The Flaxan invasion began like all the others - without warning.
Orange portals tore open across downtown Chicago, disgorging hordes of green-skinned aliens in mechanical exoskeletons.
Their weapons fired strange energy beams that melted concrete and steel alike, while their insectoid vehicles scuttled between skyscrapers, deploying more troops.
The civilian evacuation had barely begun when the first response team arrived.
"Guardians, defensive perimeter!" Anissa commanded, her Viltrumite uniform gleaming in the sun as she descended from the sky like a missile.
She slammed into a Flaxan battle tank, crushing it beneath her feet. "Priority is civilian extraction. War Woman, Red Rush - south quadrant. Darkwing, Green Ghost - evacuation coordination. Immortal with me on the primary incursion point."
The Guardians moved with practiced efficiency, months of training under Viltrumite protocols evident in their coordinated response.
The Immortal flew alongside Anissa, his ancient eyes narrowed as he assessed the invasion force.
"They've upgraded their tech since last time," he noted, punching through a Flaxan soldier's armor with casual force. "More resilient materials."
"Irrelevant," Anissa replied, tearing a mounted cannon from its housing and using it to swat aside three attackers. "Their technological advancement remains inferior."
Across the battlefield, War Woman's axe cleaved through a line of Flaxan troops, its enchanted edge cutting through their armor like paper.
"We've got civilians trapped in the financial district!" she called over the comms. "At least two hundred in the underground parking structures!"
Red Rush appeared beside her in a blur of motion. "On it," he replied, disappearing again. Seconds later, streams of civilians began emerging from the buildings, guided by the speedster's rapid evacuations.
Darkwing, perched on a gargoyle overlooking the chaos, coordinated with emergency services. "GDA transport units to Michigan Avenue," he instructed. "Green Ghost is creating an evacuation corridor through the subway tunnels."
Below, Green Ghost's translucent form guided terrified office workers through walls and debris, her molecular phasing abilities creating safe passages where none existed.
"Anissa," the Immortal called, pointing skyward. "Secondary wave incoming."
Three new portals had opened directly above the city center, larger than the first. From these emerged heavier Flaxan war machines—bipedal mechs with multiple weapon systems and thicker armor.
"Reinforcements required," Anissa stated, pressing her communicator. "Conquest, deploy the secondary response team."
"Already en route," came the gravelly reply.
Moments later, the air shimmered as a new group of heroes arrived - the Teen Team, led by the ancient Viltrumite warrior Conquest. His massive frame dwarfed the younger heroes, his battle-scarred face set in a grim smile.
"Teen Team, offensive pattern delta!" Conquest roared, launching himself at the largest mech.
His fist punched clean through its central power core, causing a cascade of explosions that illuminated his savage grin. "Show these dimension-hopping vermin what happens when they intrude on Viltrumite territory!"
Mark - Invincible - flew alongside Atom Eve, their months of training evident in their synchronized movements.
Eve created molecular barriers to funnel Flaxan troops into Mark's path, where his strength made short work of their armor.
"They just keep coming!" Mark called, smashing through a cluster of soldiers. "What do they want?"
"Resources, technology, slaves," Rex Splode replied, charging a handful of metal spheres and launching them at an advancing tank.
The explosions ripped through its armor, sending shrapnel flying. "Same as always. They're basically interdimensional locusts."
Nearby, Monster Girl transformed, her massive green form crushing a Flaxan vehicle beneath her foot. "They picked the wrong planet this time," she growled, swinging a massive fist through a squadron of troops.
Roberta - formerly Robot - hovered above the battlefield, her new body's molecular manipulation abilities creating complex defensive structures while her armor's weapons systems targeted Flaxan command units with precision strikes.
"Their portal technology has evolved," she observed, analyzing the energy signatures. "The dimensional anchors are more stable than in previous incursions. They're planning a sustained invasion, not just a raid."
"Then we make them regret it," Conquest declared, tearing the arm off a mech and using it as a club against its companions. "Permanent regret."
The battle intensified as more Flaxan forces emerged from the portals. Despite the heroes' efforts, the sheer numbers threatened to overwhelm them.
"We need to close those portals," the Immortal said, deflecting energy blasts as he fought back-to-back with Anissa.
"Negative," came a new voice over all communicators. "The portals remain open."
Every Viltrumite present straightened slightly at the voice - Thragg, Grand Regent of the Viltrum Empire.
"Grand Regent?" Anissa questioned, though her tone held no challenge, merely confirmation.
"I am observing," Thragg replied. "Continue your defense of the city. Civilian casualties are to be minimized. But the primary portal is to remain operational."
