Crinoverse: Invasion! (Battleground Earth!)

[Crinos]

Epilogue

After Charli destroyed Mageddon, the rest of the world pretty much calmed the eff down. Which is good, because they were pretty much on the verge of thermonuclear war before that.

There is still no sign of Charli Brown, or Novendecim, either dead or alive. Most people assume she's dead, and there is now a statue of her and Novendecim in Liberty park.

Now for some scenes of interest:

***

"For the last time no."

"Aw come on." Fandango says as he follows Brand through the Damocles base, "In his own way the little guy saved our butts. If not for him, this entire ship would probably still be in alliance hands."

"That thing is a hyperactive menace, plus its an enemy war machine." Brand says, "It should be destroyed."

"Its not even very dangerous... most of the time. Sides, you owe me a solid for helping get your base back."

Brand sighs, "Fine. We have it down in holding, but if I ever see that thing on my ship again I'm melting it down. Now get lost, I've got a meeting to attend to."

Brand steps into a conference room where, waiting for him, are the various leaders of the alliance: The Starro that once adorned the head of General Modula, the Klingon and Sontaran Generals, an Ethereal caste Tau, a Quintesson, Helspont, and the Tallest.

"Alright gentlemen." Brand says, "We are here today to discuss the terms of your surrender."

"Kingons never surrender, We..."

The Klingon General never finishes the sentence, as Brand removes his head with a quick laser blast. Before he can even open his mouth she turns her blaster on the Sontaran general.

"Now that we got the stupid macho crap out of the way, where were we? Oh yeah. Terms. Of. Surrender."

The other aliens exchange worried glances. They can just tell this is going to suck.

***

Tokyo Japan, the headquarters of the Tokyo Defense League.

"Are you sure you have to go Ryoko?"

Ryoko smiles to her teammates Ranma and Saiyaman as she shoulders a bag with her belongings, "Sorry guys, but Tenchi and Washuu are leaving Earth for Jurai, and I'm going with them. Tenchi has new responsibilities now that he's ruling Jurai, and well... After everything that happened he feels Earth may not be welcoming of Jurians for a while."

Ryoko looked out a window to a throng of protestors outside the Defense League HQ. Holding signs such as "Jurians go home." or "TDL Alien sympathizers." A brick suddenly comes flying through a window.

"I have half a mind to go out there." Ranma growls, before Saiyaman places a hand on his shoulder and shakes his head.

"Its alright, in any case, its only temporary. Tenchi is going to move heaven and Earth to regain Earth's trust and confidence in the Jurian empire, and to repair their reputation abroad. Joining the Alliance hurt their standing with the rest of the universe pretty bad, and losing even moreso."

"In any case, is the new girl here? yet?" Saiyaman asks looking around.

"Right here."

Everyone was kind of shocked by the sudden appearance of Homura.

"Welcome to the team kid." Ranma says, "I hear you were the one who saved our bacon back against Tsunami."

"I did what I could." Homura says, "In any case, I will help how I can, but I also have... other responsibilities."

"Speaking of, where is that miserable little ferret that hangs out with you?" Ranma cracks his knuckles, "I got a score to settle with him."

"You really shouldn't bother." Homura says, "Like I explained before, Kyubey is emotionless, you can't expect him not to act in a self centered way. Its in his nature. You may as well be mad at a storm for knocking out your power."

Homura smiles, "Besides, I kind of already came up with a fitting punishment for Kyubey. With some help from Fandango."

***

"COME BACK HERE YOU BASTARD!"

Kyubey was running as fast as he could. Normally he would be overjoyed at someone so eager to make a contract with him, but... no just no. There was no way he could make a contract with her."

Keeping the pace, right behind Kyubey, was Haruhi Suzumiya.

"COME BACK HERE AND MAKE A CONTRACT WITH ME YOU STUPID THING!"

"NEVER!"

And thus the chase continues.

***

The planet Galaluna.

Although the Mutradi forces and Modula have departed and are likely not coming back, the planet is still occupied, by the traitorous generals who participated in the coup, and a small army of Mutradi forces left behind.

From aboard a starship, the Galalunan King, along with his daughter, and his elite warrior Lance, and their robot Octus, look upon the planet below.

