Patronus Maximus

by Ultimate Alcatraz

There are those who brings chaos and harm and those who bring hope and justice. As Naruto begins the next stretch of his journey with his loved ones, he soon discovers a more much challenging trial awaits him and his entourage. Their will, skills and love for each other will be tested in the Golden Age of Heroes. *Sequel to The Traveler* Naruharem. Naruto/multi-xovers.

38. Frost Fight

Patronus Maximus

Chapter XXXVIII: Frost Fight

Thanksgiving was a time of giving as the mortals say in the United States and Canada. Families travel across countries or states to reunite with their loved ones. It was also the time for hectic last-minute shopping committed by people who left preparations and cooking at the last minute.

Now imagine that times ten within December as people searched for the best possible deals on gifts that their family members wanted. Fortunately, Santa Claus exists for the human population, thanks to Naruto's helping the legendary figure last year.

Unfortunately for the ninja/god, he was called to action at the scene known as Monuriki Island of the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The Avengers asked for his help since Hulk was on vacation with the Smashers off of Earth. By the time they arrived there, the island was covered in thick ice that incased everyone, natives and tourists despite the tropical environment.

The one responsible was the tall Ice Giant known as Ymir who faced off against the Avengers, especially his kind's worst foe.

"Midgard rejects your frozen villainy, Ymir, Ice Giant of Niflheim," Thor monologed while spinning Mjolnir by its strap.

Ymir snarled at the Thunder God, "The ice will silence you, Thor Odinson." He then received a face full of a huge fireball that staggered him backwards.

"Thor, as much as I want to hear you and Ymir here babble, let's just end this," Patronus said impatiently. He doesn't want to miss Christmas Eve and the day after with the family, not after what happened on Halloween. The ninja then stomped on a nearby boulder and flipped it in mid-air before he kicked the object at the much taller Jotunn. "Taste dirt!"

"Speak not to me of battle tactics, Patronus," Thor replied somewhat snobbish, "I have fought more—" Naruto jumped to the side when Thor got hit by a barrage of sharp ice daggers.

"Told you!"

An airborne Iron Man was scanning the Jotunn as he asked the Asgardian, "Here's my question: why is an Ice Giant on Monuriki Island? I mean, it's really an ice-friendly location, like, say, someplace cold." Ymir had chosen him as the next target practice, causing Stark to avoid the ice though he got hit a few times. "*Grunt* By the way, ice is the perfect weapon because it melts and leaves no evidence. Saw that in a movie, I think." His repulsors fired two beams at the Ice Giant, but they didn't have any effect as he flew around and avoided more of Ymir's ice darts. "What was that movie? Cap, you know what I'm talking about."

Captain America ran across the frozen beach and stopped to block stray shards with his shield. "Stay on task, Iron Man. We need to find that casket before it's opened."

"Remind me again about this casket," Patronus said to the First Avenger. He cringed about the Casket of Ancient Winters, an ancient Jotunn artifact that has the power to engulf a realm in eternal winter. "Yikes, that's not good."

Meanwhile, Iron Man searched for the box with his scanners, "Nope, not seeing it. Would long summer on a stick work?"

Wasp, in her human size, flew out of the way and blasted Ymir with her stingers, even though they didn't faze the Ice Giant. "No time for jokes, Tony. Besides, that was weak."

"Snap, she got you," Patronus teased with a snicker.

Thor spun Mjolnir to deflect Ymir's ice shards when they came to his way. "Ymir and the Casket of Ancient Winters are as powerful as they are old, Iron Man. Trifle with them at your peril."

"I'd listen to the guy who fought Ice Giants for centuries," Patronus pointed out. "Unless you want to be a frozen popsicle."

An annoyed Iron Man responded to their jibes, "I'm not trifling, Hammer-time. I'm judging. Glacier-to-go may be big, strong, and handy when the fridge breaks, but even Popsicles know to stay in the shade. So why is he here and how did he get here?" He asked, but his distraction cost him as Ymir double-hammer punched the inventor into the nearby trees.

"And you're off to join it," Thor said somewhat amazed.

Patronus whistled in appreciation, "And he's out of here." He then noticed the new player on the team since their last rally against Kang. It was Lara dressed in her Fox Tunic from Paititi with a modification made since then: the hood that covered her face. "You okay there?"

"F-Fine!" Lara responded shakily as the ice around them was cold for her. She grabbed the Makakoyumi and instantly felt warmth throughout her body. "Thank you, Lord Inari." The archer pulled back three arrows and unleashed the blazing power within as they hit Ymir's chest, slightly fazing him due to the divine power. It was also that moment she saw something in the Ice Giant's left hand when he opened it. "Captain America, I have a visual on the casket. It's in the giant's hand."

Steve acknowledged Patronus's protégé's information. "Understood, Skadi. I assume that bow of yours can knock it out and I'll recover the casket."

Skadi was the Queen of the Hunt and one of the Norse deities. She was also the counterpart to Artemis, which made more sense for Lara to adopt the name as her secret identity.

"Understood," Lara complied before unleashing one fire arrow with more power into it.

"Eaken (Air Fist)!"

Patronus thrust his fist and unleashed an extremely powerful wind gale directly behind the fire arrow. The flame grew in tremendous size before it struck Ymir's chest. Thor, on the other hand, slammed Mjolnir onto the ground and caused a shockwave with enough force for the Giant to release the object in pursuit.

"Who do you—"

"Face the thunder!"

"Reijingu Sutoumu (Raging Storm)!"

The massive lightning strike and three blue flaming tornados merged into one attack as it grew size. Ymir struggled for a moment before he pushed back the attack. Naruto threw another Eaken at the flames and increased the power as a result, which consumed Ymir moments later. Both gods lightly touched their divine weapons as a sign of fellow warriors coming together.

Their attention was then brought by the hole in the sky. The cause of it was crackling green energy originating from the boat deck nearby the location. "I'm trying to remember all the positives of a big hole in the sky. Nope. There are none," Iron Man said with his usual Stark snark.

"Okay, Cap. Got a plan for this nightmare?" Wasp asked her leader. "Cap? Cap?" No response came from the Avenger. "Where's Cap?"

Lara pointed at the area where Cap was… frozen. "He won't hear you because he's a popsicle." The Avengers, Patronus, and herself saw Ymir approaching Captain America who managed to free himself in time to deflect Ymir's attacks back into his eyes.

The Ice Giant rubbed his eyes to get rid of them. "Where are you, pesky flea? You can't hide!" He demanded while Captain America was behind him and a sharp-looking piece of ice in front of the mortal.

"Here I am!" Cap shouted before kicking the ice piece directly into Ymir's butt.

Ymir screamed in pain as he jumped into the air while holding his butt at the same time. The heroes, except a laughing Naruto on the ground, watched their foe crash into the sandy ground headfirst.

"No more ice follies. Now to secure the casket and the kid," Cap noted before running to the artifact's last known location.

Patronus flew ahead to the location while the Avengers left to meet up with Cap. Only Thor and Skadi went with him. The trio saw the perpetrator as he wore a green small chest-plate with a lighter shade of green cape attached to it. He had long black hair that were free under the two long-horned helmet that protected his face. A grey bodysuit covered his body while green gauntlets and greaves protected his arms and legs. In his hand was a curved metallic green scepter with two silver prongs that contained a jewel inside.

The Thunderer proclaimed loudly, "Loki! How did you escape from Muspelheim?!"

"So much to do, so little time. Good bye, brother," Loki put more power into the hole as the vacuum began to pull the airborne heroes into the sky.

Patronus held onto Skadi as he and Thor fought to keep themselves away from the hole. Meanwhile, Cap recovered the casket and regrouped with his teammates as they hid underneath a lifeguard's tower and held onto the base foundations.

The only unfortunate one was Ymir as he got sucked into the hole and Loki disappeared afterwards. In that instance, the sky returned to normal and the pressure stabilized as the airborne heroes regrouped with the Avengers.

"Tony, where's the kid?" Captain asked the billionaire.

His face-plate exposing the confused expression, Tony responded, "I thought he was with you. Wasp?"

"No," Janet answered, shaking her head. "Thor?"

"Nay, Patronus and I battled Ymir and encountered Loki at the deck."

Clearing her throat, Skadi pointed everyone's attention at the sky. "That's him falling, right? What's his codename? Reptil?"

Reptil was a teenaged boy around fifteen years old with short black and green eyes. He had tanned skin that was covered by a grey bodysuit, but his arms resembled pterodactyl wings hence his hero name. According to Captain America, Reptil had inquired a tagalong to gain a first-hand experience about heroism. This was in response to Japan's Hero Association legislation some time ago.

"Don't worry. I got this," Iron Man assured his teammates, "Kid! Wake up! Yeah, no good. Any ideas?"

Patronus nudged Thor's side, gaining his attention. "A little lightning?" He immediately waved the deity off when he channeled too much of the element. "On second thought, maybe Wasp can wake him up."

Snickering at a pouting Thor, Wasp flew as fast as she could to Reptil's body and woke him up with a stinger. "Ow-ow!" The teenager saw that he was close to the water and quickly put his arms on two surfboards, riding the waves like a surfer. "Hey, check it out! I'm still alive." The older heroes cheered him on for his actions and quick thinking. "And I just invented dino-boarding."

"He's going to crash, isn't he?" Lara asked surely.

Naruto counted it off with three fingers, "Three… two… one." He and the others cringed at the nasty faceplant and slide in the sand.

"And dino-crashing," Iron Man joked afterwards.

Inside the pile, Reptil muttered meekly, "And full-body dino-trauma."

"Reptil, you good?" Patronus asked before he picked him up with one hand.

"For my encore, I will pass out."

And he did just that before the heroes left for their country home in the Eastern Coast of America.

