Part III: The Champion of the Gods/Mission: The Witch on Wundagore Mountain

==Mission: The Witch on Wundagore Mountain==
Everyone is gathered around the Mirror Table. Caretaker laments that Lilith is about to consume all of Transia with her demonic energy. Captain America points out that we have the Godkiller, but no one knows how to get enough to use it on Lilith with Fallen Hulk protecting her.
Agatha appears and tells everyone that the answer is right in front of you; the most powerful creature on Earth isn't the Hulk, it's Wanda. A squad forms up to support Wanda and they head to the Temple of Chthon in Transia.
As they arrive, Scarlet Witch declares that she's ready to stop holding back her abilities and unleash her full power. She flies forward to meet Fallen Hulk, smashing him into the Temple before lifting him in the air over her head, bound with a spell. Hunter is in disbelief at her strength.
Lilith emerges from the Temple and frees Hulk. She tries to corrupt Wanda again; Wanda pretends to be falling under Lilith's spell before blasting her back into the Temple, sealing her there. The squad turns to face Hulk.
During the battle, Hunter absorbs Hulk's darkness three times. Hulk refuses to stay down, so Hunter leaps on his back and begins speaking the incantation from The Book of Thoth. The demonic energy strains Hunter's collar, cracking it further, but Hunter completes the spell. Hulk changes back into Bruce Banner, free of Lilith's influence.
==That Night==
Caretaker is waiting for Hunter back inside the Abbey. Hunter expects to be reprimanded for acting recklessly, but on the contrary, Caretaker wants to congratulate them on what they accomplished. She notices that the cracks in Hunter's collar have worsened, and warns that the collar cannot be replaced. She used up the last of her ancestral powers to create the collar, so it is not possible to make another.
Hunter heads to the Forge to check on Bruce, passing a group at the bar in the Common Room celebrating today's victory. 
Bruce begins speaking apologetically to Hunter, but Tony and the others come in and interrupt. Nico tells Bruce that nobody wants to play the name game, and Strange says the group is here to welcome him back. The conversation turns to what Bruce might know from his time with Lilith that could be turned against her. Bruce says he has lots of ideas, but no idea how to get started. Tony and Strange gleefully suggest an Avengers All-Nighter to figure it out.
Hunter finds Blade and Carol outside, sitting together looking up at the stars. The way they're talking with each other shows the two have feelings for each other. Hunter intrudes on their private moment but leaves them after they make it clear they want to be alone.
==The Next Day==
A group is gathered out in the Yard, looking at the sky which has turned green. Doctor Strange says that the prophecy is nearly complete, and Caretaker adds that Chthon is making his way to our dimension. Everyone but Bruce goes inside.
Bruce explains that he was too focused on understanding what was going on with the Hulk; this obsession led him to find Lilith and then it was too late. He laments the mistakes he made, but Hunter tells him that what truly matters is how we rebuild.
Bruce tells Hunter that he can still sense Lilith in his mind, as his irradiation keeps him attuned to her. Hunter is concerned, asking if this link puts the Abbey in danger. Bruce explains that Lilith could already attack the Abbey any time she pleases. When Wanda chased the group back to the Abbey, she pierced the Abbey's barrier, and that was all that Lilith needed. Hunter wonders why Lilith hasn't attacked the Abbey directly. Bruce explains that Lilith doesn't want to "win" or destroy the world. He's not clear on exactly what her plans are, but they involve more than just killing the heroes. 
Doctor Strange summons Hunter to the Forge. As Hunter approaches, Magik and Strange are talking about how the dagger has started to glow, as if it knew its owner is approaching. Strange tells Hunter that time has almost run out and he must start researching the Godkiller now.
Hunter finds a group talking in the War Room. S.H.I.E.L.D. is telling the public that the green sky doesn't represent an Avengers-level threat. Tony feels the public should know the truth. Nico says that it doesn't matter, since nobody is going to believe that a primordial god is going to wake up and destroy the earth. Steve sides with Nico.
Robbie, Peter, Blade and Carol are out in The Shop. Peter is worried about Aunt May and MJ without him there, but the others help him realize that right now he needs to be where he is, keeping Lilith's eyes on them instead of the rest of the world. Robbie is his usual optimistic yet slightly clueless self, saying that he thinks maybe we got this. Blade and Carol share a similar midset of spending what could be their last hours with friends, doing what they want to do.
At the Mirror Table, Wanda advises Caretaker that Lilith needs the team to attack her in order to fulfill the prophecy. So, rather than rushing into things, they can take the necessary time to prepare and to help people around the world. Caretaker recommends to Hunter that they do just that. She also thinks they should take Banner along, as he needs to get some wins before the final showdown.
That night, Sara and Agatha are at the Crater. Agatha wonders why Sara came here, as it is a place of painful memories for her. Sara explains that she wanted to remind herself that her sister can be slain. 
Caretaker talks to Hunter about the significance of this location, and expresses her regret at failing Hunter in the first battle against Lilith. She tells Hunter that they are her only child and asks them to promise that she won't lose them again.
Agatha says that she and Sara love Hunter like their own child. When Hunter died, the two of them were inconsolable for decades. She is certain things will be different this time, as Hunter has friends to fight by their side.
Tony, Bruce, and Doctor Strange are in the Forge hard at work. Tony can't believe that he's working here, when he is used to working in multi-million dollar labs. Bruce is happy to have this work as a distraction right now. Strange has noticed that the Godkiller reacts to Hunter's presence, and believes that it will only allow Hunter to wield it.
In the Common Room, Nico announces that tonight's activity will be the last movie before the end of the world. She picks Summer Camp Tango, which both Carol and Robbie have fond memories of. She asks Hunter to join, and the whole group enjoys themselves bonding over the movie.
When Hunter goes to sleep, Lilith appears in their dream. Hunter asks why she never told him the truth; Lilith explains that the decision to sell her soul to save their life was hers alone, and did not want to burden them with that. She says that she loves Hunter and would do anything for them. She only asks that they stand by her side. When Hunter refuses, she tells them that even when they fail to stop her, the offer will still stand.
== The Following Day ==
When Hunter enters the Forge, Magik and Doctor Strange are arguing. Magik is urging him to tell everyone what he has learned about the Godkiller. Strange says that intends to, but he needs to do it in his own way. 
Strange talks to Hunter about his findings. He's determined that the blade wasn't just made to fight Chthon, it's made of Chthon. He explains that according to ancient texts, when the forces of humanity drove Chthon out from our dimension they sliced off a part of him. That piece was thought to be lost to the ages until now, where we have found it has been forged into a blade.
Hunter feels drawn to it, as if it wants them to pick it up. Strange notes that they are probably the only one who can; any attempts he has made to touch it have not gone well.
Suddenly, Magik bursts in, with Caretaker not far behind her. She overheard their conversation and is angry that Strange kept the information to himself. He explains that he merely wanted to consult with Hunter privately before telling the rest of the team. Caretaker says that she suspected it was part of Chthon, but gives Hunter her approval to pick it up if they wish. 
Strange points out that Lilith may have another plan for the Godkiller; she may want to use it to complete Chthon, which is a sobering thought for everyone.
Hunter asks Agatha if she knows anything about the Godkiller. Hunter tells her that it feels like the blade recognizes them. She has no explanation for that. However, since Strange learned the blade's origins she has done more research. According to the texts she has been reading, only Chthon can kill Chthon. The dagger may be the only thing in creation that can destroy him.
When Hunter is ready, they speak to Caretaker to begin preparations to face Lilith for the final time.
Next: Part III: The Champion of the Gods/Mission: The Midnight Sun
Category:Story