The Avengers (Marvel;Re)/Issue 3 (Captain America)

This is the third issue of Captain America's Avengers comic book series, part of the Marvel;Re initiative and the story arc, The Madness Beneath. The story is preceded by The Avengers (Captain America) #2 and succeeded by The Avengers (Captain America) #4

Synopsis
The Avengers have expanded. Through the Avengers Wave protocol, Earth's mightiest heroes have expanded their ranks, inducting many other superhumans to aid them in fending off the growing threat of the universe. As the leader of the Avengers, Captain America is privileged to lead his own team of Avengers. Many were unable to fathom the Super-Soldier's choices, but the Star-Spangled Avenger knows best that nothing is impossible and his team could be an example to the world of superheroes. Together, they stand against the worst reality and unreality can throw at them as the Avengers. Captain America and his Avengers were tasked to apprehend a rogue Kree Pursuer and her oceanic compatriots. Needless to say, their mission was a disastrous failure and now, the Avengers lie beaten and captured under the sea, chained within the presence of a man who claims himself to be the All-Father...

Previously in Avengers...

 * A distress call from Namor and a tip from Ronan the Accuser led the Avengers to battle against the latter's niece, who was apparently possessed by a spiritual entity who came to Earth seeking the Serpent Crown.
 * Unfortunately, "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" failed after realizing they were fighting against something well beyond their capabilities.
 * Preliminary reports stated that Tanalth the Pursuer sought to summon Set, the Elder God of Evil, using the Serpent Crown's power. They were wrong. The Pursuer has succeeded in summoning another ancient deity with the Serpent Crown, but not Set himself... but a forgotten Asgardian terror from the unknown.

Sestanivor, the Blue Embassy
Chained and defeated, the Sentinel of Liberty's Avengers are trapped deep beneath a prison-fortress holding a prisoner of the most damned kind. A forgotten god from the past, claiming himself to be the 'All-Father', unquestionably of the Asgardian kind, stands in front of the captured heroes alongside his two maidens of destruction, Skirn, the Breaker of Men and Nerkkod, the Breaker of Oceans, respectively formerly known as Tanalth the Pursuer and Namora, cousin of Namor, the Avenging Son. A dark day, indeed, for this is supposed to be the Avengers' first mission, yet it has turned out to be their first failure... and the world shall pay a heavy price for this.

After revealing his identity, the 'All-Father' personally examines the Avengers, relishing in the fears that flare within their souls. Though they are among the bravest of their worlds, it's not that easy to muster your courage in the presence of a god of fear. Ultimus, Balder, and Hiroim stare at Ghost Rider blankly right into her empty eye sockets. Cul takes a moment to process his sentences before letting him go. Utilizing telekinesis, Skirn / Tanalth picks up the still-intact Serpent Crown, which pulses with energy. She grabs it and hands it over to her father for examination. Cul solemnly nods several times. It may not be like it, but this is an expression of disappointment: something that Tanalth and Nerkkod quickly take notice of. Cul slowly approaches his daughter, and for the first time, the Avengers actually see her afraid. Skirn recoils when he walks towards her but is frozen in place by none other than the Serpent himself. Nerkkod cannot do anything but stand still as she knows what's coming. At least, she's able to give her a telepathic encouragement, known to both the Serpent and Skirn herself, but ignored by the former.
 * Captain America: "So you're the Serpent 'Tanalth' was rambling about."
 * Cul Borson / The Serpent: "I am Cul Borson, firstborn of Bor Burison and Bestla, rightful King of Asgard, the God of Fear, the Serpent of Terror. And you are?"
 * Steve Rogers / Captain America: "(Grits his teeth) I am Steven Rogers, Captain America."
 * Cul Borson: "You're a human? (Turns to Skirn and Nerkkod) How is this possible?"
 * Warlock: "Uh, why is Subject: Cul Borson confused at the fact that Captain America is human?"
 * Alejandra Jones / Ghost Rider: "Honestly, if it wasn't for your weird-ass skin tones and sentences, I wouldn't be able to tell which one of you are humans or not. No offense."
 * Balder: "I thought your kind can identify the souls of individuals, so you can tell which race they belong to?"
 * Ultimus: "Conveniently, you humans and Asgardians look pretty much the same!"
 * Hiroim: "Look who's talking, Kree."
 * Ghost Rider: "Hey, just saying! Even this old güey doesn't know how the f**k humans are supposed to look like!"
 * Victorious: "Um, didn't humans look different way back before we are... here?"
 * Warlock: "Self-friend Victorious is correct! But, considering Asgardians like Subject: Cul Borson and self-friend Balder themselves look like humans, self is still confused how this old timer over here cannot tell which one of us is human."
 * Cul Borson: "(Sharply turns and rushes at the speed of light at Warlock, grabbing his neck) Are you human?"
 * Captain America: "NO! Leave him alone, Cul!"
 * Warlock: "(Looks straight into Cul's eyes) Self is a Technarch. Self is neither a human nor a native of Earth."
 * Cul Borson: "(Slight laugh) Oh, has Aesheim always been the center of the universe?"
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "It seems so, Father Cul. My host's memories tell me that Aesheim has been visited and invaded multiple times by her own race and many others."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "It has also become home to many other dark things since your imprisonment, Great Serpent."
 * Cul Borson: "Is that so?"
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Do you remember the rumors of another serpent god dwelling within the bowels of Aesheim long ago, father?"
 * Cul Borson: "This is his crown of power, yes?"
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Indeed, father. With its power, we managed to break through the enchantments that sealed your prison."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Father... did I do any wrong?"

