Chapter 17: A Major Battle Ends

The night air surrounding the Alliance’s fortress was thick. The combatants stood facing each other despite feeling like they were being choked out by the sun. Sweat dripping from the HULK’s head as he stood front and center. Within his mean green exterior. Tucked away like Dad’s PLAYBOY magazine was Bruce Banner. What is that power I’m feeling? HULK’s eyes wide as he stared at the Dark Phoenix. The other heroes standing behind him. HULK performed the biggest nervous gulp in human history before fixating on the Sentinel the two powerhouse villains were standing on. Alright big guy… let’s remove the floor from their feet!

“HULK SMASH!”

In a flash HULK crossed his arms and began running through a crowd of undead, puppets, Hydra, and Shadaloo with no issue. Bombing through them knocking anything that stand before him aside like a fan blowing around bits confetti. He then found himself in range of the Sentinel. As it looked down at him a camera on its chest plate was transmitting. The Red Skull looked at him through a monitor.

“Dummkopf! Zerstöre ihn jetzt Sentinel!!” Red Skull yelled. Speaking German out of anger and desperation. Pleading for the Hydra Sentinel to destroy him.

In that moment as the Sentinel raised hand in preparation to fire a powerful laser. But HULK was already on the move. He leaped from the ground fist raised. Then BAM! Suddenly Red Skull’s monitor was static. He then changed to a different Sentinel’s POV. The chest plate began to cave in. The bolts broke and stripped upon impact as sparks flew from it chest. Lightning and smoke surround HULK as he disappeared into its body. A mere moment later an explosion forced Dark Phoenix and Vergil from the mechanical monster’s shoulders. The rumbling of the earth as the Sentinel fell was fierce.

“What on Heaven and Earth!?” Vergil yelled as HULK emerged from the smoke. Beating on his chest like a gorilla. His green glare then met Vergil’s. Vergil pulled his sword Yamato. “Alright you big oaf! You want me? Come and get me!”

HULK smirks. He then sprints as the ground tremors with each step. It was as he grew closer that Vergil began to get nervous. What is this monster? Can I… do I even stand a chance? It was then that a bright light engulfed itself between Vergil and HULK. The Dark Phoenix. The bird of fire flew directly into HULK’s attack. HULK screamed upon impact when the fire shot off, carrying him far away. Heading off into the distance against his will until he couldn’t be seen. The power of the Phoenix! Vergil lamented with an odd sense of relief.

“BRUUUUCE!” Iron-Man yelled.

Off in the distant a racing Wasp and crew cried out “What was that!?” after having seen the HULK flying off into the distance. Not knowing it was him or what was happening. Dante and crew sped up.

Back on the battlefield our heroes confused and angry prepared themselves. With Gamora captured and HULK blown away so easily it was going to be a slaughter. Iron-Man could only hope they could hold out until help arrived. It was then that a man began clapping slowly. The man wearing his sunglasses at night whilst wearing a black leather coat. Albert Wesker. He appeared before Iron-Man. At his side were some henchmen. Crossbones. Enemy to Captain America, and Drax the Destroyer. Once a Guardian of the Galaxy. But now due to a mechanical spider apparatus he was a mere pawn in Wesker’s chess game.

Iron-Man, Spider-Man, Ryu and Chun-Li prepared themselves.

Wesker pressed his drooping sunglasses against his face. “Well, well, well… It would appear we have some trespassers. Nothing my Hunters can’t take care of.” He said as these green reptilian B.O.Ws appeared from behind him. Wearing collars that controlled their every action.

“What are those monsters!?” Ryu asked.

“You don’t think they’re related to the big guy do you?” Chun asked.

“What!?” Spider-Man interjected. “There’s no way. HULK is one of a kind.”

“Yeah and they’re pitiful in comparison.” Ryu said as one of them hissed at him.

