Come As You Are (A!)

Come As You Are
Season 6, Episode 26
Airdate	12/30/2017
Written by	Bridgetterocks
Directed by	Bridgetterocks
Episode Guide
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DEFENDERS ARC This chapter belongs to Assemble!'s Season Six "Defenders" Arc

"Come As You Are" is the twenty-sixth episode of Assemble!'s Season Six and the one hundred and fifty-seventh episode overall.

Plot

Genghis Connie’s.

Suddenly, an elderly man carrying a cane walked inside the restaurant.

-You four… The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. The smart-ass detective. The righteous ex-con. And the kid with a glowing fist… The war for New York is here… So get your sh*t together.-

-The Hand.- Stick pulled a chair and sat down. -They manipulated the Steel Serpent into teaming up with your enemies to keep you distracted, while they finished their Midland Circle.-

-Yes, Ms. Walker. You catch on quick.- The ninja nodded. -None of the others were aware that they were just Gao’s pawns.-

-Can we please avoid the dumb questions? Yes, the K’un-Lunan.-

-It’s not the building, but what’s underneath. There’s a large hole under the Midland Circle.-

-Not stash. Set free. The Hand’s goal is to spread the Beast’s dark influence…-

-No. A demon.-

-It’s no laughing matter, Ms. Jones.- Stick shook his head. -They have been overseeing that single spot for decades, using Fisk and Rand Enterprises to their advantage.-

-What did I say about questions?- Stick retorted.

-Madame Gao brought Harold Meachum back to life and in exchange, she forced him to follow her orders from behind the scenes… Using his son.-

-Yes.-

-We call ourselves the Chaste.- Stick explained. -Sworn enemies of the Hand.- The old man looked at Matt. -I trained him to fight a war. He decided to put on a costume.-

Suddenly, a group of ninjas broke into the restaurant, led by Nobu Yoshioka.

-Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, we meet again.- The Hand's member smirked, pulling his kyoketsu-shoge out and swinging it around.

-But there is no such thing as death.- Nobu tried to hit Daredevil with his weapon, but Luke stepped in front of it and blocked it with his unbreakable skin. -How?- The ninja asked, retrieving the blade again.

Stick pulled a katana out and started slicing his way through Hand’s members, while the rest of the Defenders joined the fight.

Iron Fist channeled his chi through his fist and smashed through the ninjas’ katanas. Jessica grabbed a Hand member from his tunic’s collar and pushed him against a wall, as Connie Lin and her husband, Jin Lin ran out of the building. However, they were intercepted by Madame Gao and her men, who surrounded the couple.

-Harlem’s Protector.- Gao smiled. -I have heard about you.-

-You are in no position to give orders, Mister Cage.- She smiled, pulling out the sword hidden in her walking cane and pointing it at Connie’s back. Luke ran towards Gao, but she held her hand out at him and pushed him away using her telekinesis.

-You shouldn’t have done that.- Gao smiled, as she stabbed Jin’s back and through his chest.

Then, the woman held her sword out and was ready to kill Connie when Jessica jumped at her, punching the woman hard.

However, Gao only took a couple steps backwards and retaliated.

However, her teammates were busy fighting the ninjas and the restaurant owner was still in a dangerous position. Suddenly, Elektra ran towards the woman and picked her up, not slowing down with the weight.

The former Hand member walked inside the restaurant, where Stick greeted her.

-Well, if it isn’t my old protege… I’m glad you decided to join us, Ellie.-

-Our Black Sky.- Nobu turned to the woman.

-Don’t call me that.- Natchios replied bitterly.

-Did I strike a nerve?- He smirked, swinging his kyoketsu-shoge in circles.

-No. That’s what I’ll do to you… Literally.- She tilted her head slightly, pulling out her twin sai.

Nobu tried to hit Elektra with her weapon, but it got tangled around one of her sai. She pulled it towards her, bringing Nobu with it and stabbed the Hand member’s chest. As his lifeless body fell to the ground, Stick cut his head off with his katana.

Gao noticed this and looked at her men, ordering them to retaliate. Elektra started running after the Hand’s vans, trying to stop them. She leaped, landed on the rooftop and started opening a hole with her sai. The evil K’un-Lunan watched this from inside the vehicle, and as soon as Natchios opened a perfect circle, she used her telekinesis to push her away and onto the busy New York streets. Reacting quickly, the ninja performed a backflip, getting herself to safety.

