Moving like a green blur, Hulk grasped the Fenris Wolf's tail and yanked the giant wolf off the ground, spinning him around and building momentum before finally releasing his grip and sending the Wolf flying. Crashing through the wall that Fenris sent him through not two minutes ago.
Hulk paused for a moment. His eyes glowed green with rage as he panted heavily. He glanced in the direction of his team before giving them a smug grin and giving a thumbs-up.
The Hulk then jumped after his enemy and continued the fight.
For a moment, the heroes didn't move. Stunned by the display of power. While the sight of Way Big and Hoarfen was quite a sight to behold. That battle didn't feel that different from most of their fights.
A clash between giants is nothing new to the Asgardians. They face Frost Giants on a regular basis, and the Avengers have gotten used to Ben's incredible display of power. While Way Big isn't an alien they usually get to see in action, he fits right in with Ben's other crazy displays of power.
But this, this wasn't a clash of titans, it was the collision of two forces of nature. A pair of walking natural disasters that have been viewed as unstoppable in their respective realms. Now, those two opposing forces have turned their attention to each other.
To the others, it felt like there wasn't an outcome that didn't result in mass destruction.
But they couldn't worry about that now. The gates were now unguarded, and they still had a teammate to save.
However, just as they were about to open the gates. Black Panther's eyes widened as he rushed forward and tackled Balder and Sif as the former reached for the door.
"Get down!" He yelled.
Suddenly, the massive wooden doors exploded in a violent display of fire and splinters.
Wooden shards and metal shrapnel showered the area as the Heroes were blown off their feet.
Giant Man groaned as his vision went blurry. He shook his head to clear it as he started to realise the faint pounding wasn't in his head.
Around him, the other heroes were regaining their senses. The Valkyrie Leader was already on her feet as she held her spear in front of her, ready in a fighting stance.
Through the smoke, a large figure approached. A hulking humanoid with a broad chest. Standing ten feet tall and clad in some kind of grey metal armor. Covering his entire body, concealing any features. The helmet had a pair of glowing yellow eyes and a U-shaped, horn-like crest on its head.
"By the Halls of Valhalla." She gasped as she saw the Metal Giant. "The Destroyer."
The Giant Armored warrior's faceplate suddenly retracted, revealing no one behind the mask. Nothing but an empty armored suit.
Within the hollow armor, a bright glow emanated from within, growing brighter and brighter until the Destroyer unleashed a powerful beam of magical energy from its helmet.
The beam of light cut through the air like a javelin. Brunnhilde swiftly dodged out of the way as the beam narrowly missed her and struck the wall behind her. The stone structure exploded in a violent display of fire and rubble.
Once it finished its attack, the Destroyer's faceplate retracted, and the Hollow Man stomped towards the heroes, ready for its next target.
In a few thundering steps, the Metal Giant loomed over Wasp. Her tiny form seemed to go unnoticed by the giant, as its target appeared to be the Valkyrie Warrior.
Raising its armor-plated foot, a shadow washed over Wasp's frail form as it prepared to crush her underfoot.
Just as the metal soul dropped down on her, a giant hand shot out like a spear and caught the metal boot, halting its advance.
Giant Man struggled to hold back the weight of the armored being as he activated his belt and increased his size to gain the leverage to toss the bulky suit away from Wasp.
The clang of metal and cracking of stone reverberated off the walls of the courtyard as the metal crashed into the ground.
Giant Man glared at the Metal Giant with rage. He quickly scooped Wasp up in his enlarged hands and gently moved her towards Brunnhilde as she got to her feet.
Placing her next to the Valkyrie, he returned his attention to the Walking Armor as it recovered from the Giant Man's attack.
The Scientist stared into the empty slits of the Destroyer's helmet. He balled his fists as he shook with rage.
With a loud battle cry, Giant-Man charged the Metal Warrior; his steps shook the earth as he thundered toward his enemy.
Raising his fist, Giant-Man struck the Destroyer with a powerful right hook. Sending it reeling back, but he didn't let up. Immediately followed with a left jab, followed by another blow to the body, and finishing with a devastating uppercut, forcing the armored head to fly back.
Each strike pulsed in Giant Man's muscles and bones. The adrenaline prevented him from feeling the pain, but he couldn't think about the damage he was sustaining. He had to focus on taking this monster down.
However, as he threw another punch at the Metal Giant's body. It's metal hand struck forth like a viper and caught his fist in its steely grasp.
Giant Man tried to pull away, but the iron grip of the Destroyer held him in place.
The Destroyer's head lowered to look Giant Man in the eye. Its empty eye holes glowed with yellow energy as it balled its free hand and punched Giant Man with an uppercut of its own.
Launching Giant Man off his feet and sending him flying across the courtyard before landing in a heap on the ground with a loud crash.
The Size Changing Hero groaned as he lifted his head to see the Destroyer's faceplate opening again, and it prepared to fire its beam weapon at him.
Suddenly, a vibranium spear shot out from the dust and collided with the Destroyer's left arm before detonating in a powerful explosion, causing the Armor to stumble from the force.
Then, from its right, a volley of arrows embedded themselves in between the metal plates of the right arm as Hawkeye and Black Panther launched a coordinated attack on the Destroyer.
Brunnhilde and Balder soon joined the pair as they struck the Metal Giant with their respective weapons.
While they fought the Destroyer, Wasp and Lady Sif rushed over to Giant-Man.
"Hank!" Wasp shouted in a worried tone as she flew to his side.
A flash of light, and Giant Man turned back to his normal size. A trickle of blood flowed from his mouth.
He grunted as Wasp helped him to a sitting position.
"I'm fine, Jan." He tried to say before coughing and winching in pain. Which immediately contradicted his words.
"You are lucky to still be alive, Giant Man." Lady Sif said in a serious tone. "For none have clashed with the Destroyer Armor and lived to speak of it."
"The Destroyer. What can you tell me about it?" Hank Pym asked, forcing himself to his feet while Janet supported him.
Lady Sif glanced at the armor, and her eyes narrowed. "The Destroyer is a weapon created by Odin himself. An indestructible suit of armor, with power said to be unmatched by any in the Nine Realms."
"What are its weaknesses?" Giant Man asked.
Wasp looked at him with a worried expression. The lack of hesitation made it clear to her that he was itching to jump back into the fray.
"From what I have seen, it has none." Lady Sif stated, causing Giant Man's fist to clench.
"There has to be something?" He pressed, stepping closer to her.
Wasp tried to hold him back, but he refused to yield.
Lady Sif was taken aback by the Mortals' brashness but pondered his question.
"The armor requires a soul in order to function. However, the soul can only control the armor for so long before being driven mad with rage. The armor seeks battle, and any that are bonded to it will eventually succumb to Warriors' Madness." The Shield Maiden explained.
Giant Man nodded as he wiped the blood from his mouth and reached for his belt.
However, Janet grabbed his hand and stopped him. "No, Hank. That things too strong. You can't fight it head-on."
Giant Man looked down at her with a serious expression. "You heard Sif, Jan. This thing is unstoppable. The only chance we have is to make whoever is piloting that thing lose control."
He pulled his hand from hers and walked away. "And the only way to do that is to make it angry."
Hank pressed his hand to his belt. "Besides. I want another crack at this thing."
His body glowed blue, and he grew into his giant form.
Giant Man cracked his knuckles as he charged into battle. Tackling the Destroyer like a football player, as the others joined in on the attack.
Wasp watched as she clutched her arm and bit her lower lip.
She knew why Hank was fighting. Didn't take a genius to figure it out.
