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League of Heroes........Guardians of Earth (Darkkitten9389 & CrimsonMaster)

The flying objects didn't hurt Changeling, but they did piss her off. Her metal body kept her from being hurt. Still, those rocks and stones were damn annoying. Changeling glared at the slender young woman. If looks could kill, Whisper would have been blown into dust. Changeling returned her attention to the downed android. However, before she could strike a blow, she was knocked down the street. Casey, or Miss Marvel as she was calling herself. Jumped in and saved Image. She knocked Changeling down the street. Casey then stood there, laughing. She loved this new power she had. It made her feel invincible. She'd already taken blows which would have killed a normal person. Casey was suddenly attacked by several paragoblins. As they fought with her, she was becoming more angry. Her eyes started to glow red. Casey started beating the creatures without mercy. She ripped the arms off one, then punched another so hard, it's head ripped off it's shoulders. Casey then grabbed the last one. She slammed the creature into the street and began pounding it's face. Each of her punches became harder, the ground around her started to shake from her strikes.

Casey's eyes glowed a deeper red as her anger continued to grow. She cursed the paragoblin, while delivering one thunderous punch after another. Casey was on the edge of losing control. Her anger was getting the better of her. There was nothing left of the paragoblin's face or head. Casey was left beating her fist into a blood soaked street. Raven came up and he grabbed Casey's arm. " Casey!......Stop! " Raven spoke, trying to stop his young secretary, but his words fell on deaf ears. She wasn't ready to stop. " LET GO OF ME!.......YOU DON'T CONTROL ME! " Casey snarled out as she yanked her arm free. This lifted Raven off his feet and sent him hurling towards a building. Casey had lost all sense of reason. She just tossed aside the most important man in her life. Showing him no concern what so ever.
 
Whisper saw the glare that Changeling had sent her but she didn't let it phase her as she continued to aim the rocks and debris at the shifter. She knew that what she was doing wouldn't harm Changeling, but it did distract her long enough because when the metal being turned to strike a blow to the android, she didn't have enough time to strike because she was knocked down the street by the one who called herself Miss Marvel. She jumped in and saved Image. With Image free of Changeling, Whisper returned her attention to fighting the paragoblins around her. She was using her powers to defeat the goblins which attacked her. It wasn't until she felt the slight shaking in the ground that she looked away from the fight at hand and looked over to see the very woman whom had saved Image obliterating the head of a paragoblin with her fists.

The sight, to Whisper was a little nauseating. Raven then appeared and grabbed onto Casey's arm, telling her to stop. Instead, the woman snarled and yanked her arm away from him. This sent him hurling towards a building. "Raven!" came a scream, the voice telling Whisper that it was Scarlet Cat. Whisper reached out with her powers and began to stop him, but her attention was suddenly pulled away from stopping the hero's flight when she felt a burning feeling in her arm and she stumbled to the side to avoid another blow from a paragoblin. One had snuck up and caught her arm with its blade, leaving a long cut running along her upper arm. Luckily it wasn't too deep, but it did hurt a lot. Unfortunately, this kept her from stopping Raven's movement towards the building, but hopefully it had been enough to keep him from getting badly injured.

Scarlet Cat had seen Raven go flying and she was too far away to do anything about it, the woman in the middle of a fight with several paragoblins when her lover was sent towards the building. She took down her opponents quickly before she moved quickly towards Casey. "Casey! You need to stop!" she said firmly as she approached the other woman.
 
Raven slammed into the building. He then dropped to the sidewalk, laying there unconscious. Whisper didn't do enough to save him. Lucky for Raven, his costume was a light type of armor and did help with the impact. But, he would be out of the fight for a bit. Once Raven was down, Apocalypse wasted no time in having more back up arrive for his side. He called on his long time General and one dangerous creature, Insector. Some of the heroes would remember this giant insect from the last invasion. Insector could release a gas from it's body. This gas would then turn any bug, insect or arachnid nearby into a giant monster.

Casey was enjoying the rage burning within her. She never felt so alive before. Her timid nature and general weakness were gone. Casey could now do anything she wanted. She no longer needed to hide in the background. She could become the hero she always wanted to be. However, there was a major problem, one Casey couldn't detect. Her rage was getting the best of her. Had Scarlet Cat taken a few moments to question Casey. She would understand what was happening right now. Another voice was telling Casey to stop. Someone else trying to tell her what to do. She was damn tired of always being told what to do. It wouldn't be happening anymore. Casey no longer needed to listen to anyone. She had all the power now. " YOU DON'T GET TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO ANYMORE!......I'M THE ONE WITH ALL THE POWER!.......I CAN DEFEAT EVERYONE HERE!........I CAN KILL EVERYONE HERE! " Casey's voice carried the rage she felt building inside her body. " THEN I CAN MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER.......SAFER PLACE! " Casey was on the edge and about to fall off. She wasn't able to think passed that building rage. " Scarlet Cat told you to stop........You'd better stand down. " She-Beast spoke while grabbing Casey by the shoulder. Casey spun around and leveled She-Beast with a powerful punch. Had She-Beast been normal, she would be dead. Her own super strength saved her life.

She-Beast rose to her feet, wiping a bit of blood from her mouth. She then returned Casey's punch. Sending the young woman sailing into a nearby van. Her body ripping through the metal like it was tissue paper. Casey stumbled from the now wrecked van, which had up till now survived the on going battle. She dropped to her knees. Her body was shaking. Her red hair was going black and her skin was turning red. Suddenly Casey rose to her feet. Holding her arms out at her sides, she let out a deafening scream. Casey had Changed. She-Beast was confused. " Who is this girl and what just happened? " She-Beast asked the equally stunned Scarlet Cat. She assumed Cat knew her since she was calling out to the woman.
 
Scarlet Cat was torn between who she wanted to focus on. She wanted to go to Raven because of how he had collided into the building, the sound of the impact seeming to play over in her ears. But at the same time she was worried about her lover and dear friend, Casey, who was loosing all control of herself and her anger. Her need to focus on Casey won as Casey was becoming a danger to everyone at the moment, not just their enemies. So she fought her way towards the raging woman. As she told Casey she needed to stop, the woman seemed to just get even more angry. She was raging and telling them that they couldn't tell her what to do anymore and that she was the one with all the power. As she stated she could defeat and kill everyone there and then make the world a better, safer place, Scarlet Cat's eyes widened a bit before she watched as She-Beast stepped up and told Casey that she'd better stand down while grabbing onto the other woman.

In response to this, Casey turned and punched She-Beast. Seeing this was shocking to Scarlet Cat and she didn't know what to say as she watched She-Beast get to her feet again and then return the hit, sending Casey flying into a van. Things were going pear-shaped and Scarlet Cat had no clue what to do as Casey stumbled out of the wreckage of the van and fell to her knees. She red head watched on as Casey began shaking, her hair changing from red to black and her skin began to turn red before the young woman got to her feet, her arms held out at her sides and she let out a loud scream. This left Scarlet Cat completely stunned and she glanced up at She-Beast when she asked who the girl was and what just happened. Scarlet Cat shook her head. "She works for me. As of this time yesterday, she was completely human without any kind of powers." she told She-Beast. "I don't know what she's done, but whatever she did, it's changed her. And not for the better. She's becoming a danger to everyone on the field. Including herself. And she needs to be stopped."
 
