==============================================================

***HR. United Nations***

The United Nations building contained with in New York had been hit several times by Zeta teams, but also by several up and coming villains looking to take the place as a sort of palace. Thankfully such people had been driven out, while a few were killed and/or arrested. The assorted embassies in New York had been brutalized by attacks. While a few survived the onslaught. Now sitting in a council chamber were the few remaining delegates.

Atlantis, Themyscira, America, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Amsterdam, Korea. (Currently unified, given North Korea's leaders were killed by Zeta teams) Along with a few more smaller nations that had not been directly attacked by any Zeta teams. But also survived the crucible between nations. However, a majority of the councilors were not in the room personally but were attending via borrowed satellite comes from the JLI.

While the rest of the leaders across the globe had been killed, and/or had failed to send a representative. They were still picking up the pieces. They had been talking for several hours trying to work together to help one another. No, that was a lie. They were arguing about who should be helped first and why. Many people were upset that Wraith hadn't given their country a Solar Plant while other countries received one.

But when the report came in that a Rift had opened right in the middle of New York, and with in a few short hours Wraith showed up to seal the Rift from the inside the negative attention he had was sputtered out by a lot. But the issues were still there. The world was in shambles! The infrastructure was in ruins. The powers that use to be in charge took a huge hit. Now they were receiving aid from Atlantis, Themyscira, and the JLI which in many cases had become its own power.

“Atlantis will of course continue to provide material aid to all of the coastal cities. But as you can imagine we don't have any means of flying inland.” The Atlantis councilor replied to the nations.

The man had been selected carefully for his looks. He was 5'10” with light blue skin, webbing between his hands, and feet. With gills along his neck, and knife tipped ears. He wore a combination of ceremonial ocean silks, and green fish scale armor. He was a primal ocean-kin selected specifically by Arthur. He was named, Kitlivox Tojort. Despite his animal like appearance he was very good at his job and knew how to navigate the political land mines. He also knew when to throw that out the window and tear someone a new hole!

“Themyscira doesn't mind helping with security. However, we've noticed your nations have a hard time taking orders from women. Until your soldiers take the sticks out of their asses our Amazons will not stop teaching them a lesson in warrior honor.” A familiar woman said to the room, this was Althea. The Amazon woman that Lash had met so many months ago in Gotham.

Althea was a warrior and/or a diplomat. Some would say they were one in the same. She was 5'11” with a rectangular figure, golden tanned skin, brown hair to her shoulders but currently tied back, along with brown eyes. She also had several tiny facial scars around her eyes, mouth, and along her neck. It didn't distract from her beauty, but added more of a mystique to her. Just like Kitlivox she wore a combination of ceremonial silks, with leather, and metal armor. Especially the magical enchanted bracers, along with a short sword at her side. Several of the delegates coughed and mumbled a few apologies. While a few other nations snickered.

“Do we have any word on this new Certified Supers Association?” The delegate from the United Kingdom asked.

“Is that really relevant right now?” Another delegate asked, they were on a video screen looking through several monitors on their end.

“Yes, we do. Ghost Industries is footing the bill. They are also opening what we can only describe as a Supers Insurance subsidiary. The issue we have right now is facilities.” The Japanese delegate informed the room. The information caught a few of the delegates off guard.

“So, the UN is supporting the creation, and formation of the CSA then?” The Korean delegate asked, a look of conflict on their faces.

“Registration, and training. After that if you want to gobble them up for government security that is perfectly fine. We just want to ensure they know enough to control their abilities with out hurting themselves, and others. While also educating them all on the opportunities they have. Instead of force labor, and conscripted military service where their families are being held hostage.” The United Kingdom said with a glare towards several delegates who grumbled.

“We have to hammer in the fact that Supers are just like everyone else when it comes to rights, and laws. We all follow the same laws, so should they. But that is a slippery slope since so many people were hurt by the Supers. But, on the other hand plenty of people were helped by them as well.” The Delegate from Amsterdam said to the room. Many of them nodded in agreement while others disagreed.