Even so, she wasn't about to let him face his demons alone. She's his partner after all. More than that, she's an Avenger.
Shrinking down, Wasp flew into battle. Blasting her stingers at full power as she joined the heroes in fighting this armored foe.
Meanwhile, a section of Asgard's skyline collapsed as Way Big fell on his back, landing with enough force to cause an earthquake in the Golden City.
The Ice Wolf Hoarfen on top of him, its massive jaws chomping at his face as he held the wolf at bay.
Way Big grunted as he wrestled with the canine titan. Ice started forming on his hands as he held Hoarfen's icy fur.
Sliding his left arm under the Ice Wolf's neck, Way Big freed his right arm, allowing him to punch the Giant Wolf in the snout, stunning it long enough to push it off him.
The Titan Alien lunged forward, grabbed Hoarfen by the ears and rammed his knee into the Beast's head, sending it into the side of a building.
He then used a smaller building near him as a pedestal, jumping into the air and performing an elbow drop right onto Hoarfens' back. Causing the Giant Wolf to crash into the ground in a massive cloud of mist and debris.
As Way Big got to his feet and dusted himself off. He looked into the mist cloud to check that his opponent was down.
Unfortunately, Hoarfen was pretty tough to take down as the Ice Wolf pounced from the cloud and slammed its front paws into Way Big's chest, forcing him back.
The Alien Hero managed to regain his footing to brace himself. Only for Hoarfen's jaws to clamp down on his right arm.
Hoarfen then pulled Way Big, catching him off guard and used his momentum to toss the Giant Alien across the city.
Way Big twisted in the air to see where he was going and managed to pivot himself to land in an open area of the city, reducing as much collateral damage as possible.
This may be a magical city. But these were still people's homes. He didn't want to destroy anything if he could help it.
Way Big landed in the city square in an earth-shattering crash as he cratered the area with his bulk.
Fortunately, no one else was present in the area. As he quickly looked around, he could see smoke from the far end of the city. Most likely, where the resistance fighters were keeping Loki's army busy.
Glancing towards the Bifrost gate, he could see a smaller plume of smoke where Heimdall was defending the gates from enemy reinforcements. The Alien Teen felt a slight urge to go and help him, but he pushed that feeling aside. He was told to trust the Gatekeeper, so that's what he'll do.
A series of explosions erupted from behind him, and Way Big turned to see two fresh clouds of smoke bellowing from an area just outside the palace gates and one inside.
His chest tightened. That's where his team is fighting. Two smoke plums mean they've been split up. Not a good sign. Their squad is already small enough. Splitting them even further only increases the chances of defeat. Not to mention making it easier for Loki to pick them off if he decides to get involved.
Turning back to Hoarfen, he could see the Ice Wolf stalking towards him through the buildings, the Alien Avengers' eyes narrowed. He needed to finish this fight quickly so he could rejoin the Avengers and end this fight.
As he got into a fighting stance, Way Big noticed something out of the corner of his eye.
Looking at the ground to his right, he got a good look at it.
It was a sword. But unlike any other blade he'd seen in Asgard, this one was gigantic. Way too big for anyone in Asgard to wear, and yet it would look perfectly normal in Way Big's hands. It was just lying there in the middle of the courtyard, sitting on a series of support structures. Like some fancy piece of artwork.
To him, it seems odd to have a conveniently placed giant sword for him to wield. But he was short on time and he figured why waste an opportunity like this.
The Titan Alien reached for the giant sword and gripped the hilt.
Suddenly, Way Big felt a jolt rush through his entire skeleton, from the tips of his toes all the way to the top of his frill. A bone-chilling sensation rushed up his spine as he felt his entire being rocked to its core.
Way Big looked down at the hand that gripped the sword and saw it shaking like an Earthquake.
Whatever this sword is or why it's here, every fibre of his being screamed at the top of its lungs that drawing this sword would be a very bad idea.
Deciding to leave things as they are, Way Big retracted his hand and briefly rubbed it to get the tingling sensation out of his appendage while he tentatively looked down at the massive blade.
The booming footsteps of Hoarfen snapped him out of his stupor as the Ice Wolf growled at the Titan Alien.
Hoarfen opened its jaws and took a deep inhale. Blue energy glowed within the beast's maw as it prepared to fire its ice beam.
In response, Way Big crossed his arms in a plus formation while the outer edge of his vertical hand glowed with lighter blue energy.
The two giants fired beams of mystical ice and cosmic energy, respectively, and the beams clashed in a powerful eruption of power that caused gale-force winds to rip through the streets of Asgard.
Way Big gritted his teeth as he fought against Hoarfens' power. All while racking his brain on the swiftest method to beat this thing and keep damage to a minimum.
He could only hope that the Avengers could hold out a little longer until he could reach them.
The Avengers couldn't hold out any longer.
Despite their combined efforts, the Destroyer armor proved too formidable for them.
The Metal Giants' overwhelming strength tossed each of them aside like rag dolls, and its energy beam attack annihilated anything in its path.
By some miracle, everyone was able to avoid a direct hit from the beam so far. But that luck will eventually run out.
Giant Man attempted to restrain the Destroyer by wrapping it in a tight bear hug from behind, pinning its arms to its body while Wasp blasted the eye sockets with her stingers.
However, the Destroyer flexed its arms and broke Giant Man's hold easily before swiftly turning around and punching the Giant Hero with a powerful left hook before swatting Wasp aside with a swift backhand.
Balder and Lady Sif leapt into action and attacked the Enchanted armor with their respective weapons, but the attacks proved useless as the Destroyer merely grabbed the pair and tossed them aside.
It opened its faceplate to fire its beam weapon at them, only for Black Panther to pounce on its back from behind.
The Wakandan King reached to his belt, drew the elven dagger that Faraday gifted him and stabbed the Armor in the back.
The thin blade slipped in between the metal plates of the Destroyer all the way to the hilt.
Suddenly, the Indestructible Armor let out an unholy screech of pain as it thrashed around, trying to shake Black Panther off its back.
Thanks to the vibranium weaved into his gloves and boots, Black Panther was able to keep his grip on the Enchanted armor for a brief time before the Metal Giant threw itself into a wall, forcing him to jump off, lest he be crushed against it.
Panther dashed over to the others as they watched the Unstoppable War Machine in pain as black wisps of smoke began to emanate from the armor.
The Wakandan narrowed his eyes at the smoke. "As I suspected."
Hawkeye raised an eyebrow. "Care to share with the class, Your Highness?"
"The armor is being powered by the souls of Dark Elves." Black Panther answered. "The blade I received from the Light Elves is made of iron. Their weakness."
Brunnhilde and Faraday glared at the Destroyer.
"That cur." The former snarled. "Using the souls of the dishonoured dead to fight his war."
She gripped her sword tightly to where he knuckles became white.
For a Valkyrie, the souls of the fallen deserve to be laid to rest. Be it in Valhalla or Niflheim, the souls of the dead should not be abandoned to wander in eternal torment.
The fate of the Dark Elves never sat well with her or the other Valkyries. Even though they were enemies, what Malekith subjected his people to was unforgivable.
Now, to see these lost souls, trapped to be used as fuel for Loki's war machine.
The Valkyrie could think of a special punishment for his wicked soul.
"If iron weakens the weapon, then we must strike until it is purged of this evil," Faraday declared, drawing his sword, an iron blade like many of his kind.
As a Light Elf, Faraday holds no love for the Dark Elves. The two sides have been at odds since the dawn of time. It is only natural that the Elven Archer would wish to vanquish his people's long-standing foe.
