(Warning Long Chapter)

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***HR. WWN Studio***

“Hello everyone! I am Sara Bradley!” Sara said, smiling towards the camera. Her brown hair was tied back into a pony tail. She wore a casual deep red business suit to highlight her features. Despite her schooled expression her hands were wringing slightly on camera.

“While I am Luke Brendon, co-anchor.” Luke said next with his easy going smile. His amber eyes held a sort of warmth. Though his expression held an edge that would make a few people worried. He wore a pine striped suit, and adjusted his shoulders.

“Our top story today happens in our very own New York City! Ladies and gentlemen across the world we have found another Rift located the island of Manhattan.” Sara said, and she gave the camera frown.

“That is right, reports came in only a few hours ago. A Rift opened up on the first floor and quickly grew in size with each passing minute. Anything that the Rift touched was sucked into it like a vortex. It grew to be approximately 100 feet around in a perfect sphere.” Luke continued, and tried to give Sara a reassuring smile.

“Once the Rift had been discovered with in a few short minutes the NYPD showed up to quarantine the area. Only a few minutes later did the Justice League: International show up to help secure the area. They are currently in the process of evacuating the area.” Sara tried to smile back at Luke but failed, her hands were shaking in trepidation.

“We will now go live with our camera crew at the site. Please be aware viewers that they are only allowed to go so close.” Luke said to the camera. Then Luke, and Sara both turned to look at the monitor behind them. The camera zoomed in, and anyone watching could see it live.

The Rift was huge! It had all but swallowed the building it had appeared in. It was a deep blue, to light green color along the edges. However, one of its more interesting all be it eerie aspects was that no matter what angle one would look at the Rift it would always look like it was staring at you. The camera crew was standing on a nearby building and the Rift looked like it was looking right at them. But the camera shot switched to a street view. Same perspective, the Rift's door looked right at them.

Despite the Rifts appearance as a door. It had been proven that the Rift was in fact a perfect sphere. Then before anything more happened a new JLI spring jump appeared. Out came a familiar sight. An 8 foot tall lizard man dressed as the grim reaper appeared. Agent Wraith spoke with the officer in charge of the scene along with one of the JLI leading members. Then after a brief moment Agent Wraith walked into the Rift.

Now they played the waiting game. Would Agent Wraith come back out in a few hours? Days? Weeks? Or would something else come out to attack them? Time will tell!

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***Rift. Story/Crossover***

Just as before Lash fell through a cosmic tube of information. A kaleidoscope of images, words, and events that spread back as far as the eye could see. Then as quickly as it started, it stopped. Lash once more found himself in what could be called a black room. Though the walls were nigh invisible to the naked eye he could feel them nearby. He looked around and he was in an ocean of stars. Then he noticed several stars coming together, merging, taking a humanoid shape.

The shape had feminine curves, narrow waist, wide hips, and bouncing breasts. Starlight danced past her shoulders, and two stars turned blue, a radiant smile that could literally light up the universe itself was revealed. The woman of starlight came up to Lash and pressed their hand to his reptilian snout. She leaned up on her toes and kisses his nose making him laugh.

“Hello Dawn, good to see you.” Lash/Saurian both said to her. A mixture of voices oddly in sync.

“Hello User!” Dawn said softly, she did a twirl and a robe made out of pure white wrapped around her perfectly. Despite its billowing mass it was tailored to her allowing one to see her curves with out giving to much away. Her hood was up, drawing ones eye to see a face made out starlight.

“So, are you ready to play?” Dawn asked, as she brought up a information tab. Lash walked over and poked the tab with a claw. It expanded out and he leaned back in shock. All six of his eyes blinking in rapid succession.

“We are doing the Marvel Cinematic Universe?” Lash asked, as he read through the information. “How is this a Rift?” Lash continued, looking towards Dawn who had placed a finger to her chin tapping it in thought.

“DC Comics, and Marvel Comics have several stories that are considered fan favorites. There are of course several novels, comics, and movies that are incredible stories that many requested to participate in. However, Marvel movies, and Marvel Comics are two different things.” Dawn said as she brought up several User reviews, and suggestions by the Alpha testers.

