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The Long Road Ahead

True enough to Fury’s word, and thanks to the aid of all those Captain America had rallied, the Helicarrier was fixed and bolstered and ready for the long flight ahead to the Starkiller Base. All damages to the hull and weapons were made and the smaller vessels, the Millennium Falcon and the Milano, were stored within the ship’s hanger bay; along with an extra Quinjet already stored inside as well. Finally with all of the heroes onboard and the remaining S.H.I.E.L.D. staff taking position the Helicarrier was soon airborne and eventually “space-born”, flying out and up into the stars to make its way to the final battle to come.

Watching as the ship flew through space Fury said to himself “This job never ceases to amaze.” He turned and asked Maria Hill “Estimated arrival?”

“At this speed, sir, we’re looking at about six to seven hours.” She answered.

“Make it any sooner and when we get out of this you get a promotion, Hill.”

“Didn’t think there’s anything higher than the director’s second-in-command.” She retorted.

He only gave a quick “You’d be surprised.” Before walking off and out of the command deck and into the rest of the Helicarrier.

Eventually he reached a small conference-like room where he found a handful of the heroes standing around a table that had a holographic map of Starkiller base displayed. The heroes consisted of Cap, Iron Man and Black Panther, Star-Lord and Gamora, Obi-Wan and Yoda, Queen Elsa and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible; all the superheroes without their masks to hide their identities.

As Fury stepped in h addressed them all with “Whatever you’ve all been planning we’ve got about six hours before it gets put into play.”

Nodding Steve replied “Then I suggest we get what rest we can.” Looking amongst the others he asked “So we’re all in agreement then?”

“It’s the best and only plan we have at this point.” T’Challa replied. He then looked to Fury before asking “Is there still no word from Doctor Strange?”

Shaking his head he answered “We’ve tried every form of communication. Nothing. Then again it’s not like the sorcerer supreme tends to carry around a cellphone.”

“Strange is a resourceful guy.” Tony replied. “He’ll pop up somewhere. T’Challa’s right. We stick to the plan ahead and hopefully put an end to all this.”

“And if we don’t?” Elsa had to ask. “Even if we beat Thanos and stop him from taking over, what if we can’t fix what’s happened to our worlds? Our homes?”

Everyone had looked to Steve when the question arose, he only saying “We’ll cross that bridge when he come to it. But we can’t let that worry us now. Right now we have one job: stopping Thanos.”

“Agree with Steven I do.” Yoda spoke up. “Great and terrible powers I sense at Starkiller Base. The Darkside is strong there. Fight together and as one we must. Clouded we cannot let our minds be.”

Hearing that Tony quipped “You know for a little green….whatever you are, you’re pretty good at the pep talks.”

Smiling Yoda only replied “Nearly 900 years I have had to learn. Yes.”

“Then we should ready then.” Obi-Wan insisted in a friendly manner. “Let us hope we all come through in the end.”

“Yes. Lets.” Helen Parr assured.

A final nod was shared among them before Yoda ended with “May the Force be with us.”

With that everyone eventually exited the room and went their separate ways on the ship. Even as Tony and T’Challa went to make their own preparations Steve decided he needed time to himself, walking off from them and going off towards one of the lower levels of the ship. A small window looked out to space which Steve found himself starring out into as he contemplated whatever was to come.

“Do you have a moment?” he heard Obi-Wan say nearby, making him look to see the Jedi had come down to the same level as him.

Steve nodded before Obi-Wan stood next to him, looking out the same view of space, with him saying “Never get used to it. Being out in space like this.”

“Really?” Obi-Wan replied. “Where I come from it’s practically the only way of getting anywhere. I suppose where you’re from you haven’t even reached personal star crafts, have you?”

Huffing a smile he replied “Can’t say we have. Yet. But I’m sure if you give Tony a week he’d figure out something.” After that his smile vanished as he said “To be honest I’ve always felt like I’ve never actually belonged to my world.” When Obi-Wan had asked about it Steve explained “Where I come from-where I came from actually-there was a war that I fought in. Then I wound up frozen under ice for decades before I was found. When I woke up everything I knew, everyone I’d know, it all changed. Even after all that fighting there always seems to be another one just around the corner.”

Nodding Obi-Wan replied “Before all of this Ahsoka and I were in the middle of a war. Our whole galaxy was caught in the middle of it. My order, the Jedi, we were meant to protect the innocent. But with the war we were forced to fight and lead men into battle. At times it does seem like I do not recognize who I or my friends are. But I trusted my judgement and I trusted in the Force that in the end everything would make sense again.”

