Avengers X Kingdom Hearts - Endgame
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or properties. Marvel Studios is owned by Disney Entertainment and Marvel Comics. Kingdom Hearts and their characters are jointly owned by Disney Interactive and Square Enix. The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and their characters are owned by SEGA. This work is pure fan fiction and how both worlds of Kingdom Hearts and the MCU would mix together. There may also be cameos from other franchises that pop up. Please Enjoy.)
Chapter 14: Dark Designs: Time Travel, Planning, and the Shadows of Darkness
The four heroes returned safely back to the surface world after their run in with the Temporal Terro and a new enemy lurking in the Quantum Realm, Mephiles the Dark. The new adversary hiding has become a big bump in the road for the team and their mission to travel back in time to collect the Infinity Stones of the past.
As the heroes settled into the conference room, all eyes turned to Sonic, Aqua, Clint, and Axel, eagerly awaiting their report. Steve sat at the head of the table, flanked by Tony, Scott, Sora, Kairi, Riku, and the rest of the team. Sonic took the lead, recounting their journey into the Quantum Realm, their encounter with the Temporal Terror, and the mysterious appearance of Mephiles the Dark.
"Ok, explain it to me and the team again…" Tony asked, trying to grasp the information he was just told. "What in the heck happened down there?"
Sonic looked to Aqua, Axel and Clin and they nodded to him to recount the events of the test run. The blue hedgehog rose from his seat and stood on the table, to make his presence known to the rest of the team.
"As you know, we used the Time-Space GPS to travel to different points in time and space," Sonic began. "But when we arrived back in the Quantum Realm, we were confronted by this massive Heartless creature. It called itself the Temporal Terror, and it seemed to have control over time and space."
Aqua chimed in, "The creature was unlike any Heartless we had faced before. It was powerful and relentless."
Clint added, "Yeah, it was a real challenge, but we managed to hold our ground and defeat it. That's when things got even crazier."
Axel continued, "That's when Mephiles the Dark showed up. He said he escaped the erased timeline caused by Sonic and his friends and found shelter in the Quantum Realm."
Tails, who was listening intently, raised his hand with a puzzled expression. "Wait, Mephiles the Dark? Who's that?"
Sonic sighed, "Yeah, I figured you guys wouldn't know him. He's from a timeline that got erased, and now he's stuck in the Quantum Realm, looking for a way to cause chaos and ruin in this new timeline."
"So, this Mephiles guy is still out there, huh?" Tony asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Bruce jumped in, looking intrigued. "And he's a malevolent entity with a grudge against time itself?"
"Exactly," Aqua confirmed. "And he's definitely dangerous. We managed to defeat him for now, but he made it clear that he'll be back."
Kairi and Riku turned to the time traveler of the group, Silver saw them glancing at him - perhaps he had an answer to this mystery.
"Silver, have you ever met or fought this menace in the future?" Riku asked.
Silver, looking perplexed, turned to Kairi and Riku. "No, I've never heard of this Mephiles guy before. It sounds like he's from a timeline that no longer exists, so it's possible that only a few individuals in the multiverse might be aware of him."
Goofy nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with concern. "It's a shame Merlin, Yen Sid, or King Mickey aren't here right now. They might have some knowledge about this Mephiles fella."
Steve turned to Scott, hoping for any leads. "What about Doctor Pym, Janet, or Hope? Did they mention anything like this before?"
Scott shook his head, looking equally puzzled. "Nope, nothing like that. If they knew anything, they would've told me. This Mephiles guy must have been keeping a low profile in the Quantum Realm."
Nat leaned forward, her expression serious. "We can't let our guard down. If he's still out there in the Quantum Realm, he could pose a serious threat to the stability of time and space."
Steve nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We need to keep a close eye on the Quantum Realm and be prepared for any future encounters with Mephiles."
Tony chimed in, "Right. We can't risk him messing with our time heist. But we can't let that stop us either. We need those Infinity Stones to fix everything."
"Exactly that, Tony." Steve replied. "We can't afford any more disruptions to our time heist. The priority now is to be prepared for any future encounters with Mephiles and to protect the Quantum Realm from his influence."
Aqua chimed in, her voice filled with confidence. "Indeed. The Time-Space GPS and Time Travel Suits proved to be successful. We traveled to significant moments from Sonic's and my past, which gives us hope that we can utilize this technology to our advantage."
Sonic grinned, feeling a sense of pride. "You bet! With these suits, we can cover a lot of ground and gather the Infinity Stones from different timelines."
Tony nodded, impressed. "That's the spirit! We've got a real shot at making this work."
Axel interjected, his eyes filled with determination. "So, what's the plan? Where do we travel first?"
Nat tapped a button and the team in the room glanced at the holographic map on the table, showing the stones in their glory, now lost to the past thanks to Thanos.
"While you four were testing the Time-Space GPS, we were brainstorming ideas on where to collect the Infinity Stones from the past. We've come up with a list of significant moments and locations where the stones were known to exist."
Clint pointed at the map, intrigued. "So, what's on the list?"
