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The Mystic Man

From within his Sanctum Sactorum, a magical residence that existed outside of time and space, Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, observed as everything in his and other unknown worlds had become out-of-place. Through his mystic arts he used a divine all-seeing mirror to observe as worlds were bleeding into each other; the result of the unusual phenomena that seemed to strike all of these realities at once.

It was clear to Doctor Strange that even the heroes and criminals of his world had become displaced by the event as well; along with those from whatever other universe had been effected. He could see the cyber-hero Tron stuck in the gaming world of Wreck-It-Ralph. The mighty demigod Hercules grappled with Ronan the Accuser while his forces laid siege to Greece. The Rebel forces on the planet Atollon, including the crew of The Ghost, were invaded by a lost army of Skrulls. The seafaring princess Moana watched as confused Atlantean king Namor battled the equally lost Jedi Kit Fisto in the middle of the ocean where the little fish Nemo found himself lost as well. The spirit of vengeance known as Ghostrider rode through the deserts of Texas with the Lone Ranger and Tonto, his blazing motorcycle spooking the steadfast steed Silver. The monstrous Man-Thing was surprised to find the residence at Monsters Inc. were unafraid of his freakish appearance; although two employees questioned when he had started working in their department. The vampire hunter Blade defended Dipper and Mabel pines from Dracula and his army of the undead in the middle of Gravity Falls. Even in Zootopia Donald Duck came face-to-face with Howard the Duck, the two questioning if they were related along with how they wound up in a city of walking, talking animals.

As Doctor Strange continued to observe the events through the mirror his friend and assistant sorcerer, Wong, approached from behind saying “You were right, Strange. It seems some of the individuals from the other realities have managed to come to our world as well. Apparently the Avengers are dealing with a battle in the harbor with two pirate ships. One lead by a captain with a face like a squid.”

Not turning after hearing the new Strange replied “This is bad. This is wrong. Whatever caused this has cracked the very walls that separate our worlds and the others. What we’re seeing here is just the initial backlash. If whatever happened happens again it could crack all realities as we know it.”

Understanding the gravity of the situation as much as Doctor Strange, Wong asked “But what force could be so powerful as to cause such a temporal and universal calamity such as this?”

“I believe I can answer that.” A voice from behind replied, startling them to turn and look.

The figure who seemed to appear from nowhere was familiar to the two. Tall, blue skinned with vacant white eyes that matched his long, pointed styled hair. He wore an otherworldly robe of yellow and red while carrying matching staff in his hand.

Both Doctor Strange and Wong tensed as the former pointed “The Grandmaster! I suspected as much. Is this another game of yours?”

The Grandmaster scoffed “You’d think I would truly put all of existence at risk for a simple game of chance?”

“You’ve played the high stakes before. Why should now be any different?”

“Because not just this but all realities are in jeopardy. You’ve seen it for yourself, Strange. Worlds have begun to bleed into one another and the effects will be catastrophic if they continue. I know who and what is responsible for this.” Still seeing the distrust in both Strange and Wong’s eyes the Grandmaster added “I don’t expect you to trust me. I only ask that you here what I have to say.”

Doctor Strange rubbed the tip of his chin for a moment as he contemplated. He glanced at Wong who only gave the same stern stare he had been given to the Grandmaster. The Grandmaster himself did not waver in his posture or face, clearly not caring if they did or did not agree to hear him out.

With not much choice Doctor Strange stepped forward and said “Very well. Tell me what you know.”

**********

As Master Yoda waved his hand yet again in front of Captain Hook and the pirates Tinkerbell was delightfully stunned as he used the force to sway them into saying “Sorry for trying to hurt the fairy, you are.”

In unison all the mesmerized pirates said “Sorry for trying to hurt the fairy, we are.”

“No longer hunt her, you will. Leave your weapons behind and return in peace, you’ve decided. Yes.”

“No longer hunt her, we will. Leave our weapons behind and return in peace, we’ve decided. Yes.”

With that Hook and all his men dropped their swords, pistols and whatever else and simply turned and walked away. Tinkerbell continued to watch as they just walked off with no sign of changing their minds or suddenly drawing any concealed weapons. They eventually vanished back into the swamps, leaving the fairy and little green alien alone.

