The Black Lion - Hard decisions. (Patreon)

Harrison Evans, point zero – Beneath the Ocean

He froze completely…he recognized that name.

Esson.

That being, the one who had sent him to this world, to this magnificent opportunity.

Harrison did not even think, he simply vanished from the Atlantean vessel where he stood and appeared within the immense ocean itself, his modified body completely unfazed by the titanic pressure of the abyss, while all of his attention focused entirely upon the anomaly.

The depths of the anomaly were silent and ancient, hidden beneath crushing darkness and primordial waters.

-You mentioned that you wished to speak- said Harrison within his mind, through the telepathic channel the imposing being had created.

-Your power has increased, exactly as my brother predicted, and yet…you merely brush cosmic power with your fingertips, I can feel it, just as every Celestial in the universe can. All observe and wait, curious about what your existence signifies before they pass judgment-

The words of the colossal being filled him with alarm.

-Celestials? What are you talking about?- asked the Black Lion while observing the enormous entity trapped within the planet itself.

Tiamut simply laughed, a deep and monstrous sound which, to Harrison’s surprise, caused small tremors throughout the Earth’s crust itself, even generating powerful waves that nearly caused the Atlantean vessels to collide with one another.

-The Celestials…cosmic beings of multiversal nature, capable of creating life and shaping cosmic energy itself, transforming it into matter. Immeasurably powerful…and immeasurably arrogant- said the immense being, while Harry’s mind was suddenly invaded by a sequence of images.

Harry observed them with complete astonishment.

Enormous beings forging stars and planets as though they were made of clay itself.

Creators of life.

Architects of galaxies.

Destroyers of worlds, he thought with a grimace while observing a planet overflowing with life explode entirely, only to give birth to one of those terrifying beings.

The implicit message was more than clear for the Black Lion.

-I will not allow you to do that on Earth- Harrison declared firmly, causing the colossal being to laugh once more.

-Oh? And how exactly do you intend to prevent it?- the being asked mockingly, while the cosmic power within its incomplete body caused the planet’s crust to tremble once more, this time forcing two Atlantean ships to collide violently against one another, severely damaging both.

Harry’s answer?

To look toward the ring upon his finger while an aura of flames enveloped his body and his eyes began to glow, his irises shifting into a burning orange color overflowing with monstrous cosmic power.

And then…

The Black Lion spoke.

-By consuming your soul- he spat coldly, and without allowing the Celestial time to react, Harrison launched himself like a living missile directly toward the Earth’s crust, to the evident surprise of Tiamut, who clearly had not expected such a reckless and audacious response.

Harrison pierced through the crust of the planet with ease, penetrating the immense yet incomplete body of the Celestial itself while allowing the power of the Soul Stone to do its work.

This being…its power was overwhelming.

An architect of life.

A builder of worlds.

And yet…he and all his race were cruel and merciless, viewing their creations as little more than experiments and tools.

The soul was ancient, millions of years gestating within the planet itself, waiting for emergence, but cosmic or not…it was still a soul.

And therefore, within his domain as Master of Death.

-What the hell are you doing?! You cannot do this! We are inevitable!- roared Tiamut, now revealing his true form.

Harrison was finally capable of beholding the titanic figure completely, a colossal body covered in mysterious armor and a helm bearing six terrible eyes.

-The only thing inevitable…is Death. You are not a God, neither you nor the rest of your species. Ancient? Yes. Powerful? Undoubtedly. But eternal? We both know the answer- spat the Black Lion while the Elder Wand materialized within his hand, glowing with a sinister cosmic radiance, eager to be unleashed.

And the mere presence of the Elder Wand, for reasons Harrison himself did not fully understand, caused the Celestial to shudder completely, as though the wand’s nature, so deeply saturated with death itself, were the deadliest poison imaginable to a being such as this.

-Remove…remove that cursed and unnatural thing from my presence!- demanded the being.

Even faced with something capable of harming him…

The Celestial still clung to its absurd arrogance.

Harry merely raised the Elder Wand, which roared hungrily within his grasp, eager to consume and destroy.

It was an overwhelming sensation.

One he absolutely could not afford to grow accustomed to.