Charging forward, Faraday attempted to attack the armor. Only for the Destroyer to finally remove the iron dagger from its back, toss it aside, and blast a beam directly at Faraday.
The Light Elf's eyes widened as he could only watch the beam scream towards him with no time to avoid it.
Suddenly, Black Panther and Hawkeye tackled the Elf out of the way as the beam shot past them, causing an explosion at the far end of the courtyard.
"No, my friend," Black Panther warned. Pulling the Light Elf to his feet. "The Destroyer is powered by many souls. We do not have the means to sever them all from the armor."
"The Panther speaks the truth," Brunnhilde agreed, focusing on the enchanted armor. "I sense thousands of souls within its cold frame."
"So what do we do now?" Wasp asked nervously.
An uneasy aura surrounded the group. Hawkeye saw it clearly on everyone's faces, but no one had the guts to say it aloud.
They were in trouble. Loki had played them like a fiddle—sending in the wolves to separate their heavy hitters from the group and then deploying his Iron Man knockoff to finish them off.
Even if they managed to defeat this thing, the effort would likely leave them all drained and therefore easy pickings for the Mischief God.
Hawkeye gritted his teeth in frustration. He bets that Loki is watching them right now and enjoying their struggle, as if this is all some twisted game to him.
"This is it, isn't it?" Wasp asked hopelessly.
The others looked at her with varying levels of disparity. She was the only one willing to vocalise what they were all thinking, even if they wanted to deny it.
All they could do was watch as the Destroyer marched toward them, opening its faceplate once more to charge its mystical beam.
Just then, out of nowhere, a large round disc struck the Destroyer's head, knocking it to the side and interrupting its attack, forcing the faceplate to close.
The disc ricocheted off the metal giant, sailing toward the heroes, passing over their heads and landing in the hands of its master.
All at once, the Avengers turned to see who the new arrival was. Their eyes widened, and wide grins spread across their faces as they laid eyes on Captain America.
"Giant Man, Wasp, hit it high! Hawkeye, Panther, go for the legs and take it down! Let's move Avengers!" The Sentinel of Liberty barked orders without a second of hesitation.
As if a fire was lit in their souls. The Avengers immediately felt energised by Cap's words and sprang into action.
Giant-Man and Wasp charged forward, the latter shifting into her giant size as she and Giant-Man rammed into the Destroyer. Grabbing an arm each as they pushed it back.
The destroyer quickly planted its feet and pushed back against the giant pair as they wrestled against each other.
However, Hawkeye drew a magic arrow, and Black Panther drew a vibranium dagger. The pair launched their respective projectiles, which impacted against the legs of the Metal Giant.
Magic and vibrational energy erupted from the respective weapons, causing the Destroyer's legs to buckle and allowing Giant-Man and the Wasp to knock it down.
The Enchanted Armor attempted to retaliate by firing its beam weapon. Only for Captain America to jump in front of the Asgardian War Machine and raise his mighty shield as the beam fired.
Cap braced himself as the beam struck his shield. The force of the blast almost knocked him off his feet, but the Super Soldier stood firm. Putting his full weight into blocking the powerful beam.
When the Destroyer finally stopped its attack, the emotionless metal golem almost seemed shocked when Captain America emerged from the smoke completely unscathed.
The Destroyer attempted to blast him again, only for Captain America to throw his shield directly into the Enchanted armor's open faceplate, blocking the opening from which the beam could fire.
Temporarily stunned by the temporary incapacitation, the Destroyer attempted to remove the shield from its helmet. Only for Giant-Man, Wasp, Balder, and Brunnhilde to immediately jump on to the armor, trying to keep it down long enough to restrain it.
Captain America quickly joined the fray, calling out orders to the others to coordinate their attacks.
However, Hawkeye held back. As he watched the fight, he quickly realised that they were still far from victory.
The Caps' arrival reignited everyone's fighting spirit. But this won't last. Their stamina is limited, while the Destroyer isn't running out of steam any time soon.
They needed more muscle. And he knew exactly where to get it.
But there was one thing he needed to know before that could happen.
Running as fast as he could, the Purple Archer rushed to Lady Sif's side.
"Hey, Xena. Hold on a sec!" He called out to her.
Lady Sif looked at the Archer with a confused look.
"What troubles thee, Archer?" She asked.
Hawkeye looked at her with determination. "I gotta ask you something."
Meanwhile, outside the palace walls, a path of destruction was being carved through the heart of Asgard.
Several buildings collapsed into rubble as the Monstrous Fenris Wolf and the Incredible Hulk clashed in brutal combat.
The Giant Wolf lunged at Hulk, opening its jaws wide. In response, Hulk reached out and caught Fenris's jaws with his powerful arms, and the two used their incredible strength to try to overpower one another.
Fanris had the size advantage, providing him with more leverage as he dug his paws into the ground and pushed Hulk back.
While Hulk's strength was able to prevent the Asgardian Wolf's jaws from crushing him, the ground under his feet couldn't hold up to the sheer strength the pair were exerting, and the stone street crumbled as Hulk's feet dug a trench as Fenris pushed him back.
Growling in frustration, Hulk released his grip, and the massive jaws snapped shut like a bear trap. However, Hulk pivoted to the side, causing the Giant Wolf to snap at empty space.
The Gamma Giant then wrapped his massive arms around Fenris's jaws and, with a mighty heave. Lifted the Giant Wolf off the ground and performed a perfect suplex. Tossing Fenris over his body and sending him crashing on the street behind him.
Hulk didn't waste a second as he rolled over and charged the Monstrous Wolf as Fenris rolled onto his stomach.
Hulk jumped up, grabbed the Wolf by the neck, and positioned his shoulder underneath Fenris's jaw. He then yanked Fenris down and performed a stunner on the Giant Wolf, causing the ground beneath him to crater as a shockwave blasted through the city.
As Hulk got to his feet, he spun around, ready to smash his opponent further into the ground. That move should have stunned Fenris long enough for him to deliver the final blow.
However, Fenris was already back on his feet as the Monstrous Wolf pounced on Hulk, knocking him down as its massive paw pinned him to the ground.
Hulk struggled to lift the massive paw off him, only for Fenris to bite down on Hulk's left arm. The Wolf God's fangs slicing into Hulk's flesh like swords before yanking Hulk into the air.
Fenris proceeded to slam the Hulk into the ground over and over. Shaking him like a chew toy as his razor-sharp fangs dug deeper and deeper into his arm, tearing the muscle and scraping against the bone.
Pain pulsed up Hulk's arm as rage burned within his veins.
Green gamma energy pulsed along his body as the Gamma Giant balled his fist and punched Fenris in the face with all his might.
A massive boom rocked the Eternal City as a shockwave pulsed throughout the realm. Buildings shook, stones cracked, and some citizens were knocked off their feet as the impact force rippled across Asgard.
However, despite all the power he poured into that blow. The Fenris Wolf was unphased.
The only outcome that Punch managed to accomplish was getting Fenris to stop thrashing.
Fenris stood motionless as Hulk's fist pressed against his cheek. Warping the fur and skin after the Jade Brute struck him.
The Wolf God opened his red eye and glared at the Hulk with pure malice.
Hulk's eyes widened in shock. No one should be standing after a hit like that. He put all his rage into that blow.
Before he could make another attempt, Fenris chomped down on Hulk's arm. A sickening crack followed by a blinding pain as the guillotine jaws of Fenris shattered the bones in his left arm.