The team huddled around the holographic map, discussing their plans for gathering the Mind and Space Stones. Sora began, "From our discussions, we believe the best time to locate the Mind Stone is during the battle of New York in 2012. That's when Loki's scepter, which houses the Mind Stone, was on Earth."
"We've located the Mind Stone to be in 2012 New York, during the battle against the Chitauri," Sora said.
Steve nodded, adding, "Loki's scepter holds the Mind Stone, while the Tesseract contains the Space Stone."
Carol chimed in with a suggestion. "You know, we could also go back further to the 90s. The Tesseract was in possession of SHIELD back then. It might be an alternative way to acquire the Space Stone."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Project Pegasus, right? Sounds like a plan."
Kairi, wanting to learn more, asked, "What is Project Pegasus?"
Carol explained, "Project Pegasus was a joint operation between SHIELD and NASA in the 90s. It was led by Mar-Vell, a Kree scientist who was actually on Earth undercover. The project was studying the Tesseract for potential energy applications."
Riku considered the options. "So, we have two choices. Either go back to the 90s to obtain the Tesseract or head to 2012 New York for both the Mind and Space Stones."
Goofy chimed in, "Sounds like it might be safer to get both stones in 2012. It'll save us from having to deal with two different time periods."
The team nodded in agreement with Goofy's suggestion. Steve looked around at his teammates, a sense of determination in his eyes. "Alright then, we'll have a team go to New York in 2012. Let's make sure we're fully prepared for this mission, and remember, no unnecessary risks."
Rocket jumped up onto the table and looked at the holograms more clearly. He already knew about the Power Stone, and would discuss where to collect that one later. His small eyes pinpointed at the green stone in the hologram.
"Alright, what about this one? Who's guarding the green stone, where can we find that?" he asked with curiosity.
"That's the Time Stone. It's guarded by Doctor Stephen Strange, also known as the Sorcerer Supreme." Kairi replied, looking at the small raccoon creature pointing at the hologram.
Nat inquired further, "What kind of Doctor is he?"
"Ear, nose, throat meets rabbit from hat," Tony quipped, earning a few chuckles from the team.
Bruce joined in on the humor. "Nice place in The Village, though," he added with a grin.
Sonic, always quick with a joke, couldn't pass up the opportunity. "Yeah, from the stories I've heard from Kairi and Riku, he's got some serious artifacts in that sanctum of his.
Riku considered their options. "Wait a minute. If Doctor Strange was in New York in 2012, that means there were three Infinity Stones there at the same time."
Sora's eyes widened as he realized the significance. "You're right! We could potentially get three stones in one trip!"
The rest of the team turned their attention to Sora and Riku, impressed by the idea. Bruce's astonishment was evident as he exclaimed, "Shut the front door!"
At that moment, the scene cut to Scott in another room, holding a large box of Chinese food. He had just returned and closed the front door. "Sorry guys, I was grabbing dinner for everyone," Scott said innocently, not realizing the timing of his actions.
The team burst into laughter at the coincidental moment, finding humor in Bruce's unintentional response. They were all starting to feel more optimistic about their mission, knowing that their plan could potentially secure three Infinity Stones in one go.
Tony grinned and said, "Alright, three stones in 2012 New York. This might be our best shot. Let's make a list, prepare all the gear we need, and get ready for a time heist like no other!"
The savory aroma of Chinese food filled the air, making everyone's stomachs rumble in anticipation. Tails couldn't help but chuckle as he heard Sonic's stomach growl loudly.
"Looks like someone's hungry," Tails teased, giving Sonic a playful nudge.
Sonic grinned, trying to play it cool. "Hey, you know me. Fast metabolism and all. Gotta refuel after all that running around in the Quantum Realm and kicking Mephiles' butt".
Nat smirked. "Well, I think we all could use a break and some food. Let's continue the conversation about the other stones over dinner."
Steve nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. Someone go find Nebula, Rhodey, and Thor and let them know dinner is ready."
Rocket, always eager to eat, jumped up and volunteered. "I'll do it. I'll be back in a flash with those losers."
As the team made their way out of the conference room, following the scent of the delicious food, Scott led the way with the big box of Chinese delicacies. The heroes settled around a large table, passing plates filled with noodles, dumplings, and various dishes. Sonic's eyes lit up at the sight of the spread, and he wasted no time digging in.
"Man, this is the best part of any mission," Sonic said, ready to tuck in. "Food always tastes extra good after a good fight."
Kairi giggled at Sonic's enthusiasm. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. And thank you all for coming up with a plan for the stones. It's going to be a tough mission, but I believe in all of us."
For a brief moment, they were able to set aside the weight of their responsibilities and simply enjoy each other's company.
As they indulged in the delicious food and shared laughter and stories, the bond between the heroes grew stronger. They were not just a team; they were a family, united in their determination to protect the universe and each other.
***THE PAST - REALM OF DARKNESS***
On the desolate shores of the Realm of Darkness, a figure stood, cloaked in darkness and sorrow. This being, once a proud and powerful Keyblade Master, now bore the burden of darkness that had consumed her. The darkness had taken its toll on her appearance, her once-bright armor now tainted with shadows, and her eyes glowed with an eerie blue light. The being was known as Anti-Aqua, a twisted version of the Aqua they once knew, lost and abandoned in this realm for what felt like an eternity.