“Marvel Comics is one of the Beta Test games is it not? Am I going there?” Lash asked, curious if he could meet the X-men.

“Yes, and no. Marvel Comics is one of the Beta Test games selected for the Dream Engine. However, Marvel Cinematic not so much. However so many people wanted to at least play in the different movie events. So that is what this is. However, you may still see VI Avatars participating in the events. Keep that in mind.” Dawn said with a bit of a shrug. That was not the answer Lash was hoping for. But it would still be fun to meet Tony Stark.

“Alright, how do we start? This isn't like the time fragment as far as I can tell. Do I still get a background or do I just get dropped into the universe?” Lash asked, as his giant tail snaked around and wrapped around Dawn. She gave out a cheerful squeak, and started to play her fingers along his scales.

“That is up to you, User!” Dawn said, and brought up several tool tips for him to read through.

Background selection process activated. Marvel Cinematic Universe story/cross over. B+ Grade. Dynamic scaling for difficulty.

Super-Soldier Program, 100WP: You are one of Dr. Abraham Erskine earlier experiments into the program before he left Europe. However, unlike Steven Rodgers your serum had unforeseen consequences. With your new abilities will you fight for the Allies? Or the Axis? (Point of entry, Captain America: 1940's World War 2)

Alien Bounty Hunter, 100WP: You are part of a galactic enforcement program to aid the local star ways. Tracking, hunting, and collecting bounties to return to them to their place in prison. This background comes with a ship. (Point of entry, Captain Marvel: 1995 Kree Starforce. Or, Guardians of the Galaxy: 2014 Nova Core.)

0-8-4, 100WP: You are an object of unknown origin that has landed on Earth. You are collected by an elite team of SHIELD agents lead by Agent Phil Coulson. (Point of entry, after the Avengers 2012, before Winter Soldier pre-Ultron.)

No Background, 0WP: You are given no background and are instead dropped into the Universe with nothing but your abilities already unlocked. You gain 5x the experience, and rewards at the end of the Rift. (Point of entry? Optional)

Recommended, 120WP: You are an Asgardian, a child of Jormungand the world serpent. Granted the ability to travel the branches, and roots of Yggdrasil. You have been tasked by Odin All Father to search Yggdrasil for the fallen Prince Loki Odinson on the slim chance he survived his fall. (Point of entry, Avengers 2012)

“Dawn? How come I can see the recommended this time? Last time in the time fragment it didn't do that?” Lash asked, honestly curious about the change.

“Different situations call for different information. Some Rifts let you see the recommendation, while others do not.” Dawn replied, but her face told another story.

“People complained and the developers caved and made a change?” Lash asked, Erik whispering in his ear. Dawn's shoulders sagged and she looked crestfallen.

“Yes! To many people didn't like the recommendation given to them by their VI Reps. So we are suppose to at least show the basic information. However, if you choose the recommendation you can't take it back.” Dawn said, and pointed at Lash with the promise of fury and possible tail smacking. Lash held up his hands in surrender and wrapped his tail around Dawn in comfort.

“As fun as it would be to do the 'No Background' I'll do what I did last time and go with recommended. You've never let me down before.” Lash said with a smile that Dawn mirrored. She raised her chin and nodded with a smile.

In a flash of light Lash's entire gear set was replaced with ornate protective armor that covered from him neck, to wrist, to toe. Unlike other Einherjar (Military/Police of Asgard) several pieces of armor were stylized with snake scales representing his background. He was also forcibly shifted back to his 'default' human shape. Though he retained his reptilian eyes. He had a bald head, where his tribal tattoos showed proudly.

“I don't suppose this is Eru metal is it?” Lash asked, Erik was practically vibrating with excitement across their shared link.

“It is not.” Dawn said with a smirk, and gave them a mock frown at how disappointed Erik had become. Maybe Lash could ask Thor to touch his hammer. It worked on Hawkman!