“Trouble you no more they will. Minds like milk they had. Easy to sway with the Force.” Yoda said with a slight chuckle and smile. “Now tell me, Tinkerberll, from once you came from and how here you came to be.” After speaking in her fairy language, made of more twinkles and rings like bells, Yoda rubbed his chin and hummed “This place, Neverland. Unfamiliar am I with it. Lost it would seem you are. Connected perhaps to the loud noise and odd sound heard before. Yes.” More ringing from Tinkerbell before he replied “Indeed, little fairy. A great disturbance in the Force I feel. Go we must. Discover the source we will together.” After bringing his walking stick, sitting nearby, to his hand via the Force Yoda gestured “Come. To my ship we will go.”

The two would eventually board Yoda’s small pod and fly off into the spaces above Dagobah. While Tinkberll was amazed at being up in space Yoda silently contemplated what dark forces may have been at work even now.

**********

Even against the colossal Frost Giants the Incredibles, along with the mighty Thor, proved their day-saving skills yet again through teamwork. Mr. Incredible’s strength proved a match against the giants, using his to outdo them, made better when Violet created a barrier around him to protect his body whenever they tried to smash him with their weapons; Mr. Incredible being creative and using the barrier like a ball and busting right into one of them. Dash zipped around to disorient one of them as Mrs. Incredible stretched herself between streetlight poles, tripping the monster when it stumbled back. All the while Thor smashed with the weight of his hammer, Mjolnir, and summoned lightning to shock them into submission.

All the while the citizens cheered at the sight of heroes defeating the giant monsters. Even with the Incredibles on the scene it was clear that the attention was more on Thor. For the people, and even the Incredibles, never had a hero like him been seen. Even Violet was going rosy cheeked at how handsome and caring he was.

There even came a point where Dash, zipping up next to her, shouted “Hey, Violet! Get your head in the game!” snapping her out and back into the fight.

Within ten minutes the last of the frost giants fell. Thor landed on top of one of them, holding his hammer up in victory. The Incredibles all came to where he was before the citizens of Metroville all clamored to cheer the new hero. Despite all the glory being given to him Thor looked to the family of superheroes, walking off the giant to greet them.

“I thank you for your aid.” He began. “Although I’m not familiar with your uniforms. Or your names.”

“Wait, seriously?” Dash asked. “We’re the Incredibles.”

Hearing the name Thor replied “Sorry. Not familiar. Are you associated with the Avengers? Perhaps a support group?”

“The Avengers?” Mrs. Incredible asked.

“Support group!?!” Mr. Incredible said annoyed.

Despite this Violet walked up to him, saying “Maybe we should start on a better foot. I’m Violet.” After he bowed to her she introduced “And this is Mr. Incredible. Mrs. Incredible. And Dash.” After Thor bowed to each she asked “And you are?”

He gave a confused look before responding “You… You’re serious? I’m Thor.” No response from any of them made him further say “Thor, God of Thunder? Member of the Avengers? Saved the world a few times? Nothing?” He sighed and added “Didn’t think I was away from Midgard for that long.”

Mr. Incredible then said “Look, buddy, whoever you are can you explain how you and those big, blue monsters got here?”

“I’m not all that sure myself.” Thor replied. “One moment I was battling these beasts on the icy slopes in Jotunheim. Then there was this flash and a large blasting sound. Somehow we wound up here.” Looking around, looking at the city better, he then said “Odd. This isn’t how New York City usually looks.”

“That’s because this is Metroville.” Mrs. Incredible explained. “And, not to be rude, but we’ve never heard of anyone called the Avengers. Or even you, Thor. This is honestly the first time any of this has ever happened.”

The confusion on Thor’s face grew more and more before he realized “This…isn’t right.” He looked back to them and said “I’m sorry but I must go. I must return to Asgard and see what has happened to my friends. I thank you again, Incredibles.”

With a hard twirl of his hammer Thor soon went flying up into the sky. The people still cheered and waved as he flew off while the Incredibles watched in confusion before he disappeared over the horizon.

“Whoa.” Dash awed aloud. “That guy is so cool!”

“He’s so handsome.” Violet gushed.

“He’s so strange.” Mrs. Incredible shrugged.

“He’s completely crazy!” Mr. Incredible declared, gaining all their attention. “I mean can you believe that guy? Like he’s actually some Old Norse god of thunder. That stuff’s all just myth.”