It was then that Wesker gestured forward with his hand. The Hunters then let out a hissing roar as they ran with great speed at the group. Iron-Man began flew up into the air and began firing at them with powerful blue energy blasts. Taking them out by the duo! And swiftly! But a few slipped through the cracks of his offense. One for each other hero. Spider-Man then hooked one with his webbing and began spinning it through the air as it cried out in anger. After gaining enough momentum he flung it into Iron-Man’s line of fire, vaporizing it along with the others. Then there was the two heading for Ryu and Chun-Li.

“Hadouken!”

“Kikoken!”

Firing off two bright blue fire balls at the oncoming Hunters resulted in a massive explosion destroying them instantly. Ugh! How barbaric that they’re making us do this! Although Chun-Li hadn’t spoken her face said it all. And Ryu couldn’t help but agree.

“Why hello!”

Panicked the two Street Fighter’s looked over their respective shoulders to see none other than Wesker, accompanied by Loki. The two wearing an evil grin. Wesker then disappeared like a cloud of black smoke. Emerging behind Chun-Li. Catching her off guard as he punched her to the ground. Loki then began swinging his scepter at Ryu. Luckily he dodged it with ease.

“I’m coming guys!”

Spider-Man then leapt in to help out his allies but suddenly felt something tugging on him tightly. He went from soaring through the air to hitting the dirt in a second. He looked down at his leg as it appeared there was a black… ooze?

“What the?”

Then before he could register another thought he was swiftly pulled into the woods as if he were being reeled in like a fish! After passing through the bushes and the brush he was met with the presence of none other than…

“It’s your old pal VENOM! Don’t you want to PLAY!?”

Spidey tried webbing him in the eyes as Venom’s long squirrelly tongue licked them away. “I don’t have time to play right now Eddie!”

“Aww! TOO BAD!”

Having witnessed Spidey’s fate, and observing Ryu and Chun-Li on the ropes against Wesker and Loki. Iron-Man looked on toward the other enemies nervously. Trying to think of Morrigan and Rhodes.

“Shit! We’re dropping like flies by a bug zapper…” Tony said quietly to himself.

Holding their own one on one for a moment the two Street Fighter’s fought. Chun-Li managing to get in a decent hit on Wesker here or there despite his speed. And Ryu continuing to dodge Loki’s scepter as he looked for an opening. But this even matchup wouldn’t last for long. It was then that Crossbones came in, pistol in hand. Taking note of this Chun-Li jumped for cover as he began shooting. This left Wesker with the opportunity he needed to put her down. Disappearing then reappearing he kneed her in the face mid-dive. This was enough to knock out an already battle weary Chun-Li. Having done nothing but fight and march for the last couple days.

“Chun-Li!” Ryu screamed as in his distracted state he was grabbed by Drax. Loki then stuck the pointed end of his scepter into Ryu’s chest, enabling a sleeping spell. Ryu tried to will against, but he had also been tired. Especially since he hadn’t slept since fighting the HULK. Iron-Man looked on in horror before looking back at Vergil who now stood right below him.

“HA! And then there was one!”

Iron-Man took a somber look around as his enemies laughed. Ryu. Chun-Li… both knocked out cold. Gamora captured by Demitri. Likely suffering the same fate as War Machine. Spidey was carried away, and the HULK was blown away to God knows where. He was alone and outnumbered. Man oh Iron-Man… Tony thought. Knee deep in it huh?

“So do I get a last meal? Or are you just going to jump right into jumping little old me?”

Vergil chuckled. “You know… it may be uncharacteristic of me, but I was thinking of saying a prayer for you before your demise!”

“How thoughtful…” Iron-Man said as he embraced his final battle. Flying back down to the Earth where most of his foes stood. “Let’s skip that though. You can say it at my funeral. I’m sure it will make a wonderful eulogy.”

It was then that Crossbones, Drax, Arkham (A human turned devil, enemy of Dante’s) and even Firebrand came before him Standing confidently for even if the others didn’t interfere they still outnumbered him 4-1.

“Let us take him!” Crossbones yelled.

“Come Vergil! Let us do this for you! Don’t sully your hands with this mere mortal!” Arkham yelled as Vergil scoffed to himself.

Hmph… at least I’ll be rid of him soon… Vergil thought. “Fine.” He said.