Just like before Dawn gave the Wold Point menu to Lash. He had 120 points to spend and he couldn't move on until they were spent. Several options were grayed out. With a notification telling him that because of his background he couldn't access them. Example of one was a Kree rank. That made sense since he was part of Asgard. Could he buy a ship? Did Asgard have ships? He scrolled through the whole WP menu.

“Does Asgard not have any ships?” Lash asked Dawn who shook her head in a clear no.

“Asgard in the movies is a technological advanced race that also uses a form of magic. But in many ways they are still backwards. They uses horses to get around, and longboats that fly through the air. Advanced yes, but nothing capable of FTL. That was what the Bifrost was for.” Dawn said in an advisory tone.

That had always bothered me in the movies. How could they be this advanced race that protected the nine realms but they didn't have a single FTL ship available? -Erik said across their link. Lash and Saurian had to agree, that was just sloppy! They flipped the WP catalog to the User review of the Rift and read a few comments to get an idea of the Rift. A few suggestions on what to buy.

Ability Booster, 50 WP: You automatically start the Rift with half of your abilities intact. Side-Note, this effects your background start.

You have purchased, Ability Booster for 50 WP.

Basic Reputation, 20 WP: You have established a basic reputation among your fellow Asgardians. As a son of Jormungand you are met with suspicion and often disgust. While a select few call you friend.

You have purchased, Basic Reputation for 20 WP.

Basic World/Other World Lore, 20 WP: You are aware of the basic histories, lore, and hidden places of the ten realms. Granting you insight into matters that others have never heard on.

You have purchased, Basic World/Other World Lore for 20 WP.

Intermediate World/Other World Lore, 20 WP: You are aware of the intermediate histories, lore, and hidden places of the ten realms. Granting you insight to locations, events, and abilities that many find to be impossible.

You have purchased, Intermediate World/Other World Lore for 20 WP.

Earth Legend, 10 WP: There are several legends about you on Earth. A monster? A God? Or maybe both. Several legends, myths, and histories have been written about you. Lash son of Jormungand. (This will effect your background start.)

Lash had read through the different recommended WP purchases and decided on these. The other world lore was raved about by the user reviews. At the Intermediate rank they were able to find Loki's secret pathways in and out of Asgard. Along with Asgardian historical sights on Midgard. While many did encourage buying the intermediate version of reputation. At the very least basic would ensure that the Thor knew who you were all be it in passing. Then Earth's legend was just something to use with what ever points they had left. It helped develop a story for Earth about the User.

“Alright User! Your point of entry is Avengers! Are you ready?” Dawn asked, as she skipped around the black room.

“Yes, let's get this started shall we?” Lash said with a smile, and saluted Dawn with a fist right above his heart. Lash then felt himself fall from the black room straight into the information tunnel once again.

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Lash, Jormungandson, an Asgardian with a unique if not odd ability to travel through the different pathways, roots, and branches of Yggdrasil. Unlike others, Lash was able to travel the paths with no ill effect. Blessed by his father he was able to take a monstrous form that protected him from the ravages of space and its dark energy.

Lash had been tasked by the All Father to search the branches, and roots of Yggdrasil for the fallen Prince Loki on the slim chance he had survived his fall. Though in all likely he had died, Queen Frigga had implored King Odin to look for their son. Lash volunteered for the search and earned the admiration and thanks of Queen Frigga.

But now something had happened. Heimdall the all-seeing and all-hearing Asgardian called out to him from the roots of the great tree. Return to Asgard, something has happened. Lash gradually turned his reptilian form and made his way back to Asgard, realm eternal. For he had been away for over a year looking for the impossible. Only had searched a small portion of the tree. What could be so important to tank him away from his task?

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Saurian twisted and turned like a giant crocodile swimming through the water. He bounced across the spectral roots of Yggdrasil towards the realm eternal far above him. The roots of the tree were intangible, and tangible at the same time. A ship could fly through the roots and never know they were there. While those with a different perspective could see the vast majesty that was the tree. Wrapped around the roots of Yggdrasil asleep was the world serpent Jormungand his father. But even in his slumber he helped anchor the different realms together with his massive form. How Saurian yearned to settle next to his father in slumber. But he was given a task, and he would see it through.