The drug Casey used had changed her in ways no one could have expected. This was the reason why Eric & Alexandria wanted more testing on the sample of the serum they had. An altered form of the same drug had created Green Gremlin. A twisted and evil creature which had attacked both Eric & Alexandria in the past. Casey, in her wish to help those she loved, had become powerful, but she was also unstable. Everyone has a dark side. A side of them they keep under control. Casey's dark side had been unleashed. Her rage had gotten the better of her. Even those she loved, she saw as people who wanted to control and stop her. Everyone was now an enemy. Just as Scarlet Cat spoke of Casey needing stopped. The one pretty and sexy redhead glared at Scarlet Cat. " YOU!........YOU WANTED TO STOP ME!! " Casey screamed at Scarlet Cat at the top of her lungs. " YOU CAN'T HURT ME!.....AND YOU'LL NEVER CONTROL ME!.......NO ONE CONTROLS ME! " Casey screamed out with hate. She-Beast wasn't sure what the plan was, but she was ready to fight. Suddenly Image phased through the ground, behind where Casey stood. Just as he was about to stop Casey. She spun around, grabbing him by the right arm.

Raven struggled to his feet. His body ached, but the hero couldn't let pain stop him. The Battle for Earth was still raging on. Plus Casey, who tried to help, was now out of control and threatening everyone. Raven watched as Casey yanked Image off his feet. Lifting him into the air and tossing him at She-Beast. However, she didn't let go of his arm. Casey ripped Image's right arm off. His body struck She-Beast, knocking them both backwards. Casey had done some moderate damage to Image. Synthetic tubes, which acted like veins hung from the arm. A milky white fluid leaked from the tubes. This fluid was synthetic blood, which was also leaking from Image's body. " Now it's your turn! " Casey hissed out as she tossed the arm on the ground at Scarlet Cat's feet. Raven reached into his belt. He pulled out a grenade, slammed the explosive on his knee, activating it, then he tossed it at Casey. The grenade landed between her legs. A second later, it went off. The explosion tossed Casey into the air. She crashed down on top of a nearby parked car. Crushing what was left of the already badly damaged heap of metal. Casey rolled off the car, onto the street. She groaned while getting to her knees. She glared at Raven, then shifted her eyes towards Scarlet Cat. Casey then flipped a manhole cover open. She drove down into the sewer. There wasn't anytime to go after her. They would have to track her down and deal with Casey later. The heroes needed to stop Apocalypse, and those who followed him.

Raven staggered over, joining Scarlet Cat. " We'll deal with her later.......Things are getting out of hand at the moment. " Raven spoke while drawing Scarlet Cat's attention towards Insector, who recently joined the fight. Huge, monster insects and other bugs had changed the tide. The heroes were now fighting a losing battle. The battle had slipped into side streets. The monster insects were moving further out into the city. Then it happened. Several innocent people, who had been safely away from where the fighting was going on, were killed by the monsters. This was all it took to bring on the riders. A loud demonic roar was heard as two flaming figures on motorcycles tore through paragoblins, on their way to join the fight. The first Rider, Alexandria had seen many times. The second Rider she only met while in her human form. Both riders brought their bikes to a sudden stop. They climbed off, pulling their chains from around their bodies. They then began unleashing their Hell Fire. A fire more power then the fire Scarlet Cat could weld. Hell Fire burns everything. The giant insects were being turned in piles of ash.

Apocalypse didn't like this turn of events. Each time he gained the advantage. Something else came into the fight, and evened the odds up again. Zorg warned his powerful master, that even with his great abilities. He couldn't stand against the might of the Demon Rider. They were supernatural beings, and there were two of them. Zorg said only magic could defeat such beings. He summoned She-Demon to help. Despite his dark powers, Zorg wasn't strong enough to defeat two riders on his own. He needed more dark magic then he could summon. Apocalypse would let Zorg & She-Demon deal with the riders. He decided it was time to bring in his ultimate weapon. A creature so powerful, so dangerous, Apocalypse only used it as a last resort. It was a living weapon of mess destruction.
 
Scarlet-Cat was feeling extremely conflicted over what to do about Casey. Whatever the woman had done, had changed her, and not for the better. Casey had become a danger to everyone, including herself, and there was no way of controlling her at the moment. As she spoke to She-Beast, Casey turned to her and screamed at the redhead about her wanting to stop her. The way that Casey screamed at Scarlet-Cat was filled with hate and it hurt the shifter a lot more then one might think it would. What happened next, happened faster then Scarlet-Cat could react as Image phased through the ground, only to be grabbed by Casey who spun around and latched onto his right arm. She yanked Image off his feet and into the air before throwing him at She-Beast. However, she never let go of the arm she was holding onto.

Instead, she tore it off with ease while his body flew at She-Beast and knocked them both back. This caused a cry of shock from Scarlet-Cat as she saw the being that had come to be as a son to her, damaged in such a manner. Casey then threw the arm at Scarlet-Cat's feet while saying it was the red heads turn. But before Casey could attack Scarlet-Cat, a grenade was tossed between Casey's legs, landing between her feet and it went off. This sent her into the air and onto an already damaged car. Scarlet-Cat grabbed Image's arm that laid at her feet and looked up in time to meet Casey's gaze when the other woman looked at her. Moments later she had flipped open a manhole cover and had jumped down inside.

Before Scarlet-Cat could even think to go after her, Raven staggered over to her and she grabbed onto him with her free hand, a look of concern on her face. "Things have been out of hand since this all started." she told him while looking in Insector's direction. She saw the monster insects beginning to swarm the streets and soon the screams of the innocent being attacked could be heard. This then brought two of their strongest allies. Scarlet-Cat heard the roar of the bikes before she saw them and she turned in time to see two flaming bikes tearing through paragoblins. While the others knew of one rider, Scarlet-Cat knew about the second one, so she didn't look surprised to see the second one. In no time, they both were off their bikes and attacking the giant insects. Seeing this, Scarlet-Cat looked at Raven again. "When we're done with Apocalypse, I'm going after his little puppet." she told him seriously, talking about the president who was working for Apocalypse. How she was going to deal with him, not even she knew, but after everything the president and his allies had put her and Raven, along with all their friends, allies and loved ones through, it wasn't surprising that she wanted to go after him. She looked around the battlefield that the street had become. Their allies were managing to hold their own so far, but it was like a lethal game of back and forth at the moment. "What are we going to do?" she finally asked Raven. She stood there with one hand resting on his arm while resting in her other arm was Image's damaged arm.
 
Zorg knew there would only be one shot at getting rid of the Demon Riders. And since there was now two riders, he needed She Demon's help. The two riders were making their way towards where Apocalypse stood with Nightmare, Zorg and She Demon. They were cutting their way through the giant bugs created by Insector, and turning every paragoblin into ash that tried to stop them. Raven & Scarlet Cat rushed over to where Image laid. She Beast was already sitting up, shaking her head. Image appeared dead, but was expected. With any major damage to his body. Image would shut himself down. It was the only way to keep anymore of the synthetic blood from leaking from his body. Raven checked the damaged shoulder, and it was bad, but it could be repaired once they were back at the cave. They just had to win this fight first, and it seem as if the fight was won. " The riders will end this. " Raven spoke with confidence in his voice. He was sure the two Demon Riders would bring this battle to a quick end. They were two of the most powerful beings on the planet. Few could match such power, and no one could stand against them. Unless, magic was used against them. Everyone, no matter how powerful they are, has a weakness. For those who had paranormal powers, like the riders, magic was a weakness. Raven, Scarlet Cat & She Beast looked on as Zorg & She Demon readied for a fight. Using their magic, they created two hellmouths below each rider. A hellmouth was a portal to hell. The riders were sucked into the pits and taken to hell.

