Chapter 61 - Fate

Arctic Scene: Hulk, Ritsuka, and Captain America

Hulk blinked in confusion as the oversized tea cup disappeared from his hand. "Hulk's tea... gone?"

Ritsuka chuckled lightly. "It's magic. I made it vanish once you finished. No point in carrying empty cups, right?"

Hulk tilted his head, still marveling at the strange trick, but his expression shifted to excitement when Ritsuka leaned forward and asked, "So, Hulk... just how strong are you?"

A wide grin spread across Hulk's face. "Hulk is strongest there is!"

"Well, show me," Ritsuka encouraged, his tone playful but genuinely curious.

With a childlike eagerness, Hulk slammed his massive fists into the icy ground. "HULK SMASH!" The earth quaked violently beneath them, massive cracks spreading out like a web. Snow and ice erupted into the air as the ground split open.

Suddenly, a faint metallic glint caught Ritsuka's eye among the rubble. "Looks like you really outdid yourself, Hulk," Ritsuka said, his voice calm despite the rapid thudding of his heart.

Encased in broken ice was a figure, shield clutched in one hand—a red, white, and blue emblem that seemed to gleam even in the dim Arctic light.

Captain America.

Hulk stomped over to the ice-encased man, tilting his head as he examined the frozen figure. "Who that?"

"That," Ritsuka said with a smile, "is Captain America. And this..." He looked around at the chaotic scene with satisfaction. "...was my plan all along."

Ritsuka's inner thoughts:

Now I brought captain to the stage with Hulk help and give a good story report to nick. I know he will definitely suspect bullshit. But I have another plan for that too.

And The herbs I collected from the Savage Land, which absorbed properties of the adamantium-rich soil, can be a game-changer for mutantkind. This isn't just about saving individuals. This is about creating hope—a path forward for mutants who suffer because of their abilities. And who better to rally humanity and mutants alike than Captain America?

---

Scene Shift: SHIELD Helicarrier (Grounded for Winter)

Nick Fury stood in front of Maria Hill, rubbing his temples as he tried to process Ritsuka's report. The cold air around the grounded Helicarrier seemed to match his mood.

"So, let me get this straight," Nick said, his voice laced with frustration. He pointed at Ritsuka. "You took Banner—BANNER—to the goddamn Arctic, turned him into Hulk to have a cozy little chat, and in the process, Hulk smashed the ground so hard that he accidentally woke up Captain America ice statue, who's been frozen for decades? That's your story?"

Before Ritsuka could reply, Hulk crossed his arms and declared proudly, "Ritsuka is Hulk's friend!"

Nick slapped his hand against his forehead, muttering, "Bullmouth... motherf***ers." He paced back and forth, gesturing wildly. "Do you know what kind of political shitstorm this is going to cause? The World Security Council's gonna lose their damn minds!"

Maria Hill, standing beside Nick, blinked in surprise as she processed the situation. "Wait... Captain America? The Captain America?"

Ritsuka gave her a sly nod and turned back to Nick. "Consider it an early Christmas gift, Director Fury."

Nick stopped pacing, staring at Ritsuka like he was insane. "A Christmas gift? You think digging up the First Avenger and throwing him in my lap is some kinda holiday cheer? You trying to kill me with paperwork and those dumb councils will go for my ass?!"

"Relax, Nick," Ritsuka said with a grin, "I even brought you something to take the edge off."

With a flick of his wrist, Ritsuka conjured a large tankard of beer and handed it to Nick.

Fury eyed the drink suspiciously but took a sip. Then another. He raised an eyebrow as the tankard refilled itself. "What the hell is this?"

"Unlimited beer," Ritsuka explained, smirking. "No matter how much you drink, it refills itself. Consider it my personal token of appreciation for all you do."

For the first time that day, Nick cracked a smile. "Alright, kid. You're still a pain in my ass, but I'll admit... this is good." He took another long swig, savoring the drink.

Meanwhile, Hulk stood to the side, staring at the exchange with a furrowed brow. "Why is this guy happy? What is... beer?"

Ritsuka laughed and clapped Hulk on the arm. "It's... let's call it a drink for adults. You wouldn't like it."

Hulk grunted but didn't press further, still trying to make sense of everything happening around him.

As the SHIELD team prepared to transport Captain America's frozen body for thawing, Nick Fury looked at Ritsuka one last time. "You better have a damn good plan for what comes next, kid. Because when Rogers wakes up, the world's gonna get a hell of a lot more complicated and for Steve Rogers too."

Ritsuka simply smiled. "Don't worry, Nick. I always have a plan."

Then he opens a portal to Tony house.

Tony's House – The Portal Entry

The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen as Yinsen handed Bucky a steaming cup. The snowstorm outside made the hot drink feel like a small slice of heaven.

But that peace was shattered when a portal suddenly opened in the middle of the kitchen.

"Ritsuka!" Bucky bellowed, nearly spilling his coffee again as Ritsuka stepped through with Hulk towering behind him. "Do you have any idea how many cups I've almost dropped because of you?"

Ritsuka raised his hands in mock surrender. "I know, I know! Sorry! Portals aren't exactly GPS-enabled."

Hulk's massive frame squeezed through the portal, his eyes scanning the kitchen. "Hulk likes this place," he muttered, sniffing the air.

Yinsen turned to greet the newcomers, his calm demeanor unfazed by Hulk's imposing figure. "Ritsuka, welcome back. And who's your friend here?"

"This," Ritsuka gestured toward Hulk, "is Hulk. Don't let his size intimidate you; he's a good guy."

Hulk puffed his chest out proudly. "Hulk strongest good guy!"

Yinsen smiled warmly and held up a mug. "Would you like some coffee?"

Hulk tilted his head, curious, but Ritsuka interjected. "Maybe next time, Yinsen. Right now, I need to talk to Bucky. Something serious."

Bucky raised an eyebrow, finishing his coffee in one gulp. "Alright, Rick. What's this about?"

Ritsuka stepped closer, his expression somber. "Brace yourself. This might be .... unbelievable to you."