-Even now, standing before the gates of eternal rest, you cling to your pathetic arrogance- declared the Black Lion while channeling a Diffindo through the Elder Wand.

The result?

The wand obeyed instantly, channeling the will of its Master directly into reality itself, manifesting a cutting spell…yet this one was different.

The classic white glow had vanished completely.

In its place emerged an intense violet radiance burning with unnatural power, its scale becoming colossal, clearly adapting itself to damage the immense body of the Celestial.

And the moment the slash made contact…

The spell carved through the massive armor as though it were butter itself, cutting through metal, flesh, and time with lethal precision, forcing the cosmic being to experience something it had likely never felt before.

Pain.

Tiamut screamed in agony, shaking the entire planet and causing tremors across every continent, though such things were far from Harrison’s mind at this moment.

Immediately afterward, Harrison moved the Elder Wand above his own head while simultaneously creating a series of cosmic chains, slowly beginning to strangle the colossal being.

-Now…give me one good reason not to exterminate you this very moment- spat the Black Lion while causing the chains around Tiamut’s neck to glow with terrifying force, slowly denting and crushing the Celestial’s impossibly durable armor.

Tiamut growled in pain, using his cosmic power in an attempt to free himself, without any apparent success. It was evident that the Celestial had not yet reached the peak of his power and while he remained in this incomplete state…

He was vulnerable.

And both of them knew it.

-You cannot stop it…my brothers and I…are inevitable…we are…AAAHGHHH!- screamed the cosmic and pathetic being the moment Harrison tightened the chains around his neck once more.

His armored plates began collapsing while the cosmic curse slowly strangled the Celestial.

The cosmic essence of Tiamut, powerful yet still immature, began escaping from his body, desperately clinging to the only living being nearby capable of enduring such overwhelming power.

Harrison himself.

The ocean above them trembled violently, ancient tectonic plates groaning beneath the pressure of two monstrous powers colliding beneath the world itself.

The more time passed, the stronger the chains became, until finally Tiamut, with a tone of absolute terror, begged.

Something unthinkable for a cosmic being such as himself.

-Mercy! Mercy! There is…another…way…- said the Celestial, causing Harrison to cut the spell and allowing the weakened being to breathe once more, or at least the closest equivalent to whatever a cosmic entity like Tiamut could do.

-Speak. This is your last opportunity- spat Harrison, still assimilating the enormous increase in power he had just received. He felt as though he could fly to Pluto and back within the blink of an eye.

Although he would have time later to fully process what had just occurred.

For the moment, he could not afford distractions.

Tiamut focused all six of his eyes upon him and responded.

-I know what happened upon your planet. A great number of humans perished, the loss of their life-force was considerable. Who was responsible?- asked the cosmic being.

Harrison crossed his arms while considering the question, finding no reason to hide such information.

-They call themselves the Kree, arrogant humanoids. They received a lesson they shall not forget anytime soon- said Harrison while staring directly toward the Celestial.

-You wish to protect this planet and I wish to emerge…the universe is large enough for both goals. I have a plan…one which benefits us both and I know you possess the means to accomplish it…are you interested?- asked Tiamut, his voice now respectful, as though he were speaking to an equal.

Something frighteningly close to reality.

Even if Harrison himself did not fully understand it yet.

The Black Lion merely crossed his arms and observed the being with intrigue before speaking.

-I am listening-

Without realizing that the result of this conversation and the actions that would follow afterward would alter the galactic landscape forever.

Somewhere far beyond the boundaries of the Milky Way…other ancient eyes had already begun watching Earth with growing interest.

Judging.

Princess Neptunia, point zero – Near the anomaly

-It is incredible- said the blonde princess, observing in complete astonishment as the golden radiance of the anomaly shifted into an intense blue color before disappearing entirely, leaving behind only the immense underwater volcano Atlantis had known for centuries.

-The levels of cosmic radiation have disappeared completely…as though they were never here at all, Princess- said one of the ship’s officers, causing the Atlanteans throughout the vessel to cheer and celebrate with excitement.

Neptunia smiled with visible relief while the blonde human woman beside her observed the gathered data with obvious fascination.