Violet was quick to point out “Well, dad, the legends did say the Norse gods fought with frost giants. And, well, we did just fight giant, cold guys. Didn’t we?”

Mr. Incredible took a glance at the defeated frost giants before waving it off and saying “Enough. C’mon. Let’s try to help clean this up.”

Sensing his annoyance at the situation the other Incredibles all looked to each other with some concern. Without much else to do they followed Mr. Incredible in helping to clear the damage caused by the battle with the frost giants.

During the entire time, from the conversation with Thor to the Incredibles starting to clear up the aftermath of battle, they had been watched by someone hiding in the crowd of people. Thanks to his mastery of illusions and disguises Loki, Thor’s evil half-brother, smirked with nefarious intent.

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

With the Sarlacc’s grip tight around Jasmine it was becoming all the more clear that neither she nor Aladdin would make it out alive. Even with all his might pulling against the strength of the Sarlacc and the sand slipping under his feet proved not in his favor.

“Aladdin!” Jasmine pleaded. “Don’t let go!”

“I won’t.” he replied, almost ready to accept his and Jasmine’s fate. “I never will!”

Just as the two came to the slipping end, the Sarlacc’s mouth-like appendage snapping and squealing for the incoming meal, both the prince and princess were soon saved by someone who blasted at the tentacles around Jasmine. The Sarlacc squealed again in pain, its arm retracting back into the pit. Aladdin took the chance and pulled Jasmine up and out, both quickly backing away as far as they could from the pit before hugging each other tightly to know they were both safe.

The two looked at the one who saved them commented “Clearly you must be new to Tatooine. Only reason anyone would be crazy enough to go near a Sarlaac pit.”

The two looked to see the smuggler Han Solo and his friend, the wookie Chewbacca, standing nearby. Both were armed, the nozzle of Han’s blaster still smoking from the few round he fired, while Chewbacca’s laser-crossbow remained in-hand.

Seeing the hairy beast next to Han both Aladdin and Jasmine tensed, the former asking “What the heck is that thing?”

“My co-pilot.” Han replied with annoyance. “And he doesn’t like being called a ‘thing’.”

“Sorry.” Jasmine said, standing and then quick to say “But thank you for saving us.”

Chewbacca gave a little gruff roar before Han replied “That’s his way of saying ‘don’t mention it’. Now as fun as this was, we’ve got to be going.”

“Wait!” Jasmine stopped them. “Please. We don’t know where we are. You say this place is called ‘Tatooine’. Is that anywhere near Agrabah?”

Hearing the name and thinking on it Han replied “No system or station I’ve ever heard of, lady.”

“Then maybe you can help us find it.” Aladdin was quick to suggest. “We must’ve gotten lost when…whatever that big boom was nearly knocked us out of the sky.”

Han had turned to leave again but stopped and looked back at the mention of the odd boom, turning back to say “So you both heard that too? And here me and Chewie thought it was just too much Corellian ale.” Chewie giving another growl as if to agree.

Jasmine again pleaded “Please. Can you help us?”

“Sorry, honey.” Han waved her and Aladdin off. “I’ve got my own problems. Part of them don’t involve dealing with kids lost in the desert.”

Jasmine became annoyed to the point of wanting to smack him before Aladdin stayed her hand and whispered “Let me handle this.” He took a few steps closer to Han even as he started walking off before calling to him “We can reward you if you return us to Agrabah.” Han slowed a little but still kept walking before Aladdin added “We’re both royalty.”

Han finally stopped in his tricks and turned, an interested look as he asked “Royalty? The rich kind?”

“Very.” Aladdin smirked. “She happens to be the princess. And I’m her future husband. But I know her father would pay your weight in gold.” Hearing Chewie growl something with annoyance Aladdin pointed “Yours too. Of course.”

Han seemed to consider this, nodding and glancing back at Chewie for a moment, before deciding “Alright, kid. I like the way you talk. We’ll help find you to Agra…wherever. But can’t promise it’ll be a luxury flight.” After both Aladdin and Jasmine were content with the agreement Han gestured “Come on. My ship’s nearby.”

As everyone eventually started walking off Jasmine asked Aladdin “How did you know he was the fortune type?”

“Call it a hunch.” Aladdin shrugged. “When you spend your life looking out for yourself you tend to notice it in others. Let’s just hope he’s the type to keep his word.”