Upon reaching her, the Asgardian God of Fear softly touches her face before smiling at her. The Serpent looks down for a moment before staring up to her once again, proceeding to deliver a grim line. Skirn and Nerkkod look at each other, surprised, while the Avengers are looking on with utter confusion as the three converse with their own dead language that none of the Avengers can register with their mind. Cul rubs his beard in contemplation when Nerkkod assists her sibling up. This show of abuse instills rage and disturbance within the Avengers, despite how both Skirn and the Serpent are their enemies. Balder spits at his uncle's face in defiance, the Serpent smirking in response to such an act. Cul shuts down his nephew by uppercutting him so hard he's released from his powerful restraints. Balder is nearly killed by this act, but the moment he's freed from the chains, his powers return to him, including his invulnerability. The Avengers look on in concern as the Serpent walks right past them to confront Balder himself, already in a battle-ready stance with his sword summoned in a flash of light into his hands. Cul's statement confuses the Avengers as he also sounds confused after hearing what Balder has stated. Their confusion turns to worries when Cul smirks again and rubs his beard before delivering another line that unveils his true nature. Balder pauses for a moment as he thinks over what Cul has said, his mouth exhausted of words and confusion wreaked upon his brain. While so, Cul takes a moment to sit down on a nearby stone, looking at the Avengers.
 * Victorious: "Jó Isten, kapitány, this is disturbing."
 * Captain America: "If this is what I think it is, then you may close your eyes, Vic."
 * Warlock: "Uh, why is his fingers on her mouth?"
 * Balder: "By Odin, no..."
 * Hiroim: "This cannot be!"
 * Ghost Rider: "You have no idea how many indecent thoughts I'm picking up right now. Even from you, Warlock."
 * Warlock: "Hey, self is curious!"
 * Ultimus: "Your curiosity is misplaced, Technarch!"
 * Ghost Rider: "Your curiosity is also 'misplaced', you enfermo!"
 * Captain America: "All of you, cut it!"
 * Cul Borson: "(Tranquil rage) Do you have any idea what threat you have brought upon us?"
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Father, Set couldn't possibly a threat to us! He is unable to breach the dimensional barrier imprisoning him from Aesheim!"
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "I do not mean to offend, father, but I agree! My host remembers well that he cannot enter this universe willingly!"
 * Cul Borson: "Does your host know how possible it is for him to possess a weak-willed being and manipulate his way to regain his power? Or better yet, does she know that utilizing the powers of another god for whatever purposes there are without permission will incur the wrath of said deity?"
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "I don't understand! I can see from my host's memories of this being called 'Doctor Strange' invoking the name of gods of both light and dark without being suffering the consequences! Hoggoth, Oshtur, Cyttorak, Chthon!"
 * Cul Borson: "Then he is a dead man, indeed! Now, we have another elder thing coming for us and I do not have the power to fend him off (powerfully throws Skirn away to a wall)... yet."
 * Balder Odinson: "Is that how you express fear, 'All-Father'? By venting your frustration upon your children?!"
 * Cul Borson: "What care do you have, oaf? I sense a fear within you unlike anything I've ever known. You fear death... but you love her, too."
 * Balder Odinson: "I don't know what you speak of, troll!"
 * Cul Borson: "I am the God of Fear, meek one. Your worries are as visible to me as the sun is to every one of us."
 * Cul Borson: "You are bold. I appreciate that. I assume you are a blood of Odin?"
 * Balder Odinson: "I am! And I will be the death of you when..."
 * Balder Odinson: "(Wipes out the blood from his mouth) I thought you would've hit harder."
 * Cul Borson: "Let us see, o' nephew of mine, how mighty you truly are. (Extends his arms) Strike me down, now."
 * Warlock: "Self-friend: Balder, don't do it! Don't let him goad you into combat! Subject: Cul Borson is more powerful than any of us! There's no telling if Subject: Cul Borson can kill you!"
 * Balder Odinson: "I will not die until Ragnarok comes to pass, Technarch! You will do well to remember that?"
 * Cul Borson: "(Retracts his arms) 'Ragnarok'? Ragnarok?"
 * Balder Odinson: "What are you smiling about?!"
 * Cul Borson: "Oh, on the contrary, I pity you for still being bound to such a covetous cycle of death and rebirth. Even after years, my brother—your father—has yet to succeed in realizing the deception of Ragnarok. How miserable. Knowing this makes me so... sorrowful I could just kill you to save you from further torment."
 * Balder Odinson: "You are not bound by Ragnarok?! How is this possible?!
 * Cul Borson: "Freeing my kin of the chains of Ragnarok has always been my goal, and that includes you and your so-called 'All-Father'."
 * Ultimus: "Really? I was getting the impression that you were some sort of ancient evil who wishes to dominate the universe. Not that I know if Ragnarok is a good thing or not."
 * Cul Borson: "Perhaps the word you are looking for is that I am not... (brief silence) benevolent."
 * Hiroim: "You are a god of fear. What manner of being that feeds upon the fear of others is 'benevolent'?"
 * Cul Borson: "O, I am not malevolent, greyskin, but do not think I am a meek one. I take full responsibility over the pain and deaths that have been caused by my daughter, Skirn, and I assure you, after I have finished my quest for power to save the Nine Realms, I will resurrect whoever has died by either the hands... or my children. Do not presume I am a petty murderer like that one-eyed cur you call 'Odin All-Father', mortal."
 * Captain America: "You condone killing others to attain your goal!"
 * Cul Borson: "As if you are any different from me in that regard. You think I relish destroying the Tenth Realm and all who barred my way? You have no idea how many times my pleas fell on deaf ears. Conquest was the only option... and I see no difference in this time of age. Ragnarok is a curse that has remained on the Yggdrasil for far too long... and I have no intention of letting it exist."
 * Balder:  "If you 'free' us from Ragnarok, our immortality shall cease to exist!"
 * Cul Borson: "We have ALWAYS been immortal, boy! Only gods may kill other gods, but every death we suffer is nothing more than a nuisance. We will always return as the universe wills it. Ragnarok is nothing but a lie fabricated by the (unintelligible curse) to prey upon our endlessness; to restrain our freedom to do what is right upon the greater cosmos. You may be here, standing side-by-side by creatures unbound by Ragnarok, but whatever act you do, no matter how drastic or outrageous it is... will not free you from this torturous cycle of death and rebirth."
 * Balder: "You speak as if Ragnarok is a thing of evil, a-"
 * Cul Borson: "Because of Ragnarok, your father killed my brothers, Vili and Ve even before we erected our golden realm. Because of Ragnarok, the Nine Realms suffer death and destruction every cycle without reprieve. Because of Ragnarok, we have no true fate other than walking the same path over and over again. You think having your divinity doubted is something we, gods, are meant to accept? Are you satisfied seeing everything that you hold dearly degenerate, suffer, and die for a billion years, spanning 141,412 cycles?!"
 * Cul Borson: "What about you... 'Avengers'? What have you to say?"
 * Warlock: "Self is wondering what the Tenth Realm has to do with Ragnarok. Self has gotten the impression that there have always been ten realms, but because of Ragnarok, there are - for a lack of better term - officially nine dimensions as part of your World Tree. Knowing that, doesn't it seem hypocritical that you are attempting to destroy Ragnarok while you've eliminated a dimension not part of such cycle?"
 * Victorious: "I... cannot understand what you're asking."
 * Ultimus: "He is asking him why he destroyed the Tenth Realm even though that act seems to support the concept of Ragnarok while he himself opposes the very concept. (Mumbling) I still don't get Ragnarok."
 * Cul Borson: "In the beginning, there were Ten Realms. Heven, like the rest of the realms, emerged from the Yawning Void as home to a race of winged majestics we called angels. Believe me, we only used such a term because of their resemblance to the holy servants of the One-Above-All. Now, they were staunch allies to Asgard and the rest of the realms before the coming of the first Ragnarok. When Ragnarok became... something we deemed 'natural', Heven's angels became increasingly more hostile, just as the rest of the Realms were. They became greedy bastards, I'll tell you that."
 * Hiroim: "You imply that every inhabitant of the Ten Realms were at peace before Ragnarok. How were you able to be aware of the pecularity of Ragnarok?"
 * Cul Borson: "It took me several cycles to discover the pecularity of Ragnarok. I remembered when I was the All-Father in the fiftieth cycle, when I hung myself at the edge of creation to gain knowledge. That... was when I glimpsed my true enemy. They... who lived beyond in shadows..."