“Remember, they didn't ask to be this way. It would be completely different if they went through a process voluntarily.” Kitlivox said to the room. “We also need to discuss what do with super power animals we have discovered. Some of them have sapient intelligence. I believe we should decide on them on a case by case basis.” He continued while a few of the delegates balked at that idea.

“Your telling us we should allow a Meta-Bear who can understand us the same basic rights as any citizen!?” The American delegate asked in shock.

“Not a fan of smokey the bear?” The United Kingdom delegate asked with a laugh.

“I think that is a good idea. There is a very large, and very animated fox in our country that helped during the invasion. We have already granted it citizen rights.” The Japan delegate replied to the room.

“As I said, case by case basis. Now, about Fort Rozz.” Kitlivox began and was swallowed by angry shouts and dismissals.

“We can't ignore it! The JLI are doing their best to collect the criminals and sending them back to their respective homes. However, several of them have paid their dues and have asked to stay on Earth.” Althea shouted over everyone, and such a remark was met by more shouting.

“Send them back where they came from! They have no right to stay on our planet!” The American delegate shouted.

“That is not up to you!” The Amsterdam delegate shouted at them.

The shouting continued for nearly an hour until a uniformed chime went off to notify everyone they had reached the end of their allowed time to use the JLI satellite. It was a good a time as any to end their meeting. Several people complained about the time limit, but a few saw the wisdom in ending here and now before they screamed at everyone for another eight hours. One by one the delegates from across the globe via video screen logged off. While only a few remained in person at the chambers.

“Is it always this bad?” Althea asked Kitlivox who looked at her with pity.

“Yes, I wish I could say Atlantis has evolved past such petty issues. But its just as bad there as it is here. We can't please everyone, so we don't try. However, we often forget people and they fall through the cracks.” Kitlivox said as he came over to her and took a seat.

“How do you think they will take it when they introduce the supernatural world in a few years?” Althea asked, turning to look at him.

“Honestly, I don't think the supernatural world should ever come out into the public. As weird as it may sound, it is safer if they don't.” Kitlivox replied, and Althea frowned at him. “When I said supernatural world I mean the people that don't look like them. Yes, Themyscira is technically part of the world. But you know how weird humans can get about things that look slightly different from them.” He finished, and gestured to his blue skin, and gills. He had received a lot of flak from the surface public based purely on his looks.

“The world of men is despicable!” Althea said with frustration, and threw her hands up. Then glared at Kitlivox when he snorted at her comment.

“Please! Women are just as capable of being despicable, blood thirsty, and violent as men.” Kitlivox said with a roll of his eyes. Althea glowered at him, and he started to list off the many, blood thirsty things the Amazons had done in their history.

“Besides! Isn't Wraith a man?” Kitlivox asked, and Althea became deflated. Pointing out that Lash had become an honored brother to the Amazons.

“There are always exception to the rules.” Althea said, and Kitlivox sneered at her.

They continued to bicker back and forth about histories little, exceptions. But in the end neither of them gained any real ground over each other. In an odd way they actually seem to just enjoy arguing. They continued their discussion all the way to their bodyguards location and then tried and failed to, 'last word each other.' Finally their bodyguards dragged them off in separate directions.

==============================================================

***Rift, Story/Crossover. New York***

Saurian wrapped himself in shadow, and darkness and swapped out with Lash. Lash changed into his default Asgardian form, and armor. Then joined the Avenger team inside of Stark Tower. They had found Loki crawling his way out of Stark's common room area from the beating that Hulk had given him. Always the one ready to through a few words at someone Loki smiled at them all including his brother Thor.

“If it all the same to you, I'll have that drink now.” Loki said with a smirk.

“Alright! Get him up, we can pose up a storm later!” Tony said with a reasonable about of sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Thor walked over and lifted Loki to his feet and put him into Asgardian manacles. Everyone dispersed around the room. Black Widow picked up the scepter and looked around the room. She smiled a bit and walked over to Lash and held out the scepter to him. Lash took it carefully looking it over. He ran his Transmuter title through it and learned its chemical composition. A collection of metals he had no idea what they could be used for.