With a gentle touch to Bucky's shoulder, Ritsuka used telepathy to share everything—the Arctic, Hulk's smash, and the sight of Captain America encased in ice.

Bucky's eyes widened in shock as the memories flooded his mind. "Steve..." he whispered, his voice trembling. The coffee cup slipped from his hand, but Hulk caught it effortlessly, handing it back to Yinsen with a proud grin.

"Thanks, big guy," Yinsen said, placing the cup down.

Bucky's breaths came faster, his hands trembling as he struggled to process the revelation. "He's alive? Steve's... alive?"

Ritsuka nodded solemnly. "He is. And we need to go to him."

Bucky took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Before stepping back through the portal, Ritsuka turned to Hulk. "One thing, big guy. It's cold out there, and you can't go walking around in just... that." He gestured at Hulk's shredded shorts.

"Hulk doesn't need clothes! Hulk strong! Cold doesn't bother Hulk!"

"Sure, sure," Ritsuka said, waving a hand. "But you've never tried a sweater before, have you?"

Before Hulk could argue, Ritsuka snapped his fingers. A thick green sweater with "HULK" written in bold letters appeared on Hulk's torso, along with matching shorts.

Hulk stared down at himself, wide-eyed. "Hulk... has clothes?"

"Yep. Looks good on you, doesn't it?" Ritsuka said with a grin.

Hulk's face lit up with childlike delight. "Hulk likes sweater! Hulk keep sweater!"

"Glad you like it," Ritsuka said, leading the way back through the portal.

---

Scene: SHIELD Helicarrier – Nick Fury's Office

Nick Fury sat at his desk, nursing his seemingly endless tankard of beer while arguing with the World Security Council via video call. "Yes, I said Captain America. Yes, the same guy. No, I don't have time for your damn bureaucratic red tape! Handle it on your end!"

When Ritsuka, Bucky, and Hulk entered the room, Nick glanced at them, holding up a hand to pause the council. "Oh, great. The trio of chaos. What now? Best friend reunion right?"

"yes, We're here to see Steve," Ritsuka said, ignoring Fury's exasperation.

Nick gestured at them dismissively. "Fine, go on. Just stay out of my hair. And tell your green giant to stop giving the control room a fashion show."

Hulk, proudly adjusting his sweater, grinned. "Hulk looks good!"

Fury stared at him, then took another swig of his beer. "I need a vacation, motherfuckers"

---

4 hours later (Ritsuka give reports of out happened and Shield took its time to melt the ice around Captain America.)

Scene: Steve Rogers' Recovery Room

Snow continued to fall outside as Ritsuka, Bucky, and Hulk entered the room where Steve Rogers lay on a medical bed. The faint hum of medical equipment filled the air.

Maria Hill met them at the door, clipboard in hand. "Captain Rogers is stable. His vitals are perfect, and his body's in top condition. He could wake up at any moment."

Bucky's eyes never left Steve as Maria left the room. He approached the bed slowly, his breath hitching.

"Steve..." Bucky whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

Hulk, standing to the side, watched silently, unsure of what to say. Ritsuka placed a comforting hand on Bucky's shoulder. "He's here, Bucky. And he'll need you when he wakes up."

For a moment, the room was still, the three of them standing together as snowflakes drifted outside the window, the weight of history and hope filling the air.

(Bucky's POV)

Steve was right there. Alive. Breathing. And somehow, looking just like he did that day—the day they both thought would be their last mission together.

Bucky's chest felt tight as he stared at the figure lying still in the bed. Steve was here, in the present, but he hadn't crossed the decades like Bucky had. Steve wasn't scarred by the same horrors, wasn't burdened by the weight of HYDRA's atrocities. Not yet, at least.

His hands clenched as he looked down, guilt gnawing at him like a parasite.

"Bucky," Ritsuka's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see the kid standing there with Hulk, their gazes calm but probing.

"Yeah… uh… no. Uhm, any advice on what to expect, Rick?" Bucky asked, his voice shaky.

Ritsuka gave him a steady look. "You're the only person he knows in this time. That's your biggest advantage. If you want advice? Be honest. He's going to learn everything eventually. It's better coming from you."

Bucky inhaled deeply, letting the air burn in his chest before he nodded. "Okay... yeah. Do it."

The room was like something out of the 1940s, remodeled to ease Steve into a world that was now fifty years ahead of him. A small table with a vase of flowers sat in one corner, while snow fell softly against the windowpane.

Ritsuka raised his hand, magic sparking faintly as he gently reached out to wake Steve Rogers. The process was delicate, a mix of magic and science.

Steve groaned softly as he stirred, his hand instinctively reaching for his head as if he could feel the years pressing down on him all at once.

"Steve..." Bucky whispered, his voice cracking as the man he thought he'd lost forever came back to life before his eyes.

Steve sat up slowly, blinking and rubbing his temples as confusion settled over his face. "What... what happened?"

Ritsuka stepped forward, his voice calm. "Steve Rogers, I'm going to send you everything that's happened since you went into the ice. It's been fifty years."

Steve froze, his brows furrowing. "Fifty... years?" His voice cracked with disbelief. "I had a date with Peggy..."

Ritsuka hesitated before answering, his tone soft but firm. "I'm sorry , but You'll understand better in a moment."

With a deep breath, Ritsuka used his telepathy to transfer the history of the past five decades directly into Steve's mind. Every war, every triumph, every failure—it all poured into Steve's consciousness.

Steve's hands gripped his head as the weight of the world came crashing down on him. "God... this is a lot," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "Peggy, SHIELD, HYDRA... what happened to the world?"

Ritsuka stepped back, giving him space. "I'll leave you two to talk. Come on, Hulk."

Hulk gave Steve a short wave. "Hulk glad you're awake, little guy."

Steve blinked at the massive figure but didn't respond, too overwhelmed to process what he'd just learned.

---

The Reunion

As soon as the door closed, Steve's gaze locked onto Bucky's.