The Gamma Giant cried out in agonising pain as Fenris proceeded to toss him across the street. Hulk bounced across the stone ground before slamming into the side of a building with enough force to reduce the structure to rubble.
Groggy, Hulk pushed some of the debris off himself as he tried to sit up. Half his body was buried in debris, while his left arm looked like it had gone through a meat grinder. His skin was torn and bloody, with some of it hanging loose in flaps. The rest of it was so mangled it looked like a piece of roadkill.
The only thing that seemed to have kept his arm attached was a few muscle strands that managed to survive the bite force of the Giant Wolf.
A tingling sensation filled his arm as Hulk saw the muscles and bones knitting themselves back together. His healing factor has kicked in. Soon, his arm will be as good as new.
However, that might be a little too late, as in a burst of speed, Fenris was atop Hulk. His ebony paw shot forth, striking Hulk in the chest and pinning him to the ground, preventing him from moving.
A series of cracks and snaps, and the Gamma Giant vomited a river of blood from his mouth.
His entire body screamed in agony as his chest cavity collapsed. His ribs shattered, and his organs pierced. The Green Goliath, known as the Hulk, has been reduced to a green stain on the streets of Asgard.
Hulk wheezed as his lungs filled with fluid. He tried to free himself using his one good hand. But it was no use. But in his current state, he couldn't muster the strength to move it. The massive paw wouldn't budge. He was trapped and at the mercy of the giant Wolf.
Hulk looked up at the Fenris Wolf and saw the Monster glaring back at him. Its red eyes burned holes into Hulk's soul as his blood dripped from Fenris's teeth.
The Giant Wolf licked his lips and bared his fangs like a savage beast.
A chill washed over Hulk as he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time.
Fear.
He actually felt afraid of this thing. Never before, not even against the power of the Phoenix Force, did Hulk feel this kind of fear.
He couldn't even summon the same level of anger he used against the Cosmic Bird, as the intimidation aura of Fenris seemed to be suppressing his rage. Replacing it with fear and helplessness.
The black shadow of the Fenris Wolf enveloped the Gamma Giant. Hulk's eyes widened as the realisation sank in.
He's going to die.
Suddenly, the light glinted off of something in the corner of Hulk's eye, and the next moment, Fenris's head suddenly jerked to the side, and the Monstrous Wolf howled in pain as he started flailing his head.
Hulk watched as the Giant Wolf removed his paw from his chest and started rubbing his massive head, rubbing his paw over his right eye.
When Fenris turned his head, Hulk finally saw what was causing the Creature so much distress.
An arrow, lodged in the eye socket of the Fenris Wolf.
The arrow itself didn't pierce the neigh invulnerable eyeball of the Mighty Beast. Rather, the projectile had lodged itself between the eye and the conjunctiva. Causing the Giant Wolf great discomfort, as his attempt to remove the arrow only resulted in him forcing it deeper into the socket.
There's only one man that Hulk knew who could make a shot like that.
"Hey, you overgrown furball!" Hawkeye's voice cried out, causing the Hulk to turn to see the Archer standing upon the balcony of a nearby building.
At the sound of his voice, Fenris paused and turned his attention to the Marksman. His left eye burned with rage at the one who dared interrupt his fun.
Hawkeye glared at the Giant Wolf as he pulled back his bowstring. "You wanna chew on someone? Chew on me!"
Hulk was shocked. Was he trying to get himself killed? He knew Hawkeye was a risk-taker, but he never expected him to go this far.
He wanted to shout at him, to tell him to run and get out of here. But as their eyes met, Hulk saw the determination in his gaze. Hawkeye was locked in. Of all the people he'd met, Hawkeye was by far the most stubborn human he'd ever known.
Once that Archer sets his sights on something, he never backs down.
Hulk tried to get up and help him, but with his body broken like this, it would take time for him to heal. Time he felt the Archer didn't have.
Fenris let out a savage roar as the Giant Wolf lunged at Hawkeye.
Raising his bow, Hawkeye aimed at the building across the street from him and fired, revealing that the arrow was tied to a long piece of rope that embedded itself in the wall of the structure. Hawkeye swung from his perch to the street below.
The Fenris Wolf slammed into the building, instantly demolishing it and causing the rubble to partially bury the Beast.
This bought Hawkeye enough time to reach street level, and the Archer took off like an Olympic runner. Sprinting down the street as fast as he could.
"Come on, Cujo! Gonna have to do better than that to catch me!" Hawkeye taunted as he reached the corner of the street, spun around, notched two arrows on his bow and fired them before dashing around the corner.
The moment Fenris shook his head free of the debris, he searched for the Purple Archer. The arrows Hawkeye had fired flew right into both of his nostrils.
Fenris's breath hitched as the giant wolf unintentionally sucked in the arrows, pulling them deeper into his nasal cavity.
The monstrous beast immediately sneezed the projectiles out and burst from the rubble.
His mouth frothing and rage seething from every pore of his body, Fenris charged after Hawkeye like a bloodhound chasing a rabbit.
Meanwhile, Hulk could only lie there helplessly, watching as the beast pursued his teammate.
He wanted to shout, to call out to the archer, to get that wolf's attention. But his words were choked by his blood-filled airways.
All he could do was lie there helplessly while his friend threw his life away.
In that moment, Hulk felt a familiar sensation bubble up inside him.
He felt angry.
Angry at the Monster that did this to him, furious at Loki for causing all this, and angry at Hawkeye for being such an idiot. But most of all, he was angry at himself for letting himself be so weak.
Letting out one last wheeze, Hulk gritted his teeth, clenched his fist, and his eyes glowed green.
Meanwhile, Hawkeye sprinted down the streets of Asgard with all his might.
Notching another arrow, Hawkeye aimed at the ropes, holding up a large banner with Loki's smug mug plastered on it.
The Arrows severed the strings, and the banner came flopping down as Hawkeye ran underneath.
A second later, Fenris burst into the street, hot on the Archer's trail. Only for the banner to land on him and obstruct his view.
This momentary distraction allowed Hawkeye to regain some distance.
His breathing was as rapid as his heart rate. That was the twelfth close shave in the last two minutes.
Hawkeye has been ducking, leaping, and bounding through the various side streets of Asgard, with the Fenris Wolf hot on his tail. Each time, the archer manages to evade the Wolf's massive jaws with carefully placed shots, slowing Fenris down just long enough for him to create some distance between himself and the beast as he moves further into the city.
Darting into a city market, Hawkeye jumped onto an empty wagon and aimed his bow at a stone pillar beside him. The pillar was partially destroyed, with a large crack visible at its top.
Releasing his arrow, the projectile pierced the crack, causing the stone structure to crumble. Debris fell to the street below, landing on the front end of the wagon where Hawkeye stood.
The sudden shift in weight catapulted Hawkeye over the wall at the end, and the archer combat rolled in the courtyard on the other side.
A large square-shaped area, with a water fountain in the centre and lush plants growing along the sides. Several stone arches lined the open skylight.
Hawkeye immediately sprinted to the far end of the courtyard. Only to come to a screeching halt.
Before him lay a tall, solid wall with clear blue skies at the top but no ledges or balconies for him to reach, nor any kind of indentations for him to get a foothold.
Turning around, Hawkeye saw that the only door leading out of the yard was at the other end.
Just as Hawkeye turned as if to make for the exit, the wall he had just leapt over exploded, and the Fenris Wolf emerged from the dust cloud.
The Massive Wolf stood directly between Hawkeye and the only way out of this courtyard.
