, the dragon tells him that he remembers him from his last visit to K’Un Lun. He always thought he was beneath him and now, it would appear, eh? Lifting up the dragon’s foot, Cage says that bein’ stepped on is bad enough but does he have to talk him to death too? Flipping the dragon onto its side, Cage says and he thought his feet smelled bad. Attacking the Hand ninjas, Psylocke states that her psi-katana may not leave a mark but she bets it hurts like the dickens. Fighting alongside Wolverine, Psylocke tells him that she’s been waiting a long time to pay back the Hand for what they did to her. She hates to admit it, considering the circumstances, but she’s actually enjoying herself. Wolverine tells her that he’s glad to hear it, just keep her eyes on the prize.
Blowing fire at the armored Avenger Iron Man, a red dragon calls the heroes fools. Resistance is useless. Eventually, they will fall and they will join Rand as the prisoner of his master, Junzo, the new Iron Fist. Upon hearing that news, Iron Man calls out to Wolverine and informs him that Danny’s been captured by Junzo. They can hold off the Hand if he wants to break away and try to track him down. Wolverine tells shellhead that he likes the way he thinks. Punching out another dragon, Cage tells Wolverine to count him in. He may not be an expert on K’Un Lun but he’s spent time there, so he’s the closest thing he’s got. Wolverine tells him to forget it. Danny’s his best friend and he gets too emotionally involved an’ he gets sloppy. As he walks away, Wolverine adds besides that, he works best alone. Peeved, Cage thinks to himself that they’ll see about that.
Watching the heroes battling the dragons and the ninjas from a nearby rooftop, Junzo remarks that they’re tenacious, he’ll give them that. Surely, they have to realize they’re championing a lost cause. He tells the ninjas standing near him to look at how rapidly the city is transforming. Soon, all technology will cease to function. And when that happens, the transformation will be complete and he’ll have an impenetrable stronghold from which to crush the world beneath his iron fist.
A short while later, in Danny Rand’s cell, Wolverine tosses a ninja through the door and throws another one on the ground. Entering the room, he asks Danny if he’s ready to go. Surprised to see him, Danny asks Wolverine how he got inside the city. Wolverine tells him that he got some help from some friends of theirs. Danny replies thank god and adds they need to get Misty. She’s a prisoner there too, and…
Just then, Misty enters the cell. Wolverine asks Danny that he was sayin’? He picked up her scent on his way down the hall. Turning to leave, he asks what’re they waiting for, they need to get outta there. As he goes to leave, Danny turns back and looks at Yu-Ti. He remembers that Yu-Ti is the one that killed his father and mother. However, he also recalls that his mother told him that even though his father, sister, and she are no longer among the living, he still has a family. He must remember that. Danny then tells Yu-Ti to come on.
In the sewers, Logan asks Yu-Ti why the kid had him locked up. Why not just kill him and be done with it? Yu-Ti responds that he suspects it is because he still holds the key to many of K’Un Lun’s secrets and he knew he might one day prove useful. But who is he to understand a madman? Logan quips that it takes one to know one. A little further behind them, Misty asks Danny if he’s sure it was a good idea to bring him, Yu-Ti, along. Danny says is he sure, no. But something tells him it’s the right thing to do. He doesn’t expect her to understand, just trust him.
Just then, Wolverine calls out to look alive. Facing off against a group of Hand ninjas, he remarks that they shoulda known they’d have all the exits covered. Considerin’ the ruckus he made with this little jailbreak. Danny asks Misty if she’s up for this and Misty asks for kicking butt, try and stop her.
As they begin to battle the ninjas, Danny remarks that, in a weird way, he’s kind of glad they showed up. When Logan asks how’s that, Danny tells him that he’s been sitting in that cell for hours on end, stewing over the fact that K’Un Lun’s arrival is tied to his heartbeat. So if he hadn’t come there, none of this would be happening. So it feels good to be able to work off some frustration. Logan tells him that he’s no doin’ anyone any good chewin’ on the past. What’s done is done. Now, they need to concentrate on setting things straight. Finishing off the rest of the ninjas, Danny says he doesn’t have to tell him twice.
Once the ninjas have all been defeated, Yu-Ti tells his nephew, Danny, impressive. He sees he hasn’t forgotten the fine training he received in K’Un Lun. Danny tells him yeah, whatever and asks Misty how she’s holding up. Misty tells him she’ll be just fine. Just give her a few minutes with that little creep Junzo. Logan remarks come to think of it, he shoulda just taken him out when they were back at the Hall of Ancestors.
Danny tells him that might not be necessary. If they can get him out of the city before the transformation is complete, he’s hoping that at least Tokyo will go back to normal. He doesn’t know what will happen to K’Un Lun though. Logan replies that at least one of the cities’ll be saved. Sometimes, that’s the best they can do. Climbing a ladder to a manhole that leads to the surface, Logan tells the others they’re there. He’s picking up the scent of Psylocke and the others. They’ll help them get him out of town.
Peeking out of the manhole, Logan sees Psylocke, Cage, and Iron Man battling dragons, Hand ninjas, and Junzo. He remarks aw nuts, he knew that plan was too easy.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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Endgame
NCC reports that it’s been 24 hours since the impenetrable wall was mysteriously erected around downtown Tokyo and all communication to and from the city has been completely blocked. Before the blackout, however, they were able to obtain amateur video footage, shot inside the wall of what appears to be a dragon rampaging through the city streets, the city which now features architecture unlike any they’ve ever seen. S.H.I.E.L.D. director Sharon Carter recently issued a statement reporting that a handful of American super heroes have managed to gain entrance into Tokyo but because of the communication blackout, they have no way of knowing how they’re faring.
Inside the wall surrounding Tokyo, Iron Man mentions to Cage that he’d say they’re doing just fine. What about him? Cage replies oh yeah. Bein’ surrounded by ninjas, dragons and Junzo Muto, the kid who stole Iron Fist’s powers, is exactly what he hoped would happen. He then asks Psylocke if she’s glad she tagged along for this mission. Psylocke tells him that she can’t remember when she’s had more fun. Too bad Wolverine is off trying to rescue Iron Fist.
Peeking out of a manhole cover, Danny Rand mentions to Wolverine that they don’t see them. Wolverine tells him to keep it that way, for now. As they descend into the sewers, Misty Knight asks them how bad it is. Wolverine informs her it’s bad. Junzo and his Hand ninjas have their guys surrounded which is gonna make it pretty hairy to get Danny out of the city. Yu-Ti remarks not necessarily. If their goal is to get his nephew out of Tokyo, because K’Un Lun’s arrival is tied to his heartbeat, then perhaps they should let their friends provide a distraction, while they slip out quietly out the back door, so to speak. Once they’re outside the city, K’Un Lun reverts to its rightful place in another dimension, Tokyo is back to normal, and everyone is happy.
Slamming him up against a wall, Wolverine tells Yu-Ti those are his friends up there, outnumbered five to one. They’re not leavin’ ‘em to fend for themselves. Holding a claw up to Yu-Ti’s neck, Wolverine turns to Danny and tells him to remind him again why they brought this bozo along. Danny tells him that Yu-Ti’s done many terrible things in his time but he has to understand. The fact that he’s the only family he’s got left may be the key to solving all this mess. Upon hearing those words, Misty looks on in disdain.
Up on the surface, Psylocke asks what they are waiting for. It’s not like they’ve got a lot of options. Cage tells her she can say that again and proceeds to rush towards Junzo with unbridled abandon. Psylocke yells out at him to wait but he doesn’t listen. When Junzo greets Cage with a hammer punch, he tells him that he should really listen to his comrades. He knows all about his steel-hard skin and his immense strength but he’s still no match for the power of Iron Fist.
