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Chapter Text

Earth-199999, Wakanda

Day

“I told you you’d die for that,” Thor sneered at the Mad Titan Thanos, taking sadistic pleasure as he pushed Stormbreaker deeper into Thanos’ chest causing Thanos to let out a pained cry.

Thanos’ head slumped to the side, nearly resting on Thor’s shoulder as Thor stared at him, thinking he had won. Thanos seemed to be mumbling something. For a moment, Thor thought Thanos was incoherent. Then, he realized Thanos was speaking to him.

“You should have…you should have…you should have gone for the head,” Thanos said finally.

Thor’s confusion lasted only a moment, as Thanos then raised his hand that wore the Infinity Gauntlet.

“NO!” Thor cried.

But it was too late and Thor could do nothing but watch as Thanos snapped his fingers. There was a bright flash of energy that blinded them. When it faded, Thanos’ gauntlet was smoking from using the energy of the stones.

“What did you do?! WHAT DID YOU DO?!” Thor exclaimed in horror.

Thanos simply raised his hand, the Space Stone glowing blue before he vanished in a blue portal. Stormbreaker fell to the ground with a loud thud, the axe stained with the Titan’s purple blood.

“Where’d he go?” Steve asked as he walked up beside Thor. “Thor, where’d he go?”

Thor didn’t answer, seeming to be in shock.

“Steve?”

At the sound of Bucky’s voice, Steve looked up, stunned to see Bucky’s arm beginning to turn to dust. Bucky looked up at Steve just before his entire body turned to dust, Bucky’s gun falling to the ground.

Steve was in shock, walking over to the remains of dust that had once been his best friend. Steve got down on his knees, reaching down and touching the dust as though trying to find some trace of Bucky inside while Thor watched in guilt.

M’Baku looked around in horror, seeing various Wakandian soldiers turning to dust just like Bucky.

Okoye was on the ground, lying on her back as T’Challa approached her.

“Up General, up,” he told her as he knelt down, grabbing her hand and pulling her into a sitting position. “This is no place to die.”

But, as he started helping her up, T’Challa turned to dust, the particles scattering in the wind. Okoye quickly got to her feet, a look of horror and shock on her face as she tried to process what had just happened to her friend and king.

“No,” Rocket said as he saw Groot begin to turn to dust, walking over to him. “No no no no!”

“I am Groot,” Groot said sadly as he faded away even as Rocket tried to hold onto him.

Wanda was kneeling by Vision’s body when she turned to dust as well.

“Sam?” Rhodey called out, looking for his friend. “Sam, where you at?”

Unheard by Rhodey, Sam had already turned to dust by the time he started calling for him.

Barton Farm

“Hey guys, enough practice!” Laura Barton called to her husband and daughter. “Soup’s on!”

“All right, we’re coming! We’re hungry!” Clint called before turning around. “Lila, let’s go.”

Clint then paused as he saw his daughter was nowhere to be seen.

“Lila? Honey? Hey, babe?”

Clint then saw his wife and sons were gone as well. Panic beginning to set in, Clint began racing around his farm, looking for any sign of his family.

“Babe? Babe?! Boys?! Boys!? Laura?!”

Titan

“Something’s happening,” Mantis said as the group all looked around.

Then, they watched in horror as she turned to dust, followed closely by Drax.

“Stay steady Quill,” Tony said but Quill was soon gone as well.

“Tony,” Tony turned around to face Strange. “There was no other way.”

Strange then turned to dust as well.

“Mr. Stark? I don’t feel so good,” Tony turned to Peter walking over to him.

“You’re gonna be okay,” Tony said, although he wondered if he was trying to convince Peter or himself.

“I don’t wanna go. I don’t wanna go,” Peter fell into Tony’s arms arm, his age showing for the first time as he feared death.

The two fell, Peter landing on his back and he smiled up at Tony, tears glistening in his eyes.

“Sorry,” Peter whispered before he turned to dust.

Tony put his hand to his face, struggling with emotion as he realized he had failed.

“He did it,” Nebula whispered softly.

Tony simply stared at the ground, trying to absorb everything that had happened.

Earth-21, Watchtower

Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Oliver Queen and Chloe Sullivan were sitting around a table, laughing at a story Oliver was telling.

“And he says ‘let’s never do that again’!” Ollie finished his story.

Clark laughed but he was the only one. Hearing a noise, he turned his head, stunned to see Lois and Chloe gone, only dust particles where his wife and best friend were. Ollie stopped his story, his smile vanishing as he noticed the women were gone as well.

“What the Hell?” Ollie wondered out loud.

“Tess…what just happened?” Clark called and Tess appeared in her holographic form.

“I don’t know. They were just…they were gone, Clark,” Tess said, sounding perplexed.

Atlantic Ocean

Same time

AC and Mera were swimming deep underwater when, suddenly, both vanished.

Metropolis

Courtney was walking down the streets when she heard a crash. Looking up, she saw a helicopter had crashed into a nearby building. And, Courtney noticed with horror that half the people on the ground were vanishing, turning to dust.

In his office at Lex Corp, Lex Luthor is doing paperwork when he turned to dust as well.

Washington DC

Martha Kent is in her apartment, having just gotten back from a walk with Shelby. She’d barely closed the door when she turned to dust, the leash falling to the floor. Shelby barked, not quiet understanding what had just happened.

Universe-63, the TARDIS

“So, where to now, Sweetie?” Ring Song asked as she and The Doctor reentered the TARDIS.

“Maybe Asgard. Or maybe we could go to that Christmas planet,” The Doctor rambled for a moment.

Not hearing a response from his wife, The Doctor turned his head, seeing nothing. Nothing but a pile of dust.

“River? River?” The Doctor called out, an unsettled feeling coming over him when he received no response. “River?!”

Earth, London

Amy Pond was writing an article when her husband came into the room.

“How you seen my good scrubs?”

“Try in the seller, you took them down there to hang them up,” Amy told him, not looking away from her laptop.

Rory nodded, about to do just that when he watched, horrified as his wife turned to dust.

Elsewhere in London, Martha Jones-Smith was holding her son in her arms when Mickey walked in.

“I have to head out, John needs some help at the pub,” Mickey explained apologetically.

“John always needs help at the pub,” Martha said with a laugh.

“So you understand then,” Mickey said cheekily before kissing her lightly on the cheek.

But, as he pulled away, Mickey turned into dust. Martha watched him, trying to process what had happened before she felt the load in her arms vanish. She looked down to see baby was gone, to her growing alarm.

“No no no! NO!” Martha cried as she fell to her knees, wailing in agony.

On the streets, Jack Harkness looked around in horror, wondering what on earth was happening as people all around him seemed to vanish by turning to dust. Jack looked down at his hands, wondering if this would be what finally killed him.

But no such luck. He didn’t turn to dust. He was here to stay.

Universe-208, Star Destroyer

Anakin wasn’t quite sure what had happened. One minute, he and Obi-Wan were in a meeting with Ahsoka and Bo-Katan, the next Bo seemed to turn to dust right in front of them, leaving the trio staring in shock.

“What…just happened?” Ahsoka asked, as though still trying to make sense of it, just like Anakin.

“I’m not entirely sure myself. She just…turned to dust,” Obi-Wan said in shock before the door opened and Cody burst into the room.

“Generals, something’s happening. Half our forces are gone, including Rex. It’s like they just turned to dust,” Cody explained in alarm and the three Jedi (or former, in Ahsoka’s case) exchanged unsettled looks.

“It’s not just the Clones, Cody. Something is happening here,” Obi-Wan released a ragged breath, all them feeling the disturbance in The Force. “And it appears to be happening everywhere.”

“What could cause this?” Anakin wondered out loud and Obi-Wan didn’t have an answer.

Earth-904, Sarayashiki Junior High

Yusuke Urameshi yawned as he leaned back in his seat. It was just an ordinary day, attempting to listen to the teachers even though he could honestly care less what they were saying. But his mom wanted him here and it was easier than listening to her nag.

“Urameshi.”

Yusuke glanced over at where Kuwabarra sat next to him and paused, seeing the look of dread on the red head’s face.

“What’s going on?” Yusuke asked, wondering if Kuwabara’s psychic sense was back.

“Something’s about to happen, I don’t know what, but it’s something big,” Kuwabara said with a shudder.

At that moment, there was a scream. The two boys whipped their heads towards the front to see the teacher was gone.

“He just vanished! Turned to dust!” a girl said.

“And he’s not the only one! Sawamura and Kirishima are gone too!” Okuma said in a panic.

“Urameshi-”

Whatever Kawabara was going to say was cut off as Yusuke watched in horror as his friend was also turned to dust.

“Yusuke,” Yusuke turned as Keiko approached him. “What’s happening?”

“I-I don’t know,” Yusuke said, in a state of shock.

Keiko seemed to sense that, reaching out to take his hand. But, just before she could grab it, she turned to dust as well, leaving Yusuke alone in a classroom full of panicking teenagers.

At his own school, Kurama watched as several of his classmates turned to dust. While the rest of his classmates and even the teacher were beginning to panic, Kurama merely watched the situation and thought.

He had been alive for a very long time. And yet he had never encountered anything like this, either as a human or a demon.  Whatever was going on was far beyond him.

Far from either school, Hiei was looking down from a building as cars went out of control now that there were no drivers. Feeling something, he looked down as his hand began to disintegrate.

“Damn,” was all Hiei could say before he was turned into dust.

In a café, Shinobu Sensui was drinking some tea when he heard a scream. Turning his head, Sensui saw several other patrons disappear, turning to dust.

