A Path to Freedom (pt.4)

2014

New York City

S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters, S.T.R.I.K.E Team Barracks(Physical)

The Crimson Cosmos Dimension (Mental)

(Brock POV)

"Welcome home, child," Cyttorak's deep, booming voice echoed in my mind. "Welcome home."

I gazed up at the towering figure, perplexed by his sudden summons to his realm after years of silence. It had been two years since the battle of New York, and I hadn't heard a word from the God of Destruction since then.

"Where have you been?" I asked, genuinely curious about his absence and trying to make sense of the current situation.

Cyttorak let out a thunderous chuckle, his imposing presence dominating the space around us. There was a new aura emanating from him, something palpable and powerful that seemed to radiate outward.

"Ah, yes," he responded happily, his gaze drifting across the expanse of the crimson desert. "You must understand, Boy, that even gods such as myself have limits. Nature imposes boundaries on our existence, and we are subject to the divine laws ordained by the universe..."

His words trailed off, and a moment of silence passed between us.

"When you bested Farrah's exemplar, my power became too much for your human mind to handle. So, I withdrew temporarily, allowing you time to strengthen yourself enough to withstand my presence," Cyttorak explained.

I nodded, comprehending his reasoning, as I continued to gaze up at the colossal god.

"Why break the silence now?" I inquired cautiously, unsure if this meeting held more significance than a casual conversation. "Has something happened?"

Cyttorak turned towards me, a sudden shift in his position, and spoke with urgency.

"There has been a change in the Battle of the Octessence," he revealed. "It seems that the other pantheons have caught wind of our resurgence in the mortal realm and wish to challenge us directly."

At that revelation, I felt an overwhelming sense of dread settle over me instantly.

"They have sent their own champions in their steed to resist us and disrupt our game!" Cyttorak exclaimed angrily.

Struggling to maintain a facade of indifference, I asked cautiously, "...What does this mean for us?"

A sudden surge of energy erupted from the crimson giant as he leaned forward on his throne.

"It means war, boy," Cyttorak proclaimed ominously. "It means that you will have many more enemies to contend with than the other Octessence Exemplars."

Letting out a tired sigh, I shook my head ruefully after hearing the new information.

"Well...at least things won't be so dull anymore," I remarked bitterly.

Cyttorak paused momentarily and studied me carefully before a boisterous laugh rang out from his massive frame.

"Well said, Child! Well said indeed." He declared merrily. "As expected for the Avatar of my domain."

As the laughter subsided, Cyttorak regarded me seriously anew.

"But don't forget that defeating them will still require tremendous effort." He cautioned me. "And given your current power level...even surviving may prove difficult."

Nodding silently, I glanced over at the vast crimson desert stretching out endlessly ahead of us.

"Any advice?" I asked, my nerves tingling with anticipation.

Shaking his great ruby-red helm, Cyttorak replied with unwavering confidence.

"Continue doing what you're already good at," he advised firmly. "Destroying. You are a Destroyer, boy. And Destroyers cannot stand idle while others seek to dominate them and steal their glory. Go forth and destroy, little avatar. Prove yourself worthy of being the sole child to have bathed in the power of the Crimson Cosmos!"

With his final words, the world around me began to fade. Soon, I found myself wide-eyed, staring at the ceiling of my room at the S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters. My heart raced in my chest as I sat up abruptly, gasping for breath.

Feeling drained and yet strangely invigorated, I struggled to ground myself in reality. Beads of sweat trickled down my face as I tried to make sense of the surreal experience.

I reached for my phone and checked the time, realizing only two hours had passed since I fell asleep. Despite the short rest, I felt revitalized.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I reviewed the fragments of information from my encounter with Cyttorak, piecing together the puzzle of the impending conflict.

"Other pantheons..." I mumbled, images of ancient deities flickering in my mind.

Were Gods really going to send their champions to fight me...?

That certainly doesn't bode well for anyone involved.

This whole situation was far too complicated for me right now. Especially considering I had absolutely zero idea what was actually happening.

Let alone who, or what was coming after me next...