"Understood," Anissa acknowledged, immediately adapting her strategy. "Guardians, Teen Team - containment protocol seven. We're not closing the portals, we're securing them."
The battle shifted, the heroes now focusing on pushing the Flaxan forces back toward their entry points rather than attempting to sever their connection entirely.
Nolan - Omni-Man - arrived on the scene, his white and red uniform streaking across the sky as he plowed through a formation of Flaxan aircraft.
"Situation?" he asked, joining Anissa and the Immortal at the primary battle line.
"Grand Regent wants the portals secured but operational," Anissa explained, crushing a Flaxan soldier's helmet with one hand. "We're implementing containment protocols."
Nolan nodded, immediately understanding the implications. "He's planning a counter-invasion."
"Precisely," Anissa confirmed.
The Immortal's expression darkened. "Using their own technology against them. Efficient."
"And just," Nolan added. "The Flaxans have invaded Earth repeatedly. A permanent solution is overdue."
Their conversation was interrupted by a massive explosion as a new Flaxan weapon deployed - a towering walker with multiple energy cannons that carved trenches through the city streets.
"That's new," the Immortal observed dryly.
Before either Anissa or Nolan could respond, a pink energy barrier materialized in front of the walker's main cannon, redirecting its blast skyward. Eve hovered nearby, her hands extended as she maintained the barrier.
"I can't hold this forever!" she called.
Mark flew past her, accelerating to maximum speed. "You don't have to!" he replied, slamming into the walker's leg joint with enough force to shear it clean off. The massive machine toppled, crashing into a row of abandoned vehicles.
Rex capitalized on the opening, charging the fallen walker's power core. "Fire in the hole!" he warned as he launched his explosive. The resulting detonation consumed the walker entirely, leaving only twisted metal in its wake.
Conquest laughed, the sound chilling even to his allies. "These Flaxans have spirit," he said, crushing a soldier's exoskeleton with casual strength. "But spirit doesn't stop a Viltrumite fist."
Roberta analyzed the battlefield from her elevated position, her armor's systems providing tactical overlays. "Their command structure is adapting," she reported. "They're falling back to defensive formations around the portals. I believe they're preparing for a strategic retreat."
"Not yet," came Thragg's voice again. "Drive them further back. Secure the primary portal completely."
The heroes redoubled their efforts, pushing the Flaxan forces into a tighter perimeter around the largest portal. The aliens fought desperately, but the combined might of the Guardians and Teen Team proved overwhelming.
Monster Girl smashed through a line of defenders, creating an opening. "Portal perimeter breached!" she called.
"Excellent," Anissa replied. "Immortal, Omni-Man - secure the anchor points. We need that portal stable when they retreat."
The two veteran heroes flew to opposite sides of the massive orange vortex, engaging the heaviest Flaxan defenses.
Nolan tore through a cluster of elite guards, their advanced armor providing no more resistance than tissue paper. "Like old times," he remarked to the Immortal across the portal.
"Except now we're truly on the same side," the Immortal replied, his strength making short work of a Flaxan command unit.
The battle had turned decisively. Flaxan troops began pouring back through the smaller portals, which closed behind them. Only the primary portal remained, now surrounded entirely by Earth's defenders.
"They're retreating," Mark observed, hovering beside Eve as they watched the last Flaxan units fall back.
"Tactical withdrawal," Roberta corrected, landing nearby. "They'll regroup on their side, assess our capabilities, and plan a more targeted approach for their next incursion."
"There won't be a next incursion," came Thragg's voice, no longer through the communicators.
The Grand Regent descended from the sky, his crimson cape billowing behind him as he landed in the center of the assembled heroes.
His mere presence caused the remaining Flaxan troops to accelerate their retreat, abandoning equipment in their haste to escape.
"Grand Regent," Anissa acknowledged, inclining her head slightly.
Thragg surveyed the battlefield, his expression impassive beneath his mustache. "Your coordination was acceptable," he stated. "Civilian casualties were minimal. Property damage within acceptable parameters."
Coming from Thragg, this was high praise indeed.
"The Flaxans have been repelled," Conquest reported, approaching his leader with evident respect. "As you commanded, the primary portal remains operational."
"Good," Thragg nodded. "Their dimensional incursions have been a persistent irritant. It is time for a permanent solution."
The Immortal stepped forward, his posture cautious but his gaze direct. "What kind of permanent solution are you planning?"
Thragg regarded him with cool assessment. "The only kind that will ensure Earth's safety. Complete subjugation of the Flaxan dimension."
