Avengers: Infinite Wars

by free man writer

The Clone Wars are in full swing with the galaxy divided. The Jedi lead the clone army against the infinite droid army of the Separatists. Yet a wild card enters the fray. The Avengers. From there, newer, more sinister and deadlier threats emerge and The Galaxy, no, the universe, shall never be the same again. Phase 3. Co-written by Jebest4781.

78. Back on the Homefront

Back in the game, let's get to it folks.

Back to Earth and the start of the next arc.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 78: Back on the Homefront

*Twitch*

Smirking, he held the plate up closer to her, watching as the fresh steam of breakfast wafted off the food and right into her nose.

After a few more seconds, Bucky Barnes laughed aloud, watching his girlfriend rouse from her sleep and lean forward as he pulled the plate away from her. She moaned in a false state of panic, reaching out to grab the plate, opening her eyes at last.

"Hello, beautiful." Celeste Morne greeted the dish with a dreamy smile, snatching a piece of toast off the plate and devouring half of it in one bite.

The sound she made was nothing short of akin to sensual pleasure. Her plate was then pulled back, the Jedi childishly flailing for it.

"Bucky!" She whined petulantly. "Your actions are not funny."

"It does help you wake up." Her boyfriend countered, smirking at her actions.

"Not in the means I prefer."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He waved her off, holding the plate over her head. "Come on now, get out of bed, I got the full English breakfast set ready."

His girlfriend brightened up immediately, hopping out of bed and rushing by Barnes. She snatched the plate out of his hands and ran to the kitchen.

She let out a cry of ecstasy at the sight of the full spread Bucky had prepared for the two of them. Waffles, pancakes, bacon, muffins, the whole nine yards of a classic London breakfast.

Celeste dug right in, not even waiting for him with Bucky leisurely walking right in with an amused face at the sight of his lover scarfing down her waffles.

"I love Earth food." Morne declared, groaning in satisfaction.

"Slow down there, Celeste." Bucky admonished jokingly. "It's not running away anywhere."

"Who told me it's always best to eat things fresh?" The Jedi Sorceress countered.

James only chuckled, shaking his head as he piled food onto his own plate.

He sat right down next to his girlfriend, reflexively slapping her hand as it had reached out to grab some from his own dish.

"Finish your own first." Bucky said, not even looking up to see her pouting at his action.

Leaning back, Celeste reached for something that wasn't near her. Looking around the kitchen, she spotted what she was looking for and flicked her hand. A bottle of syrup quickly levitated into her open palm.

"Was that the Force or magic?" Bucky questioned.

"Magic." Morne answered. "Wong suggested I use it more often to get more adjusted to it."

"Wouldn't that be a breach of whatever magic mumbo jumbo magical laws or whatever, Master Morne?" He cheekily asked, grinning as she lightly shoved him.

"It's not like that. And remember to show your respect to the master."

"I'll do so when she deserves it." He shot back, flinching at the syrup she just smeared on his lips. "Really Cele-"

He was quickly silenced by Morne who captured his lips with her own, licking the syrup right off.

She pulled back with a smarmy and seductive smile. "Ya like it? It's a new silencing spell I've been working on."

Bucky stared at her for a few moments before chuckling quietly, shaking his head at her.

"Needs a bit more work."

"It works better at night when near a bed." Celeste whispered, enjoying the shiver she caused her lover.

"Don't tempt me like that." Bucky mumbled in a low voice.

"Maybe I want to." She said, smirking at him, resting her chin on the back of her hand.

"Jesus, Morne." Barnes remarked, grabbing the back of her chair and pulling her closer to him.

She squealed in joy, playfully resisting him but "surrendered" a few moments later, wrapping her arms around him, humming in peace.

"The Master of the London Sanctum demands to be fed." She said in a mock authoritative voice.

"As the Master commands." Bucky subserviently acquiesced, jamming a fork into a portion of pancakes and presented it to her, his lover gobbling up the syrupy, fluffy goodness in a single bite.

This had become their routine for the past few weeks since the madness that was Dormammu's near invasion of their universe on top of the battle against the Ancient Sith Lord Karness Muur. Since that time, a number of events have transpired.

The group of superhumans and enhanced individuals who fought against Muur officially reformed the newest team of Avengers that watched over the Earth. They had all been inducted by Tony Stark and Clint Barton via the ritual of Shawarma.

That and getting nifty Avengers ID cards to make it extra official.

On top of that, the Masters of the Mystic Arts had been going through a reformation/reshuffling.

The Sanctums had been rebuilt and assigned new Masters to watch over them.

Wong had to split his duties between Kamar-Taj and Hong Kong. Stephen Strange shared the burden as he was now the New York Sanctum's Master, Mordo assisting him whilst also covering for Wong in Hong Kong from time to time.

And for the London Sanctum, though she had only been a Sorceress for several months, her rapid development on top of her experience as a Jedi shadow made her the best candidate for the job.

Naturally, she wouldn't be alone as her boyfriend needed to fulfill his duty as her bedwarmer. A role with which he willingly obliged.

As for designated Sorcerer Supreme with the Ancient One's death, it was up to seniority among other factors.

Most opted for Wong but he declined, stating the role of the Librarian was enough on top of being Hong Kong's Sanctum.

Mordo was next but he too turned the position down.

So for the time being, it was vacant.

Who knows, one day either of them could take the position when they felt more prepared and worthy for the role.

Yet Mordo and Wong and even Celeste knew who the eventual Sorcerer Supreme would be.

He just needed to be willing to take it when the time came. Even obtaining the right amount of experience on top of the needed discipline.

Celeste was humming in happiness as she was fed another bite of pancakes from Bucky when his cell phone buzzed. The Winter Soldier flipped open his phone and tensed up, gaining the immediate attention of his girlfriend.

What was once a content and calm expression soon began to shift in a manner of seconds. All due to him getting a reminder of what was scheduled for today.

"Bucky?" She quietly asked. "Is everything alright?"

He wordlessly held his phone up in front of her with Celeste tilting her head back a bit but read the words nonetheless.

It's time.

Celeste blinked but recalled what it meant a moment later. Without a word, she twirled her hand, ending with a snap, and the pair's clothes changed into that of a black suit and black dress.

"Are you ready?" She silently asked.

Bucky shook his head, leaning his forehead against hers for comfort.

"No." He quietly admitted. "But I'm glad you're here, Celeste."

Her smile was strained but genuine and the two departed from the Sanctum.

She teleported them both to their destination.

Saint Luke's Cathedral in London, England.

The reason for them being there?

A funeral service was being held for one Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Carter. She was often known as Peggy to many friends and colleagues over the years.

But she was also an old friend to Bucky and the first love of his best friend.

Steve should've been here. He and Peggy were the ones meant for each other and…

Him being here just felt wrong. But this was still a piece of his past that was gone.

He could relate with his old friend that after all these years, just about everyone they knew during WWII was gone. And Peggy was the last of them.

From what he was able to learn from some of the Avengers, Steve was honestly happy to know his old sweetheart was still kicking after he came out of the ice. He wanted to at least spend what little time he could have with her on her steady decline in health. In turn, the old SHIELD co-founder was happy to see him as well.

And now she was gone. Died peacefully in her sleep.

If Steve were to ever come back from wherever he was right now, knowing of this would devastate him.

The reason why Bucky was in attendance was simple: paying his respects in his friend's stead.

Part of him didn't want to be here. His actions whilst being a HYDRA puppet for decades would make it seem he wasn't worthy of attending. It was honestly difficult.

At least Celeste was here to support him at this event. She didn't want him to be alone when attending the funeral.

He sat at the back with Celeste, having watched the entire proceeding.

Many individuals spoke, including her niece Sharon Carter and it was honestly the same schlock from them all.

How much of an inspiration she was.

How she changed so much.

Her contributions to world peace and all with her founding of SHIELD. The part with it being HYDRA the whole time after the death of Howard Stark and her retirement was "oddly ignored".

It ended soon after a number of hours.

Bucky opted to leave as soon as possible.

Despite being an associate to the Mystic Arts and an Avenger, officially -he still couldn't believe that- he was still known the world over as the Winter Soldier. All the files of his actions were released courtesy of Natasha Romanoff.

He'd rather keep a low profile for the time being. Still would've been on the run and wandering the globe all alone if he didn't find Celeste at the Siberian bunker.

"Hero" status and all.

The pair were standing across the street from the cathedral, arm in arm, the Sorceress Jedi leaning her head on his shoulder.

"You ok?" She murmured.

He didn't respond at first, silently looking ahead at the number of people exiting the building. His eyes were on Sharon Carter who wore a calm face, speaking with those that passed her by, offering their condolences and sympathies.

The super soldier let out a sigh, looking down at Celeste and leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"In time. Not now."

"At least you're honest about it."

He gazed down at her in bewilderment. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She simply pecked his cheek in response. "Nothin'. Come on. We gotta stop by the museum and pick up that artifact. They've been holding it for me the whole weekend."