Flying up and blasting a dragon, Iron Man states that they can’t let Cage take on Junzo alone. Engaging battle with the Hand ninjas, Psylocke tells him that’s easier said than done. Her telekinetic katana can only handle so many ninjas at one time. Punching Junzo, Cage tells him he’s not Iron Fist. That name belongs to Danny. Junzo tells him his efforts are futile. Once K’Un Lun fully manifests in this dimensional plane, the Hand will use it as a stronghold to initiate their campaign for ultimate power and neither him, nor anyone else, will be able to stop them. With that, Junzo nails Cage in the stomach with a thunderous blow.
As he does, Danny, Wolverine, Misty, and Yu-Ti come out onto the street above. Wolverine remarks that it looks like they arrived just in time. Danny retorts or a second too late. He (Junzo) is going to kill Luke! When Junzo holds Cage’s chin up, Cage weakly asks him if that’s the best he has. Junzo asks that? Oh, that was just the warm-up. Unloading on Cage, Junzo tells Danny this one’s for him.
While Danny is being held back by ninjas, Wolverine manages to slice through the ones attempting to hold him back and makes his way in front of Junzo. As he tells him “end of the line junior,” a dragon appears in front of him and unleashes a fire blast towards him. While Wolverine dodges the blast, Danny yells out to him that the dragons aren’t inherently evil. They’re being mind-controlled. Try not to hurt them. Wolverine replies that he asked them if they wanted to play cards, instead. What else does he want from him?
Continuing to blast the ninjas from above, Iron Man calls out to Psylocke and asks her if she thinks she can get Luke out of harm’s way. Psylocke tells him not a problem and proceeds to telekinetic air-lift Luke out of the way and into a nearby building. Upon seeing that Cage is out of the way, Danny is pleased. Now he can cut loose a little bit. As he begins to take out the ninjas, one of them makes his way up behind him and prepares to bring his sword down onto Danny’ head. Before he can, Junzo punches the ninja out and calls him a fool. Wasn’t he paying attention? Danny Rand cannot die. If either of their hearts stop beating before K’Un Lun’s arrival is final, the process will be negated. Punching out more ninjas, Danny tells Junzo that he hopes he doesn’t think he owes him one.
At that moment, Psylocke asks if anyone else has noticed they’re moving. They’re being pushed back, away from the wall, towards the center of the city. Wolverine remarks that she’s right. And they’re not making a dent in the Hand’s numbers either. They’ve got to…
Just then, Wolverine remarks that he’d recognize that scent anywhere. It’s the cavalry, with Captain America leading the charge. Following Cap are Sunfire, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and members of the Yakiba. He states that Sunfire and he decided it’d be in Tokyo’s best interest if they worked together. Sunfire adds that he still says Japan’s Yakiba agents and he could’ve handled the situation themselves. With that, he blasts a dragon over near Iron Man. Iron Man thanks him and quietly adds that he never thought he’d say that. Knocking out a bunch of ninjas with his shield, Cap tells the others to form a wedge and they can push through to the wall. As they do, the heroes begin to win the battle.
Battling a dragon, Iron Man states they are tough. And it doesn’t help that he can’t cut loose, since they’re really just pawns, being mind-controlled by Junzo. Just then, Iron Man suddenly loses power to his armor and plummets to the ground. Falling to the ground with a thud, Iron Man thinks to himself that his armor’s sealed up tighter than a drum. They can’t even hear him talk through it. And without the armor to power his artificial heart, he may as well be in a coffin. Rushing over to assist him, Cap asks him what happened. After a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent remarks that her gun isn’t working, Junzo stands atop a dragon and exclaims this is it. Can they feel it? The nullification of all technology is their signal that the transformation is complete. Tokyo is gone. And in its place they have K’Un Lun forever!
Making his way towards him, Wolverine asks if he’s sure about that. Because he’s been runnin’ his mouth about how if either his or Danny’s heart stops beatin’, the process will reverse. As he leaps at Junzo, he tells him that he aims ta test that theory. Upon landing, Junzo is able to kick Wolverine off of him. Landing on his feet, Wolverine tells him that he’s a slippery little punk, he’ll give him that. Somebody trained him good. Junzo exclaims that he has much more at his disposal than simple martial arts skills. Thanks to the generous contribution of his mentor, Hiromitsu, he also controls the elements. With that, Junzo erects a stone pillar that flies out of the ground and knocks into Wolverine. Recovering quickly, Wolverine tells Junzo that still means jack to him. He still bleeds, don’t he?
Watching Wolverine and Junzo battle, Danny remarks that Wolverine’s going to do it. He’s going to kill Junzo. Sneaking up behind Danny, Yu-Ti carries a spear and thinks to himself that killing his nephew, stopping his heartbeat, may be the only way to restore K’Un Lun to its rightful place. Seeing what is transpiring while she fends off ninjas, Misty calls out to Danny to look out. Turning around, Danny sees Yu-Ti and says that, if this is what it’s come down to, this is all his fault and this may be the only way to atone for it. With that, Yu-Ti slams his spear deep into Danny’s chest. Once he does, Misty screams out no and Wolverine and Junzo stop fighting.
With tears in her eyes, Misty kicks Yu-Ti in the face and calls him a monster. He trusted him. Leaning down next to him, Misty tells Danny to hang on. Danny weakly tells her not to worry. Everything’s all… As soon as Danny dies, Tokyo reverts back to normal in a flash. Turning to his Hand ninjas, Junzo tells them that in light of recent developments, he thinks it best if they regroup elsewhere. Wolverine hears him and leaps towards Junzo but before he is able to reach him, Junzo suddenly disappears.
Helping Iron Man up, Cap asks him if he’s all right and asks what happened to him. Iron Man says forget about him. They need to help Danny. There’s got to be a way to revive him. Pointing across the city to the Hall of Ancestors and the Dragon Kings standing in front of it, Psylocke remarks that there might be a chance because K’Un Lun hasn’t completely vanished. Making his way over to Danny, Iron Man begins to tell Misty he’s… Misty cuts him off and tells him it’s too late.
Healed, Cage quickly makes his way over to Misty and Danny and gives Misty a hug. Just then, Cage tells Misty to look. When she does, they see Danny as a ghost, surrounded by a number of other ghosts. Danny tells Luke to relax, it’s okay. He can pick his jaw up off the floor. Surprised, Misty asks how; what is this? Danny informs her that the ghosts around him are the inhabitants of Feng-Tu, K’Un Lun’s land of the dead. They’re preparing to move on to their next phase of existence and he was able to utilize some of the magical energy in the air to say one last goodbye to them all.
Danny’s dad, Wendell Rand, tells his son no. Turning around, Danny asks what’s going on. Wendell tells him that his work on Earth is not yet finished. He needs to remain there, with his family. Danny says his family’s not on Earth, they’re… Danny’s mom, Heather Duncan, points over to Cage and Misty and tells Danny they’re right there, where they’ve always been. Danny asks his mom that she didn’t mean uncle Yu-Ti, she meant Luke and Misty. Cage says he knows it. Danny then tells his mom that it’s too late. He can’t return from Feng-Tu, can he? Heather tells him he said it himself. There is still magic in the air. Consider this their last gift to him. As they leave, Danny states that he can feel it.
Just then, Danny’s soul goes back into his body and he returns to the land of the living. Helping him up, Cage says to him there’s just no keeping him down, is there. Danny asks about Junzo, what happened to him. Wolverine informs him that he’s ‘fraid he got away, used a teleportation spell by the looks of it. Iron Man points out that his comm systems are back online and it sounds like the wall’s vanished and support personnel are moving into the city. Shaking Wolverine’s hand, Danny says he owes all of them so much but especially, him. This wasn’t his fight but they couldn’t have won it without him. Wolverine replies that he’s glad he could help. But he’s not done, especially with that Junzo punk.