Her long, cerulean hair, once flowing with grace, now cascaded like a dark waterfall, reaching down to her waist like a shroud of sorrow. The yellowish glow in her eyes revealed the depth of her torment, a haunting light that spoke of the darkness that had consumed her heart.
Her face bore the scars of her internal struggles – a mix of sadness, anger, and despair etched into her features. The loneliness in her eyes was palpable, a reflection of the countless years spent in this desolate realm, abandoned and forgotten by those she once held dear.
Anti-Aqua's heart had been twisted by the darkness, and with each passing moment, she felt its malevolent grip tighten around her soul. Her once unwavering resolve was now fractured, her thoughts plagued by resentment and a burning hatred for those who had left her trapped in this forsaken place.
In this realm of shadows and despair, Anti-Aqua found solace only in her vengeful desires, her heart yearning for the day when she could exact retribution on those who had abandoned her. The darkness had shattered her, leaving behind a broken being driven by the pain of betrayal.
As she stood on the desolate shores, staring out into the abyss of darkness, her heart cried out for companionship, for someone to share her burden and understand her pain. But all she found was an empty void, a void that was slowly devouring what little remained of her shattered heart.
With her thoughts plaguing her mind, a voice echoed around her, sending shivers down her spine. "Oh, how ironic fate can be," the voice taunted. "Protector of the light, where has it left you, Keyblade Master?"
As the darkness coalesced, it began to take shape, forming into the malevolent creature known as Mephiles the Dark. But instead of the traditional dark aura appearance, he assumed the visage of a crystalline, anthropomorphic hedgehog – a distorted reflection of the anti-hero, Shadow the Hedgehog.
Mephiles's body was shrouded in a dark mist, swirling with malevolence. His legs trailed off into a purplish haze, and his hands, now adorned with sinister, white-tipped claws, were also covered in a crystalline sheen. His arms seemed to extend infinitely, reaching out from the darkness itself.
His eyes were the most striking feature – the sclera a chilling reddish-pink, while his irises glowed with a vibrant lime green, seething with malice and power. His quills were bushy and wild, also ending in the same eerie white tips, giving him an otherworldly and menacing appearance.
Mephiles's crystalline form glinted ominously in the dim light of the Realm of Darkness, radiating an aura of malevolence and sorrow. The darkness within him twisted and writhed, fueling his insidious designs and corrupting any hearts he encountered.
As he gazed at Anti-Aqua, his eyes gleamed with a wicked delight. He had found the perfect candidate to aid him in his sinister plans – being lost and consumed by darkness, a heart yearning for revenge.
Aqua turned to see a figure emerge from the shadows, its form shrouded in a black aura. "Speak, who are you and why are you here?" she demanded, her voice laced with both curiosity and suspicion.
Mephiles approached her with a sinister tone. "My name is Mephiles the Dark." "I am here because I understand your pain," he replied, his voice smooth and persuasive. "The pain of being betrayed by those you once trusted, left to suffer in the darkness for all these years."
Aqua's eyes narrowed, and she clutched her Keyblade tightly. "You know nothing about me," she retorted, the pain of her past threatening to overwhelm her.
"Oh, but I do," Mephiles countered, his voice like a whisper in the shadows. "I know the loneliness, the cruel fate that has befallen you in this realm. I know what it feels like to lose everything – your Keyblade, your light – all because of the actions of so-called friends."
The memories of her friends leaving her behind resurfaced, and Aqua felt the weight of her despair. "I trusted them, and they turned their backs on me," she murmured, her heart heavy with sorrow.
Mephiles took a step closer, his dark aura seeping into her mind. "But you don't have to suffer any longer," he said, his words like a sinister promise. "Join me, and together we can bring justice to those who caused your suffering. We can make them pay for abandoning you."
Aqua hesitated, torn between the darkness in her heart and her desire to stay true to the light. "No," she whispered, trying to resist the allure of his words.
A sinister tone came over Mephiles, his lime green eyes focused on the anti-form of Aqua.
"Fine, I guess we will have to do this the hard way!"
Mephiles stood before Anti-Aqua, his dark aura pulsating with malevolence. With a wicked look, he extended a hand toward her, and a swirling vortex of shadows enveloped them both. Within the darkness, memories from Aqua's past began to materialize, each one a painful reminder of her greatest fears and regrets.
"Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?" Mephiles taunted, his voice dripping with scorn.
First, he showed her the death of Master Eraqus, the man who had been like a father to her. She saw his lifeless body lying on the floor, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret. The guilt and pain she had felt in that moment washed over her once more, and she felt the weight of her failure as a Keyblade Master.
Next, Mephiles showed her Terra, her dear friend who had been manipulated and corrupted by Xehanort to become his vessel. She saw the anguish in Terra's eyes as he struggled against the darkness within him, and the heart-wrenching moment when he lost control and succumbed to Xehanort's will. Aqua's heart ached as she remembered the pain of losing Terra to the darkness.