"Bucky," he said softly, a mixture of disbelief and relief flooding his voice. He stood slowly, his movements still stiff, and before Bucky could say a word, he was pulled into a hug.

Steve's grip was strong, unwavering, as if he were afraid to let go.

"I thought I lost you," Steve whispered, his voice breaking.

Bucky froze for a moment before slowly wrapping his arms around Steve, his throat tight with emotion.

A brother he thought was gone.

A comrade he thought buried beneath ice and snow.

A leader he thought had been stolen by time.

"I thought I lost you too," Bucky finally said, his voice low but steady.

They stood there for what felt like an eternity before Steve pulled back slightly, his hands still gripping Bucky's shoulders. "It's crazy, isn't it? Last thing I remember, I was fighting Schmidt and HYDRA, crashing into the Arctic. Now I wake up and... magic?" He laughed softly, shaking his head. "I half expected you to be old and grey."

"Me too," Bucky said with a small chuckle, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "Guess time decided to mess with both of us."

Steve's smile faltered as he studied Bucky more closely. "What happened to you, Buck?"

Bucky's heart sank. He knew this moment was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.

"Steve, there's something I need to tell you."

Steve tilted his head, his expression shifting to concern. "Bucky, you can tell me anything. You know that."

So Bucky told him.

Everything.

He started with Zola's experiments, the pain, the brainwashing, and the loss of control. He spoke of the Winter Soldier, of being HYDRA's weapon, their assassin.

Steve's face remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed his pain as Bucky's words unfolded.

"I killed people, Steve. Innocents. Our friends. I..." Bucky paused, his voice breaking. "I killed Howard Stark. And his wife."

Steve staggered back slightly, as if the air had been knocked out of him. "Howard?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Bucky nodded, his guilt pouring out in waves. "I didn't know, Steve. They... they made me do it. But that doesn't change what I've done."

For a long moment, Steve said nothing, his jaw tight, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"You didn't have a choice, Buck. HYDRA... they took that from you. But you're here now. You're fighting. That's what matters."

Bucky's head snapped up, disbelief etched across his face. "How can you forgive me that easily?"

Steve stepped forward, placing a hand on Bucky's shoulder. "Because you're my brother. And I'm not letting HYDRA take any more from either of us."

Tears welled in Bucky's eyes as he nodded, the weight on his chest lifting ever so slightly.

"Thank you, Steve," he whispered.

Steve's expression softened as he pulled Bucky into another embrace. "We're gonna fix this, Buck. Together."

------

Fou's Delight Bakery – Chaos Unfolds

Oberon leaned casually against the counter, spinning a tray in one hand and smirking at the blushing Gwen Stacy sitting at a corner table. "Now, Miss Gwen, I must insist—romance is all about the grand gestures, the little surprises. Why, I've personally orchestrated countless coup de foudre moments. Ask Artoria Avalon herself! My impeccable advice turned her and Fujimaru's flustering little dalliance into a tale of epic proportions."

Gwen looked skeptical but intrigued. "You're saying I should plan something... dramatic? For Peter?"

"Precisely! Drama is the essence of love! A stolen rooftop dance under the moonlight, a daring rescue even when no one's in danger—"

Napoleon's booming laugh cut Oberon off. "Whoa there, Oberon. Maybe keep the theatrics to yourself. Love's not always about fireworks, ma petite araignée."

Kadoc sighed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, sometimes honesty works better. Like, I don't know, talking to him? Instead of concocting some wild scheme?"

Ophelia nodded in agreement, adjusting her glasses. "If Peter already trusts you, Gwen, then there's no need to overcomplicate things. Just be direct."

Gwen hesitated but eventually smiled, standing up. "You're right. I'll just tell him how I feel. Thanks, everyone."

As she gathered her things, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and frowned slightly. "Peter wants to meet up and talk about 'switching shifts' on... something. Guess I've got to go."

As she headed for the door, Oberon called after her with a teasing grin. "Oh, Gwen, I heard a juicy rumor about two young heroes in tight costumes helping people out. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

Gwen turned beet red. "I—I don't know what you're talking about!" she stammered before hurrying out the door.

Once she was gone, Oberon burst into laughter. "Oh, that was priceless! Young love, so predictable yet so entertaining."

Napoleon chuckled, shaking his head. "You're gonna get yourself smacked one of these days, Oberon."

Right on cue, Flint Marko—now a baker and part-time handyman—delivered a light but firm tap to the back of Oberon's head. "Leave the kids alone, man."

Oberon rubbed the spot, grinning unabashedly. "It's all in good fun, Flint! Someone has to keep things lively around here."

---

Ritsuka and Hulk Enter the Scene

The bakery's doorbell jingled as Ritsuka walked in, sporting a bright green sweater with "HULK" emblazoned on the back. The towering figure of the Hulk followed closely behind him, ducking slightly to fit through the doorway.

"Oy, everyone!" Ritsuka called out, waving. "I've brought someone special today!"

Hibiki and Chikagi, the bakery's co-managers, popped out from behind the counter, their eyes lighting up. "Manager! And... Hulk-san?!" Hibiki exclaimed, eyes twitching in excitement. She remembered seeing him in you tube videos.

Chikagi adjusted her apron and stepped forward, bowing politely. "Welcome! It's a pleasure to meet a friend of our manager."

Hulk nodded, giving a surprisingly soft "Hi. Hulk is Ritsuka's friend."

Tamamo Cat, who had been lounging on a nearby chair, bounded over and threw her arms around Ritsuka. "Master~! Did you bring gifts? Oh wait, big green guy is your new friend?! Oh, oh, are we having a party?!"

Ritsuka laughed nervously. "Not exactly. Hulk's here to take on the Ultimate Bakery Challenge! You know, the one nobody's been able to finish yet."

The room buzzed with energy as Hibiki and Chikagi quickly set up the stage and connected the live broadcast.

---

The Challenge Begins

On the bakery's big screen, Hibiki and Chikagi appeared in their usual professional yet playful demeanor, addressing the online audience.

