Chapter 4

Hank sat in his lab. His mind on both Janet and what he was trying to work on. Though his thoughts were more worried about Janet. He just knew that Tony was wrong, and giving up was not going to help her. He thought that maybe, just maybe, if he created that same kind of black orb he could save Janet. The only problem was that the strange black orb that enveloped her was just that. A strange black orb.

All the while he could swear that he was hearing a voice whispering through his lab. Calling to him as though it needed help. Though he wasn't sure, he knew it had to be Janet's voice. However, without proof he wasn't going to test that theory with the other Avengers. He just continued to work. Maybe he could figure out a way to make the whispers of the voice more audible.

"Wow, do you see that castle?" Janet shouted. She fluttered over a ridge that overlooked the side of a mountain. A gigantic castle looked to be made out of the mountain itself and not just built into the side or next to the mountain.

"Yes, Wasp," Defens sighed. He'd been walking carefully behind her in case of trouble. "This'll be a good opportunity to gain supplies." He then looked at Janet. "The problem is..."

"What?" Janet placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.

"You should probably not be flying." Defens smiled a little. "We can't let on that we're from another realm. It could cause unrest. So, we need to play like we're normal inhabitants of this place."

"I understand, I guess." Janet huffed while returning to her normal size. The coat that Ar had given her had already started to take on a yellow and black coloration, and was shifting more to match what Janet's unconscious mind wished.

"Then shall we be on our way, my lady?" Defens bowed in a gentlemanly way. Janet laughed and the two made their way towards the castle's entrance.

Both were in awe at the shear size of the castle's main gate. They were the equivalent to Janet's smallest size compared to the stone structure. The road that lead through the gate into the main town was just as impressively big. With people traveling on both sides. It was truly a wonder of construction. The two turned to each other and continued into the village within the castle walls. The first store they stopped in was a clothing and armor shop, they had found that Ar had given them a decent sum of Defens' people's money. It was interesting, because it looked like the money from the U.S, but Defens explained that it takes the form of the currency of the person viewing it.

Defense bought himself modest gear of a leather pauldron and bracers. Janet though needed more of a full makeover in her opinion, and spent a while creating a new outfit out of leather, cloth, and metal. When she was done she had created an armored version of the outfit she was wearing earlier. The coat shifting to fit around the plates of metal and leather. Thankfully, Janet had been to Asguard and knew the various parts of armor. The only thing she didn't get was a helmet. She though got a headband with two metal pieces that reminded her of her headphones. Defens was certain that she made sure the material's changed size with her, and that's why it took so long.

Once they paid they left into the main village. The message from the Lady of the Beach still fresh with them. Janet's bonds would lead them. They needed information.

"Maybe, we should talk to the person in charge?" Janet asked as they approached the center of the city. To where the castle's keep, that was half mountain half structure, was located.

"They would know the area here well." Defens agreed and the two went to seek an audience with the lord of the castle.

After modulating his helmet for the better part of the day. Hank was sure he had it. A way to hear the whispers that were popping up all over his lab. He just had to wait for them to start up again. He heard them coming. They were feint at first. He played with his helmet some more. The sounds got louder. They sounded like a clamorous echo of many voices. Until...

"Hank..." It was still a whisper. Even with his upgrades to his helmet.

"Can you repeat that?" Hank asked out loud. Maybe whoever this was could hear him better than he heard them.

"Hank..." The whisper was still to subtle and quiet for him to hear anything but his name, but he could swear that he was hearing Janet's voice.

The main hall of the castle was just as grand and massive as the main gate. Five pillars of metal held up the mountain from collapsing on top of the many servants running around. In the center of the room, surrounded by magical lights, was an elaborate stone throne. There sat the king of the castle. His blue armor reflecting the light like a prismatic mirror. His face, though weathered, was gentle and kind. He had a graying red beard, and short red hair. Next to him stood a thin man in a dark cloak. His face looked to be covered by a white mask with no features. He stood as the two approached the throne and waved his arms out.

"Greetings friends," the kings voice boomed over the main hall. "I was informed of new travelers when you passed through the Mjolnir Gate. I hope your visit to my lands has been a good one."

"Did you say Mjolnir?" Janet stepped forward. Could this be what the Lady meant by bonds? Was it really that easy? Thor's hammer and the main gate shared a name. That had to be some sort of clue. They had to be on the right path.

"Yes, young maiden." The king laughed and returned to his seat. "The gate is magical, and its bars are lightning itself. But where are my manners, I am Essan, Lord of these Lands."

Defens gave Janet a look to follow his lead. He bowed politely. "I am Defens, my lord. Me and my friend have traveled far to reach your lands, and we wish to ask you many questions about your lands. If you allow us."