Knightwing Restorations Ltd.’s Office. The next morning.

-Is Colleen here?- He asked.

-I finally did it. The Compound is open.-

-That’s why I’m here.- The man smiled, looking at a black car parked outside.

In a secret hideout, the Defenders, Stick and Elektra discussed how they should move forward.

-They don’t usually die.- Elektra shook his head.

-They can be killed.- Stick corrected her. -If you cut their head off.-

-It’s not all flowers and sunshine, Matty. You never understood that we’re at war. People need to die.-

-I don’t care about casualties. All I care about is destroying the Hand. You think the five of you can save New York? You can’t even save yourselves.- He muttered.

-You’ll always be too weak. You still haven’t stopped whining and crying because of one little accident.-

-Don’t be mad, Matty. Without me, you’d be just another one of the sheep. You’d miss the skills I taught you… You’re still mad at me for leaving, aren’t you? I did what I had to do, Matty.-

-I’m glad to see you finally stopped caring.-

-Good job, Stick.- Elektra commented ironically.

-I’ll deal with his hurt feelings when we’ve finished off the Hand once and for all.- He shrugged. -I’m done talking. We got work to do.-

She walked to Murdock, who was punching the walls.

-Hey, Matthew.- She said, putting her hands on his shoulders.

-You can’t always be saving the world, Matthew. You need to take a break. I can remind you how to relieve your stress.- She started massaging his shoulders slowly. -The battle has begun, Matthew. There’s nothing we can do but fight.-

-I think I know someone.- Elektra smiled.

The Defenders walked towards the side of a restaurant followed by Stick, where a waiter was about to throw a trash bag inside a container.

-Jacques Duchamps?- Elektra spoke up.

When the man turned around, he dropped the bag to the ground, as it broke.

-What are you doing here?- He asked, taking a couple steps backwards.

-Don’t worry, I’m not here to stab you again.- She chuckled.

-The baddest.- Natchios smirked, before stepping closer to Duchamps. -I’m here to request your help against the Hand.-

-I was a loyal member of the Chaste, but after our encounter I’m not in the business anymore.-

-You ditched being a martial artist to wait tables?- The woman laughed.

-Well, you gave me no other choice.- He pulled up his pants, revealing his prosthetic limbs. -After you stabbed my back, I became paraplegic.-

-I’ll take it from here.- Stick approached the man. -Do you know anyone who would be willing to help?-

-Well…- Duchamps started. -I have a friend who would be more than willing to save New York… And I could put in a good word for you.- He looked at Stick.

The Hand members regrouped at Midland Circle, assessing their losses. Madame Gao, Bakuto, the White Hat and Murakami looked at each other.

-Nobu’s dead.- The woman informed the others.

-それは本当に残念だ- Murakami looked down slightly, as Sowande took his head off.

-It is a shame indeed.- Bakuto nodded. -What shall we do?- He looked at the rest. -Find a replacement?-

-Who could ever replace one of the Five Fingers of the Hand?- Sowande, the White Hat, chuckled.

-I might know someone.- The other suggested.

-Who?- Gao inquired.

-I trained her… She’s become very proficient.-

-彼女は喜んで参加するだろうか?- Murakami asked.

-She will take part in anything that I suggest.- Bakuto shrugged it off. -I already took her to the Compound, and enlisted some of her students.-

Suddenly, Wilson Fisk walked inside the building.

-Who authorized the completion of this building?- Kingpin asked.

The four remaining Fingers of the Hand turned around at the forceful leader of the Hand. He had taken over each of the five factions and acted as a link between them.

-Nobu did.- Sowande replied bitterly.

-そして、彼は行ってしまった- Murakami added.

-Gone? How gone?- Fisk asked.

-The Black Sky did it.- Gao nodded.

-I knew that was a bad idea.- Wilson shook his head, walking around the Fingers. -Well, he organized bringing Elektra back to life, so he had it coming.-

-Fisk.- Gao replied sternly.

-Gao.- He stared into her eyes, but she didn’t look down.

Eventually, Kingpin nodded. -Next time you’re going to authorize anything, you will ask for my permission.- He ordered, as he walked out of the room.

-しかし、あなたはここにいません- Murakami whispered as the doors shut behind Fisk.

The Defenders, Elektra and Stick awaited for Duchamps’ contact on a rooftop.

-We can’t. That’s what makes it fun.- Natchios smiled.