"Hello, everyone! Today, we have a special guest taking on our infamous challenge!" Tomamo Cat announced, her tail swishing behind her.

"That's right! Please welcome the one and only Hulk-san! He's here to tackle our impossible feat: eating 50 cakes in one hour!" Chikagi added, pointing dramatically to the mountain of cakes on the table.

The chat exploded with comments:

> "HULK SMASH CAKE!"

"Is this real? Hulk in a bakery??? What??"

"That sweater tho 🔥, is he gonna smash like he did in university."

"50 cakes? RIP Hulk's stomach lol."

Hulk took his seat, his massive frame making the chair creak ominously. He gave a thumbs-up to the camera. "Hulk ready. Cakes look good."

Ritsuka stood beside him, giving an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You've got this, buddy. Just... pace yourself, okay?"

The countdown began, and as the timer hit zero, Hulk dug in with surprising finesse, carefully picking up each cake and devouring it in massive bites.

---

Mid-Challenge Chaos

Tamamo Cat, unable to resist, began cheering loudly from the sidelines. "Eat, eat, eat! Hulk smash cakes!"

Meanwhile, Oberon, ever the dramatist, leaned into the broadcast frame with a mischievous grin. "Witness, dear viewers, the unrelenting power of gastronomy versus heroism! Will the Hulk prevail, or will these cakes prove the ultimate foe?"

Napoleon chuckled, folding his arms. "Bet he finishes with time to spare."

Kadoc smirked. "Bet he regrets it afterward."

As the timer ticked on, Hulk's steady pace didn't waver, and the chat continued to flood with comments:

> "Hulk's a machine!"

"That sweater's iconic."

"Tamamo's cheering is the real MVP here."

"Step on me Cat goddess!!"

"Marry me, leave that Bakery owner"

---

The Final Stretch

With ten minutes left on the clock, Hulk had devoured 45 cakes. The room was electric with anticipation, and even Oberon was on the edge of his seat.

"You've got this, big guy!" Ritsuka cheered.

With a triumphant growl, Hulk powered through the final cakes, slamming the empty plate down just as the timer hit 30 seconds.

The room erupted into cheers, and the online chat exploded:

> "HE DID IT!!!"

"HULK WINS. CAKES LOSE."

"HULK BEST BAKER HERO."

Hulk leaned back, patting his stomach with a satisfied smile. "Cakes good. Hulk happy."

Tamamo Cat practically tackled Ritsuka in her excitement. "Master, your friend is AMAZING!"

Ritsuka grinned. "What can I say? He's full of surprises."

As the broadcast ended, Oberon clapped Hulk on the back with a teasing grin. "Well done, my dear green compatriot. You've not only defeated the cakes but also entertained the masses!"

Hulk chuckled softly. "Hulk glad. But next time... Big cakes."

Everyone burst into laughter, the bakery filled with warmth and camaraderie as another day of delightful chaos came to a close.

The Big Challenge Begins

As Hulk leaned back in his chair, still savoring the victory from his first challenge, a mischievous glint appeared in Tamamo Cat's eyes. "Hey, Hulk-san, you're pretty amazing, but... don't you think that was a bit too easy?"

Chikagi, catching onto the idea, clapped her hands together. "That's right. You finished with time to spare. Maybe we should give you... a bigger challenge?"

Hibiki nodded, flipping through the bakery's "Challenge Book." "How about... eating 100 cakes in one hour? That's twice the fun, right?"

The room buzzed with excitement as everyone turned to Hulk.

Hulk grinned confidently, pounding his fists together. "Hulk will take big challenge. This not tough to Hulk!"

---

The New Challenge: 100 Cakes

The livestream resumed, and the chat went wild:

> "100 CAKES??? IS HULK SERIOUS???"

"This guy's a legend!"

"Hulk Smash (cakes)!"

BB, monitoring the online activity from her digital domain, smirked as she spotted the influx of hate comments. "Oh, no, no, no~! You think you can bad-mouth Hulk in my corner of the internet? Senpai asked me to do a help, I can't make Senpai friend look bad, Let's see how you like this..."

Within moments, BB had deleted every hateful comment and replaced them with information exposing the darker sides of the commenters. Posts like "Hulk is dumb" quickly vanished, replaced by BB's revelations about their hidden skeletons: unpaid taxes, embarrassing social media posts, or shady dealings.

She didn't stop there. BB released a viral story claiming Hulk had been the victim of cruel experiments conducted by General Ross, painting Hulk as a tragic hero rather than a monster. Sympathy flooded the chat.

> "Poor Hulk, man. I didn't know he went through that."

"Ross is the real villain here!"

"HULK FOR PRESIDENT!"

"Take my vote Hulk"

---

General Ross Reacts

Meanwhile, General Ross, sitting in his office, seethed as he watched the livestream. The memory of his secrets being leaked weeks ago still burned fresh in his mind, and now he had to watch Bruce Banner—Hulk—gain a wave of popularity.

He furiously typed into the comments:

> "HULK IS STILL A MONSTER. DON'T LET HIS ACT FOOL YOU. HE'S A DANGER TO EVERYONE!"

But the response was instant and overwhelming:

> "STFU Ross, we know what you did."

"Ross, go cry somewhere else. This is Hulk's moment."

"Ross exposed AGAIN. LMAO."

"Ross crying on Hulk and bitching around like d*ck"

"HULK RENT FREE ON YOUR HEAD, LOL"

Ross slammed his laptop shut, fuming. "Damn that green giant and whoever's helping him!"

---

Hulk's Triumph and Emotional Speech

Back at the bakery, Hulk was halfway through the 100 cakes. Despite the monumental task, he showed no signs of slowing down, devouring cake after cake with enthusiasm.

As the timer neared its end, Hulk slammed the final plate down, letting out a triumphant roar. The room erupted into cheers, and the chat flooded with positivity:

> "HE DID IT AGAIN!"

"HULK IS UNSTOPPABLE!"

"Cakes 0 – Hulk 2."

"Hulk smash"

Tamamo Cat jumped up and down excitedly. "Hulk-san, you're amazing! You're officially the best cake challenger EVER!"