Sensui stared for a moment before laughing insanely. He was still laughing when he was dusted as well.

Earth-8096, Avengers Mansion

It was a typical meeting in the Briefing room. Cap and Iron Man were running point as Thor, Wasp, Yellowjacket, Hawkeye, Miss Marvel, Hulk, Black Panther and Vision listened to their leader and founder. Then, Hawkeye turned to dust, startling everyone.

“Um, you all saw that, right?” Wasp asked before she turned into dust as well.

“Jan!” Miss Marvel shouted in concern.

“What the Heck is going on?!” Yellowjacket exclaimed before he turned to dust as well

“Odin’s Beard,” Thor muttered, trying to process what was happening.

“JARVIS, something is attacking the base. Do a scan of the building for anything suspicious,” Iron Man ordered.

“No unknown entities detected,” JARVIS said, to their shock.

“I believe this may be something that cannot be explained by science, my friends,” Black Panther said before he too turned to dust.

The remaining Avengers just stared in shock at what had just happened, none of them really understanding what had just happened. All but Vision, who was analyzing the problem, attempting to figure out what had just happened.

Xavier Institute

A similar scene was taking place at the Institute. The X-Men were taking a break after the morning Danger Room session. Beast was reading in the corner as Scott and Jean relaxed on the couch. Kitty, Bobby and Rogue sat in a nearby table, talking about some subject none of the others really had any interest in while Kurt sat by Beast, seeming to be meditating and Logan stared out the window, appearing deep in through.

Then, Kitty screamed. They all whirled around, seeing Kitty and Rogue staring at the spot where Bobby had been moments earlier, except now he was gone.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Logan demanded, wild eyes looking around for any threat.

“Bobby? He just…he vanished,” Rogue stammered, her composure lost as she stared at the spot where their friend had been moments earlier.

“He is not the only one, my friends,” Kurt said, staring at the far end of the room.

The other X-Men followed his gave, seeing Scott and Jean had also vanished.

“Rogue,” Beast said and they all turned just in time to see the stripe haired Mutant turn to dust.

“What is happening?” Kitty asked, sounding on the verge of panicking.

None of the other X-Men had any answer, not understanding what was happening any better than the young Mutant.

Midtown High School

Peter Parker was walking the campus of their high school with his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. It was just an ordinary day. As ordinary as it could be when you were secretly a superhero, anyway.

“Hey Tiger, Gwen. Any plans for this evening?” Their friend Mary-Jane asked as she joined them.

“Same old, same old,” Peter said with a shrug.

“Peter Parker, man of mystery. Don’t let this one go, Gwen,” Mary-Jane said, only half joking.

“Oh I don’t plan too,” Gwen said with a cheeky grin, wrapping her arms around Peter’s.

Peter smiled. He’d never thought that he and Gwen would get here, especially after Harry had manipulated Gwen into staying with him. But after they let things settle, go back to being friends, they’d slowly inched their way towards being a couple. It had taken some time, especially with Harry being arrested after working with his father. But they were here and Peter could honestly say he’d never been happier.

They then heard a scream. The trio whirled around, seeing that half the student body on campus was turning to dust while the other half looked around in panic. Peter was so stunned by what was happening that he didn’t notice the weight of Gwen’s arm vanish until he heard Mary-Jane’s voice.

“Gwen!” she exclaimed and Peter wiped his head towards his girlfriend, only to find her gone.

Peter didn’t say a word, merely exchanging a horrified look with Mary-Jane as the two tried to process what had just happened.

Earth-1999999, Wakanda

Steve, on his knees, turned over Vision’s body, the gaping hole where the Mind Stone had once been a painful reminder of his failure. Behind him, Thor, Bruce, Rhodey and Rocket stood as Natasha raced up to his side, staring in horror. The absence of Bucky, Sam, Wanda and T’Challa weighed heavily on Steve’s heart, like a thousand tons of bricks chained to his limbs.

“What is this? What the Hell is happening?” Rhodey asked and Steve’s legs gave out and he fell into a sitting position, everything finally hitting him.

“Oh God,” Steve said shakily. “Oh God.”

Chapter Text

Universe-208, Star Destroyer

Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan stood in the communications room, talking to the holographic form of Master Yoda.

“Happening everywhere, this is,” Yoda informed the group. “Masters Windu, Fisto, Plo-Koon and Mundi are lost. Half the Senate, gone it is. Among them, the Chancellor is.”

Anakin looked gutted at this, as the Chancellor had been a dear friend to him, ever since he was a boy. But there was another fear in his heart, one that that he didn’t dare voice. But he didn’t have to. Yoda looked at him as though he knew what he was going to ask before speaking.

“As is Senator Amidala.”

Anakin fought hard not to react. But what did it matter, if Padme was gone?

Anakin turned and walked out of the communications room without saying a word to anyone. No one made a move to stop him, three pairs of eyes watching him in concern. But they made no move to follow him or stop him. For all three had always known about his relationship with Padme.

“Reached out, Dooku has,” Yoda continued and Obi-Wan and Ahsoka turned back to him. “Agreed to a temporary ceasefire, the Republic and Separatists have.”

“And how long will that last?” Ahsoka asked skeptically.

“I assume until we can figure out what’s happened and if it can be reversed,” Obi-Wan noted and Yoda gave a nod.

“Trust in The Force to guide us, we must. May The Force be with you.”

“And with you, Master,” Obi-Wan said before Yoda’s hologram faded and it was silent for a moment. “Anakin will need someone to talk to. And I’m afraid he’s not so willing to share his feeling with me.”

“I wonder why?” Ahsoka asked sarcastically, giving him an unamused look that caused Obi-Wan to sigh.

“Ahsoka, please,” Obi-Wan pleaded.

“I’ll do it. But for him, not for you,” Ahsoka said coolly before she turned and followed her master out of the room.

Universe-63, the TARDIS

The Doctor was sitting on the steps to the console, trying to make sense of what had happened. River had been here, and then she hadn’t. It didn’t make sense. Something had happened, he just didn’t understand what.

The Doctor was broken out of his musings when he heard the phone by the console ring. Pulling himself to his feet, The Doctor walked over and picked the phone off the receiver.

“Hello?” The Doctor asked uncertainly.

“Doctor? It’s Rory. Something’s happened. Amy, she just…she turned to dust,” Rory told him, swallowing thickly and The Doctor closed his eyes, feeling another loss hit him. “And it’s not just her; it’s all over the news. People just vanishing or turning to dust. What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure. But it’s not just Earth. River, she vanished once we were on board the TARDIS,” The Doctor and there was silence on the other end, no doubt Rory trying to process the loss of his daughter.

“Doctor…what is going on?” Rory repeated.

“I don’t know, Rory. But I’m going to find out, I swear,” The Doctor vowed.

“Then come get me. I’m not sitting this out. Whatever happened killed my wife and daughter. I’m in,” Rory said firmly.

“I know. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Earth-21, Watchtower

Nott long after

Clark was petting Shelby, the dog whining as Ollie and Tess talked quietly. Clark had gone to check on his mom, found Shelby alone with his leash still on from a walk. He knew his mother would never leave Shelby with his leash still on. Which meant she was gone, just like Lois and Chloe.

“No seems to have any idea what happened. The only thing everyone can agree on is that people all over the world suddenly vanished and turned to dust,” Tess was explaining.

“How many of us are left?” Clark asked lowly.

“Courtney, Zatanna and Bart. I haven’t been able to reach anyone else,” Tess said with a tone that told the pair she would have sighed if she still had the ability.

“Any chance Lex had something to do with this?” Ollie asked, although even he had his doubts about that.

“Would be pretty weird, considering Lex is one of the people who turned to dust,” Tess said dryly, surprising them both.

“Well, that would rule him out,” Ollie said lowly.

Clark got to his feet, petting Shelby once more before walking to his friends.

“Whatever happened…it can’t be manmade. This is alien or magic. Tell Zatanna to look into any spells that she might have come across that might have caused this,” Clark said before he began walking out of the building.

“And where are you going?” Ollie called out.

“To get some answers,” Clark said simply before speeding out.

Earth-8096, Avengers Mansion

Same time

“It’s not just us, as I’m sure you know by now,” Iron Man said as he held a meeting with the remaining Avengers. “This is happening all around the world. No one’s been able to put it together. From what it looks like, at least half the world’s population just turned to dust.”

“People don’t turn to dust for no reason,” Hulk said gruffly.

“We know, Hulk. Something had to cause this,” Cap attempted to sooth the green Avenger.

“There’s no scientific explanation, but science can’t explain everything,” Iron Man said before looking over at Thor. “Thor, have ever seen something like this before?”

“I am afraid not, Iron Man. But that does not mean that no one on Asgard has,” Thor said with a frown as he looked thoughtful. “I will return to Asgard, consult those with more knowledge than myself on the subject. I hope that I will find answers there.”

“Mr. Stark, you have an incoming message from SHIELD,” JARVIS interrupted the meeting.

“Bring it up, JARVIS.”

At Iron Man’s command, a holographic screen appeared. To the surprise of the Avengers, it was not Nick Fury or Maria Hill on the screen. Instead, it was a blond woman in a white uniform that only Cap and Miss Marvel recognized.

“Agent Carter,” Cap greeted.

“I’m sorry, who is she?” Iron Man asked.

“Sharon Carter. An Agent of SHIELD,” Miss Marvel spoke up and they all turned to her. “She and I used to work together, before SWORD. What’s going on, Sharon?”