The four villains laughed and surrounded Iron-Man. Yet he was calm. He sized them up. One by one as he looked he analyzed them. I’m familiar with Crossbones. He’s nothing I can’t handle. The gray one has big muscles. Not much of a talker. Firebrand? Didn’t Wasp defeat him alongside Amaterasu? Shouldn’t pose a huge threat… and then there’s this guy… In the black robes. He knows Vergil a little too well. He could be dangerous…

“It looks like he’s afraid my liege! Alright let’s kill hi-”

*EXPLOSION!*

Cut off by the explosion Arkham was immediately blasted away by a barrage of missiles by Tony. Seeing his connection to Vergil as worrisome. Vergil just laughed upon his demise. Crossbones then pulled his firearm. Knowing it was useless he fired anyway. Several gunshots rang out before Iron-Man flew towards him full force. Punching him and sending him flying. Fire then engulfed Iron-Man from behind as he turned slowly to meet it. It was Firebrand spitting the flames. They did little more than heat up metal. The Arc Reactor on Iron-Man’s chest began to glow. A bead of sweat dripped down Firebrand’s forehead. Iron-Man took aim and blasted a powerful blue beam that fried the bird as he fell from the sky.

“Go my pet!” Wesker yelled.

“AHHH!” Drax jumped forth and kicked Iron-Man. Throwing him for a bit of a loop.

“Woah! What a kick.” Iron-Man said.

Iron-Man turned to face the Destroyer. He then glanced at the apparatus at his chest. Activating Jarvis he then scanned the device seeing that it was a remote mind control device. He may not be on my side… but he certainly isn’t on theirs. Should I risk it? Drax then let out another battle cry before leaping towards Iron-Man. Iron-Man then fired one well place propulsion blast from his gauntlet as it destroyed the apparatus. The Destroyer then found himself woozy before passing out.

“My minion!” Wesker yelled with a grimace. Growling he yelled “To hell with this! Vergil enough playing around. Let’s destroy this guy already!”

As Vergil prepared his sword Yamato, his troops made their way into position. Undead with cartoonish features and oddly proportioned heads. Demonic Puppets with bladed arms suspended by strings that seemingly disappear. Hydra & Shadaloo soldiers, and of course the larger than life, and new and improved Hydra Sentinels. Iron-Man was thoroughly outnumbered, and knowing Vergil, and the Dark Phoenix was preparing in the distance along with the roguish looking Wesker. He knew that his time may be up…

Morrigan… Rhodes… Banner… I’m sorry.

“Alright metal man. Time to break and bend steel!” Vergil said as Yamato began to glow and emit an enormous amount of energy.

And yeah… I even apologize to you… Dante.

Vergil smirked as he motioned for his minions to soften Iron. His energy growing and in the sky above it almost seemed as if the sun had risen early from the glorious flames coming from the Dark Phoenix. It was as if the weight of the entire Alliance was about to bear down on Iron-Man like a ton of bricks when…

*Brrrr* The sound of a motorcycle could be heard faintly. *BRRRR* It grew closer. *BRRRRR!!!* Then suddenly as the enemy forces and Iron-Man began to pick up on it, it had begun.

“WOO-HOO!” Dante blazed in on his motorcycle.

“Alright!” Iron-Man cheered, pumping fists of iron.

The surprise on the Alliance’s faces were visible from space no doubt. The tires of Dante’s motorcycle Cavaliere kicked away bits of charred battlefield as it prepared to set a new stage. Dante started doing doughnuts, spinning around righteously as Undead and Demonic Puppets were destroyed, dismembered, and tossed about like… well puppets. Dante then rode through the crowd of adversaries and Akira slid to the base of Vergil’s feet. Vergil still paralyzed. His hand no longer wrapped under the hilt of Yamato.

“Sup bro? You miss me?” Dante asked cockily as he jumped to the ground, now wielding his motorcycle like a sword. He then spun it like your ten year old brother (Or perhaps even you?) would their scooter and smacked Vergil across the face as he went flying into the distance.

“What the hell is going on!?” Wesker yelled with a scowl. Loki backed him up.