“War changes everything.” Steve replied. “For good or for bad, that always remains to be seen. Fury once told me all you can do is hope for the best and take what you get.”

After saying “I agree.” Obi-Wan held something out to Steve. Taking it and examining it Steve asked what it was, the Jedi Master explaining “A lightsaber. The weapon of the Jedi. It belonged to a friend, one who became more lost than we did when all of this insanity took place.” After seeing how Steve was surprised by the blue blade of energy that sprung from it Obi-Wan continued “If you’re going to lead us with a shield, captain, perhaps you should also carry a blade as well.”

Steve eventually deactivated the saber and, looking to Obi-Wan, nodded “Thank you. I’m honored.” Gesturing with the saber in hand he added “When we find your friend, and we will find him when this is over, I’ll be sure we get this back to him.”

Bowing his head Obi-Wan thanked him before both looked to the view of space again. They both remained silent for the rest of the time they stood together, just thinking of what was to come and how they both awaited and feared what they would face. But at least they would not be alone.

**********

Within another section of the ship Ahsoka, speaking with Mulan, had given her a gift to which Mulan asked “You’re giving me a lightsaber?”

“You’ve proven you’re pretty handy in a fight.” Ahsoka admitted. “And while you may not have the Force you’d sure make a good Jedi. I think it’s only fitting. Besides not like we don’t have a few spares on-hand when we need them.”

Mulan looked the weapon over, activating to see it had a green blade, before asking “Then what about my family’s sword?”

“Keep it. You never know.” Ahsoka assured her. “Just take it as a precaution. I’m usually used to fighting droids and Sith but who knows what’ll be waiting for us at the end of this trip. It just always pays to be safe.”

Accepting it and putting the saber on her belt Mulan said “Thanks. But you’re right. I’m worried about what’s waiting for us at this ‘Star-Destroyer’ place. And my family back home.” She let a sigh and admitted “I’m afraid of what will happen after all of this.”

“Fear. Often a path to the Darkside it is.” They both suddenly heard and turned to see Yoda, accompanied by Tinkerbell. As both of the heroines acknowledged him he walked up to Mulan while saying “Ture. A Jedi you are not. But as a warrior and one who seeks peace fear must not cloud your thoughts. Yes.”

“I’m sorry.” Mulan said with a somewhat irritated tone. “But I can’t help that. I don’t know if you have anything to worry about back where you come from but I have a family. Friends. People I care about.”

The fairy zipped in front of her and jingled something, Yoda then saying “Peace, Tinkerbell. Offended I am not.” When she subsided Yoda quickly explained “Protective of me she is. Saved her life I did and thus she feels she owes me. Yes.” He then spoke to Mulan and assured “See them again, your loved ones, you shall. For all life is connected through the Force. Great. Small. Strong. Alone. All are extensions of it. Fear clouds the mind. Makes you blind to what is in front of you it does. You must learn to let go. Do not let fear control you. You control it.”

After hearing all of it she sighed “I don’t think I really know how.”

He placed one of his three-fingered hands on her and smiled “Show you Padawan Ahsoka and I will. Yes.”

Ahsoka had nodded to assure her she would help, Mulan nodded before sitting down and cross-legged as Yoda instructed. Ahsoka and even Tinkerbell followed and all were sitting in a circle as Yoda instructed to breathe in and focus their thoughts.

As they mediated Ahsoka had finally asked “Master Yoda? There’s something I need to know.” As the old master looked with curiosity she said “You’re from the future, right? Our future? Does that mean you know what happens after the Clone Wars? Do we win? What happens to me or Master Obi-Wan? Or Anakin?”

Seeing the look on his face had told Ahsoka he knew the answers to all but they were not good ones. Yoda sighed as he seemed to contemplate what to say to satisfy her before finally giving his answer.

“The future is not one to be known, Ahsoka. It is to be experienced. To be learned. The answers come to you they will with time. To be ready for what answers you will find, meditate on that you should. Yes.”

While clearly not what she wanted to hear Ahsoka accepted her master’s advice. She nodded and, with a deep breath, sunk back into her mediation like the rest of them. Silence was their only companion for the remainder of the journey but it was a friend they shared together in mediation. And for once during this whole adventure Mulan began to understand…

**********

As Aladdin and Jasmine walked through the ship the princess asked “Are you worried?”

“Guess I’d be lying if I said ‘no’.” He admitted. “You?”

“A little.” She answered. They stopped as they looked out to a view of space, she saying “This is all so much to take in. People from other worlds. Titans. Flying men and machines.”

