//------------------------------// // Prelude To Infinity // Story: Tomorrow War // by Battwell //------------------------------// 15 Hours Until Thanos' Arrival It wasn't long now, the battle approaches, the fate of three universes hangs in the balance. After calling a cease fire, the combined forces of the heroes and the villains all collaborated together to come up with a way to ensure that the six Infinity Stones would be as far away from one another as possible. The best way of doing that would be to send and guard them at six different locations. One team would guard the Space Stone at The Triskelion. Another would keep the Reality Stone protected on Angel Island. The Mind Stone would be safeguarded in the nation of Wakanda. The Stone of Time would be under secure watch in Latveria. The Soul Stone would be under royal surveillance in the majestic city of Canterlot. And the Power Stone would be under lock and key in Ponyville. Six Stones, six teams, six locations. If Thanos wanted the Infinity Stones, then he was going to have to fight for them. If any of the Stones are under threat of being taken at any given point in time, then each team agreed that they would destroy the Stone under their protection. They knew their teams, they knew their mission. Protect the Stones at any cost. 12 Hours Until Thanos' Arrival The Benatar flew overhead in Wakanda as The King and his sister walked into the throne room of Wakanda where the team of heroes and villains were waiting. The Black Panther was greeted by the sight of the combined forces of The Guardians of the Galaxy, Tails, Thor, Abomination, Dr. Eggman, Cyclops, Storm, Beast, Metal Sonic, M.O.D.O.K., and Blaze the Cat. The Son of Odin walked over to T'Challa and shook his hand, "Thank you for doing this, my friend." They both then let go of each others hands and continued talking, "We wouldn't normally involve your beautiful country, but we are desperate." T'Challa waved his hand, motioning him to not worry about it, "Think nothing of it, Thor, the battle ahead would have reached Wakanda anyway. It was only a matter of time before our fates intertwined once more. You are completely free to not only explore the palace, but you are also free to use any of our resources for the coming battle." Eggman practically beamed at those words. The technology of Wakanda was astronomical, he was already dreaming up designs for his future mechs with Vibranium added to the mix. That was until T'Challa quickly corrected his previous statement while looking to the three villains, "But THEM... Not so much." Even with an IQ of 300, Robotnik sometimes acted like a child... This was one of those times since he decided to pout like a spoilt infant. M.O.D.O.K. ignored his former partner and floated over to Shuri, who was making adjustments to her gauntlets, "I must say that I'm impressed with your technical expertise, Shuri. To think that one so young made such revolutionary discoveries with Vibranium is astounding. A.I.M. would have great use for you." The young Wakandan simply rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out in disgust, "Thanks... But no thanks. The day I work for a bobblehead hellbent on world domination is the day I lose some braincells." While the leader of A.I.M. grumbled something under his breath, Tails and Blaze walked over to Eggman, who stopped sulking like a child and actually began studying a small piece of Vibranium he had Orbot and Cubot retrieve for him. Tails frowned before he cleared his throat, getting Eggman's attention, "Don't even think of trying anything, Eggface." Blaze nodded in agreement, her arms folded over her chest as she eyed the doctor carefully, "Yes, just because we have joined forces doesn't mean that we trust you for a second." Eggman groaned in annoyance before staring down the two Mobians, "Let's make one thing clear, you idiotic rodents! I don't like this anymore than you do, but if securing my rule over the world requires me to work with you, than I will. But once this is done, then it's back to business as usual! So get your namesakes out of a knot, Fox Boy, and help me prepare our defenses!" Black Panther, who overheard their little dispute, agreed and walked over to Shuri, "Sister, activate the city's shields and engage all defenses. Today, we go to war." 10 Hours Until Thanos' Arrival To say that S.H.I.E.L.D's Triskelion was a living fortress would be the understatement of the century. There was an army of S.H.I.E.L.D Agents on the ground, with tanks and Helicopters for support. That wasn't all since there were two Helicarriers hovering over The Triskelion, their massive guns armed and ready. They also had the support of G.U.N., who had sent their military grade mechs to aid them in the coming battle. Inside the base itself stood Nick Fury, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Shadow the