Then, Mephiles brought forth the memory of Ventus, her precious friend who had been torn apart from her and used as a pawn in Xehanort's wicked plan. She saw the heartbreak in Ventus's eyes as he faced his dark counterpart, Vanitas, in a battle for control over his own heart. Aqua felt the sorrow and helplessness she had experienced as she fought to protect Ventus, only to be separated from him in the end.
The darkness continued to twist and coil around her as Mephiles showed her the memory of falling into the Realm of Darkness to save Terra. She saw herself reaching out for her friend, desperately trying to save him from the clutches of darkness. But the darkness swallowed him whole, leaving her feeling lost and abandoned in the desolate realm.
Finally, Mephiles showed her the memory of Mickey leaving her behind in the Realm of Darkness. She saw the hurt and betrayal in Mickey's eyes as he closed the door on her, leaving her to face the darkness alone. The pain of being abandoned by someone she had trusted and loved cut deep into her heart.
Each memory was like a dagger to her soul, reopening old wounds and amplifying her pain and loneliness. The darkness within her swirled and churned, pushing her further towards the path of vengeance and hatred that Mephiles wanted her to take.
"Now, do you see?" Mephiles taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "The ones you once trusted have abandoned you, left you to suffer in the darkness. Embrace your pain and let it fuel your desire for revenge. Together, we will make them all pay for what they have done to you."
In that moment, Anti-Aqua's heart was torn in two, the darkness and the light warring within her. But the darkness had taken root, and her longing for vengeance overwhelmed her desire for the light. She had fallen prey to Mephiles's manipulation, and there was no turning back now. The darkness had claimed her, and she was ready to embrace her new role as a pawn in Mephiles' wicked game. She squirmed in anguish, torn between her desire for revenge and her longing for the light.
"Embrace your anger, your hate, your sorrow, and your loneliness," Mephiles urged, his voice like a dark melody. "Use them against the heroes of the light – the ones who left you to suffer. Show them the pain they caused you."
In that moment, Anti-Aqua's resolve crumbled, and she succumbed to the darkness. Her heart, once filled with hope and light, was now consumed by vengeance and hatred. She had become a pawn in Mephiles's grand scheme, a willing participant in his malevolent plans to bring ruin to the realms of light.
As the dark aura enveloped her, she looked out into the sea of darkness once more, her heart now a vessel for the maleficent darkness that threatened to consume everything she once held dear. Mephiles had succeeded in manipulating her, and now Anti-Aqua was ready to join him in his quest for vengeance. The darkness had taken her, and she would be an instrument of its malevolence.
Anti-Aqua's eyes glowed with a malevolent light as she fully succumbed to the darkness. She clenched her fists, feeling the power of her newfound rage coursing through her. The memories of her past friends and allies who had abandoned her twisted into a burning desire for revenge.
"You're right," she hissed, her voice filled with venom. "They abandoned me, left me to rot in this wretched realm. They turned their backs on me when I needed them the most. They will pay for their betrayal."
Mephiles grinned, his dark form pulsating with satisfaction. "Good. Together, we will bring ruin to the heroes of the light and rewrite the fabric of time and space. The darkness will reign supreme."
Anti-Aqua and Mephiles stood side by side, their dark auras intertwining, a sinister alliance was formed. The once noble Keyblade Master had been consumed by her anger and hatred, becoming a pawn in Mephiles' wicked scheme.
As Anti-Aqua looked out into the darkness, her heart filled with newfound purpose and malice. "Where do we go from here?" she questioned, her voice tinged with the full darkness that now consumed her.
Mephiles turned to her, his crimson eyes gleaming with sinister intent. "We will find others, like you and me," he answered. "Others who have been betrayed and abandoned by the heroes of light and the cruel hand of time. Together, we will form a force that will strike fear into their hearts."
As the duo ventured deeper into the Realm of Darkness, Mephiles explained his plan to Anti-Aqua. "The heroes of light are planning to meddle with time and space, attempting to undo their past mistakes. But in doing so, they will ruin countless more lives. We cannot allow them to succeed," he said, his voice laced with venom.
Anti-Aqua nodded, the darkness fueling her determination. "They will pay for what they've done," she vowed. "No one will leave this realm unscathed."
Their search for others led them to forgotten corners of the Realm of Darkness and time, where lost souls harbored their own grudges against the heroes of light. Mephiles used his dark powers to sway their hearts, turning their pain and sorrow into a burning desire for vengeance. One by one, they joined the malevolent cause, forming an alliance bound by darkness and hatred.
"We will strike at the heart of the heroes' timeline," Mephiles declared, with a wickedness that came across him. "We will find the moment where their power is at its weakest, and we will destroy them."
Anti-Aqua's eyes gleamed with fervor as she prepared herself for the battle ahead. The darkness had taken everything from her, but now it granted her the strength and power to enact her revenge. She knew she had lost herself to the darkness, but in doing so, she had found a new purpose – a purpose that resonated with the pain and suffering of countless others trapped in the Realm of Darkness.