Bucky only gave a nod as they walked away from the scene.

His mind drifted back to the funeral, Peggy in particular.

Would she ever forgive him for what he had done? After who he had been assigned to target specifically?

If there was an afterlife, he prayed to whatever god there may be to see both her and him so he could drop down on his knees and beg for their forgiveness.

-Scene Cut-

"I'm surprised you've opted to stay in this corner, Foggy. Thought you were on Tony's payroll."

"Yes well, someone needs to keep the peace on the ground level and we know Matt wouldn't let us hear the end of it if we got up and left this place without his say in the matter."

Jennifer Walters nodded in understanding. "He always was stubborn, both in belief and practice."

"He always said he got it from his dad." Foggy Nelson, Avocado at law said in a reminiscent fashion. "Always blamed his old man for all his hiccups."

"Yeah well -thanks Karen- he wasn't one to sit idly by on matters of justice." Walter said, taking a sip of her coffee. "Never realized he'd take it to such extremes."

"I think that goes for all of us, really." Karen Page remarked, shaking her head, a fond yet also pained look at the mention of their missing friend. "Still, I never would've thought to start my morning out like this."

She-Hulk laughed at her comments, shrugging in her sharp, pinstripe suit she currently wore, tailor-made for her hulking physique.

"Yeah, well, I never would have thought Stark would have Nelson and Murdock's as one of his lawyers." Jen pointed out. "This world may seem big but it keeps on shrinking, honestly."

"You can say that again." Nelson remarked, walking over to the coffee pot to refill his cup. "I gotta ask though, Jen, where'd you get a suit like that for yourself? Thought they don't make that in your size, even for men."

"Well, I didn't always have these made for me. As Bruce stated before, spandex can be my best friend." Jen ran a hand down her suit. "But that Melvin fella at the tower is a wizard with these suits."

"Oh, ya got one made from him too?" Nelson inquired, patting his chest. "He made these for me and Karen."

She-Hulk shook her head. "Jeez, makes it feel even smaller."

Foggy only hummed at her comment, shrugging. "Everything is connected in one way, shape or form. These days, everybody knows everyone somehow."

"So how'd you two meet then?" She-Hulk asked, gesturing between the pair.

"Uh…" Both said at the same time, staring at each other awkwardly.

"Would a murder case suffice as an explanation?"

Jen shrugged. "We're lawyers right?"

Nelson pointed at her. "Good point. So, it was one of our first cases when the firm opened… actually, our very first case. Karen here hired us to clear her name and… became our secretary to help pay for the fee."

"Oh…"

"What's with that oh?" Foggy asked in a faux-affronted manner. "What, that wasn't good enough for you?"

"I just thought it would've been more dramatic." Jen admitted with a shrug.

"Then I guess you'll have to wait until Matt comes back around for the more dramatic parts of the story." Karen amended, causing Foggy to gape.

"Excuse me? Are you calling my storytelling skills into question?" His voice took on a more Shakespearean tinge. "I'll have you know my abilities to convey words are at a Machiavellian level due to years of theater within my head."

"Oh god, here we go." Walters rolled her eyes in a fond but exasperated manner. "Karen, why'd ya go and say that?"

Page only laughed as her "boss" launched into a comically exaggerated version of how he and Matt met Karen and how they became partners and friends. He was of course falsifying and stretching certain moments, Karen casually correcting him every now and then that did nothing in deterring the man.

The story ended soon after, the trio beginning to share stories and have a fun conversation until…

"So Jen," Karen fidgeted slightly. "I've kinda been holding back this question."

"Hmmm?"

"What's it like?" She quietly asked. "Being… being you. Being an Avenger?"

She-Hulk blinked at that question, setting down her cup and crossing her arms in a contemplative manner.

"Huh… ya know, I actually haven't thought about it all that much lately." She admitted. The Avenger took a few seconds to think about her answer. "It's been… a bit of a blur, really."

She then pulled back the sleeve on her right arm, a phantom sensation around her elbow.

"I remember getting shot and losing blood. I could barely recall anything after that, just hearing sirens, screams and then a roar. Next thing I knew, I woke up next to Bruce with a syringe in my arm that was connected to his own." Jen smiled sadly at the memory. "He saved my life but looked miserable when he did so. I didn't understand at first but learned about it a year later."

"When you first hulked out?" Karen whispered, Walters nodding at her question.

"How'd it go?"

There was a tinge of a dark green hue on her cheeks as she vividly remembered that day. She coughed into her hand, clearing her throat a second later.

"Well, uh… ya see… I wasn't feeling all that good cause of… it just was that time… So anyway, that was back in 2012," She went on, ignoring the bewildered looks Karen and Foggy shared between each other and directed at her. "I hulked out back in 2013 and boy was that a trip. Got into contact with Bruce and he helped me with my situation. With the whole New York incident under his belt, he actually had some time to relax for once so he helped me get a hold of all," She gestured to herself. "This. Clint, believe it or not, let me stay over at his place to get a handle on it cause Fury asked him to do so. I never told Bruce, actually."

"Huh," Foggy murmured. "So there was another Hulk running about and we didn't know about it."

"There's a lot that people don't know about when it comes to people who got superpowers or super skills." Jen remarked. "They're all out there it's just they either keep it under wraps or… just not their time to shine yet."

"That sounds ominous." Foggy admitted, She-Hulk shrugging in response.

"It's a matter of whether or not they reveal themselves to be good or bad." Jen stated. "Or if they wanna be neutral or something like that."

"Seems like more and more of them keep cropping up these days." Karen said, folding her arms in thought.

"Yeah and every time they do, a lot of collateral follows after them." Jen said with a shake of her head. "The last three years in particular, more enhanced or just crazy individuals in general are coming out of the woodwork." Said the Gamma-enhanced human. "New York, Sokovia, London, Hong Kong, DC. That's just some of the more well-known places that have been hit. Things are escalating and a lot of people are starting to take notice. With this happening, there's bound to be some new laws being drafted to counter all these situations."

"New laws?" Foggy parroted in confusion. "What kind of new laws?"

"The kind that will likely be direct responses to people like myself, like the Avengers." She-Hulk said, hand on her chest. "It's one thing for an Enhanced to operate individually, but the Avengers are technically a United States based private "military" organization with a majority of its members being American that have constantly ignored country borders. They may have saved the world a dozen times over but not everyone is gonna see it that way with us essentially being mobile "nukes". It also doesn't help with people asking where a number of Avengers have been for a while. Not being in the limelight for so long have been rearing their heads in our direction."

"What have they been saying?" Karen worriedly asked.

"It's only been questions for the most part but a lot of people are starting to grow restless. Some of the essential newbies since Sokovia can be overlooked, but not ones like Captain America." Jen then rolled her eyes. "Doesn't help that that asshole Ross is the one heading up most of them, the prick. He couldn't get to my cousin so now he thinks he can go after the team. That fucker never learned his lesson the first time and he still thinks that he can get away with this one."

Jen's shoulders sagged, a spiteful, bitter look on her face. "Trouble is, that was just one enhanced. We're talking about nine, possibly twelve now being misplaced on top of Bruce and Thor having gone missing."

"Doesn't Thor pop in from time to time to see his girlfriend?" Nelson asked. "Social media doesn't shut up when it happens."

"Yeah, but he's a god and he doesn't really answer to any country." She-Hulk reminded them. "Which as you know with the leaders of this world, that's a big no-no for them."

"But how can they tell a Norse God what to do?" Foggy snorted at the thought. "Can't he just bring some lightning down to shut them up?"

She-Hulk threw her head back and laughed. "Now that I would love to see. Nothing like some bastard politicians to get what's coming to them." She let out a sigh. "But yeah, things aren't looking too good. With what happened in China, London and New York simultaneously and then there's that village where that bastard Muur killed all its people."

Foggy and Karen saw Jen's fists tighten up with a pained expression visible to see.

"There's also what happened last year in Sokovia and San Fran with Hank Pym's building just vanishing. Been hearing some rumblings from people in higher positions than us about clamping down on everything that's been happening. It's starting to become too much for them."

"But… I know these things happen but you and the other Avengers, they've been saving the world the whole time." Foggy argued. "Matt also just wants to help the little guys on the street."

"It feels like it's happening too soon." Karen tacked on though She-Hulk shook her head in response.

"With no one bringing up statements, why wouldn't it happen sooner? Clearing up confusion, making people be held accountable. Such things can only be unanswered for so long."

"Yeah, but it's gonna be done by corporate elitists and asshole representatives of countries that don't even understand what you guys are doing." Nelson countered.

"That may be the case for us and people on the ground level but to them, they don't see it that way." She grimly stated. "We're dealing with a new type of arms race. An arms raise where people are the nukes and their allegiances matter. In a number of years, it'll be the top commodity."

"That seems a bit extreme." Foggy remarked yet his frown said otherwise.

