Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Tension at the Meeting
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Location: The World Tree
The World Tree, a symbol of harmony and growth, served as the meeting place for the newly merged Earth's two greatest teams. However, the atmosphere was anything but harmonious. The Avengers and the Justice League stood opposite each other, their postures tense, eyes filled with caution and mistrust.
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Steve Rogers POV
Steve Rogers, shield in hand, stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. "I'm Steve Rogers, Captain America. We're here to figure out what's going on and how we can work together."
Superman, standing at the forefront of the Justice League, nodded. "Clark Kent, Superman. That depends on whether we can trust each other."
Steve frowned. "Trust goes both ways."
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Tony Stark POV
Tony Stark, in full Iron Man armor, scanned the Justice League, his HUD feeding him real-time data. "Okay, let's skip the intros and get to the obvious. Cap here is our Boy Scout, and you've got your own shiny version. What's your deal, Mr. Cape?"
Superman's eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone remained polite. "I protect the people of Metropolis and the world."
Tony smirked. "Great answer. Vague enough to keep us guessing."
Before Superman could reply, Batman stepped forward, his cape billowing as he silently observed the Avengers. His piercing gaze swept over each member, lingering on Goku and Thor.
"You're not from this Earth," Batman said flatly, addressing Thor.
Thor stepped forward, hefting Mjolnir. "I am Thor, son of Odin, god of thunder. And who are you, mortal, to question me?"
"Batman," the Dark Knight replied, his voice cold. "And gods bleed."
The tension thickened, and Natasha Romanoff placed a hand on her hip, her sharp eyes focused on Wonder Woman. "What about you? Another god?"
Wonder Woman stepped forward, her tone measured but firm. "Diana of Themyscira. And I do not need to prove myself to you."
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Nick Fury Arrives
Before the situation could escalate further, the low hum of a descending Quinjet drew everyone's attention. Nick Fury emerged, his trench coat billowing behind him.
"Alright," Fury said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Let's get one thing straight. Nobody here trusts each other, and that's fine. But the world has changed, and if we don't figure out how to deal with it, we're all screwed."
He turned his attention to the Justice League. "I don't know who you are, and I don't care about your capes and titles. What I care about is keeping this planet safe. You want to prove you're not a threat? Then work with us."
Superman stepped forward. "We're not the threat. But we need to know who you are and what you stand for."
"We stand for humanity," Steve said, stepping beside Fury. "For protecting those who can't protect themselves."
"And how do we know you won't abuse your power?" Batman asked, his gaze unyielding.
Thor gripped Mjolnir tightly. "You speak as though you've already judged us."
"Enough," Wonder Woman said, raising a hand to her teammates. "We're here to determine if we can trust one another. But words are not enough. We need action."
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The Challenge
Thor stepped forward, a grin spreading across his face. "Agreed. Let us test each other's strength. A warrior's trust is earned in combat."
Wonder Woman nodded, meeting his gaze. "If that's what it takes to establish trust, then so be it."
Steve frowned. "I'm not sure this is the best way to—"
"It's the only way," Batman interrupted, his tone cold. "We need to know exactly what you're capable of."
Tony raised a hand. "Alright, as much as I love a good sparring match, let's make some ground rules. No killing, no permanent damage, and try not to destroy the planet."
Fury sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. But I want this controlled. No surprises."
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The Pairings
The teams stood in a loose circle as Fury and the Ancient One, who had arrived silently, organized the matches.
Captain America vs. Batman
Thor vs. Wonder Woman
Iron Man vs. Cyborg
Hulk vs. Aquaman
Goku vs. Superman
Doctor Strange vs. The Flash
As the pairings were announced, the tension only grew. Each hero sized up their opponent, their stances ready, their gazes sharp.
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