Asgard, realm eternal was a massive piece of land. Unlike the other realms Asgard was not a sphere but a disk. A crystal lattice of sorts sat at the bottom and spread across the entire realm. Keeping it stable, granting gravity, oxygen, and life itself. The entire realm was as large as Midgard's north continent merged into an artful designed by the ancestors before creation. Across the entire realm were different lands, places to see, and explore. One could spend a thousand years on Asgard and not see it all. Saurian knew this for a fact for he had seen much, and still had more to see.

Saurian bounced across the roots and climbed onto the crystal underbelly of Asgard. Then he started to climb towards the rainbow bridge or rather what was left of it. Saurian had not been present when Thor had destroyed it. He wish he had been, perhaps he could have stopped Loki from his actions. Loki and Lash/Saurian had always gotten along, or so they had thought. The God of Mischief wasn't always the easiest to read. That had been one of the reasons they had volunteered to find him. They were hoping to find their friend.

The edge of Asgard was nothing but water that fell into the vastness of space and became energy itself. The crystal lattice below would collect that energy and recycle it back into the realm eternal. A renewable source of energy that never ran dry, at least until Ragnarok came. But such a thing was centuries if not thousands of years away. At least one could hope? Saurian dove into the waterfall and swam up the current like a giant eldritch horror from the deep abyss. A snickering smile on his face as he erupted from the waters near broken edge of the Bifrost bridge.

“Greetings to you Jormungandson” Heimdall said from his place at the ruined bridges edge. Saurian grumbled not having the effect he was hoping for. He climbed out of the water onto the ruined bridge, water dripping from his massive form.

Heimdall was approximately 7'2” tall, with chocolate colored skin, black dread locked hair to his shoulders that was covered by a crescent moon helm. He wore ornate golden armor, chain mail, and soft leather. Wielding a large uru cast metal sword, named Hofund the key to the Bifrost.

“Greetings to you Lord Gate Keeper. This one seek entry to the realm eternal.” Saurian said in his animalistic voice. Like a crocodile chewing on a chalkboard. All the same Heimdall understood him, and nodded his head in acceptance.

“You are a child of Asgard of course you are welcomed to come home.” Heimdall replied, as he looked up at the monstrous face of Saurian.

“There are times I feel that the others do not appreciate my presence.” Saurian replied, his face downcast. An unwanted guest in his own home.

“They do not know you. Many fear what they do not know. Be at peace my friend for you are always welcome in my presence.” Heimdall said and for once in their long life did he give him just the barest hint of a smile. Such a compliment made Saurian stand up straighter.

“You must hurry along to the palace. Odin All Father calls for you.” Heimdall said after a moment of silence.

“Be seeing you Lord Gate Keeper.” Saurian said and bowed his head. Heimdall returned the bow, then turned back to view the nine realms once more. His gray eyes turning to starlight.

Saurian began to walk, then gradually turned it into a run down the rainbow bridge of the Bifrost. But unlike before the bridge was mute, no longer vibrant with color. He mourned the loss of the bridge and what it could mean for the nine realms under their protection. Maybe he should volunteer to ferry troops to the other realms. Though he can't carry much, it would be something rather than nothing.

The golden city, and capital of Asgard was a monument of all that was good, and glorified in the upper most branches of Yggdrasil. Only Valhalla the heavens above was greater where all warriors will eventually reside to live in honor, and glory forever. But in a more practical sense! The city itself was massive a metropolis of structures across a vast expanse of land. With the total coverage of approximately 1,000 square miles. While at the dead center was the castle made from gold, and spell forged metals. Like a lonely mountain all in itself it towered over all buildings nearby.

For a brief shinning moment Saurian felt his worries melt away. He was home, at least for now. Then he was brought to a halt at the gates to the massive city at the edge of the Bifrost. The Einherjar warriors, soldiers, and police of Asgard and the nine realms stood at the ready. A few pointed their spears at Saurian when he slowed to a halt. While the commander called for a rest easy.

