The back of the dropship closes slowly as Bruce continues to watch the fight.
"I should have stayed behind." She says, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "I'm not sure he can do it alone."
"The Captain will be fine." One of the medics responds. "This isn't her first run in with the Mad Titan."
"Have they fought before?" Bruce asks.
The Medic nods. "It was a hard fight, and he won..." The Medic looks at Bruce. "Thanos won, that is."
Bruce feels a pang of worry.
"The Captain, never forgot it, though." The medic replied. "She... at the time, went to the Nova Corp high command, and begged them to lend her the Power Stone. She was certain it would tip the scales. Said it was our one and only true chance at defeating Thanos. They refused."
"Do you really believe the stone can help him win this?" Bruce asks.
"I believe in the Captain." The medic responds. "I've seen him take out entire armies alone. If he can't do it, no one can."
*** Thanos vs Carol ***
"Where are you?" Carol asks aloud, mostly to himself.
Several versions of Thanos stand before him grinning confidently. "I assure you," the nearest one answers, "each one of us is as real as the next." Her and a couple other Thanos copies rush forward attempting to attack Carol.
Captain Marvel flies upward to avoid the conflict, but he is still fairly surrounded. A few of the Thanos copies try leaping at him, but Carol is able to blast them away.
"You're trying to distract me." Carol says, looking around.
"Captain." The radio suddenly chimes in. "We are getting reports that the real Thanos is near the large crater, two o'clock."
He looks toward the crater and doesn't see anything, but the reaction he gets from his opponents betrays them. "Thank you." Carol responds to the person over the radio, before rushing toward the crater full force.
The blast caused by Carol firing plasma and colliding with the surface has the intended effect. The illusion breaks as Thanos goes flying away and lands in fresh rubble. She has to cover her face for a moment before she can see again. Carol is standing a couple of meters away.
"Lose something?" Carol asks sarcastically. He looks around at the mess, then back to Thanos. "You've been busy."
Thanos grins, and rather than respond, she points the gauntlet at Captain Marvel and activates the reality stone again. The ground beneath their feet suddenly shifts, becoming a large stone hand, wrapping around Carol and pulling him underground.
Thanos then proceeds to use her copies and the reality stone to pull apart and dig at the ground, hoping to expose the Space stone. She only gets so far before the center of the crater begins glowing red hot. Soon it is a pool of molten rock. Carol comes bursting from inside and flies a few meters overhead before floating above Thanos and her copies.
"It's over Thanos." Carol says. "Your army is defeated, you've lost half the stones, and this is all that's left."
"You think I've failed?" Thanos and the copies ask. "This isn't failure." The original tells Carol. "I've tasted failure. I know what it's like..." Thanos smirks toward Carol. "As do you."
"Yes, I remember that quite well." Carol responds, raising an eyebrow and making a fist with the Power Stone. "Shall we try again?"
Thanos continues to grin, trying to hide her aggravation. "Very well then." She tells Carol. "It seems this fight was inevitable." Thanos points her gauntlet forward causing the copies to disappear. "Let's end this." She clenches her fist and several asteroids in the distance begging to glow with energy. Thanos brings her fist downward causing the asteroids to begin approaching them.
Carol does not notice the asteroids and comes flying toward Thanos. When he gets close enough, Thanos swings the gauntlet back upwards in an uppercut gesture. Large chunks of rock protrude from the ground knocking Captain Marvel away. Plumes of dust fill the air concealing Thanos. Carol is able to steady himself midair but can't see his target. Thanos hits him from behind.
Carol slams into the ground hard. The dust is irritating, although he can barely feel it. He wonders if it's one of the side effects from the stone. Thanos reaches down and grabs Captain Marvel by the back of the head. He lifts him up slightly then starts punching him in the side of the face. Carol braces for the hit, but it hardly registers. He grips the power stone tighter, but waits to see if his strength really is that enhanced.
Thanos pushes Carol back into the dirt then uses the reality stones to create chains to bind him. Carol feels the chains begin to lift him in the air. He is becoming more and more fascinated and distracted by the strength and changes the stone has granted him.