Wolverine then asks Danny where he can reach him when he finds him. Removing his mask, Danny says that depends. Turning to Misty, he asks her how she feels about living in Japan. Misty tells him if he’s there, she’s there but why. Petting one of the dragons, Danny says because someone’s gotta look after these big fellas. In K’Un Lun, they’re powerful sorcerers but it looks like they’re stuck in their dragon form now. At least Junzo’s not controlling them anymore.
Wolverine asks so, what. Is he some kinda park ranger now? Danny tells him hardly. These dragons probably aren’t the only leftovers from K’Un Lun. There are bound to be other lingering elements. Plus, Junzo’s still out there with his powers. Between finding him, and maintaining order there in “Little K’Un Lun,” he’d say he’s got his work cut out for him. Cage agrees but tells him to remember what his mom said. He’s got his family to back him up.


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
When Innocence Dies
A few months ago
Grunt is announcing he wants to play a game as he stands in a spotlight surrounded only by darkness; he is a frog dressed in a snazzy suit complete with cigar and cane. From the darkness, an unseen boy thinks it’s a bad idea. Grunt insists it is fun! “Besides…she deserves it,” the frog adds with a smile. “She’s been pickin’ on you. She’s mean!” The boy is still hesitant. He begins to mention daddy when Grunt interrupts. “Forget ‘daddy!’ He ain’t important! He don’t understand you like I do!” the frog proclaims as he swings his hat and cane with a flourish. Finally the boy relents; he will play the game. “Now that’s what I wanna hear,” says Grunt as he narrows his eyes.
Ms. Thatcher stands at the front of her classroom, addressing a black student named Willie Evans. She asks if he completed the assignment he had to do as punishment for speaking in class. “No, ma’am. I didn’t,” he replies. She decides to send him to the principal when suddenly a blinding light flashes from his eyes. “I don’t think so, Miss Thatcher,” he says as her desk suddenly comes alive as a four-legged wooden monster! “S’long, teach! You ain’t gonna bother us anymore!” the monster shouts as Ms. Thatcher screams in terror.
Later that night at the police station, a cop named Charlie and his partner are questioning William Evans, the boy’s father. Mr. Evans blames the children’s overactive imagination for the story but Charlie insists there is a teacher in the hospital in a state of shock. The police officer notes that strange things have been happening since Mr. Evans moved into the neighborhood…. Nonetheless, he lets Mr. Evans go despite his partner’s belief that Willie’s father is hiding something. Charlie simply says that he knows just the people who can handle this situation.
At home, Willie is sitting up in bed while Grunt gives a rousing speech at his feet. “Yowza!” he cries as he shakes his cane. “We were fantastic, kid. Did you see her face?” Suddenly Willie’s father barges in and Grunt disappears with a pop!  Mr. Evans asks why his son did it but the boy claims not to know what he is talking about. “Stop the lying, Willie!” his father pleads. “Don’t you understand? We’ve got to get away from here. It’s not safe anymore.”
Willie’s father begins packing his things as he wonders how many more times he and his son will have to run. He recalls that it was easier when Doris was alive but, since her death, it has become so much harder. Suddenly, he notices a light in front of the house. As the door opens, in step several men in strange suits with full helmets and pistols. “Stand back, sir. We’re not here for you,” one of the men says to Mr. Evans. “You’re not taking my son!” he cries defiantly. “Leave us alone!” “Sorry, but I have orders that say otherwise,” is the stranger’s reply as he knocks out Mr. Evans with a punch. Hours later Willie’s father recovers, but it is too late; his son is gone.
The present
Iron Man is flying in his gleaming red-and-white armor above the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. With just one hand he carries a huge machine; it is his newest invention: the alpha-particle generator. He arrives at the energy research facility known as Project: Pegasus, meeting the security crew and their leader Michael O’Brien, better known as the Guardsman. After a voice print and retina scan they determine it is the real Iron Man, and he is allowed to enter. Iron Man wants to know if Guardsman is enjoying his job as head of security for Pegasus. “I suppose…” says the green-and-yellow armored hero. “Although there are times I can understand why my predecessor, Quasar, left this place. But enough of that. Let’s get in the elevator.”
As they exit the elevator they meet two scientists. “Dr. Wilburn! Dr. Sorel!” Iron Man says as he greets them with a handshake. “It’s good to see you. Mr. Stark sends his regards.” “Tony and his company deserve a round of applause,” Dr. Wilburn replies. “You’ve delivered the prototype generator ahead of schedule. If it’s everything he promises, I’d say Stark is well on his way to economic recovery.”
As the two scientists leave, Willie is wheeled by on a gurney. Stark thinks it’s odd that a child would be at Project: Pegasus, and he senses that the Guardsman tenses up. They make their way to the Guardsman’s private quarters, where Tony decides to bring up the subject, noting that he thought only superhuman criminals were kept as prisoners here. “Yeah, bums like Electro and Klaw,” replies Michael as he and Tony both remove their helmets. “That I can accept. They’re proven threats to society.” Tony points out the obvious: that prisoner they just wheeled by is a nine-year-old boy! “Blast it, Tony, don’t you think I know that?” says the obviously conflicted Guardsman. “Listen, I’ve said too much already. The case is classified, but…I don’t know….” He wonders just what kind of people he is working for…
Meanwhile, on the lower west side of Manhattan lies the headquarters of X-Factor, an organization that the public believes exists to hunt mutants. In the lobby, Cameron Hodge is speaking to the secretary, Rita, when suddenly William Evans, the father of young Willie, enters the room. He suddenly pulls a gun and demands to see X-Factor, the people he believes took his son. Hodge asks him to drop the gun, questioning as to why Mr. Evans believes they stole his child. “You knew! The police knew!” he angrily shouts. “He’s a mutant! That’s why you kidnapped him!” Hodge assures him that X-Factor does not kidnap mutants despite what the press may say. “Heaven help me… I’ve never done anything like this before….” Says Mr. Evans wearily as he drops the pistol. “It’s just that I’ve been searching for so very long…so very long….” Hodge decides to take him to meet X-Factor.
Hodge and William take a seat with Scott Summers, Bobby Drake, Warren Worthington, Hank McCoy and Jean Grey, the original X-Men and now the members of the X-Factor organization. “Mr. Evans, we cannot help you unless you tell us the whole story,” says Scott, better known as Cyclops. “You told us of your son’s abduction, but nothing of his powers—only that he’s a mutant.” Mr. Evans is reluctant to tell them, but Jean assures him they exist to protect mutants from society.
“You want to know his power?” the distraught father explains. “I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s like he can take images from his mind and… make them real. Any day-dream, any idle wish can become instant reality. A few years ago, he accidentally created evil versions of the Fantastic Four.” He mentions that Reed Richards suggested he seek out Charles Xavier. As X-Factor quietly confer among themselves, Bobby notes how, if the man had taken Reed’s advice then, Willie could be getting help as one of the New Mutants. “I wonder how safe any of the New Mutants are, Bobby, now that our former enemy Magneto has taken over the school,” Scott replies to Iceman.
Turning back to the matter at hand, Mr. Evans explains that he decided against seeing Xavier because he wanted his son to have a normal life. Unfortunately, Willie’s mother died in a car crash and didn’t take it well, becoming rebellious and acting up in school. They ask him if he remembers any details about the boy’s kidnappers. “Other than that they wore full military gear—no, wait!” he suddenly recalls. “I do remember a patch with a horse’s head on the soldier who hit me. It looked like some regiment emblem or something.”