Hulk looked around at the smiling faces and the flood of positive comments on the screen. His eyes softened, and he stood up, addressing everyone.

"For once in my life," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "the world is beside me instead of against me. The only words I can find to express the way I feel right now are... thank you."

He turned to Ritsuka, who was watching from the side, and said with a tearful smile, "Thank you, Ritsuka Fujimaru. Hulk's best friend."

A Heartfelt Moment

Ritsuka's eyes widened as he saw the tears in Hulk's eyes. Without hesitation, he walked up to Hulk and hugged him tightly. "You've always been a hero, Hulk. You just needed the world to see it too."

Hulk carefully returned the hug, his massive arms enveloping Ritsuka. "Hulk never thought anyone would call Hulk a hero. But... with friends like you, maybe Hulk can be more than just a monster."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Hulk's words resonating with everyone present.

Napoleon finally broke the silence with a grin. "Well, I think this calls for a celebratory round of cakes—uh, for the rest of us, that is!"

Everyone laughed, and the bakery filled with warmth, camaraderie, and the faint scent of victory... and frosting.

-----

The Arrival of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes

Outside Fou's Delight Bakery, Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes paused before heading in. Steve adjusted his jacket and glanced at the sign, his curiosity piqued.

"This is the place?" Steve asked, looking to Bucky.

"Yeah," Bucky replied. "I don't remember much about the prophecy, but I know Ritsuka knows everything, Trust me, Steve, you're gonna want to see this."

Just as they reached for the door, a girl in a Fou Delight Bakery uniform stepped out. Steve instinctively approached her, extending a polite hand. "Hi, I'm Steve Rogers. I work under Nick Fury, and I'm an old friend of—"

Before Steve could finish, Mashu Kyrielight appeared like a bolt of lightning. She stepped between Steve and the bakery worker, her eyes sharp behind her glasses.

"Hold it right there, agent." Mashu's voice was icy, her usual polite demeanor replaced by something much more intimidating.

Steve blinked, slightly startled. "Excuse me?"

"are you deaf?" Mashu's tone was like steel. "You're here to ask Senpai to work for Nick Fury again, aren't you?" She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "I won't allow it. What do you want with my Senpai?"

"Wait, I—"

"And don't give me that 'Nick is Senpai best friend!" Mashu continued, cutting him off. "Stop making my Senpai work under you. Don't disturb him for your dumb-looking uncles!" She jabbed a finger at Steve's chest, causing even the super soldier to step back slightly.

Steve's jaw dropped, stunned by the outburst. "Uh—"

"Senpai has better things to take care of," Mashu pressed, her voice laced with an almost menacing edge. "He doesn't have time to waste with old men who rely on him every time something goes wrong."

Bucky took a step forward, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Whoa, hey now—"

Mashu's cold gaze flicked to Bucky, silencing him instantly. Even the former Winter Soldier wasn't ready to handle this side of Mashu.

As the tension reached its peak, Karna emerged from inside the bakery. He paused at the door, noticing the standoff. "Mashu?" he called, his calm voice cutting through the tension.

Mashu turned, her yandere-esque demeanor softening just slightly. "Karna...?"

Karna walked up behind her, his serene expression unbothered by the awkward atmosphere. He nodded politely to Steve and Bucky. "Ah, Bucky. Good to see you again." He glanced at Steve, offering a small smile. "And this must be your friend. It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Steve Rogers"

Bucky gave an awkward laugh. "Yeah... uh, thanks. We're here to, uh, talk. Not to give Ritsuka more work."

Steve, still a bit flustered, nodded. "That's right. Just here to have a conversation. Not recruiting anyone."

Mashu blinked, the realization of her misunderstanding dawning on her. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she lowered her head. "Oh no... I—I'm so sorry. I thought..." She trailed off, looking utterly mortified.

Karna chuckled softly, patting her on the shoulder. "It's fine, Mashu. Why don't you show them to Ritsuka?"

Mashu, now meek and apologetic, led Steve and Bucky to the rooftop. There, Ritsuka Fujimaru was sitting on a blanket, laughing as he played with Karen, his young daughter. Nearby, Hulk was holding a doll tea party with another little girl, carefully handling the tiny teacups with his massive hands.

Ritsuka looked up as they approached, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Bucky! Steve! What brings you two here?"

Bucky scratched the back of his neck. "Uh, we've got some questions. About a prophecy." He hesitated, glancing at the scene in front of him. "But... we didn't mean to interrupt."

Ritsuka chuckled, standing up. "Don't worry about it. Karen and Hulk's friend here are the real bosses today."

Steve couldn't help but smile at the sight of the giant green Hulk pretending to sip tea from a doll-sized cup. "I have to admit, I didn't expect... this."

Hulk looked up, grinning. "Hulk's friend Ritsuka says good people take care of little people. Hulk agrees."

Ritsuka patted Hulk on the shoulder. "And you're doing great, Hulk."

Mashu bowed deeply to Steve and Bucky, still red-faced from her earlier misunderstanding. "I'm so sorry for how I acted earlier. I thought... well, I jumped to conclusions."

Steve smiled kindly. "No harm done. You're clearly protective of him, and that's not a bad thing."

Bucky gave a teasing smirk. "Yeah, but maybe dial it down a notch next time? Poor Steve here thought he was back in boot camp. And he only woke up from long sleep for 14 hours that's all."

Mashu hid her face behind her hands as Karna gave a rare laugh.

Ritsuka shook his head with a grin, pulling Steve and Bucky into a proper conversation. Despite the chaos, the bakery rooftop was filled with warmth and laughter as friendships—both new and old—continued to grow.

Steve and Bucky sat on the rooftop beside Ritsuka, the faint breeze carrying the laughter of Karen and Hulk's friend from a distance. Mashu had already left, leaving the three men in a quiet moment of reflection.

Steve adjusted his posture, gazing out over the horizon. "You know, I never thought I'd see another Japanese Teenager like this. It's... peaceful. Makes me feel even guiltier about what happened back then."