“I’m sure you know, half the world seemed to just turn to dust. Both Fury and Hill were among the dusted. At the moment, I’m the highest ranking SHIELD agent still alive,” Sharon said and paused. “What’s going on? What happened?”

“We are working on that right now, Agent Carter. At the moment, we have nothing to report,” Cap explained regretfully.

“We think we know a way to find out what happened and if it can be reversed. We just need time,” Iron Man added.

Sharon sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose and it was silent for a long moment.

“Okay. Just…please hurry. I’m trying the best I can to handle the chaos, but chaos like this can’t be held back for long,” Sharon warned.

“We’ll get right on it, Sharon. I promise,” Cap said firmly and he and Sharon seemed to stare at each other for a moment before Sharon nodded.

“Good luck, Avengers. For your sake as well as the world’s,” Sharon said before her hologram faded.

“Thor, get to Asgard as soon as you can. We need to know what happened,” Cap ordered and Thor nodded.

“I will take my leave immediately, Captain,” Thor said as he got to his feet.

“In the meantime, Cap, I think we need to call in backup. Whatever happened, it’s gonna take all of us to reverse it and we’re already down by half,” Iron Man pointed out.

“Iron Man speaks the truth. Whatever could cause this must have great power. The six of us alone cannot reverse it,” Vision said logically.

Steve nodded, knowing they were right. They would need back up.

It was time to call in the Avengers. All of them that were still left.

Xavier Mansion

Same time

In the basement, Logan stood in front of Charles’ comatose form, the unconscious mutant using Cerebro to telepathically communicate with his student from the future.

“I wish I had the answers you seek, Logan. But even in the future, the cause remains a mystery,” Charles said regretfully. “However, I did find a message left. By Forge.”

“Forge?” Logan asked in surprise.

“Indeed. According to this message, the disappearance of half the earth’s population was caused by something from another world,” Charles explained.

“Another world? You’re saying an alien caused this?” Logan asked skeptically.

“No. Have you ever heard of the multiverse theory?”

“Chuck, we both know science isn’t my area of expertise,” Logan deadpanned and Charles managed a slight smile.

“True. The multiverse theory is the theory that there is not one earth, but many parallel earths, with the same people living very different lives,” Charles explained and Logan stared at him for a long moment.

“So you think that whatever caused this came from one of these…other earths?” Logan asked skeptically.

“That seems to be what Forge’s message suggests. If you seek to reverse this, I fear you will not find the answers on this earth, my friend,” Charles told him.

“And how am I supposed to know what earth caused this? There have to be hundreds, at least,” Logan said in exasperation.

“I do not know, Logan. But you must find a way, for the sake of the future and our very world. We are all counting on you.”

Their conversation then ended, leaving Logan alone in the basement. Feeling a vibrating in his pocket, Logan dug inside, pulling out his Avengers ID card. It was going off, summoning him to the Mansion.

New York

Same time

Sitting on top of the Empire State building, Peter sat in his Spider-Man suit, tears falling down his face.

Gwen was gone. And so was Aunt May. When he realized people were vanishing all over the world, he’d run straight home. May wasn’t there, but a smashed plate of what was clearly meant to be dinner was on the floor. May must have been holding it when…

Peter closed his eyes, unable to even finish the thought. Peter sat there; not even seeming to notice that time was passing. Then, he felt a vibration in his pocket. Reaching inside, Peter pulled out his Avengers ID card, which was going off.

Universe-904, Spirit World

Same time

“What happened, Pacifier Breath?!”

Yusuke slammed his hands down on the desk, staring down at Koenma (who was in his toddler form) as he sat behind his desk.

“I wish I had answers for you, Yusuke. But we’re as in the dark as you. From what we’ve been able to tell, half of all living creatures in the moral world, Spirit World and even Demon World just turned to dust,” Koenma explained with a heavy sigh. “Botan is among those dusted as well.”

Yusuke clenched his hands into fists, wanting to scream, to hit something. But his training with Genkai had taught him patience. So he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

There would be time for hitting eventually…once he found out who was responsible.

“Whatever or whoever is causing this doesn’t seem to disintegrate between humans, demons or anything in between,” Koenma continued.

“I agree.”

The two looked up, surprised to see Kurama walk into the office.

“When my classmates began turning to dust, I went looking for Hiei. I fear he was one of the victims,” Kurama said before looking at Yusuke. “Kuwabarra as well?”

“And Keiko. Half the school, even my mom,” Yusuke said, clenching his hands so tightly Kurama feared they would start to bleed. “How could this happen? What could do this?”

“I do not know,” Kurama admitted. “Whoever did must have great power.”

“I will consult my father, see if he has answers. For now, the two of you must return to mortal world. I will be in touch the moment I know what happened. In the meantime, I need you to try and protect humanity, as this time of chaos will be taken advantage of by the lower class demons.”

Yusuke didn’t like it, not one bit. But a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Keiko pointed out that he couldn’t do anything until they knew more.

And he was still the Spirit Detective.

Earth-8096, Xavier Mansion

Not long after

“I don’t understand. One minute I’m listening to Storm and Tildie talk, the next they’re both gone,” Forge was saying to Hank and Kitty, sounding freaked out.

“We do not understand it either, Forge. Logan is talking to the Professor about it now,” Hank assured him before Logan walked in.

“I just finished. He has a theory,” Logan said before noticing someone missing. “Where’s Nightcrawler?”

In the communications room, Kurt was currently talking to Wanda Maximoff.

“Half our population just…vanished. And you’re saying it’s happening everywhere?” The Scarlet Witch asked. 

“Yes, half of the X-Men are gone. We are looking into it, Wanda,” Kurt promised and paused. “I am…glad to see that you were not among those who vanished.”

“As I am glad to see you are not,” the Scarlet Witch said softly, the two stared at each other longingly, a thousand unsaid things seeming to pass between them. “Good luck, Kurt.”

“Thank you. Be safe, Wanda,” Kurt said.

Wanda merely nodded before the message ended. Kurt sat there for a moment, silent before the door opened and Logan walked in.

“Wheel’s up in fifteen minutes. You, Me, Hank and Kitty are getting out of here,” Logan ordered and Kurt looked over at him.

“Did the Professor know what was happening?” Kurt asked as he got to his feet.

“No, but apparently Forge left him a lead. And I know where to go with that. We’re heading to Avengers Mansion.”

Universe-208, Star Destroyer

Not long after

Anakin sat on his bunk, staring into space blankly when the door to his room opened. Anakin looked up as Ahsoka walked into his room. The door shut behind her and it was silent for a long moment.

“I’m sorry, Anakin,” Ahsoka finally said.

Anakin tried to say something, anything. But he found he was numb to anything. Ahsoka seemed to understand without him having to say a word, merely reaching out and taking his hand.

“We’ll figure out what happened, and how to reverse it,” Ahsoka promised.

“You assume that it can be reversed,” Anakin said, his voice devoid of any emotion.

“It can be.”

Anakin and Ahsoka were startled by the voice that didn’t come from either of them. They whirled towards the sound to see a figure in Jedi robes, a middle aged man with dark hair. And most curiously, he glowed bright blue and was nearly see through.

Anakin’s hand stopped halfway to his lightsaber as he stared at the figure with open shock.

“Master Qui-Gon?” Anakin asked and Qui-Gon Jinn smiled sadly.

“Hello, Anakin. It is very good to see. And you must be Ahsoka,” Qui-Gon said as he turned to the stunned Togruta.

“This…this can’t be possible. You’re dead,” Anakin said stunned.

“I am, but I’ve learned that death is not the end. I’ve found a way to retain my consciousness after death. However, that’s not why I am here. I have come to help you in your current predicament,” Qui-Gon said, drawing the attention of both of them.

“Do you know what’s happened?” Ahsoka asked.

“I can’t say for certain, but I know of a way that it can possibly be reversed,” Qui-Gon said, causing Anakin to jump to his feet.

“How?!”

“Patience, Anakin. It appears that is one virtue Obi-Wan did not teach you,” Qui-Gon said, smiling slightly before his face grew serious. “There is a Jedi Temple on Lothal, long since abandoned. Go there and follow the story.”

“Follow the story?” Ahsoka repeated confused and Qui-Gon smiled.

“You will understand when you get there. You must go with them, Ahsoka. A Master and an Apprentice is needed. Trust in The Force,” Qui-Gon said before he faded.

For a moment, Anakin and Ahsoka stood there before Anakin raced from the room.

“Anakin, wait!” Ahsoka shouted as she raced after him.

Obi-Wan was still in the communications room when the door opened and Anakin burst in.

“We need to head to the Jedi Temple on Lothal. We’ll find the way to bring everyone back there,” Anakin said and Obi-Wan looked at his friend in bewilderment.

“Anakin, what makes you so sure?” Obi-Wan asked warily.

“We just received a visit from Master Qui-Gon,” Ahsoka explained as she walked in and Obi-Wan stared at them both for a moment.

“Slow down and explain everything to me. From the beginning.”

Chapter Text

Universe-208, Star Destroyer

The Star Destroyer dropped out of Hyper Space, appearing just outside the orbit of Lothal. On the bridge, Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan stared down at the planet.

“You’re sure about this, Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked as he stared down at the planet.

“Ahsoka and I heard it straight from Master Qui-Gon,” Anakin said and Obi-Wan frowned. “Have faith, Obi-Wan.”

“It’s not that I don’t have faith. It’s that we’ve been to this temple before,” Obi-Wan said, surprising Anakin and Ahsoka.

“We have?”