Meanwhile Han had mentioned to his friend “Chewie, I think we just scored a big one here.” The wookie gave an agreeing grunt before he added “Easiest money we’ve ever had to make.”

When the group eventually reached Han’s ship, the Millennium Falcon, both Aladdin and Jasmine looked oddly at it before the princess asked “That’s a ship? How does it float on the water?”

In response Han stopped, looking to Chewie who shrugged, before huffing a smirking “You kids really aren’t from around here.”

Eventually the small group boarded the Falcon and were off into the air and up into space. While Han and Chewbacca were casual of the whole thing Aladdin and Jasmine were amazed as they were flown higher and higher into the sky before seeing the whole of Tatooine before them. Little did they know their amazement was yet to be tested.

**********

The battle between the Maximoff twins and Dr. Doom had caused more than a little collateral damage in the marketplace of Arendelle. Queen Elsa and Anna had at first been dealing with getting people away from danger while the mutant twins battled the tyrant of Latveria, a test of mutant abilities against science and magic.

At times Doom fired bolts of energy at the constantly running Quicksilver. The speedster hero zipped around while often coming close to deliver a quick punch to the villain’s metal face. When not taking hits from him Doom matched his powers against the Scarlet Witch, lifting object like crates and food stands with her mind before tossing them at him. Only once had she managed a hit, the others were blasted into pieces by Doom’s quick reflexes and dangerous abilities.

All the while Anna and Elsa did their best to protect the citizens, getting them as far away while defending them. While Anna herded as many people away from the area Elsa did her best creating barriers of ice or freezing any stray attacks that flew towards them. The whole time they questioned what was going on while needing to deal with the people’s safety.

At one point, as Doom gained the upper hand in finally knocking Quicksilver off his feet and using his maximum magical powers against the Scarlet Witch, Anna had spotted a lone child still too close to the fray. Despite Elsa calling for her not to get close she didn’t listen and hurried to the child’s aid. A sudden burst from the power struggle between Doom and the Witch had knocked Anna down, the child still in her hands. She let out a pained groan which gained Elsa’s attention.

Furious by all the destruction caused and the injury brought on to both her sister and her people Elsa turned to Doom, who managed to knock the Scarlet Witch back after the power struggle, and declared “That’s it! I’m ending this!”

As the Witch laid against the fallen crates Doom walked up to her, looming for a moment as he raised his hand charging with energy while saying “Your skills are impressive, child. But none can stand against the power of Victor Von D-”

Before he could finish he was struck by a harsh, cold wind from out of nowhere. As his body went stiff, ice freezing over his joints and limbs and torso and so forth Doom was only able to turn to see as Elsa belted him with more and more cold. His yells were made as silent as the rest of him as he was eventually encased in a prison of ice. Now like a statue he stayed still, frozen and no longer a threat.

When it was over Anna and Quicksilver were both back on their feet. While the princess made sure the child she protected was alright, Elsa quickly running to her, the silver speedster hurried to his sister’s side, helping her back to her feet.

Seeing Elsa approach Quicksilver began to say “Nice work back there. We appreciate the-” He stopped when Elsa held a cold hand up to his face, looking ready to freeze him, he putting his hands up and replying “Okay. I can take it back if that helps.”

“You nearly got my sister and my people killed.” Elsa responded angrily.

“Not that we didn’t actually appreciate you taking care of the scary metal guy.” Anna quickly added, trying to be nice about it.

Scarlet Witch stepped in and said “We apologies. We didn’t mean for any of this to happen. We promise we’ll leave as soon as we can. And we’ll take Doom with us.”

Hearing that and looking to Anna, who nodded, Elsa dropped her hand and bluntly replied “Fine.” Pointing to the frozen Doom she said “Just take him and leave Arendelle.”

“Arendelle?” Quicksilver asked. “Is that anywhere near Latveria?”

Both Anna and Elsa looked to each other confused before the princess asked “Uh, depends. Is Latveria anywhere near the Southern Isles?” Both Scarlet and Quicksilver shook their hands. “Weaseltown?” Another shaking head reply. “Then we have no idea.”

Hearing that Scarlet Witch theorized “Perhaps whatever that flash was somehow brought us and Doom here.”

“Wait.” Elsa then asked. “So that wasn’t you? I was about to ask how you even caused that.”

“Something we’d like to know ourselves.” Quicksilver replied. “Might be our best chance at getting back home.”