Having told all he knows, Mr. Evans is led back out by Cameron Hodge. Jean asks Scott what he thinks, and the leader of X-Factor gets quite upset. “What do I think?” says Cyclops. “I think we’re on the wrong track with this entire X-Factor thing when a distraught man comes in here believing that we’re capable of such an act—of kidnapping a boy from his father because he’s a mutant.”
As Hodge returns, Scott jabs a finger at the man. “With the exception of Cameron here, all of us are mutants and I’m getting tired of this pretense. I don’t like the idea we’re fanning the flames of this mutant hysteria.” Jean tries to reassure Scott that there is no better way to find mutants now that the Professor is gone and they must carry on his dream. “Professor Xavier raised us to be proud of who and what we are and to help our own kind,” says Warren “Angel” Worthington in agreement. “But times have changed and our methods have got to change too.” Bobby reminds them that they need to find the boy, and Hank suggests that he knows exactly where young Willie is.
Back at Project Pegasus, Iron Man is powering up his new invention with his repulsors, promising the prototype device should be able to generate power for six months. He is interrupted from trying to sell his machine by a child’s scream suddenly echoing through the building. Iron Man moves to do something only to have the Guardsman place a hand on his chest. Iron Man pleads with his friend to think about what he is doing. “The Guardsman knows exactly what he’s doing,” says Dr. Wilburn. “This is a government facility, Iron Man. What we do here is Washington’s business and not yours!” “Wilburn, I may have no authorization here…but you take your bureaucratic bull and stick it up your ear!” Iron Man says angrily.
Nonetheless, he just walks away as the Guardsman notes that, as an Avenger, Iron Man knows there is nothing he can do. Wilburn thanks his security chief for preventing Iron Man from interrupting. “Dr. Wilburn, I did what I had to do because I swore an oath to my government…” the Guardsman says, only to smack aside Dr. Wilburn! He takes off flying into the night sky, leaving behind the stunned scientists.
On a lower level of the facility lies Willie. Two Pegasus employees debate giving the kid more sedatives, but decide not to risk killing him and exit the room. Safely alone, Willie allows his imagination to run wild and some friends appear, including a flying man and a little bunny. Grunt quickly shoos those away though and demands that they do something. He has been cooped up for months and is getting restless. He has to wait a little longer, however, as suddenly the lights come on and Dr. Wilburn and Dr. Sorel check in on the boy. Dr. Wilburn expresses some regret about holding him there against his will. “Set free on society he could wreak havoc!” Dr. Sorel reminds his peer. “We have to keep his powers in check!” As they leave again, Grunt peeks his head out. “Buddy, you don’t know the half of it!” he says with a puff of his cigar.
Later that night, X-Factor shows up at Project Pegasus. They plan to secretly enter the facility and see if the boy is inside. Just as they are about to enter a door, however, it explodes in a fiery blast! “Lucky for me I decided to get off my self pity kick and get back to work,” says the Guardsman, hovering above them. “Not so lucky for you… whoever you are.” He quickly sends an intruder alert out to the whole facility. Iron Man hears the alarm and decides he should help his friend Michael. The man in charge of giving Willie his next shot also hears the alert and leaves to check it out. “Oh Willie boy,” calls Grunt with a grin on his face. “Time to wake up and have some fun!”
Iron Man rushes outside, only to see the Guardsman and Pegasus security battling a team he recognizes as the former X-Men. “Hey, it’s another armored goon,” says Iceman, however, apparently not recognizing the Avenger. “An ice blast should take care of you.” He ices up Iron Man, but the armored hero easily breaks free.
In his dark room deep underground, Willie is beginning to arouse. “Grunt,” the boy wearily mumbles. “I’m so tired….” “Don’t worry,” his diminutive friend says with a scowl. “You’ll wake up soon enough…and then we’ll pay ‘em all back for what they did to us! Yeah, that’s the ticket!”
Back on the surface the fight is growing more heated. “Stay back, Iron Man!” shouts the Guardsman. “This isn’t your fight! I—aaargghhh!” A blast from Cyclops painfully interrupts the Guardsman. “Sorry, Guardsman, but your playmates just made this personal,” Iron Man shouts. “I don’t know why you people are doing this, but that’s a friend of mine you just hurt!” Cyclops quickly orders Jean to grab the armored Avenger telekinetically, and then uses the opportunity to blast him out of the sky. Beast quickly decides to take action and jumps on Iron Man, causing the two to tumble down a hill. Iron Man recovers and is ready to renew the attack when Beast speaks up. “Wait! It’s not at all as you surmise!” the Beast says before Iron Man can slug him. “It’s Hank McCoy—the Beast!”
Meanwhile Willie is making his way out of bed, letting Grunt know he plans to get out of this place. “Sure, kid, sure!” says Grunt. “But first you gotta pay ‘em back for what they did to you!” Willie knows this means Grunt wants to play a game. He wonders what kind? “Oh—a real bad one,” Grunt angrily says as he chomps his cigar. “They deserve the very, very worst!”
Outside, the Guardsman is getting ready to order several soldiers to open fire on X-Factor. Iron Man quickly stops his friend from giving the order, however, as Beast also tells Cyclops not to attack. The Guardsman questions what shellhead is doing. “I think we’re fighting on the wrong side!” Iron Man replies.
In a monitoring room, Dr. Wilburn and Dr. Sorel are safely observing the fight on a viewscreen. “Hello, boys,” a voice suddenly calls from behind them. “I think we owe you something.” Dr. Wilburn turns to look and an expression of horror suddenly crosses his face…
“One of the intruders is an old friend of mine,” Iron Man informs the Guardsman. “He’s changed quite a bit since I last saw him, but I trust the man explicitly.” Meanwhile, Beast explains their own side of the misunderstanding to X-Factor. “So that is shellhead in his new armor, eh, Hank?” realizes Angel.
“And he admits Willie is in the complex?” Iron Man explains to the Guardsman the circumstances of how Willie came to be at Project: Pegasus, being kidnapped from his hapless father. “I swear I knew nothing about that!” replies the Guardsman. “The tests, the experiments… yes, but Wilburn told me the boy was a danger….”
The reconciled heroes don’t have long to ponder the situation, however, as the ground beneath them suddenly crumbles and an absolutely gigantic scorpion with blazing yellow eyes suddenly rises up before them. Nestled in the creature’s claw is Willie Evans and, on his shoulder, rides Grunt. “Look, Willie!” the manipulative frog cries. “More people who wanna keep you here. They’re buddies with Wilburn and the people who want to hurt you!” X-Factor and their two armored friends assault the beast, trying to rescue Willie from its clutches. “Look at ‘em!” shouts Grunt, egging on the confused boy. “They’re comin’ to get you. They wanna take you back there!” “No!” Willie screams as his eyes light up with a fierce glow. “I won’t let them!”
Rock formations rise up in front of X-Factor to block their way, and then slowly morph into duplicates of the mutants on the ground! “Good lord!” cries a surprised Cyclops. “Remember what Evans told us about the Fantastic Four! Is all this Willie’s doing?” He tells Iron Man to go ahead and let them deal with this threat. “Just what I was about to suggest!” replies Stark. “Angel, Guardsman, follow me!” The three flying heroes try to rescue Willie from the scorpion’s claw but energy ripples off the beast and stuns them in mid-air.
“This game scares me, Grunt!” Willie cries. “I don’t think I like it.” Grunt maniacally encourages the boy to keep fighting for his survival. The members of X-Factor on the ground put up quite a fight but are each in turn knocked out by their respective stone doppelgangers. “I’m tired again, Grunt,” Willie says as the heroes lay scattered in the ruins of Project: Pegasus. “I wish momma was here.” “Why keep bringin’ her up?” Grunt replies as the beast begins to fade away. “You got me, kiddo. You don’t need nobody else!”