“Not to mention a planet that can apparently destroy other planets and talking animals.” He pointed out. “And here I thought Genie was the weird one.”

“I hope everyone back home is safe.” She admitted. “I’m really worried about what’s going to happen. What if we can’t make it back?”

When she looked to him for the answer he was just as stumped as she was. Aladdin had to consider that fact with a deep heart, something that was already troubling with just keeping the one he loved safe from whatever dangers these new villains had to throw at them.

Taking her and holding her close he assured “As long as we’re together, I don’t care where we end up.”

That managed a smile from her as she said “Always the thief. Stealing my heart with such sweet words.” As Aladdin smiled and kissed her, she kissing back, they broke away after hearing something that made the princess ask “Is that….music?”

The melody was unfamiliar to either of them but it was apparent. A man’s voice sung which drew them both closer and closer to the source, not too far down the hall from where they had been standing. Eventually they came to a room with the sliding doors ajar slightly to peer in and see where the source of the music was.

Peter Quill and Gamora were both dancing closely to the song Earth Angel by the Temptations. They were slowly going back and forth between their feet while holding each other as intimately as possible, looking into their eyes and smiling.

They dance was eventually disrupted by Jasmine clearing her throat, gaining their attention as she said “Sorry. We were nearby and we heard the music. We’ve never heard it before.”

“What?” Peter asked. “They don’t play the Temptations where you come from?” When they both shook their heads he commented “Bet you guys don’t even have vinyl then.”

As Aladdin apologized for both he and Jasmine again, insisting they should let them be, Gamora then said “No, it’s fine. We were just….doing our relaxation ritual.”

“Ritual?’ Aladdin asked.

Quill began to explain “It’s what we like to call it. When we know we have a big fight up ahead, and when we have enough time, we try to relax with some music and calm words. Helps when we know they’re probably going to be a lot of explosions and bad guys up ahead.”

Both of the royals nodded before Gamora realized “I guess we never did get to properly introduce ourselves. I’m Gamora.”

As Aladdin and Jasmine introduced themselves as well before Peter introduced “Peter Quill. They call me Star-Lord.”

“Aladdin. Thief turned prince.” He boasted a little as Peter had with his title.

Hearing that Peter pointed out “Huh. A thief and a princess. That along with half of the others we’ve met you guys practically stand out as normal.”

Jasmine smirked a bit before asking “What about you two?”

“We’re a lot like the rest of the Guardians.” Gamora explained. “Thieves, mercenaries and killers all turned heroes. Not that we had wanted to at first. Long story there.”

“I heard you knew Thanos too.” Jasmine pointed out.

She was a little upset as she only answered “That’s another long story.”

Trying to calm her and the others Peter insisted “Hey, what are we just standing around for? Let’s make this pre-possible last battle-ritual thing happen, huh?”

He hurried over and turned up the music before taking Gamora again and dancing with her. Seeing the way they did it Aladdin and Jasmine looked at each other and shrugged before deciding to try for themselves; having danced with each other before of course but not in the manner they were.

Like the two Guardians Aladdin and Jasmine lightly swayed back and forth on their feet with each other. At first one moved too slowly for the other before trying to fix themselves before eventually reaching the right tempo. As they continued they began to find it as relaxing as Peter Quill and Gamora had said, looking to each other and smiling.

“This is…actually really nice.” Jasmine admitted.

As Aladdin agreed he reassured her with “When we make it out of this I promise, we’ll dance like this every night. I promise.”

As if to solidify the promise he made Jasmine kissed him as he kissed back. The two continued to sway while their lips remained locked. Seeing this made Gamora and Quill smile at each other as well, they kissing as well while the music played on.

~I’m just a fool. A fool in love with you.~

**********

Wanda and the Vision had been kissing for some time, neither wanting to truly stop. So much time had passed it was unclear how long they would have left before arriving at Starkiller Base.

“Wanda…” Vision finally managed after breaking away. “We really should stop.”

“I know.” She replied before kissing him again. “I’m going to rest before we arrive. Will you be alright?”

“I have some final preparations to make myself. But, yes, I will be.”

One final kiss was shared before she said “Promise me you’ll make it out of this one.”

“We both will. I promise that much.”

“More of your calculations?”

“It is what I hope for.” He only replied, that being enough of an answer as she eventually walked away.

Vision had watched as the magical mutant eventually left him alone. He stood there in silence for a moment, his own synthetized thoughts on what would awaiting both them and their allies once they faced their enemy, before turning to be off on his small errand.

[Hello.] A robotic voice had caught his attention before turning to see who it was. [I am Baymax. A personal healthcare companion.]

