Chapter Text
Chapter 5: If We Have Each Other
“The Avengers and their allies saved New York from a demonic entity known as Mother. While the battle consumed much of Times Square, we are fortunate to report that there were no civilian casualties during the fighting. However, we are aware of about three dozen persons who we assume that Mother sacrificed to conduct her unholy rituals. And, it is with sadness in our hearts that we further report that the Avenger known as the Scarlet Witch, Ms. Wanda Maximoff, died during the battle. She is survived by twin sons who are members of the Young Avengers: Thomas Maximoff aka Speed and William Maximoff aka Wiccan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Thomas and William during this period of mourning.”
For days now that same broadcast aired on every news outlet. The heroes were praised for their victory over Mother. Then the media directed their attention to Wanda’s death. Although, there was a time when much of the world hated her as they blamed her for accelerating the tragic deaths at Lagos, Nigeria for failing to contain Crossbones’ bomb and led to the drafting of the Sokovia Accords that ultimately resulted in the Avengers’ civil war.
And now the world pretended that Wanda was a beloved hero even as they turned against her once before.
Across town at a Jewish cemetery, the funeral service for Wanda Maximoff was held.
Once again, the Avengers gathered to grieve the loss of another friend. The first being the brief service they held for Natasha, and the second they held for Tony after their victory over Thanos.
It was another painful ceremony as friends and family alike gathered. The formerly possessed Avengers joined as well now that they were freed from Mother’s control. However, they wished their freedom hadn’t come with the price of Wanda’s life.
Tommy and Billy sat on chairs with their hands locked as they watched their mother’s casket slowly being lowered to the ground as a rabbi recited a prayer. They both had tears pouring down their faces as this was not a moment they expected to happen so soon. Even with the constant threat of death that being a superhero brought, they hoped that they would get to spend several years with their mother.
However, fate was not kind to them.
Behind Tommy and Billy stood the other members of the Young Avengers, which officially included America and Noh-Varr. They kept close, offering what little support they could for Tommy and Billy.
As the rabbi finished the prayer, the casket reached the ground. Tommy and Billy forced themselves to stand as they approach Wanda’s grave. Her tombstone was already there, signifying just how special she was as the epitaph read: “Wanda Maximoff. Hero. Friend. Mother.”
Tommy and Billy placed stones at Wanda’s tombstone before walking away. And one by one, the other attendees laid stones of their own to signify the memory and bond they shared with Wanda that would live on forever.
*~*
The memorial was held after the funeral at the Maximoff home. All pictures and mirrors were covered. And plenty of space was given to Tommy and Billy.
Pepper took a pile of dirty dishes away from Tommy. “Sweetie, I told you that I would handle everything. I got it covered. You just relax.”
Tommy smirked as he finally relinquished the dishes over to Pepper since there was no point in fighting. Pepper was almost as stubborn as Wanda was. “I’m sorry, Pepper. A bit of habit. The dishes are my job.” Tommy took a deep breath as he tried not to remember all the times that Wanda yelled at him for not handling the dishes. He curled his lips back before giving Pepper a smile. “And thank you again for covering the expenses for everything. Billy and I really appreciate it.”
“Of course. It’s no problem at all,” said Pepper. “And if you need anything else, please give me a call.”
“Thank you, Pepper. We will.”
Tommy walked out of the kitchen and started to make his way back to the memorial. Everyone was there. What he most appreciate seeing though were his teammates. Eli, Kamala, Cassie, Kate, America, and Noh-Varr were all there. They did their best to help keep the house tidy so that everything didn’t fall on Pepper’s shoulders. It made Tommy feel a little better as he really needed a little space now. He just started to straighten his tie when he got pulled into a hug by Clint.
Clint squeezed him tight before pulling back. Clint had tears in his eyes, which felt odd to Tommy as he hadn’t known Clint to be a crier. “I just want you, and your brother, to know that I’m watching out for you.” Clint sighed. “After your Uncle Pietro died, I made sure to watch out for your mom. Andー”
“I know.” Tommy squeezed onto Clint’s forearm. “Thanks, Clint. We appreciate it.” He gave Clint a quick hug before walking off once more.
Tommy walked around Strange as he finished lighting a row of candles.