Thinking for a moment Ann suggested “Well we do have maps. Maybe we can start there.”

After thanking her Scarlet Witch said “Perhaps we’d better introduce ourselves. I’m Wanda Maximoff. This is by brother, Pietro. Where we’re from we’re also known as ‘Quicksilver’ and the ‘Scarlet Witch’.”

“Whoa.” Anna said with enthusiasm. “Sort of like knights. Only with colors. Not to mention you both have those cool powers. Just like Elsa. Were you both cursed too?”

“Depends on what you mean by ‘cursed’.” Pietro replied, a little annoyance in his tone.

Elsa then stepped forward and declared “Perhaps we should discuss more inside.”

With everyone agreeing to that the group turned to make for the castle. Elsa had given the guards orders to take the frozen remains of Dr. Doom down into the dungeons for the time being. He would be dealt with later while the Queen, the princess, and the strange gifted heroes would try to make sense of what was going on.

**********

Through the combined efforts and skills of Obi-Wan and Ahsoka the two Jedi lead Mulan, and their Clone Troopers against Ultron’s small brigade of Ultron-bots. Their lightsabers cut through their metal bodies easily, Ahsoka quipping how despite seeming advanced droids they still broke like any other. Even Mulan’s sword managed to cleave a few robotic heads off here-and-there.

With enough bots destroyed Ultron had entered into the fray, Obi-Wan stepping up to oppose him. Ultron had used gravity beams to try and disarm Obi-Wan of his saber, failing due to the Jedi master’s skills with the Force counteracting him. Further attempts were used with his laser attacks, some being deflected off of Obi-Wan’s lightsaber while others he merely dodged. When he was close enough Obi-Wan sliced at Ultron, his shield barley holding against the concentrated power from the saber. It was not until Obi-Wan had used the Force to crush the metal from Ultron’s arm that the robot had backed away.

[Unknown power signature.] he stated, looking at his damaged arm. He looked, trying to scan Obi-Wan, before adding [No mutant-genetic properties located. Unknown power changes estimations of threat assessment. Must retreat.]

Just as he turned he was stopped by Ahsoka, with a few clone troopers at her back, saying “Not so fast.”

Ultron looked back, realizing he was the only one left. His Ultron-bots were destroyed and now Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Mulan and a dozen or so clone troopers had him surrounded. All weapons pointed at him ready to fire if he made the slightest chance of escape.

“Doesn’t seem like you’ll be going anywhere, my friend.” Obi-Wan smirked.

Suddenly a darkness began to swirl around the area between Ultron and the others. Everyone looked confused as it grew and sped faster and faster, unsure if this was something of Ultron’s design or something else entirely. The darkness finally built into a shape which became clearer and clearer before taking the shape of a woman, dressed in dark flowing robes and holding a magic-looking staff in her hand.

Turning to Ultron Maleficent said “You’re needed, creature. Come.”

“Hold it.” Obi-Wan was quick to say. “Neither of you are going-”

Maleficent had shot him an annoyed glance when he tried to stop them before slamming her staff against the ground. A large flash of green had blinded everyone for a moment before settling. When it did neither Ultron or Maleficent were there. They had both vanished from the spot and now everyone was left confused as to what had just happened.

“Who or what was that?” Ahsoka asked. “A Sith?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” Obi-Wan replied, stroking the tip of his beard. “I couldn’t sense the Darkside from…whoever that was. But it seems the droid, or whatever it was, has an ally.”

Turning towards Mulan Ahsoka pointed out “Well at least do to.” After that she said to her “You handled yourself pretty well back there.”

She nodded a quick “Thank you.” Before asking “Please, where am I?” After being told it was Felucia she gave a confused “Where is that? Is it far from China? I need to get back to my home.”

Both Ahsoka and Obi-Wan gave puzzled looks to each other before the later asked “How did you wind up here?”

“I don’t really know.” She began. “I was home, training, and then there was this great light. And a loud sound like thunder. Next thing I knew I was here and that metal demon was chasing me.”

Upon hearing mention of the odd flash and sound the two Jedi gave even more indications that this might have been connected to Anakin’s disappearance. Ahsoka turned to the Clone Troopers, ordering them to ready to move out back to their ship.

“You should come back with us to the ship.” Obi-Wan assured Ahsoka. “We’ll help you find your way home. And hopefully along with some answers as to whatever it is that’s going on.”

