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The Game Begins

Black Widow was felt her head slam against the back of the restraining bed yet again, another assault on her mind by Darth Vader. Despite his attempts to probe her mind she was proving a lot stronger than she seemed. Still it was clear it was causing strain on her as she kept trying to fight against it. It had only been after this fifth attempt that Vader had dropped his hand and his use of the Force on her.

“I’m impressed.” He commented through his breathing mask. “Even without the Force your will is strong. But not that strong.”

Despite the pain she retorted “What? Trying to talk me into giving up? Starting to get tired I’ll bet.”

As he began to circle her Vader continued with “Your attempts to ensure your friend’s safety is commendable. But pointless. You will tell me everything I need to know. Or you will be destroyed.”

Once he was face-to-face with her again Widow replied “If you think the whole ‘scary black robes and mask’ thing is going to work, tin-man, you’re wasting your time. And your magic tricks don’t impress me either. I might not be able to see under that mask but I can tell you’re just trying to impress when really you know there’s no point. You’ve got nothing and I won’t give you anything. So much for the big bad space wizard, hu-ugggk!”

When Vader raised his hand again Widow felt the air in her lung halt. It felt like some unseen power was choking her. The Force had cut the air from her lungs with little trouble as Vader controlled it to his whims.

“Perhaps you’re right. There is no point in keeping you alive then.”

Before he could let her suffocate to death like so many other he’d done so to in the past the door to the torture room opened with an Imperial Officer saying “Sorry to interrupt, Lord Vader. But an important message has come through. It’s Thanos, sir.”

Only after that did Vader dropped his hand, freeing Black Widow’s lungs and her air supply. As she gasped for air to recover Vader turned and walked out of the room, the Imperial Officer soon following and leaving Widow by herself.

Vader had eventually made his way to a communication room, the same where he would usually speak with his leader and master Emperor Palpatine, a.k.a. Darth Sidious, in his universe. Unlike there however Darth Vader did not kneel before the projection of Thanos that soon manifested. Instead he stood and simply watched at the face of the great mad titan looked down upon him.

“Lord Vader.” Thanos addressed. “I trust your fun with the prisoner hasn’t kept you from your mission.”

“The reports have already been made, Thanos.” Vader replied. “We sent what scouts we could to the areas where the Infinity Stones should be. One of my best men is in pursuit of a smuggler who was seen with unusual travelers. Perhaps more displaced souls who may be able to tell us where to find them. Soon enough they will be in our possession.”

“You need not waste your efforts anymore. I’ve located one that you and your forces will retrieve for me. I’m sending you the coordinates now. Along with something extra. Where you’re going you’ll need him.”

“Him?” Vader questioned.

“You’ll see when he arrives.” Thanos grinned. “Now go. And do not fail me. Not unless you wish a fate far worse than any you’ve ever encountered in your mere existence.”

With a hint of disdain Vader only bowed a little and replied “Yes, Lord Thanos.”

When it was over Vader stormed his way out of the communication room and eventually up to the command deck. By the time he arrived he could see as one of Thanos’ ships arrived, flying by the window before docking below.

Walking up to the ship’s captain Vader listened as he explained “Thanos’ ship had just delivered a prisoner of all this, Lord Vader. There’s instructions for you should the need for him arise.”

After being handed a datapad with the information about the prisoner Vader replied “Very well. Set our destination. And send word to any nearby Star Destroyers. I want as many ships and ground troops needed for this mission.” After the captain agreed to do so Vader asked “And where does Thanos intend for us to go?”

“It’s hard to fully make out with all of these odd coordinates, my lord.” The captain replied. “Apparently it’s a place known as ‘Asgard’.”

**********

Thanks to Doctor Strange’s message Anna, Elsa, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver had all arrived to the area he’d indicated outside the kingdom of Arendelle. When they arrived at first it seemed there was no sign of any Infinity Stones or the like. Anna however soon pointed out something unusual nearby, a portal of sorts that seemed like a crack in reality itself.

As they approached Scarlet Witch said “I’m not sure what it is. But I can sense its energy. It’s erratic. Broken. It may be some sort of way into another world effected by all of whatever is going on.”

“Can we be so sure about that?” Elsa asked.

“Only one way to find out.” Ann replied before simply walking through. Everyone had shouted for her not to do so all too late, only for a moment to pass before she poked her head back through and said “Guys! You have to see this! It’s incredible on this side!”

With that little moment passed the others decided to follow, Scarlet Witch smirking “Quite the adventurous one, she is. I like that.”

After she passed through Elsa signed “I sometimes regret having a younger sister.”

“Tell me about it.” Quicksilver added, the two giving an odd look to each other before eventually passing through one after the other.