As they set their plan into motion, the heroes of light remained unaware of the darkness that was gathering to strike at them. They were focused on their mission to collect the Infinity Stones and undo the destruction caused by Thanos, completely oblivious to the brewing storm that awaited them.
***PRESENT DAY - AVENGER'S HQ***
The Avengers sat around the table in the common area of Avengers HQ, enjoying their Chinese food after a long day of discussions and planning. Plates were stacked high with delicious dishes, and the smell of the food filled the air. Sora, Silver and Nebula, both unfamiliar with using chopsticks, were trying their best to pick up the food, with varying degrees of success.
Thor, reclining on the couch with empty beer cans scattered around him, seemed to be having a great time, thoroughly enjoying the Earthly delicacies. He let out a hearty laugh, declaring, "Another round of ales, my friends!"
Sonic couldn't resist the temptation and reached out to snatch a chicken ball from Clint's plate. Clint, quick as lightning, smacked his hand away. "Hands off, Sonic!" he chided, but a playful grin betrayed his amusement.
Axel, having taken a liking to Earth food, savored a mouthful of noodles. "Man, I could get used to this," he remarked between bites.
"Considering your diet Axel, anything probably tastes good after eating gallons of Sea Salt Ice Cream." Jokes Kairi, using her chopsticks to perfection.
Axel grinned looking at his friend. "Perhaps Scrooge can get a new chief in to cook Chinese food when everything is sorted, would make a killing back in Twilight Town".
Tony turns to Axel, raising an intrigued eyebrow. "So, Axel, tell me about this Sea Salt Ice Cream. What's the deal with it?"
Axel chuckled, glad to share his favorite treat. "Sea Salt Ice Cream is the best, let me tell ya! It's a creamy, sweet, and slightly salty ice cream that comes in a vibrant blue color. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is what makes it so unique and addicting."
Goofy chimed in, "Gawrsh! It's a real favorite among us pals in Radiant Garden. We love sharing' a scoop or two after a long day."
Sora, Riku, and Kairi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's our go-to snack," Sora said with a grin.
Kairi added, "It reminds us of the times we spent on the islands, sharing ice cream together."
Riku smirked, teasingly saying, "Kairi always picks the saltiest one."
Kairi playfully rolled her eyes, "Hey, it's the best!"
Tails, intrigued by the description, said, "That sounds really yummy. I wish we had that on Mobius."
Silver, with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, said, "Yeah, ice cream is a distant memory for us in the future. It was wiped out years ago." He sighed, feeling a pang of longing for the simple joys of the past.
Axel, sensing Silver's longing, smiled warmly. "Don't worry, pal. Once we fix Thanos' mess and save the timeline, I'll bring a whole truckload of Sea Salt Ice Cream to the celebration party. It'll be a blast!"
Sora nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, it'll be a party to remember!"
Tony, with a smirk, said, "Alright, deal. But only if you promise not to eat it all before the rest of us get a chance to try it."
Axel laughed. "You got it! I'll save some for everyone."
Meanwhile, Rocket stood on the table, gesticulating with his tiny paws, trying to steer the conversation toward the next stone.
"Alright, listen up, hummies and Mobians! We need a plan for the Power Stone," he declared, his sharp eyes scanning the room.
Carol chimed in, "Rocket's right. From Rocket's notes, the Power Stone was in the Nova Corps' possession on Xandar after the Guardians stopped Ronan in 2014." She looked thoughtful. "What if a small team, maybe just a couple of us, go back to when Ronin was defeated and take it from there?"
Scott, still trying to wrap his head around the idea of traveling through space and time, exclaimed, "Planets in outer space? This is insane!"
Rocket smirked at Scott's bewilderment. "Oh, you're just like an excitable puppy who wants to go to space," he teased.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "It's a risky move," he said, "but if we can get the Power Stone before it's handed to the Nova Corp, we'd be one step ahead. But who's going?"
Carol nodded. "I'll go," she volunteered. "I know Xandar, and I can handle whatever comes our way."
"Great, well volunteered Captain." Tony said, still tucking away at his Chinese dinner.
With the idea of collecting the power stone sorted, the team then needed to work on a plan on obtaining the red Reality Stone.
"Thor, you told us stories about the Reality stone. What do you know?" Asked Steve, looking towards the slightly drunk God of Thunder.
As Thor stood up, his words slurred and emotions evident in his drunken state, he began to recount the history of the Reality Stone, or the Aether. "The Aether... it's a cursed thing, I tell ya," he started, his voice tinged with sorrow and regret. "It's one of the six Infinity Stones, and it takes the form of a red, viscous liquid."
Rocket cracked a smirk. "Well, this just keeps gettin' more interesting."
He took a swig from a nearby flask, trying to steady himself as he continued. "Jane Foster... She was an old flame of mine. She found the Aether on Earth, and it possessed her. She became very sick, and I had to take her to Asgard to get help."
Scott looked in awe at this story. "What happened next Thor?"