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Ymir's Palace

Jotunheim

"The metal one spoke truth," Ymir said to a pacing Loki from his throne. "The island's warmth made me weak. It was a poor plan."

Loki stopped pacing and glared at the Giant, "It was you that failed, not my plan. You were to open the Casket of Ancient Winters in a remote location so as to avoid detection. Instead, it was a wasted trip."

"The meddlers were fortunate."

"That may be, but Thor delivers the casket to Asgard for safekeeping as we speak. Our new path to conquest must crush all heroic obstacles," Loki said sternly.

An idea formed in the First Giant as he rose from his throne. "I know a way."

"You have an idea?" Loki responded with feigned innocence before insulting him, "How refreshing." Ymir growled at his insolence, "Apologies, Lord of Ice. Please continue."

Ymir stretched his right arm outward and summoned snow on his palm. The snow morphed into a basketball-sized object before it showed the image of a man with a long white beard and moustache adorned in a red outfit with black gloves and boots. A red cape with white trimming at the edges hung from the shoulders as Loki grunted at the appearance of the man.

"I tell the tale of Jolnir."

A disgusted Loki groaned at this news. "Oh, stop. I've heard this tale. Jolnir is a silly legend. His kind and generous winter antics are fairy tale to amuse Asgardian children and gullible Frost Giants." Ymir growled at the insult once more. "*sigh* It's utter nonsense."

"No, Jolnir is nearly as ancient as I am, and just as real." The image in Ymir's palm changed to a couple of different species: a male bearded Frost Giant and a long blonde-haired woman with pointy ears. "Part Frost Giant, part Elf, Jolnir was born with immense power. But instead of using that power to rule, he squandered it on helping those too young and weak to help themselves…" The projection changed to Jolnir surrounded by happy… "Children. Today, Jolnir is better known as Santa Claus. And each winter, he brings gifts to all the children of the nine worlds in one night. Such a monumental feat is impossible to all but him," Ymir finished while crushing the image in his hand. "Such power. And if we could harness that power, none on Earth could resist."

"Yes, I'm well aware of Santa Claus. Santa Claus is beloved, celebrated," Loki ranted with a subtle hint of jealously, "Songs are sung in his name." Then an idea began to form in the God of Mischief's devious mind, "Using him to dominate the very beings that adore him… Well, that is just too devious to resist." Loki chuckled at the new plan, "I guess there's more to you than snow and ice after all, Ymir. But where will we find him?"

"If the stories are true, he makes his home in Alfheim, home of the Light Elves."

"Ugh, Elves," Loki replied with disgust, "Of course, I should've known. But if he's as powerful as you say, how could we usurp that power?"

"We lost one casket, but there is another." Ymir opened his hand and created another image that of a casket with a different design. "The Casket of Ancient Powers. It can transfer even the greatest abilities from one being to another. And, like Jolnir, it too resides in Alfheim."

Finally, the idea was finished within the former Asgardian as he laughed mischievously, "Misinformation and a reward should flush Jolnir into the open while we seek the Casket of Ancient Powers. If no one else finds him, we will."

"And then we will claim his power."

"Yes, the hunt is on for Santa Claus," Loki finished with a laugh before addressing their other obstacle, "But first, a distraction for our heroic friends." He created a portal and left Ymir's palace for a place somewhere in the Nine Realms and a specific creature.

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Avengers Mansion

Midtown, Manhattan, New York

The heroes retreated to the mansion for rest after the battle with Ymir. Thor left to put the Casket of Ancient Winters in Asgard's vault and Patronus with Skadi were to leave when Iron Man had asked them to wait for several minutes. In the meantime, they were eating cookies made by Wasp and the trio watched Captain America lectured Reptil in combat.

And by lecture, he means sparring.

Reptil lunged at Cap who barely moved from his spot and avoided his claws before the soldier kicked him down. "Again." He motioned the tired teenager and Reptil tried for a dogpile, but Captain America knocked him off-balance by another kick at the legs.

After landing on his back, a tired Reptil rose but supported himself on his knees. "Am I still in trouble for going after Loki on my own?" Apparently, he encountered the Norse god while technically obeying Cap's orders to secure the deck… where Loki was at the time.

"You're not in trouble," Cap responded assuredly, "You're in training to join this team someday. And that won't happen if you don't learn teamwork."

"I tried to tell you. I—" Reptil paused before saying what's on his mind, "I wanted you to believe in me. I figured if I catch Loki… Boom, I'm in the game."

Cap shook his head at the boy's answer, "But you don't act alone when you're part of a team. So, you're on the bench."

Noting the kid's pout, Patronus walked to the duo and gave his input, "Listen, kid. You're not the only one who did something like this against someone more skilled than you. Take it from me: when I was young, I was arrogant and wanted to prove that I could beat my sensei, but he was too much for me and my teammates. The reward was our qualifications."

"Did you and your team beat him?" Reptil asked, obviously intrigued by the mysterious hero's tale.

"Nope, we lost and since I cheated during the exercise, I was denied lunch. Despite the warning, my teammates gave me their lunches, which turned out to be the passing grade," Patronus said, nostalgically recalling his Team Seven days. "The point here is that a team is stronger than individuals, and if a member strays from them, the battle is lost."

Captain and Wasp were impressed by the ninja's words. "Nice story, Patronus, but ironic since you refused our offers to join the team," Janet reminded with snark, stunning Reptil and annoying Patronus. "Though, Cap, guts do count in a team."

"When they're paired with brains," Cap countered.

From the washing machine nearby, Iron Man said, "He stepped up to Loki, and he's still here. Gold star for that."

"Did you ever take no for an answer?" Patronus asked the First Avenger. "Did any of us when we were younger? Hell no."

"No," Rogers answered honestly, "And we all made mistakes. Mistakes I'm trying to help him avoid."

"But mistakes helped us become who we are today," Patronus argued with Skadi and others voicing their agreements. "No one is perfect from birth, not even Stark."

Tony agreed instantly, "Yeah." He then realized the hidden insult. "Hey!"

"Uh, guys, I'm right here," Reptil pointed out meekly as he was annoyed at this time.

"He'll be fine, Cap," Tony said after emerging from the machine, his armor being squeaky clean. "He's a one-man dino-band. You know who else had skills like that? Dinosaurs. And look how things turned out for them. Wait, bad example."

"I rest my case," Steve replied after using Tony's example as support.

"Guys, still in the room."

"You wouldn't worry so much if you had my new-car shine, Cap. Now pipe down before the kid hears us."

*Boom-Thud*

The heroes glanced at each other. "Whoa! Thor's back already? That was quick," Janet said to her teammates.

"No." Captain disagreed, "He said it would take time to secure the Casket of Ancient Winters in Asgard. That was something else."

"Then let's check it out."

Patronus left the mansion with the others except a lonesome Reptil, "Should I come? Guys!"

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"Is that a dinosaur?" Lara asked as she landed on the street with Patronus.

It was a massive creature as the body covered the entire width of the street. Green scales covered the body with four feet, a long-elongated snout, and sharp horns on the back. It resembled an oversized alligator or crocodile, actually.

"Tourist?" Iron Man joked, "Not a local."

Wasp shook her head, "No, but he's making himself at home."

"All right, our first priority is clearing the street," Cap said after assessing the situation, "Get everyone out of the lizard zone."

The alligator-like lizard's stomps sent a bus full of passengers soaring in the air, causing Iron Man to fly after it. "I'm on it." He flew around and grabbed the fender, but it was torn off. "Don't worry about the fender. I got that covered."

"Oh brother," Patronus entered Sage Mode and caught the bus in the time. He placed the vehicle on the street and watched it drive away with its screaming driver, "You're welcome!"

At this time, Reptil arrived at the scene and hovered in the air, "Really? Rampages make us all look bad, extra-large dino-noob." He landed on the ground, but the dinosaur's tail flung a construction truck at him. Skadi tackled him out of the way as the vehicle crashed against a Christmas village.

"You need to work on your reflexes," Skadi told the inexperienced kid.

"Thanks."

The duo separated for the sky and ground while Patronus stared down at the creature. "So, you want to take the easy way or the hard way?" The dinosaur roared loudly and almost blew off Naruto's hood before he held it in place. "Seeing that it is Christmas Eve, and I want to go home before midnight, I'll be the gentler one." He placed his hand on the creature's snout and patted it softly. "You're a long way from home, aren't you?"

The Avengers watched the creature relax on the street in front of Patronus. "How did he—" Reptil asked before being cut off by Captain America.

"One of the mysteries pertaining to Patronus, Reptil."

Skadi walked to the dinosaur and patted it, followed by Reptil who was excited to meet an actual dinosaur. Said creature sniffed the air and found a scent familiar from the boy before she snuggled him like a parent would to a child. Luckily, Patronus saw this coming and got Skadi out in time along with himself. "That was close," Patronus said to his secret girlfriend.

"And lucky," Skadi told as she pointed at the scene in front of them: Reptil being licked by the dinosaur.

"HELP!"

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Outer Space

Milky Way Galaxy

A large U-shaped green ship with six propulsion engines floated in deep space as one of its occupants was done fixing the problem. "Eighth time's a charm, pal. Honestly, I feel good about this." The fixer was a small raccoon with a medium-length tail and dressed in clothing while a backpack protected his rear flank. He popped out of the wall after screwing in the patch job.

His pal was a tall tree humanoid with bare teeth and shrubs of green around its head and feet. "I am Groot."

"So when I say, 'Punch it,' you punch it. Got it?" He tightened the bolt once more before saying, "Punch it!" The creature apparently named Groot pressed the ignition button, but immediately his partner, Rocket, shouted in dismay, "Power down, power down!" Rocket rapidly stomped his feet at the fire until Groot powered the ship down. "Why'd you punch it? Oh, now the electrical's fried! I gotta rewire the whole thing! And I'm out of wire!"