-How did we fail to notice this before? The scale of energy released is simply monstrous- said the human woman.

Susan, she reminded herself.

-It was not always this large. The anomaly was discovered decades ago by an Atlantean patrol and at the time it was no larger than a fish. For years we studied and analyzed it, attempting to understand it, yet nothing we did appeared useful. The tectonic movements became increasingly violent and the latest projections threatened to damage Atlantis and several major cities…to such a degree that King Namor accepted my proposal to seek assistance from your mate. The moment I saw that powerful station of his…I knew what needed to be done- said the blonde princess solemnly, though the relief within her gaze was unmistakable.

Susan nodded and stepped beside the princess before responding.

-Harrison shall organize a meeting with the truly important world leaders within a month. It shall take place aboard Olympus Station and its purpose shall be to discuss the future of the planet. With alien species attacking us, it is important that we remain united against everything awaiting us among the stars. King Namor’s presence is expected at this gathering- said the human woman politely, though there was unmistakable finality within her voice.

Neptunia nodded calmly and replied.

-After this, my cousin’s presence is more than guaranteed. Harrison Evans saved Atlantis, and that is not a debt easily repaid, I assure you- said the princess.

Susan was about to answer when a blue vortex suddenly appeared in the center of the room, revealing the imposing and masculine figure of Harrison Evans returning to the Atlantean vessel, his eyes glowing like two blazing flames while within his hand he carried a softly glowing blue glass cube.

And from merely standing near him…

Neptunia could not stop herself from shivering completely while Harrison Evans’ overwhelming physique dominated the entire chamber.

He no longer felt entirely human. There was something ancient and predatory hidden beneath the skin of the Black Lion now.

-It is done. We shall have no more problems- he declared with finality, causing Neptunia to immediately ask.

-Do you know what it was, King Harrison? Our greatest experts studied the anomaly for decades and we were never capable of discovering absolutely anything- asked the princess honestly.

Harrison looked toward her silently for several moments before finally responding.

-Our planet was…the cradle of a cosmic being, planted millions of years ago. A Celestial. I made certain to…send it somewhere it shall never threaten us again-

Neptunia nodded at the Black Lion’s words while observing the handsome face filled with determination and…

Regret?

As though the decision he had been forced to make had not truly been fair…

Yet he remained fully willing to bear the consequences regardless.

A true ruler, thought the princess while opening her mouth to speak once more.

Only to be interrupted by the arrival of her cousin, escorted by two royal guards.

Namor appeared visibly relieved, something Neptunia could fully understand. The greatest threat Atlantis had faced in centuries was now gone, a burden she knew had weighed heavily upon her cousin’s mind for a very long time.

And honestly…

She was genuinely glad everything had been resolved.

-King Harrison, it is a pleasure to see you. Atlantis and I are grateful for your actions this day, a gesture we shall not forget- declared the monarch of Atlantis, his tone overflowing with deep respect and gratitude toward the Black Lion.

Harrison answered with a respectful nod.

-King Namor…there is nothing to thank me for. That thing…was a danger to all of us. But now that we are here…I believe we have a conversation pending regarding the future of our peoples- said the Black Lion solemnly.

Namor nodded calmly, his expression filled with determination.

-Indeed, we have…much to discuss. The future awaits us both, humans and Atlanteans alike, walking toward the stars with firm steps. The challenges approaching us are immense, King Harrison, therefore our foundations must be equally strong. I extend an invitation to Atlantis itself, I have ordered a week of celebration throughout the entire city. My cousin, Princess Neptunia, shall personally serve as your guide during your stay. She shall ensure all of your needs are attended to as they should be- said her cousin while looking directly toward her, causing Neptunia to immediately remember that previous conversation.

About her duty toward Atlantis.

And her mission during Harrison Evans’ visit.

To seduce the Black Lion.

To warm his bed as many times as necessary.

To obtain his seed, his support, and a place within his council of lionesses in order to safeguard the interests of Atlantis within the inevitable empire currently being forged.

Because Neptunia, much like her cousin, could already see the seeds being planted.

Subtle.

Hidden beneath the surface.