“Jormungandson please change shape the city is ill prepared to welcome you back in such a state!” The officer in charge called back. Ah! Yes, Saurian looked down at himself. He was so use to traveling the roots of Yggdrasil this way he forgot himself.

Living shadows, and darkness ever night swallowed the monstrous form of Saurian. The sounds of bones snapping, flesh tearing, and the gradual change from a towering 60' by 120' to a 6'6” Asgardian male with golden caramel skin,a bald head with tribal marks across the skin, and yellow green reptilian eyes. Lash stood before the gates of the golden city. Wearing his ceremonial armor Einherjar. He saluted the soldiers, and they saluted back. Though a few were doing so begrudgingly.

“Please wait a moment. We'll have a longboat take you to the palace. They wish to see you in the throne room immediately!” The officer in charge called out.

Once Lash became aware he also seem to come into himself? Or rather he had been on auto pilot this whole time now was able to finally take the wheel. Saurian stretched out across the link and curled up, looking around the area with interest. So this was Asgard? It was impressive, Lash took a knee and ran his hand across the rainbow bridge and used his Transmuter title to learn the chemical composition. A wealth of information flooded his mind.

All of the Lash's Domains were unlocked while about half of the spells were active. A few specific spells were grayed out with progress bars. While a few didn't even have a progress bar attached. Specifically Manifestation was locked. That made some sense, Manifestation was an incredibly powerful spell. While every single skill, power, and trait was unlocked. Many of them were only as strong as F grade, though they all had progress bars attached. Interesting.

The golden city was an interesting place. Lash saw several technological advancements that would leave his Earth, his reality in the dust. While there was also several low grade, pre steam engine tech that made no sense. Horses were nice and all. But come on? A motorcycle would be so much faster. If they were pegasus maybe he could understand it. But no, they were normal horses. Not even a special breed either. Just horses.

The longboat or skiff arrived and Lash stepped onto it for an immediate transit to the palace. The longboat was interesting to say the least. It had several gun pods along its bottom section. While on the tail end it had a few energy missile pods. No actual ammunition, just self guiding projectiles. Fancy! The engine was in the back, while the pilot and or driver had direct control of the ship via steering stick? Oar? Behind the gun pods, and before the engine were twin towering pieces of metallic wings. That could unfurl and move through space surrounding Asgard. Given that Asgardians could survive in a vacuum oddly enough.

There was a driver, and a gunner aboard the skiff and they kept to themselves. Lash frowned at that, he understood they were on duty. But from the memories given to him by his background most Asgardians were friendly with one another. Maybe he should have spent more points on his reputation? It was to late now, if anything he would put a User review on the reputation WP catalog. It would be a few minutes traveling to the palace even as fast as they were moving so Lash spent his time figuring out how the skiff moved with his Science Intuition, and Magic Intuition he received several experience prompts and even received a progress bar for learning the design.......15%.......30%......60%......100%

Attention User! You've obtained the design for Asgardian longboat/skiff boat design.

The skiff stopped off at a entry port before even entering the palace. Security was tight around the palace as it always was. Lash stepped off the boat and bowed to the pilot, and driver thanking them for the ride. They nodded in reply and pushed off returning to their patrol. An officer stood by ready to escort him to the throne room. As Lash moved through the security point he noticed hundreds of Einherjar preparing for a long battle or maybe even a war.

That was right, with the Bifrost destroyed the enemies of the nine realms were noticing that Asgard wasn't around anymore. They would most likely attack the realms while they were away. Lash searched through his memories and knew at least three different secret pathways to three different realms they could take through Asgard with out the Bifrost. He'd have to tell Heimdall about it. Something was always better than nothing.

The golden palace was just as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. What surprised Lash even more than that was he saw VI Avatars walking through the halls. Holy crap! He wondered how many WP's one needed to spawn as an Asgardian! Once again Lash was reminded that since he didn't restart his Dream he would never encounter an actual User in any Rift he went through. Just their VI Avatar counterparts. But it was still pretty cool to see them!