"Well, there it is, Home." Lance says.

"You kids ready to reclaim our home?" The king asks.

Illana smiles, "always."

Lance simply nods.

"And what of our new allies?"

Tenchi Masaki, flanked By Ayeka and her log bodyguards, steps forward, "Yes. You have the full support of the Jurian Empire your highness."

"I still say you should let me handle this." Washuu says, typing on her console.

"No offense Little Washuu," Ayeka says, "But if we send you in, there may not be a Galaluna left when you are done."

"Fair enough."

"Well them, lets get..." The King is cut off as a mystical portal opens in the middle of the bridge. Emerging from the portal, is Princess Celestia and Shining armor.

"Hello everypony, sorry we're late."

"What the..." The King blinks.

"Oh! Sorry, I'm a friend of Xiao from Earth. He thought you may need my help."

***

Meanwhile, back on Earth.

Kimmy sat on the swing, staring miserably up at the sky. She had gotten over learning her boyfriend was a robot, but now he was gone, halfway across the universe to help save him home. Kimmy would give anything to be by his side, but there was little she could do. After all, its not like being in love was enough to let her travel across the cosmos and...

Kimberly Mysner of Earth

Kimmy blinked at the tiny purple ring which floated before her.

"You have great love in your heart. Welcome to the Star Sapphires.

But then again she had been wrong before.

(I got one or two more scenes to do, but I want to give the PC's a chance to post theirs first.)

[kenseido]

Rin

Rin spends the next month in Brazil helping repair the damage he done by the factories. His nights are troubled by dreams that he can't remember when he wakes.

When he finally returns to Chicago, he takes some time off and avoids using magic. He just spends that time with Sara and helps out Father Forthill. After he returns, he seems to be of good spirit.

But his nights are still troubled by dreams he can't remember.

[SilvercatMoonpaw]

Aum-Ra

Cleaning up Emerald was business as usual.

Aum-Ra offered to return to Australia and help rebuild Uluru, but Miss Tikal and Dragoneye pointed out that since it was a mystical nexus just putting the rock back up wasn't going to be enough. It was better to leave it to magic.

Omni refused to attend the memorial service for Charli, insisting she was still alive. Shinchuu opined that Omni was just in deep denial.

Before the Juraians left Earth Aum-Ra contacted them again to give them the specs for the Haywire Mites so they could grow ships with a more permanent internal countermeasure. To do that she was put in touch with Washu, and came away from the conversation with the most peculiar feeling she'd met the kid-sized super-scientist somewhere before.

_______________________________________________

The next couple months are spent dealing with all the normal issues that crop up when you have to spend an indefinite amount of time out of town. This is infinitely compounded by the problem that is Doc Hazard's "leave a pre-recorded message on a piece of tech you expect to be in their vicinity" communication method. Not knowing how much time they have Omni rushes the process.

Then, one day three months later, no one sees Omni or Shinchuu for a few hours. When anyone finally decides to look for they turn out to be nowhere in Emerald. When Troy taps in to the Internet to search for them on the rest of the planet an E-mail pops up.

Picked them up.
They're in another dimension.
Sending a fill-in soon.
-----------------------Doc Hazard

[Kreuzritter]

Frank Meltzer

He gives his son one more warm embrace, before removing Annette from his shoulders, and giving her a hug in turn. they're still young enough to have not mastered speech, but he can see it in their eyes, the pleading question of why daddy has to go away again, especially now that Uncle rex isn't there.

"This isn't right," his wife says

"No its not," Frank says, "the Alliance gave the hero Acts supporters a lot of ammo, the sort of threat a bunch of well meaning politicians intended it for. Might even get stronger because of it. And now that the big threat's gone, old habits are coming back, worries that maybe the Alliance was right, and Genesis Island is no less a time bomb even without the Red King. My deal hasn't changed, So I'm goin' back in the big house until the Law changes. the President wants to give me a medal he's gotta come here to do it.

"I don't like this either, but..."

Holly puts a finger to his snout

"I know, you're doing this for them. Still can't beleive my facist cut of bacon finally turned pinko."