Thor's eyes glazed over with memories, a mix of love and pain. "My mother, Frigga, was a powerful sorceress. She tried to help Jane, but... she's gone now," he said, his voice wavering. "She was killed by Malekith, the dark elf who sought the Aether for himself."
Rocket, ever the blunt one, interjected, "Wait, so your ex-girlfriend became a vessel for an ancient, evil power, and your mom died because of it?"
Thor nodded, his head hung low. "Aye, it's all my fault. I couldn't protect her. I couldn't save her." His hand clenched into a fist, a mix of anger and grief evident on his face.
Steve stood up and placed a reassuring hand on Thor's shoulder. "It's not your fault, Thor. You did everything you could to protect them. Malekith and the Aether were the ones responsible."
Carol spoke up, "Thor, we understand it's not easy, but we need to find the Reality Stone and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. We can do this together."
Sora and Kairi turned to each other, sensing sadness in the God of Thunder's voice and demeanor.
"We know it's hard to talk about the past Thor - but we are here for you. That's what friends are for." Sora said, smiling towards Thor.
"Thank you, friend Sora." Thor nodded in appreciation, taking another sip of booze.
"So, Jane became a vessel for the stone?" Riku asked.
Thor nodded solemnly. "Yes, Jane became the vessel for the Aether, and we had to stop Malekith from using it to destroy the Nine Realms. It was a difficult battle, but we managed to defeat him and return the Aether to its dormant form."
Aqua, ever curious, asked, "So, what happened to it after the battle with the dark elves?"
Thor hesitated for a moment before answering, "After our victory, we decided it was best to keep the Aether safe and hidden. We entrusted it to the Collector, Taneleer Tivan. He has a vast collection of rare and dangerous artifacts, and we believed he could keep it secure."
"WAIT, WHAT?" Rocket barked looking at Thor, nearly falling off the table. The Collector? You gave the stone to The Collector?"
"Rocket, why so dramatic?" asked Nat, looking at the animated Raccoon.
"The dude is a total wack job, a really untrusting person who values his collection over anything else." Rocket said in haste. "He'd sell his own grandmother for a valuable artifact for his stupid collection!"
Thor nodded solemnly. "Yes, the Collector is quite eccentric, but he seemed trustworthy at the time. He assured us that he would keep the Aether safe, and we believed him. However, I understand your concerns now."
Carol crossed her arms, looking skeptical. "Well, I've dealt with some shady characters before, but the Collector takes the cake. We'll need a solid plan to get the Reality Stone from him."
Axel scoffed, "Solid plan? More like a crazy plan. But hey, I'm all for a little chaos." He grinned mischievously.
Riku and Goofy looked at each other, Goofy scratching his head. "Gawrsh, who is this Collector fella anyway?"
Rocket chimed in, "The Collector is an ancient being known as a Celestial. He's one of the oldest beings in the universe and has a massive collection of rare and unique items. He's pretty much obsessed with collecting anything he deems valuable, and he doesn't really care about the consequences."
Carol added, "He's not someone to be trifled with. He's highly intelligent and cunning, and he's been around for a long time."
Sora leaned forward, looking intrigued. "So, how do we deal with him?"
Tails thought for a moment before answering, "We'll need to be smart about it. We can't just storm in and demand the Aether. We'll have to find a way to outsmart him, maybe use some misdirection and stealth."
Rocket chimed in, "I like that idea. Distract him with something shiny, and then grab the stone and run!"
Aqua shook her head, "As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, Rocket, we'll need a more precise plan than that."
Tony smirked, "Don't worry, we'll come up with something. The important thing is to be prepared for anything."
Just then, Smart Hulk smiled as he joined the group, setting the tub of ice cream on the table. "Sorry, it took me a while to figure out some kinks in the Time Machine," he said. "But I think we're good to go now."
Silver looked relieved. "That's great. Now, what about the Soul Stone?"
Nebula took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "The Soul Stone is on the planet Vormir. It's where Thanos took my sister, Gamora, to retrieve the stone. He... he sacrificed her to get it."
The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of Nebula's words settled in. Aqua could see the pain in Nebula's eyes, and she empathized with the anguish that came from losing someone she cared about.
"Nebula," Aqua said softly, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.
Nebula nodded, her jaw clenching as she tried to keep her emotions in check. "It's in a place called the Soul Chamber. Legend has it, there is a guardian there who guides those seeking the stone."
Sora looked troubled, "But if we want to get the Soul Stone, we have to sacrifice someone we love, right?"
Nebula nodded again, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Yes, that's what Thanos did. Murdering my sister."
Rocket scoffed, "Well, that's just great. We can't exactly go around sacrificing our friends."
Bruce spoke up, "Maybe there's another way. We don't have to follow Thanos' path. There might be another solution, a way to obtain the stone without sacrificing anyone."
Carol took Bruce's words onboard and then realized something. Something that could help in planning on getting the Soul Stone.
"Captain, you look perplexed?" Scott said, seeing Carol's face overthinking. "Was it the food, cause I do think the rice might have been off ya know."
Carol smirked at Scott's comments and shook her head.
"I just remembered something". Carol said, looking at the group.
