AN: So it seems according to recent leaks that I shall refuse to disclose, this fic might as well be utterly destroyed by what's to come! I try to stick to Steven Universe canon as best as I can but it seems like I might place this and its predecessor Clod on the Run in its own AU, Earth-2013 I shall call it like your average part of the Marvel multiverse. But enough about timelines, let's get on with this latest chapter!
Steven Universe: Secret Wars
Part 2: Battleworld
Chapter 3: New Challengers
Sokovia was a peaceful country seated within Northern Europe neighboring its sister land Transia and the original home of Wanda & Pietro Maximoff before their father handed them over to HYDRA to further hone their mutant abilities. Currently making their way to its capital of Novi Grad were the Avengers, now consisting of the Vision, Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier, War Machine, Falcon, She-Hulk, Ant-Man, the Wasp and Mantis in search of their fellow heroes to get help in rescuing the original six and their new comrades the Crystal Gems.
"So how were you able to find them again?" Bucky asked the android. "Why it's very simple Buchanan, I am able to track every Avenger whether they be on active duty or not thanks to my access to Iron Man's database." Vision stated. "I can't tell if that's kinda creepy or not, but who cares either way." She-Hulk snarked.
"Hopefully we can find them soon, I dug up this costume from my wardrobe because I thought it would be appropriate for an epic final showdown with Thanos." Janet declared gesturing to her current uniform, a black suit with yellow stripes on the torso & forearms with the antennae headphones still present. "Very well then, let's comb the city!" Ant-Man announced leading the search.
The group searched high and low across the city for the twins but to no avail. "Anything yet guys?" Rhodey asked. "No, nothing to see." Mantis answered. "Seems like we're on a wild goose chase in circles now." Jennifer commented. "See what I did there, mixing wild goose chases with walking circles?"
"Is anyone else going to mention that suspicious looking lady in the hoodie there?" Sam asked pointing to that very woman wearing a maroon colored hoodie walking out of a store. "That must be her!" Mantis cried preparing to chase after her. "Let's not get too excited Mantis, I suggest we tail Wanda and find out where she is living." Vision stopped the alien and making plans to follow her.
Wanda was now making her way home to the place that she and her brother had moved into after buying groceries. Ever since the reserve Avengers got word of the fate of Captain America, they assembled into a new team to take the place of the original six with the exception of Hank, Janet, Peter, Kamala and the twins. Fearing that Thanos would return someday, the two mutants retreated back to Sokovia until things would blow over until now.
"Hopefully this is enough to feed Pietro and I for a week." she muttered to herself before hearing a strange buzzing noise and just brushed it off. "What do you think she's gonna make with the stuff in that bag?" Janet asked. "Hopefully something delicious. Let's keep moving." Hank replied.
The group continued following the witch for a while longer, trying their hardest to avoid being caught. It wasn't long before one of them accidentally blew their cover, and that was Mantis. "Is it me or is it a little cold?" she asked, to which Rhodey replied by smacking his own face. "I mean, we are totally not here! You cannot see us at all!"
"Wh-what are you all doing here?" Wanda asked turning to her fellow crimefighters. "We've come to find you and Pietro Wanda. Our world might be in crisis soon and we require your help." Vision stated phasing into view. "Our friends have vanished and we're led to believe Thanos might be at play here."
"You mean they're all gone?" the mutant said. "All of them except for us." Hank declared folding his arms. "So then, are you willing to join?" Wanda gave no answer and simply ran off, possibly fearing that she will meet the same fate as Captain Rogers. "Quick, after her!" Bucky cried but the android stopped him. "No James, allow me. We have known each other far much longer and I can reach out to her." He then raced off after his lover.
Finally making it home, Wanda sighed deeply as she dropped the bag on the floor. "Brother, I'm back! Where are you?" she called for Pietro only to hear his jovial voice speaking to someone else. "Are you really sure Vis?" he asked. "I mean, she is strong but I hate to speak of her like this, but she ain't good enough against Thanos."
"Is something the matter here?" Scarlet Witch asked stepping into the living room to find her brother speaking with Vision. "Oh hey sis, we were just talkin' about you!" he shouted waving before the Avengers barged into her apartment. "Well this is awkward."