Frank shrugs.

"What can I say, Its what Mr. Meadows would do."

and he knows its a lie, having done research to learn how Holly's hero could have become a monster like the Radical, how he all but kidnapped his daughter during the custody hearing, fled the city ahead of a police manhunt. For that reason alone, Frank had martyred himself, that no matter how this turns out, his children would understand what he'd done.

he takes his family in his arms one more time, all three of them, and He and holly recite their family prayer

We will love you forever
We will love you for always
As long as we're living
Our family you'll be.

then the Buzzer sounds, and Ambassador Holly Meltzer of Genesis Island, also called Winter of Love, leaves with her children, While Frank Meltzer, or as he's called now, Prisoner M-3258 waits for the guards to enter the visitors room and escort him back to his Cell within the bowels of the Super-Alcatraz Maximum Security Meta-Penitentiary.

slight edit, forgot Frank's daughter's name was annette

[kenseido]

Maven

"Troy, you have a visitor."

Veronica's voice came from outside his lab. Without even checking the security cameras, he knew who it was. Troy had been dodging Doc Samson since the end of the invasion. Between that, and Troy spending every moment working; it was only a matter of time before Veronica had the good Doctor make a house call. She didn't take long to realize he only left the lab for missions and worked himself to the point of exhaustion so he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

"Hello, Troy. I haven't seen you since the Invasion ended."

Troy leans against the lab table, refusing to make eye contact.

"Hi, Doc. Just busy. Lots to do, cleanup and stuff."

"Yeah. Veronica tells me you have been working on projects for AEGIS and SWORD non-stop since it all ended."

"Lots of deadlines."

"We've been here before Troy, and we both know why you have been avoiding me."

Troy closes his eyes, hoping he can keep from hearing what he's about to say.

"Charli."

The very name opens the flood gates. Troy doesn't know when Veronica came in, but she is right there beside him, holding him as he cries for his lost sister. He loses track of time; but when it's over, he is exhausted.

---

Troy is dressed in black, standing before Charli's memorial. He missed the service, but he is here now to pay his respect the same. The statue's base was covered with flowers, candles, and letters. Thank you's from a tiny percentage of the people she saved.

Troy places his flowers on the memorial between a candle and some daisies. He steps back and Veronica takes his hand.

"Good-bye, Charli."

---

Troy's life changes significantly. Between Azoth's Silver Storm and the Invasion, Troy has seen just how much AEGIS really does to keep the peace - and how much he can help their efforts. Getting their teleporter system online was the first challenge. Even with his revised plans, the engineers still managed to cut corners and Troy spent several months getting the system online for them. After it is finally working, Troy then works on designing new MAX and Super-MAX armor, implementing his modular weapon system.

When Omni leaves, he is a little shaken. He always thought he would have time to say good-bye before she left. Afterwards, he resolves to always tell the ones he loves how he feels about them because you never know how long you have.

[Crinos]

*Emerald City, about a month after the Invasion*

The Avengers watch as the members of the members of the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign are carted off by AEGIS. Its amazing really, not even a month after the world was nearly destroyed and someone is trying to destroy it again. Luckily these guys were strictly bush league, unfortunately one of their mystic tomes, a copy of the Necronomicon, has turned up missing.

About a block away, Susan is sitting in an alley way with Discord, cradling something in her hands.

"I just want to go on record," Discord says, "That this is a HORRIBLE idea."

"You mentioned that." Susan says, unwrapping the Necronomicon.

"They're going to be pissed you stole that."

"Yeah well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I have a friend in AEGIS who can pull some strings anyhow."

"You sure about this?"

"You said it yourself; the Old ones aren't actually evil...."

"I said good and evil don't apply to them," Discord says, "Basically its like trying to apply the morality of ants to a human. The old ones are so far beyond you you're like a gnat to them. Just a pest waiting to be squashed."

"Why are you so reluctant to do this? Aren't you the lord of chaos and discord?"

"Yeah and I'm currently on parole." Discord holds up his leg, showing his anklet, "Besides, getting them involved can be... complicated. Its a long story."