“Some motorbike trickery? I’m tricky but not THAT tricky.”

Now time to clear up some landing zones!

Dante pulled Ebony & Ivory from their holsters. The chambers of these slick black and silver firearms erupted into a cacophony of bullets, tearing, and shredding through Undead, Hydra, and the Demonic Puppets that he had been oh so familiar with. Hundreds of bullet shells rolling out of seemingly endless magazines. The Undead from the Ghosts n’ Goblins universe having the toughest time as they were turned into an 8-Bit pixelated paste.

As the space surrounding Iron-Man was cleared his allies began flooding in. Trish had jumped in front of him like a lightning bolt as Amaterasu rushed to his side. Then on either side of him were Morrigan and the Wasp, flying in. Iron-Man taking note and silently expressing joy for the knowledge of Morrigan’s safety. His jaw would certainly have dropped if not confined to a metal helmet.

Dante smirked as he looked upward toward the Dark Phoenix. He then softened expression as he looked around. Looking for his other comrades. “Where are the others?”

Iron-Man snapping out of his momentary shock replied. “They were uh… well let’s just put it this way we were clapped. Ryu, Chun-Li, and I are all that’s left. The fate of the others is uncertain… as for that man on the ground, Drax I think? He may be friend or foe.”

“I see… we’ll have to make this quick then.”

“You make it sound easy?” Iron-Man retorted.

Trish then peered back at him. “We’re not fighting to the death. We’re simply going to create an opening for escape.” She said coolly.

“What about the others!?” Iron-Man asked passionately. The Wasp gripping her fist and gritting her teeth as well. Wanting to question their loyalty to their allies as well.

“We’re not leaving them for good. But Ryu and Chun-Li are in no shape to keep going. We have to consider what’s best for us all. I’m sure the others would understand.” Dante said prudently before lightening up a bit. “Anyway for now… are you ready to kick some ass?”

Everyone in tandem “YES!”

“Good, good. Iron-Man, I need you to take Loki. Think you can manage?”

“I have before.” He said. Loki gulped nervously hearing that Iron-Man would be taking him one on one in a fair fight. And seeing how his slightly greener ally the Goblin was treated, he didn’t like his own chances too much.

“Morrigan… That guy in the leather bondage gear!” Wesker confused pointed towards himself but was met with no direct acknowledgement. “You’ll be taking him on.”

“Gotcha! Anything for my side piece!”

Trish’s veins in her forehead appeared as if they’d pop when Iron-Man yelled “What!?” Morrigan simply blew him a kiss with a smile and winked. Her batlike wings in her hair fluttering.

“And Trish you’ll take Vergil. I trust you know how to handle him for at least a little while?”

“You can count on me!”

“Good.” Dante then stroked his chin. “Amaterasu, Wasp?”

Amaterasu barked as if it were a question, and the Wasp leaned in to hear her orders.

“You guys distract the jobbers and try to take down some of those Sentinel thingies.” He said lacking a bit of etiquette.

“Copy that. What about you?” Wasp asked.

Dante glared upward one last time. Dark Phoenix glaring down at him. The fire in both of their eyes being both metaphysical and literal. Dante clasped his hand around his sword Rebellion as he took a deep breath, and then exhaled.

“I’ll be taking on the big bad phoenix lady…”

“What!?” Iron-Man asked in disgust and worry. “She’ll annihilate you! You can’t fight her alone. Let the Wasp take her with you!”

Dante picked the wax from his ears in a lackadaisical fashion. “Hmm… nah. I need her to help mitigate interference from enemy forces.”

Vergil who’d managed to get back on his feet was growing impatient. “QUIT WHISPERING OVER THERE AND PREPARE TO FIGHT!” He yelled with a tire mark smeared across his searing expressive face.

“Well it seems we’ve run out of time. Now that everybody has their roles to play… let’s put on a show.” With that being said Dante jumped, sword handle in hand as his motorcycle Cavalier rode on its own underneath him.

