Danielle

You know you're way too tired when you float into a room because you don't trust your feet to get you anywhere. I found myself wandering around Avengers Tower, munching on the first edible thing I'd found in the Tower - post-battle catering was big in here, apparently - as the 'grown-ups' figured out the fallout of the events in Liberty Island. I ended up in some kind of incredibly messy workshop, filled with metal and electronic components..

"Hey, would you mind shooting this for me?"

I tiredly looked up from my...shawarma, was it? JARVIS had said that's what it was called. Tony Stark was holding up a white, rectangular panel made of a seemingly flimsy, plastic-looking material. "Uh, are you sure?" -I asked, looking skeptically at the panel.

"Always."

Shrugging, I quickly blasted the panel off his hands, making him curse in surprise. The billionaire picked the panel up from the spot it had landed on. "Huh. Ghost-proof." -he said, showing me the plate, which was completely undamaged.

I frowned. "The hell is that made from?"

"Patent pending-anium."

"Nice. What're you working on?"

He raised an amused eyebrow. "Christmas present, actually. Long overdue. You want anything?" -he said, gesturing around himself to the whole workshop.

"Actually, yeah." -I said. He cocked his head, expectantly. "Not, y'know, any of this. But I hear you're in the business of making people look cooler."

He snorted. "You could say that." -he retorted, then brought up a holographic schematic of something that looked like Captain America's suit, only sleeker, modernized. More like armor than a glorified army uniform, or a comic book lover's wet dream. "I've been working on updating our gear. I wasn't even sure if the team was gonna assemble again, but y'know. Just in case. Better than me going stir-crazy. Cheaper than making a bunch of suits for myself, too."

"I can imagine. You helped Danny with his, right?"

He grimaced. "I'm gonna be painfully honest here, kid. I designed a suit for him, yeah, but I couldn't claim to know how the hell he integrated it into his weird, flashy, 'I'm-suddenly-a-ghost' thing."

I changed into human then, just to spite him. He groaned. "Yeah, that's the one. How does that even work? Why isn't your half-eaten shawarma floating and shooting tiny green beams at us right now? How is that quick of a costume change fair?"

"Don't know what to tell ya. I was kinda born this way."

He sighed. "Right, ok. Anyway, I could whip something up for you. You'll just have to ask your Jango to teach you how to to bond it to your soul or whatever it is you people do."

"Umm...sure, but, what the hell is a Jango?"

About an hour later, and happy with the results of my design sesh with Stark, I found myself in the common area, surrounded by used styrofoam food containers, discarded weapons and costume pieces, and napping superheroes. The Black Widow and Hawkeye were basically attempting fusion on a loveseat, while Steven and Connie were sprawled on the floor, softly snoring. Dipper, Blaze, Hellstrom, Strange, and every other Avenger and Gem except for Peridot were nowhere to be seen.

The green Gem was the only other being not sleeping in the common area; she was tinkering with the portable Warp Pad Stevonnie had pulled out of Lion's mane.

"Uh, hey." -I said.

Peridot stopped, looking at me with a confused expression. "Um. Hello."

I pursed my lips. "I just wanted to thank you. Y'know, for saving my butt back there, with Lapis Lazuli."

She cocked her head. "I assume this is an expression? 'saving my butt'?"

I chuckled. "Yeah."

She nodded. "I see."

An awkward silence followed our exchange. "What're you working on?"

"What, this old thing? It's just a portable Warp Pad. I'm trying to stabilize the Warp matrix inside it so it can last longer. Six of your months. As impressed as I was with the Iron Man's technological knowhow - for someone belonging to such a primitive species, anyway - Warp technology is far beyond humanity's current capabilities."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why do you want it to last longer?"

She shrugged, somewhat annoyed. "The permafusion Garnet is under the impression that these Avengers could benefit from a direct method of communicating with us. That maybe, the Crystal Gems could use the help as well."

"Well, Alexandrite did just save the day."

Peridot scowled. "Yes, and exposed the last of Gemkind to the universe in the process." -she said, bitterly.

I crossed my arms. "What do you mean, the last of Gemkind? I thought the Homeworld Gems were still out there."

The green Gem snorted. "Is that what Pearl told you?"

"It was more implied than outright stated, to be fair."

"Either way, the notion is incorrect. As far as I know - and I know a lot - Gems no longer exist anywhere outside this planet. Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, Lapis, the Rubies, Jasper, Steven, and myself. We're it."

"Christ. What happened out there?" -I asked, horrified.

Peridot sighed, then shrugged. "The Kree. The Mad Titan. Ourselves. Take your pick, hybrid. The galaxy is a dangerous place. We didn't make it."

I was silent for some time, watching her work - a fascinating process I understood absolutely nothing about. "I'm sorry."

The green Gem seemed confused. "Why?"

"I didn't mean to bring bad memories up."