When the group was through the crack to the other side they found themselves in an unfamiliar place to any of them. It was a shipping yard outside of a city that to Ann and Elsa was unlike anything they’d ever seen. It wasn’t New York, as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver soon realized, but it seemed normal all things considered. The group had in fact arrived in Metroville.

“No point in standing around.” Elsa said. “Let’s find this Stone already.”

“I’ll take a quick look.” Quicksilver said before someone nearby had stopped him.

“I’ll save you the trouble.” A familiar voice had snickered as he stepped out from hiding and made himself known.

Everyone tensed before Scarlet Witch exclaimed “Loki!”

“The Maximoff Twins.” Loki chuckled under his breath. “And I see you brought friends. How nice. Pointless though.” In his hand he revealed he was holding an Infinity Stone while teasing “I think you were looking for this?”

Recognizing it Quicksilver pointed out “The Mind Stone!”

“I believe the phrase is ‘finder keepers’.” Loki smirked. “Sorry. But before I go let me introduce you to my new friends I made. They’re really quite ‘incredible’.”

With a snap of his fingers Loki’s “friends” made themselves known. From above dropped down Mr. Incredible. Next to him Mrs. Incredible stretched her way down next to him. In response Elsa attacked them with a blast of cold which was blocked by some unseen force. When she finished the force, making itself known as Violet, shattered it with her powers while making herself visible. Quicksilver saw as Loki was making his leave, he trying to use his speed to zip past the Incredibles to him. He was topped when something fast zipped in his way, knocking him back, only for Quicksilver to see the Dash stop in front of his family. All of them were under the control of Loki’s use of the Mind Stone, their eyes vacant and glowing the same color as the stone itself.

After Scarlet Witch realized this she said “I can free them. If I get close enough I-AAAHH!”

Before she could finish the Dash had ran fast enough to deliver a knock-out blow when he made contact with her. After she felt back Quicksilver, angered by this, gave chase to the small speedster, leaving Elsa and Anna to face the remainder of the Incredibles on their own.

“Now what?” Anna nervously asked as their enemies came closer and closer.

**********

Now out in the open ocean, having traveled for most of the day, the Avenger’s team aboard the Black Pearl was coming close to the destination of the nearby Infinity Stone. As Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew continued to keep the ship up to speed, with help from those like Captain America, Falcon and Iron Man, Ant-Man only continued to be amazed by the fact that they were on an actual pirate ship heading for danger while wishing his daughter could see him being a hero like this.

Having pushed the ship far enough on his own to give them some extra time Iron Man, or rather just Tony Stark, stood outside of his armor at the bow of the ship as it trailed on. Often some of the pirate crew could stop to try and poke at his armor only for some defense to go off that would shock them or have the armor move on its own to push them back. Of course enough warns even from Tony kept them away.

As they continued on Jack Sparrow eventually walked up to Captain America, asking “So, if I may get this straight, you are a captain, aye?”

“That’s right.” He replied.

“Yet you have no ship.” Jack pointed out. “Now I might have started that trend of being a ship-less captain but I didn’t think it possible with others. Especially not ones who dress in blue.”

“I was a soldier in a war.” He explained. “At first the ‘captain’ title was just a gimmick. But I lead people in battle. I saved lives. I guess you could say I wound up earning it.”

“Ah. War. Battles. Lots of dangerous things flying at me.” Jack gestured in his odd way. “Not one for that, mate. The only battle I tried to get into is with a bottle of rum and a ladies’ corset when the strings are too tight. Savy?”

Hearing that Cap only replied “Fighting may not be for everyone, but in time like these, Jack, people like you need to step up. Not all fights can be avoided, but a true ‘captain’ knows when to fight and when to flee.”

As Jack seemed ready to retort something Tony suddenly called “Hey! The readings are getting stronger! We must be close.”

The other Avengers, as well as Jack, joined Tony after he reclaimed his armor and, using the internal censors, pointed to the area ahead where the Stone would be. Eventually the Black Pearl stopped as it was clear they were just over where the readings were saying it was only to not find any sign of it.

“Maybe it’s down below.” Falcon pointed down to the surface of the ocean water.

“So how do we get it out then?” Ant-Man asked before looking to Iron Man and asking “I take it that suit’s waterproof, right?”

“It might be, but I don’t know if it’ll withstand the pressure.” Iron Man explained before asking Jack “You don’t happen to have a big fishing poll, do you?”

Just then Falcon pointed out “Guys, I think it’s fishing itself out.”

Everyone looked as the water began to bubble and churn. Clearly something was rising up from the water which made everyone worry. As something large eventually broke through then surface everyone backed up and saw as a large, massive form rose from the water, laughing with a bellowing noise. No one knew her name as Ursula, the sea witch, who had grown to massive size thanks to what was embedded on her crown: the Power Stone.