Mulan agreed to join them, following both them and the Clone Troopers back to the shuttles that would take them to the Republic Cruiser above. The whole time Mulan was amazed and in some cases shocked by the mechanical marvels before her. The more she reacted the more Obi-Wan and Ahsoka realized this woman clearly wasn’t from this or any other nearby systems in the galaxy.

**********

While the Star Destroyed and Helicarrier forces remained on standby a Quinjet carrying Black Widow, Hawkeye and a dozen S.H.I.E.L.D. officers had flown under the radar towards the hull of the Imperial ship. The same was being done as an Imperial shuttle carrying Admiral Thrawn and a dozen Stormtroopers had done the same, neither being noticed by the other’s ship. As the S.H.I.E.L.D. team had managed to break into the Imperial Star Destoryer, trying to be stealthy and quiet, the same was happening with Thrawn and his men.

As he stood on the command deck of the ship Darth Vader had begun to sense something. With the Force telling him of intruders he simply walked out of the room, his heavy breathing the only thing heard from him as he decided to go alone.

Meanwhile as Colonel Fury and Agent Maria Hill looked on at the giant ship ahead of them the later had asked “What could they be waiting for? I mean from the looks of it, and I’d hate to say it, sir, but they probably have enough firepower to take us out if they wanted.”

Thinking on it Fury had finally said “Stay up here and keep command.” He turned before telling one of the other agents “Have Squad B meet me down in the lower levels.” When Agent Hill asked where he was going Fury only replied “Call it a hunch.” Before disappearing into the rest of the Helicarrier.

As Widow and Hawkeye continued to lead the party the archer agent, having looked through the ship enough times, commented “Not sure where these guys are from, but clearly they’re not from anywhere near Earth.”

“And nothing matches anything from any past alien encounters.” Widow added. “Looks like we’ve got some new players.” After thinking for a moment she added “If these guys get hostile the helicarrier won’t last long.”

Nodding Hawkeye suggested “Shut down power to the weapons. If we can find the source.”

“Hey, we’ll wing it.” She shrugged. “Like we always do.”

The group were careful again as they continued onward. Now and then they would run into a patrolling duo of Stormtroopers but were always quick to take them down. A good, silent neck-break or a quick arrow to the back would silence them before they moved on. Eventually, through deduction and interrogation or one or more troopers, the S.H.I.E.L.D. team made it to the control room for the main weapons battery, Widow working on shutting them down. Hawkeye had warned that the whole ship would be on alert once they did, Widow making a smart comment about keeping up once they had to run.

“Got it.” Widow had stated, an alarm starting to go off in the ship. As she and the others started to leave she said “Let’s get back to the ship before….”

She and everyone else stopped in their tracks when they realized their path was blocked by the unsettling figure of Darth Vader. His black figure blocked the hallway they’d come from, his heavy breathing echoing while his red lightsaber glowed in his hand. Even with everyone training their weapons on him he did not seem to be intimidated; or he just may not have cared at all.

With a tension moment like this Hawkeye was quick to quip “I’m really hoping this guy is just the janitor.”

“I can sense that you are not from here.” Vader simply stated. “The Force bends oddly around all of you.”

“Funny thing. We were going to say the same.” Widow added. “Mind telling us who you are and where you came from?”

“I will not answer to you. You are in no position to make such demands.”

Hawkeye then scoffed “Guess that helmet’s not helping your vision, spooky. Or your breathing for that matter.”

In response Vader merely took a stance that indicated he wanted them to try and shoot him. Widow, not taking any chances, fired a bullet that was quickly destroyed when blocked by Vader’s saber. Surprised everyone else, including Hawkeye, fired, only for their bullets and a lone arrow to be stopped by Vader’s use of the force. They all hung in the air in front of him, everyone shocked by this, before they dropped to the ground harmlessly.

“Not good…” Hawkeye commented before drawing another arrow.

An order for opening fire on Vader was given as he approached. More bullets blocked while others seemed to stray away from him, like the Force had created a barrier around him. He used the Force to disarm most of the soldiers before cutting them down with his saber. Hawkeye was able to fire a smoke arrow, laying down some cover enough for him, Widow and the few remaining men to escape. As they ran all they could hear was the hum of Vader cutting down the last soldier before walking after them.