Apocalypse roared with laughter as the Demon Riders were taken away. " My Lord........This is not a permanent victory........They will return and when they do.....This battle better be over.........Because they will come for us. " Zorg spoke his warning. the warning did stop the laughter. Apocalypse then told Zorg to summon the ultimate weapon. The one thing which would end the battle. At that moment, up on the rooftop above. Alexandria's father struggled to his feet. He'd taken a hard shot from Protector before the fighting had started. It did some damage, and Malcot needed time to heal. As he pulled himself up. Malcot looked over the edge and down on the carnage below. His eyes quickly found his daughter. She appeared to be fine, making him smile. Then Malcot spotted Apocalypse and his smile faded. It was replaced with a look of hatred. Malcot stood on the edge of the building. " SCUM!........You'll die by my hand! " Malcot shouted out as he leaped from the building. Eyes shifted upwards as a dark figure was falling towards Apocalypse. Malcot then shifted his body, become a huge rock. He hit Apocalypse hard, driving the villain into the ground.

" Who the hell is that? " Raven asked without really expecting an answer, but Alexandria had one. There was a gasp which rose up from the followers of Apocalypse. However, the rock suddenly changed again. Malcot returned to his form and began beating Apocalypse. Zorg then raised his hands, creating another portal. From this portal came a monstrous figure. A creature which fought countless battles for Apocalypse and had never been defeated. This was Apocalypse's weapon of mess destruction. A monster known as Armageddon. The creature let out a roar which shook the nearby buildings. Nighthawk joined his parents and She Beast. They watched as the creature grabbed Malcot by his head, lifted him off the ground. The creature then belted Malcot, sending him flying through the air. Malcot landed hard on the ground. Rolling to a stop near Scarlet Cat. One punch from this monster and his face was a bloody mess. " I think we're in trouble. " Nighthawk spoke out loud what everyone else was thinking.

" We'll see about that! " She Beast shouted out as she leaped towards the creature. She hit the ground and began pounding the monster. Delivering blows which staggered it. Armageddon let out another roar, then it pounded She Beast into the ground. Driving her in like a nail. Another portal opened, this one was purple and it brought more help. The portal was created by Gateway and she was bringing M-Force to add with the on going fight. Logan was first through the opening. He was followed by Sub Zero, Linx, Metal Man, Kamikaze and Blaster. They'd been defending their school against three robot dragons and several hundred paragoblins sent by Apocalypse. Though there was still some fighting going on at the school. Professor Xander could sense the growing trouble in New York City. The Professor contacted Scarlet Cat with his mind and apologized for being so late.
 
With Raven close at her side, Scarlet Cat moved quickly over to where Image laid, kneeling next to his body and she laid the arm down at his side while Raven began to check his shoulder. Raven told her that while the damaged shoulder was bad, it could be fixed once back at the cave. While she understood that Image had shut himself down to keep from loosing anymore synthetic blood, because he had become a son to her and was part of her pride, it pained her to see him so damaged and lifeless. She partially blamed herself for this because she hadn't stopped Casey and questioned her on what she had done to create the powers she now had. Raven's comment about the Riders ending this made her look at him, hearing the confidence in his voice and she shook her head slightly. "They might tip the balance in our favor a bit, but I don't think this is the end. Not just yet." she told him before pointing Zorg and She-Demon. After having spent time in Odin's library, she'd learned about more then just her feline ancestors. She'd also learned about the different balances of power and their weaknesses.

Sure enough, Zorg and She-Demon opened two hellmouths and the two riders were sucked inside. Even though the riders were now taken out of fight, Scarlet Cat doubted this was the last that the riders would be seen. She then heard laughter and she looked over to see Apocalypse laughing, though his laughter was brought to an end by something Zorg spoke. The sudden sound of a male voice ringing out into the air caused many eyes to shift upwards to a dark figure which was falling towards Apocalypse. When they collided, the figure had become a rock and drove the villain into the ground. Scarlet Cat slowly straightened up to her full height when Raven asked who the figure was and she faintly sighed before speaking up. "That would be Malcot." she said from his side. "He's my father." She watched on as her father returned to his humanoid form and began beating Apocalypse.

The fight was still developing as Zorg created another portal from which a monstrous figure appeared and released a roar. The sound of the roar cause Scarlet Cat to mewl in discomfort as she could hear it even with her hearing devices turned down. She glanced over to see her son joining them before looking forward in time to see the behemoth of a creature grab onto Malcot by his head and then hit him, sending the male shifting flying towards the air. When he hit the ground, Scarlet Cat winced and she moved forward as he rolled towards her, falling to her kneels as she halted his body with her hands. No matter how conflicted her emotions and thoughts were pertaining her father, the little girl in her that loved the magic that Zandu and his daughter created, still wanted to love of a parent.

She saw the bloody mess that the punch from Armageddon had caused and she gasped softly while lifting a hand to her fathers face, a faint green glow forming along her skin as she began to pass it over his face. The healing powers of her earth form would help accelerate Malcot's healing abilities, but it would still take time to heal. She looked up after Nighthawk spoke of them being in trouble. It certainly was beginning to look that way. She Beast then attacked the creature, punching it with staggering blows but even she was dealt with quickly by the beast as it pounded her into the ground. The fighting heroes were soon joined by the M-Force, a group of allies to Scarlet Cat and Raven whom they had aided in the past. A purple portal opened and the familiar form of one of Scarlet Cat's many lovers appeared. It was Logan, a feral mutant, who was closely followed by a number of others. Scarlet Cat felt an annoyingly familiar feeling in her brain that told her that she was being telepathically contacted by someone before she heard the Professor's voice in her mind.

The woman replied that it was better late then never and she told him she hoped the fight was going well at the school. She looked at the help that had come to aid them and she looked from one person to the other and then looked over at Raven. "We have a lot of power on our end." she softly told him. "But... will it be enough?" This beast was unlike almost anything that they had seen before.
 
Logan led M-Force into the fight against the monster. His metal claws unleashed as the mutant went in for what should have been a kill. The metal claws were hacking into the create's flesh, but healed quickly. Almost as quickly as Logan's own healing power. Metal Man jumped on the monster, pounding it's head with vicious blows. Armageddon grabbed the hero, using him as a club and beat Logan into the ground. Metal Man then dropped and stomped on. Kamikaze lunched herself like a missile. She struck the monster, sending it backwards. Blaster & Sub Zero then attacked. Armageddon was kept down by Blaster's eye beams, while Sub Zero froze the creature. It seemed to work, but only for a short time. Armageddon busted out of the ice, knocking both Blaster & Sub Zero to the ground. Linx rushed in, jumping on the monster. He ripped at the monster with his claws, but only served to make Armageddon more angry. Linx was grabbed and thrown down the street like a ball. Kamikaze attacked again. Lunching herself into the monster. Armageddon swatted her away like a fly. She was knocked into a building. Blowing a hole in the wall on impact.