Seeing the robot Vision stopped and nodded “Yes. We met before. Though I believe not under the best of terms. We were, at the time, opponents after all.”

[There is no need to apologize. I am a personal healthcare companion, and am not programmed to carry grudges.]

Looking him over Vision commented “For someone designed for healthcare you do have a lot of armaments.”

Batmax looked down at his body before addressing [My upgrades are for Hiro’s protection. And to help his friends in fighting crime. My basic programming is to assist with healthcare.]

“So it’s because of a human you’ve changed.” Vision replied before smiling “That’s something we seem to have in common.”

Baymax seemed to scan Vision for a moment before pointing out [My readings detect that you are a robotic counterpart. Much like myself. However you are clearly more advanced. Your design suggests a far more advanced mind than any human inventor known on record.]

“That’s because I wasn’t built by a human. Not really.” Vision soon explained. “An artificial intelligence called Ultron was originally built to be a protector for my world. However it saw humanity as a danger to the world and thus intended to destroy it. I was built be to the next step in organic life, Ultron’s ‘Vision’ of a better world.”

[You were built to destroy and yet you became a protector.] Baymax pointed out. [It is a much larger re-programming from healthcare to combat. What made you change?]

Vision looked towards where Wanda had exited and replied “Someone helped to show me humanity is more than destruction. They have their failings, yes, but their nature makes them more than just animals. It’s the same thing that makes you and me more than just machines. I suppose, you could say, there’s a natural beauty that needs to be discovered by both sides.”

Baymax had continued to listen to the Vision before he had finished, both standing in silence. Whether some deeper program or another unknown function in either of them they were both quiet for a long time contemplating.

[It seems humanity is not the only species to evolve.] Baymax pointed out.

“Yes.” Vision smiled. “That is true.”

[It is a privilege to stand among them.]

“I agree, my friend. I agree.”

**********

Mr. and Mrs. Incredible were both looking in on Dash and Violet in a makeshift bedroom they had set up. Both of them were resting, the two parents relieved that their little speedster son had finally calmed from all the excitement.

“You should sleep too.” Bob had insisted to Helen. “We’ve got a big fight ahead of us once we land.”

“You need sleep.” Helen then insisted. “You’re still winded from fighting that big, green Hulk guy.”

“I’ll be fine.” He assured her. “Just rest, honey. I’m going to go clear my head for a bit.”

She nodded, the two sharing a quick kiss before he began to walk off, Helen giving a final “Bob. I know it’s been rough for you, being around a bunch of guys who are probably stronger than you. But no matter what, you’re always our hero.”

As Helen eventually went into the room to rest Bob just gave a big sigh at her words. There was truth in them he couldn’t ignore. He needed time to think which lead him to walk and wandering the halls of the Helicarrier before finding an unexpected arrival not too far away.

“You are the one named ‘Incredible’, yes?” Drax the Destroyer had asked, standing in the middle of the hallway as if waiting for him. When Bob confirmed this he then asked “So your name is ‘Bob Incredible’?”

“What? No. I mean the Mr. Incredible thing it’s just a superhero name. And…” He stopped and asked “I’m sorry, who are you again? And what did you want?”

“I am called Drax. There are some who also call me ‘the Destroyer’.” He replied. “I was hoping we would be able to speak together.” As Bob nodded, not fully understanding what the alien wanted, Drax continued as they walked with “You are a ‘superhero’ from your world. Like Captain Rogers and those other ‘Avengers’, yes?”

“Pretty much. But I’ll admit we’re not as extravagant as some of them seem to be.”

“But your team. The others dressed like you. They are not just your team. They are your family, are they not?”

Bob eventually stopped walking and asked “What are you getting at exactly?”

Drax, stopping as well, had finally addressed “I saw the way you tried to protect your family when fighting the Hulk creature. You were very protective, yet it didn’t seem necessary. They have powers. Like you. Like the Avenger. Even that snow queen and the warriors who carry the sabers of light. Why worry so much?”

“They may have powers but they’re still my family. Of course I’m still going to worry about them. Maybe it’s different for you being a…whatever you are. Maybe that’s why you don’t understand.”

“No. You’re wrong. Actually I understand it perfectly.” Drax retorted. “My family, my wife and daughter, were both taken from me. The one we’re after, Thanos, was responsible. For years I sought nothing but revenge on the man who took my family. And that’s how I eventually found Quill and the others. It took time but I zoon realized in seeking justice for one family I had found another.”

Still not understanding Bob asked “What are you trying to say?”