Meanwhile on the Helicarrier Thrawn and his men had already managed to kill several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents onboard before going deeper into the complex. It wasn’t until they turned to what was supposed to be the main engine control room for the ship that someone had blasted two of them right away. Thrawn and his men looked to see Colonel Fury standing there with an advanced looking rifle in hand, still smoking from when he fired.

“Had a feeling you boys might try something like this. Mainly because it’s what I would do.”

Thrawn smirked “Ah. I see I’m not the only one with a tactical mind.”

“Only way you lie in my line of work.” Fury replied before saying “We haven’t properly met.” Looking him over quick he asked “Kree?”

“Actually I’m Chiss.” He replied before holding up his weapons, along with his remaining troopers, and said “And clearly not that smart if you think you could take us alone.”

“You might want to recount.” Fury nodded his head, Thrawn suddenly turning to see as Agent Hill and several others had arrived to outnumber Thrawn’s men. “Either makes this easier or harder for yourself, E.T. Because either way we both know you’re going to miss your ride home.”

With no other choice Thrawn dropped his weapons and raised his hands in the air. His remaining men did the same as they were secured. Thrawn kept his burning eyes on Fury who only looked back with a stern, unyielding stare; showing he wasn’t the type to be intimidated that easily.

Once Thrawn was taken away Hill walked up to Fury, saying “We just got word. The team managed to drop their weapons but they’re not having an easy time making it back.”

“Get the ship ready to leave.” Fury merely stated. “As soon as they’re on-board we’re gone.”

Sure enough on the Star Destroyer Hawkeye, Black Widow and their remaining forces were desperately fighting their way through Stormtroopers to make it back to the Quinjet. They blasted their way, bunkered down before blowing away any that stood in their way thanks to the special agent skills of Barton and Romanov. All the while they kept looking back to make sure they were as far out of the path from Darth Vader as possible, whom they could tell was still following them with every heavy step through the halls.

They’d stopped at one of the halls where they were so close to making it back to the Quinjet before seeing their path blocked. More troops were nearby, not having spotted them before they managed to duck back behind the corner, and given the amount there would be more of a fight on their hands this time.

Looking to Black Widow Hawkeye asked “You wouldn’t happen to have your Avengers communicator on you, huh?”

She didn’t answer but took another quick glance before deciding “We’ll lay down cover and try to scatter them. Our only option if we don’t want to get chopped in half.” Looking to him she asked “Any more smoke bombs?”

“No.” He said before pulling out one specialized arrow and smirking “But I do have this.”

A quick fire of the arrow before it struck the ground in the center of all the troopers. It let out a high pitched siren that defended the area. All the troopers held their helmets in pain that was enough of a signal for the S.H.I.E.L.D. team to take the chance to run. As they did some of the troopers tried to aim and fire, some being taken down before they could while others managed a few good shots, killing some of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in the process.

As close as they had come their luck ran short when something managed to grab Black Widow and pull her back. Hawkeye and the others stopped, seeing it was Darth Vader having finally caught up to them. He’d used the Force to pull her back, one hand raised in the air while the other still drew his saber.

“Natasha!” Hawkeye shouted, trying to go back for her.

As the remaining agents held him back, Hawkeye trying to fight them, Natasha pleaded “Clint, go! Just go!”

“I’m not leaving you behind!”

As Widow seemed to stop struggling, now being fully pulled back towards Vader the last thing she managed was “You don’t have a choice.”

As Black Widow pulled her pistol and turned she could still hear Hawkeye yelling for her before he and the others were gone. She turned to face Vader, her pistol mere inches from his face before it was sliced in half by his saber. Now within reach he grabbed her by the neck, his dark glove seizing her and holding her a few feet off the ground in a choking grip.

As they heard the sound of the Quinjet taking off Black Widow struggled “Too late…”

“I don’t need them.” Vader replied. “Now I have you.”

“I’ll die…before I talk…”

“So be it.” Vader replied, raising his saber to finish her off.

Before he could a voice nearby called “Stop!” both had looked to see as Jafar, a figure not known to either of them by name, had appeared from almost nowhere. “She can be of great use to us.”

“Us?” Vader asked.

“You have questions.” Jafar smirked. “I can give them to you. If you’ll only follow me.”