Groot watched his frustrated friend's thrown ratchet hit the power box on the other side and felt the explosion soon after. The ship powered down completely as a result. "I am Groot?"

"I'm sick of this flying scrap heap. Why'd Quill have to take his ship for a vacation?" Rocket whined, "We need a new ship."

"I am Groot!"

"I know new ships cost units."

"I am Groot."

"*Growl* I know we don't have any units," Rocket replied with paws on his head. The ship's alert system brought him out of his funk with hope. "But maybe that's about to change." He accessed the computer's bounty system and read off the target's name with charges. "Jolnir, AKA Santa Claus. Mass burglary, animal cruelty. Stealing cookies from kids? Well, this guy's a real piece of work. And the reward is… Whoa!" His eyes bulged out at the reward money, "We bag this guy, and we can buy any ship we want. Quill will be so jealous! *Laughs* Set a course for this Alfheim place."

Groot instructed the ship's auxiliary power and placed the route in the navigation computer as the vehicle flew to their new destination.

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Alfheim

Nine Worlds, Yggdrasil

The land of the Light Elves was festive as the trees resembled candy cane and the land looked like striped candy. Decorations of lights and ornaments was present along with snow. The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by a green portal as Loki and Ymir emerged from it.

"Ah, Alfheim, the most joyous of the Nine Realms," Loki observed sarcastically. "How can any being stand a place this happy? Even Elves?"

"Agreed. It's too warm."

"Fortunately, our visit will be short. Now where in this cursed realm is the Casket of Ancient Powers?" Loki asked, only to receive Ymir's shrugged shoulders as a response. "*sigh* I suppose we will just have to ask for directions then." He and Ymir disappeared in a green flash of light.

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Avengers Mansion

Midtown Manhattan

The heroes returned to the mansion with hopes that nothing else would interrupt their Christmas Eve. This included the arrival of Thor who just came from Asgard. "Captain, is this a hero's welcome or treachery afoot?" The Thunderer asked his old friend.

"Hard to say," Captain America answered back. "How'd things go in Asgard?"

"All's well. The Casket of Ancient Winters is once again in safe hands."

"Nothing out of the ordinary?"

Thor hesitated for a moment before answering while walking inside. "Well, there was one odd development."

A few minutes later, Captain America called the heroes for an emergency meeting, much to Patronus's irritation since he and Lara were just out the door. "Please tell Loki didn't steal back that icebox," Janet said hopefully.

"No, we believe Loki has moved on to a far more sinister plan," Cap responded seriously.

Thor cleared his throat, "'We' is an overstatement."

"What do you mean, Thor?" Patronus asked the Norse god.

Cap begun listing the facts, "The lizard attack. Tony, can you—"

"Boom," Tony cut his friend off while pulling up video of their recent encounter, "Jarvis, thank you."

"We know a creature attacked the city today, and we know that despite its size and strength, we defeated it easily," Everyone was attentive so far as Rogers continued, "Too easily. Thor and I believe—"

"He believes," Thor corrected, "I, less so."

"That Loki sent the creature to distract us from his true scheme, which Thor discovered while in Asgard." Cap turned to the Thunderer, "Thor?"

The hesitant Thor said, "I thought it less a scheme and more a jest."

"What is?" Skadi asked the Asgardian.

"Loki accuses someone of false crimes and offers a great reward for his capture," Thor channeled lightning into his hand and formed a staticky image of the person, "Loki's target has many names. In Asgard, he is Jolnir. He is known as Santa Claus," The Asgardian prince couldn't help it and finally laughed at the absurdity, joined by Tony. However, it wasn't long until Thor controlled himself while Tony continued to mock the figure.

After a few minutes, Tony caught his breath from the laughter round. "A Santa bounty. Too funny." He noticed that everyone was serious. "Really? Just Thor and me? Come on, you can't be serious."

"Don't I look serious?" Captain asked rhetorically.

"But you always look like that," Patronus, Wasp, and Reptil answered as one.

"For good reason. It may sound funny, but Santa Claus is no joke."

Tony took this as a challenge and asked Jarvis to demonstrate the physics of Santa's travel around Earth. Naruto always hated Stark's breakdown of magical beings, events, or powers down to science. He blocked his ears until finally he had enough, "It's not impossible since I met the guy myself."

"Say what?" All chorused as an excited Wasp, Captain, and Reptil were suddenly in Patronus's personal space.

After putting some distance between them, Naruto explained last year's Christmas event that involved him, Black Cat, and a disgruntled elf who tried to erase Christmas. "But he didn't look like anything in that projection," Patronus pointed out upon seeing the image, "Thor, what exactly is Jolnir?"

"If the legends are correct, he is half-Giant and half-Elf," Thor answered somewhat surely.

"And Giants have the ability to shape-shift including their appearance, right?" Patronus asked, getting a reluctant nod from the thunder god, "Then when I met Santa that night, he must've changed his appearance to avoid me making a positive identification."

"Regardless, it may be that Santa has incredible power," Cap remarked firmly, "Enough to bend space-time."

Musing over Patronus's words as possibly valid since the latter hasn't done anything to warrant mistrust and Cap as a teammate, Thor put two and two together regarding the Claus scheme. "Loki could use the Casket of Ancient Powers to claim Jolnir's power. Both are said to be in Alfheim. But this has gone too far. Jolnir is just a legend, a myth."

"Kind of like you, Thor from Asgard," Janet retorted back.

"Fine, maybe this guy's Thor's cousin," Tony said skeptically, "But he's no Santa because there is no Santa. I'll take a trip to prove I'm right. Let's go to Alfheim."

Lara leaned close to Patronus, "He really has a big ego as they say." She believed Naruto since he told her all of his adventures during this dimension. "And are we really going to Alfheim?"

"Apparently so."

"Heimdall won't open the Bifrost to mortals for such folly, nor should he," Thor said sternly with narrowed eyes.

Tony shrugged it off, "No problem. We don't need your rainbow bridge when we've got my Dimensional Gateway Transporter Bridge Thingamajig." Seeing the raised eyebrows, Tony clarified the reason, "I'm still working on the name."

"This is a fool's errand," said a disbelieving Thor.

Captain looked at him, "So stay here. Someone has to work on plan B: doing Santa's job if something goes wrong." Thor didn't look too happy about this, but it was better than this Santa Claus scheme. "Your device is real?" Rogers asked the scientist.

"We're going on a Santa quest, and you're asking if my tech is real?"

"Fine, has it been tested?"

"Sure," Stark answered as his face plate closed, "Phase one of testing started… now." The portal machine activated with no explosions at all, much to Naruto and Lara's relief.

Wasp looked at the trainee, "Joy to another world, huh, kid?"

"Yes, we're going to meet Santa Claus!" Reptil shouted excitedly like a kid on Christmas morning.

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Cookies Forest

Alfheim

After a brief argument between Reptil and Captain America, Patronus and Iron Man convinced the soldier to let the trainee come. Mainly, so his belief in Santa can offset Tony's skepticism though he is overwhelmed by the number of believers in the team. Upon their arrival, the Avengers, Lara and Naruto found themselves surrounded by something they never thought to see.

"Wait, are those cookie trees?" Janet asked as Reptil got close to one.

"Yeah, they look good."

Her senses warning the beauty, Skadi drew and let loose an arrow that intercepted a foreign one that would have hit Reptil. They soon found themselves in front of great numbers of armored Elven archers aiming their glowing arrows at them. Lara was star-struck at seeing actual Elves in person, even though they're hostile.

"See? Safe and sound," Iron Man stated, "Sure, there's an army of angry archer Elves targeting us, but we get souvenir glow arrows. That's a win in my book."

Patronus sent him a glare. "In which realm?" One of the Elves approached the Earth-based heroes, armed only with a sword.

"I am Malitri, captain of the Emerald Guard," Malitri introduced himself. "You will release Commander Athidel by the count of three. One…"

"Wait a second," Captain interjected, "We don't have this commander."

"Cap, let me handle this," Iron Man said as he approached Malitri.

"Why do I have a feeling this will not go well?" Both Lara and Naruto thought internally. They watched Iron Man speak in medieval English like Thor does, but it only irritated the Elves' captain.

"Your mockery is a path that leads only to woe, armored interloper, for you. I grow weary of your prattle." Malitri pointed his sword at the inventor, "Dispatch him."

Patronus saw folly in this course of action and swiped Kogitsunemaru directly from the sheath, cutting deep into the ground with flames. The elves' arrows were burned by the divine flames and the swordsmen backed away due to the flames' heat. "So, let's try again, Elves. We are here to protect Santa Claus also known as Jolnir to you and the rest of the Nine Realms."

"The Emerald Guard protects Jolnir," Malitri responded to the foreign deity, "We do not require the help of outlanders."

"Even though the other team looking for Jolnir is Ymir and Loki?" asked Skadi with an arrow readied just in case Naruto couldn't talk them down.

Noting the two foreigners' strange but familiar attire, Malitri remained firm on no assitance, "Ymir and Loki are a more dangerous threat. A threat we are more than able to counter on our own."

Nodding at the Elf's answer, Patronus countered softly, "And normally, we would not intrude on your sacred duty if it wasn't dire." Iron Man and Captain America raised brows while the Elves' expression softened slightly by the ninja's words. "The circumstances have changed. They have a head start on their plan against Jolnir."

"I believe you," Iron Man said sarcastically, "It's not your commander's missing or anything."

Seeing that the Elf captain, Captain made another argument. "Loki and Ymir may be using your commander to find the Casket of Ancient Powers. If so, we need to work together and get there first."

"Why would we trust outlanders?" Malitri asked distrustfully. He was approached by Reptil who had a determined expression, then a smile.

"Because Santa's safety is at risk. Nothing else matters."

"… Follow us."