Hours later, the revived heroes are recovering the wounded from the rubble. They find Dr. Wilburn barely alive and he implores them to find Willie before he lashes out again. “Frankly, friends, I don’t like the look of this,” says Hank. “We never considered that Willie might be a real danger. I’m not sure we can help him…” “Hold on, Hank! Willie was treated like a lab animal for months!” Jean protests. “He lashed out as any child would! He can’t be blamed if his powers are beyond his control!” The members of X-Factor postpone their discussion as they continue helping the wounded.
Back at the Manhattan townhouse that serves as Avengers headquarters and temporary residence of the Fantastic Four, Reed Richards and Iron Man are consulting Nick Fury via a video feed. Fury lets them know he doesn’t like the situation but the kid is far too dangerous. SHIELD has alerted the boy’s father that they are currently searching to bring Willie into custody. Mr. Fantastic is concerned for the boy but Iron Man insists that the boy’s power can’t be left unchecked and he will probably have to be placed somewhere special. He doesn’t get to finish his thought, however, as he is interrupted by little Franklin Richards entering the room.
“You know my son, Franklin, is a mutant with potentially dangerous powers,” Reed reminds Stark. “Some would consider him a threat. But I’d fight to my dying breath anyone who threatened to take him from me.” Iron Man doesn’t know what to say to this. “I just want you to realize there are no easy answers,” Reed says to his friend as he takes his son’s hand. He gives Iron Man a brain scan device that uses a record of Willie’s brainwaves from the Fantastic Four’s previous encounter with the boy. It will be able to lock onto his powers if he uses them. Iron Man thanks Reed and promises to try to bring in the kid safe and sound.
Iron Man meets up with X-Factor again, letting them know their task just got more difficult now that SHIELD and the National Guard are involved. Jean asserts that they must not allow Willie to get hurt, but Iron Man isn’t sure if that will be possible. “Who are you to judge? You’re just a man in a suit of armor,” Jean says passionately. “At the end of the day, you take it off and blend into the masses, but we can’t do that! We’re born with our powers. They’re a part of us! That’s why society hates and fears us! But we’re human beings just like Willie Evans and we have the same rights.”
“I admit I don’t know what it’s like to be a mutant, but I do know that being one doesn’t automatically make you a saint,” Iron Man replies, determined to prevent a disaster like that which destroyed Project: Pegasus.
Meanwhile the sleepy little town of Pottersville, New York is suddenly full of activity as numerous army trucks come rumbling through. Hidden in the foothills outside town is Willie Evans, the boy they are searching for, and his pal Grunt. Willie watches the long line of army trucks as they just keep coming and coming. “’Course they do,” says Grunt. They’re lookin’ for us! They want to kill us, you can be sure.” “Oh, Grunt,” replies a tired Willie. “I just want this to be over. I want my mother and father…”
“I want my mommy, boo-hoo! Shut your trap,” scolds Grunt. “You got me! What more could you want?” Grunt urges Willie to sneak into town to get some food, but just as the boy is swiping some fruit the store owner grabs his wrist. Some nearby soldiers notice the altercation and recognize the boy. Grunt tells him he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do, and Willie’s eyes once again glow with an eerie light.
Not far away, Iron Man is flying alongside Warren. “Angel, I want to apologize for that scene back in New York,” he says. “I think Marvel Girl is still a bit peeved at me.” Angel assures him she just feels very strongly about the issue. “So I gather, but what’s with you five?” Iron Man asks. “Are you working with the X-Men, or...” Iron Man doesn’t get to finish his sentence however as his scanner lights up. It really isn’t needed though as the horizon suddenly lights up with a blinding explosion.
At SHIELD headquarters, Nick Fury is alerted that they may have found Willie. Mr. Evans is with Nick and the two men quickly head out towards Pottersville.
Pottersville, however, is now nothing more than a pile of rubble. Willie Evans sits among the destruction, horrified that he may have killed the nearby soldiers. Through the haze he can see more troops approaching. “Oh, no!” the boy whimpers. “I don’t want to do this again. Please.” Iron Man tries to stop the soldiers as he arrives but they won’t listen to him and move in for the capture. Grunt quickly orders Willie to teach them a lesson.
“Grunt! It hurts!” Willie says as his eyes again light up. “It isn’t supposed to hurt!” The ruined buildings suddenly coalesce into a huge behemoth. “It isn’t possible!” a shocked soldier proclaims. “Now will you listen to me?” says Iron Man as zaps the creature with his repulsors. “Pull your men back. I’ll handle this!” Using a sonic blast from his chest, Iron Man shakes the animated buildings apart. “That jerk will ruin everything…” Grunt yells with a shake of his fist. “Unless…”
Suddenly Iron Man’s own sonic waves turn against him and he plummets towards the ground. Fortunately, Marvel Girl catches him with her telekinesis as X-Factor arrives on the scene.
“Iron Man…” Jean says as she checks to make sure he is alright. “About what I said earlier…” “It’s okay,” he replies as he rubs his head. “This one’s been tough on us all.” They spot Willie hidden in the remains of a nearby building. “If only I still had my telepathic powers,” laments Jean. “I could reach out and touch Willie’s mind! I could tell him that there’s nothing to fear…from us, anyway.” But the window of the building erupts with light.
“We want to be left alone,” shouts Grunt, his mouth now filled with vicious fangs. “And we’ll kill all of you if we have to!” The building explodes as Willie unleashes his fear and power, and an expanding force-field begins to push back the heroes. They have no choice but to withdraw as the wave of energy crushes everything in its path.
“Willie must be exhausting himself spending this much mental energy,” notes Jean as Iron Man carries her and Cyclops to a safe distance. “He can’t keep it up much longer.” “Exactly what I was thinking, Red,” agrees Iron Man. “What say we combine our strength and push Willie further than he is able.” As the heroes take a stand, Iron Man blasts his repulsors, Cyclops unleashes his optic blasts, and Jean pushes with all her telekinetic might to try to break the force-field. A tired Willie can’t withstand the combined assault and his powers are extinguished with one final explosion. The massive final blast blows back all the heroes, knocking all of them unconscious except Tony Stark, thanks to his resilient armor. He flies forwards to confront the menace himself.
What he finds is simply a scared little boy. “Why did this happen to me? I don’t want to hurt anyone! I don’t want to be different anymore,” the boy pleads as he reaches his arms towards Iron Man. “Please, you’re a hero… help me…” Stark is conflicted about such an unfortunate child posing such an incredible threat. “Come here, son,” he finally says, moving to take the boy in his arms. “I’ll help you.” “What are you doin’?!” shrieks a furious Grunt as he bears his mouth of jagged teeth. “Can’t you see he’s one of them? Kill him!” Willie’s eyes glow as Iron Man’s armor suddenly begins to constrict and crush him.
But suddenly Willie’s concentration is broken when he hears his father’s voice call out from behind him. Mr. Evans runs from the SHIELD plane he arrived on to embrace his son. “If you don’t take care of him—I will!” cries Grunt as he stretches forth his own hand. “Just like before!” An arc of energy shoots from Grunt and strikes Willie’s father, causing the man to cry out in agony. “Why, Grunt, why?” a shocked Willie asks the little frog that he considered his only friend. “Stupid kid!” shouts an angry Grunt. “He made us different! It’s ‘cause of him everybody hates us!”
Iron Man spots Willie’s companion and begins to understand how the boy has been driven to commit such acts. “She wuz always givin’ you orders. ‘Do your homework, clean your room!’” Grunt continues his tirade, referring to Willie’s beloved mother. “She never cared that you were different… that you were a mutie! Oh, but we made her pay!” Willie refuses to believe that he and Grunt hurt his mother, but Grunt reveals the horrific truth: “Of course we did! We made that car go off the road!”