“Any ideas?” Widow asked Lash who nodded several times.

“As long as one has a strong enough will they can dominate another by gently pressing the blade into another individuals chest. However, if they do not have the right mind sent the scepter will consume them instead. Handle with care.” Lash said, as he ran his fingers along the scepter. More specifically he tried to touch the stone but he felt his fingers collide with what could only be described as an invisible barrier. Odd.

Lash handed the scepter back to Widow who took it back carefully. Lash walked over to Loki, who stepped back a bit and looked at him with an unreadable expression. Then with out much warning Lash leaned in and hugged Loki. The god of mischief stiffened. Lash didn't say anything and just squeezed him gently for a few seconds then let go. He cradled Loki's face in his hands and mouthed the words, 'I'm sorry.' Loki's eyes twitched but did little else.

There was some awkward tension in the air that was cleared as the elevator door opened. A SHIELD strike team walked in being escorted by Agent Jasper Sitwell. A human male that stood at about 5'9” with a bald head. (Baldies Unite!) With calculating brown eyes, and sturdy if not slim build. He wore a gray buttoned up suit with a pin stripped neck tie. He walked over to Widow and was given the scepter. Lash tried to contain his growl, but a bit of leaked out. Only Loki noticed him and he looked at Sitwell in curiosity. Sherogoth's Blessing was telling Lash that Sitwell was dripping with sin. He was a soul bound for hell. The entire SHIELD strike team was Hydra.

Lash tried to take a physical step towards Sitwell but something compelled him to stop moving. He had felt this before. This was the 4th wall engine preventing him from doing something. However it was the first time to see it stop him from moving. The 4th wall engine always stopped him from talking about certain things. Like telling the Dreamers that they lived in a video game, or their universe was based on a comic book. The 4th wall engine prevented him, and others from talking about it. But it never stopped him from moving. He realized that he had felt the same effect when he tried to touch the mind stone housed inside the scepter.

Agent Sitwell, and the strike team left the room with out issue. It was only when the elevator door closed that Lash could move again. It was also when the room seem to realize he was glaring at the elevator. Loki was looking at him with an look of shock! He had seen Lash frozen in place but before he could speak Thor had slapped a mouth piece over Loki's mouth to prevent from speaking.

“Where is the Tesseract?” Lash asked, and Tony came down stairs followed by Rhodey still in his War Machine armor.

“Here! Want to wave your hands over it and chant a spell?” Tony asked, looking over at Lash with a bit of a smirk. But also a look of genuine interest. The Tesseract was contained in a briefcase that could run its energy through a loop.

Lash walked over to the stone and ran his hands along the cube. Unlike the scepter Lash could feel the stone hum with power. The entire cube glowed brilliantly under the attention of Lash. He was also pleasantly surprised when he received a notification about his spell ability.

Attention User! Basic Portal Creation has evolved into Intermediate Portal Creation.

Effect: Increased range of spell effect.

Effect: Spell/Power has a 12 hour cool down.

Effect: Spell/Power consumes 30% of the total power reserve.

Side-Effect: The penalty of Portal Creation has been removed by the power of the Tesseract.

“Most fascinating.” Lash said as he finished running his fingers along the cube.

“Do you want a moment alone with the cube?” Stark asked, with a smirk. Lash turned to look at him.

“No, though we'll need time to create the proper housing unit for its power. I'll have one made in less than an hour. Then Thor, and Loki can return to Asgard.” Lash replied to him, and walked over to a table and started to craft the device in question.

“Well talk about Sailor Moon power up! You're just pulling from the air!?” Tony looked on in shock as he watched Lash create the device.

“Will you not be coming with us, Lash?” Thor asked as he yanked Loki forward.

“The device only has place for two. You'll have to return to Asgard with out me. Once the Bifrost is rebuilt I'll come back and help stabilize the nine realms.” Lash replied to Thor, and went back to concentrating on the device.