Patronus gave a high five to the kid, "Nice, Reptil."

"How'd you do that?" Iron Man asked curiously.

"Don't know," Reptil shrugged his shoulders, "But it worked."

As the Avengers and allies followed the Elves, their captain glanced at Patronus and Skadi, mainly the former as his description reminded him of a tale told to the Elven people a year ago.

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

Gingerbread Man Fields

The two Guardians had landed in the Elven realm as they exited their ship with mixed reactions. "Looks like you picked the right wormhole for Alfheim, Groot. I owe you a burrito," Rocket mused as he pulled out a device that scanned the environment.

"I am Groot."

"What kind of twisted fever dream is this place?" Rocket noticed something in the scans, "What, do they grow gingerbread men here?"

"I am Groot."

"Yeah, you would like it." Rocket and Groot begun their trek through the lands of Alfheim as the former read the file of their target, "Dossier says this Jolnir/Santa guy drives a sleigh. So, find the sleigh, find Santa."

Groot took a closer at nearby gingerbread man whose head slightly moved. The Guardian didn't seem to notice, but saw one of the gumdrops on its person and took the delicacy from the body. Rocket scolded him to put it back, but Groot was about to eat it when the gingerbread man punched him to the ground. Said gingerbread placed its gumdrop back on its chest, angering Groot as his left arm stretched through it like vine. "I am Groot!"

It turned out to be a poor choice as the entire gingerbread men came alive and slowly walked towards them. "Great. See what you did?! You made the gingerbread rise." Rocket sighed after his brief rant, "Well, only one thing to do when you're stuck in a cookie… Chew 'em up!"

The duo attacked the gingerbread men with their weapons and powers. Rocket blasted them with his energy rifle while Groot used his plant powers to make the trees crush the gingerbread men into crumbs. The numbers quickly reduced to zero, leaving the two feeling victorious at the moment.

"There, nothing but crumbs," Rocket stated with a smirk, only for it to disappear a second later. "What the sprinkles?" The reason was two-headed regenerating gingerbread men rising from the ground, "Perfect. Zombie cookies." He jumped onto Groot's back swiftly, "Come on, run as fast as we can!"

For the two Guardians, a tactical retreat was their best option for now as Groot ran from the chasing zombie cookies.

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

Casket of Ancient Powers Resting Place

With the hard-to-obtained information gained from the elves' commander, Ymir and Loki found the cave that housed the object of their desire. Unfortunately, it was narrow for the tall Ice Giant as he was barely able to pass through, but still hit the ceiling. "Cursed cave!" He can shrink to a human-size, but the giant refuse to do so as it would make look weak as the mortals.

Ahead of him was Loki with their captive, Athidel, whom they had captured sometime after their arrival. "Athidel, if the casket is much further, Ymir may share his discomfort with you," Loki subtly threatened the Elven commander.

"Our destination is near," Athidel said bitterly before the cave shook violently.

"Wretched rocks!"

"I do hope so. For your sake," Loki replied with his nonchalant tone.

Meanwhile at the other entrance of the cave, the Avengers and Elves were trekking through tunnels with concerns about getting lost. Even the Elves were wary for even experienced warriors remained in the tunnels for decades until they were found.

"There," Athidel stared at the object his people swore to protect from evil hands, "There is what you seek."

Their destination led them to a great chamber hall that was big enough for Ymir to stand at his height. In the center was a casket glowing with dark blue energy around it. And it didn't live up to Loki's expectations.

"That's it?" Loki asked in disappointment, "The Casket of Ancient Powers? You leave it unguarded?"

Athidel grunted when the Asgardian shoved him with his scepter, "No. The casket's ward is the Jorokraken."

"And where is the Jorokraken?"

"Where he always is. Beneath our feet," Athidel responded before the ice broke and revealed the casket's protector: a multi-limbed creature with green scales. Its strength was apparent as Ymir struggled to break free even though he was surrounded by ice and Loki was shoved aside by a tentacle. "And he's never been fond of uninvited guests."

Meanwhile, the Avengers and their Elf allies struggled to keep their balance through the shaking. "Elfworld is on a fault line?" Iron Man asked the captain.

"No, that disturbance was caused by the movement of the Jorokraken," Malitri answered gravely. This meant that Loki and Ymir are near the casket.

Wasp shuddered at the name. "Sounds delightful. What is it?"

"The Jorokraken is an ancient great beast that skulks in the rocky depths. It is a friend to the Light Elves and jealously defends the Casket of Ancient Powers from all who dare see it."

That's when Captain America ran past them while saying, "Then Loki's found the casket. Let's move."

Back to the chamber hall, Ymir and Loki were battling the Jorokraken, but found it to be relentless. The Ice Giant got slammed against a wall while Loki became ensnared by the creature's tentacle as Athidel managed to break free from his bonds.

"Alfheim protects Jolnir against all trespassers," Athidel stated casually. "Your fates were sealed the moment you dared plot against him." He gave a goodbye bow to his enemies, "I bid you farewell on your journey to oblivion."

Not able to tolerate this obstacle, Loki used his scepter to blast the Jorokraken and forced it to release him before sending the creature back to its domain. "Even the most savage beast can learn manners when given the proper motivation," Loki stated as Athidel drew his bow and charged at him.

However, Ymir recovered and froze the Elven commander against a cavern wall. He went to retrieve the box while Loki approached Athidel and taunted him about the creature's lethality. Ymir returned as he gave the casket to Loki.

"Use care," Ymir warned the trickster, "If you open the casket without a target, it will siphon your powers."

"As I assumed," Loki said as he inspected the casket and sensed its power, "I haven't made it this far on charm alone, cold friend."

A defiant Athidel shuddered in the ice as he stated firmly, "You will reach Jolnir. And even if you do, he is far too powerful for you." Loki raised the casket in front of the worried Elf.

"That, my stalwart Santa sentry, is why we needed the box," Loki informed before firing an electrical beam from his scepter across the ceiling, causing a collapse. Ignoring the elf's words, the trickster and Ice Giant left the area via portal.

By the time the Avengers and the Emerald Guard arrived, they met face-to-face with the Jorokraken as it roared at them. "Loki left us a present!" Iron Man shouted with surprise before blasting the creature, repulsor-style of course.

The heroes were about to attack when the creature suddenly calmed as its eyes were directed on one of them. The Light Elves were surprised when the hooded one approached the creature and petted it, hearing the Jorokraken's content growls from the contact. "Impossible," Everyone's eyes were directed at the equally-surprised Athidel. "No one has ever been able to tame the Jorokraken without this."

The Avengers, Lara, and Patronus saw an ornately gold-decorated whistle in his hand. "You trained the Jorokraken?" Iron Man asked both skeptically and surprisingly.

"This relic held sway over the Jorokraken when we found it," Athidel replied to the outsider, "We know not how, but we remain grateful for its existence."

"You and me both," Wasp agreed thankfully.

Captain America then asked, "What happened to Loki and Ymir?"

"They escaped with the casket and left me sealed in," Athidel answered the First Avenger, "Fortunately, my knowledge of the hidden passages allowed me to escape."

Both Lara and Reptil were surprised, "These tunnels have secret tunnels? That's just too much tunnel."

"They're on the move," Captain stated sternly, "Where is Jolnir?"

Malitri answered this time, "Jolnir calls the top of Mount Jolly home."

"Of course," Iron Man answered skeptically, "I was gonna gues that."

Soon after, the Avengers and the Emerald Guard entered a debate about letting the former to aid in protecting Santa Claus from Loki and Ymir. It got to the point where Iron Man and Malitri aimed their weapons at each other, forcing Patronus and Lara to intervene.

"Lower your arm, Tony, right now," Patronus warned the Avenger as his blade was just above the latter's arm. Skadi got close to Malitri's personal space and aimed a fire arrow at his head, surprising both groups of their actions.

"Or what? You're going to CUT MY ARM?!" Iron Man cried out as he pulled back said limb, seeing a slash mark through his durable armor. "Why you—"

Patronus lifted the tip of his sword at Iron Man's faceplate. "This isn't the time for a pissing contest. Jolnir is danger and so is Christmas! I'll be damned if I let you or Cap here jeopardize that by arguing with the Light Elves." He stared at the commander, "And you… I get that you've been doing this for centuries before we came along, but we all want the same thing: Jolnir's safety and the Christmas spirit."

"He's right," Reptil interjected as he hoped to ease the tension, "We're all in this together now. Sure, we're different from each other, but if we all work together, Santa and Christmas will be safe. Loki and Ymir don't stand a chance against us."

Athidel took in both of their words and motioned his men to lower their weapons. Patronus and Skadi put away their weapons as well. "I will go on a limb here and say that you Elves listen better to children than adults," Lara guessed after seeing their reaction towards Reptil.

"Why is that?" Reptil asked in general. "No one listens to me."

Iron Man shrugged his shoulders, "It's not personal. Who listens to kids?"

"We do," Athidel answered strongly, "And the young one speaks true as do your hooded friend. Jolnir has departed, thus eliminating the cause for conflict between us."

Crossing her arms, a confused Wasp asked, "Why do you listen to the kid?"

"The greater the youth, the greater the truth," Malitri answered honestly.

Athedil approached the teenager, "Indeed, youth is an asset. The young are dear to Jolnir, but more importantly, we Light Elves can sense who believes in Jolnir and who does not." He sensed the belief within the boy. The commander was surprised to see it coming from most of the heroes except for the armored one. "Humberto believes. And we trust the words of a believer."

"How'd he know my name?" Humberto asked Tony.

"You think I know?"

Putting aside the fact Patronus almost cut Tony's arm off, Captain asked the commander about their asset, "So, where is Jolnir? Where did he go?"