Fighting around the area had stopped. Everyone was now watching this creature which seemed unstoppable. Apocalypse then ordered his living weapon to kill everyone. With a loud roar, Armageddon began moving towards the heroes. Raven slowly rose to his feet. " I have a way to trap that monster.......But I'll need to draw it to me. " Raven spoke to Scarlet Cat & Nighthawk. He pulled several raven's wings from his belt. Raven then charged at the monster, tossing the raven's wings. The weapons flew striking the creature. Just as Raven thought. The monster began moving towards him once the weapons exploded. Raven then pulled a device from his belt. It was a device he used in such cases. Cases when something very powerful was threatening. Raven raised the device and threw it on the ground in front of Armageddon. Two beams of energy then struck the device, destroying it. These beams came from the eyes of Apocalypse. " You won't be allowed to use your toys. " Apocalypse spoke with a laugh in his voice. He then fired two more, striking Raven. The hero was blown backwards by the impact. Landing on the ground as Armageddon continued moving forward. Suddenly, the monster was attacked by several different heroes. Golem, Arachnia, Phantom Girl and Tabitha rushed in to hold the monster back. This allowed Scarlet Cat & Nighthawk to grab the downed Raven and pull him back.

Armageddon shook off their attack. Golem was knocked down the street. Tabitha & Phantom Girl were taken out when Armageddon knocked Arachnia into them. Captain Liberty and American Dream moved in and helped the other downed heroes. Protector rejoined the fight, after getting another new armor. She started slugging it out with Armageddon. Her punches forcing the monster back. Just then, a shaft of white light came from the sky. The shaft touched the ground. It was something Scarlet Cat knew well. This shaft of light was the bifrost bridge leading from Asgard to Earth. There was more hope then every when Mjolnir appeared, flying towards Armageddon and striking the monster with a mighty crack of thunder.
 
Scarlet Cat watched as the different members of M-Force attacked the creature again and again. But their attacks, no matter how it damaged Armageddon or staggered it, seemed to be ineffective as it healed. It's healing ability was almost as quick as Logan's and that was worrisome. Just like with She-Beast, Armageddon pounded Logan into the ground, though he used Metal Man in order to do so before he was dropped and stomped upon. One at a time, this beast was taking down the fighters and the advantage they might of thought they had, was being wiped away quickly. Everyone in the area had all stopped fighting in order to watch the creature which seemed unstoppable.

Raven's claim about having a way to trap the monster made several of them glance at the hero as he got to his feet. His comment about drawing the beast to him made Scarlet Cat frown, but she knew she couldn't stop him. Raven usually did what he thought was right and all she could do was hope for the best. He threw several of his raven's wings at the monster which did draw its attention as it began moving towards Raven who removed a device from his belt and he threw it at the feet of Armageddon. But before they could go off, they were destroyed by Apocalypse who told Raven he couldn't use his 'toys' before he shot Raven, sending the hero back while Armageddon continued forward. That was until another wave of heroes came forward and attacked. While they kept him distracted, Scarlet Cat and her son hurried forward and pulled him away.

The heroes who had moved in and attacked were treated just as the others. They were knocked away as if they were little more then an annoyance to Armageddon. They were replaced then by Cap, American Dream and Protector who had returned in a new suit of armor and she began duking it out with the beast. However, when a shaft of light came from the sky and touched the ground, Scarlet Cat felt a surge of hope. She knew this light very well, having traveled it several times to and from Asgard herself with her friend, lover and ally, Thundra. Her hope was strengthened when Mjolnir appeared and hit Armageddon hard with a crack of thunder. "Thank the gods." she breathed.
 
As the Bifrost closed and the light faded away. The figure of Thundra, Goddess of Thunder. She was daughter of the Mighty Thor. Thundra held out her hand. Mjolnir returned after striking Armageddon down. She held her hammer high, causing clouds to form overhead. The magic of Mjolnir summoned the power of lighting. The energy streaked down from the dark cloud, charging the hammer. Thundra then redirected that energy straight at Armageddon. The creature was rocked with a powerful blast of energy. It roared out in great pain, and it's body started to glow. Thundra poured on the power. Channeling the awesome power through Mjolnir, and into the monster. Where Armageddon once stood, was now a huge ball of energy. A blood curdling roar came from the center of the light. Finally, Thundra stopped channeling the lighting. Surely she thought, this monster could no longer be living. Not with that much power used against it. However, as the energy ball faded, it became clear that Armageddon was still alive. Much to everyone's horror.

Protector blasted the creature with everything she had. But, nothing seemed to be able to stop Armageddon. The creature grabbed Protector, picking her up, then slamming her into the ground. Thundra was shocked. She'd never seen anything that could stand against the might of Mjolnir. " FOR MIDGARD! " Thundra shouted out as she charged into battle. She struck Armageddon several times. Driving the creature away from where Protector laid. Samantha Blair was shaken, and feeling some pain, but she was able to get back up. Her armor was taken a beating, but that's what it was made for. This was her third armored suit of the day. Two others had been trashed. This was her most powerful. Created so she could fight the monster known as "The Brute". She joined the fight, along side Thundra. The two female heroes battled the monster. Each striking powerful blows, but Armageddon shook off their attacks. Armageddon grabbed Protector's chest plate. He ripped that part of her armor off. Armageddon then used the ripped off piece of armor to strike Thundra in the head.

Thundra dropped to her knees. Her head was spinning from the blow. Armageddon grabbed her by the neck, lifted her off the ground and slammed her down. The impact caused the ground to shake. Armageddon raised it's other hand, making a fist. The monster was ready to deliver a blow, but Stargirl came back into the fight. She'd been busy dealing with her clone. But, after defeating the copy, she quickly returned to where the main battle was going on. Using her great speed and superior strength. Stargirl delivered a wicked blow. Armageddon was knocked down the street. Fly passed where Apocalypse stood, before hitting the ground and rolling to a stop. The teenage hero hovered while while the creature start to stand. It was moving on shaky legs while standing. Stargirl then flew towards the monster. Grabbing it, and lifting the creature into the air. Stargirl took Armageddon up, several thousand feet, she then turned and drove the monster back down towards the ground. The impact caused the ground to shake for hundreds of miles in all directions.

Stargirl climbed from the hole, brushing off her costume. It appeared that she stopped what couldn't be stopped. Stargirl started walking towards Scarlet Cat, Nighthawk & Raven. Who was still laying on the ground, though he was coming around. She was about to speak when the ground began to shake. Stargirl was suddenly pulled underground. The area was rocked with several quakes. Caused by punches thrown underground. Armageddon crashed threw the ground. Flying into a nearby building. Stargirl appeared from the same hole. She looked a bit battered, and was bleeding from her mouth. This was a shocking sight since nothing seemed to ever hurt her. No matter how powerful the enemy had been. Nothing made Stargirl bleed before. Armageddon broke through a wall, roaring like a wild animal. He then started moving towards Stargirl. The teenage hero stood her ground, waiting on her foe. She raised her arms, and began blasting the monster with her energy beams. Armageddon was driven backwards, but soon started moving ahead again. Like with Casey. Armageddon seemed to be driven by rage. The madder it got, the more powerful it became. Earth had such a monster as some called it. The Brute was a lot like Armageddon.

Armageddon finally reached Stargirl. She stopped using her energy blasts and went back to using her fists. Stargirl & Armageddon were slugging it out. Despite all her power, she wasn't able to beat this monster. One needed a monster to fight a monster. Armageddon struck Stargirl hard. Sending her down to the ground. " STARGIRL! " Nighthawk yelled out. He pulled several small explosive balls from his belt. Nighthawk then tossed them at Armageddon's face. He then took off into the air. As the explosives struck Armageddon. They took his attention off Stargirl. Nighthawk was able to swoop in and grab her before anymore hurt could be done. Tristan appeared from the ground at his mother's side. He said the fighting was pretty much over everywhere but here. Most of Apocalypse's forces had been defeated. " How the hell are we going to deal with that thing? " Tristan asked his mother.
 