“No! It was you!” says the shocked child. “You always wanted to play the game! I didn’t! I never did!” A sinister smile plays across Grunt’s face. “I am you!” he shouts at the child. Light shoots from Willie’s eyes as he lashes out, but Grunt counters with his own identical attack. Iron Man watches the battle of wills and puts the pieces together: Willie couldn’t deal with the burden of his emotions and powers. Grunt is the personification of his own anger and rage.
“You made me from those comics you wuz always readin’!” says Grunt as he grows to enormous proportions, his head morphing into a demonic fanged skull. “You needed someone to talk to, you said. You wuz always so angry… but you wouldn’t do anything till I came!” And now Grunt knows the child can’t do anything about him taking control. “Maybe he can’t,” shouts Iron Man as he finally leaps into action. “But I can!” Yet Grunt easily cuts down the Avenger with a fiery blast from his eyes. As Mr. Evans tries to help Iron Man back up, he can’t believe that Grunt is a part of his child. “He isn’t,” replies Iron Man. “Not anymore.”
“You made me do bad things with the game,” says a defiant Willie as he stares down the monstrous Grunt. “But I won’t let you hurt anyone again!” “You’re playing the game with me, pal?” Grunt growls. “That’s stupid... stupid!”
As for X-Factor, they have finally recovered and join Nick Fury by the SHIELD plane. “The old X-Men, eh?” Nick Fury says as he greets them. “Guess it makes sense. You mutants like to stick together.” He updates them on what has happened. Jean wants to help the boy as powerful psychic emanations suddenly begin to stagger them all. But it is too late; Willie must make his final stand alone. “I AM NOT YOU!” he screams as he unleashes the full force of his powers. A mushroom cloud erupts over the former town of Pottersville as the epic battle reaches its conclusion.
And so as the dust settles the heroes see that only Willie remains, but he is very weak. “Daddy… he’s gone…” the boy feebly whispers. “I put him back… I did….” A tear rolls down Mr. Evans’s face as he holds his child in his arms.
Epilogue
X-Factor and Tony Stark watch as the preacher finishes speaking, and William Evans Jr. is lowered into the earth. Later that night, a small figure sits hunched beside a tombstone. “We’ll get ‘em back, kiddo,” sniffles a tearful Grunt. “Just you an’ me… just like old times.”


[Assistant]
Regime Change
Tony Stark gives a briefing to members of S.H.I.E.L.D. on board a helicarrier. He shows them video footage of Madame Hydra, also known as the Viper, Leona Hiss, Merriem Drew and Ophelia Sarkissian, which might actually be her real name. The footage is of the time she hijacked their helicarrier and tried to crash it into congress during a presidential address. That she almost succeeded, he adds, tells them something about her threat level. As they see images of her engaging S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in hand-to-hand combat, he informs them that she commands the most dangerous cell of the deadliest terrorist organization on Earth. They know exactly where she is and they know that she is actively planning Hydra operations that would result in the deaths of thousands. And… they can’t lay a finger on her.
Tony explains that this is because she is also the ruler of the principality of Madripoor; a sovereign island nation. This means she can do pretty much what she pleases and, unless they catch her personally engaged in provable terrorist activities, there’s not a darn thing they can do about it. Maria Hill points out that he hasn’t mentioned anything a sniper rifle can’t fix. Gaffer adds that Maria has a point. Given Madame Hydra’s history, they certainly have defensible grounds for going in openly and deposing her.
Tony replies that it’s a delicate situation. S.H.I.E.L.D. may get most of its funding from the U.S., but they’re a global peacekeeping organization. Most member nations would frown on them toppling a sovereign government without a U.N. resolution and they’ll never get that. Given Madripoor’s notorious laissez-faire attitude towards international law, extradition and taxation. He adds that nearly every country in the world has interests there; dirty little secrets that they wouldn’t want jeopardized or exposed. Maria Hill asks why they need to wait for Madame Hydra to slip up. That’s a dangerous game. Tony assures her that he’s not saying that. They need a regime change in Madripoor but, as they’ve seen, when an outside force topples a nation’s ruler, they become responsible for that nation. Winning the peace is always harder than winning the war. They need change, he accepts, but it needs to come from within.
Maria thinks that would be ideal. Unfortunately, there is no resistance movement that she’s aware of in Madripoor. Stark informs her that they had Agent Huang undercover there for several months and he says the locals aren’t happy with Madame Hydra’s rule, especially the high percentages she skims off their profits to fund Hydra ops. But, there is no homegrown leader for them to rally around. They need to find them one, picked by and supported by them. Maria doesn’t think Huang can pull that off. He hasn’t been there long enough to have earned the local’s trust. Tony smiles and replies that Huang won’t be doing this. He will. Everyone at the table appears surprised. Maria then asks if he’s insane. A colleague concurs. They got used to hands-on directors under Nick Fury, but he is a world-famous celebrity. Hell, he adds, he is Iron Man! Tony asks who said anything about being unnoticed. Madripoor is a playground for the idle rich, in case he’d forgotten, and he is a billionaire playboy.
(later, Madripoor harbor)Tony’s yacht is moored in the harbor and he enjoys sunbathing whilst being waited on by three female S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in bikinis. He asks Agent Tamara Jones not to forget putting sun cream on his ears and nose. There’s nothing worse than a sunburned nose. To this, she sarcastically asks if he realizes she has three PhD’s.
(Gaffer’s workroom, the night before)Gaffer is seated at his computer. He informs Tony that, given the mission, his resources will be extremely limited. Of course, he adds, on the surface this can’t be a S.H.I.E.L.D. operation at all. They can’t have a helicarrier within five hundred miles. He points out that Madame Hydra’s men will search him and his possessions thoroughly, so the closest place they can position his armor will be in geosynchronous orbit and then only with all cloaking devices engaged. Tony tells him that the armor is for emergencies only. Hopefully he won’t have to use it, because, if he knows Gaffer as well as he thinks, he’s got some other nifty gadgets that he can smuggle past the gatekeepers. Gaffer smiles and asks him to feast his eyes on what he’s got.
(present)One of Madame Hydra’s officials asks Stark the purpose of his trip. He replies that he’s on vacation. He informs Tony that his men will have to search his yacht for prohibited items, to which Tony jokes that he didn’t know there was such a thing. Tony heads to his hotel where he asks if the Imperial Suite is available. The receptionist replies that it’s been reserved for the king of Jordan, but Madame Hydra makes an appearance and says the king will be fine in the standard suite. What Director Stark wants, he gets. Tony informs her that he’s not there in his official capacity and she can call him Tony. “And you,” she replies, “Can call me Princess.
She offers to show Tony to his room, to make sure he’s satisfied. He says that’s very kind, but that’s what his companions are for. Madame Hydra takes a quick look and tells him he’ll definitely need her personal attention. She walks with him through the grand hotel and informs him that just one small formality remains. She understands that he has certain… abilities; the power to communicate with machinery using his mind. He replies that this information is classified. Madame Hydra pulls out a small gun and says that Madripoor is home to many financial institutions, not to mention casinos. It’s her responsibility to ensure they remain uncompromised. The compound in the gun, once it gets into his bloodstream, will hypothetically jam any technology-manipulating talents he might have. He must subject himself to her injecting it or she would have to ask him to leave.
(the night before)Gaffer informs Tony that Madame Hydra is probably the world’s leading authority on poisons. He advises Tony doesn’t eat, drink or otherwise ingest anything he isn’t 100% certain is safe. Tony replies that he’s not an idiot.