“I’m surprised you don’t remember. It was a few months after you became my Padawan,” Obi-Wan reminded him and Anakin remembered then.

“That was this temple? Master Qui-Gon said it was abandoned,” Anakin said in surprise.

“Well, he wasn’t lying. This temple is no longer a place where Jedi meet. It’s a place where Jedi take their Padawans to test their readiness to become Jedi,” Obi-Wan explained.

“So why was I never taken here?” Ahsoka asked in confusion.

“With the war going on, there was never truly an opportunity. But I suppose better late than never,” Obi-Wan said before turning back to Cody, who stood behind them. “Cody, prep us a ship.”

Earth-21, Watchtower

Not long after

“Okay, so explain this again, Boy Scout,” Ollie said as he and Tess stared at Clark after he had returned.

“I went to the Fortress to see if the technology there might be able to help me figure what happened. And it did,” Clark explained. “Right around the time half the world turned to dust; there was an unexplained energy burst that seemed to come from another universe.”

“Another universe, like that other earth that your evil twin came from?” Ollie asked and Clark nodded.

“Any chance you think he’s behind this?” Tess asked and Clark shook his head.

“Whatever’s going on, I don’t think Clark Luthor is involved. But there’s only one way to know for sure. I’m using schematics left by my father to make another mirror box. I’m going to use it to travel to this other universe and figure out what’s going on,” Clark explained.

“You better make two. Like Hell I’m letting you go alone,” Ollie said.

Clark nodded, having expected nothing less.

“Tess, try to keep things running while we’re gone,” Clark said as he turned to their holographic friend. “We have no idea when we might be back.”

“I’ll coordinate with the remaining team to keep thing as smooth as we can. Just figure out what caused this and try to reverse it,” Tess said.

Earth-63, Pond-Williams residence

Same time

Rory sat on his couch, staring ahead, dazed when the TARDIS materialized in front of him. Rory got to his feet as The Doctor stepped out.

“Doctor, what is happening?” Rory demanded.

“I honestly don’t know, Rory. But I am going to find out, one way or another,” The Doctor assured him.

London

Same time

In her house, Martha was on her knees in the same spot she’d sunken hours earlier, tear trails on her face. She stared ahead blankly, vaguely hearing a sound behind her by not caring enough to react. Her family was gone, what did anything matter?

Someone knelt down in front of her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Martha managed to lift her head enough to see who it was.

“Jack,” she said lifelessly as he looked at her concerned.

“Mickey?”

The look on Martha’s face told him everything he needed to know. Jack pulled her into his arms and Martha weakly returned his embrace, finding herself breaking down when she thought she’d cried all her tears.

Earth-8096, Avenger’s Mansion

Same time

“So, the X-Men will be here later, they’re already on their way,” Cap explained to the rest of the Avengers as they stood in the conference room.

“I called the Fantastic Four, Sue’s the only one still around,” Iron Man said and there was a moment of silence. “Scott Lang and Danny Rand were also among the dead. No one else is really contacting us. So either they’re dead or they don’t want anything to do with us.”

“Hmm. Bunch of morons,” Hulk grumbled.

“We’re all dealing with what’s happened in our own way,” Carol tried to sooth him.

“Has there been any news on Thor?” Vision inquired.

“Not since he left for Asgard, but it’s only been a few hours. Give him time,” Cap said.

There was then a beep and Iron Man frowned as he checked something.

“Well, we’ve got at least one other person willing to work with us.”

Not long after, the Avengers opened their front door, seeing Spider-Man standing on the porch.

“Thank you for coming, Spider-Man,” Cap told the younger hero, who was abnormally silent.

“What do you know about what happened?” Spider-Man asked as he walked in.

“About the same as you, half the world’s population just seemed to vanish,” Iron Man explained.

“Thor left to Asgard to see if there’s a more magical explanation, but he hasn’t made contact yet,” Carol added.

Universe-208, Star Destroyer

Same time

“You wanted to see me?” Ahsoka asked as she approached Anakin, who was in a work shop.

“Yeah. We have no idea what we might see down there, so I got you something,” Anakin said before holding some a small box to Ahsoka. “I was going to give you this later, but now seems as good a time as any.”

Curiously, Ahsoka lifted the lid, shock flooding through her as she saw her old lightsabers. Ahsoka looked up at Anakin, smiling slightly. She took them from the box, feeling like she’d reunited with an old friend as she held them again.

“I took care of ‘em. They’re good as new,” Anakin said, smiling slightly as Ahsoka turned them on and, rather than green, the energy blade was blue, causing Ahsoka to shoot him an amused look. “Maybe a little better.”

Grinning, Ahsoka gave the lightsabers a few whirls, refamiliarizing herself with them before Anakin spoke.

“We’ll need to be ready for anything down there. Be careful,” Anakin warned as Ahsoka deactivated the lightsabers.

“Feels like that’s my line,” Ahsoka joked and Anakin grinned, the shadow of grief that had hung over them momentarily lifting.

“Come on; let’s not keep Obi-Wan waiting. You know how he gets.” Anakin said and Ahsoka laughed.

“Yeah, I know,” Ahsoka said as they walked out, heading towards the ship.

Earth-8096

Not long after

“How could this happen?” Spider-Man asked as he sat on the couch in the sitting room.

“We’re not sure, but we’re doing everything we can to figure that out so we can reverse this,” Iron Man assured him.

“And if you can’t?” Spider-Man couldn’t help but ask and it was silent for a moment.

“We will cross that bring when we come to it. But I won’t give up hope that we can bring everyone back until we know that for sure, and neither should any of you,” Cap said firmly as he looked around at all of them.

“I see you haven’t stopped giving motivational speeches.”

Cap whirled around along with everyone else as Bucky Barnes walked into the room.

“Bucky, thank God,” Cap said with a smile.

“Doubt God has anything to do with this. But I’m happy to see that you’re alive, Cap,” Bucky said, managing a slight smile. “Any idea what caused this?”

“We’re still looking into it, Thor went to Asgard to see if he could figure anything out,” Carol explained.

Asgard

Same time

Thor entered the throne room of Asgard, where his father sat waiting.

“My son, you have returned,” Odin said from where he sat on his throne.

“Aye. I am hopeful you know why, Father,” Thor said, dropping into a brief bow once he reached Odin.

“Heimdall came to me when this happened. Sif and the Warriors 3 were among the first to vanish from Asgard,” Odin said and Thor looked like he’d been struck. “Heimdall believes the threat came from another world.”

“You do not speak of another planet, father,” Thor realized after a moment and Odin shook his head.

“No, my son. There are many universes, many different lives we all lead. Heimdall believes that another set of Avengers is tied to this catastrophe,” Odin said grimly.

Universe-208, Lothal

Later

Once Anakin set their ship down, the trio of Jedi (or former, in Ahsoka’s case) walked over to the entrance to the temple. Only, to Ahsoka’s confusion, there was no temple. Merely a large stone spire that seemed to come out of the ground.

“This is the temple?” Ahsoka asked in confusion.

“This is the entrance to the temple,” Anakin corrected.

“Two Jedi are needed to open it,” Obi-Wan explained.

“A Master and an Apprentice,” Ahsoka muttered, reminding Qui-Gon’s words as Anakin nodded.

“Which is why you’re here,” Anakin said and Ahsoka stiffened.

“Master…I’m no longer a Jedi.”

“But you are Anakin’s apprentice,” Obi-Wan pointed out.

“Master Qui-Gon said we need you. This is why, Snips,” Anakin added and Ahsoka didn’t have a comeback.

“Okay, so what do we do?” Ahsoka asked with a sigh.

“We stand here,” Anakin said, pointing to the circle Ahsoka hadn’t even realized they were in. “And we use The Force.”

With those words, Anakin closed his eyes and held out his hand, doing as he said. Ahsoka followed his example, closing her eyes and raising her hand towards the spire. Together, Master and Padawan used The Force, calling out to the temple. After a moment, the spire began spinning, rising out of the ground to reveal a structure.

No, not a structure, a temple. Finally, the door revealed itself and they stopped, Ahsoka looking at the temple wide eyed.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Anakin asked with a slight smirk.

“Every time I think I’ve figured out The Force, it throws me a blaster bolt,” Ahsoka muttered.

“Either way, the temple is open to us. I suppose now we have to go in,” Obi-Wan mused.

“Probably,” Anakin said before together, the three of them walked inside.

Upon entering, they saw stone corridors. Everything they saw was stone. And there were pictures as well, on everything.

“What are we supposed to do, exactly?” Ahsoka wondered.

“Master Qui-Gon said to follow the story. Maybe we’re supposed to follow the pictures?” Anakin wondered.

“Then I suppose we better get started,” Obi-Wan said.

Earth-63, London

Same

Jack set a cup of tea down in front of Martha, who took it silently, sipping it. Still, she had no taste after today.

“What happened, Jack?” Martha asked after a moment.

“I don’t know, I really don’t. I was just walking the streets when people turned to dust. My first stop was Gwen, she, her husband and daughter were all gone,” Jack said and it was silent for a long moment. “I don’t know what’s happened…But I think we both know someone who might.”

It took Martha a moment longer than it should have to put it together. Then she felt foolish. It should have been the first thought that popped into her.

Instead of saying anything, she reached into her jacket with shaking hands, pulling out her cell phone. Going to her contacts, she headed to a number she hadn’t called in years.

The TARDIS

Same time

“Hmm,” The Doctor frowned as he looked at the scanner, his face perplexed as Rory stood behind him.

“What is it?” Rory asked.

