Chapter 25: The Storm Begins
The universe had known peace for a time. The Avengers had gone their separate ways, each living their own lives, unaware that a storm was brewing beyond the stars—one that would change everything.
A Warning from the Stars
Deep within the mystical halls of Kamar-Taj, a green-skinned figure crashed through the roof, shattering the silence of the ancient sanctum. Wong and Doctor Strange turned, startled, as Bruce Banner groaned in pain, barely able to speak.
"Thanos… He's coming."
The Sorcerer Supreme narrowed his eyes. He had heard whispers of the Mad Titan, but if Bruce Banner—someone who had stood among gods—was this terrified, then the threat was greater than he had imagined.
As Wong sealed the broken ceiling with a flick of his hand, Strange wasted no time. He opened a portal to seek out Tony Stark.
Battle in New York
Tony Stark stood in Central Park, talking with Pepper about their future, a rare moment of peace. Then, Doctor Strange appeared before him, cutting their conversation short.
"Mr. Stark, we need you."
The streets of New York darkened as a massive ring-shaped ship descended from the sky, sending tremors through the city. Panic erupted as two figures stepped forward—Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian.
Doctor Strange, Wong, and Tony barely had time to react before the creatures attacked. Strange conjured mystical shields, deflecting Cull Obsidian's massive hammer, while Tony suited up, his new nanotech armor forming around him instantly.
Then, another figure joined the battle—Spider-Man, swinging in with his usual enthusiasm.
"Hey, Mr. Stark! Are we fighting space wizards now?"
"Not the time, kid."
Ebony Maw focused his attention on Strange, sensing the Time Stone within the Eye of Agamotto. With a flick of his wrist, he immobilized Strange mid-air, sending debris flying around him in a whirlwind. Before the heroes could react, Maw's ship began to rise, pulling Strange inside.
Tony and Peter barely managed to board the vessel before it left Earth's atmosphere. The battle had begun, and Thanos' forces were already making their move.
The Guardians and Thor
Far from Earth, the Guardians of the Galaxy received a distress signal. When they arrived, they found a wrecked ship floating in space, bodies scattered like dust. Then, amidst the destruction, they found something—or rather, someone.
Thor.
The god of thunder, barely conscious, was pulled into their ship. As he awakened, he revealed the terrifying truth.
"Thanos is collecting the Infinity Stones. If he gets them all… it's over."
Determined to stop him, Thor set off with Rocket and Groot to forge a weapon powerful enough to kill the Mad Titan—Stormbreaker.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Guardians followed a different lead, heading to Knowhere, hoping to stop Thanos before he could claim the Reality Stone.
Wakanda Prepares for War
Back on Earth, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, and Sam Wilson arrived in Wakanda, seeking help from King T'Challa.
Knowing the Mind Stone was hidden within Vision, Wakanda became the last line of defense.
The Black Panther stood before his army, his voice strong and unwavering.
"We will fight. We will not let Wakanda fall."
As Shuri prepared to extract the Mind Stone from Vision, a storm gathered on the horizon. The battle was coming.
Meanwhile… Where Were Alex and Wanda?
Nowhere.
Unlike in the original timeline, Wanda and Alex were far away from the chaos. They had been living their peaceful lives, isolated from the rising storm.
For now.
But fate was cruel, and soon, it would come knocking on their door.
---