The moment Cul stopped his sentence in crypticness, a blinding pillar of light beams from the sky into the sea, penetrating the prison-fortress' roof in an explosion so destructive its debris are sent flying throughout Sestanivor, the beautiful city housing the Serpent's ancient dungeon. Within the chamber the Avengers, Cul, and his two Worthy remain, the Bifrost transports a particularly mighty Asgardian into the scene. This is no ordinary Asgardian, however, as the expression on Cul's face can attest to.

The Avengers, stunned by the newcomer's presence, are left frozen in awe. The Worthy immediately enter their combat stances, brandishing their energized hammers while gritting their hammers with resolve and cautiousness. Cul, unfazed by this event, simply smiles before speaking up to he who emerges from the Bifrost.


 * Cul Borson: "Brother."

A brief moment of silence ensues between them as the two brothers stare at each other. An eternity ensues between them, countless years of history flowing back and forth throughout their memories. Of war and death. Of tragedy and suffering. Of snow and laughters. Of truth and lies. The moment Cul delivered his statement with a grim and bitter tone, Victorious, Captain America, and Balder are shook as they think of the implication behind what he said. Ghost Rider, Ultimus, and Hiroim can only raise their eyebrows and look at each other in confusion as they're not exactly in touch with the concept behind the conflict. Warlock, who has access to the internet, knows what Cul's speaking about, though he's not exactly bothered by the implication. In a burst of yellow light, the Serpent, Skirn, and Nerkkod disappear from the prison, leaving a disgruntled Odin with the baffled Avengers, who are immediately freed from their chains by the Odinforce. Upon the Serpent's departure, Balder walks up to his father and inquires a number of important question. Odin instantly pauses for a brief while before answering, the tone of uncertainty and doubt leaking from his soul and into his words. However, the Odinforce's subconscious manipulation of reality forces the Avengers to accept the lie he answers their question with while subliminally calming down their minds. All this, without the heroes' awareness. Upon hearing Odin's implied request, Steve contemplates for a moment in silence, looking at his teammates afterwards while massaging his forehead. Despair engulfs the Sentinel of Liberty for a moment before Balder continues the conversation, patting Steve's back. For a being supposedly as cynical as Balder, his words managed to instill some measure of hope into the tired Captain, whose superhuman stamina has been wearing down ever since he fought Tanalth in the Serpent Temple. Within his heart, he still feels a hint of fear, undoubtedly due to prolonged exposure to the Asgardian God of Fear, even with the Odinforce's so-called 'calming' influence. After gathering much of his strength, Rogers speaks up his mind. Usually, Odin's pride would prompt him to annihilate whoever doubted his strength. Now, the All-Father, who in his infinite wisdom also sees the truth behind the Captain's words, does not let his pride blind him, instead informing them the best thing he can offer them in humility. Before answering his question, Odin summons the Bifrost upon himself to prepare his transportation, the rainbow bridge beaming once again from the heavens and into the seas. Just before he disappears from Sestanivor, he leaves the Avengers surprised and wordless, inadvertently terrifying them even more by revealing how many Worthy are there. And with that, the All-Father disappears from their sight. The surprised heroes blankly stare at whatever's in front of them, their silence broken by the curses of Ghost Rider. Rogers pulls out his Avengers Identicard out of his pocket and presses it, reactivating the apparently electronic card to communicate with the AI managing Earth's Mightiest Heroes' network. In an instance, the Avengers' identicards emit a distinct sound, attracting the heroes' attention. Warlock, in particular, emits a rather loud noise that comes right from his body. Silence reigns once again as the Avengers look at Warlock, surprised and taken aback. All, except Ultimus. Ultimus stares at the Rider blankly, his mind rushing with emotions of confusion, annoyance, and surprise, which culminates in a simple answer. Without further ado, Warlock transforms himself into a submarine, which the Avengers enter. Inside the vessel, which has interior more similar to those of the X-Jet and the Avengers' Quinjet, the 'curious' Ghost Rider asks the Technarch a question. Upon listening to her, Balder looks at her with a chuckle. Alejandra, noticing this, chuckles back, much to the horror of the rest of the Avengers, except Hiroim and Warlock himself. Alejandra begins to regret her naughty thought as she slowly takes a seat. The other Avengers follow suite, noticing the disappointment in her face. The heroes share no words with one another until Warlock speaks from the intercom once again. The Good Captain falls asleep. The rest of the Avengers take notice of his loud snores and watch on in interest. Rising up from her seat and approaching Captain Rogers, Victorious touches his forehead and channels a portion of her Power Cosmic to wake him up gently. Five seconds later, Rogers slowly awakens with a yawn. Warlock, as a submarine, quickly emerges from the ruins of the Serpent's temple and rushes through the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Avengers Hydrobase. Its passengers, not expecting how Warlock speeds through the ocean, are sent flying back to their seats as they brace for the worst to come.
 * Odin: "Brother."
 * Cul Borson: "Have you nothing to say, One-Eye?"
 * Odin: "You have made the gravest mistake returning to the universe, wretch."
 * Cul Borson: "You haven't changed, I see. How paltry. For all your... (stands up) infinite wisdom, you have no thought of peering through the veils of reality itself to see the truth."
 * Odin: "You are a stain upon our history, Serpent. You are a mistake to creation and an affront to everything that exists. You were never meant..."
 * Cul Borson: "... to discover the enslavers you so fervently worship that you killed Vili and Ve for their favor?"
 * Ultimus: "Technarch, who is this Vili and Ve this regal god killed?"