Though Lash could supposedly ask the Sorcerer Supreme to empower his ritual circle again and send him home. But Lash had work to do here. For one he was currently sending his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits through SHIELD's mainframe. His tech-spirits could use Insight at an increased energy consumption through him. They were currently making an advanced list of Hydra. Along with SHIELD base locations, secrets, supplies, etc.

Captain America excused himself shortly after their discussion had come to assist SHIELD and the local first response teams to help with search and rescue. Lash said he would come help once he finished with the housing unit. However, before everyone left Lash cast Sooth, Nature's Supplement, Nature's Kiss, and Immaculate on everyone. Renewed, with a clean fresh feeling. Everyone was grateful, especially Widow. Apparently the spell clean, and conditioned her hair.

Lash was pretty sure Widow was just being the natural flirt that Erik said she would be. Always testing, always checking for information. It was a natural skill she had learned, and couldn't turn off. Hulk changed into Banner after a bit and put on some clothes that Lash made for him. Stark asked about his ability to pull material from thin air and Lash tried his best to inform him of how. The Quality Enhancement had eventually dissolved from every ones gear at the specific time made by Lash. Including but not limited to Haweye's bow, the man had tears in his eyes as he saw his bow go back to normal.

Lash finished the container and engraved with Asgardian spell inscriptions. It would break the dimensional walls and send its occupants to Asgard. Lash went outside the reinforced concrete circle balcony that Stark had made, and regretted now. Lash held up the device and turned it around. It made him look a little silly but Heimdall was looking it over. Lash made a few corrections to the container and Heimdall gave him stamp of approval.

Thor had been using the time to speak to Jane Foster over their communication talismans. She was upset that he had to leave so soon. But was more amiable with the ability to speak to him across vast distances. He promised he would do his best to return once all the 9 realms were secure once more. Then Thor, and Loki came out to the landing. Under the watchful gaze of everyone present Thor, and Loki teleported across universes, and dimensions to Asgard the realm eternal. Leaving behind Lash Jormungandson....

----

Lash blinked and turned around to help with the rescue efforts however he found himself standing in a familiar black room. With Dawn in her starlight form standing in the room with him. The transition was a little disorienting but Lash found his footing quickly. He looked around and saw Earth below. More specifically MCU Earth below. Lash looked back at Dawn then before he could ask.

“Yes, the 4th wall engine prevented you from doing certain things. That is because there are some events, and points in the story that have to happen regardless of the User involvement. Now, that is not to say that the User can't completely blow the story off its hinges. Believe me User, the Dream Engine Developers have seem weird events take place.” Dawn said with a bit of contrite look on her face.

“So, whats next then?” Lash asked as he walked over to stand next to Dawn who smiled up at him. She brought up a world point tool.

“When you first arrived you were given the chance of a background with WP purchases. Now, you are jumping through the story. You will be given 100 WP, however instead of setting up a back ground you can use these points to depict what 'you' did between events.” Dawn said as she spun on her heel and danced a bit around the room. Letting her white celestial robe spin about with her. Lash watched her with a smile on his face. Then he looked at the tool tip.

“Are these choices open to every User who does the events? Or are they catered to the User themselves?” Lash asked, as he noticed a few had been designed for son of Jormungand.

“Bit of both, User. However I must remind you that depending on what you spend your WP on will depend on the next event you take part in.” Dawn said, as she spun around the room. Watching Lash, watch her put a smile on her face. Lash enjoyed the distraction for a short while before he looked back at the options available.

Public Relations, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent several weeks helping to rebuild, and renew the city of New York. He visited hospitals and helped the injured, as well as the sick. What should have taken months of work was done in a few short weeks.

You have purchased Public Relations for 20 WP.

SHIELD Relations, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent time with SHIELD working specifically on humanitarian missions. As well as visiting the different academies. Though he never gave technology away, he did teach, and guide many students towards the answers they were looking for.

You have purchased SHIELD Relations for 20 WP.