"And I'm Janet Van Dyne." Janet smiled and bowed a little. "The Mjolnir gate is of particular interest to us."

"Then ask away my friends. I keep no secrets." Essan laughed more and leaned forward in his chair. He motioned for two more chairs to be brought for Janet and Defens, as well as plates of food for the three.

"My lord," the cloaked man spoke up. Janet could now see the white cloth armor under his dark cloak. There was something about him though that unnerved Janet. "The Mjolnir Gate is a key to the city's defense. Should we be informing strangers of its secrets."

"There is much that I do not even know of the gate, Hassan." Essan patted the man on the shoulder. "Besides, being so untrusting to travelers will cause my name to go sour."

"And we wouldn't want that." The man named Hassan said. He then bowed and walked with perfect silence out of the room. There was definitely something different about him.

"Now," Essan spoke. "If you'll allow me questions friends. What brings you from your lands to mine?"

"My friend Janet and I are from two very different lands, my lord." Defens spoke. Janet was sure he had training in this. Well, he sounded like he had training. She waited for a question for only her to speak. She wasn't sure if she could make sure she didn't give away they were from another realm. "A powerful being saved us when my lands went into turmoil, and my teacher entrusted me to get Janet home safely. However, we do not know the path. The being sent us here to your lands."

"Well, I have maps. Perhaps they could help?" Essan scratched his beard.

"The being gave us a clue, Lord Essan." Janet sounded shaky as she spoke. She paused and cleared her throat. Essan looked at her expectantly. "She said that the bonds of my friends would light the way. That is why your gate interests me. One of my friends has a weapon of the same name."

"I see." Essan looked in thought. "Then perhaps you are on the right path. The gate must be a landmark."

"Do you understand the clue, my lord?" Defense asked.

"I believe so." Essan took a drink from his mug once the trays of food and drink were brought. "These bonds must relate to your friends in some way. Perhaps, they are the markers to light your path. I will have my cartographer pull up all the maps of this area tomorrow, and we can use the Mjolnir Gate as a starting point."

"Thank you, my lord." Defens said and bowed in his seat.

"I also insist that you stay here in the keep tonight. I will have my servants prepare rooms." Essan motioned for a steward and gave him orders to get two rooms ready for his guests.

"You're too kind, my lord." Defense smiled.

"All good rulers are." Essan laughed.

Janet sprawled on the massive bed that Lord Essan had prepared for her. Defens room was across the hall, but for now he was leaning against the wall, and looking over the city at night. The Mjolnir gate put of a subtle glow that was enough to light the city, but not black out the stars.

"So, what do you think?" Janet asked. She pulled herself around so she was lying on her stomach. Her face resting in her hands.

"It's a beautiful city." Defens smiled.

"I meant about the talk about landmarks." Janet tilted her head to one side.

"I agree with Lord Essan, though not in the way he thinks." Defens shrugged. He didn't take his eyes off the city. "Perhaps, we need to open a path of darkness near the gate, or using the gate as a focus."

"Can you do that?" Janet pulled herself to a seated position. "Open one of those paths."

"I don't know." Defens sighed and looked down. "But teach could, and he's not someone to leave us with no way of doing things."

Janet nodded and yawned. "Was it me or was that Hassan guy strange?"

"He felt out of place, I'll agree." Defens made his way to the door. Janet dropped back to her back and yawned again. "His presence was masked, but I still felt like someone like teach was in that room until he left. Get some sleep, who knows what tomorrow will bring."

Defens then left Janet's room. He wasn't all that tired, and something seemed off to him. How could someone like his teacher be here. His teacher was like his people, but came to them through a pillar of light. Defens sighed to himself and began to walk the halls of the keep. He would do it often in the citadel of his people when he was restless. He was also thinking of going out into the city. Maybe getting a better look at that main gate.

"It has been some time since those swords you wield traveled the realms." Defens instinctively clutched the hilts of the two blades upon hearing the seemingly disembodied voice.

"Who's there? What are these realms you speak of?" Defens shouted. The overwhelming sense of danger causing him to breath harder.

"Don't be coy world walker. I know what you are, and that you aren't from this realm." The voice sounded a little agitated.

"And how's that?" Defens questioned. He then saw Hassan step out of the shadows, as though he were standing in plain sight the whole time. Defens couldn't even sense the man's presence, and now could barely sense it.

"Because I am a being comparable to the one who wields those swords. Master of Death, is my title." Hassan spoke. "Tell me, have those blades told you there chant."

"Master of Death? Chant? What are you talking about?" Defens took a fighting stance. Readying himself for combat. Ar introduced himself to Grand Master as Master of Bow. Could this Hassan really be related to Defens' teacher in some way.

"You are just a child then." Hassan laughed and started to approach the Defens. "Maybe I should relieve you of those blades and your charge."