Yet all of them led toward the same inevitable destination.

Planetary unification.

The Black Lion had already taken the first step, half the planet already served his interests and therefore it was merely a matter of time before the remaining human nations aligned themselves beneath his authority.

An alliance sealed in blood was the logical next step.

Besides…

It was not as though it truly represented a sacrifice for Neptunia herself.

Harrison Evans was easily the most handsome and attractive man she had ever seen in her life. His immense stature, his muscular body…she could imagine herself with disturbing ease losing herself within those powerful arms, being taken again and again until her legs no longer functioned properly.

The princess hated how much the thought excited her.

-It shall be a pleasure, King Namor. I am quite certain it shall prove to be…a very interesting visit- said the Lion while looking directly toward Neptunia, who returned the gaze with a playful smile filled with promise.

The game had begun.

And the Princess of Atlantis fully intended to turn the hunter into her prey.

Or at least…

That was what the delusional princess believed.

Soon she would discover that perhaps…

She had bitten off far more than she could chew.

But that…

Would be another story entirely.

Tony Stark, Stark Tower – New York

-No- said Tony simply while turning his back on the visitors within his tower and taking another drink.

-But Mister Stark, we…- however, Tony did not allow the man to finish.

-You people want to create anarchy and chaos in order to destabilize the new regime, one created by a good friend of mine who, unlike all of you, is not drowning in corruption, incompetence, and complete fucking stupidity- declared Stark harshly, openly looking at the so-called “liberators” with utter contempt for daring to visit him within his own home.

These animals truly believed people would support them?

That everything would simply return to the way things had been before Harrison seized complete control of the country?

Tony merely snorted in disbelief.

These clowns genuinely believed their pathetic speeches would accomplish something.

At first, even he himself had been skeptical regarding Harrison’s drastic actions.

He had even confronted him about it.

But then…

The Black Lion had shown him the list of names.

More than a hundred pages.

The list of dead from the Kree attack.

Half a million souls lost because of the incompetence and stupidity of people exactly like those currently standing before him.

The changes afterward had been immediate.

Funds no longer vanished mysteriously.

There was no excess bureaucracy.

No endless chains of useless officials delaying every important action.

Everything Harrison did was efficient and focused toward a single purpose.

The advancement and protection of the human race as a whole.

Bank corruption had been exposed.

Criminals hunted down and imprisoned.

Humiliated.

Broken.

Ordinary citizens were listened to and protected and within only a few weeks, almost nobody wanted Harrison Evans removed from power ever again.

-Harrison Evans is a danger to the world, it is our duty to—-

However, the annoying man’s words were interrupted the moment one of Stark Tower’s windows exploded inward and an entire squadron of Harrison’s Wasp drones entered the room, firing low-powered plasma rounds toward the irritating men and incapacitating them instantly.

-HEY! What the hell is this supposed to mean?!- asked Tony indignantly while observing the men being subdued and restrained by the drones, while another smaller spherical drone with something resembling a glowing eye in its center floated toward him.

-Oh Mister Stark! Apologies for the inconvenience! But these criminals needed to be apprehended!- declared the voice of Harrison’s most powerful A.I.

Hermione, if Tony remembered correctly.

Tony frowned immediately.

That sounded suspiciously like Hermione had ordered the arrest based purely upon Harrison’s negative opinion of the group.

A dangerous precedent in Tony’s opinion.

However, that thought vanished completely the moment the A.I. spoke once more.

-I sent a data package to Jarvis for your review. Mother Nat requests your presence at the Rock as soon as possible, we await you eagerly!- said the A.I. before turning around and flying back out through the broken window, dragging the unconscious men behind her.

Tony shook his head while curiosity and growing concern filled him completely as he read the title of the report.

HYDRA COMMANDS – SEARCH AND CAPTURE

The billionaire playboy immediately felt a terrible sensation forming within his stomach, every word he read filling him with fury and determination.

-Jarvis, prepare my armor. I have an appointment- he declared calmly while walking toward the launch bay.

There was much to do after all.

And somewhere deep beneath the shadows of the modern world…HYDRA had finally begun moving openly against the Black Lion.