Tommy grabbed the first glass of wine he could reach before making his way to the stairs. He was stopped once more though, but this time it was by Kate.
Kate took his hand and pulled him aside so that they had some semblance of privacy in the crowded house. “Hey. So I just wanted to tell you about my plans. I’m not heading to California anymore. I’m going to stick around here.”
“Why?” asked Tommy before he took a sip of his wine. “What about your mother?”
“It’s probably for the best to leave the past buried, don’t you think? Besides, you and Billy, and the team will need me around, especially since Cassie and Kamala are still leaving.”
Tommy shook his head as he placed his glass on a nearby table. “Hell no! Kate, you have to go to California. You need to find out the truth. You need to know what really happened to your mother.”
Kate brushed a tear away from her eye. “Are you sure?”
“Of course I am.” Tommy wrapped his arms around Kate. “You need to do this. If you don’t then you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
Kate hugged Tommy back. She pulled back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Okay...I’ll go. But if things get hectic here or Billy accidentally summons another demon.”
Tommy tried to smile but his grief kept him from showing any other expression. “You’ll be the first to know. I promise.”
Kate gave Tommy another hug before she went back to help clean the place up.
And finally, Tommy had his chance to slip away. He grabbed his glass and ran upstairs to the second floor since nobody else was there. The party was contained to the first floor, luckily, while the second and third floors were off-limits. Mostly because Billy locked himself away in his room with Teddy as soon as they got back. If there was anyone that took Wanda’s death harder than Tommy then it was Billy, especially given the contract he signed with Mother.
Tommy chugged the glass. Although it was impossible for him to get even buzzed thanks to his speedster metabolism, the momentary sensation of alcoholic bliss was exactly what he needed. He sighed as he dropped his head against the banister.
There was the swishing of liquid next to Tommy’s ear. “Maybe the rest of the bottle will help.” Tommy looked up to find Noh-Varr standing next to him with a bottle of wine. Noh-Varr looked positively stunning in a suit. Under different circumstances, Tommy would want nothing more than to rip Noh-Varr out of that suit.
“Alcohol doesn’t work on me,” said Tommy.
“Not the Earth stuff.” Noh-Varr uncapped the cork and poured a glass for Tommy. “However, this is the Asgardian stuff. The good shit! Thor and Brunnhilde brought a case for you and said it should help.”
Tommy took a sip then started to cough. “Holy!” He paused for a second before taking a long sip and finally started to smile. “Fuck. I can finally feel nothing.”
“Go easy though.” Noh-Varr took a sip directly from the bottle. “The Asgardians are a hearty people. If this can get them drunk then it will hit you hard too.”
“Noted.” Tommy hesitated for a second before taking another sip. He handed Noh-Varr the rest of his glass as he wasn’t sure he should try finishing it now. He already felt a little light-headed as his metabolism was struggling to catch up. And the last thing that needed to happen was for him to turn into a hot mess during his mother’s funeral.
Noh-Varr took the hint. He chugged the glass as the Kree were just as hearty as Asgardians. “So...you’re handling things surprisingly well.”
Tommy chuckled. “Don’t ask how I’m feeling then because I’m dying on the inside. I’m only holding it together because that one is a complete disaster.” He pointed up to the third floor as he no doubt meant Billy.
“I can understand that. But you shouldn’t allow that to stop you from grieving. She was your mother too.”
Tommy curled his lips and let out a deep breath. “I know. I’m just afraid that if I let it loose then there will be no stopping it.”
Noh-Varr reached out to grab Tommy’s hand. “Billy’s got Teddy to take care of him. He’ll be fine, he’s got his emotional sponge, but you also need the space to let go. That’s where I can come in if you’re interested. I can be that sponge for you.”
That was the last thing that Tommy needed to hear. Not because he wasn’t interested in Noh-Varr. No, it was that declaration that stabbed Tommy’s emotional dam and unleashed a flood.
Tommy threw his arms around Noh-Varr as he started to finally cry, and cry hard.
Noh-Varr held onto Tommy, gently rubbing his back before kissing him.
*~*
Upstairs, there was more mourning.
Billy clung onto his blanket as he cried into his pillow. Teddy reverted to his Skrull form and sat beside him, gently rubbing his back too.