Suddenly, a large, white aerial vehicle appeared in front of them. On it's rear end, it had a moon shaped vertical wing.

Elektra smiled at Marc and nodded. -I already like him.-

-Even if we take down the Midland Circle, they’ll bring it back up. They get the funding from your company and the heroin trade.- The old man replied.

The Defenders, Elektra and Stick stood on top of a rooftop next to Madame Gao’s warehouse.

-The Hand has infiltrated the police, too.- Stick pointed out. -All it takes is a high rank officer cutting surveillance on this place, and the rats come back in.-

The workers stopped their tasks and faced the vigilantes, as they started to fight them displaying impressive fighting skills. From atop the stairs leading to the warehouse, Madame Gao smiled as the battle took place.

Moon Knight leaped and threw six crescent darts at their opponents, as Hellcat ran towards a wall, jumped and did a backflip, kicking a man’s head. Elektra grabbed her sai and spun gracefully, stabbing the henchmen as she moved past them.

Seeing how her workers were being slaughtered by Elektra and Stick, and knocked out by the Defenders, Gao walked down the stairs and held out her hand at the heroes, pushing them against the wall with her telekinesis.

-Gao…- Stick smirked. -Long time no see. I was surprised you didn’t come see me at the restaurant. I was starting to worry about you.-

-I appreciate your concern, but I have little time to spare on pleasantries, Stick. I’m busy trying to fulfill the Hand’s true purpose.-

-It'll never happen.-

-It's already happening. You're just unable to see it.- She smiled, pulling out her cane sword and holding it out at Stick.

-We’ve done this over and over again, Gao. I thought you’d get bored eventually.- Stick stood up and unsheathed his katana.

-I spent most of the 17th century being interrogated. I’m used to the lack of innovation.-

The two elders’ swords clashed, as they moved around the warehouse.

-Are you going to give up soon?- She inquired.

-I’m not one to give up on things.-

-Then I’ll have to cut this duel short. As I’ve previously stated, I’m busy.- She smirked, using her left hand to push Stick against a pile of boxes in a corner.

Seeing how Gao was about to escape, Hellcat stood up and ran towards the K’un-Lunan, whose reflexes allowed her to pull out her curved blade and make a deep cut on the woman’s side, who fell to the ground. Jessica ran towards her best friend and started applying pressure on the wound.

-If I were you, I would get going. She won’t survive long.- Gao smirked, walking out of a door. Daredevil tried to follow her, but when he opened the door again, she was no longer there.

-You have trouble believing that but not that a blind lawyer can see, or that he is bulletproof?- Elektra raised her eyebrows, nodding at Luke.

The next morning, as the Defenders were about to leave Claire’s apartment, Murdock walked inside Temple’s room, where she was searching through her wardrobe.

-Look who’s here!- Lester exclaimed joyfully.

Elektra helped Colleen up, before turning to face Bullseye.

-What are you gonna do now?- Wing asked. -You just lost your last knife.-

-You still don't get it, do you? I'm Bullseye. In my hands, anything is a weapon…- He picked up the garbage can with ease and threw it towards the women, who dodged it. Elektra pulled her other sai out and threw both of them at the Hand member, who laughed at the attempt. He turned around, ready to pick up one of her sai.

-I wouldn’t do that if I were you.- She warned him. However, he wasn’t backing off. -Don’t. Touch. My Sai!- Natchios yelled, running towards her enemy and kicking his chest repeatedly. He grabbed her leg and tried to immobilize her, but the Black Sky used Lester’s body for support, doing a flip above him and landing next to her twin sai. She slid her leg against his knees, making him drop. She picked up her trademark weapons and held one of them against his neck.

-You can’t do it… Can you?- He chuckled. -I have to say I'm flattered. I didn't know if I'd still have this effect on you. I mean, I know I'm not the only one who's killed you. But I guess it's true what they say… You never forget your first.-

Enraged, she was ready to slice his throat when she was hit by one of Lester’s knives. He had picked it up during the confrontation. Natchios took a couple steps backwards and when she was ready to keep the fight, Bullseye was on a rooftop already, waving bye.

As the two women walked inside the Defender’s warehouse, Colleen ran towards Danny, as they embraced.

-We should get going.- Stick said.

-No place or land will stay safe for long. We better start running now.-

-Does everyone here know his secret identity?- Elektra inquired.