(present)“I understand completely,” Tony replies. “Go ahead.” Madame Hydra injects the serum into Tony’s neck. He rubs the puncture, but tells her that her hypodermic gun is a machine and his hypothetical abilities could easily confirm what is inside it. He adds that he knows she wouldn’t mind if, while he still had them, he used those theoretical abilities to disable the GPS tracking device she also injected into him. After all, he would like some of the things he does to remain private. Madame Hydra places her arms around Tony’s neck and tells him he doesn’t have to go very far to sample Madripoor’s greatest treasures, as he will find out if he comes to her palace that evening. Tony doesn’t doubt it, but he informs her that, as director of S.H.I.E.L.D., he cannot fraternize with heads of state. It would be a conflict of interests.
Madame Hydra asks him to enjoy his stay but, because he disabled the tracking system they gave him to ensure his safety, she must offer him a warning. She asks him to confine his activities to Hightown. The criminal element makes Lowtown quite dangerous for tourists. As she departs, she tells him it’s his loss and kisses the bus boy. The doors to his room close and the guy collapses, foaming at the mouth. Madame Hydra tells her men to throw him to the piranhas and see that Stark doesn’t survive the night.
Stark’s trio of agents check the room for bugs. Jones figured she would block his extremis powers, but not from the inside. Stark tells her he’ll be fine. He already used them to shut off the bugs and hidden cameras before she injected him. He figures they’ll have five minutes before they get them back online. She asks if he’s still in touch with his armor, to which Stark asks her to relax. All he needs to communicate with it is his cell phone. The response isn’t as fast but it’ll do.
He then asks Agent Tia Senyaka if they’re wired into their monitoring devices. She replies that it’s done. All they’ll see and hear is their pre-programmed computer-generated scenario of what’s occurring there. Jones looks at the monitor and reckons the CGI is really lifelike. Stark thinks it’s sad when his computer simulations have more fun than him. It’s so lonely at the top. Agent Joan Eaton, otherwise known as Nails, tells him it’ll be even lonelier on the couch. “Ouch,” he replies.
He tells the agents that one of them should remain in the room at all times to coordinate. That will be Agent Senyaka. Jones and Nails can accompany him in meeting Agent Huang so she should prepare herself for a night on the town… Lowtown.
(later that night)Inside the club, Stark orders mineral water for himself and Dom Perignon for the ladies. The barman hasn’t even heard of Dom Perignon. A muscular bruiser immediately grabs Nails by the arm and tells Stark he’s going to borrow his woman. It’s up to Stark whether he kills him first. Stark replies that she’s not his. She’s not anyone’s. Nails knees the guy in the groin, dropping him to the floor. As a big fight breaks out, the barman tells them that, if they break anything, they pay for it. Stark quickly grabs hold of Agent Huang and they begin fighting, though not for real.
As he strangles Huang, Stark asks what he’s got. Huang informs him that there are two people that the locals will follow in a revolt. One is called Patch but he’s not been around for a while. The other is a crime boss called Tyger Tiger. She owns the club but she doesn’t hang out there. Something about bad memories. He smacks Stark in the mouth, drawing blood. He asks where he can find her. Before he can answer, a huge bearded guy named Roughhouse rips up a hunk of concrete that one of the poles is set into and tells everyone that it’s rude to start a bar fight and not invite him.
Stark asks Huang to get out of there. He can’t risk compromising him. Huang informs Stark that the guy is Roughhouse, a local assassin for hire. He’s trouble. Agent Jones informs Stark that it gets worse. Her guess is that he’s just a distraction for his partner; a master killer who goes by the name of Bloodscream. Right on cue, Bloodscream attacks but Jones punches him in the neck. This doesn’t slow him down much and he places his hand on her chest. The touch burns and Jones shrieks in pain.
Stark pulls him off her, but he gets his chest sliced for his trouble. Bloodscream places his hand on Stark’s chest but, instead of burning his flesh, his hand hits the undersheath of Stark’s armor. Stark tells him that he stores the armor in the hollows of his bones and extrudes it at will. Call him old-fashioned, but he doesn’t like men touching him, especially ones as ugly as him. Bloodscream distorts his face and his mouth opens wide, his fangs bared. He tells Stark that it’s true. Sometimes the old-fashioned ways are best.
Stark holds him at bay for a second and tosses a small object into his gaping mouth. It’s a Freon capsule which was disguised as a button, and it explodes in Bloodscream’s mouth. Roughhouse warns Stark that he’s gone and done it now. It should have been quick and clean but now it’s gonna get nasty. He hurls the concrete block at them and the whole place shakes when it lands.Tony asks if everyone’s all right, to which Agent Jones replies that she’s fine but Nails is still weak. Suddenly, Madame Hydra appears with the police and tells Tony that she sees he chose to ignore her warning and nearly paid the price. Fortunately, her officers have captured the man who tried to kill him. Tony looks down and sees Agent Huang on his knees. Tony tries to say it wasn’t him, but Madame Hydra cuts him off. Surrounded by salty-looking bruisers, she says he can’t be expected to be clearheaded about this. She has numerous witnesses attesting to his guilt and, on Madripoor, they are tough on crime.
When Madame Hydra then pulls a sword from its sheath, Tony doesn’t hesitate to call his armor from space. Damn the consequences. Unfortunately, he knows it won’t get there in time and Agent Huang, he can see, doesn’t care that he’s about to die. His eyes tell Tony to stick to the plan. It makes Tony want to tear the place apart even more… to make them pay for killing this brave man who gave his life so their plan could succeed. Out of respect, he turns the armor away before it’s spotted, even though the thought of doing so makes him want to vomit.
A moment later, Madame Hydra wipes the blood from her sword. “Perhaps your president would have more respect in the world if he performed executions himself, maybe,” she smiles. She asks him to enjoy the rest of his evening. Stark vows internally that this will be her last act as ruler of the island.
(later)Back at the hotel, Agent Jones reckons it’ll take plastic surgery to sort out Nails. No more low-cut gowns for a while. She jokes that she doesn’t have the rack for ‘em anyway. Tony fully expects Madame Hydra to make another move before the night is out. Agent Senyaka thinks they should call for backup, but Tony disagrees. If they take her out openly it’s an act of overt aggression against a sovereign nation ruler. She’d be back on the throne in a week. “Not if she’s dead,” replies Senyaka. Tony replies that her hand-picked successor would step in or another Hydra stooge. Agent Huang died to make this plan work and he’s going to see it does.
Senyaka checks her computer and notices some hostiles approaching and they’re dressed in Hydra uniforms. Tony expected this. Madame Hydra can call it a terrorist attack and deny all involvement. He tells them to execute contingency plan alpha and he’ll cover for them. Nails points out that they are in Madripoor to protect him, but Stark tells her forcefully that he’s not going to lose another agent tonight. She will follow his orders.
Agents Jones, Senyaka and Eaton don suits made from memory fabric which come complete with wings under each armpit. Tony informs them that the fabric is bullet resistant but only to an extent. The bogeys are almost upon them. Senyaka sets a timer on her computer, which means it will explode in one minute, and Tony shoots out the windows. As bullets hit the glass, the three agents leap from the building and Tony covers them by shooting back at their assailants.His own body suit envelops him and he too leaps from the window. Hydra troops storm the room but then notice the timer counting down to two seconds. It’s too late for them and the computer explodes, taking out the entire floor with it. Gliding in the air, Agent Jones informs Stark that they’re losing altitude, so Stark asks them to head for the jungle. If they land anywhere with paved road they’ll be dead within seconds.
Once they land, the foursome revert to civvies and Tony asks them to bury their suits. They can’t leave a trail. Agent Senyaka asks Tamara if she still has her kit. She replies that she does. She can alter their appearances. Nothing fancy, just basic disguises. Tony is pleased about that. They need to get back to the city. Unfortunately, he adds, they’re running out of time and Huang never got to tell him how to get hold of Tyger Tiger. “No need to worry about that any longer,” comes a voice from nearby. Tony turns to see Tiger herself with some of her soldiers. He tells Stark, “The Tiger finds you.”