As they all looked in shock at the laughing monstrous villain before them Ant-Man had commented “You know, of all the things I was expecting to see today, a giant octopus woman wasn’t one of them.”

“Have to agree with you there, mate.” Jack also commented.

**********

The Millennium Falcon had finally dropped from hyperspace to its destination: the forest moon of Endor. Upon arrival and after explaining how the moon was one large forest Han wasn’t at all surprised when Aladdin and Jasmine questioned how a moon could hold a forest if it was out in space. Han’s only response was to ‘not think too hard about it’ before they started their approach.

“Even if the stone is here how do we find it?” Jasmine asked. “It’s an entire moon! It could be anywhere.”

Han’s response was “I never think to question something like that until I actually-AAH!”

A sudden blast against the ship had rocked everyone in their seats. Han and Chewbacca both looked around before a ship had flown by, Han recognizing it instantly. The ship was known as Slave 1 and its pilot was an old advisory of Han Solo’s.

“Boba Fett.” Han realized with a hint of anger in his voice. When Aladdin questioned who that was Han explained “A bounty hunter who’s been on my tail for a while now. Empire must’ve sent him.” When Aladdin then questioned what to do Han explained “Go down into that turret hatch.” He pointed to it, Aladdin looking confused, before Han insisted “Look, kid, if we don’t blow him out of the sky he’ll do it to us. You want to sit there and let yourself get turned into space dust or are you going to do something?” Aladdin nodded before scurrying down into the turret, calling how to work it. “It’s easy, just point and shoot!” With that little instruction given Han turned, telling “Alright, Chewie, let’s show him our teeth!”

With that the Millennium Falcon turned and began to engage the Slave 1, Boba Fett from his piloting seat saying “I’ve got you now, Solo.”

**********

The Avengers team of Black Panther, Wasp, the Vision and Hawkeye had taken the quinjet all the way out of New York to the point located by Doctor Strange. After landing their ship they barely had to search before finding a crack in reality; similar to that in Arendelle. After the Vision’s investigation it was clear it was safe to pass through, everyone wondering where it would lead them.

After the Wasp and Vision passed through Black Panther had stopped Hawkeye and said “We need to talk.”

Hawkeye tried to push past him while saying “Nothing to talk about.”

“Clint. Listen to me.” Panther insisted, finally making him stop and turn. “I know the difference between a man seeking to help a friend and one who seeks vengeance. I see it in you as I saw it in myself once. Don’t let it cloud your judgment.”

“You talk to Fury?” Hawkeye asked out of annoyance. “He said the same thing. I know where my head it, T’Challa. I don’t need some psych test from anyone. I’m finding Natasha. One way or another.”

“Even if it means finding the one who took her.” Panther pointed out. “One will lead to the other.” Hawkeye went silent, Panther clearly making a point, before he added “Only as a friend do I warn you: do not let this consume you.”

After that Panther had finally taking the steps through the portal into wherever it lead. Hawkeye hesitated, taking in Panther’s words and how they mused with Fury’s warnings before. He questioned silently if revenge was truly his reasoning but knew not to let it get to him now, not when he and the others had a mission to deal with. Eventually he finally went through as well, finding himself with the other Avengers on the other side in a completely different world.

The crack had sent the team to the forest moon of Endor, somewhere none of them were familiar with upon first glance. All they were aware of was it was a forest where they found themselves in the middle of a village of small, furry inhabitants: the Ewoks. All the little creatures were bowing before the Vision like a god, the advanced android simply looking at all of them with his own, blank perplexity.

As Panther and Hawkeye looked to the Wasp buzzing nearby she shrugged “Even if I knew what was going on I don’t I could tell you properly.”

**********

With the Republic Cruiser in orbit a transport had brought Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Mulan and a small team of clone troopers to the surface of the planet Hoth. All were wearing proper coats and armor over their regular clothing as they descended before finally unloading and searching the area.

As they searched Mulan had been the one to call to the others upon discovering something odd. A doorway that seemed to have no purpose being there just sat in the middle of the snowy area. It was so out of place Ahsoka had questioned if it was some sort of odd joke being played on them.

Upon investigation Obi-Wan had pointed “I don’t think those are a joke.” Indicating a set of odd footprints that seemed to come from the doorway before going off. “Maybe whoever came out can tell us where to find the Infinity Stone.”

All agreeing the Jedi, Mulan and the Clones followed the trail. As they continued on eventually they came to another icy clearing where a much larger footprint was found. Clearly whatever ha made it wasn’t the same as what had come from the doorway, the print being eight feet long at least.