Peridot shook her head. "It was centuries ago. I've made my peace with it. It was honestly for the best; I didn't always think this way, but I'm glad the Crystal Gems rebelled. Because of them, Earth was spared, cut off from Homeworld as it was. And, loathe as I may be to admit it…" -she said, leaving her tinkering aside for a second. "I understand why Rose Quartz betrayed her Diamond. Your world is a beautiful one."

I smiled. "Well, we try to keep it that way."

"And you will now have our official aid in this task." -said Garnet, walking into the large room. Pearl and Amethyst accompanied her. Captain Rogers, Danny, and Doctor Strange followed the Gems.

"Time for the debrief." -Captain America said.

Debriefings are boring. At least the room was interesting - probably too interesting, considering the sheer amount of people inside it. Captain America led the table, with Widow and Stark at either side. From the redheaded spy followed Hawkeye, then Danny, me, Strange, Nico, and a young woman in bronze armor I'd briefly seen in the battle. Opposite Rogers sat a scowling S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in the process of grilling us for details, and then the Crystal Gems - Stevonnie infused into their components due to their size - except for Amethyst. Peridot sat blushing slightly next to an oblivious Stark, much to my amusement.

"As far as the world knows, this was another alien invasion attempt. Though, of course, footage of the battle has been widely leaked by several thousand witnesses, the fact that a portal spewed out yet another army of humanoid looking creatures has worked in our favor. That's the official story. I suggest you stick to it, for once." -said Deputy S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Maria Hill, looking pointedly at Stark, who just smirked.

Strange piped up. "I agree, for once. Humanity is not yet ready to face this particular truth. It would shake every religion to its core."

"And, what, aliens don't do that?" -Danny asked.

"They're easier to adapt to, trust me." -said Rogers - catholic, if I remembered correctly - scowling.

Hill shook her head slightly. "Anyway, aside from that, there's the matter of the evidence of more non-Avenger Enhanced. We can discredit some of it, but most of you are going to have to go public. Demigods, half-ghosts, and Gems, at least."

Nico shrugged. "We're working on that." -he said, then nodded to the girl with blonde hair and stormy grey eyes beside him. "Annabeth and I have given this some thought. The U.N. is technically aware - secretly, of course - that magic exists. There's a system in place for diplomacy between the real world and that of fantasy. We have to start erasing that line."

The girl named Annabeth crossed her arms. "The Mist is all but broken. That means the barrier that hides most magical phenomena from mortal eyes will cease to exist. It's not something that can be stopped, so we have to get ahead of it before it becomes chaos everywhere."

Maria Hill narrowed her eyes. "What do you propose?"

"Well, as you said, people have a high opinion of the Avengers. If they were to get some magical members in, maybe even being seen protecting people from rogue magical perils...it would seem like less of a shock and more of a boon when witches, demigods, and other such magical people start integrating into society." -she explained.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent gave it a moment. "I'd have to check with Fury, but I personally approve. If there's no stopping this Mist from disappearing, that is."

Nico glowered. "There isn't. We've checked. Ever since the mortals watched the Avengers assemble, they're much more inclined to believe in the impossible. Lady Hecate has spent the last few months in agony, just trying to hold the Mist together."

Hill sighed. "Fine, then. You have my preliminary go."

Tony frowned. "Wait a minute. Shouldn't we get some kind of say in this? It's our team, agent."

"Which would not exist if it weren't for the initiative Nick Fury came up with decades ago." -she shot back.

"Your team and New York almost ceased to exist because your boss is a lying fu-"

"Enough." -said Rogers, who looked at Hill while ignoring Stark's pointed glare. "We get to vet any candidates. Non-negotiable."

Hill looked to the Black Widow and Hawkeye for support, but the spies just shrugged. "I'm with Cap. S.H.I.E.L.D. and the World Security Council granted the Avengers operational freedom, in exchange for accountability. You may suggest potential candidates. We pick them." -said the redhead.

The archer snorted. "Yeah. Wouldn't want to work with just any punk." -he said, shooting a playfully snide look at Danny, who just rolled his eyes.

Hill pursed her lips, but finally relented. "We'll prepare dossiers for your evaluation, Captain Rogers." -she said, then took her leave.

Pearl raised an eyebrow. "Your shady government official seems to have forgotten about the aliens in the room."

Widow smiled. "That's probably what she left us two other shady government officials behind for."

At Pearl's blush, Hawkeye shrugged. "Don't worry. We'll make Stark write the report."

"Keep it up, Barton. See if I make you those anti-demon arrows you wanted."

Hawkeye pouted. "Fine, fine, Jesus. I'll behave."

Danny snorted. "I highly doubt that."

Captain Rogers cleared his throat, which silenced the room. "Let's keep on topic, here." -he said, then turned to the leader of the Crystal Gems. "We couldn't have won this battle without you. Thank you."

Garnet nodded, inexpressive as always. "It has ever been the Crystal Gems' mission to protect Earth and its inhabitants, but perhaps we've slacked in our duties in the past few centuries. It was time to take a stand."

