Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Darius the builder
4.5K words in total. I'm tired, took me 2 days to write. You can skim through the last bits but I would prefer if you read it. Anyways if you're still reading thanks. If its boring and think of dropping, lemme know.
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Darius stood at the peak of a secluded mountain, surveying the untouched wilderness around him.
The crisp air carried the scent of pine, and the world below stretched out like a vast canvas waiting for his brush.
He took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the earth beneath him. Today was the day he would begin the creation of The Agency's headquarters, a place where heroes and gifted individuals would prepare for the challenges to come.
But first, he needed a little help—or at least, some company to amuse him while he worked. With a flick of his wrist, Darius opened a shimmering portal beside him, connecting to the office of the world's most dysfunctional spy agency.
The team from ISIS—now part of The Agency—stepped through the portal, each of them dressed in their usual business attire, looking wildly out of place on the rugged mountainside.
Sterling Archer, Lana Kane, Cyril Figgis, and the rest of the crew appeared, their expressions a mix of confusion and irritation.
"Seriously, Darius?" Archer said, brushing some imaginary dust off his expensive suit. "Couldn't you have teleported us to, I don't know, a nice beach somewhere?"
Lana rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Archer. You've been whining since we left the office."
Cyril, ever the worrier, looked around nervously. "Where are we? And why are we here? Are we going to die? Because I'd rather not die."
Darius couldn't help but chuckle at the group's banter. "Relax, Cyril. You're not going to die. Not today, anyway."
Pam, unfazed by the sudden change of scenery, pulled out a flask and took a swig. "So, what's the deal, big guy? You called us here for something important, right?"
Darius grinned. "Indeed, Pam. You're about to witness something pretty spectacular. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll get to do something useful too."
"Do something useful?" Archer snorted, clearly unimpressed. "You know we're spies, right? We don't exactly 'build' things."
"Oh, you'll do just fine," Darius said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Without further explanation, Darius raised his hands, and the ground beneath them began to tremble.
The team from ISIS instinctively backed up, watching with wide eyes as the earth started to shift and mold itself to Darius' will.
Massive chunks of rock lifted from the ground, hovering in mid-air before slamming together to form the foundation of a colossal structure.
"Holy shit," Lana muttered under her breath, clearly impressed despite herself.
Darius made another sweeping motion, and the terrain responded instantly. Trees uprooted themselves, moving to new locations as if following an unseen command.
Rivers and streams diverted their courses, flowing into a newly formed lake that sparkled under the sun. The mountain itself seemed to rise, pushing higher into the sky as a fortress began to take shape at its peak.
"This is… this is insane," Cyril stammered, his eyes darting around in disbelief. "How are you doing this?"
Darius shrugged casually. "It's just a little terraforming. Nothing too complicated."
"'Nothing too complicated,' he says," Archer mimicked, rolling his eyes. "Meanwhile, you've got Mother Nature on a string like some kind of cosmic yo-yo."
As the fortress grew, it became clear that Darius wasn't just building any ordinary headquarters. The structure was grand, almost otherworldly in its design.
Towering spires reached towards the sky, connected by bridges suspended in the air.
Each spire was adorned with intricate carvings and golden inlays, giving the fortress an ancient, regal appearance. Waterfalls cascaded down from the heights, feeding into the lake below.
Pam stared at the waterfalls, a dreamy look on her face. "Can we put a bar over there? Like, a really nice one with craft beer?"
Darius laughed. "Sure, Pam. Why not? This place is going to have everything."
Krieger, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke up. "So, what exactly do you expect us to do here, Darius? We're not exactly construction workers."
"Yeah, seriously," Cheryl chimed in, fiddling with a loose strand of hair. "I mean, I guess I could light things on fire if you need that."
"Oh, Cheryl, always with the arson," Archer sighed dramatically.
Darius shook his head, clearly amused. "You're not here to build anything, Mallory. You're here because this is going to be your new base of operations. The Agency needs a team of skilled operatives to handle… special assignments."
Cyril eyes narrowed. "Special assignments? Like what?"
"Like whatever I need you to do," Darius said with a wink. "You'll still do your usual spy stuff—gather intel, run missions—but now you'll be doing it under my banner. And trust me, it's going to be a lot more exciting than whatever you were doing before."