With no grapple arrows and no means of scaling the walls, Hawkeye was trapped with arguably the most dangerous creature in Asgard.
Hawkeye aimed his bow and fired an arrow in an apparent panic. The arrow struck right between the eyes and bounced harmlessly off the impenetrable hide of the Fenris Wolf.
The Giant Wolf glared at the Purple Archer. Hawkeye's arrow was still lodged in his eye.
Just then, Fenris shut both eyes tightly. Like a steel trap, the eyelid closed on the arrow and snapped it like a twig. Half of the arrow fell to the ground as Fenris opened his eyes, and a tear rolled out of his right eye. The salty water carried the other end of the arrow with it as the Wolf blinked both eyes, finally allowing him to give Hawkeye his full attention.
Hawkeyes body stiffened, sweat poured from his brow and dripped off his chin. His hands trembled as he gripped his bow and arrow for dear life. But he held his gaze with steely determination.
Fenris pulled back his lips to reveal his fangs. Grinning like a savage monster as he stalked slowly towards his prey.
This mortal dared to challenge him. What's worse, he humiliated him. Fenris is the beast that Odin himself declared a threat. Having imprisoned him out of fear of his power. All the Nine Realms have feared his might.
But he, a mortal of all things, caused him to shed a tear. That humiliation will not stand. Fenris will make this Archer beg for death when he is finished.
Before that, though, he will savour this moment. Just like the Green One, Fenris will wait until his heart is consumed with fear and despair before delivering his vengeance upon him.
He could already feel the Archer's body trembling. Doused in sweat, he tried to hide his fear behind that hardened expression. But sooner or later, his mask would crack, and his true nature would appear.
As Fenris stalked closer, he was about to pass under the stone arch overhead. That's when it happened, the Archer's facade broke. A twitch at the corner of his mouth. A smirk…
Suddenly, Fenris stopped in his tracks. A curious look on his face. His nose twitched, and his ears flicked. The scent of the Archer flowed into his sinuses, and the rhythm of his heartbeat danced on his eardrums.
Hawkeye's jaw clenched. The Giant Wolf remained still as his eyes started looking around the area.
"Come on!" Hawkeye shouted as he aimed his bow at the Beast. "You want me! I'm right here! Come on, you stupid furball! I'm right here! Kill me! Come on!"
The Archer fired his arrow at Fenris, striking him in the eyeball this time. Once again, the arrow bounced harmlessly off the Wolf as he continued to taunt the Monster. Goading him into attacking. Growing increasingly desperate and aggressive.
All the while, Fenris looked around the area as if the beast sensed something was off.
Then, Fenris noticed something at the far end of the courtyard. It was concealed behind some vines, but it looked to be a boulder suspended by a very thin strand of rope. Following the rope up, Fenris noticed the rope was connected to the stone arch he was about to pass under and trailed it along the walls leading to the floor.
As the Monstrous Wolf followed the trail, Hawkeye continued to pelt his fur with arrows in a vain attempt to gain his attention.
Fenris looked at the ground in front of him and saw a layer of leaves before him. Lowering his head, Fenris snorted, and his foul breath swept away the leaf litter, revealing a crude pressure trigger. Attached to a bronze metallic ribbon that ran along the entire archway, leading to the boulder that acted like a counterweight.
Immediately, the colour drained from Hawkeye's face. So close, one more step and it would have worked. He set this trap up in record time, and this mutt saw right through it.
Suddenly, the Wolf started making a deep rumbling sound that echoed across the courtyard. The rumbling grew louder before it turned into laughter as Fenris opened his jaws to let out a deep, hearty laugh.
"My, my, you mortals certainly are devious," Fenris spoke, much to Hawkeye's surprise. "Setting up this elaborate trap to bind me to Gleipnir once more. Truly a creative method to try and bind me. But futile."
Fenris glanced at Hawkeye, who stood there looking dumbfounded at the Giant Wolf. His shoulders slouched, and he let out a defeated sigh.
"Of course, the Wolf talks." He groaned with a deadpanned expression.
Fenris narrowed his eyes at the Archer. "You think of me as a mere mindless beast? Foolish archer. I am Fenris, Odinsbane and the King of all Monsters."
Hawkeye raised an eyebrow. "Really? Cause I've seen the King of the Monsters, and trust me, Fido. You're no Atomic Lizard."
Fenris growled at the Archer's quip. "You jest. But I have seen through your ruse, Mortal. And the game ends here."
With that, Fenris reached out and wrapped it across the stone floor, hooking the magic chain, Gleipnir, in his claws and ripping apart his trap setup. Demolishing the archway and causing the ribbon-like chain to fall to the ground uselessly.
Hawkeye could only watch as his first, last and only card was torn apart before his eyes.
After talking with Lady Sif, she told him that the only thing that could trap Fenris was Gleipnir. A special enchanted chain as thin as a ribbon, but stronger than anything in the Nine Realms.
Hawkeye found the chain and set up his trap to lure Fenris into it. Only for Fenris to see right through him and ruin it.
Now there's nothing to stop Fenris from making him his next meal.
His heart thundered in his chest as his body trembled.
Fenris closed his eyes and sniffed the air as a satisfied grin spread across his muzzle.
"I love the smell of fear." The Wolf growled as he slowly stalked towards Hawkeye.
The Archer backed up, his eyes wide with fear as the Giant Wolf loomed over him. The Archer jolted as his back hit the wall, and he pressed himself against it as if thinking he could somehow force his way through the wall.
Fenris chuckled as he looked down at the helpless Human.
"You truly are foolish to think you could challenge me." Fenris berated the Mortal. "I am feared by the All Father himself. No weapon can pierce my hide. Even the Mighty Thor cowers in my presence. You are merely a man with a bow. What could you do against me?"
The words cut through him like a knife. Hawkeye lowered his head and clenched his fists.
Yeah, what could he do against him? He didn't have any powers. He didn't have an alien watch, gamma strength, magic powers, special serums or a fancy suit. He was just a guy with a bow and arrow.
What place did he have among Earth's Mightiest Heroes?
He knew it, and he was certain everyone else knew it, too. That's why he set up this trap. To lure Fenris away because he knew that for the Avengers to save the day, they needed Hulk more than they needed him.
Still, even if this was the end for him. He, for sure, was gonna go out of his way.
Gritting his teeth and touching his left hand to his right arm guard, Hawkeye glared up at the Fenris Wolf. Just as the Monster opened its toothy maw to swallow him.
"I can do this!" Hawkeye yelled as he raised his right arm and pulled on the arm guard.
Immediately, a miniature crossbow unfolded from the armguard and lined up on his wrist.
A small arrow was preloaded on the miniature bow. he aimed it directly into Fenris's gaping maw as he curled his index and middle fingers to trigger the bow and fire the arrow.
The tiny projectile sailed into Fenris' mouth and impacted against the back of his throat. Instantly, the projectile burst and unleashed a large volume of high-density polymer foam, filling Fenris's mouth and blocking his throat and windpipe.
Fenris's eyes instantly widened as he let out a muffled cry of pain as the foam filled his throat and hardened just as fast. Causing the Giant Wolf to start choking as he thrashed wildly.
Hawkeye smirked at the sight. He rarely got the opportunity to use his wrist-mounted crossbow. It's not a piece of equipment he advertises, as he didn't want villains to completely disarm him when they take away his bow, quiver, and utility belt.
He keeps it handy in the event of an emergency. Such as if he's falling to his death and either doesn't have his bow or doesn't have time to draw his arrows. Hence why, the foam arrow is always preloaded in case he ever needs to cushion his fall.