Two pillars protrude from the ground and pull Captain Marvel higher. He gets a good look at Thanos now. Her features seem much softer than they once were. She almost appears younger. Even her chin seems less wrinkled. Carol finds her confident yet malicious smile is actually quite captivating.
Thanos' deep violet eyes are now concentrated on her opponent. Carol can tell Thanos really thinks she's won. More chains protrude for the ground and pillars to wrap around Captain Marvel.
"Unlike the last time," Thanos starts to say, "I don't have the time or luxury of playing games." Carol hears loud rumbling and looks past Thanos to see the approaching asteroids colliding with each other. The resulting chaos continues to be drawn toward them. He is certain it's Thanos' doing. "When I am done with you," Thanos coos, "I have only to pry the power stone from your crushed corpse."
Carol looks away from the approaching debris then locks eyes with Thanos once more. Carol does not say anything in response, he just smirks charmingly toward his opponent. Thanos tries to hide it, but Carol spots the glint of worry in her eyes. He makes no attempt to escape as crushed rock and meteor comes raining down all around. Thanos uses the reality stone to create an energy shield for herself.
*** On the evacuation ship***
"What is going on?" Rocket shouts. Trying to peek through the nearest window. Several other passengers are fighting for a view also.
"I should have stayed behind." Bruce says, trying to get a look also.
"It looks like a suicide move!" Natasha says, peering out also.
"That's not enough to kill Thanos." Peter Quill responds. "He did something like that on Titan."
"What's going on out there?" Sam Wilson asks from his seat near Captain Rogers. There are tubes running between them both as they share blood.
"Sit still." Dr. Strange tells him. She motions for him to stay put, then runs her hands over the tubes. She is projecting pale blue light over everything.
"What are you doing there doc?" Sam asks.
"I am projecting a combination of UV light and cold plasma. It should sterilize the blood transfusion." She looks at Sam, who still seems concerned for Steve Rogers. "We're doing everything we can..." She looks to the nearest medic for confirmation. He nods lightly in response. Dr. Strange turns back toward Sam. "How are you feeling?"
Sam looks at the tubes before responding. "Not very super. I'm hoping my blood has a better impact on her, then me. I am a bit cold though."
"It's a result of the reduced blood in your system." Dr. Strange responds. "If you feel too weak or have any concerns, let me know instantly. We can't take any further unnecessary risks."
"I got it doc." Sam responds, looking back toward Steve. He then turns toward Tony. "How're you holding up, Tony?"
"I could be better." He winces as talking brings him pain. There is a medic wrapping his waist. "I could be a lot better." He grins lightly before turning back toward Steve Rogers. "I wish we could know what was going on out there... That her sacrifice wasn't for nothing."
"Hey," Sam says, "Don't say stuff like that. She'll make it through. She's tough."
"I don't mean that." Tony responds. "I mean afterwards."
Sam gives him a confused look.
"People don't walk aways from an injury like that without some sort of repercussion..." Tony says this concerningly before turning to look at James Rhodes. "Or some form of permanent damage."
Sam suddenly remembers Rhodes' spinal injury and understands what Tony is getting at. "We'll worry about that when the time comes." He tells Tony hoping to calm his mind.
"The chances of permanent damage are almost certain," Dr. Strange interjects, "but if it wasn't for your suit, she would certainly be dead." Against her better nature, Dr. Strange reaches across Sam and places her hand on Tony Stark's. "Tony, if your suit wasn't capable of doing half the things it can do, we wouldn't even have hope."
Tony tries to smile. It's not much, but it helps him feel better. He looks toward Steve Rogers and finds himself feeling hopeful.
*** Back to the Fight ***
Carol is slightly winded but surprisingly unhurt despite being crushed between several moon sized asteroids. The heat from the impact seems to have broken him from his bonds, but he cannot see anything. The idea that the stone could increase his strength so much begins to overwhelm Carol with euphoria. 'Time to test the full might of this.' Captain Marvel thinks, as the power stone begins to glow vibrantly purple in his hand.