"The time of giving, when Jolnir distributes gifts to the children of the Nine Realms, is at hand," Athedil answered the Avenger, "It begins on the world closest to ours, Midgard, in a remote location of Jolnir's choosing."

"I believe you call it the North Pole," Malitri informed specifically, much to Humberto's pleasure.

Captain America heard more than enough about Jolnir's schedule, "Then that's Loki's next target. We need to get there now."

"Regretfully, we cannot join you. Per Jolnir's wishes, our duties end when the time of giving begins."

"So even Santa's Elves get the holidays off, but not us. Nice," Wasp groaned at having to work on Christmas Eve.

Cap turned to his team with determination, "Evil doesn't observe holidays. Let's roll." The heroes were to make their leave when the Elves called out for the two hooded ones.

"What are your names?" Athedil asked them.

Naruto and Lara exchanged glances before the former answered for them. "I'm Patronus and this is Skadi." They noticed the Elves' eyes widen in shock before the group suddenly carried them over their heads and ran out of the cave with a trail behind them. "What the damn hell?!"

"Pardon me, but these two are required elsewhere for the moment," Athedil said with no room for answers as he quickly left the stunned heroes behind.

"What just happened?" Janet asked her teammates.

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

After escaping the zombie gingerbread men, Rocket and Groot posted themselves in position where the former saw his target driving a sleigh on one of the curvy roads. He leaned in for a closer and saw the target dressed in red attire with a hood over the head and scarf covering the lower portion of his mouth.

"That's him," Rocket stated before landing next to Groot and getting his rifle. "Rotten, low-life crook. Let's grab him, quick and quiet, and get out of this snow globe. This place gives me the creeps." He glanced over his shoulder, "And stop eating those gumdrops!"

Groot groaned before swallowing the last gumdrop he will eat for now.

The driver slowed down when Rocket and Groot dropped in from their position with the former aiming his gun at him, "End of the road, Santa Claus." Groot created vines from his hand and wrapped the driver in place who struggled against the tightness. "Nothing personal, just business. You're worth a whole lot of loot to somebody. Actually, it is a bit personal! Taking cookies from kids? How do you sleep at night?"

'Santa' shouted, but they came out muffled. It perplexed the Guardian since it sounded like a woman's voice instead of a man.

"Groot, lose the scarf," Rocket told his friend. Imagine their surprised when Santa was a woman in her forties with white hair tied up in a bun.

"I said, 'I'm afraid you've got the wrong Claus.' I'm Mrs. Claus, Santa's wife," Ms. Claus introduced herself cheerfully despite of what just happened.

Rocket face-palmed at their mess-up, "You've gotta be kidding me." Groot released the woman who giggled at their situation.

"Oh, I wish, but I'm not much a jokester," Ms. Claus chuckled, "Not like you two. I mean this prank… What a hoot! I'm so sorry I spoiled it."

A dejectedly Rocket slumped his shoulders, "Prank?" They were on official business here!

"Sure!" Ms. Claus replied joyfully, "Pretending to be bandits, leaping out to catch Santa. Delightful!" She chuckled once more, "Hop in. I'll give you a ride to our place. Santa loves it when old friends drop by."

Seeing an opportunity here, Rocket played along with the circumstances. "Yeah, yeah, we're old friends here to play a prank on Santa. You saw right through us." He walked towards the sleigh while whispering to Groot, "Come on, buddy. This sweet old lady's gonna help us bag her husband." As the two climbed aboard the magical vehicle, Rocket asked Ms. Claus, "Now how far are weEEEEE!"

Ms. Claus laughed at her passengers' reactions when she used the sleigh's overdrive to their location. "Isn't this a hoot?" She asked cheerfully as she drove the sleigh up a mountain and now slid downward very fast.

Both Rocket and Groot whimpered at the speed as the latter covered his eyes in fear.

"I am Groot! I am Groot! I am Groot!"

"What is that?!" Rocket asked fearfully at the object they were aiming at. "It's a ramp! Why?!"

The sleigh's momentum propelled itself in the skies from the ramp as Mrs. Claus cheered with both hands in the air. As for Groot and Rocket, they held each other while screaming like children. Fortunately for the Guardians, the sleigh made it to Mount Jolly as Mr. Claus introduced her home.

"We're here," Ms. Claus announced cheerfully, only to find her home missing. "Oh, snickerdoodles! We must've just missed him. Don't worry. I know where he is. I'll have us there in no time."

"No!" Rocket jumped to the front and stopped her from driving, "I mean, no, you've been so kind. We've imposed enough on you. We have a ship. If you could just tell us where can find him."

The cheerful Ms. Claus got excited moments later, "A ship? How wonderful! I've always wanted to fly a ship. Let's go!"

Rocket and Groot suddenly became more afraid for their lives than ever before from that moment onward.

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

North Pole

Arctic Circle, Earth/Midgard

The Avengers arrived at the North Pole and begun their search for Santa. So far, they haven't done so, much to Iron Man's skeptical pleasure and Cap's annoyance.

"So, I'm the only one who finds it convenient that Santa's house vanished when we arrived in Alfheim?" Iron Man asked his teammates. "This is a prank, and those Elf-alikes are in on it."

"Maybe, but we can't that chance," Cap retorted, "If Santa is out here, we need to find him before Loki does."

Meanwhile, their trainee was struggling to catch up with them due to the excessive amount of winter gear.

"Unless he doesn't want to be found," Wasp gave her input, "If Santa's the powerhouse they say he is, he could be walking in this winter wonderland with us, and we'd never know."

Rolling his eyes at her explanation, Tony continued to voice his skepticism. "Another reason why this pointless, not that we needed another reason."

"Do you have some place you'd rather be tonight?" Cap asked as his annoyance with Tony peaked.

"Yes! Don't you?"

Wasp stung them with her stingers to break it off, "Simmer down, fellas. Don't make me pull a Patronus on you two."

Tony growled at the mention of the hooded her, "Can't believe he was actually going to cut my arm off."

"You didn't make the situation better by aiming your repulsor at the Elves," Wasp argued back. "I swear you two keep this up, you'll end up on the naughty list."

"There is no naughty list, because there is no Santa."

Humberto stumbled past as he caught sight of something ahead of them. "Guys, maybe it's just that my eyeballs are frozen, but look." Ahead of them was a two-story unique cabin decorated with Christmas lights and tree that stood outside on the second floor's balcony. "Is that Santa's house? Santa's nice, cozy, warm house?"

The Avengers entered the cabin and instantly felt the warmth from the fireplace. The living room was decorated with Christmas wreaths and another tree.

"Santa?" Captain asked tentatively, "Santa Claus? You in here? Empty, but he's gotta be close." He was about to order a perimeter search when Reptil ran past him for the fireplace and took off his winter gear in the process. After seeing the relief on the boy's face, Captain changed his mind. "On second thought, I could use a moment to warm up. Reptil, make room."

"Really?" Iron Man asked in disbelief.

A portal opened at the door, causing the Avengers to be ready, but they relaxed when it was Patronus and Skadi. The portal closed as did the door as well. "So, this is Santa's house?" Patronus mused as he observed the living space, "Nice!"

"Oh, thank God!" Lara ran to the source of warmth. "Fireplace!" Although no one seemed to notice, but only Naruto knew about the weapon stored inside the bow on her back.

A familiar scent caught everyone's attention as Patronus ran to the kitchen and came out of it with a big jar of delicious… "Hot chocolate, anyone?" All but Tony raised their hands. "Then get your own cups."

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

Outer Space

They thought that riding a sleigh with Mrs. Claus in Alfheim was bad, but letting her pilot a ship turned out to be worst.

"Getting awfully close to those asteroids," Rocket pointed out fearfully as the ship avoided objects.

Mrs. Claus seemed to not register his fear, "Thank you so much for letting me fly your ship," She said cheery. "It's always been a little dream of mine."

"Ohh…" Rocket tittered nervously at being praised by her. He never encountered someone like Ms. Claus. "It's my pleasure. But we need to steer away from those asteroids."

"Aw. Looks like fun. Let's live a little," Mrs. Claus replied before steering the ship towards them.

The ship barrel-rolled over an asteroid, then dived to avoid a fast one. "I prefer to live, which is why I don't want to squeeze that gap!" A scared Rocket screamed out as the ship flew past between two asteroids that collided just seconds. The Guardian heaved in air as if it was precious.

"So, Santa was expecting your visit?" Ms. Claus asked her co-pilot.

"Uh, no. It was last minute. A business opportunity…" Rocket responded before screaming, "Look out! Popped up. Lots of money… Pull up!" He grabbed the controls and steered the ship upwards before Mrs. Claus took them back. "To be made."

"And you want to make a lot of money?"

"Absolutely—watch it!"

The ship turned left, right, over and under several asteroids, especially a cluster of them closing a narrow gap in between them. Rocket gasped air in and out after the horrifying experience just now.

"You worry too much," Mrs. Claus told the Guardian. "Santa was the same way until he made giving gifts to children his life's work."

This surprised the two bounty hunters, "Come again?" Rocket asked the woman.

"He spends all year preparing for tonight," Mrs. Claus clarified to her associates, "Every child… Who they are, where they are, what they want. All those gifts. And then… Boom, he delivers every single present himself in one night."

Rocket had to know at this point, "Santa does this. Santa Claus," He stated to make sure.

"Of course. Who else?" Mrs. Claus responded, "Now, I tell him, spread it out over a few weeks or months, and he refuses. You know why?" She asked rhetorically. "Because he doesn't want to make even one child wait."

"And he gets nothing in return," Rocket remarked incredulously. Most people often want something in return.

"That's not how he sees it," Mrs. Claus countered, "He says the joy of giving is the greatest gift of all. And that's why I love him." She finished with a sweet smile. As the bounty hunters realized that they were tricked into going after her husband, Ms. Claus smiled at them, "Plus, I'm grateful to the one who saved Christmas last year. Santa enjoys his work even more since then, knowing that there are people like that out there."