"I understand you've offered us a way to communicate, should we ever need your assistance again."

The fusion nodded. "Peridot has rigged up a provisional Warp Pad, and its corresponding Warp Whistle. Use the latter, and we'll translocate to the pad's location as soon as possible. Just don't keep it under a roof. If you wanna keep it intact, that is."

Stark hummed. "Well, JARVIS has updated his database to recognize all of you, so...mi casa es su casa. Feel free to drop by anytime. Preferably with more alien tech I can obsess over."

"Your hospitality is appreciated, Mr. Stark. I believe we'll take our leave." -said Pearl, bowing. The Crystal Gems filed out of the crowded conference room. I waved goodbye to Peridot and Lapis Lazuli.

Nico and Annabeth rose as well. The Prince of the Underworld spoke up. "We'll be going, too. Get a room ready for your new demigod Avenger. Stark, you know the one."

Iron Man groaned. "Baywatch? Come on, kid, we're the Avengers, not the Super Friends."

Nico grinned. "Baywatch indeed, the one and only. He's due a change of pace, and you know him already. He'll be a good fit, trust me."

Rogers looked at Stark, who just shrugged. "Ugh, yeah, fine. I'll get him a room with a view."

"Make that two. I'm RSVPing 'yes'." -said Danny.

"For real?" -asked Hawkeye.

"I mean, someone has to compensate for the guy on the team with no powers who chooses to fight with a medieval weapon."

Captain America stood up and shook my brother's arm, smiling. "We're glad to have you on board, Danny."

"Yeah, well. I'm pretty sure my spot on the Defenders is in pretty safe hands." -he said, looking proudly at me.

"Thanks." -I said, smiling.

Nico snorted. "Good luck. Keep in touch, Phantom." -he said, as he and Annabeth disappeared into the shadows.

"Since we're on the topic already, I have a request for you, Captain Rogers." -Strange said.

Rogers crossed his arms. "Let's hear it."

The Doctor smoothed his crimson cape. "I have evaluated Mr. Blaze, and found his possession ended. I surmise Lord Mephisto has deemed his further worth as a tool negligible. However, the fire in his veins remains. Young Johnathon has no close family or friends left, I'm afraid. He needs support, lest he wander darker paths of his own volition. Perhaps, even training. The dark magic within him is strictly forbidden in Kamar-Taj, so I would ask of you to take him under your wing."

The Captain frowned. "Blaze is powerful, but he had zero control back on Liberty Island. Can that change?"

Strange hummed. "I believe so. Without the demon overshadowing his will, he has free reign to utilize his powers as he sees fit. I would not leave you without means to subdue him, in any case. His power will be more easily manageable, without the ancient demon 'behind the wheel', so to speak."

Rogers looked at the other Avengers, all of whom seemed unconvinced. "We'll consider it." -he said, finally. "What about Hellstrom?"

"I am entrusting his care to Mr. Di Angelo, for the time being. The boy showed promise, and most importantly, true regret over his decisions. I see a bright future for him, should he be willing to atone for his sins."

"And the demon fork?" -asked Stark.

"To be sealed away. Until he is deemed fit to wield it, and I determine whether or not Lord Mephisto can exploit the link severed by Lucifer's demise."

"Sounds good. Just get it the hell out of my Tower."

"Isn't it our Tower now, Tony?" -asked Widow, innocently.

The inventor rolled his eyes. "I already said the whole mi casa bit. Do whatever, I don't care. I'm leaving for Malibu tomorrow, anyway. No, you're not invited."

The spy smirked. "I'm sure I'll find a way to crash your christmas party."

"Dinner, actually. Also, fuck off."

Rogers frowned, Barton snickered, and we all turned when the door to the conference room opened, and a very confused Bruce Banner - oddly dressed in a purple and green hawaiian shirt and carrying a travel bag - walked in.

"Um...what did I miss?"

Finally, the end.

As you can see, I'm teasing at least two stories. One, a rewrite of Iron Man 3 in this universe, which should be fairly short and easy to pump out. Another, more complicated one in space, as teased by Peridot. I've already got the docs in progress, so keep a lookout for 'em.

Before any of that, though, I'll get right to work on Beating the System's prequel, which focuses on bridging that insidious gap between the prologue in this story and Dani's adventure. We'll get to see Danny meeting the Avengers and the changes that brings to the whole dynamic. I also have an idea for Permafrost, which has been stuck in a rut for ages. The Defenders' next adventure will be found there.

AND THEN I'll get to Beating the System's actual sequel, which will be a reimagining/merger with First Contact. Expect lots of young heroes earning their place in the pantheon - as well as in action figure racks.

Thank you so, so much for giving this story a chance. From being an aimless wreck to launching this whole goddamn crossover universe, it's been a two year long ride. I'll revise every chapter in between writing my next fics, just to improve the flow of my earliest work, but the story stands - and honestly? For such a clusterfuck of fandoms and characters? I think it turned out pretty well.

Stay tuned! Until next time.