That notion left a bad taste in my mouth.

With a sigh, I stood abruptly and headed to the bathroom. Splashing water on my face, I attempted to wash away the remnants of the dream, seeking to regain my composure.

Taking a few moments to gather myself mentally, I gripped the edges of the sink, a small smirk playing on my lips.

"...and here I thought leaving this place would make things boring," I muttered amusedly to myself.

Mortal or God, it didn't matter who came calling, anyone planning to challenge me would be sure to regret crossing my path.

Because nothing, nobody, not even the Gods themselves could stop me from taking what I want.

"You are a Destroyer, boy." Those words echoed faintly in my ears, taunting me relentlessly in anticipation of the inevitable conflict.

Forcing aside my morbid curiosity regarding where my path was heading, I finished washing my face, and, taking one last look at the mirror, I saw someone looking back at me whose confidence was unshakable.

Someone who wouldn't allow himself to get bogged down in petty details concerning trivialities like 'who' or 'what'.

Someone strong. Powerful. Who refused to yield any ground. Who fought tooth and nail every step along the way until victory was rightfully his.

That person smiled savagely back at me, daring whoever sought to oppose him to just try and take what belonged to him.

***********

Washington D.C

The Triskelion (S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters)

Nick Fury's Office

(Fury POV)

"Secure office," I called out, my voice echoing through the empty room as I settled into my desk chair.

In an instant, the windows dimmed, and every nook and cranny was sealed tightly, ensuring the room was impenetrable to prying ears.

I retrieved the flash drive that Natasha had used to download files from the Lemurian Star. Sliding open its sleek metal casing, I carefully removed the device. The memory stick contained encrypted data, but I took solace in knowing that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s tech experts had employed military-grade encryption algorithms, making cracking the code a relatively straightforward task.

Inserting the USB into my computer's port, I eagerly attempted to access the file folder containing the Lemurian Star's satellite launch files for Project Insight. However, the system failed to respond properly.

'Access Denied,' the message taunted on the screen. Apparently, intricate security protocols restricted access to the relevant folders unless specific conditions were met.

The decryption software I ran yielded no results, which caught me off guard. State-of-the-art programs usually surpassed any obstacles effortlessly.

This one, however, proved to be an exception.

Thinking swiftly, I decided to try using the access code reserved solely for the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., hoping it would grant the necessary permissions to bypass the encryption.

To my dismay, the screen flashed the opposite result, displaying, 'Override denied. All files sealed.'

Frustration coursed through me, and I couldn't help but slam my fist down on the desk. Leaning back in my chair, I released a growl of exasperation.

"Damn it!" I cursed, the weight of the situation pressing upon me.

Unlocking the secrets contained within the flash drive was crucial. It held the potential to uncover why Pierce pushed so fiercely for Project Insight—an opportunity to reveal his true motives.

Unfortunately, some bug obstructed my progress, preventing me from breaching the firewall and accessing the sensitive intelligence.

Rising from behind the desk, I approached the window overlooking the breathtaking skyline of New York City. The beauty of this metropolis always captivated me.

Despite its allure, I couldn't forget the lurking darkness beneath the surface, the treacherous elements ready to prey on the unsuspecting. It reminded me that trust was a luxury few could afford.

With a sigh, I gazed across Manhattan, pondering if Captain Rogers had truly understood my intentions when I divulged the details of the Project Insight mission. In truth, I suspected he had misinterpreted my motives entirely.

He couldn't even fathom that I was the one who orchestrated the capture of the Lemurian Star, let alone grasp that my disclosure aimed to protect innocent lives rather than manipulate him into compliance. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if silence would have been a better choice.

Abruptly, the sound of footsteps reached my ears from outside. Turning away from the view, I refocused my attention as a soft knock resonated on my door. A familiar voice followed.

"Sir, your meeting with Secretary Pierce is in a few minutes," Agent Hill informed me gently through the closed door.

"Shit," I muttered, feeling a surge of urgency. I swiftly moved toward the door, unlocking it without hesitation.