The newcomer to the fight was one of the most powerful fighters that they had on their side. Thundra was an actual Goddess. She was the daughter of Thor, son of Odin himself. Scarlet Cat had high hopes that her friend would be able to finish this battle finally. Everyone watched as the goddess summoned Mjolnir to her and held it up, causing clouds to begin to form overhead before lighting came down from the dark clouds which had formed. Scarlet Cat could feel the charge in the air from the magic and the electric energy and it made her shiver a little. Thundra then directed the power straight at Armageddon, hitting the beast with a powerful blast of energy and causing a loud roar of pain to fill the air while it began to glow. Thundra continued to pour on the power until there was just a ball of energy in the middle of the battlefield. Another roar filled the air and Thundra ceased channeling the lighting into the monster and everyone seemed to wait with baited breath as they stared at the ball of energy. Surely Armageddon had been defeated by such an attack of epic power. Yet to everyone's horror, the beast had survived.

Next Protector blasted the beast with all she had and still it was for not as it merely grabbed her and slammed her into the ground. Much like Thundra, Scarlet Cat was shocked that Armageddon had survived. Scarlet Cat had fought with Thundra many times, as well as Thundra's own father in the past, and she'd never seen anything withstand the might of the godly weapon, Mjolnir. Scarlet Cat was startled from her stupor when Thundra shouted and she charged into the battle like the warrior goddess she was, striking upon Armageddon and driving it back. Thundra and Protector began attacking the monster, but he just kept shaking off their attacks before he ripped off Protector's chest plate and struck Thundra with it, sending the blonde to her knees. While she was down, Armageddon attacked her, shaking the ground as he slammed the woman into the ground and he was about to strike again when Stargirl struck again. While Stargirl was fighting Armageddon, Whisper moved forward to where Thundra had been left behind.

Whisper knew that she was taking a risk rushing out as she was, but she couldn't leave the woman where she was. So she used her powers to lift the blonde haired goddess and moved her out of the street and off to the side to recover. So many of Scarlet Cat's allies were injured or out of the fight one way or another due to the fight so far. With Thundra off the battlefield, Whisper knelt by her side and looked up to watch the battle taking place between Stargirl and Armageddon. She watched as Stargirl grabbed the beast and took off into the air, flying high and then diving back down and driving him into the ground. When the ground shook, much like an earthquake, Whisper gasped as it shook her to the bones.

Things began to go still before Stargirl climbed from the hole, brushing off her costume as she did so. Many looked on in shock as the teenage hero walked away from the hole in the ground and towards where her family waited. Scarlet Cat had moved her father back so he was closer to the rest of her family and she was still using her powers on him, though not as much. His wounds were already healing and he was looking better then when he'd been hit. It was looking like Stargirl had managed to do what no one else had when the ground shook and she was pulled underground. The area was shaken by quakes coming from underground for a bit before Armageddon came through the ground, followed by Stargirl. Seeing the state her daughter was in shocked Scarlet Cat very deeply as her daughter was injured. This was the first time Scarlet Cat had seen her injured since gaining her powers and it worried the shifter.

The air was then filled with a loud roar as Armageddon burst through a wall and went after Stargirl who stood her ground and attacked back with her energy beams. At first he was driven back before he began moving towards her again. The two powerful beings went back and forth attacking each other before he hit Stargirl hard and she was sent to the ground. This made Scarlet Cat cry out in worry. But Nighthawk was on top of things as he distracted Armageddon much like his father had before he moved in and snatched up Stargirl, moving her away from the beast. Scarlet Cat was staring at the beast when Tristan appeared and she looked at him. He would be able to see the stress and concern in her eyes as he asked her how they were supposed to deal with Armageddon. For a long moment she stared at him, not saying a word before she looked at Armageddon again for a long moment and then she spoke. "I think I know what we need." she told Tristan, a small frown forming on her lips. "To defeat this thing, we're going to need brute strength and anger. Something we don't have." The shifter reverted back to her normal red haired form before she spoke to her son again. "Tell the others to keep Armageddon distracted. I'll be back shortly."

With that, Scarlet Cat shifted her form into air and took off from the battlefield. In her air form, she was able to move faster then her avian form as she flew across town to the private lab that she'd set up for the one person she believed might be able to finish this fight. The only problem was getting him to agree. She flew as quickly as she could in this form and upon reaching the labs, she moved to the entrance and punched in the passcode that was needed to get in and she entered the building. She needed Brute.
 
Raven got to his feet before Scarlet Cat left. He rallied those who were left standing. They would keep Armageddon busy while Scarlet Cat went to get the help she was thinking of. Those who were still able to fight were. Doctor Spector, Iron Dragon, Emerald Knight, Dak, Elastic Girl, Power Man, Black Tiger, American Dream, Giganta and Captain Liberty. There was also some help from those who once fought against the heroes. Amazon & Cyborg had switched sides and were now aiding the heroes in their fight. Also arriving on the scene were Zandora and her father Zandu. They'd been on a world tour, doing their magic show when the trouble started. After dealing with paragoblins in London, they returned home after seeing the trouble in New York.

Scarlet Cat had to travel acrossed town. That's where Alexandria & Eric were keeping Doctor Bruce Baxter. He was working in a special lab which they had created for hazardous experiments. It was a secure facility which would keep Doctor Baxter from safe and keep him from encountering anyone who could cause a change. Baxter was a wanted man. He was also known as The Brute. Getting him angry or upset would make Baxter lose control and he woudl change into a huge monster. One which only Alexandria seemed to be able to control. Brute listened to Alexandria for some reason. The lab had a security lock which only Alexandria or Eric knew the code for. Doctor Baxter was working in the main lab on Eric's plasma ark reactor. The same one Eric promoted a few months ago. Doctor Baxter was working on making smaller units which could power homes, and even cars. Making clean energy possible for everyone. Despite the ground shaking from time to time. Doctor Baxter had no idea what was going on, over on the other side of town.
 
Scarlet Cat hoped that she could return with the help that she spoke about. She knew how Doctor Baxter was about Brute. Bruce Baxter was a man wanted by the government. They wanted Bruce so that they could try and figure out a way to control Brute to use as a weapon, something that Scarlet Cat and Alexandria Reed had both promised Bruce that they would protect him from. She had created a private lab in which Baxter could peacefully work in without fear of the government and normally she wouldn't even think about attempting to involve Bruce in what was going on with the government and with the heroes. But right now, Brute looked like he was the only one who would be able to stand up to Armageddon and win. After entering the code to the lab, Scarlet Cat entered and she looked around as she hurried in. Normally she would of shifted into her Reed form, but this was an emergency.

Bruce and Scarlet Cat had met a couple of times in the past after the whole situation with Brute, so he would know who she was, but it would still be strange to see her in the lab. It didn't take the woman long to discover where Baxter was and when she saw he was still working despite what was going on outside of the lab, she couldn't help but smile to herself for a moment. The man was so dedicated to his work. He was admirable. "Bruce. I need you help." she said, the urgency in her voice. "We need your help." She said this as she approached. Scarlet Cat was still bearing the marks of the fight. Her clothes were looking a little rough around the edges with dirt and dust upon them from fighting. Once she had his attention, Scarlet Cat explained what was going on out on the streets of New York city. "Normally I wouldn't ask this. But we need him." she said. Bruce would know who she meant when she said this before she even clarified it. "We need Brute. Please."
 