“Everyone feared me because I was one of the strongest. I used my strength and my hatred to fuel that fear. I attacked Thanos’ pawns and destroyed them. It is how I obtained the name ‘Destroyer’. But after meeting Quill and everyone else I came to call family I found it takes more than strength to protect them. Sometimes the strongest quality in a family is being able to depend on them.” He could tell Bob was effected by those words but Drax only shrugged “Then again perhaps I do not understand. I’m not human after all.”

Drax simply walked away after that to leave Bob to dwell on those thoughts. The super strong superhero found himself feeling as vulnerable as ever as he spent the rest of the trip wondering about an alien managed to reach his humanity so well.

As he passed the room where the other Incredibles slept Drax had seen Helen poking her head out. He only nodded to her as she gave a quick ‘thank you’ for helping to speak some much needed sense into her husband. She then went back into the room to allow him to keep walking.

As he did he said to himself “I still in all honesty think strength wins the day, but perhaps humans are too weak to understand that.”

**********

While Rocket made what last minute upgrades he needed to his weapons and gear he could overhear a conversation nearby; much to his annoyance. Groot, Chewbacca, BB-8 and Stitch had all been sitting around speaking to each other. It may have been in their own languages but Rocket was able to understand all of it.

“I am Groot.”

*Wookie Growl*?

“I am Groot.”

Beep-Beep-Whitle-Buzz.

*Alien Muttering*

*Wookie Growl*

“I am Groot.”

Beep-Whizz-Beep-Beep

*Wookie Growl*

*Alien Muttering*

*Wookie Growl*

*Alien Muttering*

Beep-Boop-Beep

“I am Groot.”

“Ugggh! Enough already!” Rocket finally blurted with his annoyance reaching its limit. “The four of you are ridiculous! Get a bunch of goofballs together and they start talking about all this deep meaning of life nonsense and where does it get you? Nowhere! And me with just another headache!” He packed his things and with a huff gave a final “Sheesh!” before leaving the room.

“I am Groot.” He said, the others all nodding in agreement.

**********

The lower decks of the Helicarrier actually held a lounge of sorts where several of the heroes had found themselves to enjoy a drink. As Thor told one of his many grandiose war stories, a large mug of drink in hand, Maria Hill had been serving drinks to Sam, Janet, Scott, Pietro and Princess Anna were listening and laughing as he boasted how he fought. Janet and Scott were both at their normal sizes as, given the downtime, they enjoyed being around the same height as everyone else for the sake of feeling ‘natural’.

On the other side of the room, away from everyone else, Clint and Merida were sitting together as the Avenger showed the princess the many uses of one of his trick bows and quiver of arrows he was letting her use for the final fight.

“So there I was.” Thor continued. “Mangog had me in his grasp, ready to send me to Hela, and then I managed to summon my hammer just at that moment. And then with a great THOOM made the beast have a true taste of lightning that day! And trust me, it’s a taste you never get out.”
As everyone in the group laughed Merida, looking over, had asked Clint “What’s the big blonde boy going on about?”

“Just Thor telling some of his war stories to get everyone calm and in the mood.” He replied without looking back. “Tends to help them hearing about how a god takes on monsters and fire demons, especially when he’s on our side.”

She huffed and commented “Bit of a blowhard if you ask me.”

“He’s a god. Practically a second nature for him.” Clint added before insisting “Now pay attention. This one’s an explosive. And this one might have the same tip as the tracker arrow, but it’s actually a trick net.”

“Right, right.” Merida nodded with some annoyance.

“And whatever you do, don’t fire the omega arrow unless you’re at least a few yards away.”

“Why?”

“Just take my word for it, kid. And don’t let anyone on our side be nearby when you do.”

Looking over all of the different arrows, along with the bow she was being given, Merida commented “Sure have a lot of fancy tricks for a man who just shoots arrows like me. Whatever happened to just making sure the pointy end went into the target?”

“That sort of all changed when the targets starting getting bigger, meaner, and turning into guys who could eat whole planets.” He took a deep sigh before saying “Just watch your back, okay, kid? I don’t want to go losing someone else on my watch.”

“First off, I’m not that young. Second, if this about your friend who got herself kidnapped?”

“She didn’t…!” Clint began in a fit of anger before backing down. “She didn’t get kidnapped. She gave herself up for my sake. And I owe that woman more than you know. That’s why I have to save her.”

“Lot of determination for some girl.” Merida pointed out before asking “Are you two…?”

“That’s none of your business.” He pointed. He sighed again and said “Sorry. This whole thing has me on edge. As much fun as it is being the hero, taking on titans and monsters and whatever else is waiting for us that’s something I never get used to. And what am I? Just a guy with a fancy bow and arrow.”