 * Warlock: "If Prose Edda is correct, then Vili and Ve would be both the brothers of Subject: Cul Borson and Subject: Odin Borson."
 * Victorious: "(To Odin) You killed your brothers... to gain... what power?!"
 * Balder: "Father, this... mongrel could not be speaking the truth! You said that Vili and Ve died in battle against Surtur and Ymir!"
 * Cul Borson: "Your uncles were never meant to die, Balder. But ever since your father sacrificed them to Those Who Sit Above in Shadow for power, all they ever experienced throughout the Ragnaroks... is death."
 * Odin: "If you think your so-called 'revelation' has inspired fear in my heart, then you..."
 * Cul Borson: "You need not to remind me that I can no longer terrify you, Woden. I, on the other hand, need not to remind you that you have no power over me. (Slams his staff, creating a circle that grows into a sphere that engulfs both his children and him) Soon, brother, this will be over. I promise you. You will be free, and you will thank me for what I am to do. The souls of the fallen will not be wasted, and they will be repaid a thousand times over once I am done. We will meet again, Brother Odin... and if you are truly as brave as you think you all are, Avengers."
 * Balder: "Father, who is this brother of yours?! Why have I never heard of this 'Cul Borson"?! Does the rest of Asgard know of this?! How did Uncle Vili and Ve truly die?!"
 * Hiroim: "His honesty and relatively affable nature put into question if he really is a threat to the greater universe. I am no longer sure if he is a threat to be stopped... but considering his children have murdered quite a 'few' souls along the way..."
 * Warlock: "Self agrees. Self has calculated his percentage of threat, considering his manners, power, and motivation. If we are to believe that what he said is true, then he... he wouldn't actually be a threat after all. At least to parties aside from Asgard or the Nine Realms. Or ten. Self is no longer sure."
 * Victorious: "You have a lot to explain, you..."
 * Ghost Rider: "Vicky, chill. Remember that this triple-hijueputa is stronger than the pola that wiped the floor with our asses, and the last thing we need is having a beef with another culiao who eats planets for breakfast."
 * Ultimus: "That would be Galactus. This one looks nothing like the Eater of Worlds."
 * Ghost Rider: "You get the point, chapero."
 * Captain America: "People, let's just take a moment to breathe - if any of you need to do so - before we go digging for answers."
 * Balder: "Father, you have yet to ans-"
 * Odin: "(Angrily) Cul is a relic from a forgotten past! An enemy of the Nine Realms and destroyer of the Tenth Realm. You wish to know what happened to that realm? He and his bastards marched into Heven, tore it off the Yggdrasil, reasoning that he did so to 'free' them of Ragnarok while murdering legions by his own hands with such glee and satisfaction! By so, he has doomed Heven and her angels by stripping them off their immortality. Without Ragnarok, all the races of the World Tree shall perish conceptually. The very essence and meaning of our individuality, personality, and soul will disappear, and we have no way to return to our eternal lives. As for Vili and Ve... yes, Balder, they died in battle against Surtur and Ymir and... (looks down, frowning) I was unable to save them, for I was battling the God Tempest."
 * Balder: "So you 'sacrificed' my uncles while you were fighting the storm that is now within my brother's hammer, which technically meant that you did gain power?"
 * Warlock: "Subject: Cul Borson mentioned Those Who Sit Above in Shadow instead of the God Tempest. Are they one and the same, Subject: Odin Borson?"
 * Odin: "That is correct, yes."
 * Ultimus: "Hmph. Great. So, a misguided former member of your kin is roaming the universe with the Head Accuser's niece and the King of the Seas' cousin. Certainly, I will be chasing after the Serpent alongside the entire Kree Armada in hopes of returning Tanalth to her former senses."
 * Odin: "That will be unnecessary. I will personally see to this situation myself. However, I must admit that I am doubtful of my chances of victory over my brother."
 * Ghost Rider: "You... could've just killed him a few minutes ago, you know?"
 * Warlock: "Self kind of objects but... self agrees."
 * Captain America: "We need to inform both Namor and Ronan the severity of this situation. This is way beyond our capability, as much as how I hate to admit so."
 * Hiroim: "We still need to prepare in the event they return to this world. That is, if they break their promise of not hurting anyone of this world, which sounds quite sincere."
 * Victorious: "So... what do we do now, Captain?"
 * Captain America: "We-"
 * Odin: "(Interrupts) Should I return to you battered and helpless, Captain, then... (sigh) I trust you will not let Cul sully the universe like he did many years ago."
 * Balder: "Fear not, paragon. We may have lost our battles, but we have yet to win our war. We were alone before; a single team of Avengers. Should my father fail in stopping the Serpent once and for all and the responsibility falls on to us... remember who we are, Captain. Remember that we are Midgard's mightiest heroes, and that the Avengers are not just a single team."
 * Captain America: "(Looks at Balder, smiling while patting his shoulders back before speaking to Odin with conviction) I do not mean to offend you, All-Father, but something tells me that you will fail to stop the Serpent, even with whatever plan you have in mind. When that near-inevitable moment arrives, do you have anything that can help us to defeat him?"
 * Odin: "A weakened demon deprived of his limbs, power, and children. That, is what I can promise you."
 * Ghost Rider: "That's too much of a stretch, don't you think?"
 * Balder: "Let us hope it is not. Say, father, how do you intend to defeat the Serpent? His power seems impossible!"
 * Odin: "The Odinforce will grind his bones to dust, and my warriors will eviscerate the Worthy from crown to toe."
 * Balder: "Warriors... (contemplates) who among the Nine Realms, aside from your children and our enemies, are strong enough to fight the... Worthy?"
 * Odin: "They will be enough, my invincible son. I shall not risk the deaths of my children to the God of Fear, for even he is unworthy to stand within your presence."
