Two days later, Egypt, Cairo

Nina entered Nicholas's apartment tired and tense after coming from work. When she walked in, she found the kitchen and dining room lights were still on. When she closed the door from behind, a magnificent odor graced her nose with the scent of bliss. Alurred by the smell, she followed it as it led her to the corridor from the kitchen. A trail of rose petals was neatly arranged on the floor and led to the dining room.

She dropped her bag and cupped her mouth with her hands

"Nicholas?!" She shouted.

She ran to him and enveloped him with an embrace. His sharp biceps came in contact with her, nearly piercing his shirt.

"Oh my god, you're back! I didn't think that you would..."

"...Return," He answered.

Turned on by the touch of his manly voice, she felt numb and weak

"I told you that I would," he said.

She released him from her grip while he placed his hands around her shoulders and firmly held onto her acromions.

"Listen, Nina, I love you. I can not imagine myself living in this world without you. I will always be by your side because you took something from me."

"What would that be?" She inquired—a teardrop stained her right cheek.

"My heart. Now that you have taken it, I'd be happier to take yours."

She wrapped her hands around his neck and smiled back at him, "I'll be more than happy."

The two then sealed a kiss.

***************
Paris, Vanessa's mansion

Near her mansion, a dark silver Royce-Roll Phantom was parked. This creature was very enthralling, beautifully assembled into form by the gods of the automotive industry.

When Madam Bloom stepped out of the car, Clouseau sped up to it and opened the boot; he removed her luggage. Then, he noticed something interesting when Vanessa stepped out of the vehicle. Helena, a pretty young girl, stood by her side.

She was a lovely brunette with milk chocolate brown hair styled in a twin tail and almond-shaped eyes that were a sapphire blue color.

"Bonjour Madame Bloom. Oh, it is nice to see you."

"Good morning Clouseau. It has been a while," she said with a smile.

"Oh, you've brought a lovely young lady."

He gently pulled his mustache to the side, only with playful intent.

"Ah yes, I'd like you to meet Helena. She will be staying with us from now on."

"That is so sweet of you, madame. But if I may ask, what reason do you have for doing this?"

"You see, Clouseau, I adopted Helena. She has no parents, and just recently, she lost her father to a tragic event. He was brutally murdered. Therefore, I made it my responsibility to look after her until she could stand."

Then, Vanessa was visited by a flash of memories.

She then hopped out of the car and gave Helena a cozy embrace.

"They killed my father! Please help me!"

Viper rubbed her back with sympathy and said, "My deepest condolences. But there is nothing that I can do to save him."

She crouched and placed her hands on her cheeks. "I promise you this, though, once I return, I'll see it to the end that I take care of you."

She embraced her once more.

"What's your name, dear?"

"It's Helena," she whimpered.

"Return to the building at once, Helena. I have to uphold." She nodded and returned to the building.

Clouseau smiled at her with delight when she escaped her train of thoughts.

"It is a Magnifique thing that you've done. Taking zhis poor girl under your wings is very touching. You are one of zhe most special people I've met. I am proud to have met you."

"Thank you, Clouseau."

Clouseau then stretched his hand towards her, allowing Helena to take hold of it. When she did that, he said, "Come Helena. Let me show you around the house. There is so much for you to see."

"Oh, really, thank your uncle Clouseau," she responded with a smile.

Clouseau hauled her away while Vanessa looked up to face the roof of her mansion.

"It's good to be back home," she said and deeply breathed.

*************

Anchorage Alaska

Max returned to the military base. He went to the control room and found General Peterson sipping through a cup of coffee while holding a tablet.

When Max stood beside him, Peterson switched off the device and put it on a desk.

"Good to have you back, soldier."

Max placed his hand on his forehead in salute as Peterson addressed him.

"How was your experience in Singapore?"

He sighed before speaking. Then he answered him after some time.

"It was one hell of a battle, General. I won't lie; I didn't think I'd make it out alive. We threw everything at Slicer, but nothing seemed to work. Fortunately, Pete gave Slicer a run for his money."

"What about Slicer? Where is he now?"