“There’s no record of what caused this. There are a lot of theories by scientists, scholars, religious leaders, but nothing anyone was able to prove,” The Doctor said, perplexed.

“People don’t just turn to dust, Doctor,” Rory said, trying to stay calm and not lash out at his friend.

“I agree. Something caused this, I just can’t seem to figure out what,” The Doctor said, putting a hand to his chin.

Further conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a cell phone. Rory pulled his out but was surprised to see his phone wasn’t ringing. Rory lifted his head, stunned to see The Doctor pull out an old flip phone.

“Since when do you have a cell phone?” Rory asked.

But The Doctor didn’t answer; knowing only one person had the number to this phone. Which meant she was still alive.

“Martha?” The Doctor asked upon answering.

“Doctor…we need your help.”

Universe-208, Lothal

Later

It felt like they’d been walking for hours. None of them had any idea where they were going.

“Ugg, I don’t even see what we’re doing. Feels like we’re wasting time!” Anakin snapped, out of patience.

“Anakin, do you believe that you saw Master Qui-Gon?” Obi-Wan asked and Anakin was silent for a moment.

“Yes.”

“Then trust that he wouldn’t have sent us here to waste our time. He sent us here for a reason,” Obi-Wan assured him when Ahsoka noticed something.

“Hey, was that door that before?”

At Ahsoka’s question, the two men followed her gaze, seeing a door that neither of them could recall seeing earlier.

“What’s going on here?” Anakin wondered out loud.

“I believe The Force may be at work here. Either way, it can’t hurt to look,” Obi-Wan pointed out.

The other two shrugged and, after a moment, walked through the door. They found themselves surrounded by darkness and thus ignited their lightsabers, bathing them in blue light. They walked around for a moment before Ahsoka gasped.

“Master,” Ahsoka said, staring straight ahead.

Anakin and Obi-Wan followed her gaze, both equally shocked at what had Ahsoka’s attention.

It was the three Mortis gods. Or at least a mural of them. From left to right, The Daughter, the Father and the Son seemed to stare down at them.

“What is this?” Anakin asked out loud, his voice no louder than a whisper.

“I don’t know. But I believe this may be what Master Qui-Gon sent us here for,” Obi-Wan mused.

“But why? How will this help us being everyone back?” Ahsoka asked.

“That is what we must figure out. He said to follow the story. Perhaps the story of this painting has the answer,” Obi-Wan suggested when Anakin noticed something.

“Look,” Anakin said, pointing to a piece of the mural that shown what seemed to be wolves. “Loth Wolves. Wasn’t there something on Mortis that had them in there?”

“Surprised you remember,” Ahsoka said in surprise.

“It comes in flashes,” Anakin explained.

“There was a painting there with Loth Wolves. Perhaps these wolves have a connection to Mortis,” Obi-Wan said, putting his free hand to his chin.

Curiously, Anakin walked over to the painting of the Daughter, placing a hand over hers, which was painted completely flat. Anakin closed his eyes, feeling The Force all around him. His eyes snapped open just before the circle around the hand glowed bright gold. Anakin stepped back, the trio watching as some of the stars surrounding the gods moves, aligning together into a new formation, the mural constellations glowing bright gold for a moment.

To their disbelief, the gods then began to move. The daughter turned her head towards the Father, bowing her head slightly as she did. The Father, whose hand had been held above his head, rotated his arm until his hand was pointed at the Son’s closed fist.

Then, the Loth Wolves seemed to come alive.  They howled at the gods before they turned, seeming to walk off.

“Hey, wait!” Anakin shouted, the trio running after them.

“I guess we know why we were told to follow the story!” Ahsoka said as they ran.

They followed the wolves until they stopped at one section of the wall. No, not stopped. Rather, they circled it, forming a circle as they howled. Curiously, Anakin placed his hand against the wall, stunned when his hand started to go through it.

“It’s some kind of gateway,” Obi-Wan said in disbelief.

“This is it,” Anakin said with certainty, “This is what Master Qui-Gon sent us here for.”

“So whatever’s on the other side will help us figure out how to bring everyone back?” Ahsoka asked.

“Only one way to find out, Snips,” Anakin said as he stepped back until he was standing shoulder to shoulder. “On my mark, we make a run for it.”

“And hope we don’t knock ourselves out,” Ahsoka said dryly, even as the trio extinguished their lightsabers.

“We’ll be fine, as long as we stay together,” Obi-Wan said confidently.

For a moment, they just stared at the wall, still being able to make out the circle of Loth Wolves.

“Now!”

At Anakin’s shout, the trio rushed towards the wall. But, at the moment of impact, they vanished into the wall. The circle stopped, the wolves once more becoming art, leaving no sign of the three Jedi. 

Earth-8096, Avengers Mansion

Same time

Cap and Iron Man stood in the hanger, watching as the Black Bird touched down next to the Quinjet. The ramp lowered and the X-Men exited the jet.

“Cap,” Logan greeted upon seeing them.

“Thanks for coming, Logan,” Cap said as they two grasped hands in a handshake.

“Thanks for your call. We’d really like to know what’s going on,” Logan said.

“We’re not entirely sure about ourselves,” Iron Man said.

“Then it appears we may be able to offer some invaluable Intel,” Hank said, causing the two Avengers to give them their attention.

“What does that mean?” Cap asked and Logan sighed.

“We received…a message from the future,” Logan said, wondering where to even start.

Upstairs, Bucky was prepping his gun as the other Avengers and Spider-Man watched.

“He doesn’t talk much, does he?” Spider-Man asked randomly.

“No, I don’t,” Bucky said gruffly.

“He never did.”

At the sound of the voice, Bucky grabbed his gun as Spider-Man, Hulk, Carol and Vision got into fighting stances. A woman in a black jump suit with long, flowing red hair and green eyes walked into the room.

“Widow,” Carol said in surprise and Black Widow nodded.

“Is the front door too good for you two?” Hulk grumbled.

Neither Widow nor Bucky answered, Bucky lowering the gun as they stared at each other. Something the other noticed.

“So, uh, do you guys know each other?” Spider-Man asked.

Russia, several years earlier

In her room, Widow was wearing a white nightgown as she brushed her hair. Someone less trained than her wouldn’t have heard him approach, but Natasha knew she only heard him because he let her.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Widow said as she put down her brush, standing and facing Bucky, who stood less than a foot away from her. “I’m promised to someone else.”

“I know. He isn’t worthy of you,” Bucky said bluntly.

Widow smiled, not denying it. Nor did she resist when Bucky closed the remaining distance between them, closing her eyes as he pulled her into a kiss.

Now

“No, we don't,” Widow said as she and Bucky finally looked away from each other.

Carol narrowed her eyes, a suspicion forming but was preoccupied when Cap and Iron Man walked back into the room.

“Avengers, we might have a lead,” Cap said as they turned to him.

“What?” Spider-Man asked eagerly.

“The X-Men received Intel that whatever happened was caused by another Earth,” Iron Man explained.

“Another Earth? Like the multiverse?” Spider-Man asked, seeming torn between excitement and disbelief.

“Exactly like that,” Kurt said with a nod.

“Okay, pretending for a minute I understand all that, how are we supposed to find whatever caused this if it came from another earth?” Carol asked.

“That is something we are trying to figure out as well,” Hank told her after a moment.

“Great,” Hulk grumbled.

Asgard-8096

Same time

Heimdall stood at his post, standing guard over the Asgard when Thor approached.

“Sire,” Heimdall said without turning around.

“Heimdall. I apologize for Sif,” Thor said.

“There are many losses this day. But that is not why you have come to me,” Heimdall said knowingly.

“No, it is not,” Thor admitted. “My father says you know what has caused this.”

“Your father is correct. In a universe far from here, another Thor Odinson does battle with a being who wields the six Infinity Stones. He failed to stop him from unleashing their power. He uses this power to half all life in the universe,” Heimdall said, his eyes staring at something Thor could not see.

“And what is this being’s name?” Thor asked.

“Thanos.”

Chapter Text

Unspecified location

Anakin awoke to whispers. Lifting his head, he saw he was on the ground. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were in front of him, also lying on the ground.

“Snips! Ahsoka!” Anakin shouted as he rushed to her side, trying to wake her.

“Master?” Ahsoka said sleepily as she opened her eyes, to Anakin’s relief. “Where are we?”

As he saw Obi-Wan coming to as well, Anakin took a moment to look around. And what he saw stunned him.

They stood on some kind of pathway that seemed to be made of light. They were surrounded by darkness, save the pathway and gate ways all around them, similar to the portal the trio had entered through.

“I…don’t know,” Anakin said once he found his voice.

“Do you hear that?” Obi-Wan asked as he and Ahsoka sat up.

At first, the other two didn’t know what he was taking about then, then, they heard it. A voice of an old man.

“The Force is what gives a Jedi his powers. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, binds the galaxy together.”

“What is this place?” Ahsoka wondered out loud.

“It appears to be some sort of…world between worlds,” Obi-Wan said after a moment.

“Why would Master Qui-Gon send us here? What are we looking for?” Anakin asked as the three Jedi got to their feet.

“I believe we will know once we find it. For now, let us explore this place. Perhaps The Force will make things clear to us,” Obi-Wan suggested.

Anakin and Ahsoka exchanged an exasperated look but, not having any better ideas, they nodded, beginning to make their way down the pathway.

Earth-63, London

Morning

It had been hours since Martha had called The Doctor. She and Jack were in the sitting room, waiting. Martha was convinced that The Doctor wasn’t going to show when they heard the sound of the TARDIS before it materialized in front of them. The pair got to their feet before the door opened and The Doctor stepped out.