“It’ll be okay, Billy. Maybe not right now, and certainly not tomorrow, but you’ll heal,” said Teddy.
“No, I won’t.” Billy pulled the blanket away and rolled his back against the wall. “This was all my fault, Teddy! I got my mom killed. Lilith only came to Earth because she wanted my powers. If it wasn’t for me then my mom would still be alive.”
Billy curled his hands to his chest. “If I was never born thenー”
Teddy threw himself at Billy. He grabbed onto Billy’s wrist and looked him directly in the eyes. “Never say that. Don’t even think it! Billy, you are amazing. I told you before that I think you’re the sweetest boy in the universe.”
“But...”
“But nothing.” Teddy pulled Billy into his arms as he laid them both down on the mattress. He squeezed onto Billy as tightly as he could. “Wanda dying is not your fault. You already know that your mom would sacrifice herself to save you or Tommy in a heartbeat. She loved you both that much. A good parent would gladly make that sacrifice to protect their child.”
Teddy rubbed Billy’s back as he felt Billy cry against his shirt. “Don’t dishonor your mom’s death by giving up on your life. Live for her. Keep moving forward and take your memories of her with you.”
Billy held onto Teddy, scooting as close as he could to him. “It hurts so much, Dorrek.”
Teddy frowned. Billy wouldn’t use his real name unless it was serious. “I know, William. I know, and it should. But just remember that I’m going to be here for you. I won’t go anywhere so long as you need me.”
“I love you, Dorrek,” Billy said between crying.
Teddy gently stroked Billy’s scalp. “I love you too, William. So much.”
*~*
At Young Avengers HQ, the team gathered together for what felt like the final time. Everyone was there except for Billy and Tommy, which wasn’t unexpected. And now America and Noh-Varr joined them so it helped to make the place a little smaller.
Steve sat near the monitor while watching the team. He smiled while finally getting back on his feet. “Well...I can honestly say that you’ve all impressed me. I was worried about when Jen and Wanda contacted me about forming this team. I didn’t want to risk putting anyone so young in danger, especially against threats as large as the ones you’ve faced.” Steve shook his head as he hooked his hands together. “I’m so glad that I can eat those words. You’ve proven yourselves as true Avengers. And I can finally retire knowing that the next generation is ready to face everything that the universe will throw at them.”
Lots of smiles greeted Steve as well as tears. Kate, Kamala, Cassie, and Teddy. brushed their tears away. Surprisingly, Eli was amongst the teary-eyed as he felt a deep connection with Steve after all the time they spent together.
Eli went over to Steve and shook his head. “Thank you, sir. We won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. Because you’ll do better than we did.” Steve patted Eli on the shoulder too before going over to Kate, Kamala, and Cassie. “I’m sorry to see you three leave us too. But I also understand why you made that decision. Just know that no matter what, you are always Avengers and you will always be welcomed back.”
“Thanks, Steve,” said Kate as she hugged him.
“We really appreciate it, Mr. Rogers,” said Kamala as she went to hug him next.
“It was a pleasure working with you, Cap.” Cassie hugged him with Steve smirking as he started to think just how much Cassie reminded him of Scott.
Steve then went over to Teddy. They shook hands as well before Teddy went in for a hug. Steve gladly accepted it as he knew just how badly Teddy needed the comfort from the dark circles around his eyes. “You take care of yourself, Teddy. I know you want to be there for Billy, and Tommy, as much as possible, but your health needs to be a priority too.”
“It is. It will be.” Teddy pulled back as he brushed some more tears away. “Thank you for everything, Captain.”
Steve parted ways from the team he trained to meet the newest recruits. “I’m sorry that I didn’t get to spend more time with you two. I’m sure that you would’ve frustrated the heck out of me, but I would’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” Steve smirked as he got a laugh out of Noh-Varr and America. “And let me just formally welcome you both to the Avengers.”
“Thank you, Captain America.” Noh-Varr shook Steve’s hand.
“And don’t worry about these jokers.” America started to shake Steve’s hand next. “Marvel Boy and I will keep an eye on them.”
Steve raised his eyebrows. “Marvel Boy?” Noh-Varr winked at Steve as it became clear that was his codename. Steve started to chuckle as he picked up on the connection since so much of his story was like Carol’s. He then turned his eyes onto America. “And what does that make you? Miss America?”