Lash was brought before the very large, and very ornate double golden doors that lead straight into the throne room. He was asked to wait while an officer walked in to announce his arrival. From Lash's memories he believed he would be waiting at least thirty minutes or so. It was a long walk from the door to the throne. So he spent his time admiring the architecture.

“Lash! Jormungandson it has been to long!” A woman's voice called out from behind him. Lash turned around and his eyes went wide. He quickly took a knee and bowed his head in reverence.

“Lady Sif, Goddess of War!” Lash said in a respectful tone.

Lady Sif was approximately 6'2” with long black hair that was tied back into several braids down her back. She had an inverted triangle figure with that looked great on her. She wielded a double bladed sword that could compress into a single blade, along with a shield that could block nearly all kinds of kinetic, and energy blasts. She wore a tailor made, ornate warrior garb that was a combination of white, silver, armor with red garments. She had deep blue eyes, and an infectious smile that could brighten a room. She was also one of the few Asgardians in her generation that held a Domain.

“How many times have I told you to just call me Sif, Lash?” Sif asked with a smirk as she walked over to pull him to his feet. Lash kept his head bowed and away from her face.

“At least one more time, Lady Sif Goddess of War.” Lash replied, and Sif groaned in annoyance and grabbed his head and forced him to look at her. She pegged with a glare and dared him to look away. Which Lash would have if she was not forcing him to look at her.

“We are friends are we not!? Friends look each other in the eye when they speak!” Sif called to him in challenge and let him go. She stepped back and put her hand on her blade fully prepared to kick his ass if he denied their friendship.

Lash/Saurian could feel the emotion tied to such a statement from Sif. Their background was filled with little problems that came with being the son of Jormungand. If Loki thought himself a pariah, it was nothing compared to Lash. The serpent was destined to fight Asgard. Yes Lash was allowed a home here on Asgard itself. But many looked at him with disgust. Sif, was one of the few that dared to call him friend and challenged any who named him ill.

“Yes! Yes! We are friends! Please don't hurt me!” Lash called out and recoiled from her. Though he did have a little smile on his face. A fact that was noticed by Sif. She took her hand from her blade and and smiled at him.

“You will not forget it, or doubt it ever again! Or will give you a thrashing! Now, what brings you back from the roots of Yggdrasil?” Sif asked, curious of his return. Lash opened his mouth to speak but the throne room doors opened revealing an officer.

“Lady Sif, Jormungandson the All Father orders your presence before him.” The officer said, Sif glared at the officer for not saying Lash's name but let it go at Lash's insistence.

They entered together and Lash took a step or two behind Sif until she stared daggers at him. So he picked up the pace and walked side by side with her. She smiled at him then walked toward the throne. Sitting on the throne was Odin All Father, king of Asgard and protector of the nine realms. Odin was a towering giant of a man at approximately 6'9” with long gray and silver hair swept back from his shoulders. A long white beard groomed, and trimmed. With a golden eye patch, while his remaining eye sparked with magical energy. He sat on a golden throne in ornate royal armor, wielding his spear Gungnir. A golden shaft, with a diamond shaped tip. A golden radiance washed the throne room in a glow from the spear alone.

By his side was Queen Frigga All Mother a beautiful woman at approximately 5'11” with a regal persona with a welcoming smile on her face. She wore a colorful aesthetically pleasing royal garb with a few decorative armored plates here and there. Along with a short sword tied to her waist along with a wand. Her long curly hair was a mix match of blond, silver, gold, and a little black highlights. She looked at Lash with fondness. Surrounding Queen Frigga was magical aura of great power. Yes, Odin had great power. While Frigga kept a sort of charm, and illusion about her. You never knew what she saw, and what you didn't see.

Last but certainly not least! Especially as Sif's eyes took on a dreamy appearance was Thor Odinson, God of Thunder. Who stood at approximately 6'5” with long shoulder length blond hair. Deep ocean blue eyes, and a winning smile that could melt the hearts of any woman that looked upon him. He wore a tailored made suit of armor. Leather, and splint mail with scale plated sleeves. A red royal cape adorned his back. Bound to his chest with two decorative plates. Thor's suit of armor was part of his Asgard-->>

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