“Martha, Jack,” The Doctor said in relief as the two of them stared at him for a moment.

“Doctor. I knew you’d look different, but…well,” Jack said with a gesture at The Doctor.

“It’s different, I know,” The Doctor said with a slight smile before noticing something. “Mickey?”

It took only one look at Martha who looked like she’d been gutted for The Doctor to understand. Without a word, he walked over to Martha and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m so sorry,” The Doctor said softly as she lifelessly returned the hug.

“What’s happened, Doctor?” Jack asked.

“That’s what we’ve been trying to figure out,” Jack and Martha looked over as Rory walked out of the TARDIS.

“Mickey, Jack, this is Rory Williams,” The Doctor said as he pulled back and Rory noted how serious the situation was when The Doctor didn’t even try to call him ‘Pond’. “Rory, this is Martha and Jack. They-”

“Used to travel with you,” Rory interrupted and The Doctor nodded.

“You must be the new guy, then,” Jack noted and Rory shrugged.

“I guess you could say that.”

“What do you know?” Martha asked as she turned to The Doctor, hoping he had some sort of answer.

“Not much, I’m afraid. Half the population in the entire universe turned to dust for no apparent reason. I don’t know what caused it yet, but I will find out. And then I will bring them all back,” The Doctor promised.

Earth-904, Japan

Same time

“Spirit Gun!”

“Rose Whip!”

Yusuke and Kurama’s attacks obliterated the demons in front of them. The two boys stood silently as they observed the spot where the demons had been vaporized.

“I see you’ve been busy, Yusuke.”

The two looked over to see what looked like a young girl in a frilly dress hovering in the air.

“Sakaya,” Yusuke said in surprise.

“Hello, Yusuke. And you must be Kurama,” Sakaya said, turning to regard the half demon for a moment before turning back to Yusuke. “Koenma has summoned you both back to Spirit World.”

“Does he have news on what may have caused this?” Kurama asked as he and Yusuke gave her their attention.

“He didn’t say, just to bring you both to Spirit World,” Sakaya said matter of fact.

Yusuke and Kurama exchanged a look but didn’t say another. Silently, the two knew the other was thinking the same thing: hoping that Koenma had found a reason for all this and a way to bring everyone back.

Earth-1999999, Avengers Compound

Not long after

The Quinjet touched down in the hanger, the ramp lowering before the remaining Avengers (plus Rocket) walked down.

“Nice place,” Rocket said after a moment, more to fill the silence than anything else.

No one responded to Rocket. No one had really said much of anything since Thanos disappeared. Not that Steve could blame them; he could barely muster any words himself.

“Cap, what do we do now?” Rhodey asked and Steve was silent for a long moment.

“We try to get in touch with anyone who might still be out there. Nat, see if you can get Clint at his Farm. Rocket, do you have a way to contact your ship?” Steve asked as he turned to their newest ally.

“I know the numbers. Just depends on if the ship is still working or…” Rocket trailed off.

But they all understood what he meant. It would be useless to contact the Benatar if no one was left to get their message. But they would cross that bridge when they came to it.

“Rhodey, show Rocket to the communications system. You should be able to find what you’re looking there.”

Rhodey led Rocket inside, leaving only the Original Avengers in the hanger, each of them silently wishing for a miracle that could help them undo this.

Earth-8096, Avengers Compound

Not long after

“So, let me get this straight. Some other Avengers from some other world tried and failed to stop some guy named Thanos who used something called the Infinity Stones to half all life in the universe and that’s what caused this?”

The question was asked by Kitty as Thor returned to the Mansion, explaining the situation.

“Aye, Lady Kitty. The Infinity Stones have been legend for eons, they are a source of tremendous power,” Thor explained.

“What exactly are they?” Iron Man asked.

“No one knows for sure. Wars have been fought over them, people desperate to possess even one. All anyone knows for sure is they are six powerful gems, each with a different power. Soul, Space, Time, Power, Reality and Mind. They exist in every universe, and it was said that if one were to possess all six, they could accomplish anything,” Thor explained and it was silent for a long moment.

“Okay, so we know how. What can we do about it?” Logan demanded.

“Stupid man asks a good question,” Hulk said and Logan gave him an annoyed look.

But didn’t respond. He remembered how the last bout with Hulk ended. He had no desire to repeat the experience.

“Heimdall can send us to this other universe. We must depart for Asgard,” Thor explained.

“So wait, not only is the multiverse real, but this Heimdall guy can send us somewhere else, just like that?” Spider-Man asked, sounding torn between surprise, excitement and disbelief.

“Thor’s a literal God, yet this surprises you?” Carol pointed out and Spider-Man paused, realizing she was right.

“We leave for Asgard in an hour. Gather whatever supplies you may need, then we head out,” Cap ordered, taking command.

Universe-63, the TARDIS

Same time

The Doctor was at the console, examining something as Rory showed Jack and Martha around the TARDIS, the two examining the changes.

“I see you finally grew out of your grunge phase,” Jack noted, trying to joke but it just fell flat.

“Grunge phase?” Rory repeated.

“When we traveled with him, the console room looks a lot more…well…” Martha trailed off.

“Like the bedroom of an edgy, emo teenage boy,” Jack supplied.

“OI!” The Doctor shouted, offended.

“Are we wrong?” Jack asked with a cheeky grin, almost laughing when The Doctor pouted.

“If you’re done making fun of me, I think I’ve found something,” The Doctor said and all laughter vanished.

“What is it?” Rory asked as they came up behind him.

“I looked at everything from scientific anomalies to Dalek actives, nothing. Then, there’s this,” The Doctor said, pointing to the scanner as he brought up a map of the universe. “This is our universe. And this is what happened to it the day half the population mysteriously turned to dust.”

His three Companions watched, mystified as some sort of energy spread across the universe before vanishing, gone as quickly as it came.

“What was that?” Martha asked.

“That, Martha Jones is an energy that came from outside our universe,” The Doctor explained.

“Like from where House lived?” Rory asked and The Doctor shook his head.

“No. House was just a different part of our universe, a sort of pocket dimension of this universe. This, this came from a completely different universe.”

“Like the multiverse,” Rory said and The Doctor nodded.

“Not again,” Martha sighed, confusing Rory.

“Again?”

“Long story, we’ll tell you some other time,” Jack assured him before turning back to The Doctor. “Doctor, if the cause of this is from another universe-”

“I should be able to track down the source,” The Doctor agreed, bringing up the image of the energy again. “This energy can act as a beacon. I can use it to get the TARDIS there.”

“Doctor, whoever caused this, it has to be very powerful,” Martha pointed out.

“I know. Which is why I need you to do something, Rory,” The Doctor as he turned to his friend and father in law. “I have no idea what we may face in this other universe, but I know it will stand in the way of bringing Amy, River and everyone else back. Rory…I need you to open the door.”

Jack and Martha didn’t know what The Doctor was talking about, but Rory seemed to. Rory let out a deep breath, seeming like the weight of the world was on his shoulder. He looked The Doctor in the eyes for a moment, the two seeming to have a conversation for several moments. Then, Rory nodded, closing his eyes for a brief moment.

When he opened them again, he almost seemed a different man. He held himself differently, like a warrior prepared to do battle. His eyes had hardened, like he had seen a thousand lifetimes of pain and suffering. And when he spoke, his voice was cold and hard, like a soldier who had seen more battles and death than he could count.

“Let’s get to work. We don’t have a moment to waste.”

Universe-904, Spirit World

Later

“As you both know, I’ve consulted my father on the matter of half of all life disappearing,” Koenma said as he sat at his desk, Yusuke and Kurama standing in front of him. “He’s had some of his best people investigating this. And it’s yielded results.”

“Your old man knows what caused this?” Yusuke asked hopefully.

“Not exactly. He doesn’t know why everyone has disappeared. What he knows for sure, an unexplained burst of energy came in through to our universe just before people began turning into dust. We believe this energy was the cause of it,” Koenma explained.

“So another demon attacked and did this?” Yusuke asked and Koenma was silent for a moment. “Okay, it’s never good when you’re quiet, Pacifier Breath.”

“The thing that none of can figure out, the burst of energy was neither Spirit nor Demon energy,” Koenma said carefully.

“What kind of energy is it then? Please tell me it’s not the Netherworld again,” Yusuke almost pleaded.

“At the moment, unknown. We believe it came from another universe,” Koenma explained.

“Another universe. You mean the multiverse,” Kurama realized and Koenma explained.

“Multi what?” Yusuke asked confused.

“Multiverse, the theory that there are multiple versions of the same world,” Kurama explained and realized he needed to get more specific when he saw Yusuke’s blank look. “Think of it as a street. It exists next to multiple other streets, all identical but different, each unique in their own way. Never intersecting but all occupying the same place.”

“Until now, apparently,” Yusuke muttered.

“My father and his people are working on locating the exact universe this energy burst came from. Once they do, the two of you will head there, find out what caused this and attempt to reverse it,” Koenma explained.

“How will get to this other universe?” Kurama asked.

“This is not the first time Spirit World has needed to cross over to another section of the multiverse. A portal will be opened once we determine which universe the energy burst came from. But once we do that, the two of you will be on your own,” Koenma said regretfully.

“Don’t worry about it, Koenma. We’ll be fine. And we’ll figure out who did this and how to bring everyone back,” Yusuke said, fire entering his eyes as he imagined everything he would do to the monster than did this.