There is a huge explosion of photon energy as the asteroids are partially disintegrated and begin to fly away. 'This feels good.' Carol thinks as he is now able to see again. He starts charging his energy once more and points it at the nearest asteroid. The blast seems to envelope the large rock before causing it to implode on itself. Carol smiles. 'This feels really good!' He thinks. His whole body is glowing bright purple now.
Carol looks around once more for Thanos. He doesn't spot her, but he has an idea where she might be. He looks down at the asteroid they were fighting on and begins to power up even more. Once he has enough energy he fires a photon laser into it. Cracks start to form from the surface as large chunks of rock melt and blast away. It does not take long for Thanos to show herself. Carol goes flying toward her.
Carol stops Thanos with a downward smash then gives her a moment to roll over. He reaches down and grabs Thanos by the collar of her armor. "It's over Thanos!" Carol says pulling his opponent face to face.
"Yes it is." Thanos says from behind Carol. The Thanos he is holding vanishes as Carol tries to turn around, but he is not quick enough as Thanos places both hands on Carol's head and activates the mind stone.
*** Carol becomes lost in thought. ***
"Give me the stone." Thanos' voice whispers like the wind in an open field. Carol turns around to find himself back on Earth. He is on a field and there is an airfield in the distance. When he looks down, he sees he is a woman again. Maria Rambeau is now standing in front of her.
"You have to give me the stone." Maria Rambeau says.
"What? Why?" Carol asks.
"In order to save us all." Maria Rambeau tells Carol.
"To save you?" Carol asks. "That's what I am trying to do."
"No. You're helping them." Maria responds. "They're trying to kill everyone."
"I'm trying to stop Thanos." Carol answers in confusion.
"Carol." Maria says, placing her hand on Carol's shoulder from behind. "Thanos is not your enemy." Carol turns around to see Maria standing there also. "She may be misguided, but she's trying to stop it."
Carol notices an orange glow surrounding Maria Rambeau. "You're not an illusion are you?" Maria smiles softly. "What is she trying to stop?" Carol asks.
"She's trying to stop the end of our world." Maria Rambeau tells Carol, as the ground begins to shake.
"What are you saying?" Carol asks, confused. The sky lights on fire and she peers behind Maria. A large mountain sized hand seems to come protruding from the ground. "Maria, what is going on?"
"You have to save our home." Maria says. She pushes Carol off her feet and she starts to free fall as large cracks form across the planet, causing it to explode.
*** Carol opens his eyes ***
Carol feels like he just woke up. He feels Thanos' grip loosen as she pulls her hands off his head. He takes a moment to shake away the confusion before turning around to look at Thanos. Thanos still has both hands hovering in the air and is looking at Carol in utter confusion.
"You're from Terra?" She asks, already knowing the answer. She moves back a little. "They haven't told you?"
Carol feels a wealth of emotions come over him as he tries to organize his thoughts. Looking at Thanos suddenly fills him with rage. It had been years since he had felt so violated. The idea of Thanos getting into his head makes him feel even more repulsed. He was not sure how he was able to break free, but he knew he never wanted it to happen again.
Thanos didn't have time to react before Carol made a move. He flies in quickly, punching Thanos directly in the chest. Her armor shattered under the force of the hit. Her mind instantly shifts to the gauntlet for protection and it generates another energy shield to protect her. It does not help. Carol is above her in an instant and strikes the shield so hard it also shatters, knocking Thanos to the ground.
Thanos flips over just in time to see Captain Marvel flying in quickly. "Wait!" She tries to say, before Carol smaches directly into her abdomen, driving her into the asteroid. Dirt and rock pile on top of both of them as they push further and further into the center of the large rock. The only thing Thanos can see now is the Purple light emanating from Carol. She tries once again to use the gauntlet but does not get the chance before everything explodes around her.
In an instant the asteroid housing Thanos' throne room is completely vaporized. Any rocks, ships, and debris floating nearby is destroyed or moved away. Due to the vacuum of space, not much noise projects from the explosion. For a long moment, the remaining hot dust and rock cools and twinkles against a starry backdrop.
Thanos slowly opens her eyes. She has to really concentrate to remember where she is. She feels the coldness of space, feels dirt and rocks hitting her, and spots ships and asteroids in the distance. She looks down at herself and realizes just how injured she is. Remembering the gauntlet she lifts her left hand to use it, when she spots something glowing.