 * Warlock: "Hmm... Subject: Odin Borson, may self ask you a question?"
 * Odin: "Make it quick, Technarch."
 * Warlock: "How many of the Serpent's children - the Worthy - are there?"
 * Odin: "Eight."
 * Ghost Rider: "PENDEJO, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! We got ourselves trashed by one guarra and now there's EIGHT of them?!"
 * Warlock: "Maybe self should contact the X-Men for help..."
 * Balder: "Let the All-Father handle this one, Avengers. Pray that he succeeds in this task, and that he has answers to the lies he has told."
 * Victorious: "Wait, what?"
 * Balder: "Uncle Vili and Ve... the Tenth Realm... I just can't believe this to be true. The Serpent may be lying, but my heart is telling me that he's correct..."
 * Captain America: "Whatever the Serpent is doing, we can't just let him go from galaxy to galaxy killing people with fear. Many will suffer... and we will pay the price for not being responsible."
 * Warlock: "If self may, self suggests self-friend Captain America to not take it too hard upon one's self. This has become our burden together, and not just us, self sees..."
 * Hiroim: "I concur. Now, what are we going to do, Captain?"
 * Captain America: "AVENGER, you there?"
 * AVENGER AI: "At your service, Captain."
 * Captain America: "How far is the Hydrobase from our position? We need to regroup somewhere safer, and that's the closest place I can think of."
 * AVENGER AI: "Calculating... the Avengers Hydrobase is currently five miles away from your position."
 * Captain America: "Okay that's far, but thank you, AVENGER. Can you upload the waypoint to my team's identicards?"
 * AVENGER AI: "Certainly, Captain."
 * Ghost Rider: "What the - Warlock, that your card I hear?"
 * Warlock: "Indeed, self-friend Alejandra Jones! To prevent self from losing the card, self has decided to integrate the identicard to self's body! Do not worry, self-friend Steve rogers! Self does not corrupt the AVENGER and in the event that it's hacked, self is practically a techno-organic firewall for the AI! Self loves the AVEN-"
 * Victorious: "What?"
 * Ultimus: "The Technarch has fallen in love with the computer. Predictable."
 * Warlock: "Hey! Self does not recognize the human concept of 'romantic love'! Self just..."
 * Captain America: "Warlock, just... (pauses, struggling to contain his laughter for the moment) can you take us to the Hydrobase?"
 * Warlock: "Right away, self-friend Rogers!"
 * Victorious: "I... can't believe you... you..."
 * Ghost Rider: "(Softly hits Victorious' back) You'll get your chance, chica."
 * Captain America: "Hold on, Avengers. I still have some words to share. Ultimus?"
 * Ultimus: "(Sighs) Yes, yes, it was an honor to fight with you, but I must remind you that I might rejoin you later."
 * Captain America: "You did good, Ultimus. And yes, we will meet again, but I just wanna tell you how thankful we are to have you for the time being. You may return to Ronan to report on this turn of events. Let him know we... may need the Kree's help for this one."
 * Ultimus: "Heh. Once, we were enemies, and now we are fighting side by side as allies. Strange times call for strange alliances."
 * Ghost Rider: "If you don't turn Earth into your own prison planet, I think we can be friends, for real."
 * Ultimus: "(Immediately blasts away from the scene, flying at superhuman speeds into Earth's orbit to head to Ronan's ship)"
 * Victorious: "Uh, Alejandra... did you get that idea from looking into his... soul?"
 * Ghost Rider: "Yup."
 * Hiroim: "You mean to tell us that the Kree have intentions to turn Earth into a prison planet?"
 * Captain America: "Cut it out people. Right now, the Kree are our allies, and it's best for us to keep our manners well. Alejandra, you may be able to see through individual souls, but not everything you know has to be said."
 * Ghost Rider: "Y-Yeah... I am... sorry about that. Well, I hope what I saw within him was just something more akin to a suggestion instead of an initiative."
 * Captain America: "One problem at a time. Warlock, you ready?"
 * Ghost Rider: "Hey, Warlock. You runnin' on autopilot?"
 * Warlock: "Technically speaking, self is the autopilot. Why?"
 * Ghost Rider: "You mind if I get on the wheels?"
 * Captain America: "Alejandra, remember that Warlock is our teammate and not a vehicle like your motorcycle!"
 * Balder: "For curiosity's sake, Captain, why won't you let the Spirit of Vengeance drive the Technarch?"
 * Captain America: "We are not having this argument."
 * Hiroim: "What happens if she drives this vessel that is Warlock, anyway?"
 * Victorious: "She'll turn him into one hell of a ride."
 * Warlock: "(Sadly) Does... self-friend Alejandra wants to turn self into... a Hell Warlock, like self-friend does with self-friend's bike?"
 * Warlock: "(Sarcastically) Awh, self-friends do really care about Warlock."
 * Captain America: "Just... (groans) take us to the Hydrobase, War... lo-"
 * Ghost Rider: "Wow. He just... slept."
 * Victorious: "I'll wake him up with the Power Cosmic. As much as how I sympathize with him, this is not the time to rest."
 * Balder: "Are you sure that's a good idea, Lady Vic?"
 * Hiroim: "The Captain will not be pleased, I assume."
 * Captain America: "(Yawns) God... that felt so good. (Slowly opens up his eyes, widening only when he takes notice of the Avengers looking at him with smiles on their faces) What the- did I just fall asleep? How long was I out for?"
 * Warlock: "Self-friend Captain America should know that Warlock has access to classical songs that may assist self-friend in resting much more peacefully."
 * Ghost Rider: "That does not sound right, Warlock!"
 * Balder: "It seems that even a super-soldier like you can get tired. I thought you've already slept for far too long in ice (chortles)."
 * Captain America: "Maybe I'm gonna need more sleep this time around... but I know this isn't the right time to rest. I apologize, Avengers. (Groans again) Never felt pressure like this one before. Alejandra, please do not turn Warlock into your transportation to hell."
 * Ghost Rider: "Aye, aye, capitán."
 * Warlock: "Self-friend Avengers, please put on self-friends' seat belts, because we will be heading towards the Hydrobase within (counts down) five, four, three, two, one..."
 * Hiroim: "I swear teleportation is much more comfortable than this!"