Universe-199999, Titan

Same time

Thanos didn’t know what happened. One moment, he was attempting to relax and recover from using the Infinity Stones. Then, suddenly, he found himself in a giant red palm that seemed to be on fire.

“Thanos of Titan, we have business to discuss,” an ominous voice said.

Thanos was not a being who felt fear. He had lived too long and seen too much to do so. Yet this voice caused fear to enter his heart, as though all his nightmares had suddenly come to life.

“We have nothing to say to each other. I have accomplished my life’s work. Kill me or not, it doesn’t matter,” Thanos said with no sign of his inner fear.

The voice then laughed evilly and Thanos felt his blood run cold as he looked up, finally seeing his captor. It seemed to be a demon, firing coming off his very being. The demon looked down at him and Thanos felt smaller than he ever had in his life. Not just physically, but in terms of power. Thanos had a feeling even with the stones; he was no more than a spec to this creature.

“So arrogant are you that you think you can do what you have done without consequences? Your actions have affected not just your universe, but every universe. Warriors from various universes are preparing to come to your own in order to undo what you have done. Alone, maybe you would stand a chance of defeating them. But once they join together, you will be no match for them.”

“Why would you tell me this?” Thanos asked suspiciously and the demon gave an unpleasant smile.

“The halving of all life serves my interests. It would be…prudent to make sure it stays that way. For that reason, you shall serve me now!”

Thanos was then surrounded by flames, crying in agony as they consumed him. This went on for several minutes before the flames suddenly extinguished, revealing a radically different Thanos.

He now wore armor similar in size to the one he usually wore, but this one was completely different in design. It was fire red, the armor seeming to be modeled after flames. The Infinity Gauntlet was now blood red, the stones glinting in their slots. Thanos stared up at the demon, his eyes flashing with fire before he bowed.

“How may I serve you, Lord Surtur?”

Surtur of Earth-8096 merely laughed evilly, his plans beginning to come to fruition.

Chapter Text

Universe-8096, Asgard

Afternoon

“My stars and Garters.”

The words escaped Hank before he could stop them as Thor led the Avengers, X-Men and their allies through the portal as they arrived on Asgard.

“It’s quite a sight,” Cap agreed.

“No, New York is a sight. This is like the roman coliseum,” Spider-Man said, regaining some of his normal chatter.

“You should see the inside,” Iron Man said.

“Then what are we waiting for? It’s your house,” Logan said with a look at Thor.

“Aye. And I will lead to where we must go,” Thor said, leading his allies in the opposite direction of the palace.

Universe-63, the TARDIS

“And we’re locked on,” The Doctor said as he set a course. “It looks like we’ll be heading to universe-1999999.”

“They have numbers?” Martha asked surprised.

“The Time Lords numbered the universes a long time ago, before I was born.  The data is still in the TARDIS database,” The Doctor said distractedly as he prepared. “This might be a bumpy ride-”

“As opposed to the usual?” Jack asked dryly but The Doctor continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted.

“So hold onto something. Geronimo!”

His Companions barely had enough time to grab onto something before The Doctor flipped the switch. The TARDIS gave big lurch as it took off, spinning wildly as it headed towards its destination.

Earth-1999999, Avengers Compound

Same time

Steve was in his old office, looking through some things. It was…strange, being back here after all this time. He noticed some differences since he’d been here last, some changes Tony had made. Steve hoped he’d get the chance to-

No, Steve shook his head, banishing the thought. Tony was alive, he had to be. Steve wouldn’t entertain the thought.

“Hey,” Steve looked up as Natasha entered the room.

“Hey,” Steve echoed and it was silent for a moment. “Any word from Clint?”

“He’s not answering my calls. I’m not sure whether that means he’s gone or…” Natasha trailed off.

But Steve didn’t need her to finish. If anything happened to Clint’s family, Steve shuttered to think of what Clint might do. He was a good man. But even a man like Clint can only take so much tragedy.

“Rocket and Rhodey couldn’t get through to Rocket’s ship. Either the communications system is fried or Rocket’s crew was wiped out by Thanos,” Natasha continued as she walked over, sitting down on Steve’s desk. “Bruce is trying to get in contact with any remaining government officials, but it’s-”

“Chaos,” Steve said and Natasha nodded. “What about Thor?”

“He’s not really saying or doing much of anything. He’s just…he’s quiet. I think he believes this is his fault,” Natasha admitted and Steve grimaced.

“Survivor’s guilt can do that too. I’ll talk to him,” Steve promised.

“If anyone would know about that, it’s you,” Natasha noted and Steve chuckled slightly.

“Thanks, I needed that. I’m…glad you’re here,” Steve said after a moment.

“I’m glad you’re here too,” Natasha said, the two looking at each other for a long moment, not needing to say anything.

“Nat…” Steve started.

Bu he didn’t get to say anything else. The world had caught on fire, the apocalypse or whatever had come, and they were in it together.

Natasha closed the distance and did something shed wanted to do for years: she wrapped her arms around Steve’s neck and pulled him into a kiss. Although surprised, Steve returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist.

The World Between Worlds

Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan continued to walk down the pathway, hearing voices, none of them recognizable.

“A powerful Sith, you will become.”

“You’ve grown stronger.”

“I know what I have to do.”

“I am a Jedi, like my father before me.”

“Never underestimate me!”

“Just let me cut you down already!”

“For Midgard!”

“I am the villain of the story.”

“For Frodo.”

“You may not see me as a hero, but the rest of the world does and I decide my fate!”

“You have failed this city!”

“I wanna see how it ends.”

“Let’s go to work.”

“You didn’t kill Anakin Skywalker.”

“You finally got the name right.”

“I’m your daughter.”

“I waited two thousand years for you!”

“No more.”

“Spirit Gun!”

“For the love of Camelot!”

“Open your heart!”

“Protect your honor…as SOLDIER!”

“I am Iron Man.”

“The price of freedom is high, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

“Asgard is not a place. It’s a people.”

“What are all those voices?” Ahsoka asked.

“I believe they may be people from other times…other worlds,” Obi-Wan mused.

“You did say this was a world between worlds. Maybe one of these gateways is where we get to where we need to go to,” Anakin suggested.

“But which one?” Ahsoka asked.

“We must trust that The Force will guide us,” Obi-Wan told them.

Coming upon a gateway, the three Jedi looked inside it, seeing two young men battling fiercely. One was blond with blue eyes and whiskers on his face. The other had dark hair with two different eyes, one red with a wheel in it and one white with various circles. To them, the blond felt like a sun, burning and giving life while the dark haired man felt like something dark. Not quite a Dark Side user, but something else.

“I don’t think this is it,” Ahsoka said.

“No, we must move on,” Obi-Wan agreed, Anakin already making his way to the next gateway.

The next gateway showed a young woman with blue hair doing battle against a young looking man with white hair and yellow eyes, both wielding blades that looked like keys. Immediately, the Jedi sensed that the man was consumed by the Dark Side.

“He’s using the Dark Side,” Ahsoka said as they watched the battle for a moment. “But…”

“He’s not what we are looking for,” Obi-Wan said and she nodded.

“Then we better keep looking,” Anakin said as they moved on.

It was then that they heard a ‘hoot’. Looking up, the trio spotted a familiar green owl flying above.

“Isn’t that-” Anakin started, a memory of the owl coming through.

“The owl that was always around the Daughter,” Ahsoka agreed.

“What in the blazes is it doing here?” Obi-Wan wondered.

With another ‘hoot’, it flew a few feet away, landing on a gateway.

“I think it wants us to go over there,” Ahsoka noted.

Warily, the trio headed over to the gateway and looked inside. Through the gateway, they could see a blond woman and a bearded man talking.

“Think this it?” Ahsoka asked.

“I feel it. Can’t you?” Anakin said with certainty.

Ahsoka paused and then understood what Anakin was talking about. There was a tingle on the back of her neck, like someone urging her forward.

“So we’ve decided then? Because if we do this, I’m not sure how we can get back,” Obi-Wan pointed out.

“There’s no going back either way, Obi-Wan. But I think we’re all in agreement. Right, Snips?” Anakin asked and Ahsoka nodded.

“It’s like there’s someone trying to push me forward. The Force…or someone,” Ahsoka said.

“Very well, then. May The Force be with us all,” Obi-Wan said, silently wondering how Anakin had dragged him into this…again.

Universe-8096, Asgard

Not long after

“Heimdall,” Thor greeted as he led his allies to where his friend stood guard.

“Thor, my friend,” Heimdall said, turning away slightly. “And Avengers, it is good to see you again. Albeit such circumstances.”

“Nice to meet you,” Carol greeted politely.

“Enough chit chat. We doing this or what?” Logan asked and Heimdall smiled slightly.

“Patience, James Howlett,” Heimdall and Logan started, stunned that Heimdall knew his name. “I shall open the way for you. But once I do, it shall be up to you to stop Thanos and undo what he has done.”

“Don’t worry. We can handle ourselves,” Iron Man said.

“I hope so. I see….another threat. One that might be even more dangerous than Thanos,” Heimdall mused, alarming them.

“Wait, so you mean that the guy who did all this might not even be the toughest bad guy out there?!” Spider-Man exclaimed in disbelief.

“Unclear. Something is clouding my vision. But I wish for you all to be on your guard. There is something dangerous at play,” Heimdall warned them all.

“We appreciate the warning, my friend. And thank you. We are ready,” Thor told him.

“I hope so. For the sake of all worlds,” Heimdall said.