Archer looked intrigued. "More exciting, huh? Well, I'm in. As long as there's booze involved."
"Obviously," Darius replied. "I wouldn't dream of it any other way."
As the fortress neared completion, Darius added the final touches. A massive gate, flanked by statues of mythical creatures, appeared at the front entrance.
The interior, though not yet visible to the team, was filled with state-of-the-art technology, luxurious accommodations, and training facilities unlike anything they'd ever seen.
"Welcome to the new headquarters of The Agency," Darius announced, his voice echoing across the mountain. "This is where we'll train the world's best to face the challenges ahead. And you, my dear Archer team, are going to be part of it."
Lana crossed her arms, smirking slightly. "So, what's our first assignment?"
Darius looked thoughtful for a moment before snapping his fingers. "How about you start by giving me some feedback on the decor? Maybe a paint color suggestion?"
"Oh, for crying out loud," Archer groaned. "Isn't that something you can just… you know, magic into existence?"
Darius chuckled. "I could, but where's the fun in that? I want this place to feel like home for all of you. So, take a look around, and let me know what you think."
Pam shrugged, already heading towards the lake. "Well, if we're sticking around, I'm claiming the biggest room."
"Not if I get there first," Lana shot back, following after her.
As the team dispersed to explore their new home, Darius floated above the fortress, taking in the scene with a sense of satisfaction.
The headquarters was everything he'd imagined it would be—grand, imposing, and filled with potential.
It was the perfect place to start building The Agency and preparing for the cosmic tournament that loomed on the horizon.
But more than that, it was a place where the world's most eccentric, unpredictable, and occasionally dangerous individuals could come together and, hopefully, make something better of themselves.
With a little luck—and a lot of patience—Darius was confident that they would rise to the occasion.
"Alright, time to get to work," Darius said to himself, a grin spreading across his face. He couldn't wait to see what chaos the Archer team would bring to his new organization.
After all, what's an epic adventure without a little bit of madness?
He stood atop the newly completed headquarters of The Agency, the wind swirling around him as he prepared for the next phase of his plan.
The mountain fortress, now a symbol of power and hope, needed a grand announcement—one that would reach every hero across the globe.
With a commanding gesture, Darius summoned six ethereal beings from the fabric of reality itself. Each of them appeared in a flash of radiant light, their forms tall and majestic, their presence exuding a divine aura.
Clad in shimmering armor, they each held a gleaming bow and a quiver filled with arrows that glowed with an otherworldly fire.
These were the Archers of Eternity, legendary beings known for their unmatched skill and precision. Their bows, crafted from the essence of the cosmos, were instruments of both destruction and deliverance.
Darius had called upon them for a task that only they could fulfill.
"Archers," Darius began, his voice resonating with authority, "aim towards the heavens."
The six archers nodded in unison, their movements fluid and synchronized.
They raised their bows, drawing the string back effortlessly as their arrows ignited with heavenly fire, burning with a brilliance that rivaled the stars themselves.
The air around them hummed with energy, charged with the weight of their impending release.
Darius watched as the archers took aim, their eyes focused on the endless sky above. The moment was heavy with anticipation, the power they wielded poised to unleash a message that would echo across the world.
"Let loose," Darius commanded, his voice carrying a sense of inevitability.
In a single, synchronized motion, the Archers of Eternity released their arrows. The sky lit up as the six fiery projectiles shot upward, leaving trails of light in their wake.
They ascended higher and higher until they became mere specks against the vast expanse, then disappeared from sight.
But the journey of these arrows was far from over.
As they reached the uppermost heights of the atmosphere, the arrows split into countless smaller bolts of light, each one carrying a fragment of the original arrow's divine fire.
These bolts spread out in every direction, scattering across the entire globe with unimaginable speed and precision.
Every hero, whether they were on the frontlines of battle, resting in their homes, or training in seclusion, suddenly felt a presence—a warm, comforting light that seemed to seek them out.
The fiery arrows, now in their ethereal form, found their targets without fail. They struck each hero not with force, but with a gentle touch, as if bestowing a blessing upon them.
As the light enveloped them, each hero heard a voice within their mind—a voice that carried the weight of destiny.
"The Agency's headquarters is complete. The time to prepare for the trials ahead has come. You are called to duty. Join us."