He also keeps a high-yield explosive arrow and a taser arrow equipped as well for any additional problems he might face.
In this moment, he just wanted to cause as much pain to this Mutt as possible.
"Yeah, choke on that, Big Bad." The Archer mocked as Fenris continued to suffocate on the foam.
Suddenly, the Giant Wolf tensed up, and every muscle on his body contracted. A squeaking, popping sound was heard before the wolf's incredible strength crushed the polymer foam.
As Fenris took a moment to gasp for air, Hawkeye loaded his next arrow. The high-yield explosive is enough to punch a hole in tank armor.
Probably wouldn't even tickle this beast. But if he detonates it at close range. Then, it at least spared him the pain of whatever torturous games this Dog was planning for him now.
The Fenris Wolf glared at the Archer with pure malice. His red eyes practically glowed with burning hatred.
"I will feast on your very soul, Mortal!" The Monster Barked as he lunged at Hawkeye.
In that moment, every fibre of his body was telling him to run. Fear's icy grip threatened to seize his heart and send him spiralling.
But Hawkeye slapped that hand aside as he stood his ground and raised his wrist bow.
Ready to meet his end.
Suddenly, Fenris yelped as his body collapsed to the floor, just short of Hawkeye.
Hawkeye's look of shock matched Fenris's as the Mighty Wolf is suddenly dragged away, with him pawing at the ground to stop it.
The giant Wolf is then lifted off the ground and hurled to the far end of the courtyard.
As Hawkeye looked across the yard, he saw the massive green figure of the Incredible Hulk.
His body pulsing with Gamma Energy that filled his veins.
Hulk let out a savage roar as he leapt at Fenris with a burst of speed and ferocity.
Fenris only just managed to get to his feet before Hulk landed on top of him. Cocking back his fist, Hulk punched Fenris with enough force to send his head into the wall, cratering it.
"Puny Wolf hurt Hulk! HULK SMASH PUNY WOLF!" Hulk roared as he rammed his fist into Fenris's snout once more, further burrowing his head into the wall.
Just then, Fenris kicked out and knocked Hulk away. Sending him flying. But the Gamma Brute pivoted in the air and landed on all fours.
Fenris pulled himself from the wall and roared at the Gamma Giant.
Hulk returned the sentiment as the pair charged at each other. Clashing at full force, kicking up a gale-force wind that caused Hawkeye to slide back a few feet.
Hawkeye watched as the pair fought, Hulk and Fenris attacking each other on seemingly equal footing now.
Fenris tried to knock Hulk aside, but Hulk instantly recovered and hit Fenris with the same force, knocking him back.
Snarling at the Hulk's defiance. Fenris lunged at the Gamma Giant and clamped his jaws on Hulk's arm once more. This time, he was going to bite it off. See if this Ogre can recover from that.
However, before he could, Hulk's other hand grabbed Fenris's upper jaw and, to Fenris's surprise, used his incredible strength to pry open the Giant Wolf's jaws.
Fenris tried to close his mouth, but Hulk forced it wider and wider. The Wolf's sharp teeth dug into Hulk's hands, causing blood to trickle down his limbs. But Hulk didn't stop. He forced Fenris's jaws as wide as they could go.
Then, when it seemed like the Wolf's jaws couldn't go any further, with a mighty roar, Hulk shoved the jaws apart.
A loud snap echoed across the area as Hulk snapped the jaws of the Fenris Wolf.
Fenris howled in pain as his lower jaw hung limply from his head.
The Giant Wolf thrashed, knocking Hulk off and causing him to land next to Hawkeye.
The Archer stared at him wide-eyed. He wasn't sure what he should be more surprised by. Hulk being able to injure this Beast like that, or the fact that Hulk actually came back to save him.
Whatever the case, he couldn't dwell on it because a sickening crack drew his attention as he turned to see Fenris clicking his jaw back into place. Seems the Monster also has a healing factor.
Life just isn't fair.
Fenris turned and snarled at the two Avengers.
In all his years, Fenris never thought that a pair of Mortals, of all things, could cause him this much trouble. Not only were they able to cause him pain, but they actually managed to injure him.
No one save for the All-Father and Thor has ever been able to accomplish such a feat.
He will not let this humiliation stand.
Crouching low, Fenris bared his fangs, and he prepared to pounce on the pair.
Hulk balled his fists as he prepared for another fight. Meanwhile, Hawkeye's eyes darted around the area as he quickly put together a plan.
He stood alongside Hulk as the pair stared down the Odin's bane.
Hulk glanced down at the Archer, who met his gaze. The pair didn't exchange any words, but they both understood each other.
With a respectful nod, Hulk raised his fists, and Hawkeye readied his bow.
Fenris glanced between the two as his rage-fuelled eyes narrowed. His fangs bared as he snarled maliciously.
He then chuckled. "This is going to be fun."
"Bite me." Hawkeye shot back.
Half a second later, Fenris charged. His paws dug craters into the ground. Hulk burst forward with a mighty leap as Hawkeye dashed behind him, firing one arrow after another with such fluidity. His bow arm remained steady while his drawing hand moved like a flowing river, drawing, pulling and relying on his arrows one after the other like a well-oiled machine.
The arrows bounced off Fenris's hide. While they didn't hurt the Giant Wolf, they certainly annoyed the Beast enough to distract him as Hulk delivered a powerful haymaker to his face.
Fenris turned his attention to the Green Goliath and lunged at him. Engaging him in combat as the two powerhouses exchanged blows of teeth, claws and fists.
Hulk rammed his fist into Fenris's cheek, knocking his head aside. Only for the Wolf to whip his head back and chomp down on the Gamma Brute's shoulder.
Blood spurted from the wound as Hulk roared in pain. He then used his massive fists to pry open Fenris's jaws, where he seized one of the upper canines. With a mighty tug, Hulk wrenched the tooth free from the Fenris Wolf's jaws.
He then started to stab the tooth into Fenris's snout repeatedly. Causing the Giant Wolf to hiss in pain, he chomped down on Hulk's leg and shook him from side to side, slamming him into the ground or the walls.
Meanwhile, Hawkeye darted across the ground, swiftly manoeuvring through the Giant's legs as he grabbed Gleipnir and weaved his way to another area of the courtyard.
Fenris tossed the Hulk aside, only for an arrow to embed itself into his right ear canal. The Giant Wolf turned to where it came from as Hawkeye readied another arrow, smirking.
The Giant Wolf pounced at Hawkeye, ready to chew him to pieces. The moment his paws left the ground, Hawkeye dashed forward and jumped onto a stone bench that was situated near the fountain.
As Fenris's paw landed on the bench, the stone structure destabilised, launching the Archer into the air. This catapulted him over Fenris as he notched his arrow and took aim for Fenris's eye.
However, Fenris saw through the Purple Archer's plan and swiftly swung his tail into him. Knocking Hawkeye out of the air and into the wall.
Hawkeye coughed as blood sprayed from his mouth and slid to the floor in the shade of a nearby tree.
As his vision cleared, Hawkeye saw the massive form of Fenris standing over him. The Giant Wolf panted heavily with rage as he glared at the Archer.
With his head still ringing and his body aching all over. There was no way the Marksman could make any move to escape.
Fenris edged his snout closer to Hawkeye until the Mortal was inches from his nose.
"Any last words, Archer?" Fenris asked, granting him one final request.
Hawkeye grunted as he lifted his head and smirked.
"Yeah. Smash."
Fenris raised an eyebrow only to hear Hulk's roar from behind him.