The blue hue of the space stone is only meters away. She contemplates healing first, but decides not to take the risk. Thanos points herself toward the stone and starts floating toward it. When it is less than a meter away, she reaches out with the gauntlet. Small waves of energy shoot between the gauntlet and the stone as they draw each other close.
"It's over." Carol says, as he reaches forward and catches the space stone. Thanos turns to Carol in surprise and frustration. She sees energy from the Space Stone beginning to pulse through Carol's right arm before mixing with energy from the power stone. For the first time in a long while, Thanos feels the dread of defeat.
Captain Marvel moves the Space stone to his left hand then reaches for Thanos' gauntlet. He gets a good grip of it, then kicks Thanos so hard the gauntlet comes off. Thanos spins wildly through free space for a moment before Carol catches up and grabs her leg. He spins Thanos a few more times, then tosses her toward the nearest Nova Corp Destroyer ship.
Thanos is able to control her movement a little and manages to land on her feet when she reaches the ship. She braces for a fight as Carol comes flying down and lands just in front of her.
Carol studies Thanos for a moment. He then looks at the two stones in his left hand, then toward the gauntlet in his right. Thanos' face takes on a very worried expression. Carol contemplates placing the stones back and using the full might of the gauntlet, but decides it would be better to destroy it. He uses his strength to crush the gauntlet, first with one hand, then both. When he is done, all that is left is a chunk of crumpled metal with the three stones sticking out. He tosses it to the ground. Carol contemplates leaving the Space Stone with the others, but decides not to, knowing Thanos can still use it to escape. He turns back toward his opponent.
Thanos raises both her hands and cuffs her fists ready to fight. "Come on!" she says.
Carol takes a step forward before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Thanos hears a footstep tap the ship directly to her left. She starts turning toward the sound before being blindsided by Carol's punch. Thanos feels the pain of the hit and touches her chin. She pulls her hand away to see a drop of blood. It brings back memories of her fight with Tony. She can't help but grin.
"Thanos," Carol addresses her before striking Thanos from the other side now, "also known as the Mad Titan," Carol knees Thanos in the sternum next. "In the name of the Nova Corp," Carol punches Thanos three more times, "The Xandarian StarCorp," Carol hits Thanos several more times, knocking her on her ass, Thanos can see a certain level of joy in Captain Marvel's eyes. She is Certain that the Captain is enjoying this.
"And to further promote Peace in the Andromeda Galaxy," Carol says. Thanos tries forcing herself up once more, hoping to continue fighting Carol. She is not able to fully rise before being stomped on by Carol hard enough to lose her breath. She falls on her back, causing the ship's metal to thump loudly. "And the nine realms."
Carol steps back and stands on Thanos' legs before kneeling forward and grabbing her by the armored collar and pulling her forward, face to face.
"I am hereby placing you under arrest." Carol breathes in Thanos' face. She can feel the heat coming off of him and wonders if the heat is actually from him or the stones. When she concentrates to look at Carol, there is a wild look of delight in his eyes. Due to Thanos' size, they are practically pressed against each other.
Thanos contemplates making another move and continuing the fight, but she suddenly can't help admiring Captain Marvel's features. At first she didn't think he looked different, but now from up close he can see the subtle differences. His chin is more broad and muscular. His hair seems more full and has a slight wave to it. His shoulders are broad and extremely muscular.
As Thanos' eyes study her opponent, she notices something else. Carol is studying her too. She turns to look back at her face and they both lock eyes, realizing they've caught each other. There is a sudden very strange tension between them that gets even worse when Carol cannot avoid glancing very briefly at Thanos' lips. He turns back to lock eyes with her, but it's too late. He knows she saw it.
Thanos does not feel like fighting anymore, she lets her arms go slack as she starts smiling slowly. Carol is not certain what Thanos is thinking, but he can tell she is starting to blush. The awkward tension starts to build much more causing Carol's stomach to feel fluttery. He is not sure what is going on, but decides to end it. He punches Thanos in the head hard enough to knock her out. It bothers him that he feels bad about it.