"The world has been lucky so far, honestly." Jen admitted. "The Avengers came together at a crucial point and so far, it's been positive. Their duty was made clear. We protect not one nation but one planet. But that kind of status quo can only be maintained for so long."

"But…" Karen was unsure of what she was about to say. "If people do make some sort of law… they'd at least let the Avengers have some leverage in that sort of thing, right?"

Rather than Jennifer, it was Foggy who spoke up.

"People would make and twist the rules to their favor without others realizing the finer details. If they suddenly break it, they'll aim the blame onto someone else while seemingly being in the clear. If the Avengers have the leverage or a say in the matter, they'd see it as them forcing their hand on the matter."

"But shouldn't they? It's one thing to follow a law, it's another to wait for some kind of permission slip to save the world."

"They'll find a way to spin that around." She-Hulk scoffed. "Limiting jurisdictions, a panel of old douchebags who give out warrants when they're allowed to act "heroic". That kind of garbage."

Foggy let out a derisive snort. "They think the public will trust any government after the whole HYDRA/SHIELD debacle? They got infiltrated by literal super Nazis and a few million people nearly died in an instant if it wasn't for Cap, Falcon and Widow."

"With enough fear… maybe."

-Scene Cut-

Sounds of chopping could be heard. The source comes from the kitchen of the Avenger's compound. And the ones enacting it were Shuri as she was chopping up meat whilst Clint was doing the same towards fruit and vegetables.

Spectating all of this were Hector Ayala and Karl Mordo, the latter having just finished enacting defensive spells all across the Avengers compound.

They were sitting at the kitchen counter, patiently watching and waiting for the meals that Shuri and Clint promised they would make for them.

Wordlessly, Clint grabbed Shuri's wrist without turning away from the stewing pan, took the knife that she was holding, and readjusted it.

"Delicately." He advised. "Thinner, can be cooked faster."

Rather than rebuke him, Shuri simply nodded and did as he asked, slowly cutting the onions into thinner slices.

"She's gotten better." Hector murmured quietly.

"Yes, nothing is on fire or has melted yet." Mordo added, nodding in agreement, the two sounding like judges at an event.

"Utensils seem to be in operating order. No signs of distortion." Said the archer

"And no food has turned into sludge, as of this moment." Noted the White Tiger before eyeing the sorcerer in the room. "Though we'll be needing you on standby, Mordo."

"Why?"

"In case Shuri here somehow brings these dishes to life and wants to kill us all."

"I can hear you both, you know that, right?"

"Stay focused." Clint admonished, making the Princess of Wakanda scowl at him when the cutting board she was using cracked slightly from a rather annoying chop she performed.

Cringing at what she had just done, Shuri hesitantly turned her head over to the archer who had his head angled up at the ceiling.

"Mordo… how many does that make?"

The Sorcerer tilted his head in the direction of the trash can filled with several other destroyed cutting boards.

"Eight."

"You are all terrible men."

"No, we're more observant men with clear cooking knowledge." Mordo remarked in a dignified manner.

"You don't get a title like that without experience." Hector tacked on, gesturing to himself and Clint. "Case and point, fathers."

"And you, my dear," Mordo shrugged, "are a princess from a powerful kingdom."

"Meaning?" She asked in a huff.

"Other than recently, when was it that you cooked for yourself?" The Sorcerer sounded diplomatic but it couldn't be more of a condescending voice.

Shuri flatly stared at the man before grumbling under her breath, taking the onions she had cut and throwing away the cutting board, getting another one a second later.

"You know, I was really having a good few weeks." Shuri complained, cutting up the onion at last before moving on to other vegetables. "I had a blessing of news from our Goddess and then you had to spoil it."

Hector rolled his eyes. "Oh please, like something so simple -like this- can ruin such big news."

"You all are exceptional at it." The Princess of Wakanda said, cheeks puffed out for a moment.

"How about you prove us wrong and get back to it." Clint remarked, gesturing with his spatula for her to resume cutting. "And remember-"

"Yes I know, delicately."

"Now if only those other boards knew." Mordo remised, looking over at the destroyed cutting boards with sympathy.

Shuri thus did her best impression of a snarling cat… who is all tiny and cute in terms of intimidation in comparison with the older men.

Try as she might be annoyed by their comments, that mood fell away the moment she thought back to her last return to Wakanda.

She had been called back to her home per the request of her father with a rather surprising, if not frightening task. To fully take the heart-shaped herb -instead of a partial dosage- and enter the ancestral plane to see if T'challa was there.

It was a terrifying thought to consider that in his absence, her older brother might have died.

Hesitant as she was, Shuri agreed and took the herb that sent her into the realm of her ancestors, the previous Panther Kings and Queens of Wakanda.

She stood within the endless plain, confused and nervous until she felt a presence coming up to her.

When Shuri turned to see who it was, her jaw dropped and she fell to the ground, staring up at the reverend Goddess of Wakanda.

Shuri felt honored in being graced by Bast's presence.

The scientist who was normally so verbally hyperactive was at a loss for words until Bast, amusingly, requested that she stand.

That it was unbecoming of a princess of Wakanda to be in such a position.

It was all too much for the princess, momentarily overloading her mind until she managed to regain herself. And upon doing so, the Princess only asked one question as it was the only one that mattered to her.

Where was her brother and was he still alive?

Simply enough, she received answers that both pleased and worried her in the long run.

Her brother -along with the other Avengers- were alive, on top of being located in a galaxy far… far away. That… was certainly a bit of a mood killer to be sure.

Her brother was well but so far out of their reach from retrieving anytime soon. Even with magic, Wakandan science, Stark science or whatever science they had on hand, getting to another galaxy that was on the other side of the universe wasn't a task so easily conquered.

While others were slightly hesitant on hearing such bit of news, the magic practitioners took it a bit more seriously. This is mostly due to the factor of the Wakandan goddess being involved in delivering such a message.

The galaxy in which her brother and the rest of the Avengers currently resided in was one that was unique and a slight anomaly so to speak with a type of vagueness which left many questions in their wake. Getting in was extremely difficult for starters with few points of entry that could be used.

Distance was an entirely different matter but that's space travel for ya.

But they came away with it with one silver lining.

They were alive and they were alright.

Now, they just had to figure out the means by which to get there.

Frustrating all around but Bast believed in Shuri and her new friends and allies that they would see it done.

But before she departed from the plain, Bast bestowed upon her the gift of the Panther. Though she did not have the enhancements that her brother possessed, it was enough to compensate for her lack of physical prowess.

The Goddess Bast stated that while her brother remained her avatar in the universe at large, Earth still required a Panther of its own.

So she thusly accepted the gift, humbly and nervously as she was, not wishing to disappoint her Goddess, Wakanda, her family or her new friends and teammates.

Though in retrospect, Shuri really should have considered keeping the enhancement a secret. Okoye had this look in her eyes that sent a shiver down her spine and when Clint called her in for some training…

Well… "training" is too polite a word. Despite her recent power-up, Clint along with Danny, Luke, Jen and several of the other Avengers thrashed her.

Yet in spite of all that, the Princess was happy.

She felt a renewed sense of vigor and purpose in finding the means to utilize in finding her brother. She was no longer stuck in Wakanda, being a full-fledged Avenger with Clint constantly teaching her.

The Princess felt-

"Oh shit!" She exclaimed, the pan she was working on erupting in flames.

Mordo was quick to cast a spell to nullify the flames and undo the damage she had caused.

Barton was right behind her, Hector grabbing a towel and flapping it around to clear some of the remaining smoke.

"Just a drop next time." Clint advised, taking a moment to observe her dish, frowning thoughtfully. "Still, lookin' good. You're getting better."

Shuri gaped in surprise when it morphed into one of pride though Clint was quick to shoot that down.

"You did get the ceiling again."

The princess looked up to see scorch marks above her, shoulders sagging.

"I'll get more Vibranium for next time."

She deadpanned at the archer for the over-enthusiastic slap on the back she received from him.

"Atta girl."

-Scene Cut-

*Kink-chck-chick*

With a satisfied nod, Wong stepped away from the book he had just chained to its slot and slid the wall of tomes back into their holding. He stepped back, turning to the table behind him with several additional stacks of books that he was currently organizing.

His hand hovered over several of them until stopping at a red-colored book, lifting it and opening it to see its contents.

It was a book of relics, documenting more mundane items that helped in small ways which he snapped close and sent it floating away into its designated shelf.

He moved on to the next book in that pile, looking over its contents and sending it flying to its shelf when the librarian of Kamar-Taj paused in his movements. His ears twitched and he looked around the room as there was a noticeable increase in the temperature in the room.

A second later, small embers flickered on the other side of the table in front of Wong.

The Sorcerer's eyes snapped onto where the embers were as more members flickered until another spark of embers connected, forming into chains that expanded into a fiery portal. From said portal stepped a clearly frazzled and exhausted Ghost Rider who shifted back into Robbie Reyes.