“Pretty basic, but it has a nice ring to it,” said America. “I can go with that until I think of something better.”
“I’m sure you will.” Steve went back to the monitor. He grabbed a folder that he left behind on there that he then presented to Eli. “Given how things are changing for the Young Avengers, I took the initiative to find potential recruits. These two seem pretty exceptional. I highly recommend you approach them before they think up something better.”
Eli went through the folder and started speed reading through it. “Amadeus Cho. Riri Williams. I can see why you have your eyes on them. We’ll be sure to get in contact with them.”
“Act quickly because I have a feeling those two will find better offers. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be paying Billy and Tommy a visit. I owe them a proper goodbye too.” Steve gave his final farewells to the team before he started to make his way out of the headquarters.
With Steve gone, things certainly started to feel very different. In particular, Eli picked up on how things were going to change as he looked at who was leaving the team and who was joining. And while he still had Teddy around, he worried over whether or not Tommy and Billy would stick around.
Eli swallowed those fears though as that was the problem for another day. Right now, he wanted to focus on something more positive. “So...let’s give Noh and America a tour! Then we can see about planning their welcome party.”
“Oh!” Noh-Varr said with an excited smirk spreading across his face. “I do enjoy partying.”
Cassie bumped into Noh-Varr’s arm. “You do strike me as a party boy.”
America dug her hands into her jacket. “What about our uniforms? Are we getting proper uniforms?”
“Those are in the works,” said Kate. “Don’t worry, they’ll be ready as soon as you get on the field.”
“Sweet.”
*~*
The tour went pretty well as the team made their new teammates feel very welcome. Since it was getting late, they would schedule the party for tomorrow night since that would also give them a chance to see if Billy and Tommy were open to joining them.
As everyone left the headquarters, America went back to the place she was crashing out. She would be packing up the few things she owned and would move into the headquarters since there were a few bedrooms. Noh-Varr would also be her roommate too as he had no other place to stay since Loki disappeared along with the place he previously slept in. All Loki left behind was a box of all Noh-Varr’s belongings.
America found her situation far less humiliating as it didn’t look like a bad breakup.
She was halfway down the block when she heard Teddy calling her. She stopped and buried her hands into her pockets once more. She didn’t even blink as Teddy had already shifted back into his Earthling disguise. “What’s up, space prince?”
Teddy sighed. “I’ve...I’ve been wanting to ask you something for a while now. Before we fought Mother, I had a talk with Loki.”
America rolled her eyes. Not because what Teddy said was ridiculous, but because she could already picture what Loki told him. “Uh-huh. And what did that little asshole have to say?”
“Basically, he mocked Billy and I’s relationship. He said it was doomed to failure since Billy’s eventually going to become Demiurge.”
America crossed her arms over her chest. “And? Where do I fit into this?”
Teddy gulped. “Billy will one day create your homeland and you said you grew up hearing stories of him...did any of those stories say what happened between me and him?”
“Oh boy.” America sighed as she started to step back. Luckily, the streets were mostly cleared as it was starting to get late so she didn’t accidentally run into anyone. “That’s the million-dollar question. I...I’m not comfortable going into any serious detail about yours or anyone else’s potential future.”
“So you do know what will happen to me?”
America shrugged. “On an abstract level. The stories I grew up with weren’t as detailed as you want to believe. I didn’t know Billy’s called Wiccan or that he’s part of the Young Avengers. The stories were vaguer than that. The only thing that I can say is that it was said Demiurge had a partner before ascending to godhood, but it wasn’t clear what had happened to him. Some stories said that Demiurge’s partner died long ago, while others claim that Demiurge gifted him with immortality so that they would be together for eternity.”
Teddy’s lips curled and he slowly stuffed his hands into his pockets. It wasn’t a definitive answer like he hoped to hear, but it was a clearer answer than he would’ve gotten from Loki. And it was certainly one that sounded far more hopeful. “Thanks, America.”
“Don’t let these stories dictate anything though.” America walked forward so that they stood closer together. “Whatever happens between you and Billy is what will happen. I get you that love Billy but don’t let these stories dictate who you should become. Just be what Billy needs here and now.”