Ritsuka, sitting cross-legged, looked up from his thoughts. "You mean the war?"

Steve nodded solemnly. "I fought for my country, but I can't forget what we did to yours. Hiroshima, Nagasaki... those weren't victories. They were tragedies. How can I represent the ideals of my country when those are part of its history?"

Ritsuka leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "Steve, war brings out the worst in everyone. Japan isn't innocent either. What happened to other nations—China, Korea—those are wounds my country caused. No one walks away from war with clean hands. You carry your guilt because you care, but don't let it weigh you down so much that you forget what you've fought for: a chance at peace."

Steve looked at Ritsuka, his brows furrowed. "And what about you? Do you believe in peace after everything you've been through?"

Ritsuka smiled faintly. "I believe in people. They make mistakes, sure, but I've seen enough second chances to know we're worth the effort."

"Thanks for destroying hydra"

"I guess it's best thing I did in this world "

The conversation shifted to silence until Ritsuka broke it with an unexpected question.

"Steve, is your heart still in the war?"

Steve froze, the words striking him like a blow. He turned to look at Ritsuka, his blue eyes betraying the turmoil he rarely shared. Slowly, he nodded.

"I think it always has been," Steve admitted. "The world I woke up to—it's not the same one I fought for. Back then, we had a clear enemy. Nazis, Hydra, Red Skull. Now? Now it feels like every corner of the world has something lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. And the people... they've changed too. The ideals we fought for are... diluted. Commercialized."

Bucky watched his friend in silence, his own pain reflecting in his eyes.

"It's like I don't fit in," Steve continued. "I was made for a time that's gone, but I'm still here. So, I keep fighting because it's all I know how to do."

Ritsuka placed a hand on Steve's shoulder. "That's what makes you Captain America, though, isn't it? You fight because you believe in something better. Even when it's hard to see. Even when the world doesn't make sense anymore. You're still here because we need people like you."

Steve frowned. "It doesn't feel like enough."

"Maybe not," Ritsuka said softly, "but that's why you don't fight alone. You've got people now—Bucky, Sam, even Tony, in his own way. And you've got me. I know what it's like to feel like the fight never ends, Steve. But it helps when you have someone to share the burden with."

Ritsuka sat back, his expression growing more serious. "You need to understand something, though. What we're dealing with... it's bigger than anything you've ever faced before."

Steve looked at him sharply. "What do you mean?"

Ritsuka closed his eyes and reached out with his telepathy. Steve tensed instinctively but let it happen. In an instant, his mind was flooded with images and knowledge: the multiverse, the cosmic entities, the looming threats of all apocalypses, and beyond. He saw glimpses of Ritsuka's struggles, the Phoenix fight, and the prophecy tying it all together.

When the connection ended, Steve sat back, his face pale and his breathing uneven. "How can my world—how can our world—be this dangerous? In my time, we only had to deal with Red Skull."

Ritsuka leaned back with a wry smile. "It is what it is, Captain. All we can do is prepare for it."

Steve took a deep breath, his hands gripping his knees tightly. Slowly, he nodded, the weight of what he'd seen settling into him. "You're right. I can't fight this alone. I'll... I'll do my part. Whatever it takes."

Ritsuka extended his hand. "You're not alone, Steve. None of us are."

Steve clasped it firmly, the resolve returning to his eyes. "Then let's make sure we're ready. Together."

Bucky, watching quietly, smirked faintly. "Glad to see you're finally catching up, Cap. Now you know how I've been feeling."

The three of them shared a brief moment of camaraderie, the weight of the world momentarily balanced by their shared determination to face it head-on.

//Ritsuka Made a deal between Hulk and Bruce banner. Morning hulk will take shift to take control over his body and evening banner will take//

---

A Christmas Night at Fou's Delight Bakery

The bakery was alive with the warmth and joy of Christmas Day. Twinkling lights adorned every corner, with red, green, and gold decorations hanging from the ceiling. A grand Christmas tree stood in the center, its branches heavy with ornaments, candy canes, and a shining star at the top. Customers buzzed with excitement, enjoying gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, and the famous cakes from Fou's Delight, while carols played softly in the background.

Hibiki and Chikagi had been in charge of running a "Christmas Special Bake-off," and even Tamamo Cat had donned a Santa hat while cheerfully delivering treats to the patrons. Even goredolf helped everyone.

---

The Night's Unexpected Visitor

Late into the night, Ritsuka Fujimaru, Morgan, and Karen retired to their room. Karen had fallen asleep clutching her small plushie while Ritsuka and Morgan watched over her, enjoying the peace of the moment.

Suddenly, a faint shimmering sound broke the stillness, and Morgan's eyes snapped open. A surge of magical energy rippled through the air, and her boundary field—one she prided herself on as a Queen of Faerie Avalon—collapsed in an instant.

"What?!" Morgan whispered, her heart pounding. She turned her head quickly to see a figure stepping into the room through the shattered barrier.

It was... Santa Claus.

Ritsuka groggily woke up, rubbing his eyes. Karen remained blissfully asleep, unaware of the magical presence.

Morgan stared, wide-eyed and furious. "Who dares—"

Santa raised a hand with a hearty chuckle, his red suit and fluffy white beard practically glowing under the dim light of the room. "Ho, ho, ho! I've come to deliver a gift for little Karen." He placed an enormous teddy bear, nearly Karen's size, at the foot of her bed.

Morgan, still too stunned to speak, pointed a trembling finger. "You're real?! And how did you break my boundary field?! That's magic from Avalon!"

Santa turned to her with a carefree grin. "Oh, that? Broke it with my hands and legs. No big deal."

Morgan's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "You—how dare you—"

Santa wagged his finger. "Naughty, naughty, Morgan le Fay. You've been on the naughty list for 6,000 years. Here's your gift." He pulled out a lump of coal and handed it to her.

Morgan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Coal?!" she hissed, her voice barely restrained to avoid waking Karen. Her magic flared around her, but she stopped herself when she glanced at her sleeping daughter.