A murmur ran through the assembled heroes. Mark and Eve exchanged glances, while Roberta observed Thragg with rapt attention.
"You mean to invade their dimension?" the Immortal clarified.
"I mean to end their capacity for interdimensional aggression," Thragg corrected. "Permanently."
Without further explanation, Thragg rose into the air, hovering directly above the portal. He surveyed the assembled heroes one final time, then reached up and unfastened his cape.
The crimson fabric billowed as it fell, caught by Monster Girl who had reverted to her human form now that the battle had ended.
"Take care of this," Thragg instructed her, his voice carrying easily despite the distance.
Amanda blinked in surprise, the luxurious fabric heavy in her arms. "Uh, yes, Grand Regent."
With that, Thragg turned and flew directly into the portal, disappearing in a flash of orange energy.
For a moment, no one moved, stunned by the Grand Regent's abrupt departure.
Nolan was the first to recover. "Anissa, Immortal, Mark, Eve, Roberta - with me!" he commanded, launching himself toward the portal. "The rest of you, secure the area and handle the remanents!"
The named heroes immediately followed, with no time for questions or hesitation. One by one, they vanished into the swirling vortex.
Conquest watched them go, then turned to the remaining heroes. "You heard Omni-Man," he growled. "Secure the perimeter. No one else goes through that portal until we receive further orders."
The transition through the portal was disorienting - a moment of red-tinged darkness followed by a sudden shift in gravity and atmosphere.
When Nolan emerged on the other side, followed closely by the others, the alien landscape of the Flaxan world spread before them.
Unlike Earth, the Flaxan dimension operated on a different temporal scale - time moved faster here, allowing years to pass while only hours elapsed on Earth.
The sky was a sickly yellow-green, illuminated by twin suns that cast harsh shadows across the barren plains and twisted metallic structures that served as Flaxan cities.
But none of this held their attention. All eyes were fixed on the figure hovering high above them.
Thragg floated motionless in the sky, his white-red uniform stark against the alien heavens. His eyes were closed, his expression one of intense concentration.
"What is he doing?" Mark whispered, though in the eerie silence of the moment, his voice carried.
Roberta's eyes widened in scientific fascination. "He's... He's actually accelerating his atomic structure," she breathed, her voice filled with awe. "Increasing the vibration of his smart atoms to generate thermal energy."
As they watched, a subtle change began to overtake Thragg's form. His outline seemed to shimmer, heat distortion rippling the air around him.
"We should establish a defensive perimeter," Anissa began, but fell silent as the transformation accelerated.
Thragg's body began to glow - first a dull red, then orange, then a brilliant yellow-white. His form remained recognizable, but now appeared constructed of living flame, his features still visible within the inferno his body had become.
"Eve, Roberta - shields!" Nolan shouted, suddenly understanding what was about to happen.
Both women immediately extended their hands, pink energy flowing outward to create protective barriers around their group.
The shields materialized just as the first wave of heat reached them - a blast so intense it would have instantly incinerated unprotected beings.
Even with the shields, the temperature rose alarmingly. Eve's face contorted with concentration as she reinforced her molecular barriers, while Roberta's more focused control allowed her to create additional layers of protection.
"He's approaching the surface temperature of a star," Roberta explained, her voice tight with effort and undisguised admiration. "Yet maintaining perfect atomic cohesion. The control required is... beyond anything I've ever witnessed."
Above them, Thragg opened his eyes - now pools of white-hot energy. He drew in a breath, the sound unnaturally deep and resonant, distorted by the superheated air around him.
When he exhaled, smoke poured from the corners of his mouth, creating an effect that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Then he moved.
The fiery form of the Grand Regent streaked across the Flaxan sky like a comet, leaving a trail of superheated air in his wake.
Where he passed, the very atmosphere ignited, creating curtains of flame that descended toward the planet's surface.
The Flaxan cities below erupted in panic. Defensive weapons activated, firing energy beams and projectiles toward the burning figure - all of which either vaporized before reaching him or passed harmlessly through his incandescent form.
"My God," the Immortal murmured, his eyes wide with shock. "He's not just attacking them. He's become a force of nature."
Thragg descended toward the largest Flaxan city - a sprawling metropolis of twisted metal and strange geometries.
As he approached, the very air around the city began to boil, creating a storm of superheated wind that tore at buildings and vehicles alike.
Flaxan war machines mobilized, thousands of them pouring from hangars and deployment centers. Their weapons fired continuous barrages at the approaching inferno.
Thragg didn't bother to dodge. He simply continued his inexorable advance, the attacks dissipating against his flaming aura.