"I am Groot?"

"He's a hero on Midgard named Patronus and his actions are changing things at Midgard," Ms. Claus answered excitedly. "I do wonder if he will come to the New Years' party at our house."

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

North Pole

Arctic Circle, Earth/Midgard

Once the heroes got their cups filled with the drink, they all took sips and instantly felt content and warm inside. "Unbelievable!" Wasp cried out excitedly. "Best hot chocolate ever. This is exactly how Santa's hot chocolate should taste."

"You got that right," Patronus agreed cheerily as he finished his third cup while Lara took a sip of hers. "I feel all stress just melting away."

"I bet it would taste even better with tiny marshmallows," Lara gasped when said food appeared in her cup. "How?" She took another sip with a marshmallow and her body laxed against the couch. "Wow, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve with my parents. Thank you, Santa."

Of course, someone had to ruin the mood.

"All part of the charade," Iron Man stated firmly as he looked around the bookcase.

After sipping a drink, Captain America asked, "What are you looking for there?"

"Cameras. We're probably being filmed for some prank show. Holly Jolly Follies, or something like that."

This time, it was Humberto who had with Stark's skepticism. "Why are you so down on Santa Claus?" He asked annoyed.

"A better question is, why aren't you more down on him, kid?" Tony asked firmly.

Naruto and Lara listened Humberto's stories of receiving dinosaur gifts as a child on Christmas Eve. It began the domino effect as Wasp and Captain America spoke their stories about Santa's giving happiness to them. And Lara was next in line.

"When I was a young girl, all I wanted was Christmas every year with my family," Lara said softly, "That may seem silly, but to me, it was everything. Then my world changed for the worse and the weird with heroes appearing." She chuckled softly, "I guess I wanted something to go the way it was before, and it did somewhat."

Naruto smiled when Lara glanced at him for a brief moment. She was talking about him and her new family including her friends.

"Fine, I'll play your reindeer game," Iron Man said before being cut off by Patronus.

"No, thanks if you're going to continue trashing everyone's faith."

"I'm not trashing anyone."

"Yes, you are," Naruto replied sternly. "Just you couldn't see something doesn't make it unreal. Faith is more powerful than facts."

"I'm a scientist," Tony answered as his faceplate lifted, "Always have been. And that means I won't believe it until I see it."

"But that doesn't mean you have to force your point of view onto others," Naruto countered, "And what's up with that? Why do you have this obsessive need to have everyone with you? Tell me why." He cut Stark off before the latter could argue, "Maybe for Christmas, you should put Tony Stark under the microscope."

Tony glared intensely at the hooded hero whose body language told him he was firm.

*Thud*

"And to be continued…"

The heroes ran outside after several green blasts broke through some parts of the cabin. They found themselves facing Ymir, Loki, and the Emerald Guard. "What the hell? Elves, why are you backing them up?" Reptil asked indignantly.

"Mind control, Reptil," Captain stated as a matter of fact. "Loki's scepter brainwashed them into serving him."

Patronus grunted at this development, "And it must've happened shortly after Skadi and I left their headquarters."

"What did they want you for anyway?" Captain asked curiously.

Skadi shook her head, "Apologies, Captain America, but the Light Elves has sworn us to secrecy about Alfheim matters."

"I weary of waiting," Loki announced with his archers aiming their arrows at the Avengers. "Where is Jolnir? Where is your beloved Santa Claus?"

"Do you really think we'll tell you, Loki?" Cap responded strongly.

"That would really be ideal."

It wasn't for the Norse god as he ordered his archers to fire at them and the Avengers commenced battle soon afterwards. Lara drew out Makakoyumi and fired three arrows that had arcing energy around it. Three elves danced uncontrollably from the electrical power imbued from Freyr, the Vanir God and Lord of Alfheim.

Wasp shrunk to her bug size and flew over a row of elves with Iron Man as they blasted their stingers and repulsors, knocking them unconscious by the combined forces. Four elves switched to close combat and charged at the First Avenger and Ghost of Boston. "Want the honors?" Captain asked the hooded hero.

Patronus slammed his clenched fist against Cap's shield. The force behind the attack reverberated from the shield as a shockwave at the charging elves and sent them flying away. Reptil swooped in at the remaining elves and swiped his claws at their bow strings, rendering vulnerable as Skadi delivered a few knockout arrows and sent them to sleep.

All that was left were Ymir and Loki.

"Don't let the Ice Giant gain an inch!" Captain ordered as he charged at Loki.

"No problem," Iron Man affirmed before he blasted Ymir with his repulsors, aided by Wasp who regrew to her normal size for efficient firepower and Skadi for her secret divine bow.

The Ice Giant staggered backwards from the force of the only weapon that affected him. He thrust his hand and unleashed a spray of ice shards at Skadi as she jumped to the side to avoid them. She released another fire arrow that blew back Ymir's head before Patronus Shunshined above and kicked the giant to the ground. He grabbed the Ice Giant's leg and spun three times before hurtling him out of their sight over the mountains.

"And he's gone!" Wasp shouted like a baseball game announcer.

Loki snarled at the hooded hero and became instantly wary of his physical might. He created mystical clones of himself and surrounded the heroes who fought them off. Patronus lifted his leg and strongly stomped on the ground as Loki clones were gone by the shockwave.

By this time, their reinforcements had arrived in the form of Thor as he landed near them. "Comrades, is Jolnir here?"

"I hope so for the sake of the boy," The real Loki had snuck behind Reptil when he landed with his guard down and held him hostage, the scepter's blade close to the neck. "Deliver Santa to me, or I deliver your young friend to his doom."

Captain called his bluff, "You won't do it, Loki."

"Wrong! I will do whatever it takes to prevail," Loki answered strongly. "That is what gives me the advantage over you heroes."

"End this madness, brother," Thor insisted while brandishing Mjolnir.

"Last chance. Find Santa Claus."

That was when they all heard the unmistakable catchphrase known to all beings in the Nine Realms.

"Ho, ho, ho. No need to look for that which is found," It was Jolnir who looked more fit than the commercial versions.

Humberto squeaked childishly, "It's him. It's really him! It's him! It's Santa Claus!"

"Deck… The… Halls," Tony said in shock.

"Santa, look out!"

Loki ignored Humberto's warning and fired green lightning at Jolnir who simply deflected with his hand as he laughed in response. "*Gasp* You can control space-time," The trickster stated in awe.

"And you can be nice, Loki, but you choose to be naughty." Jolnir replied with disappointment. "Will you change your ways?"

"I will change, with your help," Loki tossed the boy aside and summoned the casket before opening it. A green beam hit Jolnir as he groaned by the contact and fell to his knees. He then aimed the box at himself as his body became engulfed with the same energy.

Captain America, Skadi, and Wasp bombarded him with their weapons. The casket was knocked out, but it was too late as a laughing Loki relished at the power of Jolnir inside him.

"You mortal insects, time is about to pass you by," Loki declared with a venomous look.

"Aw, shock it," Patronus and Skadi cursed together.

The heroes charged at him and used their projectile weapons to hit the god while Reptil accompanied the weakened Jolnir. Loki smiled as he ran in incalculable speed, brushing past the slow Iron Man and Captain America, and blasting Wasp, Skadi, and Thor to the ground. A green dome of energy formed around them and began to slowly shrink in diameter.

Time was his ally now. Everyone was too slow for him to react even for the Asgardian prince. As he ran behind Patronus to punch him, Loki saw something that threw him off course: the hero's eyes. "Did he see me in space-time? No, it's probably my mind not used to the power of Jolnir."

Going around for a second dash, Loki readied a fist and threw it the back of Patronus's head. Suddenly, he reacted and grabbed his arm, shocking the trickster. "How?! You shouldn't be able to react at all."

"…" Patronus lifted Loki over his head and slammed him into the ground before kicking the god away.

"It has to be a fluke," Loki insisted after recovering on his feet. "No, what am I thinking? After all, you never disappoint, Patronus."

"He knows who I am?"

"From your body language, I see you do not yet realize who I really am. I do not blame you since this isn't my true form," 'Loki' shed his skin and revealed the form of a woman with an outstanding figure in a military-like attire with her white-silver hair flowing in the air. "That bitch Enchantress' magic is impressive, but don't tell her I said that. I did tell you I would be back."

"Esdeath," Patronus snarled as he entered Sage Mode once more while Esdeath channeled Jolnir's power and charged at him as a blur.

Naruto stood there as he watched his enemy run towards him. To the others, Esdeath was a blur, but to him, she was clear as day. The ninja doesn't know why he could see nor react to Esdeath's space-time-enhanced movements, but he was glad to be able to. He ducked under Esdeath's attack, causing her to stumble past the ninja on one foot.

"I must admit I'm surprised," Esdeath admitted albeit excitedly. "You've been improving your abilities."

"Abilities?" Iron Man asked aloud. "Does this mean he has more than what's he shown so far?"

Neither seemed to notice the bluish-white glow around Naruto's outline, but an awakened Jolnir did. The legendary gift-bringer was helped to his feet by a concerned Humberto as they watched the spectacle before them. Jolnir sensed an ancient power within the one who saved Christmas last year and discovered that it was similar to his own when he often used around Christmas Eve. It also seemed clear to Jolnir that Patronus had no idea about it as well.

"Enough!" Loki sent another blast at Patronus who vanished into thin air.

The audience were stunned when Patronus appeared above Esdeath in a flash of yellow light and slammed her back with the energy sphere. "Senpo: Rasengan (Sage Technique: Spiralling Sphere)!" Snow were kicked up from the force as Patronus stood in the newly-created, but no Esdeath. "I knew that was too easy," He muttered while the blue glow disappeared.