“I’m a princess with one too.” Merida pointed out. “Guess we’re both the only real fighters this team has. Everyone else has a fancy gimmick while we do all the real work.”

Seeing her smile had brought some comfort as he smirked “Guess you’re right, Merida. Guess you’re right.” He thought before pointing out “You know Fury has an on-board range in the next room. Care to find out which of us works the hardest?”

“You’re on, fancy pants.” Merida smirked before both were off to test their skills in the final hours before the battle.

**********

Outside where everyone was enjoying their downtime Spider-Man saw as Merida and Hawkeye left for the on-board shooting range. Hanging upside down in the hallway he had a feeling everyone, or at least mostly everyone, would be there. Part of him wanted to go in and join in what fun was to be had before the big battle ahead but he was stopped when he noticed Hiro, alone, standing by himself near one of the windows of the Helicarrier.

After making his way over and hanging from a web upside down Spidey said “You know as fun as solo parties can be, you don’t look like you’re having a good time.”

“Leave me alone. Okay?” Hiro said as he turned away.

“Hey, sorry. I just thought you’d want some company with what time we have left. Plus I don’t see your robot friend around hanging out band aids and lollipops to anyone.”

“Baymax is fine. He’s making some last minute adjustments with that other guy. Vision or whatever.”

“But you’re not worried about him, are you?” Spidey realized. “You’re still worried about your friends.”

With a sigh Hiro admitted “Yeah. First I lost my brother, and then I thought Baymax was all I had left. Now I might have love the four people who still believed in me when I didn’t. If not for them I’d just be another kid at home, trying to get through school again. But right now I feel like I don’t even belong here.”

“Seriously?” Spider-Man dropped down and stood next to him. “Hiro, twice I saw you acting as any rational person would when things were tough. With the Sinister Six. The Hulk. You were pretty impressive. And trust me, that’s saying a lot from a guy like me.”

“Yeah? How would you know? You’re the one with the super powers. I just have my big brain.”

“So does Tony Stark, but you don’t see him complaining.” Still seeing Hiro was upset Spidey sighed and said “Alright. Didn’t want to do this, mainly because I hate when it happens, but time you learned something about me. You think you have issues being a kid?” Spider-Man then removed his mask to reveal the face underneath, admitting “Trying going through high school while juggling being a super hero.” As Hiro asked he answered “My name’s Peter Parker. I’ve been Spider-Man for a few years now, and every time I have to save the world half the time I’m just worrying I make it back before my aunt finds out.”

Seeing his true face Hiro had smirked at Peter “And here I thought you were a redhead.”

Peter smiled back before insisting “I don’t know how long you and the rest of the Big Hero 6 have been at this superhero thing, but from what I saw you guys had a lot more potential when I did when I started. And almost all of it came from you, Hiro. After all you made Baymax and everyone’s suits. It took me weeks just to make my web shooters. All I’m saying is you shouldn’t sell yourself so short.”

Hiro nodded and after taking it in, commented “That short thing isn’t because of my height is it? Because you’re not that tall yourself.”

“Hey! I like to think of it as being hard to hit during the big fights.”

The two laughed before looking back out the window, Hiro saying “Never thought I’d get to see space like this.”

“Me neither.” Peter commented. “Speaking of you think you could help with something?” When Hiro agreed and then asked what it was “Let’s just say we’re going to need as many tricks as possible. And there’s something on the Guardians’ ship I think will give us an edge, provided it doesn’t try to turn me into a monster first.”

**********

In his confided cell Bruce Banner sat alone and in silence. He knew it was for the best as he simply leaned against the glass walls while waiting for whatever was to come. If it meant keeping his unwanted, monstrous side under control for the remainder of this endeavor then so be it.

His silence was interrupted when he heard the door to the room open, looking through his cell to see someone approach and calling “Who’s there?” When they finally made their presence known he calmed, saying “Oh. It’s you. The Ice Princess.”

“Queen, actually.” Elsa corrected. “And you’re really what’s underneath all that muscle and….green.”

“Bruce. Banner.” He introduced. “Sorry if we didn’t get to properly meet before. Also sorry for whatever injuries you and your friends might have had. I wasn’t…in my right mind.”

“It’s fine.” Elsa waved it off. “They told me enough about why you acted that way.”

He nodded before asking “So what does a magical queen from a magical land want with someone like me? Thought you’d want to talk to Thor more than anything.”