Teddy nodded his head. “You’re right. I shouldn’t let this potential future define who I am today. I need to focus on who I need to be now.”
America smirked. “Be the best you that you can be.” She gave Teddy a fistbump. And given how strong they both were, they struck each other pretty hard. Hard enough that they caused a nearby car alarm to go off as their fistbump cracked as loud as thunder.
They started to laugh while they ran down the street together to get away before they got into any trouble.
*~*
Billy walked up the steps to his house and stepped around the mountains of flowers left behind by visitors. The sympathy flowers got out of hand earlier as dozens of bouquets were delivered to the house that it got to the point where Billy and Tommy had to release a statement asking people not to deliver flowers or to only leave behind a single flower. The statement curtailed a lot of flower deliveries, but it was still pretty out of hand.
Billy plucked a few of the flowers though before stepping inside. He kicked his shoes off and placed the flowers into a nearby vase that still had some freshwater in it. He went into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water when he picked up something odd.
The wards around the house were different now. The ritual Billy attempted to cast to summon Teddy’s moms also weakened what remained of the protection. And with Wanda gone, it meant all the protections she placed were gone too. Then Strange applied new wards to protect the house with Billy doing the same.
However, there was a slight disturbance as Billy noticed that someone else was here. Correction. Billy realized he brought something inside with him.
He quickly grabbed a knife from the dish rack only to find an emerald vase of white tulips on the middle of the countertop. He carefully approached the flowers as there was a note left behind.
“I understand the pain of losing a mother better than anyone,” Billy said as he read the note aloud. “You have my sincerest condolences. And my thanks for restoring my soul. Should you ever need a trickster, I will be at your beck and call. Loki Odinson.”
Billy smirked as he tossed the card back on the countertop. He looked over to the vase near the entryway and saw that the flowers he placed there were gone. No doubt Loki had been here and left an enchantment behind to leave his gift behind. Billy could only pray that Loki was as sincere as he claimed.
Billy started to make his way upstairs as he had a “Going Away” and “Welcome” party to change for. The fact that this was the first day in a week where he wasn’t a sobbing mess left him confident in going out in public, but also part of him worried that he would have another breakdown soon. Maybe he really should consider seeing that grief counselor that Pepper recommended.
If only he could remember where he left the card for the office of Jeff and Rebecca Kaplan.
As Billy climbed up to the second floor, he picked up on the sound of sobbing coming from his mother’s bedroom. He took a deep breath as he kept his distance from that room as he knew it was something he wasn’t ready to deal with. But given that the only other person who would be in the house, and would certainly be crying, was Tommy, Billy quietly went into the room.
Everything was left untouched as Wanda last left it. When Billy stepped inside, he was immediately hit with the smell of Wanda’s perfume. And there on the bed was Tommy, curled up in a ball as he cried into one of the pillows.
Billy slowly climbed into the bed and laid beside Tommy. He conjured a box of tissues for Tommy as he started to realize that Billy was there now. “I was wondering when you were going to breakdown. I haven’t seen you cry at all since the funeral. Here I was starting to think you were too busy swapping spit with Noh-Varr to process your feelings.”
Tommy kept on sobbing even as Billy showed no signs of crying. “That’s...that’s because of you, dummy.” Tommy pulled his hand away and rubbed all the tears and snot on his face into a tissue. “I figured that only one of us could be out of commission at a time. And since you’re the baby, you got dibs.”
Billy smirked as he could understand Tommy’s logic. “It’s not fair to you though. Just because you’re the big brother doesn’t mean you have to be the emotionless one all the time. You’re entitled to your feelings too.”
“We both know that you feel enough for the both of us.” Tommy blew his nose.
Sparks of blue light gathered around Billy’s hand as he summoned a Gatorade bottle from downstairs. He handed the bottle of blue liquid over to Tommy. “If you’re going to cry then you need to stay hydrated. Crying headaches are a serious bitch.”
“Thanks.”
Billy rested his head on another pillow. He took a deep breath and breathed in Wanda’s scent. “We’ll be okay. Right? Even though neither one of us knows how to be an adult, we got this.”
Tommy gulped about half the bottle before finally stopping to breathe. He nodded as he went back to laying on the bed. “We’ll look out for each other. It shouldn’t be that hard if we work together.” Tommy scooted over closer as he laid his head against Billy’s chest.