He then blazed a path on Motorcycle driving right for Vergil. His brother smirked and grabbed the handle of Yamato, prepping his counterattack. And as he was ready to swing his katana something he wasn’t expecting happened. Dante had jumped from his motorcycle as Cavalier charged onward without him. The bike forcing Vergil into a dodge as Dante was consumed by fire. Activating Devil Trigger as his body was transformed into a dark-skinned, winged devil as he flew toward the Dark Phoenix.

Vergil tossing his body over while on the ground looked at his brother in shock again. “He’s going after the Dark Phoenix!? What’s that fool thinking?”

Dante flying high had drawn Rebellion, his giant claymore thirsting for battle. I may be way in over my head here… I know this. At least my demon half knows. But you know brother. The difference between you and me… I’m just another man reaching for the stars! Dante thought triumphantly as he neared his target. Then in a flash of blinding fire the Dark Phoenix emitted a powerful explosion from within her body. Dante persevering through the flames consuming the sky. But you know… really glad for my demon half here!

“Take this!” Dante yelled as he swung Rebellion furiously.

Dark Phoenix glared stoically as she raised her arm, and with this simple moving of her limb she completely blocked his sword strike with no recoil. Holy crap! Dante thought as she raised her fist and threw an explosive punch. Dante flying without the assistance of his wings and flapping them to regain control.

“Well this will be problematic!”

On the ground Vergil deliberated on whether or not he should get in Dark Phoenix’s way or not. As he shivered at the sight of her power his answer was made for him when he was struck by a flash of yellow lightning. His back singed and smoking, he whirled around with a glare. Meeting Trish’s calm expression.

“You witch!”

“Witch huh? You know if it weren’t for your brother and I, you’d still be a puppet of Mundus’ you know?” Trish said as her calm demeanor turned anger. “Or did you forget… Nelo Angelo.” She said.

It was then that a few brief moments of a past out of his control flashed in his mind. Doubt and confusion setting in. He fought to regain his composure, but for some reason couldn’t bring himself to fight at his fullest.

That being said it did not deter him from pointing Yamato at Trish. The spitting image of his mother Eva. Trish then raised her sword, named Sparda after Dante’s father. And in that fateful moment between doubt and determination swords clashed. The both of them slashing and parrying with ease. However for Vergil not as easy as he’d liked.

Elsewhere on the battlefield were the rest of the group. The Wasp using her small form to enter the body of a thrashing Sentinel as she dismantled it from the inside. Taking down the second Sentinel with as much ease as the HULK had done but with brain rather than Braun. Amaterasu firing off using her beads before using her Celestial Brush. The area around her and the few Sentinels before her turning black & white like a classic Japanese painting. Using the brush she drew rings around their legs. Tightening like rope as those Sentinels crashed to the ground. Trouncing through the battlefield, Amaterasu then knocked out and thrashed several Hydra operatives.

Lastly were Morrigan and Iron-Man. Battling in unison as Iron-Man would fire missiles at Loki, all the while Morrigan would do the same with Wesker. In both scenarios the villains would disappear. Loki almost as if he were just an illusion. Iron-Man only able to track him with the A.I. in his visor. For Wesker he’d move swiftly like a cloud of black smoke. A shroud. But unluckily for him Morrigan was just as swift.

How is she keeping up with me!? Wesker thought frantically.

Both moving like clouds. One avoiding the other as one pursued. Then with a swift kick Wesker thought he had her. But his confidence in this attack waned when she attacked with a kick of her own. And unlike his, hers was sharp, LITERALLY. Her legs winding together almost cartoonishly turning into a drill. Her literal drill for legs cutting into his leather pants like a drill bit going into concrete. Slicing his leg and partially immobilizing him.

“Bwah! How can this be!?”

“Impressed?” Morrigan said slyly. Her finger pressed against her lip.

“Pfft! Hardly!” Wesker yelled as he pulled a pistol on her.

“HA! You men and your guns!” She laughed. “And yours isn’t even as big as my dear Tony’s” She said as she ignored Wesker to admire Iron-man’s firepower among other things.