Earth-21, Fortress of Solitude

Same time

“You know, I’ve never been up here before,” Ollie said as he looked around the fortress, he and Clark dressed in their uniforms. “Closest was when Lex made it collapse. It’s pretty nice. You know, in a frozen tundra kind of way.”

“Glad it meets your approval,” Clark said sarcastically as he walked over, holding the mirror box in hand.

“So that’s our way to this other universe, right? How do we know which one it’ll take us too?” Ollie asked.

“The energy that came through to our universe acts like a signature for that world. I just had to lock the mirror box onto it, and it should take us there,” Clark explained. “You ready?”

“As I can be. This is new territory, Clark,” Ollie pointed out.

“So you watch my back, and I watch yours.”

“Like usual, huh?” Ollie said dryly.

Clark smiled slightly before holding the mirror box out to Ollie. Ollie grabbed the other end and, as one, the pair moved the slots on the device, completing the mark of Transference. It glowed brightly as it was activated.

Earth-1999999, Avengers Compound

Not long after

“So that was…nice,” Steve said as he and Natasha stood in the lounge.

“Nice, huh? Could have been worse,” Natasha said with a slight smirk, enjoying ribbing him before frowning. “Honestly, with everything else going on right now, can we just forget about it for now?”

“No,” Steve said and Natasha gave him an exasperated look. “But we’ll table that discussion for later. For now, we need to focus on Thanos.”

Natasha nodded; relieved they were on the same page. But, before the conversation could continue, they heard a wheezing sound.

Vwoorp. Vwoorp.

The two whirled around, staring as the TARDIS materialized in front of them.

“What the…” Steve trailed off as they stared.

Inside, The Doctor and his Companions all breathed a sigh of relief as the TARDIS stopped.

“That I did not miss,” Martha said as they all pulled themselves to their feet.

“Tell me we didn’t go through all that for nothing,” Jack almost pleaded as The Doctor checked the scanner.

“We’ve arrived on Earth-1999999. So, shall we go meet our new friends?” The Doctor asked with a slight smile.

Steve and Natasha were still staring at the TARDIS when the doors opened The Doctor walked out. Natasha broke out of her shock, pulling out a gun and taking aim.

“Don’t come any closer,” Natasha warned and The Doctor immediately put his hands up.

“I come in peace. In fact, I believe we might be able to help each other,” The Doctor said, his mind starting to whirl.

Barely had the words left his mouth when there was a flash of light and Clark and Ollie appeared in front of The Doctor, startling all of them.

“Oh great. We’ve been in this world less than a minute and we already have someone pointing a gun at us,” Ollie said as he spotted Natasha.

“Friends of yours?” Steve asked The Doctor.

“I assumed they were yours,” The Doctor said.

At that moment, there was movement before Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan appeared in thin air, startling everyone else.

“Well, this just gets more interesting,” Jack said as he, Rory and Martha exited the TARDIS.

A portal then opened up and they all watched, wide-eyed as the Avengers of Earth-8096 and their allies exited.

“What the Hell?” Steve exclaimed, staring at his doppelganger.

“This is going to sound strange, but we’re here because we all have the same problem,” Cap said as Iron Man stepped forward.

“Let me guess, all of you are from different universes and half your friends suddenly turned to dust?” Iron Man asked as he looked at everyone. “It’s not just you. It’s apparently happening in every universe.”

Natasha lowered her gun as she and Steve exchanged a glance, still wary but Iron Man’s words catching their curiously.

“Let’s get the rest of the team in here. We clearly have a lot to talk about,” Steve said with a glance at their visitors.

Chapter Text

Earth-199999, Avengers Compound

Mid afternoon

“And you’re-”

“Anakin.”

“Obi-Wan.”

“Ahsoka.”

“And you’re-”

“Captain Jack Harkness.”

“Martha Jones.”

“Rory Williams.”

“Call me The Doctor.”

“Doctor who?” Steve asked as he and his team stood staring at their new arrivals.

“Just The Doctor,” The Doctor said, offering no other explanations.

Steve stared at him for a moment before nodding, turning to Clark and Ollie.

“And you are?”

“Call me Oliver,” Ollie introduced himself.

“Kal-El,” Clark said, deciding not to reveal his identity.

“We’re in a different universe. Do you really think it matters?” Ollie asked and Clark paused before asking a question.

“Have you ever heard the same Superman before?”

“Can’t say we have,” Natasha said and Clark nodded.

“My name is Clark Kent. I was born Kal-El, until I came to Earth,” Clark said.

“And I don’t think any of you need introductions,” Steve said, looking to Cap, Iron Man, Hulk, Vision, Thor, Spider-Man, Widow and Bucky, his throat closing upon seeing Bucky, knowing who he was.

“Although some of you we don’t recognize,” Natasha noted as she glanced at Carol and the X-Men.

“Major Carol Danvers, Ms. Marvel,” Carol introduced herself.

“Wolverine,” Logan said gruffly.

“Hank McCoy. But you may call me Beast,” Hank said with a smile.

“Kurt Wagner. But I am also called Nightcrawler,” Kurt introduced himself.

“Kitty. They call me Shadowcat,” Kitty said with an awkward wave.

“You know most of us. This is Rocket, and Rhodey,” Steve said, introducing the last of his team that didn’t have a Doppelganger.

“Now that we all know each other, wanna explain what you’re doing here?” Rocket asked.

“Same as you I imagine. Half our world suddenly turned to dust, including my wife, mother and best friend,” Clark said, his throat tightening as he remembered the moment when it Lois and Chloe had had vanished.

“The same thing happened to our universe. Half our friends were just gone,” Obi-Wan added.

“It appears this is happening all across the multiverse,” The Doctor noted and Bruce looked at him sharply.

“Wait, you mean the multiverse is real?” Bruce asked in shock.

“What was your first clue, Banner?” Hulk grumbled and Bruce didn’t respond, merely walking back, looking at Hulk uncertainly.

“I’m sorry; would someone explain to me what the multiverse is?” Rhodey asked.

“In theory, there are multiple universes, multiple earths, like parallel dimensions. In this one, you’re all superheroes. In another, you might be supervillains, or civilians or politicians. Except it’s not actually a theory. Turns out, there multiple other earths, other universes,” Iron Man explained.

“And you’re all from these other universes?” Odinson asked, speaking for the first time.

“Yes. We each found our way here, although none of knew anyone else was coming,” Thor answered his Doppelganger’s question.

“Look, the cause of whatever happened obviously originated from this universe. So, who feels like filling the rest of us in?” Anakin asked pointedly.

Universe-904, Spirit World

Not long after

Yusuke and Kurama stood outside the palace, Koenma behind them as several Spirit World Employees prepared.

“You’re sure you found the right world?” Yusuke asked and Koenma sighed.

“Yes, Yusuke. My people were very thorough. There is no doubt that we have found the world where the energy burst originated from. All you and Kurama have to do is head over and find out what caused this and reverse it.”

“Oh, is that so?” Yusuke said sarcastically.

“Yusuke is right, Koenma. That will be easier said than done,” Kurama agreed.

“I’m aware. But the two of you are our only hope. Whatever you see over there, whatever trouble you run into, you are our only hope,” Koenma told them grimly.

Yusuke and Kurama exchanged a grim look, not needing to say words to understand. They both knew exactly what the other was thinking?

“You ready for this?”

“I am ready for whatever it takes to find and defeat whoever has done this,” Kurama said and Yusuke nodded.

“In that case, it’s time for you both to go,” Koenma said.

The two nodded before a huge portal opened up and they approached, looking at it with a mix of trepidation and determination.

“No going back now,” Yusuke muttered. “Together?”

“On 3.”

Yusuke counted to 3 in his head before, as one, the two jumped, heading into the portal and vanishing.

“Good luck, Yusuke, Kurama,” Koenma said softly, hoping they could accomplish what he wasn’t certain was possible.

Earth-199999, Avengers Compound

Same time

“So this Thanos guy used these Infinity Gems to half all life?” Ollie asked in disbelief once the Earth-199999 Avengers had filled them all in.

“Well, he’s certainly living up to his name,” Jack noted and got several odd looks. “In Greek mythology, the god Thanatos was the personification of death.”

“Well, Thanos certainly has a god complex,” Steve noted.

“Okay, so we know who did it. Where are we on reversing it?” Cap asked.

“At the moment…nowhere,” Natasha explained regretfully.

“After he snapped his fingers…he left through a blue portal,” Odinson said with a sigh.

“Is there anyone who might know where he went?” Rory asked and it was silent for a moment.

“One of his daughters, Gamora and Nebula. If they’re still alive,” Rocket said with a sigh.

“Any idea where they might be?” Clark inquired.

“If they’re still alive, they’re on my ship. But that could be anywhere in the freaking galaxy,” Rocket said with a groan.

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but never said a word. The three Jedi whipped their heads towards the corner of the room just before a large opened up. The Jedi ignited their lightsabers while everyone else drew weapons. Whatever they were expecting, it wasn’t for Yusuke and Kurama to land in the room after jumping for the portal. The portal closed and everyone stared for a moment at the two teenage boys.

“Hey. Uh, sorry to drop in, but would any of you happen to know anything about people turning to dust?” Yusuke asked.

Unspecified location

Same time

Surtur almost snarled, observing this from a portal, watching the Avengers and their new allies meet.

“It would appear that Thanos’s actions have caused other universes to head to this one,” Surtur noted.

“And what do you plan to do about it?” a man in armor with a cape asked as he neared Surtur.

“Nothing. Yet. By the time they figure out my plans, it will be too late,” Surtur said before glancing over at Magneto. “Soon, my army will be ready. Then, you will have what you want.”