“I think you’re right.” Billy smiled as he ran his fingers through Tommy’s silver hair. “We’ll be okay so long as we have each other.”
“I love you, Billy.”
“I love you too, Tommy.” Billy smirked. “So...you and Noh-Varr? Here I thought you were straight. Or were you just experimenting with Kate? Or is Noh-Varr the experiment?”
Tommy snorted. “People can be bi too, homo. Not everyone has to be just gay or straight.”
Billy chuckled. “My big, bi brother. I love it! I’m going to make a t-shirt with that on it.”
“Do it and I’ll kick your ass.”
“Oh, it's happening. I’m already picturing the designs.”
As the words escaped Billy’s lips, his eyes turned pitch black. He wasn’t invoking any magic though nor was he aware of what was happening to him as darkness took root in his soul.
And that darkness’ name was Moridun.
*~*
Another week passed before Tommy made a proper return to Young Avengers’ headquarters. He felt exhausted from all the crying and grieving. He wanted nothing more than to return to the field and be a superhero again. Things were different though when he returned to the headquarters as all the changes went into effect.
Steve properly went back into retirement. Kamala returned to Jersey City. Cassie went back to San Francisco, while Kate moved down to Los Angeles. And now America and Noh-Varr were officially part of the team. Then there was Billy. Given what happened, Billy decided to take a temporary break from the team until he finished sorting himself out. Everything changed, and Tommy wasn’t sure how he’d deal.
Tommy stood outside the front entrance as he couldn’t quite bring himself to enter.
Noh-Varr slipped behind Tommy, which actually startled Tommy. Noh-Varr chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Tommy’s waist. “I didn’t think you could scare a speedster.”
“You’re pretty quick too, Marvel Boy.” Tommy tilted his head back to kiss Noh-Varr. Although it was weird kissing a stubbly face since he previously was kissing Kate, it was a happy change, unlike the others. Tommy gently squeezed Noh-Varr’s forearms.
“Oh, I’m quick in all the right ways.” Noh-Varr squinted his eyes. “That sounded better in my head. Forget I said that. Let’s just get inside.” He pressed his thumb on the scanner. The door started to unlock as he moved his arms away from Tommy and started to walk inside when he noticed Tommy wasn’t budging. “Are you okay? It’s not too soon for you to come back, is it?”
Tommy shook his head. “It’s just starting to get a bit real. It’s a lot to take on at once.”
Noh-Varr held his hand out to Tommy. “Then we can do it together.”
Tommy smiled and took Noh-Varr’s hand. “Okay...I think I can manage that.” They walked inside together to find their teammates in the lounge area with the TV on.
Eli, Teddy, and America smirked over at them as they were finally together.
Eli got up from his seat and took a seat on the coffee table so that he was a little closer to Tommy. “Hey, Tommy. Can we talk?”
“What kind of talk?” Tommy pulled his hand away from Noh-Varr and started pointing at Eli. “Are you trying to kick me off the team becauseー”
“No!” Eli chuckled as he raised his hands. “That’s not it. I actually wanted to talk to you about the future of the team. Aside from trying to recruit Amadeus and Riri, I’ve been talking to everyone else about you. Given what happened with Mother and how well you took charge.”
America bit the bullet for them. “What Eli’s trying to say, we were thinking of making you the team leader.”
Tommy’s eyes went wide as that was the last thing he ever expected anyone to say. Who in their right mind would want him as a team leader? “You’re joking, right? You want me in charge?”
“You were basically in charge since we fought Mother,” said Eli. “Hell, you were taking point a lot of the time when we were fighting the Maggia.”
“Eli and Kate ran the team,” said Teddy, “and with Kate gone...it makes sense for you to take over.”
Tommy shook his head. “You’re not leaving too. Are you, Eli?”
“Not a chance! I love this team too much to leave.”
“Then…” Tommy smirked as he thought of a proper solution. “I have no business running this team by myself. As smart as I am, I would probably make things a disaster. So...why don’t you and I run it together just like you and Kate did? Co-leaders.”
Eli looked over to the others and saw no disagreements. “Alright. We’ll be co-leaders then.” He shook hands with Tommy. “It’s a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Co-leader.”