"What was it?" Nebula asked.
Carol took a deep breath, her memories flooding back with clarity. "It's about Vormir and King Mickey," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and determination. "I found Mickey floating in space, badly injured and unconscious. He had tried to save Gamora from Thanos, but it didn't go well."
Tony leaned forward, intrigued. "How bad was it?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Carol nodded, her eyes distant as she recalled the scene. "Pretty bad. He was barely hanging on when I found him. It took everything I had to get him back to Radiant Garden in time to save him."
Steve frowned, his worry mirrored by the others in the room. "What happened after that?" he asked, curious to know how Mickey had managed to survive the encounter with Thanos.
"Well, once he regained consciousness, Yuffie told me the whole story," Carol explained. "Mickey returned to Vormir, he had tried to reason with Thanos, to appeal to the little bit of good he believed was still in him. But Thanos was too far gone, consumed by his obsession with the stones and his twisted ideology. He attacked Mickey, battling for Gamora and the stone."
Sora's eyes widened, a mix of shock and admiration in his expression. "Mickey went up against Thanos alone?" he asked, amazed at the king's bravery.
Carol nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, he did. He's one tough little guy."
Sonic leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Reminds me of someone else I know," he quipped, referring to himself.
Aqua chimed in, "Mickey's always been the type to step up when others are in danger. It's just who he is."
Carol nodded in agreement. "Exactly. He's a true hero, always willing to put himself on the line to protect others. And he wouldn't hesitate to do it again if it meant stopping Thanos."
The room fell silent for a moment as they all absorbed the weight of Mickey's Bravery. It served as a reminder of the immense challenges they faced in their mission to protect the universe from the threat of the Infinity Stones. But it also strengthened their resolve, knowing that they had allies like Mickey, who would never back down from a fight.
"He was always doing the right thing," Riku remarked, recalling Mickey's unwavering sense of justice and duty.
Goofy, Sora, Kairi, and Axel nodded in agreement, their respect for the courageous mouse king evident on their faces.
Carol looked around the room at her fellow heroes, her mind racing with possibilities. "If we can get to the point where Thanos has the Soul Stone," she began, "we could ambush him there. But we need to be prepared. At that point, he would already be wielding three stones, and he's practically unbeatable."
Tony chimed in, "We can't just go charging in blindly. We need a strong team, a well-thought-out plan, and a way to counter those stones."
Tony's words resonated with the team, and they knew that they couldn't afford to rush into this mission blindly. They needed a well-coordinated plan, and they needed to be prepared for the immense power that the Infinity Stones wielded.
Steve nodded, taking charge as the team leader. "We'll need a strong team, a combination of power and stealth," he said. "We can't just go charging in without a plan."
Clint and Natasha, always the skilled tacticians, agreed wholeheartedly. "Count us in," Clint said. "Whatever it takes to get that stone."
Natasha nodded in agreement. "We'll need to be smart about this," she said. "We can't underestimate Thanos, and we need to be prepared for anything."
Sonic, his determination evident in his eyes, knew he could help. "I'm in too," he declared. "I'll show that creep not to mess with the universe."
Carol, who had initially planned to go to Xandar, reconsidered and decided to join the team going to Vormir. "I can withstand the power of the stones he already has," she said confidently. "I'll go to Vormir with Sonic, Clint, and Nat."
Riku, his desire for revenge burning fiercely, also stepped forward. "I have a bone to pick with Thanos," he said, his voice steady and determined. "I'll go to Vormir too."
Steve nodded, a sense of unity and determination settling over the group. "It's settled then," he said. "The five of you will go to Vormir. But remember, this won't be an easy mission. You'll need to work together, watch each other's backs, and be prepared for anything."
The team agreed, their resolve strengthened by their shared purpose. As they continued to plan and strategize, they knew that their journey to retrieve the Stones would be perilous, but they were ready to face it together. With their combined strength, skills, and determination, they were prepared to confront and take on the challenges that lay ahead. As the meeting and dinner came to a close, they knew that they were stronger as a team, and that gave them hope for the battles to come.
***AVENGER'S HQ - CONFERENCE ROOM - LATE NIGHT***
In the dimly lit conference room, holograms displayed the carefully assembled teams for each heist mission. Steve, Tony, Bruce, and Tails stood before the holographic projections, their minds focused on ensuring the success of the ambitious plan. All four of them had strong cups of coffee in their hands, needing the extra caffeine to keep them focused. The aroma of coffee filled the room, knowing this would be a late night to organize the traveling teams to each point in time.
Steve leaned in, studying the holograms intently. "We need to make sure we have the right people for each job," he remarked, sipping his coffee for a brief boost of energy.
Tony nodded, running through the teams in his mind. "New York 2012 - Space, Mind, and Time Stone retrieval," he said, pointing at the corresponding hologram. "That's you, me, Scott, and Sora. Solid team."
Bruce chimed in, "Nowhere 2013 for the Reality Stone - Silver, Thor, Kairi, and Goofy. They've got the power and experience to handle it."