When he reached the city proper, he paused, hovering above the central district. Then, with casualness, he punched.
The effect was immediate and catastrophic. A column of white-hot flame erupted from the wind that was generated igniting and cutting through the city like a blade.
Buildings, vehicles, and unfortunately, Flaxans, simply ceased to exist where the beam touched, converted instantly to superheated plasma.
"The thermal output is incalculable," Roberta reported, her scientific detachment warring with evident admiration. "He's maintaining perfect control over the reaction, preventing a chain reaction that would destroy the entire planet."
"He's being... precise?" Mark asked incredulously, watching as entire city blocks vanished in flash-boils of energy.
"Extremely," Roberta confirmed. "He's targeting military installations, weapons factories, portal technology centers. He's performing surgical strikes at a planetary scale."
Eve reinforced their shields as another wave of heat washed over them. "This is... I don't even have words for this."
"Godlike," the Immortal supplied, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. "I've lived for thousands of years, seen beings of incredible power, but this... this is judgment from on high."
Below them, the ocean nearest the city began to boil, massive clouds of steam rising to create unnatural storm systems. Lightning crackled through the vapor clouds, adding to the apocalyptic scene.
Flaxan military forces continued their desperate counterattack, now launching their most powerful weapons - planet-killer missiles designed to shatter continental plates.
These too proved useless, detonating harmlessly against Thragg's aura or being redirected with casual gestures toward military targets.
"The level of atomic control he's demonstrating is beyond theoretical limits," Roberta continued, her eyes never leaving Thragg's burning form. "He's not just generating heat - he's manipulating the fundamental forces of matter itself. Perfect. He's absolutely perfect."
The reverential tone in her voice caused the others to glance at her. Eve's eyebrows rose slightly as she recognized something in Roberta's expression that went beyond scientific fascination.
"Roberta?" she questioned softly.
Roberta didn't seem to hear, her attention fixed entirely on Thragg. "The pinnacle of evolution," she murmured, almost to herself. "Absolute mastery over the physical form. What couldn't be accomplished with such power, such control?"
Nolan exchanged glances with the Immortal, both recognizing the look of something beyond admiration in Roberta's eyes.
Above the ruined city, Thragg moved to his next target - a massive military complex built into a mountain range. He began dismantling it, each gesture unleashing controlled devastation that reduced hardened bunkers to molten slag.
The Flaxan response grew increasingly desperate. What had begun as organized military resistance devolved into panicked retreat as their weapons proved useless and their strongest defenses melted away.
"He's breaking them," Anissa observed, her tone carrying professional approval. "Not just militarily, but psychologically. They're witnessing the futility of resistance firsthand."
For nearly an hour, Thragg continued his systematic destruction of Flaxan military capability.
Cities were spared where possible, but any structure with military significance was methodically eliminated.
The pattern was clear - this was not simple destruction, but calculated dismantling of the Flaxan capacity for war.
Finally, as the last major weapons facility collapsed into a pool of molten metal, Thragg descended toward the surface.
The inferno surrounding him gradually diminished, the brilliant white-hot glow fading to orange, then red, then disappearing entirely.
Steam rose from his body as he touched down on a barren plain, now surrounded by a landscape transformed by his power.
Where once had stood proud Flaxan military might, now lay cooling lakes of glass and metal.
The six observers descended cautiously, their shields still active as they approached the Grand Regent. Smoke continued to rise from Thragg's form, obscuring him partially from view.
"Nolan," Thragg's voice came from within the smoke cloud, "return through the portal and bring me clothing from my castle."
Nolan, still processing the display of power he had witnessed, nodded automatically. "Yes, Grand Regent. I'll-"
"That won't be necessary," Roberta interrupted, stepping forward. She raised her hand, pink energy flowing from her fingertips toward Thragg.
The pink light enveloped Thragg briefly, and when it faded, his uniform had been perfectly restored - identical to his original, minus the cape that remained with Amanda on Earth.
"Thank you," Thragg acknowledged, stepping fully from the smoke cloud. His expression revealed nothing of the power he had just wielded, returning to its usual impassive state. "The demonstration is complete."
"Demonstration?" Mark repeated incredulously. "You just... you just destroyed everything they could do to fight back!"
"Yes," Thragg confirmed without inflection. "The Flaxans required a clear illustration of the consequences of attacking Earth. They have received it."
The Immortal studied the devastation around them. "They won't be launching invasions anytime soon."
"They will never launch another invasion," Thragg corrected. "Their dimensional technology has been eliminated. Their military capability reduced to pre-industrial levels. The threat is neutralized."