"Seriously, why is everyone following me around today?!" Wanda demanded. "We're here because we think you might be of great help to us." Bucky stated. "Do you think you have the power to locate our friends?" he asked. "I can try, but it might take some work." she stated sitting down on the couch and closed her eyes to concentrate. "It's okay sis, take your time!" Pietro coaxed her. "Oh sorry, I'll be quiet."
The witch began surrounding herself in an energy field before she began picturing a large shape with four arm-like attachments facing her before the picture became clearer. It was an Outrider roaring at her face before a red gloved fist socked it in the jaw. Then she found herself on some strange alien world fighting for her life alongside the other Avengers, the Crystal Gems and two strange faces. Then she looked down at herself to discover a blue torso with a white star on it before a voice called it.
"Rogers, quit staring at your abs and help me here!" Pearl cried out and that was when Wanda woke up and realized what happened. "I saw them!" she cried. "They were on some kind of alien world fighting for their lives."
"What kind of alien world?" Mantis asked. "There were so many of them merged into one and many creatures storming them." Wanda explained. "Then it's settled, that is where we're going!" Vision declared preparing to phase out of the apartment and return to the Quinjet before his lover stopped him. "No, I'm leaving with you too." the mutant stated. "The Avengers are our friends and the world, no, the universe needs them more than ever to save the universe from Thanos."
"That's the spirit sis!" Quicksilver cheered as the android and the witch embraced lovingly before their empowered comrades and then leaned in for a kiss.
Meanwhile in an exclusive private school in New York's Westchester County, a bald man in a wheelchair sits in the main study silently, motionless, alone with his indescribable thoughts. He continued to meditate until he was suddenly interrupted by a knock on his door.
"Professor, our guests have arrived." a voice on the other side announced opening the entrance to the study. The voice belonged to a large blue-furred ape-like humanoid clad in a labcoat, sweater-vest and spectacles holding a tablet. Behind him were four other people wearing blue uniforms bearing the number 4. They were led by a brown-haired man with white sideburns stretching his neck to get a better view, two blondes, a woman & a man and a large orange rock creature. These were Reed Richards, Susan & Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, the Fantastic Four.
"Ah, Mr. & Mrs. Richards, Mr. Storm and Mr. Grimm, I am glad to see you received my summons." the man greeted them turning around in his wheelchair to face them. "Good to see you too Xavier, and Hank as well." Reed said shaking Xavier's hand. "So what are we all here for Chuck?" Johnny asked sitting down in a chair. "Yeah, spill it buddy!" the Thing added. "Very well then. McCoy?"
"Gladly Professor." Dr. Hank McCoy obeyed and sat the tablet down on the desk, tapping on it a few times to open up holograms of a news site detailing recent supervillain invasions of a small beachside town. "Recently, there have been reports of a town in Delmarva known as Beach City becoming the target of evildoers like Loki and MODOK yet its local defenders the Crystal Gems were able to defeat them." he explained making a hologram of four beings like New York's finest family only there was one young boy and three women of different shapes, sizes and colors. "We have yet to receive further details, but their appearances suggest alien origins."
"Ah yes, I quite remember those four quite well." Charles mused on the past. "Their leader Rose Quartz was a kindred spirit who shared my view of a world where all species can live in harmony. Though I have to wonder why isn't she present in these photos."
"Wait, what about that shield?" Susan commented zooming in on one particular picture to discover the boy defending Bruce Banner from the Absorbing Man with a pink spiral shield bearing a symbol that was quite familiar to Xavier. "It cannot be!" he gasped. "Yeah, he looks human but has a weapon of his own just like all the other ladies!" Ben declared. "You don't think..."
"Could his mother be a Gem as well?" Beast wondered. "This is certainly not like any other mutant I have seen before." Charles contemplated. "Perhaps we should pay this town a visit for further information."
"Speaking of mutants, have either of you seen Logan around anywhere?" Reed asked Hank and Xavier. "Last I checked, he was among the reserve Avengers called to Beach City." his wife said. "But where could he be now?"
Speaking of Wolverine, he was busy running toward a townhouse outside of Beach City in search of Steven's best friend Connie after Garnet told him to find her when the two of them disappeared. Hurriedly pounding on the door, the girl finally answered it to find him in a surprisingly panicked state. "Oh hello Logan, what brings you here?"