“He’s not been so friendly around me.” She admitted. “Apparently he’s not a fan of ice. But I heard rumors that you become the ‘Hulk’ because of your emotions. Is that right?”

Nodding he explained “I was hit by gamma rays. It’s hard to explain but their basically something you don’t want hitting you. It changed me and now anytime I get ‘upset’ in some way it forces me to change. You’ve obviously seen the result.”

“They say you’re a hero though.” Elsa pointed out.

“On my better days.” He shrugged. “Thing is I can’t always be sure. I live with this problem every day. Sometimes the people love me and call me a hero. Other times I’m just another monster.”

“I know the feeling.” She replied, now leaning against the glass wall herself. As she raised her hand, showing her ice powers, she explained “I was so afraid when I first found out about this. I tried to make the best of it and it nearly killed my sister. I kept it secret for so long until everything feel apart. People called me a monster too.”

Watching the snow flakes and ice abilities dance in her palm Bruce asked “Controlled by your emotions I take it?” She nodded before he commented “Must’ve been rough.”

“I nearly plunged my whole kingdom into an eternal winter.” She replied.

Shrugging he said “Not as bad as destroying towns because you have a tantrum, but I can see your point. You found your way to cope with it though.”

Smiling she replied “I did. I learned not to be afraid anymore.”

Nodding Bruce said “Wish I had that luxury.” After that he shrugged again and smiled “Guess we monsters do have to stick together though, right?”

Elsa nodded and the two shared a moment of truly knowing one another. So much of themselves was reflected in the other it was almost like staring into a mirror. But in that they found a connection that made them feel a little closer as well.

The sudden sound of Fury saying “Sorry to interrupt.” Made them both look to see he, T’Challa and Tony standing in the doorway. “We have something we’d like to talk with Doctor Banner about.”

As Elsa was about to leave T’Challa stopped her with “You’ll want to stay as well, your majesty. We’ve come up with a plan that may benefit us in the fight. But we’ll need your insight as well.”

“Why?” she asked.

Tony was the one to answer “Well we could give you all the details, which we’ll probably have to, but the short answer is because it involves your sister.”

**********

In the docking bay with the other ships Han was doing some last-minute checks on the Millennium Falcon. Without Chewbacca around to help it was taking a little longer than he wanted, constantly muttering his annoyance to himself as he checked the hull of the ship for any needed repairs.

Not too far Rey stood by, trying to be as far and out of sight as possible while looking at the younger version of her old friend at work. Even after all this time it frightened her to even realize he was real. Knowing what she knew made it all the worse as she fought with herself on what should be done.

During his work Han finally spotted Rey, she jumping and trying to turn to leave before he called “Hey, you! Kid! Mind giving me a hand here?” She turned as he explained “Some scarring on the hull here needs patching and I need to be up here to make sure nothing bursts into flames.” She cautiously nodded which made him say “Good. Go into the cockpit and let me know when you’re there. I follow you through the rest.”

Rey quietly entered the Falcon and tried to ignore the haunting feeling of being back within the corridors of the ship; looking nearly brand new to her when she knew it. She called once she’d arrived in the cockpit.

“Alright. You’re going to see a red light. Make sure you…”

Before he could finish the systems of the ship already responded. It surprised Han when she did this several times with other instructions before he finally called her out of the ship, waiting for her at the entrance.

“Okay, kid. What gives?” he finally confronted. “First you hug me like you know me and then you avoid me the rest of this damn trip. Now you know my ship like you’ve flown her before.” He then peered at her and asked “You my long lost sister or something?”

“No.” she was quick to denounce. “It’s….It’s just complicated. Alright? I can’t explain.”

He stopped her from walking away and insisted “How about un-complicating it then!” It took him a moment before he put together “They told me some of the people here are from different times. Like those two Jedi and the funny green guy. Starting to think you know me from my future. Is that it? And what? I was a friend? A boyfriend? What?”

Rey, realizing she couldn’t hide the truth anymore, admitted “You were my friend. But then….you died.”

Han reeled back for a moment, taking some time to let it sink in, before asking “Not in my sleep I take it?”

“You were murdered. By a monster called Kylo Ren.” She continued, not wanting to give the full truth behind that. “You tried to save your family…but it failed.”

After hearing all of that Han had to sit down. He breathed heavy as the revelation sank in deeper than anything he had heard or experienced today. As Rey sat down next to him he had finally started to accept it.

“So I wind up with a family.” He laughed at himself. “Turned into a real idiot when I get older, don’t I?”

“You were a hero in my time.” She said, surprising him. “You saved the galaxy. A few times actually.”