The Moon
On Aesheim's natural satellite, the Serpent and his two children appear from a bright flash of yellow light that temporarily inscribes an ancient rune upon the Moon's ground. Upon arrival, the Serpent curiously examines his surroundings and notice the celestial object's emptiness compared to those of Aesheim itself. For an ancient Asgardian, Cul Borson has never set a foot upon the Moon until today.

Cul observes the ashen satellite and the sight of Earth, savouring the sight before the inevitable hell that is to come. Attempting to speak to his daughters, Cul finds himself wordless seconds before he realizes that the Moon has no air. Without air, he cannot speak with anyone, and so, he opts to communicate with his children telepathically. The two join their father, watching present day Aesheim from the Moon, marvelling at its beauty. Looking down in reluctance, Skirn struggles to restrain her annoyance, for she is practically unallowed to revel in the bloodshed that she's grown so accustomed to throughout her life span. With obedience and clarity, she nods in agreement. Knowing every thought and memory of his Worthy, Cul rubs his beard for a good while, thinking for the answers to her question. After a brief moment of silence, Nerkkod / Namora opts to voice her question (still telepathically, of course). Within that instance, Nerkkod's body overflows with power from her father himself, engulfing her with a stream of yellow light. After this new enhancement, Nerkkod gleefully smiles as she expresses her contentment. Nerkkod attempts to utilize her hammer to fold the space around the Moon, but Cul immediately restrains her by grabbing her hand and staring at her with warning in his words. Nerkkod proceeds to approach and comfort its sibling, encouraging it to lift its spirits. The brief moment of comfort comes to an end when Cul notices a number of meteors streaking from far away at different ranges, undoubtedly heading towards the Moon. Seeing this, the Fear God slightly smiles and announces to the Worthy. Seconds later, the first meteor crashes before the feet of the Serpent, unleashing a shockwave that kicks up enormous amounts of dust. After the dust settles, a figure with a literally smoking body can be seen kneeling in honor to the Asgardian regent, announcing his identity. Gripping his hammer and standing up, the Worthy known as Mokk, the Breaker of Faith, salutes its father and siblings, hosted by the body of the being known as Aarkus, the Vision of Smokeworld. No, he is not Vision, son of Ultron. A scant few seconds later, the second and third fireballs crash near them, unveiling two burly Worthy, who shortly announce their arrivals. Respectively hosted by the bodies of the Chitauri Warlord, the Warbringer, and the Black Order's Black Dwarf, Kuurth and Angrir stand up and salute their father and siblings. The bolstrous bruisers themselves greet one another by crashing both of their hammers. The clash sends a massive shockwave throughout the Moon, but the lack of air means that there is practically nothing that can be heard of their hammers' supposed explosion effect.
 * Cul Borson: "My  children, do you hear me?"
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "I hear you, father."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "As do I."
 * Cul Borson: "Can you believe what Aesheim has come to be, children? In all honesty, I am quite pleased that the inhabitants of that realm know not of its bloody history, even way before the dawn of their dreaded wars and 'superhumans'."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "It has become something more than what we used to fight upon, yes."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "Father, as you have stated, Aesheim has many superhumans that may act well as our siblings' hosts, like this 'Namora' I inhabit now."
 * Cul Borson: "I agree, but I need to inform you that your siblings are on their way, even as we speak now., and they bear powerful hosts from many corners of the universe."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Finally! The eve of battle grows near..."
 * Cul Borson: "(Turns to Skirn / Tanalth) My dear Skirn... I apologize for what I did to you from before, for my frustration flared as hot as the Sun itself. However, I must remind you to not needlessly spill the blood of innocents. We've attracted my brother's attention, and that is the only attraction we will have."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Yes, father. I will... restrain myself from killing undeserving ones."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "Father, absolve me for my ignorance but... I have two questions I assume you know are within my mind."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "I wish not to offend you, father, but I wonder what your plan is to shatter Ragnarok."
 * Cul Borson: "I already know what has to be done, noble Nerkkod, for the hosts of Angrir and Greithoth have given me an idea worth dying for. Do you trust me, child?"
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "Yes, I do, father."
 * Cul Borson: "As to your other question, no, you are not useless. When I bestowed upon you power over the oceans and their creatures, yes, you only had control over the waves and all that lived below. But now... you have power not only over those, but also the ocean... that is space."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "Father... father, thank you! This is... beyond what I could ever imagine! Father, I feel... the strands of reality itself! The flow of the universe... just... everything around me and more!"
 * Cul Borson: "Not. Now."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans / Namora: "I-I apologize, father! I was just too excited..."
 * Cul Borson: "So I see, Nerkkod... Breaker of Space."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Space / Namora: "Thank you, father. This... is an honor. I will hone my skills along the way, so that I may smite all who seek to oppose you."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "Congratulations, sister. Congratulations."
 * Cul Borson: "You need not to bitter, beloved Skirn. The title of the Breaker of All, which you used rather pettily on Indigarr – this I know – still belongs to Skadi, but you need not to be envious! You have done well despite the deaths you had to inflict, and I honor you as the one who freed me in this age thanks to your cunningness. Must I remind you that you, as the Breaker of Men, have the power to break the living? In breaking the dominance, pride, and courage of enemies, you are unparalleled among the Worthy."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "You are correct, father. Forgive me for my jealousy."
 * Nerkkod, Breaker of Space / Namora: "Fight to your strengths and never relent, sibling. Alone or together, we are formidable, and none shall defeat us. That is father's decree... and may it be true 'til the end of eternity."
 * Skirn, Breaker of Men / Tanalth: "'Til eternity's end, yes."
 * Cul Borson: "Stand tall, children. Your siblings are coming."
 * ???: "I, Mokk, the Breaker of Faith, has returned."
 * ???: "Kuurth, the Breaker of Stone, is ready to smite."
 * ??? #2: "As do I, Angrir, the Breaker of Souls."