His weapons, being his molten chain and ax, clattered onto the floor having fallen from his hands.

"Robbie!" Wong said aloud in surprise, running around the table and quickly grasping Reyes' arm and back to keep him steady.

The normally stoic and calm drifter looked worse for wear, his jacket in tatters with a gash over his right eye that had a fiery glow around the corners.

"Are you alright?" Wong asked, pulling up a chair, Robbie collapsing right into it.

He let out a grunt, reached into his torn jacket and pulled out a decrepit, blackened book.

"I got it." Robbie said with an exhausted moan. "Psycho fucking bitch put up a fight, I can tell ya that."

He slammed the book down on the table, some of the other books falling from their stacks.

"Are you well, Robbie?" Wong asked once again, Reyes waving him off.

"I'll live Wong." He assured. "Just give me a few minutes and I'll be fine."

Wordlessly, Wong conjured a cup of tea, pausing for a moment before shifting it into a pint of beer.

Robbie gave the man an appreciative nod, grabbing the hands and downing the beer, not minding it splashing over him.

All the while, Wong slowly directed his attention to the black book that Robbie had brought back with him. He stared at it with great concern and wariness.

"The Darkhold. The book of the damned." He said aloud, hearing the Spirit of Vengeance finish his drink with a satisfied "ah", slamming his cup down on the table. "Who was it that possessed it this time?"

"Some fuck named Hag Hark whatever." Robbie spat out, wiping his mouth dry.

"And where is she now?"

The younger man simply locked eyes with Wong, his eyes momentarily taking on a fiery glint. Literally.

Wong simply nodded in understanding, returning his gaze to the Darkhold. Though it lay there, he felt an instant shiver go down his spine just by staring at it.

A dark, twisted and demented aura radiated off the cover and pages of this book of pure sin and vile magic that can corrupt and destroy any and all of its users. It happens after an unknown specified amount of time. It's generally believed it'll occur after the first or second use when the user's guard is down for the taint to seep in and enact its work.

"The book of the damned." The Sorcerer murmured, Robbie gazing at him for a moment before directing it at the grimoire he just brought with him. "I didn't think I would ever see it."

"The Rider's seen it a bunch of times in his existence." Reyes revealed. "He's apparently locked it away a few times but the bastard has a mind of its own sometimes. It wants to be found by anyone it can use to corrupt."

"Where has he stored it?" Wong inquired, using the tips of his fingers to push it around for the cover to be staring straight at him.

"Hell, pocket dimensions, those sorts of places." Robbie answered. "But the book has a will of its own and those who always hear about it. If it doesn't escape by itself, someone else finds a way to summon it."

"I wouldn't be surprised if it did have some sentience." Wong remarked. "The Darkhold was made by Chthon, the first demon of this world."

"I heard that name." Reyes muttered, hand running over his head. "Zarathos mentioned it once or twice when we were fighting that Witch bitch. Who even is he?"

"As I said, the first demon and the one who first carved the spells and teachings of the Darkhold in the Mountain of Wundagore. To enact its spells or "activate" it, if you would, he brought together his coven of thousands of followers, tainted with sins that would've caused the Rider to burn half the world. He sacrificed them all, using their blood, skin, bones and organs to create the Darkhold."

"So that shit about the Necronomicon, Evil dead and all that were real?" Robbie asked in bewilderment.

"The book of the damned has long been in human history." Wong waved off. "Stories of its use likely came from embellished or first-hand accounts of those who have used it at one point."

"I heard my grandma bring it up a few times whenever she tucked me and my brother into bed." Robbie commented, eyeing the book and feeling the sickening aura radiating from its pages. He flinches, shaking his head with a hand over his eyes. "Yeah, I know."

"Are you well?" Wong inquired.

"Yeah, yeah, it's the Rider." Robbie clarified. "Bastards getting all antsy being around this thing."

The Sorcerer said nothing, silently nodding before returning his attention to the Darkhold.

"So what's the plan for this thing?" Reyes asked.

"Normally we would seal up the dangerous artifacts."

"Yet you don't want another Kaecilius situation."

Wong gave out a nod.

"Why not just destroy the damn thing?" Robbie flinched. "Yes, you heard me you old bastard, it's better this thing is destroyed."

"Zarathos again?" Won asked for clarity, the host of the spirit nodding. "We could destroy it but such an artifact is too powerful. Who knows what may occur when seeking to destroy it? Either you die in the backlash or worse. There's always a cost, a sacrifice, to this type of thing."

"Why don't I give it a try?" Robbie said. "The Rider's been around this thing a bunch of times so maybe we can hellfire this bastard into ashes."

The man paused, hearing the voice of Zarathos in his head.

"What do you mean it's not that simple?" He didn't say anything for a second. "It's a book, even if it is made of flesh and bone, we've burnt almost everything on this planet at one point."

"This book was made by the first demon, Robbie." Wong pointed out. "It predates Zarathos, destroying it is no easy task. Even then, the book itself was transcribed from the Tomb of Chthon on Mount Wundagore. It's rooted within the earth itself."

"Can't we go up to that mountain and just wreck shop?"

"The Masters of the Mystic Arts is forbidden from traversing to such a dangerous location unless absolutely necessary." Wong countered with a firm tone that brokered no arguments.

Robbie rolled his eyes, grabbing the book and holding it up for the Sorcerer.

"Well we can't just leave this damned thing lying around, waiting for some shmuck to get an itchy finger and read it."

"Which is why we shall be-"

*TTRRSSHHHSSS*

Both Robbie and Wong jumped back in fright, the Darkhold falling from the former's hand. Robbie immediately shifted into his Rider form, calling for his fiery chain and ax whilst Wong conjured eldritch spells around his hands.

The two watched with tense anticipation as the Darkhold began to steam, a red glow surrounding it when it suddenly burst into flames.

"WhAt The hell?" Came the warbled question from the Rider as he and Wong watched the Darkhold reduce itself down into ash.

"How in the…?" Muttered out the sorcerer. "This shouldn't… I don't…"

He was honestly developing a migraine here, trying to comprehend how and why this was occurring before their eyes.

Robbie receded into his normal state, staring down at the remains of the book, watching pages from it flutter into the air.

"The hell just happened?" Reyes questioned, looking to Wong for answers.

"I… I don't… I don't understand." Wong whispered, clearly rattled, if not disturbed at what they just witnessed. "To have been destroyed so easily."

"How'd that happen?" Robbie crouched down now, poking at the ashes with his ax. "Did ya see that red stuff?"

"Yes." Wong said. "I did. That was… I'm not sure what it was."

There was a moment of silence between them both, Robbie craning his back up at Wong.

"So it's done then." He stated more than asked. "This thing is gone for good?"

Wong didn't answer for a time until he reached down and grabbed what remained of the book. He didn't get far in lifting it as it soon crumbled to ash after several seconds, adding to the smoldering pile on the ground.

"I may need to break a few rules in going to Mount Wundagore but… it would seem that the Darkhold has indeed been destroyed."

"Need some backup?"

"I'd be a fool not having any."

Reyes simply nodded until he popped back to stand fully.

"Whelp~ This is a celebrational win in my book." Said Robbie, clapping and rubbing his hands together a little. "If there's nothing else, I need some relaxation. Where's the tequila and good liquor? I need a few bottles worth to get me smashed today."

"We don't know for sure." Wong deadpanned.

"I still had to go through some psycho bitch today, Wong." Robbie shot back. "I earned a bottle or two."

Wong simply shook his head, turning his attention back on the pile of ash whilst Robbie walked away, chattering animatedly, leaving the librarian in deep thought.

Whilst this sorcerer was dealing with this sudden development, another was dealing with matters of his own.

"So you take like what, fifteen, twenty minutes to get your beard like that? I know I'm big and all but didn't realize I had fans in Hogwarts."

Doctor Strange looked up at the ceiling above him with half-lidded eyes.

Off to the side, Hank Pym had his head in his hand in annoyance at the attitude of Tony Stark who was barely containing his intrigue of everything contained within the New York Sanctum.

The pair had come sort of unannounced by Tony earlier in the day and for the past hour, Strange has been "entertaining" the two scientists, giving them a proper tour of the Sanctum.

Much as Hank tried to play the whole thing off as it being Stark's idea, it was clear for the former neuro-surgeon to see Pym's clear interest in this place. Not that he could blame the man. The medical field was one of science so, like Pym and Stark, Strange's own exposure to higher mysteries was a shock to be sure.

Both men had been looking over practically every relic, scroll, object, item, doohickey, everything in the Sanctum with a curious eye.

"So what exactly do you gotta do, being the headmaster and all."

"Discipline students to remain quiet."

"What, like you?" Wong and Mordo said. "You never shut up."

Stephen's lip twitched upwards.

He then heard Tony clap his hands together.

"So, since you're an Avenger now and I have seniority, there comes a tax/tribute to the founder, being me."

"I don't think so."

"Oh really? Why not?"