Vader seemed to hesitate while continuing to keep Black Widow in his grip. Even as she struggled she was as confused as he was as to who this man was, what he had planned, and what it meant for her. All she did was continue to look into the vacant eyes of his black helmet, sensing the true vision beneath looking through her with whatever unknown powers he had.

As Hawkeye and the others had made it back to the helicarrier, coming back to the command deck where Fury and Agent Hill were, he demanded “We have to ready a rescue party.”

Hill stepped in his way to say “We don’t have time for that, agent Bar-”

She was cut off when he insisted “They have Natasha! I’m not leaving until we get here back!”

Fury, having not turned to him the whole time, replied “You won’t have to. They’re the ones who’re leaving.”

He and everyone else on the command deck watched as the Star Destroyer began to fly off. It lifted higher and higher into the air before eventually disappearing up into space. The whole time Hawkeye kept saying “No” as he watched helplessly. When the ship was gone he slammed his fist against a nearby computer screen, showing his aggression on the situation.

“We have to go after them.” He insisted.

“And then what?” Fury asked. “Go against them with what little weapons we have against theirs? Take this helicarrier all the way into space and die? That’ll be a hell of a way to rescue Romanov.” Seeing Hawkeye’s frustration he assured “We’ll get her back, Barton. I’m not about to give up on Natasha either.” After that he turned to a screen and pointed “Besides they may have one of our own. But now so do we.” Showing that inside a holding cell was the now imprisoned Grand Admiral Thrawn.

**********

Everything had been explained to Doctor Strange and Wong thanks to the Grandmaster. All that he knew, or at least was willing to share, seemed enough to make the situation all the more serious for them when realizing what was at stake.

“If what you say is true, then I need to warn as many of them as possible.” Strange replied.

“As you should.” The Grandmaster nodded. “And act fast. The forces that will oppose you are already on the move. You will need all the help you can attain in these desperate hours.”

Before Strange acted he questioned “What exactly do you hope to gain from this, Grandmaster?”

“The same as you. The safety of this and every other plane of existence.” He replied bluntly. “You don’t have to agree with how I do so, Stephen Strange, only accept them.” With that he gave a final bow before slowly disappearing, his last words being “Farewell. And good luck.”

Once he was gone Wong turned and asked “Do you honestly expect to trust the Grandmaster?”

“I’m the Sorcerer Supreme, Wong. I didn’t get this far by trusting every cosmic being that appeared in my house.” He replied. “But he is right. This is a dire matter that we need to address.” He turned to his bookshelves and tables of relics and artifacts to use, saying “There should be a proper spell in here we can use. I just hope we’re in time before any major damage is caused to the displaced individuals.”

**********

While continuing to walk through the barren, raining terrain of whatever planet they were on Merida, Rey and BB-8 conversed. The young Jedi-in-training told of who she was, the experiences she had against the First Order, meeting the famous smuggler turned hero Han Solo, and her training with the long lost Luke Skywalker; BB-8 often beeping something that Rey would have to interrupt. Surprised as she was Merida had retorted with her tails of being a princess of her lands, the most outrageous experiences she could recall being when she’d met a witch who turned her mother into a bear. Merida always compared Rey’s stories as insane ones but accepted some truth, given that she herself had awoken on an alien planet.

“So you’re saying you have ships that don’t sail on water? They fly in the sky?” Merida had asked.

“In some cases.” Rey laughed. “Most of the time they’re used to go from planet to planet. Sometimes hoping across an entire galaxy.”

“Not too sure what a ‘galaxy’ is but it sounds big.” She replied, BB-8 beeping something before she added “”Until you start talking proper, you best not waste your….whatever you breathe.”

Only a few steps more before Rey stopped, reaching out to halt Merida before saying “Wait. I sense something….” She looked around and softly replied “We’re not alone.”

In response BB-8 looked around, his head turning completely clockwise in every direction. Merida drew her bow with an arrow at-the-ready while Rey had managed to pull out her lightsaber; the same that used to belong to her Master, Luke, as well as his father Anakin Skywalker. Everyone was tense as they waited for whatever was watching them to come out.

A sudden shift of rocks nearby made Rey jump, everyone looking to see what she had finally seen. A small creature with four arms and long ears had appeared. Its ears were pointed up and its gaping mouth drooled and growled while a long, red tongue slithered out. The creature to some was known as Stitch, but he was not himself. The once small, furry, blue alien was now the host for the black, horrid mass that was known as the Venom-Symbiote.