The Gamma Giant grabbed the boulder counterweight and yanked it as hard as he could.
Around the yard, the mystical chain, Gleipnir, whipped across the yard until it reached the tree under which Hawkeye was sitting.
From the top of the tree, Gleipnir is pulled up, and a lasso made from it wraps around Fenris's neck. Binding him to the chain once more.
Instantly, the magic chain recoiled, its incredible length shortening, and it magically attached itself to the floor in the centre of the courtyard.
Fenris roared with rage as he tugged, clawed and chewed at the chain. But with no effect. The indestructible chain had bound him once more.
All he could do was howl in fury as he thrashed around like a mad dog on a leash.
With the Wolf finally taken care of, Hawkeye let out a deep sigh.
His muscles ached, and his heart wouldn't slow down. The Adrenaline rush was no doubt numbing the incredible pain he's in.
He was so lost in his own head that he didn't notice Hulk until he sat down next to him. Letting out a deep sigh of his own.
The pair sat in silence for a moment, listening to Fenris thrash around in the background.
Hulk didn't say anything as the green glow of his body subsided and his breath became steady.
Hawkeye grunted and looked up at Hulk. "Hey. Listen." Hawkeye started to say.
"I know this is hardly the right time. But I just wanna say that I'm…"
"Stop," Hulk growled, cutting him off.
Hawkeye paused as he swallowed his words. A dejected look on his face as he lowered his head.
He was too late. He waited too long to apologise. Now, there was no going back.
The Gamma Giant then turned to him. "You don't have to say it. I forgive you."
Hawkeye snapped his head back up so quickly he felt a twinge in his neck from near whiplash.
"Come again?"
Hulk smirked as he playfully shoved Hawkeye. "You heard me, Cupid. We're all good."
"Just like that?" Hawkeye asked, still reeling from what he was hearing.
"Yep. You had my back when it counted." He then stood up and offered his hand to the Archer. "Not that I needed it."
Hawkeye smirked as he took Hulk's hand and pulled him to his feet.
"Thanks, Jade Jaws." He said genuinely.
"Don't mention it," Hulk responded.
Hawkeye grinned, happy that their friendship was finally restored.
"Alright. Well, don't get too comfortable. The others still need our help." Hawkeye explained as he started moving.
Hulk followed closely as they exited the courtyard.
Once they reached the other side of the doorway, Hawkeye paused as he reached the wall.
"By the way. I picked up something else on my way here. Figured you might want it." He said, holding up the item.
Hulk looked at the item Hawkeye was holding and grinned.
Back in the Palace Plaza, the Avengers and Asgardians were struggling to hold the line.
Thanks to Captain America's leadership, the Heroes had rallied against the Destroyer to push the Enchanted Armor back.
But even with their combined efforts, the Neigh Indestructible Suit just kept coming back. No matter how hard they knock it down.
Captain America raised his shield as the Destroyer fired its energy beam at him.
The powerful magic laser forced the Super Soldier back as his feet skidded across the ground.
Just then, Black Panther dashed up behind him, used his shoulder as a springboard to launch himself higher as he cleared the beam with a vibranium spear in his hand.
Putting all his strength into his arm, Panther hurled the spear at the Destroyer. The vibranium javelin sliced through the air and entered the Destroyer's beam before colliding with the inside of the armor's helmet.
The vibranium spear detonated in a violent explosion that knocked the Armor off balance as it staggered across the field, where Giant Man was waiting. He interlocked his fingers together and swung his arms in an upward motion, slamming into the Destroyer and knocking it into the air.
From above, the Wasp flew in the air, her hands glowing with yellow energy as she gathered and focused it into a sphere between her hands.
As the Destroyer ascended towards her, Wasp raised her arms and grew into her giant form. As her body grew, the energy she had accumulated grew with her, and she reached her maximum size just as the Destroyer was in range.
Wasp then aimed her hands at the Enchanted armor and unleashed the built-up energy in the most powerful stinger blast she had ever produced.
Bio-Energy coursed through the Metal Giant as it was blasted to the ground below, striking the floor with the force of a meteor. Kicking up dust and debris that blanketed the area.
A moment of silence allowed the Avengers to gather together. Each of them feeling tired as they'd been fighting nonstop for what felt like hours, and they're no closer to taking this thing down than when they started.
No sooner had the dust cleared, the Destroyer emerged from its crater and slammed its fists into the ground, generating a shockwave that tore apart the earth and sent the Heroes flying off their feet.
As the Avengers lay groaning in pain. The Metal Giant stomped towards them, readying its beam weapon once more.
Just then, Balder the Brave and the Valkyrie charged in and tackled the Metal Behemoth from the side. The blades clanged against the Destroyer's metal hide as Lady Sif rushed around the perimeter in a wide arc.
Once in position, Lady Sif aimed her sword at the Enchanted Armor.
Sif steadied her breathing and concentrated. While she is no sorceress like the Enchantress. Sif is still the sister of the Bifrost's Keeper. Like her brother, she is capable of channelling that power. While not as powerful or as precise. She can use it in her own way.
Her sword glowed, and the blade split apart, the two halves sliding across the guard. Blue energy danced between them as the powers built up.
"For Asgard!" Sif Cried as she unleashed a powerful mystical beam from her sword.
Channelling a small portion of the Bifrost through her blade, the energy struck the Destroyer at full force.
The concentration of power swirled around the Enchanted Armor, straining it from the pressure acting upon it.
Sif poured as much power as she could into her attack, immobilising the armor and providing an opening for the heroes to strike.
However, her strength quickly waned as the beam weakened. The gaps in the Destroyer's armor plating glowed with intense mystical energy as the Armor unleashed a massive pulse of energy, generating an orange magic shockwave that blew everyone away.
The Heroes collapsed on the ground, battered, bruised and tired. With Captain America the only one able to get to his feet.
His eyes locked with the glowing eye sockets of the Destroyer's helmet as the Metal Giant opened its faceplate to fire another beam.
Cap braced himself and raised his shield, ready to meet the attack head-on.
But just as the Destroyer was about to fire. The Savage roar of a familiar Gamma Brute cut through the noise, and Hulk charged through the smoke and shoulder-checked the Enchanted Armor. Sending it flying across the courtyard, where it bounced across the ground like a metal skipping stone.
Hulk then gripped the Bloodaxe and raised it above his head. The blade glowed blue, and Hulk slammed it into the ground. A wave of ice burst from the axe, and it spread across the ground like a river of frost before reaching the Destroyer and encasing it in a massive block of ice.
Hawkeye arrived soon after, and his eyes widened at the sight of the destruction.
"And I thought Tony threw the wild parties." The Archer quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
Cap gave a small grin as he greeted the pair. "Glad you made it back, you two. We need all the help we can get."
"Hmph. Robot doesn't look so tough." Hulk grunted. Just as the Destroyer broke free of his icy prison.
Hulk grinned as he gripped his axe and prepared to engage the armor.
"Hulk, wait." Captain America ordered, causing the Gamma Giant to pause.
The Super Soldier then turned to anyone who was still standing.
"Hawkeye, Wasp, Balder keeps it blinded. Giant Man, Panther, Sif, Faraday and Valkyrie knock it off balance and keep it confused. Do not let it lock on you. Move!"
The Avengers moved instantly to the Captain's orders. The Asgardians were a little slower. Especially Brunnhilde, having been referred to by her position as a Valkyrie instead of her name.
A blunder on Captain America's part. Given the high-stress situation, her name was the most difficult for him to remember after a very brief introduction. So he's been referring to her under the moniker of Valkyrie for the time being.