A blur ran past Patronus and he was propelled across the sky before being kicked into the ground. "I thought you had improved since our last bout, Patronus," Esdeath reappeared in front of the downed ninja as she grabbed his head and lifted him up face to face. "Still, the fact you were able to react to my new powers means you must be eliminated, unfortunately. It's too bad; I was hoping for a better opponent in you."

"You…" Patronus growled as his body began to twitch under Esdeath's grip. "All I wanted was a nice Christmas Eve at home, and you pulled this crap against Santa and everyone in the Nine Realms." Esdeath's disappointment turned to excitement while the Avengers, Jolnir and Humberto, and Skadi watched small slivers of red energy appear sporadically around Patronus's body. "Let me give you a present in the spirit of Christmas!"

His body exploded in a great flame pillar as the force blew back Esdeath away from him. The Avengers covered their eyes while Reptil shielded Jolnir from the wind pressure. Skadi watched her boyfriend assumed the Nine-Tails Sage Mode, the form that lies after the predecessor and before Nine Tails Chakra Mode.

Esdeath picked herself up and saw her enemy glowing with intense power. "That's more like it. No foreplay?"

"Come on," Patronus ushered the goddess as the glow returned albeit barely visible within the chakra. However, it was light blue completely, indicating a different power.

Both combatants flew to the night sky as Esdeath launched a series of ice spears at Patronus who dodged them with the surrounding mountains and landscape exploding in frosty glaciers. The few ice spears that reached him were deflected to the atmosphere as he smirked her.

"Now it's my turn," Patronus channeled his internal power before assuming Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.

Esdeath ignored the wind pressure and punched him away, but Patronus recovered as he flew back with a fist to her face. They clashed with flurry of fast punches and kicks while dodging at the same time. The Avengers, Jolnir, and Reptil watched the spectacle as the combatants' movements couldn't be registered except by Lara, Jolnir, and Thor.

Not even Tony's A.I. and his suit could detect their movements. "Sir, I'm afraid my sensors can detect them in their current speed. Might I suggest you enjoy the show?"

"Thanks a lot, Jarvis."

"Is this Patronus's true combat form? Has he been holding back all this time?" Captain America asked his teammates.

Wasp stared blankly at the airborne battle evident by the thundering shockwaves. "He is so going to join this team," Janet stated firmly.

Deflecting aside Esdeath's arm and getting very close, Naruto delivered a knee strike to her stomach before he followed with a spinning kick. He stared at the massive crater caused by Esdeath's crash-landing and launched a massive flurry of chakra arm punches directly at the goddess.

Esdeath sent forth Jolnir's green energy as time slowed down again, but it mattered little to Naruto's attack. She actually screamed in pain under the unrelenting barrage of punches from above, but that pain quickly turned into pleasure as she had waited for Patronus to advance to her level. After balancing herself, Esdeath waved her arms as a huge icy dome formed around her.

It didn't hold for long as the relentless punches cracked the surface, but the dome delayed them enough as Esdeath escaped from the flurry. She reappeared behind Patronus who avoided her kick with a burst of speed. Both of them teleported at different areas of the environment before they attacked each other.

As Esdeath and Naruto exchanged fists against their faces, the goddess noticed small light blue orbs that entered inside the latter. Then Patronus exerted more strength into his fist before he managed to send her flying across the sky. A stunned Esdeath recovered and breathed out a massive ice broadsword as she swung it at Patronus.

Drawing the flame-adorned Kogitsunemaru, Naruto swung it in a wide arc at the opposing blade. The Avengers, Jolnir, and Reptil stared the icy blade as it broke in half and melted from the divine flames. Esdeath appeared in front of Patronus before kicking the katana out of his hand.

Jolnir and Reptil ducked when the spinning sword landed behind them, its blade digging into the ground.

Seeing their vulnerability, Esdeath double-kicked Patronus hard in the stomach and propelled him to crash into a mountainside. Her icy white aura burst around her body, indicating power rising inside the goddess. "Weissschnable (White Mouth)!" Esdeath whispered loudly.

Fear trembled the heroes as they saw vast numbers of sharp icicles aimed at… "Reptil, get Jolnir to safety now!" Captain America ordered hastily.

"Come on, Santa, on your feet," Reptil pleaded as he struggled to get Jolnir on his feet.

As soon as Esdeath motioned her green aura-cloaked icicles, enhanced by Jolnir's time powers to increase their speed, Patronus Shunshined in front of Santa and Reptil, his arms in a defensive stance.

"What's he doing?" Iron Man asked his teammates.

"He's going to deflect them," Skadi stated, stunning the heroes of this action. She did her best to maintain her composure for the love of her life as he was battling an opponent whom he had fought three times including now.

An exasperated Wasp pointed at the icicles, "He can't deflect them all, can he?"

"If he is wise, Patronus may not need to deflect all of them, but just the ones that posed a threat to Jolnir," Thor said albeit worriedly.

Digging his feet into the snowy ground, Patronus deflected as many as icicles as he could away from the people behind him. The icicles were sprayed around the trio like a water from the sprinkler and cratered the icy ground while glaciers formed afterwards. When the last icicle hit the dome that contained the Avengers, Patronus couldn't feel his hands and arms.

Mainly because they were encased in ice as well.

"Damn," Patronus observed before he smashed his arms together, causing the ice to fall from them. At the moment, he couldn't feel anything. Sensing another attack, Naruto carried Jolnir and Reptil over to the Avengers with a chakra arm just as Esdeath landed on the ground.

Shouting gleefully, Esdeath swiped her hand that was followed by an energy wave. Patronus countered with a swipe of his own as chakra and magical energy collided and pushed both combatants back. Esdeath summoned wind to blow away the smoke, but received a spinning kick from Patronus to the face. "AAHHH!" Esdeath screamed as drool and saliva escaped her mouth.

Naruto was feeling confident, more confident than usual as he felt himself getting stronger by the second. He glimpsed small orbs of light blue energy entering his body, but put that aside for now.

Flipping in mid-air and landing away from the trickster god, Patronus dashed at him with two wind-powered Rasengans in his hands. Esdeath smiled as she channeled power before exhaling it as an extremely powerful ice beam from her mouth. The ground was frozen as the snow grew in size while rapidly approaching Patronus.

"Odin's beard!" A shocked Thor as he and his teammates watched the act.

Instead of running away, Patronus continued his current path with a determined face. As the fire and beam were closed enough, the ninja leaped into the air and over the attack with a few flips before he landed behind a distracted Esdeath. He threw the two Futon: Rasengan at Esdeath who barely reacted as the latter slowed down time again.

However, it was no use as the jutsus held the same subtle blue energy inside of them and exploded into two wind vortexes, shredding Esdeath's attire. She didn't catch a breath as a determined Patronus shouted his fury and threw punches from his position, bombarding the goddess with the immensely fast flurry of chakra arms.

Iron Man, Captain America, Wasp, and Thor watched Esdeath scream in pain and ecstasy from the punches that were too fast for them to even see, except for the Thunder God, Jolnir, and Lara since she had experienced the form. It was during Naruto's battle with Takemikazuchi and since then, he sparred with her in different forms to help her body grow accustomed to seeing immensely fast enemies for future reference.

Ceasing the flurry, Patronus created another Futon: Rasengan and tossed it at the explosion-riddled Esdeath. He noticed the vegetation around him had started to grow rapidly in his presence. It was no secret that his chakra mode contains the Yang half AKA the life-giving property aspect.

The smoke clouds cleared and revealed a bruised Esdeath in its wake as she stood up. The goddess chuckled at the mortal who managed to injure her like this. She hasn't had this feeling for a very long time and hoped that the ninja would grow powerful enough to push her as she expected.

So far, he was doing great.

Patronus disappeared as a yellow streak and reappeared in front of Esdeath before he kicked her away. The ninja delivered a few, compacted punches followed by a head-butt as he put some distance between them.

Esdeath watched as Patronus's form flared up, showing an increase in power before the latter dashed at her and deeply punched her abdomen. The goddess gasped in pain while a smirking Naruto punched her again with the opposite hand. Esdeath flew uncontrollably in the air while Patronus cupped his hands together to the side and channeled chakra as a swirling sphere formed between them.

Thor, Jolnir, and Lara sensed the incredible power concentrated in Patronus's hands before he thrust them forward at his enemy.

"Ryozan Blast!"

Smiling at the powerful attack, Esdeath created a time/ice shield, but it fizzled out of existence suddenly. The chakra beam approached its target, but passed through nothing as Esdeath reappeared near the Avengers and Jolnir. The White Goddess' smile turned to bemusement when he discovered that the Avengers were free from his time dome. "You're free!"

"Not just him, Esdeath," Jolnir informed her. "My power is too great for anyone to sustain except for me. Even the Casket of Ancient Powers' effect are only temporary."

It was true as Esdeath's body glowed green once more before the energy left her and entered Jolnir's own.

"Now, goddess, face the thunder!" Thor declared as he hit Esdeath with lightning.

Esdeath skidded across the snow as her chest was burnt from the attack. She stared at the mortal heroes in front of her with an amused expression. Then her employer called the goddess to return from her fun via mind link. "Aw, that is too bad," She pouted before creating a portal behind her, "I had fun tonight, everyone, but especially from you, Patronus dear. You've gotten a lot stronger than our previous bouts. I'm excited to know that the next time we meet, the battle will be real."

"Halt!" Captain ordered, but it was too time. Esdeath left the scene. It would have to wait another day as Jolnir rose to his feet. "Are you okay, Mr. Claus?" He asked with relief.

Jolnir placed a hand on the Avenger's shoulder, showing the latter he was all right, "It's 'Santa,' Steve. Feeling stronger by the second. I'm a bit behind schedule, but I'll make do. I always have."