“What left this, sir?” one of the clones asked Obi-Wan. “Wompa?”

“No. Something much larger.” He replied.

Hearing that Ahsoka added “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Only a moment later did Mulan point out “Look! The Stone!”

Everyone looked to where she’d spotted it embedded in a small block of ice nearby. The Stone, later identified specifically as the Time Stone, glowed bright enough for everyone to see as they made their way towards it. It proved not to be as easy as a roar nearby had caught everyone’s attention. From nearby came the charging form of a monstrous creature, a Frost Beast from the Frost Giant world of Jotunheim.

As everyone drew their weapons Mulan’s only response was “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

**********

After his return to Asgard Thor had gone to his father Odin’s palace to inform of the odd occurrence that happened to him. When he arrived however he found the news back home was no better as the All-Father had fallen into the Odin-Sleep. At the palace Thor’s companions, including Sif, the Warriors Three and Balder, stood nearby as he kneeled beside his sleeping father.

“How could this have happened?” Thor asked. “The Odin-Sleep had passed only a month ago.” Upon thinking on it he surmised “What had brought myself and the Frost Giants to that other world must have been the cause of this.”

“We thought as much as well, Thor.” Sif began to explain. “Before he fell Odin had mentioned seeing the Infinity Stones through his all-seeing sight.”

“The Stones?” Thor said, turning to her and the others for confirmation. “Then Thanos must be involved as well. We’ll need to find them.”

“We already started searching before you returned.” Volstagg pointed out. “We managed to find the Reality Stone almost snatched up by that devilish dark elf, Malekith. Thankfully we have it safe and locked away in the vaults.”

“Good.” Thor said as he decided “I should send word to the Avengers on Earth. With their help maybe we can figure out-”

Before he could finish Valkyrie, another warrior of Asgard, burst into the room and exclaimed “Thor! Come! Enemies are invading Asgard!”

Both Thor and the other warriors present rushed out of the room and through to the outside of the palace to see who was invading for themselves. From the skies above three large Star Destroyers descended and unleashed a swarm of TIE fighters that began to attack Asgard. Along with them transport ships began to land, unloading both Imperial Stormtroopers and AT-ST walkers.

“Who or what are these fools to attack Asgard?” Fandral challenged.

Thor soon ordered “Have the men get as many people to safety! Valkyrie, send your people to attack those fighter ships.” She nodded and hurried off before he said “The rest of you with me! They seek to challenge the gods, then let’s give them a challenge!”

With the assembled for of Thor, Sif, the Warriors Three, the armies of Asgard and Valkyrie leading her large army of flying horse warriors everyone declared “FOR ASGARD!”

From the command deck of the main Star Destroyer Darth Vader watched as his troops engaged the forces of Asgard. Even without blasters their weapons smashed and sliced and cut through some of the metal and armor of their forces. Even in the distance Vader could see Thor summoning lightning with his hammer and decimating more and more troops and walkers.

The captain of the ship walked up to Vader and reported “Are forces are engaging them, Lord Vader. But we weren’t expecting them to have firepower like this. I’m not sure how long our troops can last against this sort of defense.”

“Prepare the prisoner.” Vader ordered. “It’s time we unleashed him as Thanos wanted. And ready my transport. I will retrieve the Stone myself.”

The captain bowed before walking off and readying the prisoner as ordered. From the nearby monitor Vader could see set prisoner still sitting in his cell not too far from where the Black Widow was held. The secret weapon brought to him was a man meek looking named Bruce Banner who, as Thanos had explained through his notes to Vader, would unleash his true, destructive power soon enough.

**********

Loki had returned to his master’s lair with the Mind Stone in hand. He presented it to Thanos, sitting on his throne in the middle of the room, before placing it on his infamous Infinity Gauntlet nearby. Thanos dismissed him afterwards before the mad titan turned to the Grandmaster standing nearby. Not too far from either of them was a series of monitors all looking on the different heroes and worlds, seeing the events transpiring.

“One down.” Thanos smirked to the Grandmaster. “And this little game starts in my favor.”

“One victory doesn’t meet the whole game, Thanos.” The Grandmaster retorted. “My players still have a chance.”

Thanos turned his attention back to the screens and continued to smirk “That they do. But not for long I’d wager.”

***********

In Arendelle the people began to wonder what was going on. Their town was attacked by some mysterious cloaked man with terrifying power, two more unusual people had arrived and now they, along with their princess and queen, had vanished with barley a word as to what was going on.

During all the confusion too little too late had they realized someone, or something, had broken into the prisons of the kingdom. The guards on duty had arrived too late to find one of the cells burst open. It wasn’t until investigating they realized it was the cell that had held the frozen Doctor Doom.