Doctor Baxter was very happy to see Scarlet Cat again. It seemed like a long time since they last saw each other. Doctor Baxter had been hoping to see Alexandria, or her brother Eric. He was very close to making the major break through for their plasma ark reactor. Doctor Baxter had been working on making the device smaller. The plasma ark reactor would supply clean energy to the people, without any monthly bills. They just needed to make the device small enough to fit inside houses and apartments. There was also hope of making the device small enough to fit inside cars and trucks. The plasma ark reactor would end the need for using fossil fuels. The project was one Alexandria & Eric put their full support behind. Doctor Baxter, being a brilliant man, was excited to work on such a project. His work was being kept secret. Alexandria & Eric were hiding him from the world. They knew he was a wanted man. Not only because of what he became, but also for his mind. The current government would not only wish to try and make Brute into a weapon. They would also want to use Doctor Baxter's mind for their own purposes.

Doctor Baxter was smiling when he saw Scarlet Cat come into the lab. However, his smile faded as she spoke. Cat spoke of needed his help and her tone was very upsetting. Doctor Baxter would gladly help Scarlet Cat, but she spoke of needing Brute. This made Doctor Baxter move away from where he was working. " I've gone months without turning into that monster........You have no idea what it does to me when I transform.......It's hell for me to live with that thing living inside of me. " Doctor Baxter spoke while moving towards another table. " I'm sorry.......I can't help you......I can't go through another transformation. " Doctor Baxter refused to help. Scarlet Cat would have to be more forceful. She knew making Bruce mad, or causing him pain would cause the transformation to happen. Scarlet Cat had no choice in the matter. She needed Brute, and she needed to do whatever she could to bring him out.
 
Scarlet Cat hated that she had to ask this of Bruce, knowing that he hated having Brute within him and she knew of the destruction that Brute caused. But they needed his strength and anger. When she entered, she told Baxter about what was going on out on the streets and she begged him for his help. For Brutes help. The moment she asked for Brute, Doctor Baxter moved away from her and she followed him as he spoke of how he'd gone months without turning into Brute. He spoke of her not having any idea of what it did to him when he transformed. He then refused to help and she clenched her fists in frustration as she stared at him. "Damn it all, Bruce!" she said. "Do you not realize what will happen if you don't help?"

She moved around the table so that he was facing her. "Right now, we are fighting for the lives of all of humanity!" she said. "If they win. If the current, twisted government wins, you won't have a choice! Right now, the Reeds are out there fighting and if we loose, the government won't hesitate to arrest the whole Reed family, seize the company and everything they own. That includes this building! You won't have anywhere to hide and they wont be able to protect you anymore. And when that government catches you, they'll experiment on you and force you to become Brute without a choice. I am asking you to help keep that from happening! Because it won't just be you who ends up enslaved by them!"

As she spoke, she slammed the palms of her hands against the table, her eyes flashing as she stared the doctor down. She knew that she was pushing him and he'd eventually end up angry with her, but he needed to know what was at risk right now.
 
Doctor Baxter understood the dangers facing the city and facing the heroes. He also knew what the government would do if they ever captured him. Bruce had lived many years on the run from the government and from others looking to capture him. He knew, living life on the road again was always a possible future for him. Doctor Baxter was grateful to the Reed Family for everything they'd done for him. Setting him up in this lab, giving him a safe place to work again. Allowing him to become a scientist once again. They never asked anything from him. However, on the day when they did need something, they had to ask for something Bruce didn't want to do. It was clear, the more Scarlet Cat spoke, the more upset Bruce was becoming. Yet, he hadn't been pushed to the point of change. He was fighting to keep himself calm.

As Scarlet Cat continued to talk of what could happen. Bruce was shaking his head. He wasn't going to do it. Bruce moved towards a desk, opening a top drawer. He reached in and pulled out a bottle of pills. Unknown to anyone. Bruce had been taking tranquilizers to help with stress. As the cap was opened, an explosion rocked the building. Bruce tossed the bottle and pills into the air. What was heard, was the outer wall of the building being blown up. Suddenly the wall in front of Bruce exploded. The blast picked the doctor up and tossed him acrossed the room. There was now a large hole in the wall, and three figures appeared in that hole. They were three villains, Condor, an old foe of Raven and two others Scarlet Cat didn't know, but she wouldn't forget them after this day. One wore a black & red costume with a spider on the front. The other looked like a refugee from a Hollywood horror movie. " With all the heroes busy.......We'll have easy pickins here. " Condor spoke as he stepped into the lab. He identified the other two as Tarantula & Goblin as they entered the room. The villains were here looking for stuff to steal. They didn't plan on running into Scarlet Cat, and they certainly weren't expecting what was happening several feet away. The blast and impact against the far wall, started Doctor Baxter's change into Brute.
 
While Scarlet Cat understood Doctor Baxter not wanting to change, she also was in disbelief that when those who had offered him refuge and done so much for him needed his help the most, he was willing to say no and turn his back on them. He would rather risk going on the run from a corrupt government then fighting for his freedom. The Reeds had never asked him for anything in the past and had spent so much money making a place for him to work happily and peacefully. So Scarlet Cat kept pushing it, her own anger seeping into her voice. When Bruce shook his head and moved towards a desk, she followed him, telling him that she wasn't going to let him ignore this. She saw him reach into the top drawer of his desk and pull something out.

It was easy to see that it was a pill bottle and she narrowed her gaze. "What is that?" she asked. However, just after the bottle was opened and before she could get an answer, the building was rocked by an explosion. Scarlet Cat made a sound of shock before the wall in front of Bruce exploded. Luckily she was slightly off to the side or else she would of been hid directly by Bruce when he was thrown backwards. She was pushed back by the force of the blast and she fell to the ground. With a soft grown, she shook her head as she stood up, looking towards the hole in the wall to see Condor, an old foe of Raven that she was familiar with, and two unknown villains, but she would certainly remember these two after this. She heard when Condor said and she growled while pushing herself up and she glared at him. "Condor, you winged bastard." she said. She was about to say something else when she happened to look over at Bruce and she saw that she was indeed getting exactly what she had asked for. He was beginning to change into Brute and she stepped further away from the hole in the wall. Brute was an angry being and the more angry he became, the harder it was to control him. For others at least. For some reason, she and Brute had some kind of bond which made it possible for her to control him.
 
Condor, Goblin & Tarantula were looking for a quick score. At the expense of the Reed Family of course. Technology was as good as gold, and in some cases, it was even better. The technology Reed Enterprises made, could fetch a handsome price on the black market. These villains could set themselves up for a long while on anything they could take. They thought this would be a easy score, with all the heroes busy on the other side of the city. The three costumed men were surprised to see Scarlet Cat was here, and not out with the others. " I thought all the heroes would be busy!? " Tarantula spoke, his voice carrying the shock he felt. Condor spoke of having spied Scarlet Cat there, just a short while ago. He didn't understand why she would be here. Scarlet Cat was a hero to be feared. She possessed awesome powers. Scarlet Cat could become any type of beast, creature or animal she wanted. She could also transform into the elements of Earth. Normally, these villains would have a lot to fear from encountering her. However, something far worse then Scarlet Cat was also inside the lab.