The message resonated deeply, filling each hero with a sense of purpose and urgency. It was not just a summons; it was a call to arms, a reminder that they were not alone in the coming storm.
They were now part of something greater, a collective force that would stand together against the challenges that lay ahead.
Back at the mountain fortress, Darius lowered his gaze as the last of the light faded from the sky. The Archers of Eternity bowed respectfully before vanishing into the ether, their task complete.
Darius allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, knowing that his message had reached every corner of the earth.
The Agency was now a beacon, and its light would guide the heroes of the world to his doorstep. The countdown had begun, and the time for preparation was at hand.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he whispered to the wind, "Let the training begin."
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in a warm, amber glow, those with extraordinary abilities—heroes, mutants, Inhumans, and other powered individuals—felt an inexplicable energy in the air.
It was as if the universe itself was holding its breath, waiting for something momentous to occur.
Then, the sky above them ignited with streaks of fiery light, capturing the attention of the world's most remarkable beings.
---
Steve Rogers (Captain America),
was in the middle of a training session, running through drills with the Avengers at their compound. The team's movements were sharp and precise, honed through years of combat experience.
Yet, when the sky lit up, Steve paused, his keen instincts telling him something extraordinary was happening.
A flash of light burst before him, and for a brief moment, he felt a warmth spread through his chest.
The familiar weight of duty settled over him, but this time, it was different—deeper.
He heard a voice, clear and commanding, that resonated with the very core of who he was: "The Agency's headquarters is complete. The time to prepare for the trials ahead has come. You are called to duty. Join me."
Steve exchanged a look with the other Avengers, who were similarly affected. Natasha Romanoff and Sam Wilson nodded at him, already understanding the gravity of what had just happened.
The message was clear—something big was coming, and they would be needed more than ever.
---
T'Challa (Black Panther),
stood at the edge of a cliff overlooking Wakanda, deep in thought. The recent changes in the world weighed heavily on his mind, particularly the countdown in the sky that had everyone on edge.
His people looked to him for answers, and as king, it was his duty to provide them.
The sudden appearance of the fiery arrows in the sky snapped him out of his reverie. One of them, or rather its ethereal counterpart, descended toward him, slowing as it approached until it hovered just before his heart.
T'Challa felt the warmth of the heavenly fire and heard the same message that echoed in the hearts of heroes worldwide.
He narrowed his eyes, contemplating the implications. Wakanda was isolated, but not immune to the world's troubles.
He would have to discuss this development with Shuri and the council. The time had come to step out from the shadows and engage with the global community in ways they hadn't before.
---
Jean Grey was at the X-Mansion, quietly meditating in the garden. After everything she had been through, meditation had become her solace, a way to center herself amidst the chaos of her powerful mind.
Her telepathy connected her to the thoughts and emotions of others, and it was a constant battle to maintain control.
When the fiery arrow appeared, it was as if the message had been made just for her. The warmth she felt was soothing, calming the tempest that always raged within her.
The voice she heard resonated with a kind of authority she hadn't felt since her days under Charles Xavier's tutelage. "Come to me Jean. Join me."
Jean opened her eyes, a new resolve settling over her. She knew what this meant. The X-Men had always been about more than just survival; they were protectors.
This new organization—The Agency—was calling for exactly that. She would have to talk to Scott, Logan, and the others, but she already knew what her answer would be.
---
Johnny Storm (Human Torch),
was flying above New York City, enjoying a carefree flight across the skyline.
The thrill of the wind against his face and the roar of flames as he pushed his powers to the limit never got old.
The city was his playground, and as long as he was around, nothing would happen to it.
When the sky lit up, he thought it was some kind of fireworks display, but then the light found him.
The warmth spread through his fiery aura, almost as if it was in tune with his powers. The message that followed was unmistakable. The Agency was calling him.
"Man, this is gonna be awesome," Johnny muttered to himself, already envisioning the kind of action that would come with being part of an organization like this.
His life was about to get a whole lot more interesting.
---
Black Bolt sat in silence on a high peak overlooking the hidden city of Attilan, his stoic expression unchanging as he observed the world far below.
The burden of his power was always with him, forcing him into silence lest his voice destroy everything around him.
But his mind was sharp, always contemplating the next move for his people, the Inhumans.