-It’s not gonna be that simple.- Stick shook his head. -The Hand is a global organization. But… We could get rid of the remaining Fingers.-

-Bakuto, Gao, Murakami, Nobu and Sowande. Nobu’s gone already…-

The Defenders, Elektra, Stick, Misty and Rafe gathered at the Midland Circle’s entrance.

-I’ll stall the cops.- Scarfe said. -You do… Whatever it is you have to do.- He looked at the heroes.

-Oh, you definitely do.-

The Defenders, joined by Elektra and Stick, walked inside the building, where they were immediately greeted by Hand ninjas.

-Shut up.- Stick grunted.

The Defenders ran towards the ninjas, who in turn were headed their way.

Daredevil and Hellcat leaped, both kicking a Hand member’s chest. Luke and Misty ran towards a pair of ninjas, punching their faces.

In striking contrast, Elektra and Stick were visibly comfortable bringing the hurt, in a very violent and bloody way.

-What’s going on, Matthew?- Elektra asked.

-That’s where they are releasing the Beast.- Stick nodded, confirming his thoughts.

-The kid is right.- Stick said. -This must be the final, permanent strike.-

Luke and Misty started placing the C-4 around the building, while the rest of the Defenders headed to the subterranean hole.

As the two heroes from Harlem were placing the explosives, they were approached by Sowande, who was smirking.

-Mercedes Knight. I heard you were lookin’ for me…- The man said. -And Luke Cage. I never got to thank you. For gettin’ rid of Cottonmouth and Diamondback… As hard as Dillard and Shades try, they’re not good enough.-

-That’s the thing, Detective Knight. I don’t strive to be “good”.- He chuckled. -Nor bad. I wanna transcend those terms… I’ve lived long enough to be on both sides of that coin.-

-If everything goes as planned, none of us are.- He ran towards the man with unbreakable skin and staggered him with his blows through the use of pressure points.

-I wouldn’t do that if I were you.- He laughed. -We’re surrounded by explosives.-

-So would your friends.- He smirked.

As soon as the rest of the Defenders got to the hole, they were greeted by Bakuto, who held his arms out at them.

-Colleen! Have you considered my offer?- He smiled.

-Oh, that wasn’t me! That was Lester!- He dismissed the claim. -I just told him everything he needed to know.- His face hardened, now showing how evil he truly was. He swiftly pulled out his own sword and clashed it against Colleen’s. Claire ran to aid her new friend, holding out her knife.

-黒い空…- Murakami whispered to Madame Gao, pointing at Elektra.

-Oh, yes.- The lady nodded, smiling. -It looks like Nobu wasn’t so mistaken after all. I’ve been alive long enough to watch the world change in many ways. But this change now, it feels significant.-

The woman turned around, lighting the candles that formed a regular pentagram on the ground. Suddenly, she turned around and pushed Iron Fist away, hitting his chest hard.

-We have to stop her!- Stick said running to the woman, followed by Daredevil and Elektra.

Gao pulled out her cane sword and held it against Stick’s, while she skillfully dodged Murdock and Natchios’ attacks.

Masterfully, Bakuto held his own against Colleen and, after a fair fight, eventually overpowered his student.

-After all that we've been through, at least we can take some comfort knowing that in your final moments you'll be giving to the Hand.- He smirked.

-No I haven't Colleen, not yet… You disappoint me. As a child, all you ever wanted was to belong to something. That's why I saved you, Colleen, raised you, because that same desire was once in me. Is this your family now, hmm? Well, let me remind you who you really are by taking that away… I wish it could end another way.-

-ハンド. 空…- Murakami started chanting.

-He’s gonna unleash the Beast!!! Stop him!- Stick ordered.

Moon Knight threw a crescent dart at the Hand member, while he ran towards him alongside Hellcat and Jessica.

-…クラン…- The Hand’s Finger pulled out his tonfa and hit Patsy with it, pushing her away.

-…獣…-

Jones was about to punch the Hand member, but he grabbed her fist and pushed her aside. Then, he grabbed the crescent dart Spector had thrown at him earlier and slashed his palm, making blood drop in the middle of the pentagram.

-自由になれ!- Murakami screamed.

Everyone in the room stopped moving, and turned around to see the geometrical shape set up by Gao’s candles. From within, a ghostly looking monster rose, flying towards Elektra and entering her body. Violently, she levitated and then crashed against the floor, as her red outfit became black and her eyes turned red.

-She was the Black Sky…- Stick muttered.

-You seem surprised.- Gao commented.