Agent Maria Hill stood before me, her composed demeanor emanating a sense of robotic efficiency. Sensing my unease, she cleared her throat hesitantly before speaking.

"Is everything alright, Sir?" she politely inquired, genuine concern lacing her words.

"I'm fine, thank you," I assured her briskly. "Just hunting down the pests in our system."

Hill nodded understandingly, stepping aside to allow me to exit my office.

Approaching the elevator doors cautiously, I steeled myself for the impending meeting with the Secretary of the World Security Council.

**********

Washington D.C

The Triskelion (S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters)

Secretary Pierce's Office

(Omniscient POV)

In the luxurious penthouse office atop the Triskelion, Secretary Pierce sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, engrossed in a virtual meeting with the five heads of the HYDRA High Council spread across the globe.

The desk was adorned with multiple screens projecting the holographic images of the council members, each represented by small hovering holograms above the wooden surface.

Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, a notorious international crimelord and businessman responsible for countless deaths, appeared on the first screen. His scarred face and monocle added an air of sinister sophistication to his presence.

Beside him floated the image of Johann Fennhoff, also known as Doctor Faustus. With his red hair and trimmed beard, he had the air of an academic, but beneath that exterior lay a madman capable of remarkable feats in hypnosis and mind manipulation.

The third hologram belonged to Loxias Crown, an otherworldly-looking man and recent addition to the council. With thick black eyebrows, deep golden eyes, and pale white skin, he resembled a creature from mythology rather than a normal human. Possessing supernatural abilities rivaling some of those in the Avengers, he exuded a dangerous aura.

Madame Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine, commonly known as Madame Hydra, appeared as the fourth member. With her jet-black locks and a striking white streak, she carried herself with confidence, hiding hidden depths behind her innocent facade.

Finally, the fifth and final holographic projection hovered beside the others like a ghost from beyond the grave. The ethereal form of Tomi Shishido, a.k.a The Gorgon, loomed ominously among those present. Clad in ancient-looking white samurai armor covered in battle scars and wielding a bloodstained Japanese katana, the elderly Asian man radiated raw power. Neither alive nor dead, he exuded an eerie presence.

Gentlemen, Lady," Pierce greeted the assembled members of the High Council. "It's good to see you all again."

The holograms murmured their acknowledgment, but Baron Strucker's impatience was evident as he sharply snapped, "Cut the niceties, Pierce! We have bigger issues to discuss than pleasantries. This failure is unacceptable. We need to know exactly what happened with the Lemurian Star and how a band of filthy pirates were able to steal it away!"

"They haven't stolen anything," Pierce explained, maintaining his calm demeanor. "The Lemurian Star is still safely in our possession. I can assure you that Project Insight is still on schedule and that nothing has changed with our plans."

Disappointment marked Doctor Faustus's holographic representation as he shook his head.

"This isn't like you Pierce," He chastised. "You're normally more meticulous than this. If it wasn't for those attack dogs you keep, we would've already lost significant progress."

Pierce took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.

"I'll admit, I misjudged the competence of the security forces aboard the vessel. However, they've been replaced and disposed of, so I believe there will be little risk of such an occurrence happening again."

Madame Hydra was the next to speak, her voice icy cold as she addressed Pierce.

"No offense, Pierce, but that doesn't change the fact that you've failed to relay any information regarding this situation to us. Not to mention, the fact that you allowed that glorified flag pole, Captain America, to board that ship. You should know better than anyone just how much trouble he could cause if we don't keep him under control."

"That decision was made behind my back by Director Fury," Pierce responded stiffly. "I can promise you that this matter will be dealt with accordingly."

"And how are you going to do that?" Loxias Crown's raspy voice questioned menacingly.

"As I said, this matter will be handled appropriately," Pierce stated firmly.

"It better be." Tomi Shishido's ethereal voice echoed through the chamber, causing those present to shiver slightly in fear. "Otherwise...my blade will be the instrument of your execution."

A chill ran through the room as those present knew just how deadly The Gorgon truly was.

"Now, now." Pierce tried to calm the situation. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. None of us are in any immediate danger. S.H.I.E.L.D is still oblivious to the true nature of Project Insight, so for the moment there's no reason to worry."