"Cause you'll ask for something outlandish and beyond your reach."

Tony looked at him as if he were crazy. "How is that such a hard thing to do? You're a wizard, aren't you? You can literally whip up the outlandish and beyond reach crap at the snap of your fingers."

"Ok, first of all, it's not a snap-"

"More like a wave of the hand, really." Hank commented.

"Not to mention, there are rules we can't abuse."

"So does reversing time count as a rule or one we break?"

"That was a world-ending event and you know it." Strange shot back.

"Right~~~ And what we've been doing isn't that?"

"You haven't broken any rules that involve magic, and Thor doesn't count." Stephen said before Tony was able to get a word in.

"Oh sure, if you do it, it's all fine and dandy. But if I do it, it's a big no-no. That doesn't sound fair to me."

"It's a complicated matter."

"Sure it is."

"Don't be immature, Stark." Hank groused.

"Hey, I'm not the hypocrite this time." Stark argued back.

"This time?" Stephen parroted with a raised brow.

"You heard me." Stark gestured to himself and Strange. "You and me, we're cut from the same cloth, Dumbledore. Groundbreaking rule breakers who are also awesome facial hair bros."

"Awesome what now?"

Tony jabbed his finger at his own chin and then at Stephen.

"I know a fan when I see one." Stark whimsically said. "Or at the very least understands the need to keep up a look that matches the aesthetic."

Stephen gaped, looking at the billionaire in disbelief before catching his reflection from an ancient shield relic. Loathe as he was to admit it, he did see the similarities rather clearly.

"No, no, you are not trying to pull some BS on something so simple." Strange glared at Tony. "Besides, this beard compliments me. I'm not doing this as some sort of homage to you."

"Uh-huh. I saw pictures of you before your accident. You looked fine without the beard but now you look-"

"Finish that sentence and I'll send you to Siberia."

"Oh please, I've survived the cold before." Tony waved off.

"How about Everest?" Stephen dryly threatened though it appeared for naught as Tony shrugged.

"Cold, dead of space." Stark shot back, Strange now dragging a hand over his face.

How in the world did people, especially someone like Captain Rogers, ever deal with someone like Stark? Then a horrible thought drifted into the mind of the former surgeon.

'Oh god, was I always like this too?' Stephen thought with dread, knowing his propensity for making as many comments as humanly possible.

God, now he felt so bad now with many of his former co-workers and fellow students back in med school.

Hank Pym soon let out an annoyed sigh. "And I'm not hearing a thing of you trying to rope in me, Mr. Cage or a number of others into your little "facial hair" club."

"You say that but you're only encouraging a challenge out of me."

'Oh god, it really is another version of myself.' Strange mentally groaned, a dreaded acceptance coming over him.

"I'll have spells made so Tony doesn't do anything stupid."

"Or~~ You can just show me some cool magic tricks or toys and we'll call it even."

"... alright fine."

"Stephen." Pym said in a disapproving tone.

"Oh please, Hank." Tony said with a roll of his eyes. "I didn't need to convince you to come here, remember?"

Loathe as he was to admit it, Hank couldn't really deny such a statement. He did want to see this place because magic was real. As a scientist, how could he pass up the chance to see it up close and study it?

Who knows, maybe there's something in here he can pick up on and apply it to the Pym Particle.

"Alright, alright." Strange conceded, raising a shaking finger. "One, and only one thing… but only Hank gets to pick it out."

Tony's jaw dropped in shock, appalled at what he just heard whilst Pym crossed his arms in a smug manner.

"Good." Said Hank. "I don't wanna see Stark abusing the hell out of it."

"And we're not doing this so-called "membership tax", Stark."

"Oh, so Hank chooses but I don't."

"Consultant, not a full-time member." Hank smarmily reminded the billionaire. "So by default, not a membership tax."

"Unreal." Tony shook his head in faux disappointment. "Completely unfair."

"Life's unfair in general." Strange deadpanned, a cocky grin that made Tony look at the Sorcerer with half-lidded eyes.

"Yeah, no shawarma for you next time." The Iron Man childishly said, the trio continuing to walk down the hallway within the New York Sanctum that led into the room of relics, chatting all the while.

Off on the distant horizon, the sun was setting on these geniuses and heroes, past and present.

At that time, whilst these trio conversed on the matters of science and magic, three other Avengers were spending their own time together, reflecting on the drastic changes that have occurred in their lives.

"For the last time, I am not an Avenger."

"Then why'd ya take the suit?"

"Because my old one was wrecked and-"

"No it wasn't. Can't you just admit that it looks cool and feels nice?"

"I'm not nearly drunk enough for that, Rand."

"Ah come on, Jess." Danny Rand, the Immortal Iron Fist whined. "Can't ya just admit when ya lost and have fun with it?"

"There's nothing fun about wearing these ridiculous pieces." Jessica Jones, detective and self-denying Avenger stated, taking a large gulp of the beer she had in a brown bag.

"But you still kept the card." Luke Cage, the Hero of Harlem pointed out, flashing his own Avengers ID card.

Jones opted to remain defiantly silent as she really couldn't deny such a thing. Her ID card was in her jacket at this very moment and she had taken the damn thing everywhere since Stark handed it to her himself.

The cheeky bastard had the audacity to act high and mighty just after their little snafu with May Parker.

After the battle in China against Muur, the detective had dragged the billionaire over to the nervous Aunt who was hoping for some kind of good news about the whereabouts of her nephew.

Suffice to say, a rich Avenger meekly told her that not only is her nephew a superhero and Avenger, but he had gone missing after a mission involving other heroes and a weapons deal in Manhattan. It was one of the few times in the life of Tony Stark where he received a verbal thrashing the likes of which even Jones was unprepared for.

Boy did May Parker have a set of pipes on her.

At least Matt Murdock's friends and coworkers were less vocal in terms of volume in comparison with the worried aunt.

They were aware of their friend's nightly activities but still had a few crosswords to say to Tony and the Avengers as a whole.

But, much as she wanted to blame the guy, Jessica begrudgingly had to admit that it wasn't his fault.

They may have been recruited to be Avengers but Peter Parker and Matt Murdock chose to be vigilantes of their own volition. The consequences that came with their actions were of their own design.

Kinda…

Vanishing to another galaxy sure never seemed like an option or scenario to have ever occurred.

When that snotty princess told them all about this, it was certainly a crazy revelation to be sure. The other Avengers were in space, in a galaxy beyond their reach.

Twelve heroes galivanting across the stars whilst the fourteen down here had to defend Earth from whatever freakshow decided to rear their head.

"I hope you guys realize that any semblance of a chance for a normal life died the minute you became Avengers." Jones groused out, shooting a glare at a couple that appeared to want to take a picture with them but was "discouraged" by the murderous look in her eyes. "Why'd you even go along with this garbage anyway?"

"Don't look at me. Stark basically roped me into this without my consent, in front of dozens of people at the club." Came Luke's response. "How the hell can I dissuade people that I'm not a part of the hero team?"

"Uh, easily. You can just be stubborn and outright tell them Stark is messing with you."

"Yeah but," Luke flashed several kids a smile and a peace sign, the kids looking up at him with awe and wonder. "Kinda likin' that look of theirs."

Jessica glanced over to the kids who were talking excitedly between each other.

Had she been feeling a bit more pessimistic tonight, she would have made a comment or two to make them cry. She then admonished herself for the thought itself.

Jones may be bitter and jaded but she's not a total asshole.

Not yet at least.

"Ain't there baggage that comes with being an Avenger?" Jessica inquired. "Ya gotta be having some business problems at least."

Danny shrugged. "Rand Enterprises is fine as it is. Better even now that we partnered with Stark Enterprises. Sure as hell makes it easier for me, I can tell ya that much."

"Harlem's getting more traffic lately, just to see me of all people."

"And invade your privacy as a result." Jessica pointed out.

"Already had that happen several times before, just from Diamondback, Shades, Mariah and Cottonmouth." Luke countered, wincing at the memory of the physical pain he got from the first. "Not that I made an effort to make it private. Bastards went for me in broad daylight."

"And Rand Enterprises are trying to get into the toy market." Danny cheekily said. "I've always wanted a new action figure set after all the ones I once had were tossed out."

"What are you four?"

"At heart."

The detective only scoffed at him.

"I don't plan on advertising my position in the Avengers." Said Jessica. "I'd rather be low profile so my day job and social life won't be screwed over."

"What social life?" Snarked Luke. Before she could refute, he continued. "Trish doesn't count along with Malcolm. You need more than just two people. And you can hardly stand Jeri."

"What about that assistant of hers, Gillian?" Asked Danny.

"Gives good advice on occasion." Began the superwoman. "But she doesn't strike the type of wanting to hang out with her boss beyond the working hours."

"But why not advertise it?" Luke asked, holding out his hands, making an imaginary advertising board. "Jessica Jones, Avengers' private eye."

"Sounds tacky."

