Bayonetta basked in the warm light of the artificial sun, savoring the moment like fine aged Greek wine. She had waited for this day for what felt like an eternity. Though technically centuries had passed during her unconscious slumber, her mindset remained fixed in her youthful twenties. Even when memories of parallel timelines were returned to her, they felt more like watching a movie than living a life.
As Solomon kissed her lips, ignoring Jeanne's piercing glare, Bayonetta wrapped him in an inescapable embrace, demanding more. Their kiss deepened until they parted, breathless. Satisfied, the witch licked her lips with a sly grin.
"Sorry," Solomon said, his face bright red. "There's a war to fight. Dana, get dressed, arm the constructs, and activate the army. I've poured all the gold into them—it's time to see the results."
The alchemical automaton nodded and disappeared into the bedroom.
The word war piqued the interest of every woman in the room. Bayonetta, casually retrieving her pistols, seemed eager to join the fray. Jeanne's resolve mirrored her companion's, while even Salome Shaw, a mere mortal, looked fascinated by the prospect of hearing about magical battles.
Solomon sighed. It seemed most of the women he knew weren't the delicate sort. In fact, he got along best with those who could hold their own in a fight. Of course, he couldn't deny that Bayonetta's influence had shaped his preferences—after all, who wouldn't admire a tall, strong, and elegant big sister figure?
Especially when her long legs could pin him in place.
"Ladies," he began, "this is a joint operation between Asgard and Kamar-Taj. Our enemies are firmly rooted in the material plane."
He hoped this explanation would deter the witches from joining him. Their primary adversaries were the denizens of higher and lower planes, while extraterrestrial invaders on the material plane didn't align with their aesthetic sensibilities. Alien enemies lacked the blood-soaked elegance the witches enjoyed, often being metallic, mechanical, or just too small to leave a satisfying splash.
However, Solomon's explanation only fueled Salome Shaw's excitement. Having missed the Battle of New York, she seemed eager for a chance to shoot at aliens.
"I'll be back for dinner," Solomon said, slipping on his Sling Ring and dismissing Salome's blatant attempts to tail him.
The woman, still clad in her swimsuit, looked ready to grab a random handgun and join the fray.
By the time the automaton returned, she had changed into her usual attire: a high-slit black dress over a pure white, one-piece swimsuit-like undergarment. The garment, designed to turn semi-transparent when wet, revealed just enough of her perfect form. Solomon had carefully studied countless references when designing her body to ensure it would meet the ideal aesthetic standard (especially the hips).
Satisfied with her appearance and functionality, Solomon inspected the automaton briefly before opening a portal and returning to Kamar-Taj. He had to return the Eye of Agamotto, don his battle armor, and ensure the constructs were ready for war. He couldn't afford any malfunctions on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, at Jane Foster's apartment, Agent Phil Coulson's voice carried through the speakerphone.
"So, you need me to help with crowd control, and…"
"Only crowd control, Son of Coul," Sif interrupted sharply. She cut off whatever impractical suggestion Coulson might have made, wary of Thor agreeing to anything unwise. "This is about vengeance. You can't take that from us. And I don't think mortal weapons will do much against the Dark Elves. They are an ancient race that survived Bor's wrath. If you wish to stand with us in battle, you're welcome—but don't presume to claim all the glory."
"Lady Sif, I didn't mean it that way," Coulson replied diplomatically. "In fact, we're currently in the U.S. It would take at least eight hours to reach London. I've already contacted local S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to assist. However, if the battle is confirmed to occur in the U.K., I'll need to notify their government…"
"Unnecessary," Sif cut in again. "Kamar-Taj is already aware. Mortal bureaucracies have no need to interfere."
An awkward silence followed, broken only by Loki's mocking laughter.
"Mortals!" Loki cackled, half-coughing as he laughed. "Mortals always think so highly of themselves. When I revealed the truth, you recoiled from it. And you, Coulson, what dark sorcery brought you back? You're just a mortal, forever blind to reality."
"Shut up, Loki," Thor snapped, smacking his brother's head. "Agent Coulson, Solomon agreed to open a portal for you. You can bring your team directly from the U.S. However…" He glanced at Sif, who shook her head firmly. "We're hesitant to trust other agents. After everything that happened, Jane isn't keen on dealing with S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Understood." Coulson ignored Loki's taunts, reflecting instead on Asgardian perspectives. Calling advanced medical technology "dark magic" was unique to Asgardians, though he couldn't deny the peculiarities of his own resurrection. Tahiti… what a magical place.
"I'll prepare a team and bring a tactical aircraft," Coulson said. "Please let Solomon know I'd like to meet at a designated location. The plane requires a large portal…"
Melinda May watched Coulson's covert communication with mild disapproval. Ever diligent, Coulson had established a direct line to Nick Fury. Finding the elusive director had taken significant effort, but Coulson prided himself on his authority (or so he believed).
Nearby, Fitz and Simmons yawned in unison, their exhaustion contagious enough to affect Skye. Only Agent Grant Ward remained sharp, embodying the professionalism S.H.I.E.L.D. expected.
"Uh… he's not here," Thor said awkwardly. "I don't know where he went. But his bird's here…"
Phoenix squawked indignantly at Thor's crude description.
"I mean, his phoenix is here," Thor corrected. "Maybe it can summon him? Or… Jane, how about email? You helped me register one last time… Yes? Great! Agent Coulson, good news! Jane says we can email Solomon…"
"Or," Coulson interrupted, "you could tell me where he is. If he's in the U.S., I can find him."
"No, no, I don't know where Kamar-Taj is. They're very secretive. Not even Heimdall can see them. All right, Jane… which button ends the call so I can try this email thing? Does this phone send emails? Will Solomon get them immediately?"
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