"Listen kid, I need to talk with you about Steven." the mutant exclaimed. "Is it okay if your folks let me in?" he asked. "I'll go check sir." Connie said before a voice cut them off. "I don't that'll be necessary Ms. Maheswaran." a man in a black coat standing behind Logan said. "I'll speak with them myself."
"Stay back Connie, this man could mean trouble!" Wolverine cautioned popping out his claws to face the man, but he was quickly disarmed and tossed onto the driveway. "I ain't backin' down so easy bub, I could fight you all day!"
"As could I James." the man replied taking off his hood to reveal a black man wearing a beanie cap and an eyepatch. Logan recognized that man from anywhere. "Fury?"
"So let me get this straight. You want our daughter to help you save the universe from some space warlord who has the power to annihilate billions with a snap of his fingers?" Connie's mother reiterated while the Maheswarans sat down with Wolverine and Nick Fury to discuss the situation.
"Exactly doctor. I've planted spies in Beach City, New York, Sokovia and Korea who've already informed me about the disappearance of some of Earth's mightiest heroes, including Iron Man, Hulk, Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel." Nick Fury stated. "Through some data we have gathered, it seems your daughter is quite proficient in swordsmanship through the Crystal Gem known as Pearl."
"Yep. I've actually met the girl myself and gotta say, she's quite versatile." Logan complimented Connie. "Plus I am pretty good with kids. You should see how many teenagers I've taken under my wing!" he added. "Well if you say so claws." Connie's dad finally gave in and they both shook Fury's hand. "I can assure you Mr. and Mrs. Maheswaran, your child is in good hands. Speaking of which."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small card with the Avengers symbol and Connie's face on it. "A-are you serious?" she stammered. "Yes indeed Connie. As of today, you are an honorary Avenger." the director of S.H.I.E.L.D declared. "Now go on, tap it."
Taking a deep breath, Connie tapped on her Avengers ID and it began ringing. Then her voice started emitting from the card saying "Avengers assemble!"
Later at the Crystal Temple, Connie, Fury and the Avengers had gathered to discuss their plan of attack. "Thank you all for coming everyone." Connie announced. "We've gathered you all today to discuss the issue of the Mad Titan Thanos."
"Indeed. Through miss Maximoff here, we are led to believe Earth's mightiest heroes are trapped on an alien world forced to fight some of the greatest threats to the galaxy in a game of survival." Nick Fury added. "This planet is called Battleworld, inhabited by Thanos himself, his minions and his beloved Lady Death." Scarlet Witch followed up. "If we can find a way to travel to this world, our victory is assured."
"Well obviously we need a spaceship, but where can we get one?" Logan inquired while Cat Steven rested on his hairy forearm. "What about that pink guy and his weirdo friends? What was his name again?" Wasp suggested. "Lars and the Off-Colors would be of great help to us, but sadly the Sun Incinerator needs repairs yet again." Connie said. "And sadly we don't have Peridot around to help us out."
"Hey I got an idea!" Spider-Man called. "Why not find the Guardians of the Galaxy? They got a working spaceship." Everyone then readily agreed with the webslinger. "That's a phenomenal idea Peter, but I fear we cannot locate them."
"I got that covered Vision." the director of S.H.I.E.L.D interrupted the synthezoid. "Satellite images have discovered them at the ruins of some sort of barn calling out for that Peridot." he explained. "Oh, that must be where they are!" Mantis exclaimed. "They could've been trying to help Peridot when she disappeared!"
"Gee, it's almost as if the viewers haven't read the previous two chapters." Jennifer snarked before she received a firm glare from Logan, though it was made unintentionally amusing with the sight of Cat Steven on his arm. "Okay I'll stop, I promise."
"Then it's settled, off to the barn!" Connie declared before waking up Lion. "Lion, think you can take all of us there?" she asked the rose-colored feline, who looked at the rest of the visitors before beckoning a few of them onto his back. "Never really thought I'd ride a lion quite like this one someday!" Peter quipped as he saddled up on Lion along with Mantis, Bucky, Logan and Connie. "But then again, one of the members of my ginormous rogues gallery is a hunter."
"But what about the rest of us?" Hank inquired. "You can all take the Warp Pad over there. It can literally take you anywhere, but humans can't really use it on their own." Connie explained. "But we do have this!" She searched around the bookshelf below her best friend's bedroom before uncovering a small flute-like object.