Over against the far wall, hidden from the sight of the villains, laid Doctor Baxter. The impact from hitting the wall, took the breath from his body. This helped to bring out his transformation. The doctor was gasping for air, while he was changing. His clothing was ripping as his body became bigger, more massive then before. His gasps became low growls and grunts. His transformation could be seen by Scarlet Cat. From where she stood, her view of Bruce was clear. This was the only reason why she didn't change and attack the villains. She knew something far more frightening was about to be revealed. As Bruce became Brute. His grunts & growls become louder. Loud enough that even the villains could now hear them. " What the hell is that!? " Goblin asked while the three villains looked around. They were searching for what was making those sounds. Suddenly a figure slowly stood on the other side of the room. It was a massive figure in ripped clothing. A large hand grabbed what had been a white lab coat and a shirt. The clothes were tossed away while the figure roared in anger. The massive creature then turned and looked at the three villains. None of them had expected to encounter The Brute. " Holy shit! " Condor's disbelief was easy to hear in his words. He knew they were about to become stains on the floor. " Brute smash puny bad men! " Brute yelled out, he then leaped at the villains, showing some incredible speed for a being of his size and weight.

What followed, was a delight for Scarlet Cat to watch. The three villains, despite being powerful and dangerous men. Took a beating the likes of which they wouldn't soon forget. As they were attacked, the villains fought back. This only made Brute more angry. Brute grabbed Goblin by his legs. The villain was then beaten off the floor like a rag doll. After Brute tossed him aside, Goblin laid their, moaning in pain. Tarantula & Condor were also treated just as badly. Condor was struck so hard. He flew up and out of the building. Not of his own power. It would be several minutes before he landed, and when he did, it wouldn't be a soft landing. Tarantula was slammed through the floor. The power used, was enough to push him straight through to the subway line which ran under the building. This left only Brute and Scarlet Cat still standing. Brute then sensed someone was behind him. He turned and saw Scarlet Cat. Brute grunted and snorted at her. Like a male animal showing his dominance over a female.
 
When Scarlet Cat spoke, she stood there with her hands upon her hips, openly glaring at Condor. When Tarantula spoke, saying about how he'd thought all the heroes would be busy. She wanted to tell the three villains that they were a group of idiots, much like the three stooges. But she could see what was going just out of sight of them. The shifter could hear the gasps of Doctor Baxter and she listened as they changed to low growls and grunts, sounds that she could identify with because of what she was. She could also see how he was changing. The sounds coming from Bruce as he changed into Brute got louder and louder until the villains could even hear them and Goblin asked what the hell it was. Scarlet Cat backed away, watching as Brute began to rise to his feet, tossing away Bruces torn lab coat and shirt.

When Brute roared in anger, Scarlet Cat shrank back a little more and luckily he targeted the three villains first. A small smile formed on Scarlet Cat's lips when Condor saw Brute and commented. What happened next was nothing short of impressive as Brute leapt at the villains and began to man handle them. She watched in delight as the three villains were beaten in a way that only Brute could do, the woman even laughing softly as he beat Goblin against the floor like a rag doll and then tossed aside. Next Condor was ejected from the building and Tarantula was smashed through the floor and into the subway line beneath the building.

However, with the three villains taken out, that left her alone with Brute. Her laughter died off and she stood there as Brute turned to her, grunting and snorting at her. She stood there before him, gazing up at the power house that was Brute. "Brute." she softly said while slowly approaching him. "There are bad men hurting people. Will you help?" She lifted a hand and held it out to him, much like she had when she had led him through Central Park to protect him.
 
Condor, Goblin & Tarantula were powerful villains, and could be a handful for any hero. However, they were clearly out of their league, dealing with Brute. His strength was beyond what most heroes had. Brute also possessed an almost animistic side. He didn't hold back while fighting like most heroes would. Other heroes worried about what could happen to those around them. This effected how they fought. Brute wouldn't hurt anyone innocent, but he wouldn't stop fighting until the fight was over. Dealing with Brute, was like dealing with a caveman. His was huge and powerful, but limited in how his brain worked. One had to speak with him, as one would speak with a child. Alexandria knew this, and kept her request as simple as possible. Brute did remember her now. The way she held out her hand, and how she spoke, all made him remember the park.

Brute snorted when the request was made. " Why should Brute help stupid people.......Stupid people hunt Brute and fight Brute? " Brute spoke before looking around the lab. " This is where puny Baxter works.......Baxter is weak.....Brute wants to leave and find somewhere better. " Brute was looking around, he didn't like such places. They reminded him of being Doctor Baxter. Brute hated being Baxter. He hated being trapped inside such a weak and helpless man. Alexandria had a connection with Brute. She needed to use this connection to win him over. It wasn't about saving people in general. It was about saving people close to Alexandria. People Alexandria cared for and would miss dearly if they were hurt or killed. This is how Alexandria could reach and win Brute over. His mind was very simple and she needed to work on his level.
 
Scarlet Cat almost chuckled when Brute snorted and asked why he should help stupid people. That was something she had thought many times in the past when she was angry with the general public. She watched as he looked around the lab and commented on the location being where Baxter worked and how he wanted to leave and find somewhere better. She moved closer to Brute and bowed her head with a sigh before looking up at him again. "Brute. You wouldn't be helping the stupid people who hunt and fight you." she told him. "You would be helping those that I love and care for as well. People who mean so much to me."

She paused and placed her hands on her belly while gazing up at him. "Brute, I'm going to have a baby. And those stupid people who hunt you and fight you, want to hunt me as well. They will to terrible things to me and even worse things to my baby." she told him. She hoped that Brute understood what a baby was. "If these bad people win. They will most likely kill me and my children. Please Brute. Only you can save me." She reached out and placed a gentle hand upon Brutes large hand, gazing pleadingly up at him.
 
Brute saw Alexandria as his only true friend. He cared about her, and didn't want anything bad to happen to her. Alexandria pointed out that she was pregnant. Brute looked while she touched her belly. This was something Brute could understand. It was made plain what would happen if these bad people won. Brute wouldn't let them win, and he wouldn't let them hurt Alexandria. " Brute will help Alexandria......Brute will smash the bad people. " Brute made it clear, Alexandria got what she needed from him. He would join her in the battle against the forces of Apocalypse. Alexandria would led Brute back to where the battle was still going on. They left the broken bodies of the two foolish villains who decided to rob the wrong place. Alexandria had no idea where Condor had been knocked too. She did know his landing wouldn't be a soft one. Condor would suffer. This made her feel better, since the villains caused a lot of damage to an important facility to Reed Enterprises. The city was also suffering from the attack by Apocalypse and his monster Armageddon. Alexandria had found her own monster, but she didn't see Brute as a monster. That's how others looked at him. She was more understanding and sympathetic of his situation.

Alexandria led Brute back to where the fighting was still happening. She landed and changed forms a few moments before Brute leaped in. She was able to warn those still fighting against Armageddon to back off. Alexandria didn't want her friends caught up in the friendly fire. The remaining heroes backed off as Brute came crashing down. He let out a roar which shattered glass blocks away from the fighting. " What the hell is that? " Apocalypse asked. " I don't believe it!? " Zorg spoke in great surprise. He couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. " That bitch has somehow found Brute!.......The most uncontrollable creature on this planet! " Zorg added while shaking his head. He never encountered the monster before, but he knew all the stories told about him. Brute was super strong and as unstoppable as Armageddon. The rampaging Armageddon was puzzled by this new addition. It studied the white skinned creature. Brute again let out a roar. He then brought his large hands together in a devastating thunder clap. The shockwave was like that from a bomb going off. Buildings rocked as if an Earthquake was moving them. Heroes and villains were knocked off their feet. Even the great Armageddon was taken down by the shockwave. Apocalypse was dropped quickly. Like a weak tree in a powerful wind storm. He sat up in time to see Brute jump on the downed Armageddon. Brute was savagely beating the other monster. " BRUTE WILL SMASH STUPID MONSTER! " Brute yelled out as he delivered one thunderous blow after another. Each punch made the ground shake.