"Sounds like a good business plan." Cage shot back. "I mean, haven't you gotten more clientele lately?"

Loathe as she was to admit it to him, she did notice a considerable upswing in people coming to her. Being spotted with other Avengers and catching her in acts of heroism certainly helped in bringing in more revenue for her.

"I could already tell the moment I try such a thing, I'll be getting a total bitch fest orchestra from Jeri, making it seem like I'm a hypocrite among a list of other factors."

"You know, you could just throw the whole saved the world bit right in her face cause, ya did." Danny stated like it was obvious.

At that, Jessica couldn't help but smirk at the martial artist's point. "Tempting, but I don't wanna stoop to her level after what she pulled on me."

Luke let out an exasperated sigh. "You gotta let it go."

"Hey, after the whole Killgrave fiasco, she's been on my ass for a while now just because her personal life got screwed in a way she didn't like."

"Yeah but you're an Avenger." Luke emphasized. "Look who's in charge of the damn team, for God's Sake. Tony Stark is a walking disasterpiece that somehow functions as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Like that'll stop her-

*BANG BANG BANG*

*CRASH*

*KABOOM*

These sounds and more were soon heard and kept on going from nearby.

Screaming was heard only for an explosion to go off a few blocks down the street.

"What the hell?!" Luke exclaimed.

"Come on!" Danny shouted, dashing forward, tossing aside his clothing to reveal the suit he wore underneath.

Jessica grits her teeth but doesn't reject the notion, taking to the skies whilst Luke and Rand sprint below.

They ran/flew by many civilians fleeing the scene with them coming upon what could only be described as a slaughter.

Danny looked upon it with shock and horror, Luke a more reserved yet angry gaze. Jessica's was solemn though she didn't hide her grimace at the sight.

It was a restaurant that was partially blown up at the side with two large security guards riddled with holes at the entrance.

Further inside the restaurant, the bodies of men in suits and tracksuits who were either burned likely from the explosion they heard earlier or had more holes filled with them than Swiss cheese. It was a sickening sight, to say the least.

Blood decorated the floor, chairs, table, wall, anything and everything within the scene of the crime.

The three defenders of New York all shared disturbed looks with one another.

"What happened here?" Danny asked in a low voice.

-A few minutes earlier-

A lone man walked down the street, garbed in black from head to toe.

His jacket was baggy and posture focused. The man's gaze was that of a deadly ferocity that was barely being restrained.

There was the sound of laughter and the man stopped in his tracks.

He slowly turned his head in the direction of where the laughter originated from.

A dimly lit neon sign caught his eye.

The Burren Club.

An Irish leaf flickered behind the B, a glaze in the eyes of the man.

His gaze trailed over to two guards standing in front of the Irish pub then back at the windows of the establishment.

He silently crouched down behind a car and began pulling out pieces of a gun from his jacket, attaching them together.

All the while, he whispered to himself, his voice almost coming out as a growl.

"One batch-"

*CHCK*

"Two batch-"

*CHCK-CHCK*

He stood up from behind the car and aimed.

"Penny and Dime."

-Scene Cut-

"Jesus." Clint commented, looking over the images that were on the holo-screen in front of him. "Friday, you sure this is all just from one guy?"

"Scans and consistency show it to be." The AI that Tony currently utilized for his armor.

"One man…" Barton muttered, frowning in analytical thought as his keen eyes looked over the images of the shooting that had occurred the night before.

Luke, Jessica and Danny had all been there, finding only the aftermath and Jones took a number of pictures for herself, the police and the Avengers.

Over at the bar, Tony was pouring himself a drink whilst he too was going over these photos.

The two founding Avengers currently resided within the Avengers Tower that had recently been refurbished to act as the second base for the members situated directly in Manhattan. Their main one was still upstate but Stark figured that it would make it easier to use the tower as their secondary base rather than sell it off as he originally intended on doing.

"And we just saved the world again." Tony quipped, sipping his drink whilst looking at the crime scene from a different angle. "Now this happens in our backyard."

"Not far too," Barton stated. "Hell's Kitchen is a train ride away from here."

"Or a quick fly-by." Iron Man shook his head.

Hawkeye moved on to some other files, this one being a news report of another group having been recently slaughtered. What each one mentioned was that the victims were all known criminals or associates of crime families/organizations.

The two that had been hit were the Chinese triad and the Irish.

Was there a connection?

"How in the hell did this happen? Did we become negligent or something?" Tony asked his teammate, the archer shaking his head.

"We can't be everywhere at once."

"I thought with portals and iron suits, we can." Stark retorted, downing his drink, grimacing as it felt unsatisfactory. "Save the world, right? But we can't even save a couple of people."

"These people ain't exactly friendly." Clint pointed out.

"But innocent people could have been caught in the crossfire." Tony rebuked.

"Comes with the job." Hawkeye shook his head, despising himself for saying that. Damn SHIELD training. Conditioned that stupid response.

And it was obvious for Tony to see how much Clint hated saying that.

"I mean, I know these guys are scumbags and all but this feels extreme."

Clint didn't respond, instead holding up the news clippings of the attack on the Irish mob and slaughter of the Triad.

Now, guilty as this may be when said aloud, but the Avengers have never really done something like this before.

They had saved the world many times, of course, and countless people along the way.

But they had never really focused on something like this on the ground level.

Clint had taken on criminal organizations before but they were targets of SHIELD, international threats.

Yet things changed when they had gotten something new in their team.

Perspective.

And where did this perspective come from?

Newer members such as Luke Cage, Matt Murdock, Danny Rand, Jessica Jones, Peter Parker, Hector Ayala and even Robbie Reyes.

These heroes were individuals that didn't get their start in a war, a spy organization or saving the world from robots and aliens. They were just normal people who were suddenly thrust into the role of a protector, a vigilante or a hero.

Granted, their powers came by accident or circumstance.

But their decision to fight for the everyday man, the little guy gave a new perspective to the Avengers.

Wherein the Avengers had saved the world on a grander scale, those were just singular events that happened in the span of a few days, a week or two at most.

Heroes like the ones previously mentioned, however, operated on a daily basis.

When not patrolling the world, they patrolled the streets, helping out anyone and everyone they could in their time.

Be it from a mugging or just someone to talk to, the ground-level Avengers made some of the founding members begin to question if they're really doing that much of a difference with their actions. So here Clint and Tony are, looking over what Luke, Jessica and Danny found last night and were trying to discern the cause.

Stark assumed that maybe it was a new player, trying to take out the criminal competition within Manhattan. After Daredevil brought Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, down the year before, there had been a power vacuum in Hell's Kitchen, in all of the city really.

Clint, however, believed this not to be the case.

The old drug and weapons trade had not garnered any traction lately and most of the other criminal organizations had yet to make a move.

There was a motive here, something that they were missing but couldn't exactly figure out what it was.

But before they were able to make any headway or make a guess of what this was, Friday spoke up.

"Extraterrestrial energy detected."

Both men shot up in alarm, Clint instantly pulling out his retractable bow and Tony calling forth his armor.

Just before Iron Man was about to send out a call to any nearby Avengers, the clouds darkened and a crack of thunder was heard.

Blinking, realization soon dawned on the pair, the duo glancing at each other once they knew who it was that Friday had detected. Walking out onto the balcony landing platform, Clint and Tony looked up just as the clouds swirled above them and then came the light.

*KRASHKABOOM*

From an all too familiar pillar of the Bifrost, the Norse God of Thunder made his arrival.

"Friends." Thor cheerfully greeted. "It is good to see you both once again."

"Well it's about damn time you dropped in for a visit." Tony said, throwing his arms up. "Where've ya been, Point break?"

"Exploring the cosmos, searching for answers, looking for the Infinity Stones." Thor said, patting Clint and Tony on the shoulder. "But I have come to bring tidings of great importance. I do bring both good news and bad news."

Thor gave the two a hardy gaze, drawing them closer.

"I understand that recently, many of Earth's defenders have gone missing." The Thunderer. "Rejoice, my comrades. I have found our wayward friends."

Tony and Clint felt their voices momentarily get caught up in their throats.

The latter was the first to respond.

"Are you serious, Thor?" He asked, grabbing the arm on his shoulder. "You're absolutely sure?"

A cocky smirk was then seen by the marksman and inventor.

"With my own two eyes, Clint." Thor assured. "And I bring with me good tidings as well as proof of their current situation."

Reaching behind him Thor pulled out a data module and held it out for Tony to take. "I've been given this to help with a possible means of their return. I will be acquiring help from Jane Foster and her fellow people of science to be sure we'll succeed. They shall make their way to our base post haste."

"Really? You sure?"

"Verily. And it involves the device you probably acquired from the Hydra base."

This bit of information was taken a bit more seriously, due to Thor not knowing of this since the last time he was on Earth. There was no doubt he was caught up on the full scope of information from the Wayward Avengers.