Ritsuka, still half-asleep but now fully awake after seeing this strange scene, asked, "Wait, Santa's real? And... you gave Morgan coal?"

Santa winked. "Rules are rules, kid."

Santa turned to Ritsuka with a smirk and handed him a DVD case. "Here, kid. A special gift just for you: the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' crossover movie. Watch it secretly, though. Don't want anyone else getting jealous."

Ritsuka blinked, confused but intrigued. "Uh, thanks? Wait, do you want me to recruit Karna, Salter, or Santa Martha for something?"

Santa's expression turned momentarily serious. "Not now, kid. But five years from now, the first apocalypse is near. I might call them in to work with me for a while. For now, I've got it covered. Ho, ho, ho! Thanks, kid. Bye!"

He turned, leaped through the window effortlessly, and landed on his sleigh. "Onward, my friends!" he shouted, and the reindeer dashed off into the night.

Reflections

"Morgan I will came back again" Ritsuka left.

Morgan sat back down beside Karen, her mind racing. She looked at her sleeping daughter and clenched her fists.

"To think... an old man broke my barrier so easily. I was weak. But I won't let anyone threaten my family. I have my husband and my daughter. I'll learn what I must, even powers from beyonders power, if it means protecting them."

Her eyes glimmered with determination, and she resolved to push her limits further.

---

A Movie and a Mystery

Meanwhile, Ritsuka snuck into the living room and put the DVD into the player. As the movie played, he was captivated by the humor, action, and heartwarming moments between Deadpool and Wolverine.

When the credits rolled, the DVD dissolved into golden particles. Ritsuka smiled, whispering, "That was amazing."

This movie is the last wish of the YouTuber. Ritsuka was in peace. And the CD is disappeared.

As he returned to the room, he saw Morgan still sitting by Karen's side. He quietly joined her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Whatever happens, we'll face it together," he said softly.

Morgan nodded, her resolve only deepening.

--------

A Sinister New Year's Eve in North Korea

The city was submerged in darkness, its streets desolate save for the occasional shuffle of malnourished figures scouring for scraps. The chilling wind whispered across the silent alleys, but above it all, the oppressive silence reigned.

High in the night sky, Mephisto hovered, arms crossed as he surveyed the scene below. His red eyes glimmered with malevolent satisfaction. To him, the sight was almost poetic—this nation's suffering, amplified on a night when the rest of the world celebrated.

"They really are like worms," he mused, a smirk playing on his lips.

A faint shimmer in the air caught his attention, and he turned to see a portal tear open. A tall, pale man stepped through, his white hair glowing faintly in the dim light. Count Dracula emerged with an aura of menace, his crimson cape billowing despite the still air.

"You're finally here…" Mephisto's voice was calm, but there was a glint of amusement in his tone.

Dracula surveyed the sky, unimpressed. "Well, the plans are in their final stages. It's about time I came here personally." His voice carried a rich, condescending tone, befitting his ancient nobility.

Mephisto glanced at him, the smirk on his face growing wider. "Is it time yet?"

Dracula tilted his head toward the darkened horizon. "Not yet. But it's close, isn't it?"

---

Superstition Among Demons

Mephisto nodded, his gaze fixed on the hidden moon. "I'm waiting for the moonlight. It is said that actions taken under its glow are blessed with fortune."

Dracula chuckled, his fangs glinting as he sneered. "Fortune? Since when do demons put stock in superstition? That's a first."

Mephisto shrugged, unbothered by the vampire's mockery. "I didn't use to. But an anomaly Ritsuka fujimaru among us proved otherwise. Demons can change under… certain circumstances."

Dracula raised an eyebrow but chose not to press further. Instead, he turned his attention back to the darkened sky. "It's been decades since we started this. We're finally here."

"Yes," Mephisto replied smoothly, his voice laced with an undertone of satisfaction. "A collaboration between the great Count Dracula and myself… what a spectacle. Soon, both your goals and mine will be realized."

Dracula sneered, baring his fangs slightly. "Don't mistake this for camaraderie. I agreed to this alliance for one purpose: to establish human farms for my kind. Once that's secured, I'll personally see to it that your so-called 'new workers' are exterminated."

Mephisto laughed, a dark, gravelly sound. "Oh, I have no objections to that. They're expendable. As long as they finish their tasks, their fate is irrelevant to me."

Dracula's crimson eyes narrowed. "And Ritsuka Fujimaru?"

At the mention of the name, Mephisto's grin widened. "A necessary pawn. His soul holds the key to unlocking the true potential of the powers I've been gathering. It's nothing personal. Call it a tragic inevitability."

Dracula chuckled again, raising his goblet as Mephisto conjured wine from thin air and handed him a glass.

As they sipped their wine, the moon finally emerged from behind the clouds, its light bathing the desolate city in an ethereal glow. Mephisto stared up at it, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Look closely, Dracula. You're about to witness the fruits of two centuries of planning."

Dracula tilted his head. "And the forbidden powers you've been hoarding?"

Mephisto's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "They're not for destruction, as everyone assumes. They're for salvation. Humanity is on the brink, Count. If they are to survive from the future Destruction, they need a revolution—one that only I can bring. Tonight marks the beginning of their salvation."

Dracula's amusement gave way to curiosity, his tone turning more serious. "You would dare call this salvation? You, of all beings?"

Mephisto's smirk returned, sharper than ever. "The best saviors are those who understand sin, my friend. Now, watch."

He raised a clawed hand toward the moon, and the forbidden power he had gathered for centuries began to crackle in the air, an ominous energy that even Dracula found unsettling.

---

The First Step

As the energy swirled and danced, Mephisto whispered, "The time has come. The first phase of the apocalypse begins now."

Dracula, sensing the sheer scale of Mephisto's machinations, couldn't help but smirk. "It seems I chose the right partner after all. But remember, demon—once our goals are met, our alliance is over."

Mephisto chuckled, his voice echoing with dark amusement. "I wouldn't have it any other way. For now, let us celebrate the end of an old world… and the birth of a new one."