Just a few seconds later, another fireball slams into the Moon's surface and unveils the presence of another Worthy, also kneeling in salute before arising to join his siblings.


 * ??? #3: "Greithoth, the Breaker of Wills, stands ready to serve, father

Greithoth, hosted by the body of Gabriel Summers, better known as Vulcan, embraces its father and siblings in this silent reunion. The expressions of pride and satisfaction can be seen on each and every one of the Worthy's faces. The Serpent? Not so much, as he realizes that not every one of his children are present.


 * Angrir, Breaker of Souls / Black Dwarf: "(Grunts) Father, is the absence of Skirn and Nul the cause of that gloom upon your face?"


 * Mokk, Breaker of Faith / Vision (Aarkus): "They are still alive, aren't they, father? You always know where we all are."

Cul looks down with his eyes closed for a few seconds before bringing a dire warning to his children, moments before they are able to see a gigantic fireball approaching from beyond Pluto. Preparing their hammers, the Worthy prepares for combat, subtly altering their stances to allow them to enter combat much easier when the situation presents itself. Moments later, the gigantic fireball slams into the Moon's surface, sending a powerful shockwave throughout the satellite that elicits a sense of terror within a certain hidden settlement...
 * Cul Borson: "I know where they are, Mokk... but something is wrong with them. Something... has happened to their bonds with the hosts."
 * Cul Borson: "Prepare your hammers, children. Your sibling is not who he seems."

Attilan, the Blue Area of the Moon

In his throne room, the Silent King sits solemnly, accompanied by his family and a number of other Inhumans as the hidden city itself trembles by the force of the latest 'meteor impact'.
 * Gorgon Petragon / Gorgon: "Cousin, what are we supposed to tell the people?"
 * Medusalith Amaquelin / Medusa: "There is nothing we can do to stop whatever's happening out there, Gorgon. We can only hope that it does not affect us other than sending us these shockwaves."
 * Karnak Mander-Azur / Karnak: "If whoever is responsible for this comes to Attilan, we have to be ready to fight to our last."
 * Frank McGee / Nur: "Or, you know, maybe just, go somewhere else with Eldrac's help. We've practiced for mass evacuation, right? And that includes moving the city itself."
 * Crystalia Amaquelin / Crystal: "Provided we have enough time. Now, we not need to worry about anything, right?"

Black Bolt responds with a nod. Medusa, ever the knowing wife, notices a change within his mind. This promptly attracts the attention of the rest of the Inhumans present, as they, too, suddenly fear for themselves as their king hesitates. Black Bolt, however, is left unable to answer even the telepathic requests of his wife. Deciding to reply, Black Bolt gestures her a message through sign language that she proceeds to translate. Back to the other side of the Moon Arising from a sizeable crater, Nul, the Breaker of Worlds, 'hosted' by the former Herald of Galactus known as Tyrant, salutes the Worthy and announces its presence. Power emanates from his body, just as the rest of the Worthy also exude great power. However, for one whose power once matched those of Galactus' and now enhanced by Asgardian magics, some may say that Nul's host has way too much power to begin with. Nul's expression turns into dread as the Worthy begin to close in and surround it with their hammers prepared. Seeing this, Nul telepathically speaks up once again. Yielding to Cul's will, Nul disappears from the scene when the Hammer of Nul drops from Tyrant's grip. True enough, the former Herald of Galactus' mystical enhancements disappear, returning him to his initial appearance. Despite Nul's absence, Tyrant is still an imposing figure with power even the Serpent senses as formidable. Once he drops the Hammer of Nul, Tyrant walks up to the Serpent, sizing up to him with a fearsome yet fearless look in his eye. The surrounding Worthy increase their alertness during this occasion.
 * Medusa: "Husband, why are you scared?"
 * Medusa: "Someone out there is bringing forth... the fear..."
 * Nul, Breaker of Worlds / Tyrant: "Hail, All-Father! Your beloved child, the Breaker of Worlds, Nul, has returned. (Stands up and notices its father and siblings looking plainly into its eyes) What is it that troubles you all, my loved ones?"
 * Cul Borson: "Nul, it is of great joy for us to be reunited with you! However, I cannot hope but wonder why you have forgotten the fact that I can see your very soul. In fact, I am utterly confused why your host did not submit to your influence."
 * Nul, Breaker of Worlds / Tyrant: "Father, I have obeyed your task of finding the strongest being I could find... and this was the one I found."
 * Cul Borson: "Nay. Not this strong. You were never meant to be bonded with him until this... creature took you and bent you to his will instead!"
 * Nul, Breaker of Worlds / Tyrant: "(Briefly pauses) There is no point of lying to you, father. But I must inform you that..."
 * Cul Borson: "Just because his goals align with us does not mean that he truly wishes to assist us in our endeavor, Nul. Now, Tyrant, explain yourself! Lest you suffer the direst of consequences!"
 * Tyrant: "(Nods) So, you are the Serpent, Cul Borson? Heh. When your child spoke of you, I thought you would've been a more powerful wreck. Another would-be conqueror of the universe who wants to selfishly change the universe."
 * Cul Borson: "(Sarcastically) Oh, so killing Galactus to claim his place and satisfy your need for bloodthirst and vengeance a selfless cause?"
 * Tyrant: "I would not call murdering the Beyonders called Those Who Sit Above in Shadow an altruistic cause myself. Do you not know the consequences of doing so, old man?"
 * Cul Borson: "That like you, claiming the mantle of Galactus, I shall become the One Who Sits Above in Shadow myself?"

The revelation strikes into the hearts of the Worthy, whose eyes widen in surprise. From their souls, they know that Cul has spoken the truth. But until this day, their father has never said anything about becoming the very cretins he has always sought to destroy.


 * Kuurth, Breaker of Stone / Warbringer: "No, this cannot be... father, what will become of us if you..."


 * Tyrant: "(Grins, telepathically laughs) Who knows, 'siblings'? Perhaps, you would all be Beyonders as well, provided any of you can even stand in their presence!"


 * Mokk, Breaker of Faith / Vision (Aarkus): "What knowledge do you have of Those Who Sit Above in Shadow, Tyrant?"