When the fiery light appeared before him, he didn't flinch. The message came, but there was no sound, no voice—only the understanding.
Black Bolt's expression remained impassive, but his eyes reflected the weight of the decision before him.
He knew what it meant. The Inhumans could no longer remain hidden. The time was coming when they would have to step into the light and take their place on the global stage.
He would need to consult with Medusa and the others, but the path was becoming clear.
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Jessica Jones was sitting in her dingy office, nursing a drink while staring at a case file she had been working on for days.
The world was going to hell, and she was doing her best to keep her little corner of it safe. Her powers helped, but they also alienated her, made her feel like an outsider even among other heroes.
The fiery arrow that appeared before her felt out of place in the grimy office, its light casting long shadows on the walls.
She felt the warmth and heard the message, the words echoing in her mind. The Agency wanted her to join them.
Jessica took a long drink, her mind racing. She wasn't one for grand causes or noble crusades, but this felt different.
The countdown in the sky had everyone on edge, and maybe it was time to stop drinking her life away and actually do something meaningful.
She wasn't sure, but the seed of doubt was planted.
---
Daisy Johnson (Quake),
was deep underground in one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secret bases, training relentlessly.
The countdown in the sky had rattled her, just like everyone else, but she channeled that fear into her training. She had to be ready for whatever was coming.
The fiery arrow appeared even in the depths of the base, finding her with ease. The warmth it brought was a stark contrast to the cold, metallic surroundings, and she heard the voice as clearly as if someone was standing next to her.
The Agency had summoned her.
Daisy paused, letting the message sink in. She had always been a fighter, someone who stood up for what was right, and now she was being called to do so on a larger scale.
It wasn't just about S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore—it was about the world, and she was ready to step up.
---
Namor, the Sub-Mariner,
was swimming through the deepest parts of the ocean, far from any human interference. The king of Atlantis was troubled by the events of the past year.
The countdown, the growing unrest on the surface world, and the increasing pressure on Atlantis to take a side.
When the fiery light found him even at the bottom of the ocean, Namor was surprised. The message it carried was not something he had expected. The Agency was calling on him, summoning him to join them in preparing for the future.
Namor's first instinct was to reject the call. He was a king, not someone to be summoned like a common soldier.
But then he thought about the implications. If this Agency was as powerful as it seemed, it might be an opportunity to ensure that Atlantis had a seat at the table when the time came.
He would consider it, but he would do so on his own terms.
---
Matt Murdock (Daredevil) was patrolling Hell's Kitchen, his senses heightened as he moved through the darkened streets.
The lawyer by day, vigilante by night, had always walked a fine line between the law and justice. The countdown had only made his dual life more complicated.
When the fiery light appeared, he felt it rather than saw it. The warmth spread through his body, and the message that followed was clear as day in his mind. The Agency was calling him to join them.
Matt paused on a rooftop, the city stretching out before him. The choice was a difficult one. He had always worked alone, trusting his own judgment above all else. But this was different.
The world was changing, and maybe it was time for him to change with it. He would have to think it over, but the seed of doubt was there.
---
Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) sat in his hidden sanctuary, deep in contemplation. The world had always been a place of conflict for him—a battleground between humans and mutants, with himself often at the center of the struggle.
The countdown in the sky had brought a new kind of unease, one that even he couldn't ignore.
His thoughts were filled with the future of mutantkind, the survival of his people in a world that seemed poised for destruction.
When the fiery arrow appeared before him, Magneto was not surprised. He had felt the shift in the world, the currents of change swirling around him.
The warmth of the arrow was almost comforting, but the message it carried was what truly caught his attention.
The Agency was calling on him to join their ranks, to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Erik's first instinct was one of skepticism. He had been through countless battles, seen countless promises of unity and cooperation fall apart. But this felt different.
This was not a call to submit or to hide—it was a call to stand strong, to be part of something that could change the world.
He stood up, his cape billowing behind him as he looked out at the mountains beyond his sanctuary.
Perhaps it was time to forge new alliances, to ensure that mutants had a place in whatever future lay ahead. The Agency might be the opportunity he had been waiting for—a way to protect his people while shaping the world in their favor.
He would answer the call, but on his own terms, with his own agenda in mind.
---
Stephen Strange was in the Sanctum Sanctorum, his mystical senses already tingling with anticipation.