Return to Asgard, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent far longer on Midgard then intended he did return to Asgard to help with securing Vanaheim. With his Asgardian Domain unlocked he played a greater role in the reclamation of the planet.

You have purchased Return to Asgard for 20 WP.

Helped Thor, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jomungandson helped convince Odin to allow Thor to visit the 9 realms periodically. Including but not limited to Midguard. This allowed the people to get to know the future king. While also allowing Thor to see Jane Foster, and help the Avengers on odd missions.

You have purchased Helped Thor for 20 WP.

Improve Asgard, 20 WP: The User has convinced Odin All Father for the need for an update to Asgard's infrastructure. Asgardian ships capable of FTL and/or jump points were being built, along with orbital defensive around the 9 realms under their protection.

You have purchased Improve Asgard for 20 WP.

________________________________________________________________

Asgardian Lash Jormungandson spent several weeks attending to the needs of the city known as New York. He rebuilt, repaired, and renewed the city, and its people. While restoring New York he visited the Sorcerer Supreme and spoke on many subjects. As well as the communication between the Masters of Kamar-Taj, and Asgard.

Lash offered to spend some time with SHIELD keeping a promise to Lady Hill, and Lord Fury. He visited the different SHIELD academies and taught them a few things. Though he never went over board he only ever nudged them in the right direction. Playing the role of guide, or a teacher. However this small measure of guidance helped them understand far more concepts that the Midgardians never thought about.

Soon the Bifrost was restored, and he was called on to return to Asgard and help secure Vanaheim. Several long months of combat helped him build a positive reputation with the people, and the Einherjar. Though a few still looked at him with mistrust. Overall his reputation turned into a positive light. Especially when he was seen healing the injured, and even pulling the recently dead back from Hel. While those who died in glory were sent to Valhalla.

In an effort to help his forlorn friend Lash presented a two part plan to Odin, and Frigga. Allow Thor to periodically visit each of the 9 realms. Let him hear their thoughts, concerns, as well as get to know them. This will help the future king know his people. But it will also allow him time to visit Midgard. (Part one) While they also reinforce the defenses of the 9 realms. If the realms are in less danger it is better overall for everyone. (Part two) He proved this point by sneaking into Asgard with out Heimdall noticing. The gap in the defenses was quickly fixed.

Thor ended up with more work to do. But ultimately thanked Lash for the ability to visit Jane every few months for about a week. But it also did its intended job. Thor got to know the 9 realms, and its people. A weight was settled on the man's shoulder. The kind of weight every king experiences, where Thor's actions had repercussions that he hadn't thought about. The change was welcome in Odin's eyes, and so he allowed Thor to continue seeing Jane.

Recently Lash has been helping the different people of the 9 realms set up orbital defensive platforms. Along with defenses on the planets themselves. Because of his unique abilities he is suited for the task, and often travels with Thor. They have grown to become good friends, and allies in battle. But every time Lash returns to Asgard he makes sure to visit Loki in prison to see his old friend. Though Loki never speaks to Lash when he visits. Lash believes the god of mischief does appreciate his visits.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Hnnnnnnnggggggggggg!” Lash grunted, and growled in annoyance as Thor laughed at him! A huge grin on the thunder god's face. Why was he laughing? Because Lash was currently trying to pick up Thor's hammer.

Lash, and Thor were currently at Asgard inside a tavern celebrating their recent return to the realm eternal. With them were the warriors three, and Lady Sif! Along with a host of Einherjar, and the taverns regular patrons. A majority of the people were drunk, and cheering loudly as they watched Lash try to lift the hammer off the table. But no matter how hard he tried Lash couldn't move the damn hammer! At last he let go and sighed in regret, the whole tavern cheered and the large, and overly friendly Volstagg came to his side and clapped him on the back. At least Lash learned how to transmute uru metal.

“Not to worry Lash! Aside from the All Father, and Thor himself no one has ever been able to lift the hammer! It doesn't make you any less of a warrior, I assure you! But come have a drink with me!” Volstagg said, grinning from ear to ear.