Wesker then started firing off 9MM rounds as Morrigan flew closer, dodging all the while. She then took advantage of his focus by firing a barrage of missiles from within her wings as the succubus aimed at the spaces around him. Him in his slowed state deciding not to try and dodge for fear of being hit by the barrage. And as the smoke and fire wrapped around him Morrigan entered the fray. While coughing from the smoke Wesker was soon hit with a flurry of punches and kicks.

“Gah!”

As Morrigan styled on Wesker it was soon about to get worse. Suddenly in a shimmer Morrigan separated into two halves. A trick she could only perform for a limited time. But regardless of the limitations there were now two Morrigan’s. And both of them were ready for battle. As the other one maneuvered around to Wesker’s back they then began beating on him from both sides. And finally as Wesker was on the cusp of Collapse the two Morrigan’s found each other on each of Wesker’s sides. Posing they simultaneously gave him a kiss on the cheek. Stealing away a bit of his vitality for themselves as he collapsed on the floor.

At the same time Iron-Man was finishing up with the Mischief Prince Loki. He had not been able to keep up with his relentless attack. After several propulsion blasts and rocket fueled kicks Loki had been knocked for a loop. Noticing they’d both finished their foe Iron-Man threw a thumbs up at Morrigan. Morrigan smiled and blew a kiss as she stood over the absolutely dominated Albert Wesker. Iron-Man’s mask seemingly blushed from the gesture.

Once finished up they went to back Trish, but realized she didn’t need their help. Her swordplay seemingly on par with Vergil’s in that moment. She was in a rhythm that they didn’t want to disrupt. So instead they started fighting some of the endless minions around them.

Back up in the air however the real battle had been nearing it’s end. Ebony & Ivory had no effect on Dark Phoenix whatsoever. And neither did Dante’s guitar (Don’t ask). Finally he was at his wits end, and just as he was. The Dark Phoenix flew beneath and fired off a powerful blast that sent him packing into the stratosphere. Engulfed in flames while in his Devil Trigger form luckily wasn’t too unbearable.

Damn! This going nowhere fast… He thought. I need to throw her for a loop and then begin our escape. As Dante began his descent he saw that she’d been flying vertically toward him. Dante them was consumed by fire as Ebony & Ivory disappeared. Then with embers surrounding him yet again, the guns that had been seemingly erased from his hands turned into large weighty gauntlets. And with a mask and armor completing the set Dante had equipped… Gilgamesh.

“Let’s see how you like this!”

As Dante descended rapidly he fell like a meteor toward his opponent. His gauntlets beginning to glow a red hot as he pulled his fist back for an epic punch. And just as the two were about to meet, fists raised on both sides, they punched.

*BOOM!*

Amidst a powerful explosion in the sky, a cloud formed. But unlike the clouds made up of moisture and precipitation this was one of fire. And only one would emerge from it unscathed. His allies looked on with baited breath as two silhouettes grew bigger and bigger. And finally…

“Woo-hoo…” A winded Dante said as he appeared first. Hurt but lucid.

He flew to the ground as his Devil Trigger faded. He then grabbed Ryu and jumped onto his motorcycle which had raced to meet him in his descent. Trish jumped on with him.

“Let’s go!” He yelled as he revved and raced off.

Shocked at first his allies soon gained there senses as they followed behind him. Grabbing up their other unconscious allies. Morrigan flying off with Chun as Iron-Man flew off with Drax. Wasp and Amaterasu following in their wake.

“After them!” An equally winded Vergil yelled as the remaining Sentinels rushed after them.

“They’re gaining on us!” Trish said as Dante maintained his focus.

The group rushed, but it seemed as though they weren’t going to make it out without a fight. And in their last fleeting moments before their enemy might catch them, something miraculous occurred. A giant airship with pinpoint control and accuracy uncloaked and had appeared before them.

“Wh-what the?” Dante queried.

The back ramp opened up and without time to think there was only one real option for our heroes. Hearing a disembodied voice yell “Get on!” they felt spurred to. And just like that they were on the ship. It flew away, losing their pursuers. The title ULTIMATE ALLIANCE was etched into its side.