The Sorcerer Supreme had felt the cosmic shift as soon as it happened, the reverberations echoing through the astral plane.
The countdown in the sky had been a clear sign that something monumental was on the horizon.
When the fiery arrow materialized before him, Strange was ready.
The warmth that spread through him was unlike any magic he had encountered before, and the message that followed was both a summons and a challenge.
The Agency's headquarters were complete, and they were calling on those with power to join them.
Strange pondered the implications. The mystic arts were often separate from the affairs of heroes and governments, but this was different.
The cosmic scales were tipping, and it was his duty to ensure they tipped in the right direction. The Agency represented a convergence of power and purpose, one that he could not ignore.
He made a mental note to consult with Wong and the other mystics, but his decision was already made.
The time had come to step forward, to lend his considerable abilities to the cause. The countdown in the sky was not just a threat—it was a call to action, and Stephen Strange would be ready.
---
Bruce Banner (The Hulk),
was in the middle of nowhere, in one of the most remote parts of the world he could find. The countdown in the sky had driven him to seek isolation, to distance himself from humanity before things got worse.
The Hulk was always a threat, always lurking beneath the surface, and the last thing he wanted was to lose control in a time of crisis.
But even in the vast wilderness, the fiery arrow found him. The warmth it brought calmed his ever-present anger, if only for a moment.
The message that followed was unexpected.
Bruce hesitated. The Hulk was a force of destruction, not a hero. But the call wasn't just for the Hulk—it was for Bruce Banner as well. Perhaps this was his chance to finally do some good, to be part of a solution rather than just a ticking time bomb.
He sighed, knowing that he couldn't run forever. The world was changing, and if he didn't step up, he would only be adding to the danger.
He would have to find a way to balance the beast within with the call to duty. It was a risk, but it was one he had to take.
---
Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) was out in space, flying through the cosmos at speeds unimaginable to most.
The countdown in the sky had reached even the furthest corners of the universe, and she had been doing everything she could to gather information and prepare for what was to come.
When the fiery arrow found her, even in the vastness of space, she was momentarily surprised.
The warmth it brought was a stark contrast to the cold void around her, and the message that followed was crystal clear.
The Agency was summoning her, calling her back to Earth to be part of their efforts.
Carol grinned, her warrior spirit igniting at the thought. She had been fighting for justice across the galaxy, but now it seemed Earth needed her more than ever.
The Agency represented a new front in the battle to protect her home, and she was ready to answer the call.
She changed course, heading back toward Earth with renewed determination. The countdown was a reminder that time was running out, but with the right people by her side, she knew they could face whatever was coming.
Captain Marvel was coming home, and she was ready to fight.
[A/N I really didn't wanna involve her in my book but whatever. She will just be background fodder for the time being]
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Inhumans and Mutants in Hiding—across the globe, those with powers who had chosen to stay hidden felt the impact of the event just as strongly.
They had lived in the shadows, avoiding detection and confrontation.
But the fiery arrows that found them, whether in remote caves, abandoned buildings, or deep forests, carried a message that couldn't be ignored.
The warmth they felt was a sign, a reassurance that they weren't alone. The message that followed was a call to arms, a summons to step into the light and be part of something greater than themselves.
The Agency was offering them a chance to prepare, to fight for their place in a world that was changing faster than anyone could have imagined.
Some were hesitant, afraid of what it might mean to reveal themselves. Others were excited, eager to finally use their powers for something meaningful.
But all of them felt the same pull, the same undeniable urge to answer the call. The time for hiding was over—the time for action had come.
Across the world, the same scene played out over and over. Powered individuals, no matter where they were, felt the warmth of the fiery arrows and heard the message that Darius had sent out.
For some, it was a moment of decision—a choice to step into the unknown and take on a new role in the world.
For others, it was a confirmation of what they had already suspected—that the world was on the brink of something unprecedented, and they would be at the forefront of it.
As the last of the fiery arrows disappeared into the ether, the world's most powerful beings were left with a single, unifying thought:
The time to act was now. The countdown in the sky was a reminder of what was to come, but The Agency represented hope—a way to fight back, to protect the world and all its inhabitants.
And so, across the globe, heroes, mutants, Inhumans, and others began to prepare. They would answer the call, join The Agency, and stand together against whatever the future held.
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