Armageddon was getting pounded. Bones could be heard cracking and blood was gushing out from his face. However, the monster wasn't finished. He struck Brute, hard enough to toss him aside. Armageddon then started to rise. Brute recovered from the blow and also stood back up. The two monsters then attacked each other. delivering and taking savage blows from the other. Neither had faced a foe who could equal their power and stamina. Heroes often held back during a fight because they weren't killers. This kept Stargirl & Thundra from doing what was needed. Brute had no reason to hold anything back. He was fighting to keep Alexandria and her unborn child from being hurt by the bad people. The harder Brute was hit, the madder he got, and the stronger he became. His anger seemed to have no limit, thus his strength was beyond what most other heroes possessed. He was raw brute force, which is how he got his name. In Washington D.C.. President Gates watched in horror as Brute & Armageddon trashed what was left of that street in New York. He cursed Scarlet Cat for bringing in that monster. Gates grabbed the launch codes for the nuclear missiles. He broke open the special protective cover and pulled the codes out. He would carry out his orders and launch a strike to wipe out as many heroes as possible if things went against Apocalypse.

The battle between the two powerful monsters, was going back and fourth. Each one hammering the other with blows which would kill the normal person, and even certain people with superpowers. The blows were taking a toll. The two behemoths were badly battered and bleeding. Yet they continued to attack each other. Neither would quit. This was a fight to the death. It started to rain as the brutal battle continued on. The two powerful beings went at it like wild animals fighting over territory. Then suddenly, they struck each other at the same time with massive punch. The punch created another huge shockwave which again took everyone off their feet. The impact shook the city and the entire state of New York. As the heroes rose to their feet, they saw both Brute & Armageddon laying on the ground. Neither was moving. Raven scanned the body of Armageddon. He detected no signs of life, but he wasn't sure if the monster was truly dead. Armageddon had shown his ability to regenerate. " I need some cover......Cat.....Tristan.....Keep Apocalypse from attacking while I take care of Armageddon. " Raven spoke while pulling another energy transformer from his belt. This was the same device he tried to use before, but Apocalypse destroyed it before it could activate. Raven would make sure it did it's job this time. All he needed was for Scarlet Cat & Tristan to distract Apocalypse, Nightmare, Zorg & She Demon. The rain storm could be useful with their element powers.
 
Alexandria waited after telling Brute what would happen if he didn't help her and he finally replied and told her that he would help her and he would smash the bad people. This made her smile brightly up at him and she reached out, placing her small hand upon his large one before gently hugging his arm. "Thank you Brute." she told him. "From both myself and my baby." With his agreement in place and when he was ready to go, Alexandria made a quick call to Image to have a small team sent out to the laboratory to do repairs and clean things up before she shifted and led the way back to the fight. She knew that Brute would follow her so she flew faster so she could get to the fight first. Upon reaching the site of the fight, she dove towards the ground and shifted before yelling for everyone to retreat. "MOVE!" she yelled, "Get out of the way!"

She just managed to get the message out and her allies retreated just moments before Brute came crashing down and he let out a roar and she smiled to herself. Many saw Brute as a monster to be used as an ultimate weapon. But not Alexandria. She had been looked at in a similar way by others in the past because of her abilities and she was able to sympathies with Brute and she was always honestly kind to him. Alexandria was knocked off her feet by the thundering clap that he did, the woman gasping as she fell to her side, but she looked up to see Armageddon had been taken down and she smiled while watching Brute jump upon his opponent and begin to savagely beat upon the other monster. Each time his large fists landed upon the other being, she felt the ground shake. The beating that he was giving Armageddon was a savage one, the air becoming filled with the sound of bones breaking and blood was beginning to gush out of Armageddon.

From there, the fight just got worse as Armageddon struck back and the two unstoppable forces went at each other. While Brute fought Armageddon, Scarlet Cat moved over to Raven's side, joining him and the rest of their family to watch the fight. She knew that Brute was their only hope, but she also worried for the simple minded being. He normally just wanted to be left alone, which was understandable, but right now he was fighting to protect her and her child. She could see how badly battered he was becoming and she naturally worried for him. Suddenly, the two behemoths struck each other at the same time, the punch creating a shockwave which took not just everyone watching off their feet, but it took down both Brute and Armageddon. Sitting up, Scarlet Cat saw both large forms laying prone upon the ground and she swallowed before looking over at Raven when he asked for some cover and she nodded. "Of course." she told him. It had already begun to rain during the fight, so Scarlet Cat just added to the storm that was brewing. She caused the rain clouds to thicken and to darken further, the rain coming down even harder until it was just a curtain of pouring rain, making it difficult anyone to see more then a couple feet in front of them. Raven though, would be able to see because of his helmet.
 
Once Armageddon was down, Raven wanted to keep it that way. He couldn't allow the monster to rise again. Not like in those bad horror movies where the killer keeps coming back after injuries which should kill him. So many heroes were down from injuries suffered during the battle. This had to end, sooner rather then later. Raven's plan was for Scarlet Cat & Tristan to use their power over the elements. The rain had started to fall. Scarlet Cat made it rain even harder. She knew Raven's helmet would guide him towards his target. He didn't need to use his eyes, when he had scanners to show him the way. Tristan joined his mother. Raising his hands into the air. As the rain came down, fog started to form around the area. It became so thick, most couldn't see beyond where they stood. None of this stopped Raven. He started moving ahead, reaching where Armageddon laid. Raven lifted the monster's arm. He placed his energy transformer under, then activated it. Even through the fog, a bright light could be seen. Armageddon's body was transformed into energy and that energy was drawn into the device. Once Armageddon was gone, safely locked away in a form where he could no longer be a threat. Raven picked up the device, slipping it back into his belt.

Scarlet Cat & Tristan calmed the weather they had created. The rain slowed down to where it had been when it began. The fog drifted away, revealing Raven and no Armageddon. Apocalypse couldn't believe his eyes. His most powerful weapon of mass destruction was gone. Malcot, who laid on the ground recovering from his injuries, rose to his feet. His healing power had regenerated to damage done by Armageddon. Malcot was now ready and eager to take his revenge on Apocalypse. Using his shifting powers, Malcot became air. Disappearing from view. With a strong gust, Malcot went right at the gathering of villains. He struck them with the force of a powerful hurricane. Malcot was no hero, but he did love his only daughter. And like any good father, he wanted to protect her, and her unborn child. Malcot tossed the flunkies aside, then he focused on Apocalypse. All his wind battered the villain. Apocalypse was laying on the ground, held by the force of nature. Malcot then shifted again. He became a huge, giant gorilla and jumped on Apocalypse. Malcot began beating his enemy. Nightmare, Zorg & She Demon recovered quickly from being tossed aside. They were ready to strike back at Malcot, but Raven wouldn't let that happen. Raven wasn't sure if Malcot was friend or foe, but he was helping them at the moment. " ATTACK! " Raven yelled out to the heroes who remained. The battle cry drew the attention of the villains. They turned to see the group of heroes, charging at them. Clearly, this was to be the final battle.
 
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