"One of Slicer's allies bailed him just when we were about to switch his lights off."

"Ally?" Peterson inquired with furrowed brows.

"Yep, his name is Killertron, and he's believed to be one of the strongest beings across the multiverse."

Peterson turned to face the screen up ahead. He had a stoic look etched on his countenance.

"I think we just started a war with a powerful force. By the sound of it, our existence as a species is in jeopardy."

Max crossed his arms while Peterson continued, "You think a storm is coming?"

Peterson's expression grew more stoic by the second.

"Without a doubt, we've messed with forces far beyond our comprehension. It is a frightening prospect, the thought of Slicer's superiors targeting Earth for conquest."

Max looked down briefly, troubled by his warning; his stomach churned in protest as a result. However, he then curbed his fear.

"Then Earth will be prepared for whatever they throw at us."

*****************

The following day

The birds chirped as their splendid melody graced the Earth with a beautiful tune. The sun took over the mantle to govern the day. It spread its rays across the globe like a sparrow that spread its wings.

Kuhn Lau, Yung Fu, and Pete were at the compound's main gate. The three were talking to Ace. He carried his sack over his shoulder.

"Now that we have defeated Slicer, what will you do next?" Kuhn Lau inquired while Ace looked at the sky with a smile.

"I will join Mother Nature."

"Wait, you're considering living in the forest or something?" Pete inquired.

"Yes, of course, I've lived in the forest since I arrived on Earth. I fell in love with it, protecting endangered animals from poaching and planting new trees. It would be best if you visited once in a while, Pete. Who knows, you might get stronger?"

Pete raised his hands in protest, "No way, man, I'm not gonna experience that bull shit again."

Ace laughed while Kuhn Lah responded, "It sounds like an excellent idea if you asked me. I will visit from time to time, sir Ace.."

"My fellow Guardians, farewell," Ace waved at them, and they did so in return.

They made their way back to the inner courtyard of the compound while Ace bode his departure.

As the three approached a fountain, Pete broke the silence, "Look, man, I'm grateful for your offer, but I have to decline."

"Oh, and why is that?" Yung Fu asked.

"I am a changed man, Yung Fu. I don't want to depend on someone anymore."

Yung Fu placed his finger under his chin, "But Pete, if I were to do that, you would become incompetent regarding your training. What if Killertron comes back to Earth? What will happen then? You won't be able to defend yourself."

"Relax, amigo; I got this. Have you forgotten that I got the Golden Phoenix on my side? I will send Killetron and his goons packing."

Kuhn Lau rubbed his eyes and sighed, "Pete, this is serious. Killetron is not the kind of man you would like to pick a fight with. If you thought Slicer was a nightmare, then you're mistaken. Killertron is in a different league."

"I agree. Killertron took Ace out without laying a finger on him. I don't think that you can take him on, even with the Golden Phoenix. You have to get stronger. That is why I must keep you here so you can grow as a martial artist." Yung Fu said.

He then perched his hand on the upper tier of the fountain while Pete nodded in agreement with him.

"You're right. I have to keep on training."

He glanced at the water flow. The current sprung from the water distribution and filled the basin.

"You know, I face the future optimistically for the first time in my life. I thank you once again. Now, I want the rest of the world to have what I have: happiness. "

Kuhn Lau and Yung Fu smiled at him.

"We are certain that the world will be overjoyed to receive what you have. Now then, let us go inside and watch a movie," said Kuhn Lau.

"Wait, what, you watch movies?" Pete asked.

"Most certainly, although it isn't something I do regularly, an action movie wouldn't hurt. Anyone's up for Bruce Lee."

"Nah, we've been exposed to much Kung fu stuff lately. Let's try something a bit more fast, probably even more furious. So, is anyone up for Fast and Furious Nine?"

"Not a bad idea, plus I love cars. I was hoping for some spidey sense, though. What about Spiderman No Way Home?" Yung Fu asked.

The three glanced at one another and shrugged.

"I can work with that. I'll get the popcorn ready," stated Pete as he rushed to the main hall.

"Huh, Pete, food is always the first thing on your mind," Kuhn Lau and Yung Fu chuckled.