"Don't care. The point is Dis, that while my sister is away, I need to step up my game. I need to become more powerful so I can pull her weight. Lord knows that guitar chick we hired to temp isn't doing it."

Discord sighs, "Alright, if we're going to do this, there is something I should really tell you."

"What's that?"

"Its... well... my name isn't really Discord. In fact, Discord doesn't really exist, its more of a role I play. Granted one I've become comfortable with lately, but..."

"So what is your real name?"

With that, Discord pulled away the veneer to show Susan his true face. At least as much as his current imprisonment would allow. A block away, Xiao clutched his head and screamed bloody murder.

"So what do you think?" Discord asked, smiling.

Susan was quiet for a minute, then let out a huge smile.

"That was AWESOME! DO IT AGAIN!"

Discord blinked. He expected a lot of things, but that wasn't it.

[Kreuzritter]

Xiao

It was only a matter of time, but even a will like Xiao's can resist the great curse for so long. he'd been a Euloger at Charli's memorial, even if he too held onto the hope that she was merely lost instead of dead, and had smiled on seeing that the memorial included Novendecium as well, on whom Xiao had focussed his words

"There was one time," he'd said then, "I forget exactly when, that Charli implied it was her companion's idea to become an avenger, not hers. I've seen Novendecium's private vault, a trove of awards, certificates, trophies and other mementos of heroics past. Much of the world saw him as but another giant robot, but I am proud to have called him both my freind, and Avenger..."

and it was then, looking on the faces of those who had lost so many, still bore the scars of the madness of mageddon, that Xiao's limit overflowed, and he was consumed by the heart of tears, weeping inconsolably for those killed by the machinations of the First & Forsaken Lion, yet more oceans of blood upon his hands. wailing lamentations that lasted an entire month, before he finally emerged back into sanity with the help of his freinds

and he knew then that he had abandoned Creation for far too long...

[flynnarrel]

ZOE

The lights raised the ambient temperature by several degrees. The room was silent as ZOE stepped up to the vocal amplification device. She had no nervous twitches, she didn't sweat, and possessed no anxious 'tells' to give away how furiously her processors raced, calculating variables, planning escape routes, constructing exit strategies and contingencies. Still, there was nothing for it.

She opened her mouth and began to speak.

"I try to tell mathematics jokes, but no one can relate, so what's the difference?" There is a stunned moment of silence before a few people process the statement and give chuckles.

"I try to tell chemistry jokes, but do it wrong and get no reaction." A few more laughs as the observers catch on to the flow of things.

"I figured out physics jokes should be told in reverse so even when it starts all sloppy and silent, and goes on for too long, at least it still ends in a bang." The audience was actively engaged now and enjoying this latest tribute at Amatuer Comedy Night at the Green Mill nightclub.

ZOE looked over at John and got a reassuring nod from the man. She was glad he suggested taking a break from yet another night of pouring over the base code of this world's SkyNet though she confesses reluctance when he suggested this activity. The nuances of humor were like the holy grail of Human-behavior replication.

"I tried Black Hole jokes, but they just sucked." More laughter.

She didn't know yet what the future would hold for her. She just knew it would be a better place with more laughter in it.

"And since my biology jokes have no culture, I think I'll make like U-238 and split. Thank you all." With that, she leaves the stage to the sound of applause.

[Crinos]

Xiao

It was only a matter of time, but even a will like Xiao's can resist the great curse for so long. he'd been a Euloger at Charli's memorial, even if he too held onto the hope that she was merely lost instead of dead, and had smiled on seeing that the memorial included Novendecium as well, on whom Xiao had focussed his words

"There was one time," he'd said then, "I forget exactly when, that Charli implied it was her companion's idea to become an avenger, not hers. I've seen Novendecium's private vault, a trove of awards, certificates, trophies and other mementos of heroics past. Much of the world saw him as but another giant robot, but I am proud to have called him both my freind, and Avenger..."

and it was then, looking on the faces of those who had lost so many, still bore the scars of the madness of mageddon, that Xiao's limit overflowed, and he was consumed by the heart of tears, weeping inconsolably for those killed by the machinations of the First & Forsaken Lion, yet more oceans of blood upon his hands. wailing lamentations that lasted an entire month, before he finally emerged back into sanity with the help of his freinds

and he knew then that he had abandoned Creation for far too long...