 * Tyrant: "They are Beyonders, and that is all that I can say. Your father knows this well, yes? Knowing so is like knowing that fire burns, Worthy. Now, little serpent, perhaps now you know what agreement I am to make with you, yes?"


 * Cul Borson: "To allow you to wield my child's power to kill Galactus is to bring even more death and misery upon the universe, which I cannot allow."


 * Tyrant: "And you assume this quest of yours will not bring death upon the souls of countless lives?"

In cold rage, Cul demonstrates his hidden strength by telekinetically choking the former Herald of Galactus with such a force that the tyrannical bio-mechanical being's arrogant expression vanishes within an attosecond. Tyrant finds himself struggling to break free of the Serpent's choke as the Asgardian also disables his motoric functions. When he fires powerful energy beams from his eyes to incinerate him, Cul immediately slams him down, forcing him to take the apocalyptic explosion of his beams that also creates a giant crater beneath the Worthy's feet.

After the dust settles, Tyrant is seen recovering from the center of the crater. Angered and shocked, Tyrant looks up and sees Cul and the Worthy floating above him. Telepathically, the Serpent gives a stern warning to him.

Gritting his teeth and regaining his strength, Tyrant rises above the crater to confront the Serpent, floating as the Worthy surround him without mercy in their hearts. Despite all that has happened, Tyrant is fearless and unfazed. Cul is powerful, but that does not mean that Tyrant is weak. In response to his retort, the Worthy immediately rush at him, attempting to destroy the unworthy cretin into nothingness. Before they can even get into striking distance, Tyrant unleashes a mighty energy burst that disorients both the Worthy and the Serpent. Before the Serpent can respond, Tyrant delivers a mighty, earth-shattering hook into Cul's jaw that nearly sends him flying back to Earth if it isn't for Nerkkod / Namora's act of teleporting him back. First responding to Tyrant's challenge is Angrir, Breaker of Stone, utilizing the strength of Black Dwarf, the strongest of Thanos' dark lieutenants, to charge at him and send him rolling through the moon. Before Tyrant can recover, Angrir brings down its hammer on his head to annihilate him, unleashing a massive soundless explosion that shakes the Moon itself. Of course, the Inhumans of Attilan are affected by this as their city is literally hit by a 6.0 SR-earthquake. If Angrir didn't restrain itself like it did on Maveth, the Moon would've been destroyed.
 * Cul Borson: "Do not think I was cut from the same cloth as you, Tyrant. Whilst I seek the deaths of these Beyonders to free my kin from the enslavement of theirs we call Ragnarok, you seek the doom of Galactus so you may take his place and wreak your pent-up, million-year frustration upon reality by consuming worlds without restraint in the bloodiest, most violent of ways. You assume you are powerful as you have defeated some of this universe's greatest champions, and that I am naive for knowing nothing of the wider universe and the terrors it holds. Fool, I have dared the Lord of the Void in his own court of darkness, brought the Lieges of Fear trembling in their own realms, tasted the Black Vortex, and dominated the killers of gods. You are nothing more than a spiteful, petulant child without a vision or purpose."
 * Tyrant: "What do your claims mean if all you have done so far is to fail, Serpent?"
 * Tyrant: "Come now, Worthy. Let us see what makes you truly mighty!"

Angrir smashes Tyrant once again, only this time it fails when Tyrant catches its hammer with his bare hand. A few seconds later, Kuurth / Warbringer follows suite, and Tyrant also catches its hammer, surprisingly matching the two powerhouses' strength with each of his hands.

Greithoth, the Breaker of Wills / Vulcan responds to his statement by blasting a powerful energy blast at Tyrant's back from behind as both Angrir / Black Dwarf and Kuurth / Warbringer disengage. Tyrant is sent flying forward into the hammer of Skirn. Smashing his face hard, Skirn / Tanalth sends Tyrant flying back again into the hammers of Angrir / Black Dwarf and Kuurth / Warbringer, who inflict grievous damage onto him by smashing both of their weapons into his chest and face, forcing him to fly up into the embrace of Mokk, the Breaker of Faith / Vision (Aarkus), who turns into a thick cloud of smoke that immobilizes Tyrant while electrocuting him numerous times, prompting him to silently scream to express pain.
 * Tyrant: "Is this all the power you have? Pitiful! The Breakers of souls and stones have no strength whatsoever!"

After seconds of suffering, Mokk / Vision (Aarkus) drops him down into a black hole that Nerkkod creates, which immediately collapses, crushing Tyrant under insurmountable amount of pressure before he is freed from it by a giant thunderbolt summoned from a rift in reality Cul forms above the Moon, unleashing another monstrous, soundless explosion that devastates a large chunk of the celestial object.

The Peak, SWORD orbital station

Right after the explosion on the Moon, SWORD's personnels begin scrambling in panic as they try to figure out what has just happened. Even Abigail Brand, the calm and collected director of the agency, loses her cool as the station's energy sensors go wild.


 * Abigail Brand: "(Incoherent babbling, with some curses and alien languages thrown in)"


 * Ronan the Accuser: "By Hala, did you see what has just occurred?"


 * Ultimus: "I guess that would be the Serpent the Avengers and I encountered on Earth, but I personally wouldn't dare to pursue the bastard, even if he's on this mudball's blasted moon."


 * Korath the Pursuer: "I concur. (Sigh) Ronan, you know your niece is there, yes?"


 * Ronan: "Yes, and yet, we are helpless to do anything to free her of her... demon, for this situation is something even well beyond our capabilities. Tell me, Ultimus, what did that 'Balder' creature said about his father saving our lives?"


 * Ultimus: "That we should pray for him to succeed in defeating the Serpent responsible for this."


 * Ronan: "Tch. For someone who's as close as it is to a god, what do you think?"


 * Ultimus: "The matter of divinity is not something I would lay my hands upon, Head Accuser. However, we are the Kree, are we not? What gods we battle, we fight and finish to the last."


 * Korath: "Hrh. Gods... that reminds me of something, Ronan."


 * Ronan: "What is it, old friend?"

TBA
 * Korath: "Would now be a good time to unleash GB-001?"

The Cube
===Xandar - Team Luke Cage vs Kuurth, Breaker of Stone (Warbringer)===

Chandilar
TBA

Trivia
TBA