The five heads of the HYDRA High Council remained silent, their holographic images frozen in place until Baron Strucker broke the silence.

"Very well, Pierce. But just remember this: we have ways of finding out what's really going on over there, and if we find out that you've withheld any information or that you've lied to us, your life won't be worth a bucket of piss."

With those words, all the holo-projections faded into thin air, leaving Pierce sitting silently at his desk.

"Damn ungrateful bastards..." Pierce muttered angrily as he rubbed his temples in frustration.

Standing up, Pierce walked over to a nearby window and gazed out over New York City's busy streets below as his thoughts turned to Captain America and the events that transpired aboard the Lemurian Star.

"I should've trusted my instincts and kept him locked up for good," Pierce thought bitterly.

Letting out a deep sigh, Pierce decided there was no sense dwelling on the past, and instead focused on making sure his plan to gain control of the world's governments came to fruition.

*Beep!*

An electronic beep sounded from the small intercom on his desk, interrupting Pierce's musings. He hastily pressed a button on the panel.

"Yes?" Pierce asked anxiously, picking up the receiver.

"Sir, Director Fury is here to see you," his assistant informed him.

Pierce sighed in annoyance, knowing full well that Fury would likely inquire about more information on Project Insight. The old spymaster's lack of trust in anything he didn't personally oversee was a common theme in their dealings.

"Send him in," Pierce ordered, taking a seat at his desk as he waited for the director to arrive.

"Good afternoon, sir," Fury greeted cordially as he entered the office. "How's it going?"

"Things are fine," Pierce replied with a smile, briefly standing to shake Fury's hand. "I have to say, I'm a little surprised you've requested a meeting. I mean, I work forty floors away, and it takes a terrorist hijacking for you to visit?"

Both men chuckled lightly at Pierce's quip, breaking the tension as they sat down at the large mahogany desk.

"Well...I won't take up too much of your time," Fury began awkwardly. "I'm here to ask for a favor. I want you to call for a vote. Project Insight has to be delayed."

A sullen and ominous silence filled the room at Fury's words.

Pierce shifted uncomfortably, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Nick, that's not a favor, that's a subcommittee hearing. A very long and tedious one," he responded slowly, carefully weighing his words.

Fury nodded solemnly. "I know, sir. And I'd like to avoid it if possible. But it's either delay Project Insight, or the entire organization will suffer the consequences."

Pierce frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know, something just feels...off," Fury stressed, leaning forward in his chair. "It could be nothing, probably is nothing. I just need time to make sure."

Another long silence passed as the two men observed each other in contemplation. One man pondered about a potential threat lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D, while the other tried to hide his own anxiousness beneath a mask of calm indifference.

"What if it is something?" Pierce asked suddenly.

"Then we'll both be damn glad those Helicarriers weren't in the air," Fury replied simply.

Pierce raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the old spymaster's determination.

The two men sat in silence again before Pierce finally spoke up, breaking the tension with a warm smile.

"Fine...but you gotta get Iron Man to stop by my niece's birthday party."

Fury chuckled heartily as he got to his feet. "Consider it done!"

Pierce stood up as well, reaching out his hand to shake hands with the director once more.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate everything you're doing," Fury said sincerely.

"Think nothing of it," Pierce insisted with a smile. "Just make sure he doesn't just do a flyby, he's got to mingle."

The two men laughed as they shook hands again, and then Pierce watched as the Director left his office.

Staring after the old spy thoughtfully, Pierce's friendly warm smile faded, replaced by a dark and foreboding scowl.

He knew that in the game they were playing, trust was a scarce commodity, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Fury's request was not as simple as it seemed. The shadows of doubt crept into his mind as he contemplated his next move.

*********

A/n: Hey guys, I hope you are enjoying the story so far, and as always, thanks for reading!

If you like my work and want to support it, check out my P.A.T.R.E.O.N: /Swarthy, where you can read early chapters or P.A.Y.P.A.L.me: /xSwarthyx anything is appreciated.