He gave a look before asking “Me? Really?” he then thought for a minute. “So that’s what you were afraid of?”

“I didn’t know how or if I should.” She admitted. “I don’t know about time traveling or how all of this works. I’m still questioning how a tree can walk and talk. But I was trying to do what you did for me. Protect me.”

He shook his head “Not exactly the protective type, kid.”

“You were for me.” She told him. She then stood and said “But maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re not the man I knew.”

She started to walk off, leaving him, before Han stood and called “Wait. Kid, come back. Please.” She stopped and looked back as he gestured for her to return, which she did, before he began “Look. I’m sorry. This news about me, or the me I’ll eventually be, it’s a lot to take in. Thanks for telling me though.” He then sighed and shrugged “Guess I was bound to do this hero stuff at one point or another.” She smiled at him before he then asked “Just one quick question. Last one I’ll need: do I still have hair in the future?”

“Actually you were as bald as an egg when we met.” She saw the look of terror in his eyes before laughing “That was a lie.”

Han eventually joined in her laughter, the moment of levity enough to brighten the room. Despite what was to come Rey was glad the Han she knew in some way was still buried under than younger physique. It had brought some comfort to know that they would be fighting together to save theirs and the other galaxies in jeopardy this time.

**********

Natasha still sat in her cell, now moved to the command center of Star Killer base. She had no idea how much time had passed or what was going on with her friends and the others roped into all this madness. The fact Darth Vader or anyone else had yet to return to interrogate her had been enough indication they may have already had what they wanted. She just trusted that her friends would arrive soon to put an end to all of this.

Hearing footsteps she perked up as she realized the Stormtrooper guards were bringing in a new prisoner. She stood to have a better look and, to Natasha’s surprise, it looked like someone dressed as a pirate. The guards opened a cell across from hers and tossed him in before walking off.

As he recovered Jack called “You lot forgot to give me a pail! How am I supposed to do my, unmentionable business, in here?” His attention was soon drawn to Natasha across from him, he smiling “Hello, lass. Come here often?”

“Do I even have to ask?” she said to herself. She then addressed him with “You know for all the things I’ve seen today, I wasn’t expecting a pirate.”

“Pirate captain, actually.” He corrected. “Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service, love. And if it’s unwanted things to be seen today I might have you beat. Along with this lot,” he indicated the Stormtroopers walking by from the other hall “I’ve seen brightly dressed lunatics with fancy shields and flying suits. And that was before the big green man and the scary octopus woman.”

The descriptions he gave made her perk and asked “You’ve seen Steve and Tony? The Avengers! You were with them?”

“Aye, that’s them.” He pointed out. “Interesting bunch. Friends of yours I take it.” When she confirmed this he then asked “And what are you supposed to be? The not-quite-so-naked one of the bunch but with an outfit like that who can tell?”

Giving an odd look she only replied “I’m a spy. Sometimes my wardrobe requires me to move properly. And because there’s nothing better to wear at the time.”

“A spy, eh? What’s that mean then? You spy on people and just peep in on their private lives?”

“Sometimes. And sometimes I have to take things on a more….fatal note.”

Realizing what she meant he said “Ah. I see. So I guess that Avenger lot don’t mind having a killer in their midst. Think they’d have a spot for a pirate like me when this is over?”

She smirked “To be fair we’ve had worse.” She sighed and then asked “Do you know if they’re coming? If they’ll get here on time?”

“Sent a word and did what I could, love.” He shrugged. “Hope our prayers our answered. Until then we’ll just have to sit and wait for them.”

“And then what?”

“And then I use this.” He smirked as he help up the card key to the cell. As she smiled back at how clever he was he then asked “Have any rum on you while we wait?” She shook her head which made him huff “Never is when you need it most.”

**********

From his seat Thanos oversaw all preparations for the next phase of his plan and the defenses readied on Starkiller Base for when the heroes would arrive. Situated next to his throne was the Infinity Gauntlet with six stones secured in their places. The Gauntlet itself was hooked to a number of wires, another part of what would soon be the Mad Titans ultimate stroke.

Amidst all of this Thanos did not realize others were looking at the Gauntlet with greedy, envious eyes. Loki. Doctor Doom. Admiral Thrawn. Maleficent. All of them had been looking at the source of ultimate power with a sense that each had their own intentions for the weapon.

“Anything wrong?” the Grandmaster had asked all of them, making them break away or turn back to their own business.

After that incident the Grandmaster looked at the Infinity Gauntlet himself and smirked. He had plans of his own of course, but perhaps like any master strategist it was a matter of letting the pawns act first.