As the moonlight intensified, Mephisto and Dracula stood side by side, their shadows cast long over the city below. The night's silence was broken by the hum of forbidden power, a harbinger of the chaos to come.

-----

New Year's Night, January 1st, 2012

North Korea, Under the Blood Moon

The cold, dark sky hung heavy over North Korea, where the world celebrated a new beginning, but despair consumed the land below. Entire towns lay in darkness, their lights snuffed out. A chilling silence blanketed the cityscape until a sinister laugh echoed from above.

Mephisto floated in the air, a devilish grin plastered across his face as he observed the chaos. "Kim II-Sung... That fool," he sneered, his crimson eyes glinting in the eerie moonlight. "He thought he could make a deal with me for absolute power over his people. And now, his hometown will be sacrificed for my plans. Poetic, isn't it?" His laughter reverberated across the empty streets, vile and triumphant.

Beside him, Dracula emerged from the shadows, his pale face expressionless yet his eyes burning with cold curiosity. "You demons and your betrayals," he mused, his voice deep and disdainful. "Is this how you reward loyalty? A kingdom for a death sentence?"

Mephisto glanced at him, unbothered by the implied judgment. "Loyalty? Hah! The loyalty of mortals means nothing when weighed against the grand designs of eternity. My plans transcend their fleeting lives." He waved his hand, and the atmosphere seemed to shiver. Dark magic spilled forth like a living shadow, engulfing the city.

The Massacre

The spell hit the ground like a thunderclap, and the air itself seemed to convulse in response. Streets became rivers of blood as the dark magic tore through the innocent population. Panicked screams echoed into the night as demons swarmed through Mephisto's summoned portals, blocking every escape.

The desperate cries of men, women, and children filled the night, mingling with the grotesque sounds of ripping flesh. From the skies above, Mephisto watched with detached satisfaction, holding an ornate orb in his palm.

As Dracula observed the carnage, a rare frown crossed his lips. "You truly revel in this chaos, don't you? The slaughter of innocents... How typical of a demon."

Mephisto chuckled, spinning the orb in his hand as it absorbed the souls of the fallen. "Do not act so high and mighty, Count. You' ve spilled oceans of blood in your time, all to sustain your kind. At least I do this with purpose." He tilted his head, amused by Dracula's disapproval. "Don't tell me you're suddenly growing a conscience?"

Dracula's cold laugh cut through the air. "Conscience? Hardly. I simply find this method...inefficient. Mortals are better served alive-as cattle, not corpses. But I will indulge you, for now."

The Key of Fate

As the orb consumed the final soul, the ground began to tremble. Blood soaked the earth and coalesced into streams of crimson light that spiraled toward the sky. The air grew heavy with dark mana, repelling the natural world's essence. Even Dracula took a cautious step back.

Mephisto raised the orb above his head, his voice echoing like thunder. "By the blood of innocents and the power of the forbidden, I summon the Key of Fate and Destiny! Let this world bow before its true master!"

The orb erupted with energy, and a

towering vortex of blood and souls

twisted into existence. Lightning

flashed, illuminating a massive,

crimson-red key materializing in

the sky. Its sheer presence warped

reality, sending shockwaves across

the Korean Peninsula.

Dracula's eyes narrowed as he observed the artifact. "Impressive," he admitted reluctantly. "A relic of this magnitude... You truly have been planning this for centuries."

Mephisto's grin widened. "Indeed. This key is beyond mere power; it is the very essence of destiny (plot armor ) itself. With it, I will rewrite the threads of fate and ascend to a plane even the Ancient One cannot touch!" His laughter grew manic as the key embedded itself into the fabric of space, tearing open a doorway to an unfathomable void.

The Spire of Fate

From the void emerged a towering structure, grotesque and ancient, its surface carved with runes that seemed to pulsate with malevolence. The Spire of Fate. The sky wept blood as the tower descended, its oppressive aura suffocating everything within miles.

Dracula raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with reluctant admiration. "And here I thought your ambitions ended with ruling this realm. But no... You aim to bend fate itself. A bold move, even for you."

Mephisto turned to him, his expression manic. "Why stop at mere dominion when I can control the very fabric of existence? With the Spire of Fate, I can unmake this world and rebuild it in my image! Even Ritsuka Fujimaru, with all his meddling, cannot stand against the concept of fate itself! What he can do against the Fate concept itself hahahahah" He laughed wildly, his voice reverberating across the land.

Suddenly, a portal of golden light materialized on the horizon, and from it stepped the Ancient One. Her presence brought a fleeting calm, the chaotic mana parting before her like water. Her eyes locked on Mephisto, filled with both anger and understanding.

"Mephisto," she began, her voice steady but commanding, "you' ve gone too far. The balance of this realm is not yours to disrupt."

Mephisto smirked, gesturing toward the Spire. "Ah, Ancient One. You're too late. The Spire of Fate is beyond even your power to destroy. Fate itself now bends to my will! Maybe age catch up to you jaha haha"

The Ancient One's gaze hardened. "Fate is not yours to control. This act of hubris will not go unpunished. They will come to punish you"

Dracula stepped forward, his tone mocking. "How quaint. The so-called protector of this realm arrives to deliver judgment. But tell me, Sorcerer Supreme, can even you undo what has already been set in motion?"

Before the Ancient One could respond, the Spire's demonic eye opened, its gaze piercing through the threads of destiny. The air shimmered as the tower activated its power, forcibly summoning individuals connected to fate's most significant threads.

Those Fate threads started to move and catxh the people who changed this world to better.

Mephisto laughed, his voice filled with triumph. "Ah, the pawns arrive! Come, Ritsuka Fujimaru, and witness the unraveling of your destiny!"

The stage was set. The Spire of Fate loomed ominously, its power threatening to reshape reality itself. The threads of destiny trembled as the world teetered on the brink of chaos.

And Ritsuka fujimaru needs to fight this chaos then save humanity whole.

_________

Note: this will have more impact on whole world because Mephisto attacking whole world with his new workers.

And this will take serious tone from onwards.