-I was hoping we would all be wrong…-

As the ground shook underneath them, Sowande pulled out his guns and held them at Misty. -The Beast has been unleashed.- He smiled. -I have achieved my goal. Now I can shoot you and end you and your friends for good.- The White Hat pulled the triggers repeatedly.

-What?!- Sowande asked surprised, trying to reload.

-Ellie…- Stick walked to his protege slowly. -I know you’re still there… Dig deep.- Without a word, she dug her sai into his chest and pulled them out, as the old man fell to the ground.

-Matty…- The man faced Daredevil, who pulled his mask off. -N-None… Of you are l-l-living up to… Your full potential… You-You’re good, but you c-c-can do better… Grab life by the throat, and never let go…- He whispered, before any sign of life left his body.

Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Night Nurse approached Elektra, whose already superb fighting skills, speed and strength had been enhanced. With extreme ease, she dodged the heroes’ attacks and countered with her sai.

Iron Fist and Moon Knight stood in front of Madame Gao, who was holding her cane before her.

-The Protector of K’un-Lun and the Avatar of Khonshu.- She smiled at them. -You are supposed to be formidable adversaries but… In all honesty, you lack a lot.- She moved towards Spector and hit certain spots with her bare hands, paralyzing the vigilante.

Rand closed his eyes, and put his right fist against his left palm, as Daredevil faced Elektra. Suddenly, Danny’s fist started glowing.

Natchios opened her eyes, now back to the usual blue Matt loved so much. He ran to Elektra and held her close.

-Matthew…- She whispered.

Immediately, she looked at the Hand members, who were desperately trying to free the Beast again. Then, she faced Matt. -You need to leave, now. Blow the building up.-

-Matthew… This is who I am. This is my purpose. I am the Black Sky. And while I’m around… Not even the stars are safe in the sky.-

-Let them come.- She dismissed them. -I’ll stall them until you’re safe.-

-Matthew, after all these years?- She smiled. -Haven’t you realized that it’s my way or the graveyard?-

-I know I am. Now go.- She nodded, as he kissed her. She kissed back, placing her hands behind his neck.

As the Defenders got on the elevator, she smiled at them before turning around.

-Have you finally decided to serve the Hand?- Gao inquired, smiling.

-I. Serve. No one.- She replied sternly.

-あなたは私たちを倒すことができると思いますか？あなたは力がない.- Murakami said confidently.

-I don’t need powers to do what I do.-

-Of course not. You’re the Black Sky.- Madame Gao smirked.

-Elektra is my real name.- She answered, as she ran towards the two remaining Fingers of the Hand.

As the Defenders got out of the elevator, they met up with Luke and Misty.

As the heroes started to go their separate ways, Danny walked to Matt.

Jessica and Luke walked to them.

Moon Knight approached Luke.

Notes

• Songs featured in this episode:
  • Good Life - OneRepublic
• Jessica Jones' sprite was made by User:SpencerWalker21.
• Matt Murdock's sprite was made by User:Sunder4321.

Gallery

"The war for New York is here… So get your sh*t together."

"But there is no such thing as death."

"You ain’t the only one with powers."

Iron Fist vs Nobu

"Harlem’s Protector. I have heard about you."

"Jesus, am I the only one left who doesn’t know karate?"

"Our Black Sky."

"No. That’s what I’ll do to you… Literally."

Elektra after the Hand

"Detective Knight, what a pleasant surprise."

"しかし、あなたはここにいません"

"I'm here"

"I am vengeance. I’m a ghost now… A specter of the moon… The moon’s knight of vengeance…"

"It's already happening. You're just unable to see it."

"This is Colleen Wing. She has been my apprentice for some time now and she’s one of the most proficient swordswomen I’ve ever met."

Elektra saves Colleen Wing

The Defenders unite

The Defenders vs The Hand

Luke Cage defeated by Sowande

"黒い空…"

Madame Gao vs Iron Fist

Night Nurse about to kill Bakuto

Misty Knight shields herself

Misty Knight kills Sowande

The Beast unleashed

Elektra possessed by the Beast

"We won’t let you take over Hell’s Kitchen. I will fight. Forever. For everyone, whether they know it or not. Whether they are watching or not. I will always fight."

Iron Fist saves Elektra

"Elektra is my real name."

"You’d better just drop me at 110th Street. Guys in white hoods aren’t exactly welcome in Harlem."

♫ This could really be a good life, a good, good life ♫

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