With the Heroes keeping the Destroyer occupied, Cap turned his attention to Hulk.
More specifically, the axe he held.
"That weapon. It belonged to the Executioner, correct?" Cap asked.
Hulk nodded. "Took it from him after I beat him. Why?"
"I saw you use the same magic ice attack as he did. Have you been able to use any of its other powers?" The Super Soldier questioned. Hastily as the Black Panther was tossed into a stone column near them.
"Only the fire stuff," Hulk admitted. "Haven't figured out how he opens those portals."
Cap's jaw clanged in frustration. Only for him to catch himself and take a breath to steady his mind.
"The fire and ice magic. How did you pull that off? Think clearly. What was going through your head when you made the axe use that power?" Captain America asked calmly.
Hulk thought for a moment as he tried to recall how he pulled off those moves.
"Well… When I use the firepower. I was angry, and I wanted to hurt the guys I was fighting. When I used the ice, I was mad cause they wouldn't stop moving, and I wanted them to stop." He explained as best he could.
"So it responded to your thoughts." Cap summarised. He cupped his chin in his hand and pondered this information.
Then he snapped his fingers as an idea formed in his head.
"Hulk, I want you to picture a specific location. Do you think you can do that?" The Super Soldier asked.
Hulk nodded as Captain America relayed his instructions to the Gamma Giant.
Meanwhile, the Avengers and Asgardians were fighting a losing battle against the Destroyer.
The Enchanted armor had Black Panther by the head with one arm while it choked Giant Man with the other.
All while the remaining heroes were attacking the Armor with everything they had to try and get it to flinch.
The Destroyer tossed Black Panther into Faraday before punching Giant-Man clear across the courtyard. It then opened its faceplate and fired its beam in a wide arc that blasted and knocked Balder and Sif off their feet.
Before the Destroyer could continue its assault, a circular shield collided with its head, catching its attention.
"You want to test your metal, buddy. Try mine!" The Super Soldier challenged.
As the Destroyer squared off with the Patriotic Hero, Cap glanced to his left at Wasp, who was helping Brunnhilde to her feet.
The Super Soldier made some subtle hand gestures to signal the Insect-Themed Heroine, which she was able to see and understand, informing the Valkyrie of their next move.
Captain America got into a fighting stance, with his shield primed and ready.
A tense aura increased between them as the Indestructible armor stared down the Sentinel of Liberty.
The Destroyer opened up his faceplate, and Captain America dashed forward.
Cap has been watching the Enchanted Armor the entire fight. Learning its fight patterns and calculating its timing. That beam weapon isn't an instant attack; it takes approximately three and a half seconds from the moment the faceplate starts opening to charging up the energy to fire.
More than enough time for the Super Soldier to close the distance between the two as he jumped into the air and raised his shield to cover the Destroyer's faceplate.
The Enchanted armor fired at the shield point-blank. Immediately, a shockwave pulsed from the impact, and the Destroyer was knocked back, attempting to keep its footing.
Only for Wasp to grow to a larger size and crouch on all fours behind the Metal Giant, just large enough to reach its knees. The Destroyer collided with her and tipped over like a child in a schoolyard playground.
"Hulk now!" Cap shouted.
Just then, the Hulk landed behind the Destroyer, gripping the Bloodaxe with both hands. He swung it downwards in a wide arc and slashed open a portal just as the Destroyer fell through it.
As the Armor fell through the enchanted gateway, it emerged on the other side. Outside the realm of Asgard.
The Destroyer briefly saw the Golden City in all its glory with the Rainbow Bridge below. Only for Gravity to take its effect, and the Enchanted Armor plummeted into the empty void below.
Wasp watched through the open portal as the Destroyer fell and waved at it in a teasing manner.
"Buh Bye." She giggled as Hulk closed the portal.
Brunnhilde crossed her arms with a look of admiration on her face. "Impressive. Sending the Destroyer to where it cannot cause any more harm."
"I didn't want to risk sending it somewhere that would put innocence in harm's way. I wasn't sure if the armor could fly or not. So I figured this would at least buy us some time." Captain America explained.
The Valkyrie nodded in approval. "A sound strategy. Perhaps the Odinson's faith in you mortals was well placed."
"Trust me, you ain't seen nothing yet, Blondie." Hawkeye quipped as he helped Panther to his feet.
The other Heroes gathered around. Looking a little worse for wear. They were all tired and battered from their fights.
"Safe to assume Loki knows we're here." Giant Man stated, bluntly.
Lady Sif stepped forth. "It matters not. Loki will face justice this day."
Even though she sounded confident, Cap noticed the falter in her tone and stance. She tried to hide it, but she was putting more weight on her right leg than her left. Her scuffed-up armor also hid the bruises and cuts on her body.
She was injured. Same as everyone else present. Aside from Hulk, whose healing factor kept him in tip-top shape, everyone else was a little worse for wear.
The Asgardians were injured, and so were the Avengers. Hawkeye and Panther had used up most of their gear; Giant Man and Wasp were knackered, and even the Captain himself could feel his body was a bit sluggish from the skirmish.
They weren't heading into this battle at 100%. That made them easy targets for Loki and whatever surprises he had in store.
A full-frontal attack would only lead to high casualties—something that didn't sit right with the Super Soldier.
In their current condition, they needed an alternate plan of attack.
Before anyone could even make a comment about their current situation, the ground shook as something massive smashed against the palace walls.
The stone structure exploded, prompting the heroes to assume fighting stances to confront the new threat.
From the shower of dust and debris emerged the head of Hoarfen. The Mighty Ice Wolf barrelled through the walls of the Royal Palace, landing with a resounding thud that nearly knocked everyone off their feet.
The Ice Wolf's eyes were closed as it let out a groan.
At first, the Asgardians all looked at the Giant Wolf with a mix of surprise and fear, unsure of what the presence of the Wolf meant for their group and their shapeshifting allies.
On the other hand, the Avengers looked on with grins, as if they knew exactly what was going on.
A flash of green light from behind Hoarfen revealed the lumbering figure of Humungousaur emerging from the dust cloud.
The Dino Alien used Hoarfen's back as a ramp while sauntering into the courtyard, casually stepping on the Ice Wolf's snout as he hopped off.
"Showed him," Humungousaur smirked, brushing off some dust from his shoulder. He turned around and pointed to the unconscious wolf with his index finger pointed down.
"Bad dog! Stay!" He barked at the beast in a humorous tone.
He then turned to the Avengers and aimed his thumb at the unconscious wolf behind him. "Guess his bark was worse than his bite."
Captain America immediately approached the Alien Hero.
The moment he saw him, Humungousaur's eyes widened in shock. "Cap!" He screamed as he charged towards him.
"Good to see you, Son. Been holding up well, I see." The Super Soldier complimented.
"No duh," The Alien scoffed in a cocky manner. Before brushing it aside. "But, Cap. I thought you were stuck in that other realm. How did you get here?"
Captain America's body tensed as he briefly looked away from the Teen Hero. As if ashamed of something.
"We'll debrief later. Right now, we have to focus on the mission. Thor still needs us, and we have another fight ahead of us. You ready, soldier?"
The Alien Avenger smirked as he punched his fist into his palm. "Born ready, Cap."
Captain America smiled and nodded to the Young Hero before turning to the Palace. The other heroes gathered with them. Their spirits were renewed, and they had a second wind in their lungs.
As they walked towards the large doors, Humungousaur reached up to his chest and tapped the Ultimatrix dial, causing four spikes to pop out.