And speaking of creation.

*Months ago*

In a dark and gloomy citadel sitting atop what used to be the city of thorns. A Death Lord of a different sort sits, awaiting news.

A lone Abyssal of the day caste appears.

Speak.

"As you anticipated sire, The first and Forsaken Lion has fled Creation for this... other world, the one that supposedly exists beyond the Wyld."

Typical Lion, always leaping before he looks, I swear he is so unprofessional.

"Shall I assemble a team to follow him?"

No.

"But... Why?"

Because if he's going to run off like a spoiled brat without the Neverborn's permission just to chase his own shadow, then he's going to accept the responsibilities. If this comes back to bite him, its his fault.

"I understand sire."

*Present Day, the same castle.*

As the Masque of Winters looked over all he surveyed. The Day Abyssal returned to his side.

" Sire, we have received word from the realm of Earth. It seems that... well, the First and Forsaken Lion was defeated and imprisoned."

You don't say. By whom?

"intelligence suggests it was the Solar Exalted he went chasing, as well as some native warriors."

Well then, I hope the Juggernaut gets here soon in that case.

The Day caste blinks, "Sir? Why would the Juggernaut be coming here?"

The Masque of Winters turned to his subordinate, his voice rife with arrogance.

Cause I ****ing CALLED IT!

[Yeoman]

Epilogue

Elsewhere, the ruined remained of Novendecim sit in a crater. Inside there is a brief but intense flash of light, before Charli stumbles out.

"Okay, important tip, do not do that again..." She looks around at what is left of him. "Ouch... uh, okay big guy, we'll get you to someone that can fix you up..." She snaps her fingers, but nothing happens. She does so again. "Okay, that's... that's not good."

She looks up to a half completed circular structure in the sky, a stylized eye on it's front. "Don't worry, I'll get you up and running. Somehow..."

[Ares]

El Paso, Texas

Matthew Ryder was 29 years old, and wondering how it was he kept winding up in situations like this. Back in 1991 he'd been in Metropolis during an intense battle that caused the subway he'd been in to collapse around him. That close call had convinced his parents to move to El Paso, away from the superpowered violence on the East Coast, only for it to strike him again a little over 20 years later. Once again he found himself burried in the debris of a violent conflict, only this one had been due to the recent invasion rather than just another supers brawl. The irony was that for all his parents had feared superheroes, young Matthew had been saved by one of them, pulled from the rubble by a hero whose face he couldn't remember. And right now, he'd give just about anything for history to repeat itself.

"I have found another one! Everyone, get clear!

As if on cue, the largest of the debris above him suddenly shattered into powder, only for said powder to be sucked away by some kind of vacuum effect caused by whatever force had destroyed the masonry that had formerly been pinning the young man. Matthew Ryder looked up through the recently created hole to see a form silhouetted by the sunlight, though the nature of that form was unmistakable due to it's costume. The figure reached down and extended a hand to Matthew, and in a kind, gentle voice said, "It's all right sir. Everything's going to be okay."

And for the second time in his life, Matthew Ryder took the hand of a hero that had saved his life.

* * * * *

Moebius watched as the young blonde man he had just saved was taken away by paramedics. The man had suffered some minor scrapes, along with some dehydration and malnutrion due to his time buried in that rubble, but it seemed like with a little time and a few good meals, he'd be okay. The martial artist let out a sigh of relief, and said a silent prayer of gratitude that most of the cases had been like that.

Ever since the Lion had been imprisoned and the service had been conducted for Charli, Moebius had been in El Paso, using his enhanced senses to help the emergency response teams find those who had been trapped by debris during the invasion, as well as clear away damaged areas and otherwise help where he could.

"Mr. Moebius!"

Moebius looked up to see Milagro in her Green Lantern uniform, flying above him with a glowing green sandbucket (like those a child might play with at the beach or in a sandbox) floating next to her, said bucket being roughly the size of a swimming pool. Inside said bucket was a lot of rubble and debris that had been scooped up by, appropriately enough, a large green sandshovel.