Hedgehog and Team Dark, Lord Tirek, Magneto, Wolverine, Gambit, Ice Man, Hawkeye, Deadpool, Loki, and Ultron, who had added upgrades to the inner defenses inside The Triskelion itself. Nick was currently staring out the window, watching as his forces prepared themselves for the coming war. Shadow the Hedgehog walked up to the Director and briefed him on the status of their defenses. "Fury, G.U.N. has set up checkpoints around The Triskelion and the others are currently readying themselves for what's to come." Fury nodded in acknowledgement and turned to the Hedgehog, "Good, because right now this is the most secure place on the planet. Nothing is getting through our defenses... We can't afford to allow Thanos and his forces to break through." Shadow simply folded his arms and gazed out the window, "They won't, we'll protect the Stone or die trying." 7 Hours Until Thanos' Arrival Hordes of Doombots marched towards the frontlines, as per their masters orders. They were to kill anything that even resembled one of Thanos' Outriders. The Latverian Tyrant was currently sitting atop his throne, keeping the Stone close as it remained undetected in Doom's secret lab. Even though he loathed the idea, he had to work with the likes of The Chaotix, Amy Rose, Rarity, Tempest Shadow, Ghost Rider, Dr. Strange, Queen Chrysalis, Nova Prime, and he especially hated working with Reed Richards. But he had little choice unfortunately. He would be damned if he would allow Thanos to threaten his future empire. This world was Doom's and DOOM'S alone, he would slaughter any who would dare oppose his rule. Doom is the most feared man on the planet for a reason. 5 Hours Until Thanos' Arrival Knuckles stood in front of the Master Emerald with his arms folded, the Infinity Stone concealed inside a protective capsule thanks to Tails. Charles Xavier, Black Widow, Captain America, Colossus, Pinkie Pie, The Thing, Human Torch, Silver the Hedgehog, Cozy Glow, The Brotherhood of Mutants, Electro, Rhino, and Vulture all stood at defense to ensure the Stone was secure. Knuckles hated the fact that his island was being used like this, he hated bringing trouble to his sanctuary. But he would have to suck it up. The fight of his life was right on his front doorstep. 3 Hours Until Thanos' Arrival Shining Armor and Princess Cadance led the troops of Royal Guards and Bat Ponies to their defensive positions. Canterlot was about to become a warzone, so as they prepared, they also begun evacuating the populace of Nobles and regular Ponies. They weren't alone as Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Luna, Celestia, Discord, Fluttershy, Doc Ock, Mysterio, Scorpion, Captain Marvel, and Miles Morales all stood on the front lines, ready to protect their unified world. Celestia and Luna were more than prepared as they wore their royal armors to protect themselves. They haven't been worn since they defeated Sombra the first time, but the massive difference between these two situations is quite easily distinguished. This was far more dire. 60 Minutes Until Thanos' Arrival Ponyville was the last line, nowhere near as much defenses as the other locations. The only defenses they had were in the form of three heroes. Twilight Sparkle. Spider-Man. Sonic the Hedgehog. They stood on the balcony of the Castle of Friendship, anticipating the battle ahead. If the worst were to happen, Twilight hoped that her message for help got through to her subjects. She held the Power Stone with her magic, not letting it out of her sight. Sonic placed an arm over her shoulder in comfort while Peter perched himself on the railing of the balcony. They all looked to each other, this was it. All or nothing. Thanos' Arrival Is Imminent The Mad Titan walked into his throne room inside the Sanctuary II with such presence that it could literally be felt in the room. All of his forces knelt to him as he walked past them and made his way to his throne. All of his forces noticed that he was wearing an attire that he only wore when he needed to. Thanos smiled as he turned and sat down on his throne. His forces stood up as his Black Order made their up to his throne and knelt, awaiting their orders. Ebony Maw stood up as Black Dwarf, Corvus Glaive, and Proxima Midnight continued kneeling, "Master, is it time?" Thanos chuckled as his eyes glowed brightly, "It is time. Do not fail me, my Order." The Titan stood up from his throne and raised his fist into the air, an empty Infinity Gauntlet, "BRING ME MY STONES!!!" The moment everyone dreaded had finally arrived. At every location, an armada of ships made their way through the clouds, parting them as the sound of their thrusters sounded off in the air. Beams of blue light shot down from the hull of the ships and onto the ground with a silhouette inside the light. This was it. The battle for tomorrow has finally begun. Thanos is here