"And Xandar 2014 for the Power Stone, right after the battle with Ronin," Tony continued, pointing to the next hologram. "Aqua, Axel, Nebula, Rocket, and Rhodey. That's some serious firepower."
"Finally, the Battle of Vormir in 2018 to take the Soul Stone from Thanos," Steve added, looking at the last hologram. "Carol, Sonic, Nat, Clint, and Riku. They're our best shot at getting it."
Tony turned to Steve, raising an eyebrow. "That's a good team, but what about jolly green and the two-tailed fox?" he asked, pointing to Bruce and Tails.
Bruce nodded, understanding Tony's concern. "We'll stay behind and handle the Quantum Time Machine," he said. "We need to ensure everything goes smoothly and keep an eye on Mephiles' power level in case he returns."
Tails chimed in, "And don't forget, the travelers only have enough Pym Particles for one round trip each. They'll need to get in and out of their designated times as quickly as possible."
"Agreed," Tony said, taking a final look at the holograms. "Let's make sure we coordinate everything perfectly. We don't have any room for mistakes."
As the team dispersed to make final preparations, they knew the challenges ahead were daunting. But they also knew that with careful planning and the right teams, they had a chance to save the universe from the grasp of darkness. As the time heist drew nearer, they braced themselves for the battles to come, knowing that their fate and the fate of the entire universe rested on their shoulders.
***UNKNOWN LOCATION***
In the depths of an unknown dark chamber, an ominous aura hung heavily in the air. The space was shrouded in darkness, with only faint glimmers of red and purple illuminating the gloom. Shadows danced along the walls, and a sense of malevolence permeated every inch of the room.
Mephiles, the orchestrator of this sinister gathering, stood tall, his crystalline form casting an eerie glow. Beside him stood his new ally, Anti-Aqua, her once-bright armor now tainted by darkness, and her eyes glowing with an eerie blue light. They were surrounded by a gathering of formidable figures, each consumed by their own darkness and thirst for vengeance.
The first to step forward was a boy donning a black mask – Vanitas, a creature of pure darkness and pain. He had been plucked from the past, eager to sow chaos and suffering in the present timeline. His eyes burned with a malevolent fire as he reveled in the prospect of causing pain to the heroes of light.
Next, a being cloaked in a silver mask floated forward, his red ruby gem on his torso shining ominously. Infinite, as he was called, had a vendetta against the little blue savior, Sonic. Driven by a thirst for revenge, he sought to unleash his full power upon the heroes.
Lastly, a figure with a single black wing emerged from the shadows – Sephiroth, the one-winged angel himself. His imposing presence filled the room as he harbored a deep-seated hatred for Carol, Captain Marvel. He sought vengeance for the humiliation he had endured in their previous encounter.
Mephiles, his crystalline form pulsating with dark energy, looked at each of his new allies with a sinister grin. "You were chosen because you all embody the darkness, pain, and suffering that this timeline needs," he explained in his haunting voice. "Your desires for revenge, your thirst for power, and your willingness to embrace the shadows make you perfect instruments in our mission to bring ruin to the heroes of light."
"Together, we will create chaos and despair, undoing all the good they have worked for," Anti-Aqua continued, her eyes gleaming with malevolence. "They believe they can collect the stones from the past and rewrite history, but we will show them that the past cannot be altered so easily. We will ensure that their efforts only lead to further pain and suffering."
Vanitas, his eyes filled with darkness and a hint of curiosity, asked, "And what is in it for you, Mephiles? What do you seek to gain from all this?"
Mephiles' crystalline form seemed to flicker with an otherworldly light as he replied, "For too long, I have been trapped in the Quantum Realm, left to wander through erased timelines and forgotten memories. But now, I have found a way to escape that prison and forge a new destiny."
"By bringing chaos and despair to this timeline, I can harness the power of darkness and become a force to be reckoned with," Mephiles declared, his voice dripping with ambition. "And once I have control over the timeline, I will no longer be a mere pawn in the hands of fate."
Infinite, his silver mask reflecting an unwavering resolve, asked, "What is our first move, then? How do we disrupt their plans?"
Mephiles' malevolent grin widened as he revealed his grand scheme. "The heroes of light plan to travel to various points in time to collect the stones, but we will be waiting for them," he said. "We will strike when they least expect it, using our darkness to dismantle their efforts and ensure that the stones remain out of their reach."
"By the time they realize what we're doing, it will be too late," Mephiles continued, his voice filled with satisfaction. "And with each stone they fail to collect, their hope will crumble, and their resolve will wane."
Sephiroth, his one-winged form emanating an aura of foreboding, asked, "What about the one more ally you spoke of? Who are we to find in 2014?"
Mephiles' eyes glinted with intrigue as he replied, "Our final ally is one who has a deep connection to the stones and a personal vendetta against the heroes of light. They are a formidable force in their own right and will be a crucial asset in our mission."
With their questions answered, the assembled villains nodded in understanding. They were united by their desire to bring pain and suffering to the heroes of light, and with Mephiles as their guide, they were determined to succeed in their malevolent endeavor. The stage was set for a battle of darkness and light, and the fate of the timeline hung in the balance.