"Where did you want me to put this?" the newest Green Lantern asked.

"There's a site about a mile that way where they're storing the debris for now." Moebius said with a gesture, indicating the direction.

"Okay, thanks!" Milargo replied, before streaking like a comet off in the direction he'd indicated, leaving a fading green trail in her wake.

"Madre de dios," came another voice, which Moebius recognized as Jaime Reyes, filtered through his armor.

"It takes a little getting use to, I imagine. Being the one who has to get used to a relative with an alien superweapon." Moebius asked as the Blue Beetle landed next to him.

The armored teenager nodded with a sigh. "Gives me a whole new appreciation for what my folks went through for me." The Beetle turned to face the martial artist, then said with a smile, "I really appreciate you coming out here and helping with the clean up. Traci is doing what she can, but pretty much everyone's got their own cities to look after, not to mention all the registration gilipollez some people are arguing for now that the threats over and they need someone to blame."

Moebius shook his head. "My home city was largely untouched by the fighting, so I've decided to go where I'm needed for the time being." He smiled and placed a hand on the Beetle's shoulder in a brotherly manner. "This city was one such place, and it is the home of a friend, so I could do little else but offer what help I can. And don't worry about registration. People are faced with a tragedy right now, and as is sometimes the case, they're letting their fear get the better of them. It's important not to let that fear define our actions. It doesn't matter what they believe or what they say, they don't define who we are. We do. And by doing what we do, by helping where we're needed and providing the examples we should, we can show them who we really are, and hopefully replace that fear with something better.

The Beetle cocked his head to the side slightly. "You really like to make those speeches, don't you?"

"It's just something that comes naturally," Moebius said with a smile and a shrug.

"It's okay, I liked it." Jaime turned his head to look out over the city, and his face grew a bit serious. "So how long will you be sticking around?"

Moebius followed his gaze, his face remaining calm and serious. "Until everyone I can help here has been helped. And then I'll go to England, Australia, every place hit by the invsion and do whatever I can to help, until every place touched by this war has been given all the help one man can give them."

"And after that?"

Moebius smiled gently,"I suppose I will find out once I get there."

[Arthur Eld]

James returned to Chicago with Carter after the memorial, weary and tired. He checked in with the other Avengers, who told him they had arrested the Octofather, who had tried to seize more territory during the chaos caused by the Invasion. After congratulating them on their hard work, he called up his father and mother, making sure they were all right.

Then he checked a voice mail from Emma Frost, asking him to come and teach at the school as a self-defense instructor. He wrote a note telling himself to get back to her with a 'yes' in a week-he had law finals soon, no time for pretty much anything else.

After that, he called Francoise. Though he had seen news that the Titans had been busy during the Invasion, he was glad to see she wasn't hurt. She said she had news.

"Good news, I hope? This whole thing has been even more stressful than the typical 'people trying to conquer the world' thing. I need sleep, and lots of it." James said, trying and failing to recall the last time he had taxed his body that much.

"Yes, good news. James...I just found out yesterday, but I didn't want to tell you until this whole thing was over, um. I'm pregnant."

James sat down on his bed-or tried to. Exhausted as he was, he missed and sat down hard on the floor. "Ow," He muttered. Then he said, "That's great, Franny. Really great!"

"I love you." She said.

James smiled as he replied. "And I love you. Just promise me one thing," He said, gazing around at his messy room, full of foreboding textbooks.

"What?"

He chuckled. "That no matter what, he won't make this kid be a lawyer." He started laughing, and it took him some time to stop.

[Yeoman]

Epilogue

Elsewhere

The robed figure enters once more as the stocky, brooding figure sits.

"My lord, the Terrans have managed to repulse our pawns. Moreover they have... they have... removed... Mageddon, the Great Destroyer."

Unfortunate.

"Shall I tell your generals to stand down, my lord?"

The great figure sits, pondering for a moment. No. The Chaos Bringer has been dealt with, even the living end, is in remission. There may never be a more opportune moment. Proceed with phase one. Earth may have won it's freedom for now, but the Universe shall be mine, and even it's heroes will fall in time.

The figure begins backing out of the room. "As you command, my lord."

"Hail Darkseid."