"You're welcome to try." Defens drew the white and black blades, pointing the blades' tips at Hassan. He couldn't see Hassan's face behind the white featureless mask, but the impression he gave off was that of a smile. Hassan showed his hands, and out of his wrists popped two black blades. He placed them in an cross next to his face. Dark power seemed to emanate from them.

The two stood like that for what felt like eons, until Hassan rushed forward thrusting his palm at Defens' neck. He lifted up the black blade, blocking the wrist blade from the cloaked man. The blade shook in Defens' hand. Something was off.

"Did the one who gave those not tell you?" Hassan stood strait. His golden eye glaring at Defens from behind the mask. "Those blades," as he spoke, the black sword in Defens' hand cracked. "Are ultimately brittle."

Defens looked at the blade. The crack made it so the sword could not take another blow. If it did it would shatter. They were never like this in Ar's hands. Was it because Defens was a pale excuse for Ar? How did this man Hassan know so much? What was he?

"You have much to learn." Hassan chuckled. His wrist blades retracted as footsteps echoed down the hallway. Defens sheathed his blades as well.

"Is there something the matter my friends?" Essan approached the two from behind Defens.

"Just having a friendly conversation, my lord." Hassan spoke and bowed before once again disappearing into the shadows.

"Don't mind Hassan, Lord Defens." Essan placed a hand on Defens' shoulder. "He's an odd one, but a good man."

Defens nodded. "You'll have to excuse me. I'm turning in tonight."

"Good night my friend." Essan continued walking down the hall as Defens returned to his room.

Hank sighed and finally resigned to bed. He still couldn't get his helmet to fully understand the whispers, but he knew he was on the right track. He'd get back to it tomorrow. For now he just needed some rest. Outside it had started to rain, though the moon still peeked through the clouds as though they were merely a lens. He turned the light off and left the room. Leaving only the moon to sine in. Static started to make itself heard from Hank's computer monitor. Suddenly, an image appeared on the screen. It was blurry at first until finally, an image of Janet appeared on the screen. She was smiling happily while her bright yellow eyes surveyed the room before the screen returned to black.

Janet met Defens in the hall outside their rooms. She tiredly rubbed her eyes until a servant came to escort them to breakfast. Janet noticed that Defens was rather silent and looking at the ground as though lost in thought. "Something wrong?"

"Huh," Defens' green eyes turned up towards Janet. "Its nothing, just thinking about the information we got yesterday."

"Oh," Janet turned as they entered a large banquet room. Lord Essan and Hassan were already at the table, but Hassan's featureless mask was resting next to his place at the table. Janet was surprised. Hassan was handsome, like one of those men you'd call beautiful. He look over at the two with his golden eyes and grinned smugly. Defens just glared at Hassan, and one could feel the tension between them. "I see."

"You're welcome to join us." Hassan motioned to the two chairs prepared at the table. Janet smiled and almost shrunk to fly over to them, but remembered Defens' warning, and instead walked over to one and sat down. Defens sat down across from Hassan. The tension coming off him becoming worse and worse.

"Unfortunately, I must attend to some matters in town." Lord Essan spoke after breakfast. "But upon my return I will help in all my capacity. Hassan however is free to assist."

The king left the room. Leaving only Janet, Defens, and Hassan within. Hassan had returned his mask to his face. He turned and looked over the two. "If you would follow me?"

"Not until we know what you really are?" Defens shouted. His hand was white knuckled around the hilt of the white blade. His green eyes staring down Hassan.

"What are you talking about?" Janet asked walking over to Defens. Hassan though began to laugh. It was deep and kind of sadistic.

"Fine, since our encounter last night couldn't reveal truth's to the child." Hassan looked around the room to make sure they were alone. "I guess I can tell you. Before you die."

"What are you talking about?" Janet was shocked to hear Hassan say that. She got ready to protect herself as Defens drew his blades.

"I am like you Janet, and the little boy world walker." Hassan continued to laugh. "I am not of this realm. I am like those that came before. Seven in all, and Seven always. That's the code, so once I kill this excuse holding those blades." Hassan pointed at Defens. "I will make sure they get a proper wielder. Also..." Hassan vanished for a second.

A knight wearing full plate came into the room and saw Defens with his blades drawn. The knight drew his blade and shouted for Defens to stand down. Suddenly, Hassan appeared in front of the knight with one of his wrist blades deep in his chest. The knight's eyes flashed to yellow before his entire body became consumed by black tendrils.

Hassan smiled and turned towards the two. The knight vanishing. "You have two options. Stop me, or save the city."

"What did you do Hassan!" Defens just rushed forward. He swung his swords down. Hassan lifted a leg, striking the white one into the black shattering them both.