(soon)After introductions and an explanation, Tiger tells Tony that what he’s suggesting is suicide. “Not if you have the people of Madripoor behind you,” replies Tony. Tiger replies that the people of Madripoor think only of themselves, but Tony adds that they also care about their profits. Legal or illegal. Madame Hydra’s bad for both. He feels that the debate is academic. Madame Hydra’s probably figured out by now that she’s reaching out to her which makes Tiger a threat. She’s already marked for death. Tiger tells Tony that she could give her his corpse as a peace offering and Tony admits that this might buy her time, but she knows how Madame Hydra thinks. It won’t be long.
Tiger admits that she hates what that witch has done to Madripoor, but she has no wish to see S.H.I.E.L.D. or America running her country either. Tony tells her that’s not his intention. They just want a ruler who isn’t subsidizing terrorism. He gives her his word on that. Tiger, though, still has doubts as to whether they can overthrow Madame Hydra without military intervention. Tony feels that if the people of Madripoor call for change, S.H.I.E.L.D. can justify providing aid and she knows the type of aid he’s capable of calling on. Tiger replies that she needs to think about this. He will have his answer by nightfall.
Agent Jones asks Tony what her decision was. He tells her, adding that they don’t have time for that. However, he might be able to expedite the process. Madame Hydra’s injection, he explains, is blocking his ability to control technology. But he can still sense it and he’s sensing something big nearby. He asks Tiger is she can accompany him. He thinks he can help her with the decision. One of her guards tells Stark that she’s going nowhere, but Stark tells him he can escort her if he likes. He assures them that it’s important.
After a long walk through the jungle, they come to a waterfall. Tiger hopes it was worth the energy, but Stark shows her that it was. They peer through a grating and see Hydra agents down below, working on what appears to be a huge biological weapon. Stark reckons that, knowing Hydra, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The weapon has a long turret attached to a tangle of pink cabling which is in turn attached to something that looks like a big brain. Tiger asks what she has to do.
(The Royal Palace of Madripoor)Tony approaches two guards who are standing outside the building. He asks if Madame Hydra is home and the guards lead him inside. Everyone has their guns trained on Tony as he stands before Madame Hydra and tells her he is shocked – shocked – to see Hydra agents in her royal palace. She asks what it is about Madripoor that makes everyone use the same tired Casablanca references. She decides she has a better question. She informs him that they have scanned the area and there are no S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, crafts or weapons nearby. What suddenly made him suicidal? Tony rips off his shirt and tells her he got tired of her sending others to try kill him. He figures she isn’t the type that can resist a challenge. Is she woman enough to do the job herself?
Madame Hydra leaps immediately and Tony’s undersheath emerges from within his body forming a protective layer. Bloodscream told her about it. “You think that’s something…” replies Tony. “You should see my oversheath.” He looks upwards but sees nothing. Madame Hydra lunges at him asking if perhaps he was expecting his armor? The suit he’s had in geosynchronous orbit all this time? The one that lost the control signal you’re sending the moment it hit the disruption field they’re projecting over the city?
Tony blocks her attack and replies that this sucks. He kicks her in the stomach and she tells him that he fights well. She recognizes the style as coming from a mutual star-spangled friend. She asks a teasing question. “Just between us, it was you who had him assassinated, wasn’t it?” She adds that he can tell her. She’s impressed… and jealous. Tony hits out but misses and she connects with a kick of her own. She pulls out a pistol and aims it right at him. She gives him a final lesson. His failure has ensured that Hydra will feed off Madripoor and its people for years to come without fear of further intrusion. “Goodbye Director Stark.”
Tony asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to face the camera. “What?” she gasps. Tony points to a tiny plane behind her with a small camera attached to its undercarriage. He tells her that the great thing about Madripoor is that there are lots of electronic stores. His face appears on television screens the nation over, as he adds that there is that whole ‘genius’ thing in his bio. However, enough about him. “Over to you, Tyger.”
Her face then appears on screen and she addresses the nation. She tells them that they have heard their princess’ own admission of how she views them. They are livestock, chattel, tools for the greater glory of Hydra. She is not worthy to rule them. She informs them that even now she and her men are marching on the palace and she urges them to join her in taking back their country. One of Madame Hydra’s men informs her that they are under attack, but she replies that it’s a mob, not an army. Kill their tramp ringleader and they’ll disperse. She orders her men to go with him and says she will join them in a moment. She pulls the trigger, but finds her bullets bouncing off the Iron Man armor. Tony tells her that television is the ultimate distraction. It gave him time to bounce his command signal off satellites to reach his armor from above.
Stark asks her to take a last look at her palace. Madame Hydra orders Roughhouse to protect her and he steps in, punching the armor which Tony has slipped inside. He blasts him using his chest repulsor and then gets airborne. He hones in on Bloodscream, who tells Iron Man that he is the undying warrior and he is Iron Man’s end. Stark replies that he doubts that. If he’s had a hard time laying his death-touch on him before, he’s really of luck now. Bloodscream calls him a fool. A hundred Hydra agents have willingly fed him their life essence. Their strength is now his. He need not touch his flesh to kill him.
Iron Man replies that it seems he underestimated him. Grabbing his head between his gauntlets, he adds that he won’t do it again. He blasts Bloodscream from both sides, ripping his flesh away leaving a hideous skull in its place. Bloodscream says that it appears he has. He cannot be killed by any weapon forged by mortal man. Tony snikts a blade from his armor and asks, “How about forged by a Stark Enterprises Engineering robot?” He thrusts the blade vertically into Bloodscream’s torso, informing the vampire that he usually uses it to interface with outside systems but, as a 21st century stake, he thinks Van Helsing would approve.
Tony hears one of the Hydra agents shout, “Fire!” and looks over to see the weapon about to blast him. He wondered what it did and now he finds out. His armor is rocked by the blast. He feels it in his gut and his brain and, if not for his shielding, he’d be leaking gray matter from his ears. He finds that he can’t focus or even lock on target, so he only gets one shot. He fires a rocket from his gauntlet and it hits near enough the weapon to destroy it. As he sees it go up in flames, he thinks that there was a time when he’d have wondered if that thing was sentient… aware, or if he’d just killed a new form of life. These days, though, he has other things to worry about. Maybe someday he’ll have the luxury of deciding how that makes him feel.
(later)Tony returns to the palace as the sun sets and tells Tyger Tiger that she has a nice place. She replies that it’s not hers until tomorrow’s coronation. Until then, he can call her Tyger. Tony says that after all they’ve been through, can’t he call her Jessan? Tyger is surprised that he knows her true name. He replies that they are the world’s foremost intelligence agency. Does she think they don’t know about her background or her Harvard M.B.A.? Does she think he backed her as new ruler just because she has a pretty face?
Tyger tells him he can flatter her all he likes, she meant what she said. She’ll never be his puppet. Tony replies that good puppets need their strings pulled and he hasn’t got time for that. He has a world to worry about. What happens in her kingdom is her affair until it affects the safety of the world. Then it becomes his problem and she’s seen how he deals with problems. Tyger replies that she did and she is impressed. She hopes she will continue to be impressed. Her face nears his, but Tony says that he’s pleased her coronation’s not until tomorrow as he has this rule about heads of state…
Unfortunately, he receives a signal and informs her that he has to go to Transia. Mount Wundagore is all lit up and that’s never good. Tyger understands. Tony asks her to call him if Madame Hydra resurfaces. They can pick this up when their lives are less insane. His armor forms around him and he takes off at high speed, leaving Tyger to sigh, “Never it is then.”