"That's it, some kinda whistle?" Rhodey wondered picking it up. "Must be pretty important. Let's see what happens when I play it." Sam commented before taking the instrument out of Rhodey's hands and playing it, making the warp pad activate. "Hot damn, it can do that?!" he exclaimed in wonder. "There's no time for questions, we have to leave now!" Pym commanded leading one group to the Warp Pad while the others riding Lion headed off to the barn.
"Peridot, where are you?!" Star-Lord called out for his short green friend. "You don't suppose she disappeared, did she?" Rocket asked. "I don't think so. If she did disappear, we'd probably find her standing incredibly still somewhere around here." Drax answered before Yondu slapped the back of his head. "No ya idjit, we saw her vanish in that beam 'a light!"
"Speaking of beams of light, look over there!" Gamora exclaimed pointing to the nearby Warp Pad activating and Nick walking towards them with some of the Avengers behind him and Lion appearing out of a portal with Connie, Spidey, Mantis, Barnes & Wolverine on his back.
"Hi everyone!" Mantis cheerfully greeted her fellow Guardians hopping off of the cat and running to hug them all. "Mantis, you're back!" Peter exclaimed squeezing her tight and the other Guardians joined in as well. "I am Groot!" Groot exclaimed wrapping them all in his extendable arms. "Oh, and you too Connie." Rocket said wiggling himself out of the group hug to greet her himself. "Where were you when Thanos came down?"
"Steven wanted me to stay away from him for my own safety." Connie answered looking down at her feet. "I think he made the right choice. Thanos would've probably killed you in order to force the Gems to hand over the Mind Stone." Gamora said. "Hey, that's kinda what I said!" Spider-Man added.
"Speaking of which, Thanos had captured both the Avengers & the Crystal Gems, forcing them to fight on his own Battleworld and now it's us to save them and stop him." Ant-Man stated. "But where do we go from here?" Drax asked. "Simple, we tune up the Milano and lift off!" Star-Lord declared. "But the bad news is, it kinda went kaput."
"How?!" Connie exclaimed in confusion before the space heroes all looked at Pumpkin, who was playing with a part of the ship. "C'mon you little rascal, gimme that!" Rocket snarled chasing after the gourd mutt while the Avengers looked on in confusion. "Care to explain that?" Hank asked pointing at the two critters. "Gem magic, what else?" Connie answered with a shrug.
"Isn't seeing them chase each other just adorable?" Janet said gazing affectionately at them. "I know right!" Mantis agreed. "The crabby puppy and the orange thing are just so cute!"
"Can we not talk about that and get to work already?!" Rocket cried finally snatching the ship part out of Pumpkin's mouth. "Good, and I got just the perfect montage music for it!" Star-Lord exclaimed turning on "Rubberband Man" on his Walkman and everyone got to work.
One montage later, the Milano was finally restored and ready for lift-off. "Finally, seems like it took forever!" Rocket exclaimed preparing to get on board. "Wait just a second. Before you go, I have a little speech prepared for you all. Passage I've got memorized too as well." Fury stated as three more men in black coats stepped up from behind him and pulled off their hoods, revealing themselves as Agents Coulson, Lee and Kirby. Clearing his throat, Nick began to speak.
"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men." he began reciting Ezekial 25:17. "Hey, doesn't this remind you of that one movie?" Kamala whispered to Quill. "Yeah, Pulp Fiction." Quill whispered back before Hank interrupted them and Fury continued.
"Blessed is he who in the name of charity and goodwill shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers!" His speech began getting more intense, as if getting the heroes pumped up. "And you will know my name is the Lord... when I lay my vengeance upon thee!" he finally concluded and was met with applause. "There you have it everyone. Avengers assemble."
"Thank you Director Fury. Wish us luck!" Connie thanked Nick as all the heroes, the Guardians and Lion included, boarded the Milano and prepared to take off. "Hang on Steven, we're coming for you!"
With that, the spaceship finally took off, leaving Fury, Coulson, Lee, Kirby and Pumpkin watching the skies. "I still don't get it." Lee said. "Why's the lion pink?"
Finally, after much anticipation the third chapter is here! Sorry for keeping you waiting folks, writer's block is a pain. But during that long wait, I saw Deadpool 2 which gave me tons of idea for future stories of Earth-2013. But enough about that, join us next time for the Secret Wars finally begin. Until then, keep the peace & love on the planet Earth.