"And you will tonight, because we're gonna help. It's the least we can do. It's the least I can do for doubting you," Iron Man said with guilt present in his tone.

"Oh. Don't be too hard on yourself, Tony. Even your brain can't be right all the time," Jolnir assured the 'young' hero.

Wasp, Skadi, and Patronus instantly got excited at the current implication. "Does this mean we can help?" Janet asked all bubbly.

"Why not? The more, the merrier," Jolnir smiled at the children, "Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho!"

"Wretched warm-blooded fleas." Everyone turned around to see a grumbling Ymir. "Ice conquers all!"

Before the heroes could react, Ymir was suddenly bombarded by energy blasts from above. They saw that it was a ship as the energy blasts knocked Ymir on the ground, leaving him open to Thor's lightning-infused Mjolnir straight to the head. The Ice Giant was sent back to Jotunhiem via Bifrost by Heimdall and the Casket of Ancient Powers taken to its resting place by Athedril and his Elves. As the ship landed near them, the heroes and Jolnir saw the passengers through the windshield while Patronus recalled his sword and sheathed Kogitsunemaru.

"Hi honey!" Ms. Claus chuckled as she waved to her husband.

"And there's the missus," Jolnir said happily, "Hello, dear!"

Exiting the ship through the ramp, Ms. Claus turned to her co-pilots. "You see, Rocket? You saved everyone from that awful Ice Giant. Isn't giving wonderful?"

"Yeah," Rocket admitted reluctantly, "Feels pretty good." He turned to the side, "It would feel a lot better in a new ship, though."

Santa gathered his new helpers and summoned his sleigh… a massive one with rocket boosters. "Shall we go?"

"Yes!" Patronus replied with his arms in the air, answering for everyone who chuckled at him.

They all climbed aboard on the sleigh before it took off through the skies, intent on delivering gifts with the legendary Santa Claus and his wife. Later that night, it became a Christmas Eve that the heroes, Guardians, and Jolnir and his wife would never forget.

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

Croft Manor

London, England

It was decided earlier in the year that they would host Christmas Eve party at Lara's house to replace the bad memories with good ones. Thanks to Santa's space-time powers, they weren't late… except for the first forty minutes.

Naruto and Lara were dressed in casual clothing as the party was in the living room. Christmas decorations and lights were everywhere in perfect symmetry as the fireplace warmed the room. Cookies, dinner, and drinks were available at the dinner table in the room over. A decorated tree stood proudly at the corner with the Croft crest at the top instead of an angel or star.

"Sam, Jonah!" Lara rushed and greeted her friends as she hugged them. "Merry Christmas, you two."

"Merry Christmas!" The duo answered before Sam sent her friend a coy look, "So, which one is he?" She asked teasingly. "Who is the man that snatched your heart?"

Lara gestured her head to Naruto who was playing with the twins in 'Here's Your Nose' and 'Peek-A-Boo' by the couch.

"Wow, a blondie," Sam said with surprise, "But he's cute." Jonah rolled his eyes before sipping his cider.

"If only you knew who he is," Jonah thought internally. Initially, Lara wanted to tell Roth and Sam about Naruto's hero identity, but Jonah convinced her otherwise since it was best that the less people know, the better for their sakes.

Roth came from the kitchen and hugged Lara tightly as he greeted her, "Merry Christmas, Lara. You look good."

"After the times I've had in the past years, I feel good," Lara answered her father-figure.

"What's his name?" Roth asked his protégé.

"Naruto… Naruto Uzumaki."

"Japanese."

"Yeah," Lara replied before she waved Naruto over. When the ninja did, they both wrapped their arms over the shoulders. "Naruto, meet Roth; Roth, Naruto."

Roth offered a hand and Naruto shook it with his free one, "Pleasure to meet you."

"Same here," Naruto replied with a smile. He had a slight sweat-drop when Roth wouldn't stop emitting the 'I'll kill you if you hurt her' aura around him. "Come on! Give me a break here."

"Excuse me, you two," Saeko interrupted the trio with the twins in her arms. "The little ones got sleepy. Do you have a room or something for them to sleep in?"

Naruto nodded and kissed Lara's cheek before helping her by carrying Ashla. They walked to the second floor and entered the children's room, which was furnished with baby stuff including twin cribs. It was added sometime after Trinity was destroyed in Paititi.

Also, the Clan agreed to pretend to be friends to each other and avoid anyone from learning about their familial ties.

After the married couple placed the sleeping children in their cribs, Saeko went ahead to the party downstairs while Naruto had to use the bathroom. As he got out of the bathroom in the master bedroom, the ninja found himself face to face with Jolnir.

"Santa, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked all stunned. "I-I mean it's good to see you again."

Jolnir nodded with his usual smile, "And I you. After the toys were delivered, I realized that I forgot about you and your family's gifts." He snapped his fingers and several gifts appeared in front of Naruto's feet. "A bonus for saving Christmas again."

"So, that was you last year," Naruto stated, "But you looked different that time." Jolnir chuckled before he changed his appearance to that of last year's. "Shape-shifting, nice. Um, Jolnir, how did you know where we live?"

"I'm Santa Claus, it's my job," Jolnir replied as the ninja seemed to accept his answer. "There is another reason why I'm here, Naruto." The blonde blinked at his statement. "It regards your powers."

"What about them?"

Jolnir gestured him for a seat as they sat down on a couch. "You do realize that battle against Esdeath was unnatural?"

"It's what makes the world go round," Naruto joked as Jolnir laughed, "If you're referring to how I was able to react to Esdeath's movements even with your powers at her disposal, I have no idea."

Jolnir placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, "My son, there are two things you should know. Tonight, you displayed two kinds of power, but one of them I do not know… yet. The second is that only those with space-time related abilities can react and be unaffected by another." Cue Naruto's confused expression, "Naruto, you have space-time abilities."

"Eh?" Naruto whimpered before he fell off the couch in shock.

This really was a Christmas Eve Naruto would never forget in his life.

END OF CHAPTER

Another year is gone and here is to a great year in 2019 for everyone. First off, we have Dragon Ball Super: Broly, The Death of Superman, Reign of the Supermen, Kingdom Hearts III, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Wonder Woman: Bad Blood, Justice League versus the Fatal Five, Spider-Man: Far Away from Home, and last but not least, Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Secondly, I passed my semester with great grades and hope to do the same next semester. From what it looks like, my schedule and workload doesn't seem busy compared to the fall. I'll let you know if I'll be able to write Fanfiction during the semester.

Thirdly, this chapter is based on Avengers movies called Super Marvel Heroes: Frost Fight. It's on Netflix, so you can watch it. I changed characters as they were not supposed to appear until one of EMH's episodes. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

I wish you all a great year of fun, fanfiction, and creativity in the future. We leave this year with a broken heart as Stan Lee passed away, but his birthday reminded us to be better than ourselves. In the immortal word of the Father of Marvel Comics, EXCELSIOR!

Chapter XXXVIII Q&A's:

RoyalTwinFangs (Dec.26): Thanks, and Happy New Year.

Perseus12 (Dec.26): Yeah, and I always try to do a themed chapter around the holidays. Also, I couldn't find a suitable Thanksgiving idea. I guess we'll find out next year. I'm glad you enjoyed the Halloween chapter. Happy New Years.

Alaxbird (Dec.26): Huh, that's interesting. Happy New Years to you and your family.

Kamikage86 (Dec.26): Good to know you enjoyed it. Yeah, Naruto is starting to affect the Marvel Universe via baby steps. Did you enjoy this latest one and the reveal?

Calderoneric758 (Dec.26): That is not a bad idea. I'll think about it. Happy New Year.

Jebest4781 (Dec.26): It's quite challenging to find which story arcs to write without thinking about the next dimension's events and ideas.

TheGizmoDragon (Dec.26): That's great to hear and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year. Honestly, FFVII and the franchise was not even on my radar. I had already chosen the worlds and thought about the story arcs to write about. I'm not sure about adding that franchise the story unless I change my mind.

Habu2010 (Dec.26): I originally thought to have a battle between the monster-sized Mummy and Kurama, but it was too excessive to me. It was better this way and there are better battles ahead required for Tailed Beast Mode.

Batthan the Dark Knight (Dec.26): Yes, he will and Happy New Years.

(Dec.26): Thank you for pointing that out. Yeah, especially for Spider-Man: Far Away from Home since I was like 'ah, man' when Spider-Man died in Infinity War even though he did the same in the comics. Happy New Year.

Uncharted22 (Dec.26): Yeah, I already have a remedy for that. It's what I have been thinking about since the Naruto series ended and Boruto began not too long ago. Happy New Year.

Guest (Dec.26): I'll work on that, but it will be a great while until I do.

(Dec.27): Well, here it is. Did you enjoy it? Also, Happy New Year.

ShadowBloodedge9396 (Dec.27): For a second, I was hurt… just kidding. Yeah, the Halloween episodes were too good to pass up before this year ends and 2019 begins. It'll be a bit long after this, though. Civil War will be approaching soon. As for which side Naruto will take, you'll have to wait and see for yourself. His actions will influence other heroes as well. Kurama's secret is something big, that's for sure.

Gwb620 (Dec.27): Thanks for the congrats and reading the Halloween chapter. Happy New Years and I hope you enjoyed the last chapter of 2018.

Guest (Dec.27): Yes, it is.

JangCrome (Dec.30): Likewise, and I hope you enjoyed this newest chapter.

Anonimo (Dec.30): Yeah, the Chaos King. I know since Chaos War is one of the arcs I'm planning to write about, possibly.

Dragon and Sword Master (Dec.31): So Aquaman lived up to expectations or beyond? Hopefully, this revives the DCEU though I have some doubts. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and I hope this latest one ended 2018 with a blast and surprise. I'm looking forward to Kingdom Hearts III and Jump Force.