In the vast expanse of space, a massive spaceship sailed steadily through the void. It was packed with Avengers, all of whom had gathered for one final mission. Thor's Millennium Falcon was large enough to house the team, but just barely. The atmosphere inside was tense, each hero silently preparing for what lay ahead.
After navigating through a series of wormholes, the ship finally stopped in orbit around a serene and beautiful planet. Its surface was a tapestry of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and crystalline waters—a stark contrast to the grim purpose of their visit.
A smaller spacecraft approached from the distance. Onboard was an old ally: Yondu.
Yondu opened a comm channel. "You all here? Thanos arrived about twelve hours ago on one of those donut ships. We haven't gotten too close—didn't want to take any chances."
Carol Danvers, already suited up, stepped forward. "I'll investigate," she offered, her voice brimming with determination.
Without waiting for a response, she flew out of the ship, breaking through the planet's atmosphere like a comet. Having missed much of the Infinity War, she felt the need to prove herself and leave no doubts about her commitment.
Moments later, she returned. "No satellites, no spaceships, no armies. No defenses of any kind. It's just him."
Thor nodded solemnly. "That's enough."
The planet below was idyllic, a world seemingly untouched by conflict. Birds sang in the distance, and the air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. But amidst this paradise, Thanos stood as a broken man.
His body bore the marks of his failure. Scars crisscrossed his flesh, and every step he took was accompanied by labored breaths. His armor, once a symbol of his dominance, now hung as a silent monument outside his humble dwelling.
Inside, he moved slowly, boiling a pot of soup and adding a handful of seasonings. Just as he raised the bowl to his lips, he froze. His senses, dulled by his weakened state, still managed to detect the unmistakable presence of danger.
The door exploded inward as Captain Marvel charged in, her body glowing with radiant energy. She tackled Thanos to the ground with a force that sent the table and its contents flying. Her hands gripped his neck, squeezing tightly.
"Ugh…" Thanos groaned, struggling to breathe. Despite his frailty, he pushed against her with surprising strength, forcing her to loosen her grip.
"Boom!"
Tony Stark and Bruce Banner broke through the window simultaneously. Each grabbed one of Thanos' arms, holding him in place with all their might. The room filled with tension as Thor entered, Stormbreaker gleaming in his hand.
Thor glanced at the subdued Titan, his gaze lingering on the scars and hollow expression that replaced the once-mighty ruler. For a moment, he was transported back to a similar scene, one with vastly different stakes and outcomes.
Shaking off the memory, Thor approached Thanos and asked in a low, commanding voice, "Where are the stones?"
Carol's grip on Thanos' neck tightened slightly. "Answer him!" she demanded.
Thanos wheezed, his voice hoarse. "I… don't know."
"Boom!"
Tony shoved him back to the ground. "Are you kidding me?" he barked, his frustration boiling over. "We came all this way for the stones—to fix what you broke!"
Thanos groaned, the pain in his body evident. "I'm not lying. I truly don't know…"
Thor narrowed his eyes. "Without all six stones, you don't have the power to destroy them. So where are they?"
Thanos shook his head weakly. "I don't know if they still exist… but they are no longer with me. I don't even remember where I left them."
Tony was frantic, pacing the room. "Search the place! He's lying—he has to be!"
Gamora stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "He's not lying. My father… he's capable of many things, but deceit isn't one of them."
Thanos turned his gaze to her, his expression softening. "Thank you, daughter," he said quietly. "Perhaps I was too harsh on you… in the past."
Thor looked at Jean Grey, who gave him a small nod. Her telepathic scan confirmed Thanos' words. He hadn't shielded his thoughts, and there was no evidence of deception.
It seemed the stones were truly lost.
Thor exhaled deeply, stepping back. "We'll find the stones. That's not why we're here." He leveled his gaze at Thanos, his tone unyielding. "You've committed unspeakable crimes against the universe. You've nearly destroyed countless lives. Do you have any objection to your punishment?"
Thanos chuckled weakly, his lips curling into a faint, ugly smile. "I admit to everything I've done, but I don't consider it a crime. The universe needed balance, and I was merely its instrument. It was my destiny… though, in the end, I failed."
Thor frowned, unwilling to debate Thanos' warped philosophy. "You failed," he repeated coldly, "and now you must accept the consequences."
Thanos said nothing, his expression unreadable.
"I'll do it," Gamora said softly, stepping forward. Her voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of emotion. She stared at the broken man who had once been her father, a mixture of pity and resolve in her eyes.
Thor hesitated before shaking his head. "No. Killing someone who can't fight back is… unsatisfying. It's not justice."
He turned and strode toward the door. "Let's go."
One by one, the others followed, their footsteps heavy with the weight of the moment. Only Gamora and Star-Lord lingered behind.
Quill shot Gamora a concerned glance. "You sure about this? Even now, Thanos is dangerous. If he snaps, you—"
"I'll be fine," Gamora interrupted. Her voice was quiet but resolute. "Go. I need a moment alone."
Quill hesitated but eventually nodded, stepping outside.
Gamora turned back to Thanos, who regarded her with weary, sunken eyes.