“Likewise, Mr. Co-leader.”
Noh-Varr chuckled as he leaned in close to Tommy. “So are there any perks with sleeping with the boss? Like do I get extra time off? Or a bonus.”
America snorted. “A bonus? Is that what we’re calling it now.”
Teddy covered his mouth to hide his laugh as he pictured what America meant. “Oh! That’s so wrong. I didn’t need that image in my head.”
Tommy rolled his eyes and ignored them both. He leaned back against Noh-Varr and found himself feeling some joy as he dove into an uncertain future with the team.
*~*
“Bartender! One more!”
A few moments, the bartender placed an old-fashioned in front of Loki.
Loki graciously took the drink and returned to his cabana on the beach. After all the time he spent under Mother’s thumb, Loki desperately needed a vacation. And what better place to chill than off the Caribbean?
He hardly looked out of place in his green speedos as many of the people around him were dressed in equally revealing bathing suits. He laid on a chair and took a sip from his drink. “Ah! Now, this is the life. So much better than fighting demons.”
As Loki finally started to relax though, there was a pulsating wave of energy that struck the beach. It caused everyone around Loki to scream as they ran to safety, while Loki only groaned in frustration as his glasses were blown off his face and he nearly spilled his drink.
“Who in Hel dares to interrupt my vacation? I swear on our father’s beard that if it's you, Thor, then I’m turning you into a frog again and leaving you that way!”
Loki jumped up from his chair with a ball of green fire forming in his hand. He was prepared for combat but paused when he noticed the odd figure that stood before him. “Who are you supposed to be? Don’t tell me that you figured out how to cheat death too, Starks?”
Standing on the beach was a figure dressed in armor much like the Iron Man armor that Tony Starks wore. However, this suit appeared far more organic and advanced then Starks’ tech. The red and silver armor shined brightly against the beach sun, but it was the helmet that took on a more organic form as Loki noticed a rather youthful-appearing face.
The stranger’s helmet retracted itself with pieces of it disappearing from nanites. And underneath the helmet was a young man with dark hair that barely looked a day older than eighteen. “Loki Odinson, I’m in need of your help. The timeline is in danger.”
Loki rolled his eyes as he took another sip of his drink. “And why should I help you, child? What do you know of the timeline?”
“My name is Nathaniel Richards, and I come from the thirtieth century.” The young man kept approaching Loki even with the threat of getting a fireball thrown at his face. “And you must help me or else time itself will be destroyed! You’re the only one who can save us all.”
“Again, why should I bother? I’ve done my part to save the universe.”
Nathaniel stomped his armored foot into the sand as he glared at Loki with his brown eyes. “Because if you don’t help me then Moridun will kill William Maximoff.”
Loki’s eyes went wide as he dropped his old-fashioned on the beach. “But...we stopped Mother from using William as a vessel. Moridun shouldn’t be a threat to anyone!”
“But you didn’t, at least not truly. Moridun already nested a piece of himself in William’s soul. And soon, Moridun will have the powers of Demiurge at his disposal and he will destroy all of time and space.”
Loki snapped his fingers. Webs of green magic washed over his body. His speedo disappeared as he conjured a proper suit for him to wear. “Then we should be off, Iron Boy. We have a Demiurge to save and I have a debt to repay.”
Nathaniel smiled as he walked alongside Loki to a green vortex he opened up. “Thank you, Loki. I knew you could be trusted. And, if I’m to have a codename then I preferred to be called Iron Lad.”
“Don’t care.” Loki and Nathaniel disappeared into the vortex as they had much to discuss.
*~*
Out in the depths of space, on a distant planet, the doors to an ancient palace slowly creaked open. A pair of bodies walked inside the empty chamber with the only light source coming from a bright-blue shape in the distance.
As they neared it, they found themselves standing before a sword with runes written on it in a language that only they knew how to comprehend.
The light from the sword touched their skin, revealing a pair of Skrull-like beings that gasped as they witnessed the sword vibrate.
“It has never done that before,” said one of them. “What could this mean?”
The other one gulped as he reached out to touch the sword and felt it was incredibly warm when it used to feel cold to the touch. “It means that the Age of the Hybrid is upon us. We must find Prince Dorrek; it is time for him to claim his birthright.”