Eve looked troubled despite the shields she maintained. "There must have been civilian casualties."
"Minimal," Thragg stated. "Precision was maintained throughout the operation. Military targets were prioritized. Civilian population centers were avoided where strategic objectives permitted."
"The control you demonstrated was remarkable," Roberta said, her voice carrying unmistakable admiration. "The ability to maintain atomic cohesion while generating such extreme temperatures should be theoretically impossible."
Thragg regarded her with what might have been the faintest hint of approval. "Viltrumite physiology, properly understood and controlled, permits manipulation of fundamental forces beyond conventional scientific understanding."
"It was beautiful," Roberta said softly, her eyes never leaving Thragg's face.
An awkward silence followed this declaration, broken only when Nolan cleared his throat. "We should return to Earth, Grand Regent. The portal remains secure, but we don't know how long it will remain stable."
"Agreed," Thragg nodded. "Our purpose here is accomplished."
The seven figures rose into the air, flying back toward the portal that still connected the Flaxan dimension to Earth.
As they traveled, they passed over landscapes transformed by Thragg's power - cooling lakes of glass where military bases had stood, twisted metal sculptures that had once been weapon factories.
"Will they recover?" Mark asked, looking down at the devastation.
"Eventually," Thragg replied. "Their society will rebuild. But without their dimensional technology and military infrastructure, they will focus inward rather than on conquest. A more productive path for their species."
They reached the portal, its orange energy still swirling despite the devastation around it. One by one, they passed through, returning to the Chicago street where the invasion had begun mere hours before.
On the Earth side, cleanup was already underway. The remaining heroes had secured the perimeter, and GDA teams were cataloging alien technology and treating the few injuries sustained during the battle.
Conquest approached as they emerged from the portal, saluting Thragg formally. "Grand Regent. The situation has been contained as ordered."
Thragg nodded in acknowledgment. "Select three Viltrumites to enter the Flaxan dimension.
They are to ensure the portal remains open and establish preliminary occupation protocols. The dimension is to be integrated into the Empire."
"At once, Grand Regent," Conquest replied, immediately moving to implement the orders.
Amanda approached cautiously, still holding Thragg's cape with evident care. "Your, um, cape, Grand Regent," she said, offering the crimson fabric.
Thragg accepted it with a nod of thanks, reattaching it to his uniform with practiced ease.
"The Flaxans?" Cecil Stedman asked, approaching with his since Viltrumite conquest ever-present tablet in hand.
"No longer a threat," Thragg stated simply. "Their capacity for dimensional invasion has been eliminated."
Cecil's eyebrows rose slightly above his sunglasses. "Permanently?"
"Yes."
Cecil seemed about to ask for details, but something in Thragg's expression - or perhaps the still-shocked looks on the faces of those who had accompanied him - made him reconsider. "I'll update the global security briefing accordingly."
As the group began to disperse, a sudden impact shook the ground nearby, sending debris flying and creating a small crater in the already damaged street.
A booming laugh echoed across the battlefield, growing louder as a massive figure emerged from the dust cloud.
"AT LAST!" roared a voice that seemed designed for battlefields and blood. "WORTHY OPPONENTS!"
The dust settled to reveal a towering, leonine figure, his white-furred body covered in battle scars and armor.
He carried a massive spiked mace in one hand and what appeared to be an alien energy blade in the other. His feline features were split in a savage grin that contained equal parts joy and bloodlust.
"Viltrumites!" the creature bellowed, his eyes alight with battle-hunger. "The legends speak truly of your power! I have traveled across seventeen galaxies seeking worthy combat!"
Mark leaned toward Eve. "Who or what is that?" he whispered.
Before she could respond, Thragg stepped forward, his expression unchanged but his posture subtly shifting to combat readiness.
"Battle Beast," he stated, recognition evident in his voice. "Your reputation precedes you."
The leonine warrior's grin widened, revealing savage fangs. "And yours, Grand Regent of Viltrum! Destroyer of worlds! Conqueror of stars!"
He raised his blade, pointing it directly at Thragg. "I challenge you, mightiest of Viltrumites! Let us test our strength in glorious combat!"
The assembled heroes tensed, preparing for another battle. But Thragg remained perfectly still, studying the warrior.
Battle Beast laughed again, the sound echoing across the devastated street. "What say you, Grand Regent? Shall we dance the dance of death and glory? Shall we see whose blood waters the earth this day?"
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(Author note: So, the Flaxan invasion has happened, Thragg established dominance, now Battle Beast is here.
Tell me, how do you think it will go?
Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)