"Did you forget what I told you of those blades?" Hassan laughed before being pelted by some of Janet's stingers. She had shrunk down and was hovering between him and Defens.

"Now that is interesting." Hassan spoke up. "What are you dear Janet?"

"Me," Janet said charging her stingers. "I'm an Avenger."

"I see," Hassan said with a surprised tone. He then threw a smoke grenade at his feet and vanished. "I wish not to face an Avenger."

Loud screams followed by a bloodcurdling roar echoed over the landscape. Janet fluttered over to the window. A black armored man was marching down the street towards the townspeople. Cutting them down as it went. Janet looked quickly over to Defens, who was still looking at the broken swords.

"Come one," Janet rushed over to pull him up. "We have to do something."

"I can't." Defens said "I'm not strong like teach. His swords are gone."

"We'll, I'm not just going to sit around." Janet flew out the window towards the town.

She arrived to see the tall fully armored man. His metal armor seemed to absorb the light, and from within the helmet she could see glowing yellow eyes, just like the crickets in the path of darkness. A child screamed. He black knight raised its sword. Then it screeched in pain as Janet's stinger struck its wrist.

"Get to safety!" Janet screamed at the young boy. He nodded and ran away down an alley. The knight raised his arm to back hand the pixie sized woman, only for the attack to be blocked by Lord Essan's shield.

"Lady Janet, you are fey? What is going on?" Essan pushed the knight back and looked at the flying woman.

"I'm about as lost as you are." Janet explained. Her eyes widened as a black blade cut into Lord Essan's chest. Blood splattered past her. Essan dropped to his knees and looked over his shoulder to see Hassan standing over him. His mask was partly off his face so that both Janet and Lord Essan could see his smile. Then behind him formed a portal of darkness and he backed through it while returning the mask to over his face.

Janet returned to her normal size and caught Lord Essan before he fell to the ground. He removed a metal key from around his neck and placed it in Janet's hands. He gulped back a bit before he died in her arms. There was a roar that sent shivers up Janet's spine. The black night was standing again, and now its only target was Janet.

"Why?" Defens asked himself. "Why can't I control these swords?"

"Because you rush into battle without thinking." His question was answered by a voice that sounded like two voices combined into one. He looked around but there was no one around.

"Who?" He asked standing.

"Us, your blades. Man, you're dense." The strange voice spoke up. "But now is not the time. That woman is in danger."

"Janet?" Defns asked looking out the window. He heard another roar echo.

"Yes, we will grant you the ability to reforge us. The first lines of our chant." The voice spoke. Defens nodded and made his way towards the town.

Janet continued to dodge the black knight's swings. The knight wasn't giving Janet enough time to aim and so her attacks were bouncing harmlessly off the knight's armor. She flew down an alley, trying to keep the knight's attention so it didn't go after townspeople, only to run into a brick wall. She turned in the air and fired as rapidly as she could. The knight deflected many of the attacks with its sword. It swung forward. Black colored energy wrapped the blade and a column of black energy erupted towards her.

"I am the bone of my sword." Janet could have sworn she saw reality shake before her eyes upon hearing Defens' voice. The boy landed in front of her. The white sword reforming as though it was unbroken. He batted the energy aside like it was nothing.

"Steel is my body, and fire my blood." Defens continued almost trance like. The black sword reformed and he rushed forward. The knight brought his blade up. Defens blocked with the white blade. With the chant active the blades retained their strength. The two were kicked back. The knight brought its sword up. The black energy came again. Janet went instinctive and fired at the knights hands, causing it to stumble back. Defens saw his opening and charged, thrusting the black blade towards the knight's chest. The blade pierced the armor and went strait through the black knight's heart. The knight went limp and the dispersed like a black smoke.

"Do we make a good team or what?" Defens asked while sheathing his blades. Janet landed on his shoulder while the townspeople came out of their homes to view the two heroes. The crowd began to cheer. Janet returned to her normal size as a group of armored soldiers approached.

"Are you two okay? I am Rezal, head oh his majesty's knights." The leader of the group shouted. He stopped before them. "What happened here?"

"Your king was betrayed. The man Hassan was an assassin." Defens spoke up.

"I see. Then that explains why we were locked in our barracks." Rezal sighed looking at the devastation.

"The king gave me this when he died." Janet held the key out to Rezal.

"The key of Mjolnir. His majesty must have had a reason to give it to you." Rezal looked in suprise. Then, the key in Janet's hand glittered. The sound of her Avengers ID piped up as well. A beam of light fired to their right, creating a new path of darkness for them.

"Guess that's our exit." Defens said. He placed a hand on the stunned Rezal's shoulder. "We should be on our way."

Janet nodded and shrunk to fly into the portal behind Defens. The portal then closed, leaving the key behind.