“But you already have two drinks with you.” Lash pointed at the issue, and Volstagg scoffed! He guzzled both cups down and tossed them aside with a loud.

“ANOTHER!” Volstagg shouted loudly and the whole room cheered!

Volstagg was part of the group known as the warriors three. They were well known allies, and friends of Thor since he was young. They had dozens of stories written, and preformed by the Skalds of Asgard. Even Odin himself had called on them from time to time for important tasks of Asgard. Volstagg was a giant man with a big bushy red beard, and red hair that went down to the middle of his back. His beard, and hair were groomed, and braided with care. He wore a hard leather garment, and used a battle axe as his primary weapon. He had sparkling blue eyes, and was always seen with either a drink in hand, or food!

Sitting silently in the back corner of the tavern was Hogun the grim. He had cold gray metal eyes, long black hair tied back, and wore an assortment of animal hide, and leather. He used a spiked mace capable of turning into a morning star at the flip of a switch. He preferred quiet parties to such rough housing but would always come at his friends insistence. If only to ensure they didn't get into to much trouble. He always had his eyes moving, always looking over the crowd like a hawk.

Then in the middle of several beautiful ladies was the legendary scoundrel Fandral the Dashing! Blond hair that reached his eyes, brushed to the side. Dazzling blue eyes, a groomed mustache, and goatee. He wore tight leather, and cloth material over his body. While he had a rapier in a sheath at his side. He was a charmer, and a lover of women in all shapes, and sizes. Many would argue he could seduce even the most wild of women. But this of course also got him into a lot of trouble. Especially since one of the lovey ladies he was speaking to threw her mug of ale into his face and stormed off. But Fandral dried his face off and automatically shifted to the next lady like nothing happened.

Lash obliged his friend and had a drink with Volstagg as he watched Lady Sif speak to Thor about this and that. Anyone with a pair of eyes could see that Sif had romantic feelings for Thor. But, Thor was the future king of Asgard. So, Sif had to be careful around him. But, it was also known that Thor at this current time had a thing for a mortal on Midgard. Many looked down at such a thing, but a few didn't care. Give it a few decades and she would grow old and die. Then Thor would be available again.

Thor stood up abruptly and raced towards the door of the tavern leaving Sif standing there with an awkward expression on her face. She clearly didn't understand what just happened. The tavern looked at her, then at the door. Lash stood up and went to the door and looked around only to see Thor flying towards the Bifrost, towards Heimdall. Was it time? Sure enough the Bifrost activated, and the direction it was pointing was towards Midgard.

“Shit...” Lash said just loud enough for Sif to hear him as she came up behind him to ask what was going on.

“Something is happening on Midgard.” Lash replied to her.

“You mean something is happening to her.” Sif said, and the bitter tone in her voice made Lash wince. Lash turned to her with an apology written on his face but she held up a hand.

“I do not blame you, Lash. I know what you did was meant to help the 9 realms as a whole. I just...” Sif said, and turned away clenching her jaw.

“Lady...” Lash began, then doubled back when Sif glared at him. “Sir, have you told Thor how you feel?” Lash asked, and Sif went wide eyed and blushed just a little.

“I...Well no.. I mean, isn't it obvious?” Sif asked, and Lash smiled at her. For all of Sif's abilities talking about her feelings was not one of her talents.

“Have you met Thor?” Lash asked, as if pointing out the obvious. Sif could literally hold up a sign telling Thor the truth of her feelings and he would look at her in confusion. Sir let out an insufferable sigh.

“I can't just tell him!” Sif said in anger and frustration. She walked off down the path towards destination unknown. Though Lash followed after her to continue the conversation.

“What does Queen Frigga say about it?” Lash asked her, and Sif stiffened and looked anywhere but at Lash. Lash gave her a deadpanned expression. “Well at least we know Odin approves of it.” Lash offered Sif a bone and she bit down on it.

“Yes! The All Father has made it clear that he would-->>

next page