"Wait, wait, hang on." Tony held up his hands in the shape of the letter T. "You came here, having seen and met with the others but you didn't bring any of them back?"

Thor let out a sigh, nodding. "Unfortunately, they requested that I simply go back to relay you their message. Mind you, it was not easy for Heimdall to get me out of there. I had to find Mortis again in order for the Bifrost to reach me. They are currently in a place where Heimdall can only send the Bifrost to one location and it is one that constantly moves."

"Ok, I didn't get anything from that other than them asking you not to take them back." Tony retorted. "What the hell is keeping them… wherever they are?"

"Does this have to do with the bad news?" Barton guessed, his question being confirmed by the way Thor's posture sagged.

Thor let out a haggard sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Ultron is there with them."

Tony's face paled considerably and he took a step back, eyes widening in horror. He felt his heart drop to his stomach and his body shuddered, a cold chill running down his spine.

"U-Ultron?" He choked out. "Are… Are you-"

"Unfortunately, my words hold true." Thor grimly said. "Several planets have already fallen to him."

"Planets?" Barton's response was that of alarm. "Did you just say planets?"

"Aye, Ultron is waging war and devastation upon a galaxy of inhabitants, the ones the rest of our teammates currently find themselves in." The Asgardian said with utmost dread. "He's alive… and he's causing a genocide of untold proportions."

AN

There we have it folks, we're back on Earth and Thor has now delivered the message to Tony and Clint that he has found the others.

But with someone like Ultron, especially with everything he's done and is still doing, the Avengers in the Star Wars galaxy know that they can't just leave the place undefended from the mad AI.

And let me just make sure to clarify this now, as I believe it is a detail some might miss.

As of this moment RIGHT NOW, the only way for Thor to get out of the Star Wars galaxy through the Bifrost is through Mortis as that is the only place Heimdall can see clearly. Currently, there is something preventing full access to the Star Wars galaxy by Heimdall and that is where I say this in response.

We are now entering the final stretch of Season 3, long as it is as these arcs are all about setting up the end of season 3 and the transition into season 4.

Some might bemoan that the Avengers didn't come back but when ya have someone like Ultron basically running rampant, it's not something that can be so easily brushed aside.

So now, we're in the final saga/arcs/storylines for season 3.

But before I bid you all adieu and next time.

-Film Omake of The Two Towers-

The time had come for the next segment of the movie marathon.

Everyone was relatively refreshed, having to relieve themselves as best they could respectively. This being either to walk around for the duration of the intermission or using the public facilities.

"That was incredible!" Ahsoka exclaimed, positively giddy after watching Fellowship. "This is the greatest movie ever!"

"I know, right?!" Peter said, equally as excited as she was.

"I do admit, that was an experience." Barriss remarked, blown away by what she had just watched.

"Oh, but it gets better." Rhodey chimed in. "Come on, we're starting the next one now."

The film began with sweeping shots of snowy mountainscape. And the audience soon hears audio from the previous film.

Particularly the fight of Gandalf vs the Balrog.

"Gandalf!" Everyone shouted, relieved to see the old wizard again but also pained at what they knew his fate to be.

But what they didn't expect was the film to show the last few moments of the epic confrontation where it all led to Gandalf plummeting to the abyss.

Everyone's jaws dropped at the Gray Wizards' descent into the mountain, all while having the intent of taking out the Balrog of Morgoth. His grabbing his falling sword made many practically jump from their seats, being overloaded with the sheer awesomeness this old Wizard possessed.

"WHOA~~~!" Was the collective response from the clones and a number of Jedi.

Where many thought it was the end of Gandalf the Gray, he continued his bout with the Balrog in what can be considered one of the most epic clashes ever.

The music just added to the grandeur and spectacle, almost being too much for everyone to bear.

It continued on and on until both the wizard and Balrog connected with a subterranean lake where Bilbo woke up with a startled fright.

"Holy hell." Anakin slumped into his seat, eyes wide in shock and awe. "That was one of the greatest things I've ever seen."

"I'm tired already." Obi-Wan tacked on.

"And that's just the start?" Rex asked, looking to the Avengers who all nodded, making the Clone Captain sigh in excited exasperation. "We're in for another long one."

They soon caught up with Frodo and Sam, seeing their separate journey before the shocking encounter with Gollum, the follower from the previous film.

He garnered quite the reaction to be sure, mostly freakouts and how he was a horrifying possibility should Frodo get fully corrupted by the One Ring.

And due to some of the audience being Jedi, a genuine reflection of what can happen to one of their own if they ever fell to the Dark Side.

They soon got caught up in the state of the other heroes of the story.

Merry and Pippin being carried away by the Uruk-Hai with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pursuing them.

The Jedi and Clones found themselves interested in Aragorn's ability, appearing to be able to detect just how far their friends are and how fast they are moving. Some questioned if that was perhaps an ability or skill with the Avengers promising to describe it later on.

The audience laughed at the way Gimli fell over, Legolas calling out to have him carry on in spite of his tumble.

Meanwhile Saruman gathers and strengthens his forces for his lord and master, Sauron. Saruman, whom they still can't believe looked like Dooku, enacted his own plans upon Middle-Earth, sending out wild men loyal to him to wreak havoc upon the kingdom of Rohan.

They watched as war ravaged the lands, children being sent away by their mothers for a chance at survival whilst villages burned.

The King apparently being inept in his duties to protect his people with a slimy sycophant called Wormtongue influencing his actions in banishing the nephew of the King, Eomer.

It was a slow build-up as the audience watched the Hobbits trying to stay alive in the group of Orcs and Uruk-hai, their friends pursuing after them whilst running into Eomer and his company, discovering Saruman having "poisoned" the mind of the King.

"Hmmm, like the ability to influence one's will over others with the Force." Plo Koon mused aloud.

As the film went on, the group watched as Merry and Pippin survived the orc and Uruk company, fleeing into a forest known as Fangorn.

There, the audience was treated to quite the sight of the two Hobbits encountering a walking, talking tree! Otherwise known as an Ent.

"Whoa!" Jesse remarked. "Talking trees? This world is crazy."

"Shepherd of the forest?" T'ra Saa mused aloud in obvious interest. "The Wookies and Ithorians would find these sorts of individuals most useful, perhaps even worshiped if such beings existed on their homeworlds."

They then watched as the film transitioned into where Sam and Frodo were, being led by Gollum into a marsh that had bodies hovering beneath the surface of the multiple pools of water.

Had they been there, the Jedi would have felt a great degree of a disturbance from the Force from the restless dead.

Of course, despite Frodo nearly drowning, being taken by the dead and the surprising save from Gollum, the real shock came from the familiar, terrifying screech from off-screen.

"The Nazgul?" Ahsoka exclaimed in disbelief.

"I thought Arwen got rid of them." Captain Rex pointed out.

The Avengers shook their heads, letting Gollum explain how beings such as them are not so easily killed.

Many a jaw dropped at the sight of a lone Ringwraith riding upon a new, winged steed.

"What the hell is that supposed to be?!" Wrecker, Hardcase and several other Clones all asked at the same time.

"A Fellbeast." Peter explained. "Nasty dudes."

"They look like it." Kenobi remarked.

The scene transitioned back to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, deep in the Fangorn forest, looking for their friends.

Whilst they failed in finding their friends, they encountered somebody else entirely.

Someone that the audience couldn't believe to be alive.

"Gandalf?!"

Many were stunned into silence, the three warriors within the film emulating their responses, with Aragorn stating the obvious of seeing him fall, the underlying question of "how are you alive?".

The presented wizard thus reveals what befell of him since he saw his companions last. Battling the Balrog from the abyss, only to somehow appear at the tallest peak of the mountains. Gandalf was successful in slaying Morgoth's creature, only to fall in the end. Yet he was revived and renewed by the gods of the world in order to see that Sauron is defeated once and for all.

"So literal divine forces made him come back?" Cody inquired with the Avengers all nodding.

"Wonder if the Force could do something like that." Anakin mused.

Rather than reject such a notion, Yoda hummed aloud thoughtfully.

"With the Force, the impossibility can be made real."

With their wayward wizard reunited with what remained of the Fellowship, they make their way to Erodas in order to resolve a number of issues hampering their overall mission.

More interactions with Treebeard and the Hobbits accompanying him before the halflings fall asleep.

Elsewhere at this time, Aragorn and Gandalf discuss matters pertaining to the former's importance with how Sauron fears him. Not just because of his lineage, but of what he represented.

Frodo and Sam make it to the Black Gates of Mordor yet couldn't make their way through. Thus they had to sneak around another way with Gollum as their guide.

Back to Merry and Pippin, little shenanigans occur before they resume their journey with Treebeard.

Nearing Erodas; Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli plan out their next moves when soon confronting the king of Rohan.

What followed was what could be described as an exorcism with Gandalf the White revealing his newly powered up state, sending Saruman reeling and freeing the control he held over the King of Rohan.

Before the eyes of the audience, they watched as Theodon lost his ghastly appearance, becoming younger and healthier as he once was.

Afterward, many Clones and even some Jedi wanted to see Grima Wormtongue pay yet the elder masters gave looks of approval directed at Aragorn for advising the King to show restraint rather than vengeance.

What followed was a series of events across the three separate groups of the Fellowship.

Merry and Pippin continue their time with Treebeard the Ent, walking through the forest of Fangorn.

Sam and Frodo being led by Gollum around the Black Gate, hoping to find a secret entrance whilst witnessing the madness of the once Hobbit who ridded himself of the frightening personality that came about due to the corruption of the One Ring so many years ago.

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli accompanied the people of Rohan to a fortress known as Helm's Deep to get the people to safety whilst Gandalf rode out to find Eomer and his company to bring them back to their king.

The audience was completely engaged by this point, having been absorbed into the film, listening and watching in rapt attention.

There were many scenes of tension, such as the battle of the Warg Riders and Edoras, leading to the believed death of Aragorn.

Treebeard calls together the other shepherds of the forest, an Ent moot to decide on whether or not they should go to war.

And Sam, Frodo and Gollum make it past the Black Gate only to be captured by men known as Gondorians, being led by a man called Faramir, whom they learned is the younger brother of Boromir.

But at last, they reached what felt to be the center point of the film.

Helms Deep, the stronghold of the Kingdom of the Horse-Lords. The last line of defense for the people of Rohan.

And where the group and assembled army will hold the line against the army of Saruman.

Aragorn had returned, reinforcements from Lothlorien led by Haldir the Elf came and the men and those able to fight prepared themselves for battle.

The audience was tense, witnessing the daunting army of ten thousand Uruk Hai march towards them.

Armor and shields clattered against each other, hoping to break the spirit of the defenders.

One loose arrow towards the neck of an Uruk was all that was needed for the Battle of Helm's Deep to begin.

"Force me." Anakin ran a hand through his hair, watching the seemingly endless horde of Uruk's throw themselves on the walls of Helm's Deep.

"We've beaten overwhelming odds before." Obi-Wan remarked. "But a few hundred against a few thousand?"

"Can't have the Force with them, can they?" Nat quipped, the Jedi not responding as the battle escalated.

In the midst of it all, Anakin, Ahsoka, the Clones and even Mundi got a good laugh out of the competition shared between Gimli and Legolas on who would get the highest kill count.

The explosion of the walls being breached certainly shocked the crowd yet watching Aragorn and the elves he led stay strong gave them an inkling of hope.

Gimli dive bombing the Uruk's followed by Legolas surfing atop a shield alleviated some of the tension, the cherry on top being when Aragorn threw Gimli at the Uruks at one point from a rather tight spot.

This went on, the fighters of Helms Deep putting on a spirited fight…

But it was too much, in the end.

One by one, they were overwhelmed by the endless swarm of Uruk-Hai that whittled down their numbers.

Even Haldir fell and many of the younger boys who had been forced to participate in this fight.

Back with Merry and Pippin, they were coming back from what they considered to be a failed Ent moot as they had chosen not to go to war. It was through the Hobbits did they give a speech in hopes of rallying them all to help take down Saruman.

When it seemed defeated for them, Merry and Pippin soon devised a plan in getting Treebeard and his people to go to Isengard by tricking them.

Suffice to say the plan worked.

The Jedi all slumped at the decimation of the forest, feeling the pain Treebeard felt when he said that many of the trees and plants were his friends that he had known since they were just nut and acorn in the lands of Isengard. The Force grew and breathed through all of life and to see such ruin would only be a crime against the Force itself.

In response to this devastation, Treebeard let out a howl that echoed far and wide across the land.

"Whoa…" Was the shared response from the group as they watched Treebeard calling upon all the Ents of Fangorn as they marched upon Isengard with one plan.

To go to war.

The Ents marched forward, their footsteps shaking the ground they walked upon.

"Hmmm," T'ra held a glint in her eyes. "Is it possible to have these Ents be made real?"

"Honestly, with everything we have all seen and experienced, nothing is off the table by this point." Sam earnestly said, many mumbling or nodding in agreement.

Back with the others, the battle raged on, despite the group having retreated into the confines of the castle.

All the while, the Ents were wreaking havoc upon Isengard.

Stones were tossed, Orcs were swatted and squashed, walls and structures torn down.

The dam was soon released, flooding Isengard and washing away all of Saruman's forces, the wizard was only able to watch in horror that everything he had done and worked for was destroyed in an instant.

With Frodo and Sam, their captors were soon attacked by the Ringwraiths.

Daybreak soon came on the land of Helm's Deep. The fortress was taken with the last remnants of the army of men barricaded behind a number of rooms.

All seemed lost.

The sun is rising.

Words reminded many to look towards the horizon in the east on this day.

In order for that to happen, many had to charge out of safety as if it were their last.

From the light on the eastern horizon, they saw Gandalf with the people he gathered to be Helm's Deep's reinforcements. Leading the charge, the White Wizard, along with Eomer, his loyal men and so many others, came down upon Saruman's army.

Near the stronghold bordering the lands of Gondor, it was a shock for the entire group to see Frodo nearly kill Sam in his crazed stupor but the Gardner managed to get through to his friend.

They could only watch as Frodo nearly succumbed to the ring, having nearly allowed the Ringwraith to take him had it not been for Samwise saving his life.

The Hobbit was a wreck, appearing ready to collapse at any given moment.

Yet… the words Sam spoke to Frodo resonated not only with the ring bearer, but the audience listening to every single word he said.

It's like in the great stories Mr. Frodo.

The ones that really mattered.

Full of darkness and danger they were,

and sometimes you didn't want to know the end.

Because how could the end be happy?

How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad happened?

But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow.

Even darkness must pass.

A new day will come.

And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.

Those were the stories that stayed with you.

That meant something.

Even if you were too small to understand why.

But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand.

I know now.

Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn't.

Because they were holding on to something.

What are we holding onto Sam?

"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for."

"*Sniffle* BWAAAAAAAAA~~~" Wrecker burst out crying, clutching his Lula tightly before pulling in the rest of the Bad Batch into a hug. "I LOVE YOU GUYS!"

Exasperated, annoyed and thrown off as they were, Clone Force 99 were unable to hide their laughter at their biggest member's tears that were practically waterfalls.

The rest of the audience shared in this reaction in their own way, the Clones either throwing their arms around each other, cheering or just crying themselves.

The Jedi became far more solemn yet warm smiles decorated the lot, even Mace Windu ducking his head down, 'hmphing' with a small smirk.

Yoda had his eyes closed, a wide smile in place.

"Words of wisdom, Samwise Gamgee holds, yes. To fight for that good, the duty we all share."

Barriss Offee felt herself tearing up, turning to Peter and Ahsoka only to laugh at the former who was bawling in an overdramatic fashion.

"It's sooo goooood!" Parker exclaimed, hands over his eyes, thrashing about as he comically wept.

"Yeah, I can see why." Anakin said, laughing at his reaction. Next to him, his wife held a handkerchief, dabbing at the corners of her eyes.

"Come now, Anakin." She said with a slightly strained voice, overwhelmed with emotion. "Like you fared any better."

Skywalker looked to his secret wife, smiling warmly at her.

"Yeah, you're right. But it feels like he was talking to you, really."

"He was talking to all of us." Padme emphasized. "We do know that there is good in this galaxy. It's our duty to fight for that goodness."

Discretely, they managed to hold hands out of sight, the two gazing lovingly at one another.

"Yeah, we will."

The film soon ended after, victory being achieved at Isengard and Helm's Deep whilst Frodo, Sam and Gollum were released by Faramir to continue on their quest.

Despite the fear of what Gollum planned to do, there was a sense of comfort and open agreement of how Frodo declared that had it not been for Sam, he would not have ever gotten this far.

At that, Anakin was unable to help himself, shooting a look of gratitude towards his old Master and slapping a hand over Rex's shoulder.

This small little gesture was emulated by many within the room, masters and their old/current students, clones with each other and their generals.

The film soon ended, and the entire gathering all slumped over, nearly exhausted by the rollercoaster of a ride that was the Two Towers.

Spider-man only had one thing to say to them all.

"Only one more to go."

The responses were ones of despair, amusement, excitement and every other emotion one could think of for the finale of this trilogy.

"We're gonna need a lot more food for the last one." Rhodey remarked. "And maybe comfier seats."

"How long is the last one?" Chuchi asked, seated atop Pietro, having migrated onto his lap during the movie.

"Well," Steve bobbed his head left to right. "Since it's the extended edition… four and a half hours."

All he got were more moans and exclamations of shock yet none refused the film. In fact, they almost saw it as a challenge.

"To the end, we shall go." Yoda declared.

And there's your Omake for Two Towers folks.

Hope you guys enjoyed it and I'm enjoying the anticipation you all have for when we get to Return of the King.

But until then, adieu.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.